bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Main macroinvertebrate community drivers and niche properties for characteristic species in urban/rural and lotic/lentic systems
Authors: Savić Ana , Zawal Andrzej , Stępień Edyta , Pešić Vladimir , Stryjecki Robert , Pietrzak Lech , Filip Ewa , Skorupski Jakub , Szlauer-Łukaszewska Agnieszka 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe effect of urbanization is often reflected both in lotic and lentic habitats, through changes in diversity and structural and compositional changes in macroinvertebrate communities. In this study, we focused on macroinvertebrate assemblage in lotic and lentic ecosystems of the Krąpiel River catchment area (NW Poland) with the following aims: (1) to determine the main driver in structuring lotic and lentic macroinvertebrate communities and the factors that influence them in urban versus rural landscapes; (2) to test whether the diversity of macroinvertebrate assemblages in urban lotic/lentic ecosystems is lower than that in rural landscapes; (3) to identify characteristic macroinvertebrate species for urban and rural lotic/lentic ecosystems; to (4) determine species tolerance ranges and species optimums, with special emphasis on characteristic “urban” and “rural” species. Distance from study sites to built-up areas and conductivity were the main factors contributing to the separation of urban vs. rural habitats. For lotic sites, temperature, the percentage of built-up area, insolation, and oxygen concentration were the main factors significantly associated with changes in community composition. For lentic sites, insolation, temperature, and BOD5 were recognized as the main factors which are significantly associated with changes in community composition. The results for lentic habitats were as expected: average species richness was higher in rural than in urban habitats. The characteristic species for each of the four habitat groups included Mideopsis orbicularis for Lentic rural habitats; Hygrobates longipalpis for Lotic rural habitats; Piona sp. for Lentic urban habitats; Mideopsis crassipes for Lotic urban habitats. Hygrobates longipalpis and Piona sp. were at the opposite sides with respect to the degree of urbanization. Result of this investigation has shown that the impact of urbanization and consequently the implementation of conservation measures should be viewed separately within the lentic and lotic gradient.
Growth, inequality and poverty: a robust relationship?
Authors: Marrero Gustavo A. , Servén Luis 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe consequences of poverty and inequality for growth have long preoccupied academics and policy-makers. This paper revisits the inequality-growth and poverty-growth links. Using a panel of 158 countries between 1960 and 2010, we find that the correlation of growth with poverty is consistently negative: A 10 p.p. decrease in the headcount poverty rate is associated with a subsequent increase in per capita GDP between 0.5 and 1.2% per year. In contrast, the correlation of growth with inequality is empirically fragile—it can be positive or negative, depending on the empirical specification and econometric approach employed. However, the indirect effect of inequality on growth through its correlation with poverty is robustly negative. Closer inspection shows that these results are driven by the sample observations featuring high poverty rates.
Optocollic responses in adult barn owls (Tyto furcata)
Authors: Wagner Hermann , Pappe Ina , Nalbach Hans-Ortwin 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBarn owls, like primates, have frontally oriented eyes, which allow for a large binocular overlap. While owls have similar binocular vision and visual-search strategies as primates, it is less clear whether reflexive visual behavior also resembles that of primates or is more similar to that of closer related, but lateral-eyed bird species. Test cases are visual responses driven by wide-field movement: the optokinetic, optocollic, and optomotor responses, mediated by eye, head and body movements, respectively. Adult primates have a so-called symmetric horizontal response: they show the same following behavior, if the stimulus, presented to one eye only, moves in the nasal-to-temporal direction or in the temporal-to-nasal direction. By contrast, lateral-eyed birds have an asymmetric response, responding better to temporal-to-nasal movement than to nasal-to-temporal movement. We show here that the horizontal optocollic response of adult barn owls is less asymmetric than that in the chicken for all velocities tested. Moreover, the response is symmetric for low velocities (< 20 deg/s), and similar to that of primates. The response becomes moderately asymmetric for middle-range velocities (20–40 deg/s). A definitive statement for the complex situation for higher velocities (> 40 deg/s) is not possible.
Self-efficacy in relation to the use of complementary and alternative medicine, lifestyle choices and cancer aetiology
Authors: Josfeld Lena , Krüger Lara , Büntzel Jens , Zomorodbakhsch Bijan , Hübner Jutta 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Purpose
This survey assesses cancer patients’ etiological concepts, lifestyle choices, use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), and self-efficacy, as well as associations between those. It aims to find patterns which may facilitate communication and understanding between patients and physicians.

Methods
353 oncological patients attending lectures on CAM answered a questionnaire. Correlations were examined and an exploratory factor analysis conducted to identify comprehensive lay-etiological concepts among a list of potential carcinogenic factors.

Results
Patients considered scientifically proven agents as well as other non-carcinogenic influences to be responsible for their disease. An exploratory factor analysis yielded vague indications of possible underlying concepts but factors tend to include items that do not fit the pattern in terms of content. Higher self-efficacy correlated with healthy diet and sports, but not with use of CAM. No conclusive correlations emerged between lay-aetiological concepts and most other variables, but we found a tendency for higher self-efficacy among patients who assigned higher carcinogenic effects to tobacco and lower carcinogenic effects to fasting and physical trauma.

Conclusion
Interest in CAM can arise for many reasons that are not necessarily related to self-efficacy. Lay-aetiological concepts of cancer differ significantly from scientific ones. They are complex and presumably highly individualistic. Their connection to use of CAM methods, lifestyle choices and self-efficacy should be explored in more detail. Patient information and communication with clinicians need to address cancer patients’ individual aetiological concepts to further patient’s understanding not only of their diagnosis but also of the treatment as well.
12-month SARS-CoV-2 antibody persistency in a Tyrolean COVID-19 cohort
Authors: Deisenhammer Florian , Bauer Angelika , Kavelar Chiara , Rudzki Dagmar , Rössler Annika , Kimpel Janine , Borena Wegene , Reindl Markus 
Published: November 2021

Summary
Background
Short-term antibody response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been shown previously. The further development remains to be determined.

Methods
We prospectively followed 29 coronavirus disease 2019 cases, mean age 44 ± 13.2 years. Except for one participant in whom rheumatoid arthritis existed, all other cases were previously healthy. We determined anti-viral binding antibodies at 2–10 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after disease onset as well as neutralizing antibodies (NAb) against wild type at 6 and 12 months and the B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 variants at month 12. Three binding antibody assays were used, targeting the nucleocapsid protein (NCP), the S1 subunit of the spike protein, and the receptor binding domain (RBD).

Results
Antibodies to the RBD persisted for 12 months in all cases with increasing concentrations, whereas antibodies to S1 dropped below cut-off point in 7 participants and NCP antibodies were above cut-off point in only 5 subjects at month 12. The NAb against wild type were detected in all but 2 samples at 12 months of follow-up but clearly less frequently when targeting the variants. In 5 participants who were vaccinated against COVID-19 there was a strong increase of antibodies against S1 and RBD as well as an increase of NAb titres against wild type and the variants.

Conclusion
There was a persisting antibody response against SARS-CoV‑2 up to 12 months after COVID-19 with declining concentrations except for RBD and a strong increase of all antibody concentrations after vaccination.
Examining guidelines and new evidence in oncology nutrition: a position paper on gaps and opportunities in multimodal approaches to improve patient care
Authors: Prado Carla M. , Laviano Alessandro , Gillis Chelsia , Sung Anthony D. , Gardner Maureen , Yalcin Suayib , Dixon Suzanne , Newman Shila M. , Bastasch Michael D. , Sauer Abby C. , Hegazi Refaat , Chasen Martin R. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Malnutrition, muscle loss, and cachexia are prevalent in cancer and remain key challenges in oncology today. These conditions are frequently underrecognized and undertreated and have devastating consequences for patients. Early nutrition screening/assessment and intervention are associated with improved patient outcomes. As a multifaceted disease, cancer requires multimodal care that integrates supportive interventions, specifically nutrition and exercise, to improve nutrient intake, muscle mass, physical functioning, quality of life, and treatment outcomes. An integrated team of healthcare providers that incorporates societies’ recommendations into clinical practice can help achieve the best possible outcomes. A multidisciplinary panel of experts in oncology, nutrition, exercise, and medicine participated in a 2-day virtual roundtable in October 2020 to discuss gaps and opportunities in oncology nutrition, alone and in combination with exercise, relative to current evidence and international societies’ recommendations. The panel recommended five principles to optimize clinical oncology practice: (1) position oncology nutrition at the center of multidisciplinary care; (2) partner with colleagues and administrators to integrate a nutrition care process into the multidisciplinary cancer care approach; (3) screen all patients for malnutrition risk at diagnosis and regularly throughout treatment; (4) combine exercise and nutrition interventions before (e.g., prehabilitation), during, and after treatment as oncology standard of care to optimize nutrition status and muscle mass; and (5) incorporate a patient-centered approach into multidisciplinary care.
Exploring the factors influencing adherence to oral anticancer drugs in patients with digestive cancer: a qualitative study
Authors: Nizet Pierre , Touchefeu Yann , Pecout Solange , Cauchin Estelle , Beaudouin Eva , Mayol Séverine , Fronteau Clémentine , Huon Jean-François 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

Purpose
The aim of this study was to explore the beliefs, perceptions and representations of patients in order to identify the determinants of oral anticancer drugs adherence and to take action in current practice to improve patient support in digestive oncology.

Methods
We constructed a semi-directed interview guide which aimed to explore the patient’s relationship with medication, their health history, their experiences at the time of the announcement of treatment, their confidence, their fears, their motivations to adhere to their treatment and the constraints linked to their treatment. The data were analysed and discussed using a thematic approach.

Results
Seventeen patients agreed to participate in the study. The median age was 60 years. Ten patients had colorectal cancer, 3 patients had hepatocellular carcinoma, 3 patients had gastrointestinal stromal tumour and 1 patient had neuroendocrine pancreatic tumour. We identified five categories of factors influencing adherence: demographic and socioeconomic, disease-related, treatment-related, care system-related, and patient representation and pathways’ factors. A majority of patients emphasised the importance of family support in the adherence process and the convenience of per os treatment compared to other intravenous treatments. However, several negative determinants emerged such as the toxicity of the treatment, fears of forgetting to take the medication, difficulties with the galenic formulation and negative beliefs of the family.

Conclusion
This study demonstrates the need to address the different dimensions of the patient in order to understand his or her behaviour with regard to adherence and to identify the levers for improvement.
How the COVID-19 pandemic impacts social scientific research on sustainability: questions of methodology, ethics and justice: comment on Santana et al. 2021
Authors: Otto Danny , Haase Annegret 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIn a highly relevant contribution, Santana et al. (2021) outlined the challenges for qualitative enquiries during the pandemic. We agree that overcoming these challenges is very important since qualitative research is vital for understanding both the impacts of COVID-19 on human communities around the globe and its significance for sustainable futures. However, we argue that a more fundamental approach is needed to address problems within scientific organisations, thinking and practices that directly affect qualitative research capabilities. In this comment, we focus on justice, research organisation, the ways social scientists position themselves and changed understandings of social worlds.
Autoallelopathic potential of aqueous extracts from Canadian goldenrod (Solidago canadensis L.) and giant goldenrod (S. gigantea Aiton)
Authors: Gala-Czekaj Dorota , Dziurka Michał , Bocianowski Jan , Synowiec Agnieszka 
Published: November 2021

AbstractProduction of allelopathic substances is a factor determining the ecological success of invasive plants—Canadian goldenrod (S. canadensis L.) and giant goldenrod (S. gigantea Aiton). This research aimed at evaluating the autoallelopathic effect of aqueous extracts (AEs) prepared from various parts of Canadian goldenrod and giant goldenrod against vegetative growth, and biomass accumulation of both goldenrods. In the stage of 5–6 leaves, goldenrod plants, were foliar sprayed with AEs, at concentrations of 5 or 10%. The biochemical properties of AEs, i.e., total phenolic content, total antioxidant potential and selected plant hormones, were examined. Two and ten days after spraying (DAS), damages to aboveground parts of goldenrods (necrosis and wilting) were visually assessed. The fresh mass of above- and belowground parts of goldenrods were measured 21 DAS. AEs from various parts of Canadian goldenrod or giant goldenrod displayed autoallelopathic properties of inhibitory nature. The phytotoxic potential of AEs varied depending on their source. Canadian goldenrod was more susceptible to the AEs, manifested by more significant damages to aboveground parts and a greater decrease in above- and belowground biomass. The most effective against growth and development of Canadian goldenrod and giant goldenrod were AEs from rhizomes, which caused a reduction of fresh biomass of goldenrods up to 42%, compared to water-treated control.
Climate change impacts on ticks and tick-borne infections
Authors: Nuttall Patricia A. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractEvidence climate change is impacting ticks and tick-borne infections is generally lacking. This is primarily because, in most parts of the world, there are no long-term and replicated data on the distribution and abundance of tick populations, and the prevalence and incidence of tick-borne infections. Notable exceptions exist, as in Canada where the northeastern advance of Ixodes scapularis and Lyme borreliosis in the USA prompted the establishment of tick and associated disease surveillance. As a result, the past 30 years recorded the encroachment and spread of I. scapularis and Lyme borreliosis across much of Canada concomitant with a 2-3 °C increase in land surface temperature. A similar northerly advance of I. ricinus [and associated Lyme borreliosis and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE)] has been recorded in northern Europe together with expansion of this species’ range to higher altitudes in Central Europe and the Greater Alpine Region, again concomitant with rising temperatures. Changes in tick species composition are being recorded, with increases in more heat tolerant phenotypes (such as Rhipicephalus microplus in Africa), while exotic species, such as Haemaphysalis longicornis and Hyalomma marginatum, are becoming established in the USA and Southern Europe, respectively. In the next 50 years these trends are likely to continue, whereas, at the southern extremities of temperate species’ ranges, diseases such as Lyme borreliosis and TBE may become less prevalent. Where socioeconomic conditions link livestock with livelihoods, as in Pakistan and much of Africa, a One Health approach is needed to tackling ticks and tick-borne infections under the increasing challenges presented by climate change.
Botswana’s 2019 General Elections: A Referendum on General Ian Khama
Authors: Seabo Batlang , Nyenhuis Robert 
Published: November 2021

AbstractOn October 23, 2019, Botswana held its twelfth free and fair election. For the first time in the history of Botswana’s electoral democracy, a former president (Ian Khama) defected from the ruling party and supported the opposition. The opposition coalition, working informally with Khama, mounted a spirited campaign against the well-oiled machine, the incumbent and long-ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). Seabo and Nyenhuis reflect on the 2019 general election, analyze the outcome, and consider the implications for the future of Botswana’s electoral democracy. They argue that barring other factors, the BDP’s resounding victory was mainly a result of Batswana’s rejection of former president Ian Khama.
Shaping liquid films by dielectrophoresis
Authors: Gabay Israel , Paratore Federico , Boyko Evgeniy , Ramos Antonio , Gat Amir D. , Bercovici Moran 
Published: November 2021

AbstractWe present a theoretical model and experimental demonstration of thin liquid film deformations due to a dielectric force distribution established by surface electrodes. We model the spatial electric field produced by a pair of parallel electrodes and use it to evaluate the stress on the liquid–air interface through Maxwell stresses. By coupling this force with the Young–Laplace equation, we obtain the deformation of the interface. To validate our theory, we design an experimental set-up which uses microfabricated electrodes to achieve spatial dielectrophoretic actuation of a thin liquid film, while providing measurements of microscale deformations through digital holographic microscopy. We characterize the deformation as a function of the electrode-pair geometry and film thickness, showing very good agreement with the model. Based on the insights from the characterization of the system, we pattern conductive lines of electrode pairs on the surface of a microfluidic chamber and demonstrate the ability to produce complex two-dimensional deformations. The films can remain in liquid form and be dynamically modulated between different configurations or polymerized to create solid structures with high surface quality.
Antibiotic spectrum index: A new tool comparing antibiotic use in three NICUs
Authors: Sullivan Brynne A. , Panda Aneesha , Wallman-Stokes Aaron , Sahni Rakesh , Fairchild Karen D. , Newland Jason G. , McPherson Christopher C. , Vesoulis Zachary A. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackground:Antibiotics are widely used in very low-birth-weight infants (VLBW, <1500 g), and excess exposure, particularly to broad-spectrum antibiotics, is associated with significant morbidity. An antibiotic spectrum index (ASI) quantifies antibiotic exposure by relative antimicrobial activity, adding information to exposure measured by days of therapy (DOT). We compared ASI and DOT across multiple centers to evaluate differences in antibiotic exposures.Methods:We extracted data from patients admitted to 3 level-4 NICUs for 2 years at 2 sites and for 1 year at a third site. We calculated the ASI per antibiotic days and DOT per patient days for all admitted VLBW infants <32 weeks gestational age. Clinical variables were compared as percentages or as days per 1,000 patient days. We used Kruskal-Wallis tests to compare continuous variables across the 3 sites.Results:Demographics were similar for the 734 VLBW infants included. The site with the highest DOT per patient days had the lowest ASI per antibiotic days and the site with the highest mortality and infection rates had the highest ASI per antibiotic days. Antibiotic utilization varied by center, particularly for choice of broad-spectrum coverage, although the organisms causing infection were similar.Conclusion:An antibiotic spectrum index identified differences in prescribing practice patterns among 3 NICUs unique from those identified by standard antibiotic use metrics. Site differences in infection rates and unit practices or guidelines for prescribing antibiotics were reflected in the ASI. This comparison uncovered opportunities to improve antibiotic stewardship and demonstrates the utility of this metric for comparing antibiotic exposures among NICU populations.
Offsetting the cost of community-supported agriculture (CSA) for low-income families: perceptions and experiences of CSA farmers and members
Authors: Jilcott Pitts Stephanie B. , Volpe Leah Connor , Sitaker Marilyn , Belarmino Emily H. , Sealey Amari , Wang Weiwei , Becot Florence , McGuirt Jared T. , Ammerman Alice S. , Hanson Karla L. , Kolodinsky Jane , Seguin-Fowler Rebecca 
Published: November 2021

AbstractCommunity-supported agriculture (CSA) is an alternative food marketing model in which community members subscribe to receive regular shares of a farm's harvest. Although CSA has the potential to improve access to fresh produce, certain features of CSA membership may prohibit low-income families from participating. A ‘cost-offset’ CSA (CO-CSA) model provides low-income families with purchasing support with the goal of making CSA more affordable. As a first step toward understanding the potential of CO-CSA to improve access to healthy foods among low-income households, we interviewed 24 CSA farmers and 20 full-pay CSA members about their experiences and perceptions of the cost-offset model and specific mechanisms for offsetting the cost of CSA. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and coded using a thematic approach. Ensuring that healthy food was accessible to everyone, regardless of income level, was a major theme expressed by both farmers and members. In general, CSA farmers and CSA members favored member donations over other mechanisms for funding the CO-CSA. The potential time burden that could affect CSA farmers when administering a cost-offset was a commonly-mentioned barrier. Future research should investigate various CO-CSA operational models in order to determine which models are most economically viable and sustainable.