bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of virtual reality application on skill learning for optical‐fibre fusion splicing
Authors: Chang Yu‐Shan 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThis study explored the effects of virtual reality (VR) application on the process and outcome of skill learning. The participants consisted of 60 new employees in the customer network cable service division of a telecommunications company, and the study focused on the learning of optical‐fibre fusion splicing skills. The skill‐learning test results revealed the following: (a) the skill‐learning effect associated with VR application was greater than that of conventional lecturing and demonstration approaches; (b) VR application had a considerable negative effect on the perception level of skill learning but a moderately positive effect on adaptation and origination levels; and (c) in the VR operation stage of learning, the behavioural transition from the cognitive phase to the associative phase was the most prominent.
Practitioner notesWhat is already known about this topic

Virtual reality (VR) can transmit complex knowledge

Virtual reality (VR) can facilitate the skill learning

What this paper adds

How to apply VR to skill learning

Effects of VR teaching on steps of skill learning process and learning levels

Effects of VR teaching on stages of skill learning

Implications for practice and/or policy

Using VR teaching to improve skill learning effects

Using VR teaching to improve skill learning stages and levels.
Establishing the prevalence of common tissue-specific autoantibodies following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection
Authors: Richter Alex G , Shields Adrian M , Karim Abid , Birch David , Faustini Sian E , Steadman Lora , Ward Kerensa , Plant Timothy , Reynolds Gary , Veenith Tonny , Cunningham Adam F , Drayson Mark T , Wraith David C 
Published: June 2021

Summary
Coronavirus 19 (COVID-19) has been associated with both transient and persistent systemic symptoms that do not appear to be a direct consequence of viral infection. The generation of autoantibodies has been proposed as a mechanism to explain these symptoms. To understand the prevalence of autoantibodies associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, we investigated the frequency and specificity of clinically relevant autoantibodies in 84 individuals previously infected with SARS-CoV-2, suffering from COVID-19 of varying severity in both the acute and convalescent setting. These were compared with results from 32 individuals who were on the intensive therapy unit (ITU) for non-COVID reasons. We demonstrate a higher frequency of autoantibodies in the COVID-19 ITU group compared with non-COVID-19 ITU disease control patients and that autoantibodies were also found in the serum 3–5 months post-COVID-19 infection. Non-COVID patients displayed a diverse pattern of autoantibodies; in contrast, the COVID-19 groups had a more restricted panel of autoantibodies including skin, skeletal muscle and cardiac antibodies. Our results demonstrate that respiratory viral infection with SARS-CoV-2 is associated with the detection of a limited profile of tissue-specific autoantibodies, detectable using routine clinical immunology assays. Further studies are required to determine whether these autoantibodies are specific to SARS-CoV-2 or a phenomenon arising from severe viral infections and to determine the clinical significance of these autoantibodies.
Cardiorespiratory findings during iohexol contrast myelography in horses under total intravenous anaesthesia
Authors: Loomes K. 
Published: June 2021

SummaryBackgroundIohexol myelography is used to investigate cervical vertebral pathology in horses but the cardiorespiratory changes during the procedure under total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) have not yet been reported.ObjectivesTo analyse heart rate (HR), arterial blood pressure (ABP) and respiratory rate (RR) changes in horses during iohexol contrast myelography under TIVA.Study designRetrospective review of anaesthetic records.MethodsAnaesthetic records from 70 horses undergoing iohexol contrast myelography under TIVA were reviewed. Heart rate, arterial blood pressure and respiratory rate at six time points; baseline (10 min prior to needle insertion), needle insertion, withdrawal of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), iohexol contrast injection, needle removal and post‐procedure (10 min after needle removal) were analysed. Data were analysed using paired and two‐sample t‐tests, Mann–WhitneyUtest, Wilcoxon signed rank test, ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation and logistic regression.ResultsForty‐five records contained complete data. Mean HR and ABP were not significantly different from baseline at any time point during the procedure. Overall, median RR was significantly higher during contrast injection (p < 0.001), at needle removal (p < 0.001) and post‐procedure (p < 0.001) compared to baseline. Premedication with acepromazine, romifidine and butorphanol (ARB) was associated with a significantly lower RR at needle removal compared to premedication with romifidine (R), romifidine and butorphanol (RB) or acepromazine and romifidine (AR) (p < 0.05). Premedication with ARB or AR was associated with a lower incidence of tachypnoea (RR >20 breaths/min) at needle removal compared to R and RB (p = 0.005).Main limitationsRetrospective design and small sample size.ConclusionsThere was little fluctuation in HR and ABP during iohexol myelography in healthy horses under TIVA. Tachypnoea occurred during or after subarachnoid iohexol administration in 55% of horses. Acepromazine premedication reduced the incidence of tachypnoea, however, the cause of this respiratory response requires further investigation.
Regimes of primary production and their drivers in Alpine streams
Authors: Boix Canadell Marta , Gómez‐Gener Lluís , Ulseth Amber J. , Clémençon Mélanie , Lane Stuart N. , Battin Tom J. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Primary production is a fundamental ecosystem process that influences nutrient and carbon cycling, and trophic structure in streams. The magnitude and timing of gross primary production (GPP) are typically controlled by hydrology, light, nutrient availability and grazers. Estimates of GPP and its drivers in high‐mountain streams remain elusive at present.

We estimated GPP in streams typical for high‐mountain catchments, namely a glacier‐fed, groundwater‐fed (krenal) and a snowmelt‐fed (nival) stream. Using high‐resolution sensor data over 2 years in combination with numerical simulations of stream hydraulics, we studied the periods of GPP characteristic for these streams, as well as their major drivers.

Favourable windows for GPP were constrained to periods at the onset of the snowmelt and its recession, when photosynthetic active radiation at the streambed and streambed stability facilitated GPP.

During these windows of opportunity, GPP was higher in the nival stream (3.7 ± 3.4 g O2 m−2 day−1), followed by the glacier‐fed (1.5 ± 1.6 g O2 m−2 day−1) and the krenal streams (0.6 ± 0.6 g O2 m−2 day−1). GPP was largely controlled by photosynthetic active radiation at the stream bottom, however, we were not able to establish an unequivocal relationship between flow‐induced bed movement and GPP.

Our results highlight the capacity of primary producers to exploit the discrete and relatively predictable windows of opportunities in high‐mountain streams. We propose that climate‐driven change in snow and glacier melt reduction may ameliorate stream environmental conditions, thereby enhancing the potential autochthonous organic matter supply within the catchment.
Supply potential of lignocellulosic energy crops grown on marginal land and greenhouse gas footprint of advanced biofuels—A spatially explicit assessment under the sustainability criteria of the Renewable Energy Directive Recast
Authors: Vera Ivan , Hoefnagels Ric , Junginger Martin , van der Hilst Floor 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAdvanced biofuels produced from lignocellulosic crops grown on marginal lands can become an important part of the European Union (EU) climate change mitigation strategy to reduce CO2 emissions and meet biofuel demand. This study quantifies spatially explicit the availability of marginal land in the EU, its production biomass potentials for eight different crops, and the greenhouse gas (GHG) performance of advanced biofuel supply chains. Available land is mapped based on land marginality and Renewable Energy Directive Recast (REDII) land‐related sustainability criteria. Biomass potentials are assessed with a water‐use‐to‐biomass‐production approach while considering the available land, location‐specific biophysical conditions and crop‐specific phenological characteristics. The GHG balance of advanced biofuels from energy crops produced on marginal lands is assessed considering both land‐related carbon stock changes and supply chain emissions with the carbon footprint approach from the REDII. Available marginal land that meets REDII criteria is projected at 20.5–21 Mha 2030 and 2050, respectively. Due to biophysical limitations, not all available land is suitable for energy crop production. The maximum biomass potential of lignocellulosic energy crops (optimal crop choice with maximum yield for each available location) varies between 1951 PJ year−1 in 2030 and 2265 PJ year−1 in 2050. The GHG emission performance (net emissions) of different advanced biofuel supply chains varies on average between −32 g CO2‐eq MJfuel−1 for poplar/willow diesel to 38 g CO2‐eq for reed canary grass renewable jet fuel. The large variability in GHG performance is strongly determined by the spatial heterogeneity, which dictates the type of feedstock produced under specific local biophysical conditions, the crop characteristics, and the best conversion pathway. Negative GHG emissions are related to increased carbon stocks for the biomass and soil organic carbon pools compared to the land prior to conversion. When for each location, the advanced biofuel supply chain with the highest GHG performance (lowest net GHG emissions) is selected, 618 PJ year−1 of advanced biofuels can be produced by 2030. Under REDII GHG emission criteria, slightly less (552 PJ year−1) is viable. Smart choices on location, crop type and supply chain design are paramount to achieve maximum benefits of bioenergy systems.
Synthesis of nonstoichiometric NiO nanocatalysts and growth of bamboo‐like carbon nanotubes
Authors: Kim Taewoo , Lee Jaekwang , Park Gwanhee , Lee Heesoo 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe growth behavior of carbon nanotubes from NiO nanoparticles was investigated in terms of vacancy concentration and nanostructure. The NiO nanoparticles were prepared using anhydrous ethanol as a solvent to lower hydroxyl groups, compared to distilled water. The Ni vacancies in NiO via less hydrolysis were confirmed by lattice expansion and the increased mean oxidation state of Ni3+ through X‐ray absorption spectroscopy. The increased Ni3+ ratio determined from the photoelectron spectrum and ferromagnetism implied a high concentration of Ni vacancies on the surface. Nonstoichiometric NiO exhibited a small particle size of 10.13 nm and a narrow size distribution. For the growth of CNTs, the NiO nanocatalysts with vacancies resulted in thinner CNTs. The internal structures of the CNTs obtained from the defective particles were grown into bamboo‐like CNTs, identifying the variation in the carbon diffusion path.
Numerical abundance and biomass reveal different temporal trends of functional diversity change in tropical fish assemblages
Authors: Fontrodona‐Eslava Ada , Deacon Amy E. , Ramnarine Indar W. , Magurran Anne E. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractUnderstanding how the biodiversity of freshwater fish assemblages changes over time is an important challenge. Until recently most emphasis has been on taxonomic diversity, but it is now clear that measures of functional diversity (FD) can shed new light on the mechanisms that underpin this temporal change. Fish biologists use different currencies, such as numerical abundance and biomass, to measure the abundance of fish species. Nonetheless, because they are not necessarily equivalent, these alternative currencies have the potential to reveal different insights into trends of FD in natural assemblages. In this study, the authors asked how conclusions about temporal trends in FD are influenced by the way in which the abundance of species has been quantified. To do this, the authors computed two informative metrics, for each currency, for 16 freshwater fish assemblages in Trinidad's Northern Range that had been surveyed repeatedly over 5 years. The authors found that numerical abundance and biomass uncover different directional trends in these assemblages for each facet of FD, and as such inform hypotheses about the ways in which these systems are being restructured. On the basis of these results, the authors concluded that a combined approach, in which both currencies are used, contributes to our understanding of the ecological processes that are involved in biodiversity change in freshwater fish assemblages.
Age and growth of the bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas) around Reunion Island, South West Indian Ocean
Authors: Hoarau Florian , Darnaude Audrey , Poirout Thomas , Jannel Lou‐Anne , Labonne Maylis , Jaquemet Sébastien 
Published: June 2021

AbstractSharks exhibit varied demographic strategies depending on both the species and the population location, which make them more or less vulnerable to fishing. Accurate evaluation of local age and growth parameters is therefore fundamental for the sustainable management of their stocks. Although demographic parameters have been assessed for bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas) populations in several locations of the world, this information is missing so far around Reunion Island, in the south‐west Indian Ocean. To fill this gap of knowledge, age and growth data were gathered from the vertebrae of 140 individuals of C. leucas (77 females and 63 males, mostly adults) fished around the island between 2012 and 2019. After verification of the annual deposition of growth band pairs on these structures using relative marginal increment analysis on 40 individuals, band pairs were counted along the vertebral centrum for each individual. Thanks to this approach, growth was shown to significantly differ between male and female C. leucas around Reunion Island, with respective von Bertalanffy growth model equations of Lt = and Lt = . Indeed, the females of the species fished in this area were significantly (P < 0.001) larger than local males, with an estimated difference in size of ~16.1 cm at 20 years old. They also apparently reach older ages, with an estimated maximum age of 33.50 years, against 29.75 years only for the males. The estimated size at birth around the island is larger than elsewhere in the world, varying from 92.30 to 100.00 cm depending on the method used. These results confirm that the population of C. leucas around Reunion Island exhibits a K‐selected strategy, which makes it highly vulnerable to fishing pressure.
Putting quality food on the tray: Factors associated with patients’ perceptions of the hospital food experience
Authors: Trinca Vanessa , Duizer Lisa , Keller Heather 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIntroductionPerceptions of hospital meal quality can influence patient food intake. Understanding what patients prioritise and what they think of current meals can support menu development. The present study assessed patients’ food and food‐related priorities for hospital meals and their sensory experience using the Hospital Food Experience Questionnaire (HFEQ). Factors independently associated with the HFEQ were determined.MethodsCross‐sectional study (n = 1087 patients; 16 Ontario hospitals). Patients completed the HFEQ at a single meal. Descriptive statistics determined the importance of food traits and ratings of a served meal using 22 HFEQ questions (five‐point Likert scales, total score 110). Bivariate and multivariable linear regression tested the association between patient and hospital characteristics and HFEQ score.ResultsMost food traits were rated as ‘important’ (4) or ‘very important’ (5) by two‐thirds or more of patients. Patients typically rated served meal items as ‘good’ (4). Mean HFEQ score was 90.60 (SD 10.83) and was associated with patient and hospital traits in multivariable analyses (F42,556 = 2.34, p < 0.001). Older and woman‐identifying patients were more likely to have a higher score. Foodservice models were associated with HFEQ. Cold‐plated rethermed food resulted in the lowest HFEQ. Local food use > 10% was associated with lower HFEQ score, whereas larger hospitals had a higher score.ConclusionsPatients prioritised taste, freshness and food that met their dietary needs. Meal sensory ratings were average. A gap exists between what patients want in hospital meals and what they receive. Attention to patient demographics and food delivery that retains sensory properties and supports choice may increase HFEQ score.
Assessment of the impacts of sample preparation on the use of EDS for analysing recycled asphalt blending
Authors: Pape Sonja Ellen , Castorena C. A. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractSeveral past studies have demonstrated merit to using tracer‐based energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis to investigate blending between virgin and recycled materials in asphalt mixtures. However, these past studies have focused on proof of concept and did not establish robust fabrication and microscopy procedures. This study rigorously evaluates the ability to form a stable blend between the tracer and virgin asphalt binder, and the potential for tracer smearing during the preparation of EDS specimens. The results demonstrate that a high shear mixer can be used to prepare homogeneous, stable blends of a titanium dioxide tracer and virgin binder. A critical evaluation of an asphalt mixture specimen prepared to contain specific areas with and without the tracer demonstrates no evidence of tracer smearing due to sample preparation. The results demonstrate that tracer‐based EDS analysis of asphalt mixtures can measure local recycled material availability.
COVID‐19 public health measures and respiratory viruses in children in Melbourne
Authors: Abo Yara‐Natalie , Clifford Vanessa , Lee Lai‐Yang , Costa Anna‐Maria , Crawford Nigel , Wurzel Danielle , Daley Andrew J 
Published: June 2021

AimTo describe the epidemiology of respiratory viruses in children before and during the 2020 SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic and the relationship to public health measures instituted by the Victorian government.MethodsRetrospective audit of respiratory viruses at a tertiary paediatric hospital in Melbourne from January 2015 up to week 47, 2020 in children under 18 years of age. The proportion of positive cases in weeks 1–47 in 2015–2019 (period 1) were compared to weeks 1–47, 2020 (period 2), and reviewed in the context of public health restrictions in Victoria.ResultsAn annual average of 4636 tests were performed in period 1 compared to 3659 tests in period 2. Proportions of positive influenza A virus, influenza B virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human parainfluenza virus were significantly reduced in period 2 compared to period 1: 77.3, 89.4, 68.6 and 66.9% reductions, respectively (all P < 0.001). From week 12–47, 2020, 28 893 SARS‐CoV‐2 tests were performed with a 0.64% positivity rate. Influenza viruses were not detected after week 17, RSV was not detected after week 35.ConclusionsStrict public health measures and border closures were successful in eliminating community transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 in Melbourne. This was associated with a significant reduction in other respiratory virus infections in children. Identifying sustainable and effective ongoing public health interventions to reduce transmission of RSV and influenza could result in reduced morbidity and mortality in children and requires further research.
Standing variation rather than recent adaptive introgression probably underlies differentiation of the texanus subspecies of Helianthus annuus
Authors: Owens Gregory L. , Todesco Marco , Bercovich Natalia , Légaré Jean‐Sébastien , Mitchell Nora , Whitney Kenneth D. , Rieseberg Loren H. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe origins of geographic races in wide‐ranging species are poorly understood. In Texas, the texanus subspecies of Helianthus annuus has long been thought to have acquired its defining phenotypic traits via introgression from a local congener, H. debilis, but previous tests of this hypothesis were inconclusive. Here, we explore the origins of H. a. texanus using whole genome sequencing data from across the entire range of H. annuus and possible donor species, as well as phenotypic data from a common garden study. We found that although it is morphologically convergent with H. debilis, H. a. texanus has conflicting signals of introgression. Genome wide tests (Patterson's D and TreeMix) only found evidence of introgression from H. argophyllus (sister species to H. annuus and also sympatric), but not H. debilis, with the exception of one individual of 109 analysed. We further scanned the genome for localized signals of introgression using PCAdmix and found minimal but nonzero introgression from H. debilis and significant introgression from H. argophyllus in some populations. Given the paucity of introgression from H. debilis, we argue that the morphological convergence observed in Texas is probably from standing genetic variation. We also found that genomic differentiation in H. a. texanus is mostly driven by large segregating inversions, several of which have signatures of natural selection based on haplotype frequencies.
An (in)effective tax and expenditure limit (TEL): Why county governments do not utilize their maximum allotted property tax rate
Authors: Decker John W. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractTax and expenditure limits (TELs) are restrictions placed on governments limiting their ability to collect and spend revenue. Residents support these TELs, as they desire lower tax burdens and more government efficiency; yet, residents still desire the same level of public services. Property tax rate limits, a specific type of TEL, are placed upon local governments to limit their ability to collect revenue and expand authority. Rate limits were implemented on the assumption that governments would tax at their highest maximum possible rate, but this is not always the case. This article studies why some local governments choose not to utilize their maximum allotted property tax rate. Using an open systems governance approach, a panel data analysis was conducted using data from 67 Florida counties from 2008 to 2017. Results of the analysis show that the use of special districts and the age of the residential population have significant effects on property tax rate decisions.