bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of multiple stressors on the dimensionality of ecological stability
Authors: Polazzo Francesco , Rico Andreu 
Published: May 2021

AbstractEcological stability is a multidimensional construct. Investigating multiple stability dimensions is key to understand how ecosystems respond to disturbance. Here, we evaluated the single and combined effects of common agricultural stressors (insecticide, herbicide and nutrients) on four dimensions of stability (resistance, resilience, recovery and invariability) and on the overall dimensionality of stability (DS) using the results of a freshwater mesocosm experiment. Functional recovery and resilience to pesticides were enhanced in nutrient‐enriched systems, whereas compositional recovery was generally not achieved. Pesticides did not affect compositional DS, whereas functional DS was significantly increased by the insecticide only in non‐enriched systems. Stressor interactions acted non‐additively on single stability dimensions as well as on functional DS. Moreover we demonstrate that pesticides can modify the correlation between functional and compositional aspects of stability. Our study shows that different disturbance types, and their interactions, require specific management actions to promote ecosystem stability.
Methodological proposal for evaluation of adhesion of root canal sealers to gutta‐percha
Authors: De‐Deus Gustavo , Oliveira Diogo S. , Cavalcante Daniele M. , Simões‐Carvalho Marco , Belladonna Felipe G. , Antunes Leandro S. , Souza Erick M. , Silva Emmanuel J. N. L. , Versiani Marco A. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimTo compare the bond strength of an epoxy resin‐based sealer and two calcium silicate‐based sealers (CSS) to gutta‐percha discs using a new method.MethodologyRound discs of gutta‐percha (n = 60), measuring 10 mm in diameter and 2 mm in thickness, were placed on a glass plate and a drop of each sealer (AH Plus, EndoSequence BC Sealer and EndoSeal MTA) was placed on their surface. Another identical disc was placed onto the first one and a standardized weight (0.0981 N) applied over them using a specially developed apparatus. Ten samples prepared for each sealer were submitted to a microshear bond strength test accomplished by a specially designed set‐up coupled to a universal testing machine. The Kruskal–Wallis test followed by a post hoc procedure was used to compare groups considering the preliminary analysis of the raw data had indicated the nonadherence to a Gaussian distribution (Shapiro–Wilk, p < .05). Alpha error was set at 5%.ResultsOverall, no premature failure occurred. All sealers had some degree of adhesiveness to gutta‐percha discs but with a significant difference amongst them (Kruskal–Wallis, p = .019). The epoxy resin‐based sealer (AH Plus) had significantly higher median shear bond strength values (1.43 MPa; 1.40–1.83) compared to EndoSeal MTA (0.53 MPa; 0.46–0.73) (p = .021) and EndoSequence BC Sealer (0.45 MPa; 0.34–0.46) (p = .023), whilst the lowest median value was observed with EndoSequence BC Sealer (0.45 MPa; 0.34–0.46) (p < .05).ConclusionsCSS sealers had weaker bonding to gutta‐percha when compared to the epoxy resin‐based AH Plus sealer. The proposed methodology is an innovative and reproducible method for testing the bond strength of root canal sealers to gutta‐percha.
Activation energies for crystallization of manganese‐doped (K,Na)NbO3 thin films deposited from a chemical solution
Authors: Jacques Leonard , Kovacova Veronika , Yang Jung In , Trolier‐McKinstry Susan 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPotassium sodium niobate (KNN) thin films are potentially useful for energy harvesting devices and for lead‐free piezoelectric microelectromechanical systems. This work reports the activation energies for nucleation, growth and perovskite phase transformation from a 0.5% manganese‐doped KNN 2‐methoxyethanol‐based solution modified with acetylacetone and excess alkali precursors. The films were annealed in a rapid thermal processor (RTP) with a hold step at temperatures from 500 to 550°C. The activation energies for perovskite transformation and growth, determined by electron micrograph observation, were 687 ± 13 and 194 ± 10 kJ/mol. The activation energy for nucleation was 341 ± 20 kJ/mol. Based on these data, crystallization in KNN is found to be nucleation‐limited; thus, it should be possible to reduce the crystallization temperature by utilizing a seed layer which provides nucleation sites, provided the organics are removed from the film.
Effect of Hurricane Irma on daily direct‐care nurse staffing in nursing homes
Authors: Jester Dylan J. , Thomas Kali S. , Peterson Lindsay J. , Dosa David M. , Andel Ross , Hyer Kathryn 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo examine the effect of Hurricane Irma on staff‐related financial expenditures and daily direct‐care nurse staffing levels.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingSeptember 3–24, 2017 in the state of Florida, United States. Hurricane Irma made landfall on September 10, 2017.ParticipantsSix hundred and fifty‐three nursing homes (NHs), 81 evacuated facilities, and 572 facilities that sheltered‐in‐place.MeasurementsThis study used data from Payroll‐Based Journaling (PBJ), Certification and Survey Provider Enhanced Reports (CASPER), and Florida's health providers' emergency reporting system. PBJ provided estimates of daily direct‐care nurse staffing levels for registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nursing assistants. CASPER reported facility‐level characteristics such as profit status, chain membership, and special care unit availability. Florida's emergency reporting system identified evacuation status during Hurricane Irma. Linear mixed‐effects models were used to estimate the unique contribution of evacuation status on daily staffing increases over time from September 3 to 10.ResultsAmong all facilities, we found significant increases in staffing for licensed practical nurses (p = 0.02) and certified nursing assistants (p < 0.001), but not for registered nurses (p = 0.10) before Hurricane Irma made landfall. From 1 week before landfall to 2 weeks after landfall (September 3–24), an additional estimated $2.41 million was spent on direct‐care nurse staffing. In comparison to facilities that sheltered‐in‐place, evacuated facilities increased staffing levels of all nurse types (all p < 0.001). At landfall, evacuated facilities spent an estimated $93.74 on nurse staffing per resident whereas facilities that sheltered‐in‐place spent $76.10 on nurse staffing per resident.ConclusionNHs face unprecedented challenges during hurricanes, including maintaining adequate direct‐care nurse staffing levels to meet the needs of their residents. NHs that evacuated residents had an increase in direct‐care nurse staffing that was greater than that seen in NHs that sheltered‐in‐place.
Unilateral deep vein thrombosis with gangrene involving the ascending aorta with sepsis and pulmonary thromboembolism—a pertinent cutaneous marker of severity of COVID‐19
Authors: Shubhra Shubhra , Yadav Amlendu , Sardana Kabir , Goila Ajay Kumar 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWhile myriad skin manifestations have been reported with COVID, they are insignificant as compared to the number of cases and do not indicate specificity as the studies that report them have either been based on telephonic consultation or have not been compared with case‐control analysis from a normal skin OPD or IPD referral population. The most feared complication of COVID‐19 is the combination of coagulopathy and thromboembolism, which is consequent to thrombo‐inflammation and a heightened prothrombotic state. It is exaggerated in severe COVID associated with sepsis and skin manifestations that correlate with severity are more useful to clinicians. We had a case of COVID‐positive 65‐year‐old man with features of thromboembolism followed by general symptoms of cough and fever. D‐dimer test was positive, and the Ultrasound Doppler showed thrombosis in the right lower limb arteries and deep vein thrombosis in right lower limb veins.
From contestation to conviction: terrorism expertise before the courts
Authors: ANWAR TASNIEM , DE GOEDE MARIEKE 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis article asks how terrorism expertise has been mobilized in recent trials on terrorism financing. How is expert knowledge concerning ongoing and complex political situations involving alleged terrorism translated into factual evidence before a court of law? What kind of sources do courts use in terrorism cases, and what kind of expert knowledge is acknowledged or ignored? Through analysis of concrete cases under the United Kingdom (UK) Terrorism Act (2000) and the Dutch penal law Article 421Sr, we show how contested terrorism expertise becomes ‘certified knowledge’ that holds together as grounds for conviction before a court of law. This article contributes to socio‐legal debates on legal knowledge in two ways. First, we analyse the everyday, material practices of gathering, presenting, and contesting expertise in relation to security. Second, the article analyses new case material and a particular kind of knowledge – namely, security knowledge and terrorism expertise – to identify patterns in what is deemed relevant for the court.
Geographic isolation predicts tobacco product use among youth: A latent class analysis
Authors: Blank Melissa D. , Ozga Jenny E. , Romm Katelyn F. , Douglas Ashley , Alexander Linda , Doogan Nathan J. , Wilson Michael , Dino Geri 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of the current study was to evaluate associations between geographic rurality and tobacco use patterns among adolescents.MethodsHigh school students (N = 566) from north‐central Appalachia reported on their lifetime and/or current use of cigarettes, electronic cigarettes (ECIGs), cigars, and smokeless tobacco. Geographic rurality was measured via the Isolation scale, whereby residential ZIP Codes determined the degree to which respondents have access to health‐related resources. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to identify discrete classes of adolescent tobacco users based on their use of tobacco products. Then, associations between participants’ geographic rurality and class membership were evaluated using a series of multinomial logistic regressions.FindingsLCA classified participants as Nonusers, Current ECIG Users, Cigarette/ECIG Experimenters, and Polytobacco Users. Individuals with higher Isolation scores were more likely to be Polytobacco Users and Cigarette/ECIG Experimenters than Nonusers, and were more likely to be Polytobacco Users than Current ECIG Users.ConclusionsThe continuous Isolation scale used in the present study predicted polytobacco use patterns among adolescents in a manner that is consistent with, while simultaneously expanding upon, prior work. Tobacco control practices and policies should be viewed through a lens that considers the unique needs of geographically isolated areas.
Effects of Plurilingual Teaching on Grammatical Development in Early Foreign‐Language Learning
Authors: HOPP HOLGER , THOMA DIETER 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis article reports two intervention studies testing the effects of plurilingual teaching on grammatical development among primary‐school students learning English as a foreign language (FL). In a pre–posttest control‐group design, more than 200 9–10‐year old majority language German and minority language students received plurilingual FL teaching (intervention group) or regular FL‐only teaching (control group). Study 1 on the acquisition of wh‐questions showed that systematic cross‐linguistic comparisons of the FL with the majority language and minority languages facilitate acquisition of object questions. In Study 2 on passives, the intervention and the control groups both demonstrated comparable gains. We suggest that plurilingual teaching has advantages when the majority language differs from the target language (Study 1) yet not when a phenomenon is comparable across languages (Study 2). In neither study did learners show generalization to related grammatical phenomena. Finally, majority language and minority language students did not perform differently, which suggests that plurilingual FL teaching is suitable for all FL learners. These findings demonstrate that plurilingual FL teaching facilitates grammatical development by increasing learners’ awareness of cross‐linguistic similarities and differences.
Geochemical constraints on the mobilization of Ni and critical metals in laterite deposits, Sulawesi, Indonesia: A mass‐balance approach
Authors: Ito Akane , Otake Tsubasa , Maulana Adi , Sanematsu Kenzo , Sufriadin  , Sato Tsutomu 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIndonesia is one of the largest Ni ore producers in the world and is also expected to be an important potential source of some critical metals (e.g., Co, Sc, rare‐earth elements, and platinum‐group elements). However, few studies have examined Ni laterite deposits in this country. In this study, we investigate Ni enrichment and the potential accumulation of critical metals in four laterite profiles with varying degrees of serpentinization and weathering intensity in the Soroako and Pomalaa mining areas of Sulawesi, Indonesia. We integrate geochemical evaluation with a mass‐balance approach and mineralogical analysis to better constrain the geochemical factors influencing the mobilization of Ni during lateritization. Nickel contents in the saprolite horizon of the profiles that are strongly weathered and developed over serpentinized peridotite are higher than those that are weakly weathered and developed over unserpentinized harzburgite. The bulk Ni contents of saprolite horizons are related to Ni contents of Ni‐bearing Mg‐phyllosilicates, which suggests that Ni remobilization is the main control on Ni enrichment in the profiles. Mass‐balance calculations reveal that the amounts of gained Fe and Ni in the profiles are positively correlated. This relationship indicates that the redistribution of Ni is likely controlled by the aging of Ni‐bearing goethite (dissolution/recrystallization) involving ligand‐promoted dissolution by organic matter and/or reductive dissolution by microbial activity near the surface. Critical metals show enrichment in specific horizons. Enrichments in Co and rare‐earth elements are strongly influenced by the formation of Mn‐oxyhydroxides in the oxide zone of the profiles. In contrast, Sc, Pt, and Pd show residual enrichment patterns, with grades influenced mainly by their initial contents in bedrock. The profiles show a positive correlation between Sc and Fe, as reported for other Ni laterite deposits. Among the critical metals, Sc, Pt, and Pd contents in the studied profiles are comparable with values reported from other Ni laterite deposits worldwide.
A spatially dynamic network algebra
Authors: Wentz Elizabeth , Shook Eric , Merson Joanna 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMap algebras are used for the manipulation of spatial data and form the basis for many types of spatial analyses and modeling efforts. The most basic form of a map algebra applies the same function (e.g., addition, subtraction) across the study area. To account for local variation of modeling parameters, we present a spatially dynamic map algebra to demonstrate the need for and utility of algebraic functions where the function is determined based on a specific and relative location. The need for such an algebra comes from the growth of complex models where the values of variables or parameters are not fixed across space. Locally derived parameters are not new, as shown by geographically weighted regression. This type of algebra is needed in cases of complex models, such as those found in flow networks, where network dynamics vary across space. This includes hydrologic processes, movement of people and goods, and the transmission of ideas. We test the approach on a case study of nitrogen flow in the Niantic River watershed, Connecticut. Findings show that the results from a spatially dynamic map algebra can differ from a fixed function. Fixed functions can result in model outputs that under‐ or overestimate by up to 50%.
Trajectories of work ability from mid-life to pensionable age and their association with retirement timing
Authors: K C Prakash , Virtanen Marianna , Kivimäki Mika , Ervasti Jenni , Pentti Jaana , Vahtera Jussi , Stenholm Sari 
Published: May 2021

BackgroundThis study aimed to identify the trajectories of work ability over 16 years preceding the individual pensionable age and to examine the association with retirement timing.MethodsThe study population consisted of 2612 public sector employees from the Finnish Retirement and Aging study and the Finnish Public Sector study. Participants were grouped into ‘no-extension’ (retired at the individual pensionable date or worked no longer than 6 months after that date) and ‘extension’ (worked more than 6 months after individual pensionable age). Trajectories of self-reported work ability score (0–10) in maximum of eight measurement points over 16 years preceding retirement were examined using the group-based latent trajectory analysis. Log-binomial regression was used to analyse the association between trajectory groups and extended employment.ResultsFour stable (‘Stable excellent’, 7%; ‘Stable high’, 62%; ‘Stable medium’, 24%; ‘Low’, 4%) and one decreasing (‘Declining’, 3%) work ability trajectories were identified. After taking into account gender, age, occupational status, marital status and self-rated health, ‘Stable excellent’ trajectory was associated with a higher likelihood of extended employment compared with the ‘Low’ (risk ratio (RR) 2.38, 95% CI 1.21 to 4.68) and to the ‘Declining’ (RR 2.82, 95% CI 1.32 to 6.01) trajectories. There was no difference in retirement timing between ‘Declining’, ‘Low’ and ‘Stable medium’ trajectories.ConclusionWork ability remained relatively stable among majority of the participants over 16 years of follow-up. Stable excellent work ability from mid-life to late career was associated with higher likelihood of extending employment beyond individual pensionable age than those with low or declining work ability.
Developing a business case for a regional anesthesia block room: up with efficiency, down with costs
Authors: Mazda Yusuke , Peacock Sharon , Wolfstadt Jesse , Matelski John , Chan Vincent , Gleicher Yehoshua (Josh) 
Published: May 2021

BackgroundRegional anesthesia techniques offer many benefits for total joint arthroplasty (TJA) patients. However, they require personnel and equipment resources, as well as valuable operating room (OR) time. A block room offers a dedicated environment to perform regional anesthesia procedures while potentially offsetting costs.MethodsThe goal of this prospective quality improvement study was to develop a business case for implementation of a regional anesthesia block room and to demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of this program in decreasing OR time for TJA. All elective TJA patients presenting between January 2019 and March 2020 were included in our analysis.ResultsOur detailed business plan was approved by the hospital leadership. 561 patients in the preintervention group and 432 in the postintervention group were included for data analysis. Mean total OR time per surgical case decreased from 166 to 143 min for a difference of 23 min (95% CI 17 to 29). Similarly, anesthesia controlled OR time decreased from 46 min to 26 min for a difference of 20 min (95% CI 17 to 22). The block room resulted in an additional primary TJA case per daily OR list. The percentage of TJA patients receiving a peripheral nerve block increased from 63.1% to 87.0% (p<0.001). No safety events or block room associated OR delays were observed.ConclusionImplementing a regional anesthesia block room required a comprehensive business plan for securing the necessary resources to support the program. The regional anesthesia block room is a cost-effective method to improve patient care and OR efficiency.
Tobacco industry marketing adaptations to Singapore plain packaging
Authors: van der Eijk Yvette , Yang Adonsia Yating 
Published: May 2021

BackgroundSingapore has implemented plain packaging, a measure that strips all colours, logos and branding elements from tobacco packs. In other countries, tobacco companies responded to plain packaging with a variety of marketing tactics. Our goal was to describe the tobacco industry’s marketing adaptations to Singapore plain packaging.MethodsQualitative analysis of 378 cigarette packs sampled from Singapore retailers in March 2019, March 2020 and January 2021, 12 months prior to, 2 weeks prior to and 6 months after plain packaging phase-in, respectively. For each pack, we collected descriptive information on the brand and variant name, pack and stick dimensions, pack shape, differentiating features and distinctive scents, as well as photographic data of the pack, cigarette sticks and any distinct features. We used the March 2019 collection as our baseline dataset, and March 2020 and January 2021 collections as comparison datasets to examine changes in tobacco marketing strategies just before and after plain packaging phase-in.ResultsAround Singapore’s plain packaging phase-in, tobacco companies launched variants with flavour capsules, novelty filter features and new flavours and used more descriptive variant names reflecting the variant’s colour coding or market positioning. Tobacco companies revamped some existing variants, often with Japanese marketing themes to convey a more premium product image. After plain packaging, tobacco companies used longer packs and variations in stick length, filter length and foil texture to further differentiate products.ConclusionsFollowing plain packaging in Singapore, tobacco companies rely increasingly on nomenclature and the cigarette stick itself to market and differentiate products.
Electrical features, liquid composition and toxicant emissions from ‘pod-mod’-like disposable electronic cigarettes
Authors: Talih Soha , Salman Rola , Soule Eric , El-Hage Rachel , Karam Ebrahim , Karaoghlanian Nareg , El-Hellani Ahmad , Saliba Najat , Shihadeh Alan 
Published: May 2021

IntroductionUse of flavoured pod-mod-like disposable electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) has grown rapidly, particularly among cost-sensitive youth and young adults. To date, little is known about their design characteristics and toxicant emissions. In this study, we analysed the electrical and chemical characteristics and nicotine and pulmonary toxicant emission profiles of five commonly available flavoured disposable e-cigarettes and compared these data with those of a JUUL, a cartridge-based e-cigarette device that pod-mod-like disposables emulate in size and shape.MethodsDevice construction, electrical power and liquid composition were determined. Machine-generated aerosol emissions including particulate matter, nicotine, carbonyl compounds and heavy metals were also measured. Liquid and aerosol composition were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry/flame ionisation detection, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.ResultsWe found that unlike JUUL, disposable devices did not incorporate a microcontroller to regulate electrical power to the heating coil. Quality of construction varied widely. Disposable e-cigarette power ranged between 5 and 9 W and liquid nicotine concentration ranged between 53 and 85 mg/mL (~95% in the protonated form). In 15 puffs, total nicotine yield for the disposables ranged between 1.6 and 6.7 mg, total carbonyls ranged between 28 and 138 µg, and total metals ranged between 1084 and 5804 ng. JUUL emissions were near the floors of all of these ranges.ConclusionsDisposable e-cigarettes are designed with high nicotine concentration liquids and are capable of emitting much higher nicotine and carbonyl species relative to rechargeable look-alike e-cigarettes. These differences are likely due to the lower quality in construction, unreliable labelling and lack of temperature control regulation that limits the power during operation. From a public health perspective, regulating these devices is important to limit user exposure to carbonyls and nicotine, particularly because these devices are popular with youth and young adults.