bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Social actors’ perceptions of wildlife: Insights for the conservation of species in Mediterranean protected areas
Authors: Cortés-Avizanda Ainara , Pereira Henrique M. , McKee Ellen , Ceballos Olga , Martín-López Berta 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
In the current Anthropocene Era, with numerous escalating challenges for biodiversity conservation, the inclusion of the social dimension into management decisions regarding wildlife and protected areas is critical to their success. By conducting 354 questionnaires in a Mediterranean protected area (the Biosphere Reserve of Bardenas Reales, Northern Spain), we aim to determine sociodemographic factors influencing knowledge levels and perceptions of species and functional groups as, emblematic and threatened. We found that hunters and animal husbandry workers knew more species than other social actors. Additionally, the perception of functional groups as threatened or emblematic differed between social actor groups, with statistically significant associations between perceptions and the characteristics of respondents. Interestingly, we found that although elusive steppe species are globally considered as endangered, these species were the least known by all social actor groups and rarely perceived as emblematic. This research is a novel approach and provides a better understanding of how perceptions can facilitate conservation decisions, particularly regarding endangered species

Graphic abstract
Dual-Mode Power Operation for Grid-Connected PV Systems with Adaptive DC-link Controller
Authors: Ahmed Mostafa , Harbi Ibrahim , Kennel Ralph , Abdelrahem Mohamed 
Published: July 2021

AbstractPhotovoltaic (PV) power systems are integrated with high penetration levels into the grid. This in turn encourages several modifications for grid codes to sustain grid stability and resilience. Recently, constant power management and regulation is a very common approach, which is used to limit the PV power production. Thus, this article proposes dual-mode power generation algorithm for grid-connected PV systems. The developed system considers the two-stage PV configuration for implementation, where the dual-mode power generation technique is executed within the DC–DC conversion (boost) stage. Most of the techniques adopted for dual-mode power operation employ the conventional perturb and observe method, which is known with unsatisfactory performance at fast-changing atmospheric conditions. Considering this issue, this study suggests a modified maximum power point tracker for power extraction. Furthermore, a new adaptive DC-link controller is developed to improve the DC-link voltage profile at different operating conditions. The adaptive DC-link controller is compared with the traditional PI controller for voltage regulation. The inverter control is accomplished using finite-set model predictive control with two control objectives, namely reference current tracking and switching frequency minimization. The overall control methodology is evaluated at different atmospheric and operating conditions using MATLAB/Simulink software.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Cesarean Delivery and Indications Among Nulliparous, Term, Singleton, Vertex Women
Authors: Okwandu Ijeoma C. , Anderson Meredith , Postlethwaite Debbie , Shirazi Aida , Torrente Sandra 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Objective
To compare cesarean delivery rates and indications by race/ethnicity among nulliparous women with term, singleton, vertex presentation deliveries.

Methods
This is a retrospective cohort study of nulliparous women delivering term, singleton, vertex neonates at Kaiser Permanente Northern California from 1/1/2016 to 6/30/2017. Women with cesarean for elective, malpresentation, or previa were excluded. Multivariable logistic regression models adjusting for maternal, neonatal, and facility factors were used to assess the likelihood of cesarean by race/ethnicity. Further modeling was performed to examine odds of cesarean for the indications of failure to progress and fetal intolerance by race/ethnicity.

Results
The cohort of 16,587 racially/ethnically diverse women meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria consisted of 41.62% White, 27.73% Asian, 22.11% Hispanic, 5.32% Black, and 3.21% multiple race/other women. In adjusted logistic regression models, all race and ethnic categories had higher odds of cesarean deliveries in comparison to White women. Black women had the highest odds of cesarean delivery (adjusted OR [aOR] = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.45–2.06), followed by Asian (aOR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.45–2.06), multiple race/other (aOR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.17–1.80), and Hispanic (aOR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.28–1.59) women. Compared with White women, Asian (aOR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.22–1.74) and Hispanic (aOR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.03–1.52) women had higher odds of failure to progress as the indication. Among women with failure to progress, Black (aOR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.30–0.81), Hispanic (aOR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.53–0.87), and Asian (aOR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.61–0.96) women were less likely than White women to reach 10 cm dilation. Compared with White women, Black women were more likely to have cesarean delivery for fetal intolerance (aOR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.10–2.07). Among women with fetal intolerance of labor, there were no significant differences by race/ethnicity for Apgar score or neonatal intensive care unit admission.

Conclusions
Race/ethnicity was significantly associated with the odds of cesarean and indication. All other race/ethnicity groups had higher odds of cesarean compared with White women. Compared with White women, Black women had greater odds of fetal intolerance as an indication, while Hispanic and Asian women had greater odds of failure to progress. Maternal, neonate, and facility factors for cesarean delivery did not explain the observed disparities in cesarean delivery rates.
Self-interest, compassion, and consistency in an environmental ethics class: would students give up their retirement to stop the coronavirus?
Authors: Davis Emily A. , Wilson Thomas P. , Reynolds Bradley R. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractDuring spring of 2020, environmental ethics students at a medium sized metropolitan university in the Southeastern United States were asked to read and comment on classic essays from Robert Heilbroner and Garrett Hardin, essays regarding our responsibilities towards future generations. In general, students seemed to hold more with Heilbroner’s stance, which left room for compassion, while condemning Hardin’s harshness. Students were then asked to provide written responses stating whether they would personally sacrifice their eventual retirement in order to stop COVID-19 and the reasons for their views. Responses were analyzed and categorized to detect inconsistencies between students’ described views and their willingness to personally sacrifice for the sake of others. Almost 72% of respondents asserted that they would be willing to intervene to stop the novel coronavirus by sacrificing their retirement. A fair number of respondents that stated they would sacrifice (28.6%) said that they would do so because they would benefit personally from the avoidance of guilt and/or from the opportunity to feel good about themselves, suggesting that even seemingly selfless behaviors are sometimes driven by egoistic motivations. Forty percent of all respondents held inconsistent views. Most notably, a number of students condemned Hardin for his lack of compassion, yet were not willing to act compassionately themselves.
On a Symmetric Generalization of Bivariate Sturm–Liouville Problems
Authors: Tefo Yves Guemo , Aktaş Rabia , Area Iván , Güldoğan Lekesiz Esra 
Published: July 2021

AbstractA new class of partial differential equations having symmetric orthogonal solutions is presented. The general equation is presented and orthogonality is obtained using the Sturm–Liouville approach. Conditions on the polynomial coefficients to have admissible partial differential equations are given. The general case is analyzed in detail, providing orthogonality weight function, three-term recurrence relations for the monic orthogonal polynomial solutions, as well as explicit form of these monic orthogonal polynomial solutions, which are solutions of an admissible and potentially self-adjoint linear second-order partial differential equation of hypergeometric type.
Wie oft und zu welchen Themen werden schulinterne Lehrkräftefortbildungen angeboten? Empirische Befunde einer vergleichenden Programmanalyse
Authors: Kuschel Jenny , Richter Eric , Lazarides Rebecca , Richter Dirk 
Published: July 2021

ZusammenfassungMit dem Systemwandel von der Input- zur Outputsteuerung im Bildungswesen ging eine Erhöhung einzelschulischer Gestaltungsspielräume einher. Einen Bereich erweiterter schulischer Selbstständigkeit und Eigenverantwortung stellen schulinterne Fortbildungen dar. Obwohl schulinternen Fortbildungen eine hohe Bedeutung für die qualitativ hochwertige Entwicklung der Einzelschule zugeschriebenen wird, liegen bislang nur wenige Forschungsbefunde zur Nutzung und den Themen schulinterner Fortbildungsangebote vor. Die vorliegende Studie verfolgt daher das Ziel, das schulinterne Fortbildungsangebot hinsichtlich des Angebotsumfangs, der angebotenen Themen und des Zusammenhangs zwischen Schulmerkmalen und der Nutzung unterschiedlicher schulinterner Fortbildungsthemen zu untersuchen. Hierfür wurden Daten aus der elektronischen Datenbank für Lehrkräftefortbildungen des Landes Brandenburg aus den Schuljahren 2016/17 und 2017/18 ausgewertet. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die Mehrheit der Schulen im Untersuchungszeitraum keine staatlichen schulinternen Fortbildungen durchführen. Darüber hinaus verdeutlichen Ergebnisse eines Chi-Quadrat-Tests zum Vergleich des schulinternen und -externen Fortbildungsangebots, dass sich die inhaltlichen Schwerpunkte in den Fortbildungsformaten substantiell unterscheiden. Schließlich zeigen die Ergebnisse von Regressionsanalysen, dass ein Zusammenhang zwischen Merkmalen des Lehrkräftekollegiums, Merkmalen der Schülerinnen und Schüler sowie Ergebnissen aus Vergleichsarbeiten und der Wahl bestimmter schulinterner Fortbildungsthemen besteht. Die Befunde geben damit erstmalig Einblicke in die Angebotsstruktur und Nutzung schulinterner Fortbildungen im Zusammenhang mit Schulmerkmalen. Mögliche Implikationen für eine stärkere Nutzung des schulinternen Fortbildungsangebots werden diskutiert.
Processing and Characterization of Low-Thermal Conductivity, Clay-Based, Ceramic Membranes for Filtering Drinking Water
Authors: Mouafon Mohamed , Lecomte-Nana Gisèle Laure , Tessier-Doyen Nicolas , Njoya André , Njoya Dayirou , Njopwouo Daniel 
Published: July 2021

AbstractDrinking-water supply remains a significant challenge in tropical areas; to help meet this challenge, the purpose of the present study was to manufacture low-thermal conductivity ceramic membranes suitable for the retention/removal of particles found in non-potable water. These membranes with significant chemical and mechanical resistances were developed from Cameroonian clays, cassava starch, and bovine bone ash. Up to 30% of Cassava starch and bovine bone ash were added to the membrane as porogens (materials used to make pores in membranes). Membranes were manufactured by uniaxial pressing, drying at 105°C, and sintering at 1150°C for 2 h. The effects of various types of porogen on the thermal behavior, microstructure, flexural strength, porosity, and permeability of ceramic membranes were investigated to determine possible applications of those membranes for water filtration in the tropics. The thermal conductivity of membranes produced without a pore-forming agent (SM0) was greater (0.54 Wm–1K–1) than those produced with starch (SM1 and SM3) (0.45–0.40 Wm–1K–1) or bovine bone ash (SM2) (0.49 Wm–1K–1). The total porosity of SM0s (30.72%) was less than those of starch and bovine bone membranes (37.87–45.99%). The average pore size (0.04 μm) of SM2 membranes was the smallest: SM0 (0.09 μm), SM1 (0.10 μm), and SM3 (0.07 μm). The maximum pore size was 0.37 μm, indicating that membranes contain mesopores and macropores. The flexural strengths of SM1 and SM3 membranes (8.85 and 6.97 MPa, respectively) were less than those of SM2 (10.53 MPa) and SM0 (10.28 MPa), and water permeability from 108 L/h·m2 bar to 2198 L/h·m2 bar. Filtered water properties showed that pH values were upgraded from 5.9 to 7, the turbidity reduction rates and levels were >94% and <0.65 NTU. Particle-size distributions moved from 1150–39,000 nm in polluted water to <2 nm in filtered water. Judging by the sizes of particles present in filtered waters, these membranes may be suitable for elimination of viruses, pigments, proteins, colloids, and bacteria.
Margin Positivity and Survival in Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma: A National Cancer Database Analysis
Authors: Lee Christina I. , Kutlu Onur , Khan Zahra F. , Picado Omar , Lew John I. 
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND:
The rising incidence of thyroid cancer has been attributed to increased detection of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). Although some PTMCs are thought to harbor aggressive pathologic features, the clinical significance of these features remains unclear. This study examines factors associated with survival in this patient population.

STUDY DESIGN:
Adults with PTMC, defined as papillary thyroid carcinoma ≤ 1.0 cm, who underwent thyroidectomy between 2004 and 2016, were identified in the National Cancer Database. Demographic and clinical variables were analyzed. The primary aim was to identify factors associated with survival. The secondary aim was to assess the association of microscopic margins on survival and to identify factors associated with margin positivity. Overall survival was estimated using Kaplan-Meier methods and compared using log rank tests. Cox proportional hazards and binary logistic regression models identified factors associated with survival and margin positivity, respectively.

RESULTS:
Of 77,817 patients with PTMC, 13,507 met inclusion criteria; 2,649 (20%) of these patients presented with advanced features: extrathyroidal extension (n = 916, 7%), lymphovascular invasion (n = 398, 3%), lymph node involvement (n = 2,003, 15%), and distant metastasis (n = 39, <1%). Microscopic margin positivity was present in 906 patients and associated with increased risk of death (hazard ratio 1.58, 95% CI 1.04–2.41). Academic facilities (odds ratio [OR] 0.75, 95% CI 0.59–0.95) and operative volume (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.97–0.98) were associated with decreased margin positivity.

CONCLUSIONS:
Positive margin status was significantly associated with increased risk of death for PTMC. Higher operative volume and treatment at academic centers were associated with lower rates of margin positivity and may help improve survival outcomes in PTMC patients with aggressive features.
Independent Risk Factors Predicting Gradual Onset Injury in 2824 Trail Running Race Entrants: SAFER XVIII Study
Authors: Viljoen Carel T. , Sewry Nicola , Schwellnus Martin P. , Janse van Rensburg Dina C. , Swanevelder Sonja , Jordaan Esme 
Published: July 2021

Introduction Trail running is characterized by elevation changes, with uneven and varying running surfaces. Risk factors that may predict gradual-onset running-related injuries (GORRIs) in short-distance trail running have not been explored. The objective was to determine risk factors that predict GORRIs in trail running race entrants who entered mass community-based trail running events. Methods In this descriptive cross-sectional study, data were collected prospectively from a prerace medical screening questionnaire over 4 trail run events held annually. Using a Poisson regression model, runner demographics, race distance, running training/racing variables, history of chronic diseases (number of chronic diseases reported as a cumulative “chronic disease composite score”), and allergies were investigated to determine factors predicting self-reported GORRI history in the previous 12 mo. Results This study included 2824 race entrants (80% of entrants). The retrospective annual incidence for GORRIs was 13%. Independent risk factors predicting GORRIs were longer race distance ( P<0.0001), increasing chronic disease composite score ( P=0.0012), and a history of allergies ( P=0.0056). The lower limb (94%) was the main anatomic region of GORRIs, and soft tissue injuries accounted for most (83%) GORRIs. Common specific GORRIs were iliotibial band syndrome (22%), Achilles tendon injury (10%), and hamstring injury (9%). Conclusions Independent risk factors predicting GORRIs among trail running entrants included longer race distance, a higher chronic disease composite score, and a history of allergies. This study has highlighted trail running race entrants at risk for sustaining GORRIs who could be targeted for future injury prevention interventions.
What does team science look like across the CTSA consortium? A qualitative analysis of the Great CTSA Team Science Contest submissions
Authors: Pelfrey Clara M. , Goldman Ann S. , DiazGranados Deborah J. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Introduction:
The Great CTSA Team Science Contest (GTSC) was developed to discover how Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) hubs promote and support team science [1]. The purpose of this study was a secondary qualitative analysis of the GTSC submissions to better understand the diversity of team science initiatives across the CTSA consortium.

Methods:
Secondary qualitative analysis of the GTSC data addressed the following research questions, which defined the top-level coding: (1) What CTSA component sponsored it? (2) Who was the team doing the work? (3) Who were the intended beneficiaries? (4) What was the intended outcome? (5) What strategies did they use? (6) What translational science (TS) stage was addressed? (7) How do they align with the NCATS team science strategic goals? (8) How do the CTSA’s team science efforts align with the National Academies Research Council (NRC) recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness of team science?

Results:
The GTSC received 170 submissions from 45 unique CTSA hubs. Qualitative analysis revealed a great variety of team science strategies for virtually all team science stakeholders. In addition to strategies to promote team science, results show successful examples that focus on outcomes and illustrate ways of measuring success.

Conclusions:
The GTSC shows that the CTSA consortium is involved in an extremely diverse array of team science activities, which align well with both the NRC recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness of team science and the NCATS strategic goals for team science. Future research should evaluate the efficacy of team science strategies.
Protection and Response of a Tertiary Hospital in Shenzhen, China to the COVID-19 Outbreak: The Practice of the Comprehensive Response Mode
Authors: Hu Benling , Yang Le , Wei Chan , Luo Min 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjective:The aim of this study was to evaluate the management mode for the prevention and control of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) transmission used at a general hospital in Shenzhen, China, with the aim to maintain the normal operation of the hospital.Methods:From January 2, 2020, to April 23, 2020, Hong Kong–Shenzhen Hospital, a tertiary hospital in Shenzhen, has operated a special response protocol named comprehensive pandemic prevention and control model, which mainly includes 6 aspects: (1) human resource management; (2) equipment management; (3) logistics management; (4) cleaning, disinfection, and process reengineering; (5) environment layout; (6) and training and assessment. The detail of every aspect was described, and its efficiency was evaluated.Results:A total of 198,802 patients were received. Of those, 10,821 were hospitalized; 26,767 were received by the emergency department and fever clinics; 288 patients were admitted for observation with fever; and 324 were admitted as suspected cases for isolation. Under the protocol of comprehensive pandemic prevention and control model, no case of hospital-acquired infection with COVID-19 occurred among the inpatients or staff.Conclusion:The present comprehensive response model may be useful in large public health emergencies to ensure appropriate management and protect the health and life of individuals.
Lockdown Effect on COVID-19 Incidence and Death: Iran Experience
Authors: Delavari Sajad , Jamali Zahra , Bayati Mohsen 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjective:Countries are trying several policy options for decreasing the incidence and burden of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). One of these strategies is a lockdown, complete closure, to reduce the risk of distributing disease by means of social interactions. This study aimed to analyze the effect of a 3-week lockdown on the mortality and morbidity of COVID-19 in Iran.Methods:Official daily data on COVID-19 incidence and death reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) were extracted from September 1, 2020, to January 14, 2021. Data were analyzed using interrupted time series analysis by means of STATA 14 software.Results:Lockdown resulted in a significant reduction in the daily death from COVID-19 in the short-term (β = −139; P < 0.01) and in the long-term (β = −12; P < 0.01). Moreover, lockdown in the short-term insignificantly (β = −21.58; P = 0.969), and in the long-term significantly (β = −317.31; P < 0.01) reduced the COVID-19 daily incidence.Conclusions:The results showed that the lockdown has a significant effect on incidence and death numbers. Therefore, it could be a suitable short-term strategy for controlling the COVID-19 outbreak. On the other hand, its negative effects on households and businesses should be considered.
Your Call Is Important to Us: COVID-19 and Trends in Public Health Unit Call Service Utilization
Authors: Horn Zachary B. , Uren Alexandra M. , Young Megan K. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjective:The aim of this study was to analyze coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) -related call data at Metro North Public Health Unit, Brisbane Australia, over the 2020 calendar year to assist surge preparedness.Methods:Call data were retrieved by call category or reference to “COVID” in summaries from the call management system at a large metropolitan public health service. Under a mixed-methods approach, qualitative data (caller, call purpose, and call outcome) were categorized with categories arising de novo. Resulting variables were numerically analyzed to identify trends by categories and time.Results:Of the 3468 calls retrieved, 160 duplicates and 26 irrelevant calls were excluded. Of 3282 included calls, general practitioners, followed by the public, contributed the greatest call volumes. Health-care–related callers and the public made 84.2% of calls. Calls most frequently related to patient testing (40.7%) and isolation/quarantine (23.2%). Education provision accounted for 29.4% of all outcomes. A total of 11.8% of all call outcomes involved applying relevant case definitions, and 49.1% of calls were identified as potentially preventable through effective emergency risk communication and targeted call-handling.Conclusions:This study identified key drivers of public health unit phone service use related to the COVID-19 pandemic throughout 2020. The results highlighted where risk perception influenced call volume and provided important insights for future public health preparedness.