bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Timepoint for return to occupations post‐burn injury using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM)
Authors: Kittrick Andrea Mc , Jones Amber , Morgan Lachlan T. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIntroductionThe Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) was implemented at a state‐wide burns service to ensure compliance with current best evidence as outlined by the Australian and New Zealand Burns Association ‘burn trauma rehabilitation: allied health practice guidelines’‐ Chapter 7 Measuring Post‐Burn Recovery, as a standard outcome measure for individuals with an admission time greater than 24 h. The primary aim of this study is to determine if individuals have a minimal important change in performance and satisfaction with activities that were identified as problematic on the COPM prior to their acute discharge.Previous research confirmed the feasibility of using the COPM in the acute burn ward and recommended the most appropriate timepoint for re‐measurement be confirmed, which is the secondary objective of this study. The benefits of confirming this timepoint include ensuring efficient use of clinicians' time without compromising the accuracy of the assessment and ensuring effective translation of the guidelines' recommendation.MethodsA prospective longitudinal study was undertaken, where all individuals who previously completed a COPM prior to acute discharge were sought to complete a re‐assessment while accessing outpatient services. Time frames for re‐assessment were open. Only individuals who were actively receiving occupational therapy outpatient services were included. COPM assessments were completed in person where possible, particularly for participants who required an interpreter, with phone and video calls also used when needed.ResultsA total of 37 participants were included, with the timeframe between initial and post‐COPM assessment ranging from 2 to 643 days. Outcomes plateaued at approximately 12 months (365 days) post‐initial measurement (prior to discharge from acute ward). The most common occupational performance goals that participants identified were returning to work, sport, and driving. 86.5% of participants increased their satisfaction with these activities. The results of this study demonstrate improvements across the domains of performance and satisfaction occur for individuals with burns at approximately 3 months and 12 months post‐injury.ConclusionBased on this study, it is suggested that when using the COPM assessment in a tertiary burn setting, re‐measurement be completed no earlier than 3 months and later than 12 months from burn injury, or upon discharge from the service. The findings from this study will be translated into clinical practice at this facility.
Notes on Verbal Aspect in Three Vedic Prose Narratives
Authors: Hoose Anahita Gwenllian 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis article summarises the synchronic system of verbal aspect manifest in three Middle Vedic prose narrative texts, investigating the use of various morphological categories with past reference (especially the imperfect, perfect and aorist). I show that the imperfect and perfect are both compatible with multiple aspectual readings (perfective, imperfective and anterior); in the terminology of Dahl (2010), both may have neutral aspect. The aorist is largely restricted to anterior readings but can be perfective. Additionally, I consider the diachronic context of this system, outlining differences from the earlier one visible in the Early Vedic of the Rigveda and discussing the probable diachronic trajectory connecting the two. After commenting on the possibility of characterising the synchronic system within the alternative framework of Altshuler (2014), which lacks the category of neutral aspect, I conclude with notes on the use of the sentential particles ha, nu and vai in the text samples. The first of these seems to be associated with perfective aspect, while the latter two are both associated with anterior aspect.
Prosodic Change in Breton: The Loss of Stressed Clitics1
Authors: Kennard Holly J. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMost dialects of Breton have largely penultimate stress, and are also said to exhibit stress on certain clitics when they precede monosyllabic content words. However, data suggest that this prosodic process may not be maintained consistently by modern Breton speakers. This study explores the nature of clitic stress in Breton and investigates its potential loss by examining the indefinite article, low numerals and the adverb re ‘too’ in three pre‐existing corpora: two linguistic atlases and a more recent online repository of Breton recordings. The findings show that the loss of stressed clitics is greater in south‐eastern Brittany, and more advanced for the indefinite article than for other contexts. It is suggested that this is due to the fact that the process does not occur with the definite article, and that the clitics are being reanalysed such that they have a less cohering relationship with their hosts. Given the unstable nature of Breton as an endangered language with a high proportion of older speakers, it is unclear whether this ongoing language change will continue along the same path, or if revitalisation is likely either to halt or accelerate it.
COVID‐19 pandemic as a crisis for higher education institutions? Challenges and turning points based on teachers' perspectives
Authors: Schütte Patricia M. , Kretschmer Saskia , Van der Sypt Gert 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDuring COVID‐19 pandemic, higher education institutions (HEIs) implemented new types of working, teaching and communicating quickly. Thereby, faculty staff faced multiple challenges in professional regards. They were in a ‘sandwich position’ between the HEIs and the students and they presumably took on the role of ‘on site’ crisis managers who often had to embed the situation communicatively. Against this background, this article addresses the questions: What challenges for HEIs revealed during the COVID‐19 pandemic from the teachers’ perspective? And: To what extent can assumptions about turning points in the higher education (HE) system be derived from this? Answers are based on the triangulation of a literature review and data from an online survey. The results point to human, organizational and technical challenges, and opportunities in terms of communication, teaching, resilience and crisis management. At the end, some assumptions are derived that can be used for further research.
Determinants of obstructed labour and associated outcomes in referral hospitals in Nigeria
Authors: Adelaiye Samuel , Wanonyi Ishaya , Adanikin Abiodun , Mairiga Abdulkarim , Kadas Abubakar , Morrupa Joel , Lavin Tina , Lamara Abubakar , Yahaya Ibrahim , Tukur Jamilu , Chama Calvin 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo estimate the prevalence of obstructed labour, associated risk factors and outcomes across a network of referral hospitals in Nigeria.DesignRetrospective observational study.SettingA total of 54 referral‐level hospitals across the six geopolitical regions of Nigeria.PopulationPregnant women who were diagnosed with obstructed labour during childbirth and subsequently underwent an emergency caesarean section between 1 September 2019 and 31 August 2020.MethodsSecondary analysis of routine maternity care data sets. Random‐effects multivariable logistic regression was used to ascertain the factors associated with obstructed labour.Main outcome measuresRisk factors for obstructed labour and related postpartum complications, including intrapartum stillbirth, maternal death, uterine rupture, postpartum haemorrhage and sepsis.ResultsObstructed labour was diagnosed in 1186 (1.7%) women. Among these women, 31 (2.6%) cases resulted in maternal death and 199 (16.8%) cases resulted in postpartum complications. Women under 20 years of age (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.50–2.75), who lacked formal education (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.55–2.30), were unemployed (OR 1.94, 95% CI 1.57–2.41), were nulliparous (OR 2.11, 95% CI 1.83–2.43), did not receive antenatal care (OR 3.34, 95% CI 2.53–4.41) or received antenatal care in an informal healthcare setting (OR 8.18, 95% CI 4.41–15.14) were more likely to experience obstructed labour. Ineffective referral systems were identified as a major contributor to maternal death.ConclusionsModifiable factors contributing to the prevalence of obstructed labour and associated adverse outcomes in Nigeria can be addressed through targeted policies and clinical interventions.
When climate meets real estate: A survey of the literature
Authors: Contat Justin , Hopkins Carrie , Mejia Luis , Suandi Matthew 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWith near unanimity, climate scientists project natural disasters to increase in frequency, severity, and geographic scope over the next century. We survey academic literature at the intersection of these climate risks and real estate. Our review of physical risks includes price, loan performance, and migratory effects stemming from flooding, wildfires, and sea level rise. We review transition risks, including energy use and decarbonization, as they relate to real estate. Where possible, we explain how these topics may intersect with housing affordability, especially in historically disadvantaged communities. We conclude by highlighting critical areas for future research.
First systematic population survey of the desert‐adapted lions, Northwest Namibia
Authors: Heydinger John , Muzuma Uakendisa , Packer Craig 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe desert‐adapted lions (Panthera leo) of northwest Namibia inhabit arid and semi‐arid habitats, primarily within communal conservancy lands, which they share with semi‐nomadic pastoralists. Though of considerable conservation interest, no systematic population survey of these lions has previously been attempted. From 6 November 2022 to 6 January 2023, 45 trained surveyors covered approximately 40,000 km2 of conservancy and government‐managed lands, identifying individual lions by vibrissae (whisker‐spot) patterns and other demographic indicators. A systematic whole count, identifying every adult individual, was used to estimate population size. This approach drew upon the local ecological knowledge (LEK) of the Lion Rangers, community conservationists responsible for identifying and monitoring lions in their respective communal conservancies, as well as Regional Services staff of Namibia's Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT). The population is estimated between 57 and 60 individual adult lions and 14 cubs; this represents an inferred decrease of 46–60% over the past five years. At 0.11–0.12 lions/100 km2, this is the lowest recorded density for a free‐ranging, self‐sustaining lion population in Africa. Thirty‐six female and 21 male lions were found during the survey, yielding a sex ratio of 1 ♀: 0.58 ♂. While the population is considered stable and self‐sustaining despite recent declines, human‐lion conflict (HLC) remains the primary cause of lion mortality and recent drops in available prey are also concerning. Results serve as a baseline for future surveys, which will be an important part of monitoring this relatively small, widely dispersed population.
Aggressive dominance of acacia floral resources by wild east African lowland honey bees
Authors: Kashulwe Swithin , Mngulwi Janeth Baraka , Karlsson Caka , Pfeifer Luis , Ollerton Jeff 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe East African lowland honey bee (Apis mellifera scutellata) is reported as an aggressive subspecies of the Western honey bee, but few studies have investigated the impact of its aggressiveness on other insect pollinators. Observations of flower visitors to Vachellia (Acacia) etbaica and interactions between honey bees and other insects were conducted in 2022 in Mpala, Kenya. A total of 873 individual flower visitors were recorded, the most frequent being Hymenoptera, followed by Diptera and Lepidoptera. Honey bees dominated floral resources in the morning and late afternoon. When honey bees encountered other types of insects, they displaced the latter from flowers 100% of the time. This has never been observed in other Western honey bee subspecies, and we recommend further research on these taxa.
The impact of green finance on economic growth: Evidence from the green finance reform and innovation pilot zone
Authors: Nie Changfei , Yao Yujie , Feng Yuan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study examines the impact and its mechanisms of green finance on economic growth by using the green finance reform and innovation pilot zone (GFRIPZ) as a quasi‐natural experiment. Based on the panel data of 30 provinces in China from 2011 to 2019, we employ a difference‐in‐differences (DID) model and find that the GFRIPZ's construction has a positive effect on economic growth, resulting in real GDP growth of 2.2% in the pilot zones. Mechanism analysis shows that the GFRIPZ policy promotes economic growth by stimulating green technological innovation and increasing green fiscal expenditures. Further, the moderating effect result reveals that the more powerful the environmental regulation, the better the economic growth effect of the GFRIPZ policy. Additionally, heterogeneity analysis indicates that the GFRIPZ policy can contribute more in accelerating economic growth in Zhejiang, Jiangxi and Xinjiang. Our findings provide the latest empirical evidence that green finance promotes economic growth, as well as cross‐references for policymakers to scientifically execute green monetary policies and effectively balance green development and economic growth.
Contextual and personal resources in unemployed job search: An intra‐individual perspective
Authors: da Motta Veiga Serge , Debus Maike , Schmitz‐Wilhelmy Annika , Ambühl Mirjam , Hasler Katrin , Kleinmann Martin 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDrawing from conservation of resources (COR) theory and the equifinality principle, we challenge the prominent “the‐more‐resources‐the‐better” understanding by examining both the additive and interactive effects of contextual (i.e., networking behaviors and social support) and personal (i.e., job search self‐efficacy) resources on job seeking. Specifically, based on COR theory's resource gain corollary, we propose that higher levels of each resource are positively related to job search intensity and the number of interviews obtained (an additive effect). However, based on the equifinality principle that various resources can contribute to the same goal, we propose that each type of resource can compensate for low levels of the other (an interactive effect). In a four‐wave study following 89 unemployed job seekers over 6 months, we find positive intra‐individual relationships between networking behaviors and job search self‐efficacy with job search intensity. We find that networking behaviors and job search self‐efficacy are also positively related to the number of job interviews obtained and indirectly related through job search intensity for networking behaviors. In line with our predictions, high levels of either networking behaviors or job search self‐efficacy compensate for low levels of the other resource when predicting job search intensity and the number of interviews obtained.
Crohn's disease after surgery: Changes in post‐operative management strategies over time and their impact on long‐term re‐operation rate—A retrospective multicentre real‐world study
Authors: Aratari Annalisa , Scribano Maria Lia , Pugliese Daniela , Baccolini Valentina , De Biasio Fabiola , Verna Serena , Morretta Chiara , Festa Stefano , Armuzzi Alessandro , Papi Claudio 
Published: April 2024

SummaryBackgroundFew data are available addressing the impact of post‐operative management of Crohn's disease (CD) on long‐term clinical course.AimTo assess the evolution of post‐operative management strategies over the last 40 years and their impact on the re‐operation rate of CD.MethodsWe included 657 patients with CD who had undergone their first radical ileo‐caecal resection between 1980 and 2020. Three cohorts were defined according to year of surgery: cohort 1 (1980–1998; n = 198), cohort 2 (1999–2009; n = 218) and cohort 3 (2010–2020; n = 241). We estimated exposure to immunomodulators and anti‐TNFα agents after surgery and rates of re‐operation using Kaplan–Meier survival analyses. We used Cox proportional hazards regression to assess the association of clinical variables with time to re‐operation.ResultsImmunosuppressants, (IMMs) and anti‐TNFα exposure within 5 years after surgery increased significantly from cohort 1 to cohort 2 and cohort 3 (IMMs: 1.6%, 38.2% and 28.0%, respectively, p < 0.001; anti‐TNFα: 0.0%, 20.7% and 52.0%, respectively, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference across cohorts regarding the cumulative probability of re‐operation within 5 and 10 years. Multivariate analysis identified IMMs/anti‐TNFα exposure before the first surgery (HR 9.15; 95% CI 2.77–30.21) and post‐operatively (HR: 0.24; 95% CI 0.07–0.74) as variables associated with the risk of re‐operation. However, these associations had a time‐varying effect and become non‐significant after 5 and 2 years after surgery, respectively.ConclusionDespite increased post‐operative use of IMMs and anti‐TNFα agents in the last two decades, the impact of these strategies on the risk of long‐term re‐operation rate has been modest.
Clinical validation of grass pollen exposure chamber in patients with allergic rhinitis triggered by timothy grass
Authors: Kosowska Anna , Zemelka‐Wiącek Magdalena , Smolińska Sylwia , Wyrodek Ewa , Adamczak Bartosz , Jutel Marek 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe fluctuation in concentrations of airborne allergens frequently presents a challenge to assessing the efficacy of allergen immunotherapy (AIT) in ‘field’ studies. Allergen exposure chambers (AECs) are specialized medical installations developed to expose individuals to allergens at defined and consistent concentrations under a controlled environment. The aim of the study was to validate the provocation test with timothy grass pollen as well as to assess its safety in the AEC in patients with allergic rhinitis.MethodsIn the ALLEC® AEC, varying concentrations of timothy grass pollen were dispersed. Allergic symptoms were measured by total nasal symptom score (TNSS), acoustic rhinometry, peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) and nasal discharge volume. Lung function, assessed through peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), was used to evaluate safety.ResultsThe consistency of the test was proved by the stability of environmental conditions, including temperature, humidity and CO2 levels, as well as constant concentrations of grass pollen at predetermined levels ranging from 1000 to 10,000 particles per cubic meter (p/m3). Allergic individuals developed symptoms at concentrations of 3000 p/m3 and above, across all measured endpoints. Lung function was not affected throughout all the challenges. The reproducibility of symptoms was confirmed throughout the tests. The concentration of 8000 p/m3 together with a challenge duration of 120 min was found to be optimal.ConclusionThe study demonstrates that the ALLEC® grass pollen exposure chamber provides a reliable and safe method for inducing repeatable symptoms in patients with allergic rhinitis. This approach can be effectively applied for allergy diagnostics and clinical endpoint determination during AIT.
Skeletal muscle architecture and aging: A comparison of ultrasound techniques and an assessment of intrarater reliability
Authors: D'Lugos Andrew C. , Skotak Nathan J. , Faris Jacquelyn J. , Thomas Nicholas T. , Mazo Corey E. , Dickinson Jonathan J. , Moore Jessy G. , Jorgensen Theresa M. , Dickinson Jared M. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo assess intrarater reliability of ultrasound‐determined measurements of skeletal muscle characteristics across different measurement outcomes, imaging techniques, and age groups.Methods2D ultrasound images (B‐mode) of the quadriceps were obtained from young (26 ± 4 year, n = 8 M, 8 F) and older (70 ± 7 year, n = 7 M, 5 F) adults on two occasions, separated by 6 ± 3 days. With participants in both standing and supine postures, images were collected from five anatomical sites along the anterior (two sites) and lateral (three sites) compartments of the thigh corresponding to 56%, 39%, and 22% (lateral only) of femur length. Images were analysed for muscle thickness, pennation angle, and echogenicity. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were used to assess reliability.ResultsMuscle thickness values were higher (p < 0.05) on images collected in the stand versus supine posture only for muscles of the anterior compartment, independent of age. Echogenicity values were higher (p < 0.05) in the vastus intermedius on images collected in the supine versus stand posture only in older adults. Pennation angle values were not impacted by imaging posture (p > 0.05). ICC values for thickness, echogenicity, and pennation angle were generally higher for analyses conducted on images collected in the supine versus stand posture. Imaging posture generated a greater difference in ICC values in the lateral versus anterior muscles and in older versus younger participants.ConclusionOur findings suggest that participant posture during imaging impacts the absolute values and intrarater reliability of ultrasound‐determined muscle characteristics in a muscle‐specific fashion, and this effect is greater in older compared to younger individuals.
Unexpected sources of uncertainty in projecting habitat shifts for Arctic shorebirds under climate change
Authors: Anderson Christine M. , Fahrig Lenore , Rausch Jennie , Smith Paul A. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAimThe rapidly changing Arctic is ideal for investigating uncertainties in climate projections. Despite the challenges of collecting data in this region, an unprecedented large‐scale survey of shorebirds has been conducted over the last 30 years. Our study aimed to (1) develop probabilistic estimates for the change in suitable habitat for 10 Arctic shorebird species in Canada by 2075 and (2) assess the contribution of modelling decisions to the uncertainty in these estimates.LocationArctic Canada.MethodsTo evaluate uncertainty, we considered six classes of modelling decisions, yielding 216 unique projections for each species. We tested three decisions that are less commonly explored − the pool of candidate variables, a method for selecting variables, and the maximum distance of tree line dispersal, as well as the modelling algorithm, carbon emissions scenario, and global circulation model. We used a bootstrapping approach, creating a probability distribution for the proportional change in suitable habitat for each species.ResultsOur findings indicated a substantial risk for 8/10 species to lose over half of their suitable breeding habitat, but this projection is much less certain than has been described previously. While much uncertainty is unexplained, we were surprised that the largest source of uncertainty among our modelling decisions was from our choice of methods for variable selection, that the other modelling decisions were relatively small sources of uncertainty, overshadowing other modelling decisions.Main ConclusionsWhile most scenarios predict a northward shift and significant habitat loss for Arctic‐breeding shorebirds, the Arctic Archipelago of Canada will remain an important refuge because in many other Arctic regions, there is no land farther north for these species to shift into. A comprehensive understanding of uncertainty is important for deciding if future projections can or should be used when planning climate‐resilient protected area networks.