bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of habitat connectivity in a highly fragmented ecosystem: The seasonal tropical dry forest in Ecuador
Authors: Rivas Carlos A. , Guerrero‐Casado José , Navarro‐Cerrillo Rafael M. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractContextConnectivity is a parameter that plays a fundamental role in highly fragmented ecosystems, such as the seasonal tropical dry forest.ObjectivesThe objective of this research is to calculate the evolution of fragmentation and the functional connectivity of the Ecuadorian seasonal dry forest from 1990 to 2018, and to compare the Ecuadorian state's reforestation plan with our reforestation plan, which is based on maximising connectivity with the smallest possible reforested area.MethodsThe land cover changes, fragmentation and functional connectivity, measured by employing cumulative cost analyses at three different distances (0.5, 5 and 10 km), that occurred in Ecuadorian seasonal dry forests between 1990 and 2018 were verified using GIS environments, vector layers and Graphab software. A reforestation plan was also developed using various connectivity metrics and was then compared with that proposed by the Ecuadorian Ministry of the Environment.ResultsBetween 1990 and 2018, 2647 km2 of dry forest was lost in the study area. Former forest areas were put mainly to agricultural uses, which increased by 12.96%. The total number of patches decreased from 6908 to 5357, signifying a loss of 30% of the forest area and leading to losses of up to 75% of connectivity. Areas with low connectivity and a risk of disappearance were identified, and a new reforestation plan was proposed, which was based on maximising connectivity with small patches.ConclusionsBecause of the fragmentation, the connectivity of the seasonal dry forest in Ecuador is dramatically decreasing in the last decades. Therefore, the reforestation plans should prioritise areas whose reforestation increases habitat functional connectivity, which could provide more benefits than increasing the forest area without considering the global connectivity.
A comparison of different measures of the proportion of explained variance in multiply imputed data sets
Authors: van Ginkel Joost R. , Karch Julian D. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe proportion of explained variance is an important statistic in multiple regression for determining how well the outcome variable is predicted by the predictors. Earlier research on 20 different estimators for the proportion of explained variance, including the exact Olkin–Pratt estimator and the Ezekiel estimator, showed that the exact Olkin–Pratt estimator produced unbiased estimates, and was recommended as a default estimator. In the current study, the same 20 estimators were studied in incomplete data, with missing data being treated using multiple imputation. In earlier research on the proportion of explained variance in multiply imputed data sets, an estimator called was shown to be the preferred pooled estimator for regular . For each of the 20 estimators in the current study, two pooled estimators were proposed: one where the estimator was the average across imputed data sets, and one where was used as input for the calculation of the specific estimator. Simulations showed that estimates based on performed best regarding bias and accuracy, and that the Ezekiel estimator was generally the least biased. However, none of the estimators were unbiased at all times, including the exact Olkin–Pratt estimator based on .
Gendering innocence: An empirical inquiry into the lived experience of gender incongruence in childhood
Authors: Yarrow Elizabeth 
Published: April 2024

AbstractGender diversity in childhood has become an issue of significant public debate in Britain. Growing concerns have amassed around the exposure of children and adolescents to new forms of gendered knowledge and expression, arousing discourses of childhood ‘vulnerability’ and ‘innocence’. These ideas draw on a specific framework for understanding ‘childhood’, in which children are depicted as passive, dependent and in need of protection, as they follow a universal, predetermined developmental pathway. Among other effects, this has resulted in a dearth of empirical research that has explored gender diversity as a developmental experience in childhood. This article draws on evidence from interviews with 40 gender and sex variant young people and 30 caregivers of transgender children. Participants' accounts illustrate the deep psychic investment in embodied gender incongruence that young people may manifest from the earliest years of childhood. They highlight the profound distress sometimes experienced by children denied external recognition of their internal (gendered) selves and required to conform to extraneous expectations informed by essentialist understandings of biological sex. Far from ‘innocent’ of gender (difference), children can be deeply and actively involved in creating and adopting gendered subject positions, sometimes generating unanticipated forms of diversity.
Perioperative and oncological outcomes following robotic en bloc multivisceral resection for colorectal cancer
Authors: DiBrito Sandra R. , Manisundaram Naveen , Kim Youngwan , Peacock Oliver , Hu Chung‐Yuan , Bednarski Brian , You Y. Nancy , Uppal Abhineet , Tillman Matthew , Konishi Tsuyoshi , Kaur Harmeet , Palmquist Sarah , Holliday Emma , Dasari Arvind , Chang George J. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAimAs multidisciplinary treatment strategies for colorectal cancer have improved, aggressive surgical resection has become commonplace. Multivisceral and extended resections offer curative‐intent resection with significant survival benefit. However, limited data exist regarding the feasibility and oncological efficacy of performing extended resection via a minimally invasive approach. The aim of this study was to determine the perioperative and long‐term outcomes following robotic extended resection for colorectal cancer.MethodWe describe the population of patients undergoing robotic multivisceral resection for colorectal cancer at our single institution. We evaluated perioperative details and investigated short‐ and long‐term outcomes, using the Kaplan–Meier method to analyse overall and recurrence‐free survival.ResultsAmong the 86 patients most tumours were T3 (47%) or T4 (47%) lesions in the rectum (78%). Most resections involved the anterior compartment (72%): bladder (n = 13), seminal vesicle/vas deferens (n = 27), ureter (n = 6), prostate (n = 15) and uterus/vagina/adnexa (n = 27). Three cases required conversion to open surgery; 10 patients had grade 3 complications. The median hospital stay was 4 days. Resections were R0 (>1 mm) in 78 and R1 (0 to ≤1 mm) in 8, with none being R2. The average nodal yield was 26 and 48 (55.8%) were pN0. Three‐year overall survival was 88% and median progression‐free survival was 19.4 months. Local recurrence was 6.1% and distant recurrence was 26.1% at 3 years.ConclusionPerformance of multivisceral and extended resection on the robotic platform allows patients the benefit of minimally invasive surgery while achieving oncologically sound resection of colorectal cancer.
Frailty in inflammatory bowel disease: analysis of the National Inpatient Sample 2015–2019
Authors: Sharma Sahil , McKechnie Tyler , Heimann Luke , Lee Yung , Amin Nalin , Hong Dennis , Eskicioglu Cagla 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAimPreoperative frailty has been associated with adverse postoperative outcomes in various populations, but of its use in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains sparse. The present study aimed to characterize the impact of frailty, as measured by the modified frailty index (mFI), on postoperative clinical and resource utilization outcomes in patients with IBD.MethodsThis retrospective population‐based cohort study assessed patients from the National Inpatient Sample database from 1 September 2015 to 31 December 2019. Corresponding International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision Clinical Modification codes were used to identify adult patients (>18 years of age) with IBD, undergoing either small bowel resection, colectomy or proctectomy. Patient demographics and institutional data were collected for each patient to calculate the 11‐point mFI. Patients were categorized as either frail or robust using a cut‐off of 0.27. Primary outcomes were postoperative in‐hospital morbidity and mortality, whilst secondary outcomes included system‐specific morbidity, length of stay, in‐hospital healthcare costs and discharge disposition. Logistic and linear regression models were used for primary and secondary outcomes.ResultsOverall, 7144 patients with IBD undergoing small bowel resection, colectomy or proctectomy were identified, 337 of whom were classified as frail (i.e., mFI < 0.27). Frail patients were more likely to be women, older, have lower income and a greater number of comorbidities. After adjusting for relevant covariates, frail patients were at greater odds of in‐hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 5.42, 95% CI 2.31–12.77, P < 0.001), overall morbidity (aOR 1.72, 95% CI 1.30–2.28, P < 0.001), increased length of stay (adjusted mean difference 1.3 days, 95% CI 0.09–2.50, P = 0.035) and less likely to be discharged to home (aOR 0.59, 95% CI 0.45–0.77, P < 0.001) compared to their robust counterparts.ConclusionsFrail IBD patients are at greater risk of postoperative mortality and morbidity, and reduced likelihood of discharge to home, following surgery. This has implications for clinicians designing care pathways for IBD patients following surgery.
Risk of pulp necrosis and related complications in the permanent anterior teeth with lateral luxation: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Tewari Nitesh , Lauridsen Eva , Atif Mohammad , Srivastav Sukeshana , Tsilingaridis Georgios , Haldar Partha , Andersson Lars 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis systematic review aimed to evaluate the evidence related to the occurrence of pulp necrosis and related complications in permanent anterior teeth with lateral luxation. It was envisaged to address the ambiguity related to the recommendation for pulp extirpation in teeth with mature root apex. An a priori protocol was formulated as per the best practices of evidence‐based medicine and registered in PROSPERO. A comprehensive search was performed electronically in PubMed, LILACS, Web of Science, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane on July 10,2023 without any restriction of language or year of publication. The screening of titles and abstracts and later the full‐text articles were performed. Later, the data extraction was performed by using a self‐designed sheet, risk of bias (ROB) assessment was done, meta‐analysis was performed, and the GRADE approach was used to assess the quality of evidence. The qualitative synthesis was performed on 13 studies done from 1985 to 2020 in hospital settings. There was variability in the minimum and total observation periods, sample sizes, and characteristics of the sample population. The overall pooled prevalence of pulp necrosis was found to be 57% (95% CI: 42, 72%). It was 12% (95% CI: 8%, 18%, I2 = 0%) in immature teeth, and 58% (95% CI: 42, 73%, I2 = 86%) in mature teeth. The pooled prevalence of EIRR was found to be 11% (95% CI: 4, 27%, I2 = 95%) with greater risk in teeth with mature root apex (RR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.12, 1.42, I2 = 0%). The ROB was moderate or high in nine studies and the GRADE of evidence was very low in 14 of 15 outcomes. There are greater chances of pulp necrosis in teeth with lateral luxation, especially with mature apex. However, it can still be less than 60% in most cases with the prevalence of EIRR less than 20%. Hence, an absolute recommendation for endodontic intervention in mature teeth with lateral luxation must be interpreted with slight caution.
Dyslexia awareness among English language teachers in Türkiye
Authors: Özçelik Arzu Ekoç , Elverici Sibel Ergün 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIt is estimated that 10% of the world's population are dyslexic, and the ratio of dyslexia may be up to 20% in some countries. Considering this rate and the challenges that many dyslexic learners face when learning a foreign language in the classroom, it is crucial for language teachers to be aware of such challenges. Through an online questionnaire, this study seeks to understand whether English language teachers in Türkiye are well prepared to meet the particular educational needs of dyslexic language learners by implementing effective inclusive teaching methods. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. Findings indicate that many English language teachers are not prepared enough to teach students with dyslexia. To overcome the difficulties experienced, teacher education programmes may be enhanced with additional activities and strategies to prepare novice teachers, while the teachers in the field are supported with more in‐service teacher training education such as seminars, webinars and workshops given by experts to increase their awareness of the needs of dyslexic language learners.
Alpha‐1 adrenergic antagonists and the risk of hospitalization or death in non‐hospitalized patients with COVID‐19: A population‐based study
Authors: Antoniou Tony , McCormack Daniel , Tadrous Mina , Gomes Tara 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundAlpha‐1 receptor antagonists may interfere with IL‐6 signaling and could therefore be a potential treatment for COVID‐19. However, the effectiveness of these drugs in mitigating the risk of clinical deterioration among non‐hospitalized patients with COVID‐19 is unknown.ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to examine the association between alpha‐1 antagonist exposure and the 30‐day risk of a hospital encounter or death in nonhospitalized patients with COVID‐19.MethodsWe conducted a population‐based cohort study of Ontario residents aged 35 years and older who were eligible for public drug coverage and who had a positive test for SARS‐CoV‐2 between January 1, 2020, and March 1, 2021. We matched each individual receiving an alpha‐1 antagonist at the time of their positive test with two non‐exposed individuals using propensity scores. Our outcome was a composite of a hospital admission, emergency department visit, or death, 1 to 30 days following the positive test.ResultsWe matched 3289 alpha‐1 antagonist exposed patients to 6189 unexposed patients. Overall, there was no difference in the 30‐day risk of the primary outcome among patients exposed to alpha‐1 antagonists at the time of their diagnosis relative to unexposed individuals (28.8% vs. 28.0%; OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.11). In a secondary analysis, individuals exposed to alpha‐1 antagonists had a lower risk of death in the 30 days following a COVID diagnosis (OR 0.79; 95% CI 0.66 to 0.93).ConclusionAlpha‐1 antagonists did not mitigate the 30‐day risk of clinical deterioration in non‐hospitalized patients with COVID‐19. Our findings do not support the general repurposing of alpha‐1 antagonists as a treatment for such patients, although there may be subgroups of patients in whom further research is warranted.
Strengthening effect of cyclic load on siltstone and its macro–micro fracture mechanism
Authors: Pengjin Yang , Shengjun Miao , Hui Wang , Peng Li , Mingchun Liang 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe purpose of this research is to study the strengthening effect of cyclic load on the weakly cemented rock and reveal its microscopic mechanism. In this study, a series of cyclic‐to‐monotonic loading tests with different cycle numbers were conducted on siltstone. Results show that the strengthening and weakening effects of siltstone under cyclic loading depend on the upper limit of cyclic load. The microfracture mode that was changed by cyclic load is the essential reason for the strengthening effect, according to the study of acoustic emission b‐value, sources, and microscopic fracture morphology. Under the cyclic load test, the skeleton area of siltstone can bear the axial load increased. However, the burst of acoustic emission signals is delayed, and the crack scale is small due to the strengthening effect. The difficulty of geotechnical engineering disaster prediction and prevention has increased significantly, and attention should be paid to similar geotechnical engineering.
Demographic change and loss of big trees in resprouting eucalypt forests exposed to megadisturbance
Authors: Bendall Eli R. , Collins Luke C. , Milner Kirsty V. , Bedward Michael , Boer Matthias M. , Choat Brendan , Gallagher Rachael V. , Medlyn Belinda E. , Nolan Rachael H. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAimIncreased tree mortality linked to droughts and fires is occurring across temperate regions globally. Vegetation recovery has been widely reported; however, less is known about how disturbance may alter forests structurally and functionally across environmental gradients. We examined whether dry forests growing on low‐fertility soils were more resilient to coupled extreme drought and severe fire owing to lower tree mortality rates, higher resprouting success and persistence of juveniles relative to wetter forests on more fertile soils.LocationFire‐tolerant eucalypt forests of temperate southeastern Australia.Time period2020–2023.Major taxa studiedEucalyptus, Corymbia, Angophora.MethodsDemographic surveys of tree mortality and regeneration in all combinations of dry/wet forest, fertile/less fertile substrates exposed to extreme drought and fire were conducted. We used Bayesian regression modelling to compare tree mortality, diameter, response traits, population structure and occurrence of fire scars between substrates/forest types.ResultsOverall mortality (20%–33%) and topkill (34%–41%) were within historically reported ranges for various forests and soil types. However, we observed an atypical trend of increased mortality and topkill in the largest trees, particularly when they had structural damage from past fires. Trees in wet forests on more fertile soils had the highest levels of mortality. Numbers of persistent resprouting juveniles were highest in dry forests on low‐fertility soils. Dry forests growing on low‐fertility soils appear more resilient to compound disturbances due to lower rates of mortality and higher rates of juvenile persistence. Wet forests on more fertile soils may experience greater demographic change due to higher mortality of small and large trees.Main conclusionsMesic forests on relatively fertile soils were found to be at relatively high risk of demographic change from compound disturbances. Combined, fire and drought are likely to reduce the number of large trees in affected areas, with consequences for forest carbon cycling and storage.
Oral health self‐management barriers among rural older adults in Guangxi, China: A qualitative study
Authors: Wei Li‐Juan , Chen Chun‐Xi , Wei Ke , Mo Xiao‐Yuan , Lu Shu‐Yu , Fan De‐Jing , Wang Min , Huang Hui‐Qiao , Tao Pin‐Yue 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundObjective: To understand the barriers associated with self‐management of oral health among rural older adults in Guangxi, and to explore the high incidence of oral problems. This information will assist in the formulation of relevant strategies to solve the oral health problems in this population.MethodsTaking a phenomenological approach, the current status of, and barriers to, oral health self‐management in rural older adults from different regions of Guangxi were explored. Participants were purposively selected and interviewed face‐to‐face.ResultsThe interviews yielded four overarching themes and six corresponding sub‐themes pertaining to barriers in oral health self‐management. These included: (1) Older adults' understanding of oral health and disease, perceptions of oral health and their oral health behaviours; (2) Problems in accessing oral health information; (3) Role of family support; and (4) Barriers to healthcare that included access to dental services, oral treatment experience and financial burden of access to dental care.ConclusionRural older adults in Guangxi face oral health self‐management barriers. Improving access to oral healthcare services and changing existing oral health perceptions and habits may assist them in overcoming self‐management challenges.
Breaking barriers: Reducing inequality in higher education by understanding and addressing diverse student needs
Authors: Cadet Fabienne , Weisfeld‐Spolter Suri , Yurova Yuliya V. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe purpose of this research is to explore the differences in perceived opportunities and potential barriers leading to inequality in our higher education system. To do this, we examine differences in satisfaction and expectations that exist among college students based on three key heterogeneous characteristics – gender identity (male vs. female), major declaration (decided vs. undecided) and generation (first generation vs. non‐first generation). Six hundred twenty‐five students completed a survey about the level of importance and satisfaction with educational services at their institutions. A mixed method design including analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test differences between students. At a time where universities are working arduously to increase enrolment numbers, adjusting the strategy to cater to the unique needs of students may prove to be part of the solution and more importantly, help remove barriers to lessen the current inequalities and improve access to education for all types of students.
Impact of advertising puffery on purchase intention and brand loyalty of young adults
Authors: Punjani Krunal K. , Kumar V. V. Ravi , Mahadevan Kala 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis research study proposes a model to test the impact of advertising puffery on purchase intention and brand loyalty involving the mediating role of ad‐related factors—likability of the advertisement and attitude toward the ad‐ and brand‐related factors—brand familiarity, attitude toward the brand, and brand credibility. The inclusion of brand loyalty as an exogenous construct is an attempt to extend the existing research in the ad puffery domain. Further, a combination of ad‐related and brand‐related factors as mediators is a novel approach in the field of ad puffery. It provides insightful findings for researchers as well as practitioners. The cross‐sectional approach used in this study involved gathering data from young adult respondents (age group between 18 and 24 years) over a specific period. Results based on 330 young adult respondents revealed significant direct and mediating effects. All the ad‐related and brand‐related factors mediated the direct relationship of ad puffery with purchase intention and brand loyalty. Additionally, gender significantly moderated the direct relationship of ad puffery with purchase intention. Further, theoretical contributions, practical implications, and future research directions are discussed.