bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatiotemporal changes of the aridity index in Xinjiang over the past 60 years
Authors: Wu Xiulan , Zhang Cunjie , Dong Siyan , Hu Jiahui , Tong Xinyi , Zheng Xiannian 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe Aridity Index (AI), calculated from 99 homogeneous meteorological stations from 1961 to 2020, was used to analyze the variation of dryness/wetness climate change in Xinjiang in the past 60 years. The results show that the annual AI in Xinjiang has demonstrated a significant decreasing trend over the past 60 years; that is, the climate in Xinjiang, especially southern Xinjiang, has shown a relatively wetting trend. The interdecadal variations from the 1960s to 2010s explained that the total station ratio of arid and extremely arid areas showed a decreasing trend. In contrast, the semi-arid, humid, and semi-humid areas showed increasing trends, especially since the beginning of the twenty-first century. The interdecadal spatial evolution characteristics show that Xinjiang’s dryness/wetness climate reversed in the 1990s. An abrupt change in the annual AI occurred in 1986, after which the study region was continuously wetting. The first empirical orthogonal function (EOF) decomposition mode is consistent in Xinjiang; that is, the climate in Xinjiang is generally dry or wet, and the intensity of this change varies among different regions. The second mode reflects the opposite spatial distribution characteristics of the dryness/wetness climate in southern and northern Xinjiang with the Tianshan Mountains. Dryness/wetness climate changes in Xinjiang mainly exhibit 2.5-year and 6-year oscillation periods, between which the 6-year period is even more significant.
The Role of Religion and Spirituality in Adapting Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Black American Communities: A Scoping Review
Authors: Haidar Andrea , Nwosisi Ekene , Burnett-Zeigler Inger 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Objectives
Pilot studies have demonstrated the preliminary effectiveness and acceptability of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) with Black Americans. However, qualitative evidence suggests that some participants perceive discordance between mindfulness and religion/spirituality. This presents a potentially significant barrier to MBI engagement given the centrality of religion/spirituality for many Black Americans. This scoping review examines Black Americans’ perceptions of MBIs and adaptations they have proposed to MBIs in relation to their religion/spirituality.

Method
A scoping review search was conducted using PubMed, PsycInfo, and Scopus databases. Peer-reviewed journal articles utilizing a qualitative methodology to examine perceptions of mindfulness or MBIs with samples comprised of greater than 75% Black American adults were included. Key study characteristics were extracted and mapped onto a literature table, including sample composition, study design, and themes and adaptations related to religion/spirituality.

Results
The literature search yielded 571 studies, 18 of which met inclusion criteria. Although participants across the studies generally perceived mindfulness as culturally acceptable and potentially beneficial, responses varied in how they viewed mindfulness in relation to religion/spirituality. Some participants viewed mindfulness as complementary to religion/spirituality, while other participants viewed it as potentially conflicting. Adaptations related to religion/spirituality proposed by participants included using culturally familiar language, addressing religious/spiritual concerns, implementing MBIs in churches, and spiritually tailoring MBIs for groups in faith-based settings.

Conclusions
Religion and spirituality are important to consider when adapting MBIs for Black Americans. The themes and proposed adaptations identified suggest areas for future research on aligning MBIs with the religious/spiritual contexts of Black Americans.

Preregistration
This study is not pre-registered.
Hepaticojejunostomy with gastric access loop versus conventional hepaticojejunostomy: a randomized trial
Authors: Raafat Mohamad , Morsy Morsy M. , Mohamed Salah I. , Hamad Mostafa A. , Sayed Mostafa M. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractRoux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (RYHJ) with the provision of “gastric access loop” was developed to shorten the distance traveled by the endoscope to reach hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) anastomotic site. The aim of our study was to assess modified RYHJ with gastric access loop (RYHJ-GA) and compare it with conventional RYHJ (RYHJ-C) regarding short- and long-term outcomes and, moreover, to evaluate the feasibility and results of future endoscopic access of the modified bilio-enteric anastomosis. Patients eligible for RYHJ between September 2017 and December 2019 were allocated randomly to receive either RYHJ-C or RYHJ-GA. Fifty-two patients were randomly assigned to RYHJ-C (n = 26) or RYHJ-GA (n = 26). Three cases in RYHJ-C and 4 cases in RYHJ- GA developed HJ anastomotic stricture (HJAS) (P=0.68). 3 cases of RYHJ-GA had successful endoscopic dilation and balloon sweeping of biliary mud (one case) or stones (2 cases). Revisional surgery was needed in 2 cases of RYHJ-C and 1 case in RYHJ-GA (P=0.68). Modified RYHJ with gastric access loop is comparable to the classic hepaticojejunostomy regarding complications. However, gastric access enables easy endoscopic access for the management of future HJAS. This modification should be considered in patients with a high risk of HJAS during long-term follow-up.The trial registration number (TRN) and date of registration:ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03252379), August 17, 2017.
Engaging in covariational reasoning when modelling a real phenomenon: the case of the psychrometric chart
Authors: Bagossi Sara 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe mathematical modelling of a real-life phenomenon is an elaborated activity, and it often requires complex forms of covariational reasoning, such as second-order covariation. This study aims to characterize how students use several forms of covariational reasoning when modelling a real-life phenomenon. To achieve this research goal, it is proposed the analysis of a teaching experiment conducted in an 11th-grade classroom and focused on the mathematical modelling of the relationship between three quantities, temperature, absolute humidity, and relative humidity, which is mathematically represented in the psychrometric chart. The qualitative analysis was focused on covariational reasoning and the students’ processes of mathematical modelling of the real-life phenomenon under investigation. Findings from five representative episodes showed an interlacing of several forms of covariational reasoning, the emergence of qualitative, quantitative, and global characterizations of covariational reasoning, and three different roles of covariation throughout the various steps of the modelling activities. From an educational point of view, the modelling activities described here offer practical insights for the design of activities aimed at promoting the modelling of real-life phenomena through a covariational approach.
Landscape Connectivity For Wildlife and Water: The State of the Literature
Authors: DeFries Ruth , Parashar Satvik , Neelakantan Amrita , Clark Benjamin , Krishnaswamy Jagdish 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Purpose of Review
The science of landscape connectivity is widely applied to identify corridors for wildlife movement through unprotected areas. Where corridors coincide with forested or vegetated headwater catchments, they can contribute to blue water security for downstream users and recycle precipitation through green water flux to the larger region. This review examines the extent to which hydrology is recognized within studies on wildlife corridors. We illustrate the synergy between wildlife corridors and water security in the Central Indian Highlands, a globally important region for tiger (Panthera tigris) conservation and the water tower for five major rivers.

Recent Findings
We find that a growing but still minor component of the literature on landscape connectivity addresses hydrology. Out of 127 publications on landscape connectivity that address both hydrology and wildlife, 50% were published after 2015 and hydrology-related words appear more frequently in abstracts over time (27% in 1993–2003 and 45% in 2014–2023 of most frequently used words) The case study illustrates potential synergies for water security and conservation, with areas for wildlife connectivity twice as rugged, three times more forested, and about 1.8 times denser with small streams than other areas in the landscape. About half of the area identified for landscape connectivity overlaps with catchment areas for five major dams.

Summary
Freshwater resources and water security are vital in human-dominated landscapes such as central India. A holistic view of landscape connectivity beyond wildlife provides practitioners with additional rationale for conserving these areas to maintain water resources that are directly relevant to people living in the landscape.
Stakeholder perceptions on climate change impacts and adaptation actions in Greece
Authors: Sebos Ioannis , Nydrioti Ioanna , Katsiardi Pipina , Assimacopoulos Dionysis 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe scientific evidence clearly demonstrates that human activity plays a significant role in the changes to the world's climate, and it is crucial to take adaptive actions to mitigate the impacts of these changes. Effective climate adaptation requires raising awareness among a variety of key stakeholders, such as executives and staff in the public and private sectors, while assessing the incentives and actions they undertake and allowing them to act at various levels of engagement, ranging from global to local. The aim of this study was to investigate the levels of awareness, perceived values, recommendations and expectations regarding climate change among key actors in Greece, focusing on the consequences of climate change in the country and the concurrent adaptation actions taken by stakeholders. A web-based survey was designed and conducted, and responses were systematically collected, categorized and analyzed. The key stakeholders believed that planning and implementing adaptation measures are crucial in addressing and minimizing the impacts of climate change. However, it was also noted that these plans and measures alone are insufficient to counteract the long-term, devastating consequences of climate change in Greece, and more comprehensive and targeted measures must be adopted. It was also concluded that the main obstacle to addressing and adapting to climate change in terms of public policy planning in Greece is the lack of human and financial resources, particularly among public institutions.
Mega-eco projects: a global assessment of large-scale ecological restoration initiatives
Authors: Levinthal Robert , Weller Richard 
Published: August 2023

AbstractOne way to address the crises of climate change and biodiversity loss is the rapid deployment of so-called nature-based solutions (NbS). Coined in 2008, NbS have become exceedingly popular, with many calling to upscale these works. However, many large-scale ecological restoration and construction endeavors already exist. To capture these projects, this paper coins and defines a new term, the “mega-eco project” and identifies roughly 250 examples worldwide as material evidence. This paper explains what constitutes a mega-eco project and organizes the examples into four typological categories: connectivity, anti-desertification, watershed, and metropolitan projects. Although our primary concern is with contemporary and emerging mega-eco projects, we also show that mega-eco projects have a history and not all of it is good. It is important to consider mega-eco projects in this light because one of their distinguishing characteristics is that when set against the backdrop of environmental crises, many view these projects as virtuous, benevolent undertakings. While we agree with this sentiment and believe mega-eco projects have the potential for a profound shift in how industrialized humans treat the environment, this introductory analysis is part of a more extensive study aimed at identifying best practices to distinguish them from cases of greenwashing and exploitation.
The three-dimensional coupling mechanism in scoliosis and its consequences for correction
Authors: Costa Lorenzo , Schlosser Tom P. C. , Seevinck Peter , Kruyt Moyo C. , Castelein René M. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Introduction
In idiopathic scoliosis, the anterior spinal column has rotated away from the midline and has become longer through unloading and expansion of the intervertebral discs. Theoretically, extension of the spine in the sagittal plane should provide room for this longer anterior spinal column, allowing it to swing back towards the midline in the coronal and axial plane, thus reducing both the Cobb angle and the apical vertebral rotation.

Methods
In this prospective experimental study, ten patients with primary thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) underwent MRI (BoneMRI and cVISTA sequences) in supine as well as in an extended position by placing a broad bolster, supporting both hemi-thoraces, under the scoliotic apex. Differences in T4–T12 kyphosis angle, coronal Cobb angle, vertebral rotation, as well as shape of the intervertebral disc and shape and position of the nucleus pulposus, were analysed and compared between the two positions.

Results
Extension reduced T4–T12 thoracic kyphosis by 10° (p < 0.001), the coronal Cobb angle decreased by 9° (p < 0.001) and vertebral rotation by 4° (p = 0.036). The coronal wedge shape of the disc significantly normalized and the wedged and lateralized nucleus pulposus partially reduced to a more symmetrical position.

Conclusion
Simple extension of the scoliotic spine leads to a reduction of the deformity in the coronal and axial plane. The shape of the disc normalizes and the eccentric nucleus pulposus partially moves back to the midline.
Use of Rapid Antigen Detection Tests Versus Viral Culture in De-isolation Decision-Making for Critically Ill Patients Infected with Omicron B.1.1.529
Authors: Alshukairi Abeer N. , Dada Ashraf , Aldabbagh Yasser , Saeedi Mohammed F. , El-Kafrawy Sherif A. , Hassan Ahmed M. , Alandijany Thamir A. , Al Hroub Mohammad K. , Alraddadi Basem M. , Khalid Imran , Albishi Ghadeer E. , Qutub Mohammed , El-Saed Aiman , Al-Tawfiq Jaffar A. , Alhamlan Fatimah S. , Azhar Esam I. , Al-Omari Awad 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
COVID-19 vaccination effectively decreased hospitalization and mortality during the surge of infections with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant. However, patients infected with the Omicron variant who did not receive a third COVID-19 vaccine booster often required critical care unit (CCU) admission. The CCU bed utilization of COVID-19 posed a worldwide burden. The decision to stop isolation of patients with COVID-19 in CCUs is challenging, given the variable viral shedding in heterogeneous patient populations. Rapid antigen detection tests (RADTs) have been used in communities to determine patients’ infectiousness and need for quarantine. However, the use of RADTs in the de-isolation of CCU patients had not been studied.

Methods
Serial RADTs, RT-PCR and viral culturing were performed in a case series of three critically ill patients infected with Omicron variants.

Results
The duration of infectious viral shedding was 13–46 days post symptom onset (PSO). Concordant negative results were observed between RADTs and viral cultures on D32 PSO in case 1; D13 and D15 PSO in case 2; and D46 and D48 PSO in case 3. In addition, concordant positive results were found between RADTs and viral cultures on D35 PSO in case 2. Significant agreement was observed between RADT and viral culture findings (kappa statistic = 1.0 and p-value = 0.014).

Conclusion
Given their high positive predictive value with respect to positive viral cultures, RADTs may be a promising and practical tool for ending isolation of patients with COVID-19 and decreasing the burden of CCU bed utilization. Future studies are necessary to confirm our findings.
O-GlcNAcylation Modification in Immune Cells: Potential Therapeutic Implications of Sepsis
Authors: Huang ZhenZhen , Qin YuanMei 
Published: August 2023

AbstractO-GlcNAc modification is a glycosylation modification that is commonly observed in nuclear and organelle proteins of cells. In recent years, several studies have shown that O-GlcNAc modification plays an important regulatory role in immune cells, which regulates their activity and function and inhibits inflammatory responses. It also enhances immune cells recognition and clearance of pathogens, and improves the host´s antibacterial immune response. Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response to infection, whose development and progression are regulated by the immune system. Therefore, in the present review, we will discuss the mechanism of O-GlcNAc modification in immune cells and its potential therapeutic value in sepsis, which will be expected to provide new insights and targets for the treatment of sepsis.
Testing the robustness of a structural model for discerning use and non-use values of ecosystem services
Authors: Kim Hyunjung , Lupi Frank 
Published: August 2023

AbstractA theoretically consistent structural model facilitates definition and measurement of use and non-use benefits of ecosystem services. Unlike many previous approaches that utilize multiple stated choice situations, we apply this conceptual framework to a travel cost random utility model and a consequential single referendum contingent valuation research design for simultaneously estimating use and non-use willingness to pay for environmental quality improvement. We employ Monte Carlo generated data to evaluate properties of key parameters and examine the robustness of this method of measuring use and non-use values associated with quality change. The simulation study confirms that this new method, combined with simulated revealed and stated preference data can generally, but not always, be applied to successfully identify use and non-use values of various ecosystems while consistency is ensured.
Counting the cost of inequality
Authors: Mayhew Les 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAn ageing population increases pressure on health and social care, welfare payments and pensions in public funded systems. There is no simple measure linking population health to economic disadvantage or the resulting tax burden. We imagine a situation in which local areas are responsible for financing their own public services. We hypothesize a local tax is levied to cover healthcare costs, welfare benefits for those who are sick, and pensions. We partition the costs based on years spent in ill health, disability and pensionable years over the life course using the average costs per person per year for each. We argue that area differences in tax rates provide a summary measure of inequality since a higher tax burden would fall on areas least able to afford it. We show that a one year improvement in healthy life expectancy would add 4.5 months to life expectancy (LE) and 3.4 months to working lives whilst reducing taxes by around 0.5%. We cast doubt on the target to increase health expectancy by five years by 2035; however, were it to be achieved it would add 23 months to LE, 17 months to work expectancy and reduce taxes by 2.4%.
Survival analysis of longitudinal data: the case of English population aged 50 and over
Authors: Qazvini Marjan 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThis study considers data from 5 waves of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA). We aim to study the impact of demographic and self-rated health variables including disability and diseases on the survival of the population aged 50+. The disability variables that we consider are mobility impairment, difficulties in performing Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL). One of the problems with the survey study is missing observations. This may happen due to different reasons, such as errors, nonresponse and temporary withdrawals. We address this problem by applying single and multiple imputation methods. We then fit a Generalized Linear model (GLM) and Generalized Linear Mixed model (GLMM) to our data and show that a GLMM performs better than a GLM in terms of information criteria. We also look at the predictability of our models in terms of the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and the area of ROC, i.e. AUC. We conclude that among the disability factors, IADL and among the diseases, cancer significantly affect the survival of the English population aged 50 and older.
Resilience in a time of crisis: how COVID-19 pandemic insights are supporting a vibrant longevity risk transfer market
Authors: Kessler Amy 
Published: August 2023

AbstractPension risk transfer and longevity risk transfer are now growing secular trends. From North America to Europe, companies are de-risking pension plans in near-record volumes and have continued to boldly do so throughout the pandemic—at or near the most favorable pricing experienced in years. The arrival of funded reinsurance on both sides of the Atlantic is bringing reinsurer capital and private assets to support the steady growth in the pension risk transfer market. Additionally, we have observed that the enduring low-rate environment and quest for uncorrelated risk has the world's largest investors directing billions into life reinsurance sidecars. How have these markets thrived during the worst global outbreak in a century? Key research on the pandemic's impact on pensioner life expectancy allowed prices to be set and transactions to proceed through a time of significant uncertainty.
Accounting for COVID-19-type shocks in mortality modeling: a comparative study
Authors: Schnürch Simon , Kleinow Torsten , Wagner Andreas 
Published: August 2023

AbstractMortality shocks such as the one induced by the COVID-19 pandemic have substantial impact on mortality models. We describe how to deal with them in the period effect of the Lee–Carter model. The main idea is to not rely on the usual normal distribution assumption as it is not always justified. We consider a mixture distribution model based on the peaks-over-threshold method, a jump model, and a regime switching model and introduce a modified calibration procedure to account for the fact that varying amounts of data are necessary for calibrating different parts of these models. We perform an extensive empirical study for nine European countries, comparing the models with respect to their parameters, quality of fit, and forecasting performance. Moreover, we define five exemplary scenarios regarding the future development of pandemic-related mortality. As a result of our evaluations, we recommend the peaks-over-threshold approach for applications with a possibility of extreme mortality events.