bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Concentration of heavy metals in street dust: an implication of using different geochemical background data in estimating the level of heavy metal pollution
Authors: Dytłow Sylwia , Górka-Kostrubiec Beata 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Geochemical background data are used to distinguish between the sources of heavy metal (natural or anthropogenic) and to categorize the level of heavy metal pollution. In this study, we present the results of using different geochemical backgrounds (BG1–BG3) to establish the level of heavy metal pollution in street dust in Warsaw, Poland. We applied individual and collective indicators calculated with respect to the following backgrounds: (1) upper continental crust (UCC) (BG1), (2) the regional geochemical background established for Quaternary surface deposits of the Mazovian region (Poland) (parent geological material occurring in the studied area, Warsaw, Poland) (BG2), and (3) the minimal values of the concentration of heavy metals determined for the real street dust sample collectives from Warsaw (BG3). The assessment of the heavy metals pollution of street dust significantly depended on the background values used in the calculation of individual and collective indicators. Street dust was classified as unpolluted for almost all the heavy metals based on the values of indicators calculated for UCC data. The effect of traffic-related pollution was detected more precisely based on the values of indicators calculated for BG2 and BG3. The naturally elevated concentrations of heavy metals in UCC data can be responsible for the underestimation of pollution impact in street dust. When relatively low concentration of heavy metals is only observed, the application of BG2 or BG3 background data, which better correspond to the geogenic material in street dust, allows to realistically reflect the level of pollution from moving vehicles.

Graphic abstract
Social Network Analysis of a Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) Group in Captivity Following the Integration of a New Adult Member
Authors: Díaz Sergio , Murray Lindsay , Roberts Sam G. B. , Rodway Paul 
Published: October 2020

AbstractManagement of primates in captivity often presents the challenge of introducing new individuals into a group, and research investigating the stability of the social network in the medium term after the introduction can help inform management decisions. We investigated the behavior of a group of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) housed at Chester Zoo, UK over 12 months (divided into three periods of 4 months) following the introduction of a new adult female. We recorded grooming, proximity, other affiliative behaviors, and agonistic behaviors and used social network analysis to investigate the stability, reciprocity, and structure of the group, to examine the effect of rearing history on grooming network position and the role of sex in agonistic behavior. Both the grooming and agonistic networks correlated across all three periods, while affiliative networks correlated only between periods 2 and 3. Males had significantly higher out-degree centrality in agonistic behaviors than females, indicating that they carried out agonistic behaviors more often than females. There was no significant difference in centrality between hand-reared and mother-reared chimpanzees. Overall, the group structure was stable and cohesive during the first year after the introduction of the new female, suggesting that this change did not destabilize the group. Our findings highlight the utility of social network analysis in the study of primate sociality in captivity, and how it can be used to better understand primate behavior following the integration of new individuals.
Thermochromatographic separation of 45Ti and subsequent radiosynthesis of [45Ti]salan
Authors: Giesen Kai , Spahn Ingo , Neumaier Bernd 
Published: October 2020

AbstractDue to its favorable decay properties, the non-standard radionuclide 45Ti is a promising PET isotope for tumor imaging. Additionally, titanium complexes are widely used as anti-tumor agents and 45Ti could be used to study their in vivo distribution and metabolic fate. However, although 45Ti can be obtained using the 45Sc(p,n)45Ti nuclear reaction its facile production is offset by the high oxophilicity and hydrolytic instability of Ti4+ ions in aqueous solutions, which complicate recovery from the irradiated Sc matrix. Most available 45Ti recovery procedures rely on ion exchange chromatography or solvent extraction techniques which are time-consuming, produce large final elution volumes, or, in case of solvent extraction, cannot easily be automated. Thus a more widespread application of 45Ti for PET imaging has been hampered. Here, we describe a novel, solvent-free approach for recovery of 45Ti that involves formation of [45Ti]TiCl4 by heating of an irradiated Sc target in a gas stream of chlorine, followed by thermochromatographic separation of the volatile radiometal chloride from co-produced scandium chloride and trapping of [45Ti]TiCl4 in a glass vial at − 78 °C. The recovery of 45Ti amounted to 76 ± 5% (n = 5) and the radionuclidic purity was determined to be > 99%. After trapping, the [45Ti]TiCl4 could be directly used for 45Ti-radiolabeling, as demonstrated by the successful radiosynthesis of [45Ti][Ti(2,4-salan)].
In situ measurement of neutron temperature for the extended k0 NAA at FRM II
Authors: Li Xiaosong 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe neutron temperature at different irradiation positions in the research reactor FRM II was measured using thermometer labels together with lutetium standards. This was the first time to measure the local temperature at the irradiation positions with this combination. The simplified Westcott formalism was used to calculate the neutron temperature using Lu and g(Tn) factors from different data sources. The results showed agreement between neutron temperature according to the Lu method and the temperature showed on the labels. They can be used as a reliable alternative to determine the neutron temperature instead of using Lu standards in the extended k0 NAA.
Gross alpha/beta activity concentrations in spa and mineral waters in North Vietnam
Authors: Duong Hao Van , Le Huy Luong , Nguyen Duong Thanh , Vu Ngoc Minh , Duong Trung H. , Hegedűs Miklós , Peka Anita , Kovács Tibor 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThere is little available information on the radioactivity concentrations in the thermal and drinking water sources in North Vietnam. In the current study, the gross alpha and gross beta activity concentrations were determined in 8 water sources in the area. The average activities of gross alpha and beta in the 8 sources are 38.7 mBq L− 1 and 88.0 mBq L− 1. These activity concentrations are lower than WHO recommendations for drinking water. In this study, the gross alpha and gross beta show a weak correlation.
Validation of the Hungarian version of the CarerQol instrument in informal caregivers: results from a cross-sectional survey among the general population in Hungary
Authors: Baji Petra , Brouwer Werner B. F. , van Exel Job , Golicki Dominik , Prevolnik Rupel Valentina , Zrubka Zsombor , Gulácsi László , Brodszky Valentin , Rencz Fanni , Péntek Márta 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Purpose
The CarerQol instrument has been designed and validated as an instrument able to measure both the positive and the negative impacts of caregiving on the quality of life of informal caregivers (CarerQol-7D), as well as their general happiness (CarerQol-VAS). The aim of this study was to assess the construct validity of the CarerQol in the Hungarian context.

Methods
The CarerQol was translated into Hungarian. Subsequently, in a cross-sectional online survey, representative for the general Hungarian population (N = 1000), informal caregivers were identified (N = 149, female 51.2%, mean age 53.2). Clinical, convergent and discriminant validity of the CarerQol were evaluated in relation to the caregivers’ and care recipients’ EQ-5D-5L health status, and caregiving situation characteristics.

Results
Average CarerQol-7D and CarerQol-VAS scores were 76.0 (SD 16.2) and 6.8 (SD 2.3), respectively. CarerQol-7D and CarerQol-VAS scores were significantly correlated with caregiving time (r = − 0.257; − 0.212), caregivers’ EQ-5D-5L scores (r = 0.453; 0.326) and the CarerQol-7D also with care recipients’ EQ-5D-5L scores (r = 0.247). CarerQol-7D scores differed significantly with relevant caregiving characteristics (e.g. nature and severity of care recipients’ health status, sharing household) and both the CarerQol-7D and CarerQol-VAS with the overall care experience.

Conclusion
Our findings confirmed the validity of the Hungarian language version of the CarerQol and support the cross-cultural validity of the instrument. CarerQol-7D scores performed better in distinguishing caregiving situation characteristics than the general happiness measure CarerQol-VAS. Care recipients’ health status was only weakly associated with informal caregivers’ care-related quality of life and happiness. Caregivers’ own health and caregiving circumstances were more strongly associated with these scores.
Earnings beta
Authors: Ellahie Atif 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe literature on cash flow or earnings beta is theoretically well-motivated in its use of fundamentals, instead of returns, to measure systematic risk. However, empirical measures of earnings beta based on either log-linearizing the return equation or log-linearizing the clean-surplus accounting identity are often difficult to construct. I construct simple earnings betas based on various measures of realized and expected earnings and find that an earnings beta based on price-scaled expectations shocks performs consistently well in explaining the cross-section of returns over 1981–2017. I also examine the relation between different measures of beta and several firm characteristics that are either theoretically connected to systematic risk or are empirically associated with returns and find evidence in support of the construct validity of an earnings beta based on price-scaled expectations shocks. Overall, the findings suggest that this easy-to-construct earnings beta can be suitable for future researchers requiring a measure of systematic risk.
Assessing Community Contributions to Sustainable Food Systems: Dietitians Leverage Practice, Process and Paradigms
Authors: Carlsson Liesel , Callaghan Edith , Broman Göran 
Published: October 2020

AbstractFood systems are not sustainable, and efforts to address this are paralyzed by the complex networks of food system actors and factors that interact across sectoral and geographic scales. Actions at the community level can positively contribute toward globally sustainable food systems (SFS). Assessing such contributions has two central challenges: 1) a lack of methods that support alignment between communities and across scales, balanced against the need to involve the community in developing relevant indicators; and 2) the absence of adequate, fine grained data relevant to the community. Addressing these two challenges, this paper illustrates a proposed procedure that supports community engagement with, and assessment of, their contributions. Engaged by a community of Canadian dietitians, researchers used the Delphi Inquiry method, guided by the Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development, to address the first challenge, and causal loop diagrams informed by the Cultural Adaptation Template to address the second. Indicators were developed for dietitian-identified actions and outcomes for SFS. Modeling indicator interactions provide insight into how some actions are influenced by and reinforce the value placed on SFS within the professional cultural paradigm, as well as priority areas for action and measurement. Process-oriented assessment is useful in the context of partial and subjective understandings of a dynamic system, and supports continual adjustment in action. This article offers theoretical and practical insight for community engagement in addressing some of the systemic challenges in food systems. It accommodates community-based knowledge, applies process-indicators, and emphasizes the importance of cultural paradigms as a driving force of community-level actions, and overall system change. Under current conditions, facilitating SFS literacy among dietitians can amplify adaptations for broader SFS development.
Measure Differential Inclusions: Existence Results and Minimum Problems
Authors: Di Piazza Luisa , Marraffa Valeria , Satco Bianca 
Published: October 2020

AbstractWe focus on a very general problem in the theory of dynamic systems, namely that of studying measure differential inclusions with varying measures. The multifunction on the right hand side has compact non-necessarily convex values in a real Euclidean space and satisfies bounded variation hypotheses with respect to the Pompeiu excess (and not to the Hausdorff-Pompeiu distance, as usually in literature). This is possible due to the use of interesting selection principles for excess bounded variation set-valued mappings. Conditions for the minimization of a generic functional with respect to a family of measures generated by equiregulated left-continuous, nondecreasing functions and to associated solutions of the differential inclusion driven by these measures are deduced, under constraints only on the initial point of the trajectory.
Optimized sample preparation for fecal volatile organic compound analysis by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry
Authors: el Manouni el Hassani Sofia , Soers Ruud J. , Berkhout Daniel J. C. , Niemarkt Hendrik J. , Weda Hans , Nijsen Tamara , Benninga Marc A. , de Boer Nanne K. H. , de Meij Tim G. J. , Knobel Hugo H. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Introduction
Headspace gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-GC–MS) is widely considered the gold standard of quantitative fecal VOC analysis. However, guidelines providing general recommendations for bioanalytical method application in research and clinical setting are lacking.

Objectives
To propose an evidence-based research protocol for fecal VOC analysis by HS-GC–MS, based on extensive testing of instrumental and sampling conditions on detection and quantification limits, linearity, accuracy and repeatability of VOC outcome.

Methods
The influence of the following variables were assessed: addition of different salt solutions, injection temperature, injection speed, injection volume, septum use, use of calibration curves and fecal sample mass. Ultimately, the optimal sample preparation was assessed using fecal samples from healthy preterm infants. Fecal VOC analysis in this specific population has potential as diagnostic biomarkers, but available amount of feces is limited here, so optimization of VOC extraction is of importance.

Results
We demonstrated that addition of lithium chloride enhanced the release of polar compounds (e.g. small alcohols) into the headspace. Second, a linear relationship between injection volume, speed and temperature, and fecal sample mass on the abundance of VOC was demonstrated. Furthermore, the use of a septum preserved 90% of the non-polar compounds. By application of optimal instrumental and sampling conditions, a maximum of 320 unique compounds consisting of 14 different chemical classes could be detected.

Conclusions
These findings may contribute to standardized analysis of fecal VOC by HS-GC–MS, facilitating future application of fecal VOC in clinical practice.
Capability of social life cycle assessment for analyzing the artisanal small-scale gold mining sector—case study in the Amazonian rainforest in Brazil
Authors: Springer Sally K. , Peregovich Bernhard G. , Schmidt Mario 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Purpose
Gold extraction in the Amazonian rainforest is accompanied by ecological threats and social grievances, but at the same time, the artisanal small-scale gold mining sector (ASGM) provides a livelihood for many people. To address this tradeoff, this paper analyzed the social aspects and their possible relations by conducting a case study based on a Social Life Cycle Assessment (SLCA). This study seeks to determine whether SLCA is capable of reflecting the sector.

Method
A literature-based guideline was used for collecting primary data during several field trips to the Tapajós Region in Brazil. This research instrument constituted the basis for information-oriented interviews and on-site observations. The SLCA categories used in this study were based on the United Nations Environment Programme and the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (UNEP/SETAC) guidelines and the categories in the Fairmined Standard. In addition, secondary data obtained from the literature were used to provide insights into the sector. The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis with both deductive and inductive approaches.

Results and discussion
This study described the social aspects of the ASGM sector in the Tapajós Region, including the absence of the state, the illegality and informality of mining operations, the remote and rural area, and the organizational structure. In addition, the extraction methods, poor working conditions, and difficult living conditions were considered. Certain characteristics of the industry like unstable payments, worker movements, and low education levels were recognized, and thus, the relations among the social categories and rebound effects were identified. Several issues were proven to be key factors: unstable payments, autonomy, and the rebound effects of excavators. Complex relations among social issues but also towards ecological and economic issues do exist. The suitability of using the SLCA to reflect the ASGM sector was tested on this basis.

Conclusion
In some respects, the SLCA had limitations, e.g., due to the nonlinear relation between working hours and the amount of extracted gold. The impacts of technology depend on the underlying definition that is used. The current lack of cause-effect models impedes the assessment of an overall picture that considers the relations among the social aspects and other elements of sustainability. A holistic view must be applied if ecological problems are to be solved.
Investigation of Structural Transformations During the Manufacturing of Expanded Snacks for Reformulation Purposes
Authors: van der Sman R. G. M. , Williams J. , Bows J. R. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn this paper, we investigate the functionality of potato-based ingredients present in indirectly expanded snacks via careful analysis of their transformation during processing. This research is driven by the desire of industry to develop similar snacks for upcoming markets, where the potato-based ingredients are replaced by other starch sources, which are locally available and at a lower cost. For a range of reformulated snacks, the transformations of starchy ingredients are analysed with a wide variety of experimental methods, like DSC, XRD, and XRT. Our analysis shows that ingredients undergo little transformations during extrusion, which is indeed intended to be mild. During frying native tuber starches (potato and tapioca starch) fully gelatinize, while cereal starches show little gelatinization and swelling. Despite the gelatinization of tuber starches, the particulate character of ingredients is retained. Replacement of pregelatinized potato starch with other starches shows little change in structure. The evolution of the structure of the reformulated snacks are analysed with the CDS formalism. We conclude that gel formers and hard fillers present in the analysed formulations had little functionality regarding texture or structure. For texture, it appears to be required that the matrix composes of a bicontinuous structure of soft fillers, namely gelatinized tuber starches and potato dehydrates. Both these ingredients can be replaced by other tuber-starch sources if the aggregation of the two soft fillers can be prevented. Commercial availability of tuber flours can still be an issue.
Detection of vertebral fracture in an acute hospital setting: an intervention to reduce future fracture risk through fracture liaison service intervention?
Authors: Toal Michael , McLoughlin Connor , Pierce Nicole , Moss Julie , English Sarah , Lindsay John R 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Summary

We introduced a standardised reporting system in the radiology department to highlight vertebral fractures and to signpost fracture prevention services. Our quality improvement project achieved improved fracture reporting, access to the FLS service, bone density assessment and anti-fracture treatment.

Purpose
Identification of vertebral fragility fractures (VF) provides an opportunity to identify individuals at high risk who might benefit from secondary fracture prevention. We sought to standardise VF reporting and to signpost fracture prevention services. Our aim was to improve rates of VF detection and access to our fracture liaison service (FLS).

Methods
We introduced a standardised reporting tool within the radiology department to flag VFs with signposting for referral for bone densitometry (DXA) and osteoporosis assessment in line with Royal Osteoporosis Society guidelines. We monitored uptake of VF reporting during a quality improvement phase and case identification within the FLS service.

Results
Recruitment of individuals with VF to the FLS service increased from a baseline of 63 cases in 2017 (6%) to 95 (8%) in 2018 and 157 (8%) in 2019 and to 102 (12%) in the first 6 months of 2020 (p = 0.001). One hundred fifty-three patients with VFs were identified during the QI period (56 males; 97 females). Use of the terminology ‘fracture’ increased to 100% (mean age 70 years; SD 13) in computed tomography (n = 110), plain X-ray (n = 37) or magnetic resonance imaging (n = 6) reports within the cohort. Signposting to DXA and osteoporosis assessment was included in all reports (100%). DXA was arranged for 103/153; 12 failed to attend. Diagnostic categories were osteoporosis (31%), osteopenia (36%) or normal bone density (33%). A new prescription for bone protection therapy was issued in 63/153. Twelve of the series died during follow-up.

Conclusions
Standardisation of radiology reporting systems facilitates reporting of prevalent vertebral fractures and supports secondary fracture prevention strategies.
The correlation between white matter integrity and pragmatic language processing in first episode schizophrenia
Authors: Pawełczyk Agnieszka , Łojek Emila , Żurner Natalia , Gawłowska-Sawosz Marta , Gębski Piotr , Pawełczyk Tomasz 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjective: Higher-order language disturbances could be the result of white matter tract abnormalities. The study explores the relationship between white matter and pragmatic skills in first-episode schizophrenia.Methods:Thirty-four first-episode patients with schizophrenia and 32 healthy subjects participated in a pragmatic language and Diffusion Tensor Imaging study, where fractional anisotropy of the arcuate fasciculus, corpus callosum and cingulum was correlated with the Polish version of the Right Hemisphere Language Battery.Results:The patients showed reduced fractional anisotropy in the right arcuate fasciculus, left anterior cingulum bundle and left forceps minor. Among the first episode patients, reduced understanding of written metaphors correlated with reduced fractional anisotropy of left forceps minor, and greater explanation of written and picture metaphors correlated with reduced fractional anisotropy of the left anterior cingulum.Conclusions: The white matter dysfunctions may underlie the pragmatic language impairment in schizophrenia. Our results shed further light on the functional neuroanatomical basis of pragmatic language use by patients with schizophrenia.