bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of hippotherapy on gait symmetry in children with cerebral palsy: A pilot study
Authors: Mutoh Tomoko , Mutoh Tatsushi , Tsubone Hirokazu , Takada Makoto , Doumura Misato , Ihara Masayo , Shimomura Hideo , Taki Yasuyuki , Ihara Masahiro 
Published: February 2019

SummaryWe aimed to investigate the effect of hippotherapy on gait symmetry in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Twelve children with Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels II−IV received weekly hippotherapy lesson for 1 year. Gait analyses were performed during a 5‐m walking test, using a portable, tri‐axial accelerometer‐based motion recorder. The baseline symmetry index derived from the Lissajous index (LI) figure before hippotherapy was greater than the LI in age‐matched normal subjects (P < 0.01). Hippotherapy was associated with a decreased LI (−10.4 ± 4.9%, P = 0.018) and an improved GMFCS score (−0.6 ± 0.7, P = 0.02). These data suggest that hippotherapy has a beneficial effect on symmetry of the trunk movement in children with CP.
Component skills of reading and their structural relations: evidence from three sub‐Saharan African languages with transparent orthographies
Authors: Kim Young‐Suk Grace , Piper Benjamin 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundWe examined the component skills of reading comprehension (i.e., letter sound knowledge, syllable reading fluency, decoding fluency, text or oral reading fluency and listening comprehension) and their structural relations using data from three sub‐Saharan African languages with transparent orthographies in a multilingual context.MethodsData from Kiswahili (N = 946), Kikamba (N = 444) and Lubukusu (N = 499) reading assessments at the end of Grade 2 in Kenya were analysed using path analyses.ResultsThe magnitudes of the relations were similar across the three languages with some differences amongst the languages. Total effects (regression weights), accounting for direct and indirect effects, varied across the component skills: text reading fluency (0.73 to 0.77), decoding fluency (0.49 to 0.82), letter sound knowledge (0.44 to 0.45), syllable reading fluency (−0.12 to 0.16) and listening comprehension (0.08 to 0.23).ConclusionsThe results indicate similar reading mechanisms across the three sub‐Saharan languages.
Getting along with danger? Place attachment, employment relationship, and protective behaviour responses
Authors: Hou Guanghui , Chen Tong , Zhang Qin , Wang Ying , Yuan Ying 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis study aims to explain a commonly overlooked risk phenomenon where a community living around a hazardous facility adapts itself to the dangers posed by the facility. A survey of 434 residents was administered in the community around the Botian chemical plant in Tianjin, China. Hierarchical regression analyses indicate that place attachment negatively predicts intention to move away and positively predicts intention to protest. Moreover, it negatively moderates the relationship between risk perception and intention to move away. Employment relationship negatively affects intention to move and protest, and it negatively (positively) moderates the relationship between risk perception and intention to move (intention to protest). The total effects of place attachment and employment relationship weaken the positive effect of risk perception on protective responses.
Workplace wellbeing in an urban emergency department in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Kumar Rishi , Pio Fofoa , Brewer Julianne , Frampton Christopher , Nicholls Mike 
Published: February 2019

AbstractObjectivesStaff wellbeing is important for individuals and considered integral to the development and maintenance of high performing health systems. Unless baseline parameters of wellbeing are known, the effects of any interventions to improve staff wellbeing will remain uncertain. By clarifying staff perceptions and objective measures of important factors related to wellbeing, our primary goal was to assess the baseline wellbeing of staff in our central city ED.MethodsA survey template, the WoWe@AED (Workplace Wellbeing at the Adult Emergency Department) was developed from several sources. Burnout was measured using the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory. Inclusion in the survey required that participants worked in our ED, all staff groups were eligible. The electronic survey was conducted between 22 January and 5 February 2018. Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed.ResultsTwo hundred and seventy (71.1%) of 380 potential participants participated. All staff groups were represented. About 72.4% agreed/strongly agreed that Adult Emergency Department was an excellent place to work, 80.7% found their work meaningful. About 42.0% felt well informed regarding important decisions. One hundred and eighty‐three (48.2%) out of 380 completed the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory. Overall, personal burnout was 42.1% (n = 77), work‐related burnout was 35% (n = 64) and client‐related burnout was 27.9% (n = 51). Females were significantly (<0.05) more likely to have burnout in some or all domains. Four key themes were identified: supportive teamwork and relationships; providing high quality patient care; resourcing; and workload issues.ConclusionsBaseline indices of wellbeing of the frontline staff in a central city ED have been documented. These have informed wellbeing interventions. Future measures can be compared against these data.
Thailand Smart Cities: What is the Path to Success?
Authors: Taweesaengsakulthai Suradech , Laochankham Sirisak , Kamnuansilpa Peerasit , Wongthanavasu Supawatanakorn 
Published: February 2019

OverviewThe smart city, seen at the end of the 20th century in the West, has become a national policy strategy for social and economic development in Thailand in the first decade of this century. While the central government is overseeing and financially supporting designated cities in Thailand, key business and community leaders in Khon Kaen City have worked diligently but have not yet received all the necessary approvals from the central government for locally‐based smart city initiatives. We demonstrate that direction without a clear policy statement will not produce the intended results. Moreover, the highly centralized bureaucratic management style may result in lost opportunities for Thailand to improve life for its citizens. Thailand needs to completely and successfully overhaul its political system in order to pave the way for a functional democracy, good governance, and responsive bureaucracy before its implementation of smart city policy will produce maximum benefits.
The spatial configuration of taxonomic biodiversity along a tropical elevational gradient: α‐, β‐, and γ‐partitions
Authors: Willig Michael R. , Presley Steven J. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBiodiversity at larger spatial scales (γ) can be driven by within‐site partitions (α), with little variation in composition among locations, or can be driven by among‐site partitions (β) that signal the importance of spatial heterogeneity. For tropical elevational gradients, we determined the (a) extent to which variation in γ is driven by α‐ or β‐partitions; (b) elevational form of the relationship for each partition; and (c) extent to which elevational gradients are molded by zonation in vegetation or by gradual variation in climatic or abiotic characteristics. We sampled terrestrial gastropods along two transects in the Luquillo Mountains. One passed through multiple vegetation zones (tabonuco, palo colorado, and elfin forests), and one passed through only palm forest. We quantified variation in hierarchical partitions (α, β, and γ) of species richness, evenness, diversity, and dominance, as well as in the content and quality of litter. Total gastropod abundance linearly decreased with increasing elevation along both transects, but was consistently higher in palm than in other forest types. The gradual linear decline in γ‐richness was a consequence of opposing patterns with regard to α‐richness (monotonic decrease) and β‐richness (monotonic increase). For evenness, diversity, and dominance, α‐partitions and γ‐partitions evinced mid‐elevational peaks. The spatial organization of gastropod biodiversity did not mirror the zonation of vegetation. Rather, it was molded by: (a) elevational variation in productivity or nutrient characteristics, (b) the interspersion of palm forest within other forest types, and (c) the cloud condensation point acting as a transition between low and high elevation faunas.Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
Appearance Modelling of Living Human Tissues
Authors: Nunes Augusto L.P. , Maciel Anderson , Meyer Gary W. , John Nigel W. , Baranoski Gladimir V.G. , Walter Marcelo 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe visual fidelity of realistic renderings in Computer Graphics depends fundamentally upon how we model the appearance of objects resulting from the interaction between light and matter reaching the eye. In this paper, we survey the research addressing appearance modelling of living human tissue. Among the many classes of natural materials already researched in Computer Graphics, living human tissues such as blood and skin have recently seen an increase in attention from graphics research. There is already an incipient but substantial body of literature on this topic, but we also lack a structured review as presented here. We introduce a classification for the approaches using the four types of human tissues as classifiers. We show a growing trend of solutions that use first principles from Physics and Biology as fundamental knowledge upon which the models are built. The organic quality of visual results provided by these Biophysical approaches is mainly determined by the optical properties of biophysical components interacting with light. Beyond just picture making, these models can be used in predictive simulations, with the potential for impact in many other areas.
Biphasic hydroxyapatite and ß‐tricalcium phosphate biomaterial behavior in a case series of maxillary sinus augmentation in humans
Authors: Olaechea Allinson , Mendoza‐Azpur Gerardo , O´Valle Francisco , Padial‐Molina Miguel , Martin‐Morales Natividad , Galindo‐Moreno Pablo 
Published: February 2019

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the morphometric components and the histological properties of pristine bone and bone grafted with a biphasic ß‐tricalcium phosphate in humans using the maxillary sinus model. Reparative mesenchymal stem cells in the pristine bone and graft were also evaluated.Materials and MethodsFor this prospective case series, sinus augmentation was performed using a biphasic ß‐tricalcium phosphate. After 6 months of healing, a core of remnant native alveolar bone and grafted bone was collected with a trephine. Histological, histomorphometrical, and immunohistochemical techniques were performed. Radiological analysis through cone beam computerized tomography was also conducted.ResultsA total of 10 patients were enrolled in this study. Radiologically, patients showed an average increase of crestal bone of 8.03 ± 1.72 mm. Morphologically, the grafted area was composed by 34.93 ± 14.68% of new mineralized tissue, 9.82 ± 11.42% of remnant biomaterial particles, and 55.23 ± 11.03% non‐mineralized tissue. Histologically, we found no differences in the number of osteocytes per mm2 (p = 0.674), osteoblasts (p = 0.893), and blood vessels (p = 0.894) in the grafted area compared to the pristine bone. Differences were found on the number of osteoclasts (15.57 ± 27.50 vs. 5.37 ± 16.12, p = 0.027). The number of Musashi‐1 positive mesenchymal cells (239.61 ± 177.4 vs. 42.11 ± 52.82, p = 0.027) was also significantly higher in the grafted area than in the pristine bone.ConclusionBiphasic ß‐tricalcium phosphate is a suitable biomaterial to be used in the formation of new bone in sinus floor elevation procedures in humans, not only from the histomorphometrical point of view, but also regarding the cellular and vascular quality of the regenerated bone.
Spatiotemporal distribution dynamics of elephants in response to density, rainfall, rivers and fire in Kruger National Park, South Africa
Authors: MacFadyen Sandra , Hui Cang , Verburg Peter H. , Van Teeffelen Astrid J. A. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAimAfrican elephants are ecosystem engineers. As such, their long‐term patterns of distribution and abundance (i.e., space‐use intensity) will influence ecosystem structure and function. We elucidate these patterns for bull versus herd groups, by analysing the spatiotemporal dynamics of an increasing elephant population in relation to key ecological drivers: rainfall, distance to major rivers and time since last fire. Significant changes to the long‐term patterns of elephant density and group‐type probabilities are identified and explained.LocationKruger National Park, South Africa.MethodsUsing almost three decades of census records (1985–2012), we applied Multiple Point Process Models to assess the influence of rainfall, rivers and fire in shaping elephant space‐use. Significant changes to the long‐term patterns of elephant density and group type were also identified using kernel density estimates and the spatially varying probability of encountering either bull or herd group.ResultsBull and herd groups are no longer clearly segregated as available empty space becomes more limited. Bull and herd groups have dichotomous resource selection functions, in that bulls concentrate in areas receiving lower rainfall but more frequent fires while herds concentrate in higher rainfall areas experiencing less frequent fires. Both bull and herd groups concentrate closer to major rivers, emphasizing rivers as important spatial drivers. Overall, densities increased most significantly closer to rivers and in areas experiencing fewer fires. Fire was also a strong agent of group‐type change, as the probability of finding bulls, contrary to herds, significantly increased as fire return periods shortened.Main conclusionsElephant distribution and abundance patterns have homogenized in response to increased space limitations, with group‐specific, fire‐driven distribution patterns emerging overtime. Results herein should be used to help manage elephant space‐use through the establishment of possible refuge areas and the development of more empirical research into elephant impacts in future.
Development of approximate number sense across the elementary school years: A cross‐cultural longitudinal study
Authors: Tikhomirova Tatiana , Kuzmina Yulia , Lysenkova Irina , Malykh Sergey 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIn recent years, there has been growing interest among researchers in exploring approximate number sense (ANS)—the ability to estimate and discriminate quantities without the use of symbols. Despite the growing number of studies on ANS, there have been no cross‐cultural longitudinal studies to estimate both the development of ANS and the cross‐cultural differences in ANS growth trajectories. In this study, we aimed to estimate the developmental trajectories of ANS from the beginning of formal education to the end of elementary school in two countries, Russia and Kyrgyzstan, which have similar organization of their educational systems but differences in socioeconomic status (SES) and in the results of large‐scale educational assessments. To assess the developmental trajectories of ANS, we used a four‐wave longitudinal study with 416 participants from two countries and applied the mixed effect growth approach and the latent class growth approach. Our analysis revealed that the rate of growth in ANS accuracy was higher for the Russian sample than for the Kyrgyz sample and that this difference remained significant even after controlling for fluid intelligence. We identified two latent classes of growth trajectories: the first class had a significant growth in ANS, whereas the second class had no growth. Comparing the distribution of latent classes within the two countries revealed that there was a significantly larger proportion of schoolchildren from the second class in Kyrgyzstan than in Russia.
Dung beetle diversity and functions suggest no major impacts of cattle grazing in the Brazilian Pantanal wetlands
Authors: Correa César M. A. , Braga Rodrigo F. , Louzada Julio , Menéndez Rosa 
Published: February 2019

1. Dung beetles perform relevant ecological functions in pastures, such as dung removal and parasite control. Livestock farming is the main economic activity in the Brazilian Pantanal. However, the impact of cattle grazing on the Pantanal's native dung beetle community, and functions performed by them, is still unknown.2. This study evaluated the effects of cattle activity on dung beetle community attributes (richness, abundance, biomass, composition, and functional group) as well as their ecological functions (dung removal and soil bioturbation) in the Pantanal. In January/February 2016, dung beetles were sampled and their ecological functions measured in 16 sites of native grasslands in Aquidauana, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, 10 areas regularly grazed by cattle and six control ungrazed areas (> 20 years of abandonment).3. In all, 1169 individuals from 30 species of dung beetles were collected. Although abundance, species richness, and biomass did not differ between grasslands with and without cattle activity, species composition and functional groups differed among systems. Large roller beetles were absent from non‐cattle grasslands, and the abundance, richness, and biomass of medium roller beetles was higher in those systems.4. Despite causing changes in species/functional group composition, the results of this study show that a density compensation of functional groups in cattle‐grazed natural grasslands seems to have conserved the ecological functions (dung removal and soil bioturbation), with no significant differences between systems.5. Therefore, these results provide evidence that cattle breeding in natural grasslands of the Brazilian Pantanal can integrate livestock production with the conservation of the dung beetle community and its ecological functions.
Physical gills in Elmidae (Coleoptera: Byrrhoidea): Structure and evolutionary pattern of plastron in Stenelmis and related genera
Authors: Hayashi Masakazu , Sota Teiji 
Published: February 2019

AbstractMany species within Elmidae (Coleoptera: Byrrhoidea) have plastrons composed of flattened setae. However, some genera display fine plastrons on the epicuticle, called plastron hairs. In Japanese elmids, members of the genera Stenelmis, Ordobrevia, Nomuraelmis and Leptelmis bear ventral plastron hairs. Based on a maximum likelihood tree including most Japanese genera within Elmidae, we found that these genera are monophyletic and that plastron hairs are a derived character in Elmidae. We also found that the genus Graphelmis bears jigsaw puzzle‐like plastron scales with plastron hair‐like projections, and is sister to the group with plastron hairs.
Synergistic effects of climate and land‐use change influence broad‐scale avian population declines
Authors: Northrup Joseph M. , Rivers James W. , Yang Zhiqiang , Betts Matthew G. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractClimate and land‐use changes are expected to be the primary drivers of future global biodiversity loss. Although theory suggests that these factors impact species synergistically, past studies have either focused on only one in isolation or have substituted space for time, which often results in confounding between drivers. Tests of synergistic effects require congruent time series on animal populations, climate change and land‐use change replicated across landscapes that span the gradient of correlations between the drivers of change. Using a unique time series of high‐resolution climate (measured as temperature and precipitation) and land‐use change (measured as forest change) data, we show that these drivers of global change act synergistically to influence forest bird population declines over 29 years in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. Nearly half of the species examined had declined over this time. Populations declined most in response to loss of early seral and mature forest, with responses to loss of early seral forest amplified in landscapes that had warmed over time. In addition, birds declined more in response to loss of mature forest in areas that had dried over time. Climate change did not appear to impact populations in landscapes with limited habitat loss, except when those landscapes were initially warmer than the average landscape. Our results provide some of the first empirical evidence of synergistic effects of climate and land‐use change on animal population dynamics, suggesting accelerated loss of biodiversity in areas under pressure from multiple global change drivers. Furthermore, our findings suggest strong spatial variability in the impacts of climate change and highlight the need for future studies to evaluate multiple drivers simultaneously to avoid potential misattribution of effects.
Effect of pelvic floor dysfunction on sexual function and quality of life in Chinese women of different ages: An observational study
Authors: Zhu Qinyi , Shu Huimin , Dai Zhiyuan 
Published: February 2019

AimThe aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of female pelvic floor dysfunction on sexual function and quality of life among different age groups.MethodsAn observational study was carried out on 648 patients with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) or/and stress urinary incontinence. We assessed female sexual function and quality of life through the Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire Short Form and Incontinence Quality of Life Scale before surgeries, respectively. Patients were assigned into different age groups.ResultsThe mean age of all patients was 62.04 ± 9.39 years. A total of 436 patients had POP, 120 patients had stress urinary incontinence and the remaining patients had both. Although sexual frequency decreased with increasing age, 517 patients still remained sexually active. A total of 10.83% of the patients aged ≥70 years were still sexually active, and 8.51% of them had sex less than one time per month. The Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire Short Form score and sexual frequency decreased with increasing age. However, the Incontinence Quality of Life Scale score increased with increasing age. Patients with only POP and aged ≥70 years showed a higher Incontinence Quality of Life Scale score (P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe present study showed that POP and stress urinary incontinence are common among older Chinese women, and re associated with decreased sexual satisfaction and quality of life in China. It suggests that the existing sexual requirement of these patients should also be reconsidered before surgical assessment. Doctors should take sexual satisfaction into consideration when choosing a personalized type of surgery to improve the patients’ quality of life physiologically and psychologically. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 299–304.