bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Soil Moisture Distribution and Movement Under the Influence of Watering-dewatering Using AHFO and BOTDA Technologies
Authors: Cao Ding-Feng , Shi Bin , Zhu Hong-Hu , Tang Chao-Sheng , Song Zhan-Pu , Wei Guang-Qing , Garg Ankit 
Published: August 2019

ABSTRACT
The infiltration and distribution of water through unsaturated soil determine its mechanical and hydrological properties. However, there are few methods that can accurately capture the spatial distribution of moisture inside soil. This study aims to demonstrate the use of actively heated fiber optic (AHFO) and Brillouin optical time domain analysis (BOTDA) technologies for monitoring soil moisture distribution as well as strain distribution. In addition to a laboratory model test, finite element analyses were conducted to interpret the measurements. During the experiment, the fine particle migration was also measured to understand its influence on soil hydraulic conductivity. The results of the experiment indicate that (i) for a soil that has never experienced a watering-dewatering cycle, water infiltration can be accurately calculated using the Richards’ equation; (ii) migration of fine soil particles caused by the watering-dewatering cycle significantly increases the hydraulic conductivity; and (iii) two critical zones (drainage and erosion) play significant roles in determining the overall hydraulic conductivity of the entire soil. This study provides a new method for monitoring the changes in soil moisture, soil strain, and hydraulic conductivity. The observations suggest that the effect of fine particles migration should be considered while evaluating soil moisture distribution and water movement.
Benthic Foraminifera in Hypersaline Salwa Bay (saudi Arabia): an Insight Into Future Climate Change in the Gulf Region?
Authors: Amao Abduljamiu O. , Kaminski Michael A. , Babalola Lamidi 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe Arabian Gulf is considered a naturally stressed environment due to extremes of salinity and summer temperatures, and the Salwa Bay area is commonly considered to be the most hypersaline extension of this gulf. This study documents foraminiferal diversity, abundance and incidences of test deformities in Salwa Bay, near the Saudi Arabia−Qatar Border. The total time-averaged (live + dead) benthic foraminiferal assemblage was dominated by porcelaneous taxa (85%). The three most abundant species were Peneroplis pertusus (24%), P. planatus (15%), and Coscinospira hemprichii (9%), accounting for nearly half of the total assemblage. Other common taxa included Elphidium spp. (14%), Ammonia spp. (10%), and Quinqueloculina sp. (4%). About a quarter of the specimens picked were living (rose Bengal stained) at the time of collection, and 43% of the tests of the most common taxa were mildly to severely deformed. Types of deformities included fusion of two adults or double tests, protuberances on the spiral side, abnormal chamber arrangement, abnormal shape of the proloculus, dents, re-positioning of the aperture, and modification of the coiling plane. Two genera accounted for three quarters of the observed test deformities: Peneroplis (58%) and Coscinospira (17%). The combination of elevated temperatures, high salinities, and the ecology of the taxa encountered is likely responsible for the abundance, relatively low diversity, and high incidence of deformities in foraminiferal tests from Salwa Bay. We conclude that the percentage of test abnormalities is not a useful environmental proxy for pollution in such naturally stressed environments where high incidences of test deformities commonly occur.
In Situ Observations of Foraminiferal Bleaching in the Maldives, Indian Ocean
Authors: Spezzaferri Silvia , El Kateb Akram , Pisapia Chiara , Hallock Pamela 
Published: August 2019

AbstractCoral reefs are threatened worldwide by a variety of natural and human-induced stressors; anomalous temperatures are presently among the most serious threats by causing extensive coral bleaching. Amphistegina spp. exhibit similar bleaching as corals in the presence of photo-oxidative stress induced by either light or temperature, especially during times of maximum solar irradiance. At 11 islands (34 sampling sites) in the North Ari Atoll in the Maldives, bleaching in Amphistegina was observed a few weeks before the onset of an extensive El Niño-related coral bleaching that was more severe than expected for this region. Assessment using the Amphistegina Bleaching Index (ABI) showed that the proportions of bleached specimens of Amphistegina in April–May 2015 can be explained by photo-inhibitory stress associated with temperatures exceeding 30°C during peak seasonal solar irradiance and water transparency. Importantly, the ABI indicates that environmental conditions are suitable for Amphistegina and other calcifying symbioses at most of the investigated sites, and that either chronic or relatively recent onset of photo-oxidative stress was present at the time of sampling. The observed bleaching in Amphistegina further demonstrates the potential of these unicellular protists to identify stressors in coral reefs; such applications should be considered in future reef-management plans.
Colominella Piriniae N. Sp.: a New Textulariid from the Pliocene Mediterranean Record
Authors: Mancin Nicoletta , Kaminski Michael A. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractWe formally describe a new agglutinated foraminiferal species belonging to the genus Colominella Popescu, 1998 (Textulariida) recovered in two Pliocene successions of the western Mediterranean region. The formal description of Colominella piriniae n. sp. reported here permits the known stratigraphical and geographical range of the genus, previously limited to the Badenian (middle Miocene) of the Paratethys, to be extended into the Pliocene of the Mediterranean. The present work demonstrates the importance of microstructural studies performed on sectioned specimens in taxonomic assignments and reviews.
Assessment of the Effect of Increasing Temperature On the Ecology and Assemblage Structure of Modern Planktic Foraminifers in the Caribbean and Surrounding Seas
Authors: Jentzen Anna , Schönfeld Joachim , Schiebel Ralf 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Habitat patterns of subtropical and tropical planktic foraminifers in the Caribbean Sea were obtained from plankton samples collected in spring 2009 and 2013. The spatial distribution in surface waters (3.5 m water depth) and depth habitat patterns (surface to 400 m) of 33 species were compared with prevailing water-mass conditions (temperature, salinity, and chlorophyll-a concentration) and planktic foraminiferal test assemblages in surface sediments. Distribution patterns indicate a significant relationship with seawater temperature and trophic conditions. A reduction in standing stocks was observed close to the Orinoco River plume and in the Gulf of Paria, associated with high turbidity and concomitant low surface-water salinity. In contrast, a transient mesoscale patch of high chlorophyll concentration in the eastern Caribbean Sea was associated with higher standing stocks in near surface waters, including high abundances of Globigerinita glutinata and Neogloboquadrina dutertrei. Globorotalia truncatulinoides mainly lives close to the seasonal pycnocline and can be linked to winter conditions indicated by lower sea-surface temperatures (SSTs) of ∼20°C. Globigerinoides sacculifer and Globoturborotalita rubescens were associated with oligotrophic conditions in the pelagic Caribbean Sea during early spring and showed a synodic lunar reproduction cycle. The live assemblages in the water column from 2009 and 2013 were similar to those reported in earlier studies from the 1960s and 1990s and to assemblages of tests in the surface sediments. Minor differences in faunal proportions were attributed to seasonal variability and environmental differences at the local scale. An exception was the low relative abundance of Globigerinoides ruber in the Caribbean Sea in 2009 compared to surface sediment samples and plankton net samples collected in the 1960s and 1990s. Decreasing abundance of Gs. ruber white in the Caribbean Sea may be associated with increasing SSTs over past decades and changes in nutrient flux and primary production.
Ilerdian–cuisian Alveolinids from the Western Alborz and Eastern Iran Zones: Systematic and Biostratigraphic Implications
Authors: Hadi Mehdi , Vahidinia Mohamad , Abbassi Nasrollah 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
The alveolinid taxa, found in three stratigraphic sections of Eocene shallow-marine successions in the western Alborz (Baghdareh and Gheynarjeh sections) and eastern Iran (Chenesht section) regions, have been studied to determine their systematics and biostratigraphy for the first time. The rich alveolinid assemblages in these regions are correlated with coeval faunas (in shallow benthic zones) of the Tethyan province. The 29 species of alveolinids identified include: Glomalveolina lepidula, Alveolina ellipsoidalis, A. moussoulensis, A. subpyrenaica, A. aff. sakaraensis, A. tumida, A. decipiens, A. pisiformis, A. aragonensis, A. laxa, A. ilerdensis, A. rotundata, A. gr. guidonis, A. elliptica nuttalli, A. citrea, A. cf. citrea, A. cf. rugosa, A. cf. distefanoi, A. cf. montanarii, A. cremae, A. gr. cremae, A. cf. minuta, A. canavarii, A. oblonga, A. decastroi, A. aff. haymanensis, A. bayburtensis, A. frumentiformis, and A. aff. palermitana. On the basis of their distribution ranges, five Tethyan foraminiferal biozones have been recorded from the middle Ilerdian and Cuisian (SBZ7–8 and SBZ10–12) sedimentary successions. The data imply a close affinity between the studied area and other localities in the western Tethyan province.
Prevalence of Porcine Pseudorabies Virus and Its Coinfection Rate in Heilongjiang Province in China from 2013 to 2018
Authors: Zhou Han , Pan Yan , Liu Mengda , Han Zifeng 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background

Pseudorabies (PR) is a highly contagious disease affecting a wide range of animals worldwide, which causes great annual economic losses in China. In this study, a total number of 18815 serum samples and 1589 tissue samples were tested by ELISA and PCR, which were collected from 311 intensive pig farms (≥350 sows) located in eight cities in Heilongjiang province.

Results

Overall, 16.3% and 84.5% serum samples were positive for gE- and gB-specified ELISA, respectively. 17.8% of tissue samples were shown as PCR positive for PRV. The co-infection rates of PRV with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), and classical swine fever virus (CSFV) were measured. The rate of PRV co-infected with PRRSV was 36.0% followed by 12.9% with PCV2 and 1.8% with CSFV, respectively.

Conclusions

These results clearly demonstrate PRV prevalence and its coinfection rate in Heilongjiang province indicating high PR endemic in pig farms in this region. This study provides data for further epidemiological investigations and a reference for developing PRV control strategies in this region and in China.
Level and timing of Implanon discontinuation and associated factors among women who used Implanon in Andabet District, public health facilities, North-West Ethiopia, 2017
Authors: Dagnew Gizachew Worku , Gelaw Yared Mulu , Asresie Melash Belachew , Anteneh Zelalem Alamrew 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Abstract
Background: Implanon discontinuation is unacceptably high in developing countries, including Ethiopia; furthermore there is an observed problem of high unintended pregnancy rate after method discontinuation this might stride to program failure. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the level and determinants of Implanon discontinuation among women who used Implanon in Adabet district, public health facilities, North-West Ethiopia, 2017.
Methods: Facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 537 women, from Feb.03 to April 28, 2017, by face to face interview. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select the study subjects. The collected data were entered into Epi Info- version 7 then exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Both descriptive and analytical statistical analysis was computed. On multi-variable binary logistics regression, p-value and odds ratio (AOR) with 95%Ci was used to showing statistical association with the outcome variable.
Results: In this study, 36.9% of Implanon users were discontinued the method before the intended time period. Among those women who discontinue the method 85.9% of them were discontinued before two years of Implanon insertion. Women who had no live child at the time of Implanon insertion[AOR=2.17,95%CI:1.25-3.77], didn’t received pre-insertion counseling on potential side effects [AOR=1.85,95%CI: 1.15-2.97], developed side effect secondary to Implanon insertion [AOR=5.17,95%CI:3.18-8.40], received appointment follow-up [AOR=0.23,95%CI:0.13-0.41], and not satisfied by the service provided [AOR=5.40,95%CI:3.04-9.57] were statistically associated with Implanon discontinuation.
Conclusions: level of Implanon discontinuation before its intended period was high. Hence, to increase Implanon continuation rate; provide pre-insertion counseling including its possible side effects, improve client’s service satisfaction and strength appointment follow-up for Implanon users should be made.
Asymptomatic pharyngeal carriage rate of Streptococcus pyogenes, its associated factors and antibiotic susceptibility pattern among school children in Hawassa town, southern Ethiopia
Authors: Anja Asrat , Beyene Getenet , S/mariam Zewudineh , DAKA DERESSE 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the asymptomatic pharyngeal carriage rate of S. pyogenes, antimicrobial pattern and related risk factors among school children in Hawassa, Southern Ethiopia.

Results

Out of 287school children’s screened, 35(12.2%) were colonized with S. pyogenes. The carriage rate was significantly associated with factors such as sex (Female p=0.013) occupational status of mother (p=0.002), lower income source (500-900ETB, 1000-1500ETB) (p=0.001, and p=0.042), history of hospitalization (p=0.00) and residence of the children (p=0.002). High level resistant to tetracycline and low level to Vancomycine were observed, while penicillin, Amoxicillin, Erythromycin, Chloramphenicol, and Ceftriaxone were found to be effective.
Scalp acupuncture treatment for motor dysfunction in children with cerebral palsy: study protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled Trial
Authors: Wang Jun , Shi Wei , Khiati Dhiaedin , Shi Bingpei , Shi Xiaojuan , Luo Dandan , Wang Yin , Deng Rencai , Huang Huayu , Li Jian , Yan Weili , Yang Hong 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Abstract
Background: Scalp acupuncture has shown a remarkable treatment efficacy on motor dysfunction in children with cerebral palsy, especially when performed on the motor area of Jiao’s scalp acupuncture, which is the most widely used treatment. However, previous studies have summarized that the clinical curative effect of acupuncture treatment for children with cerebral palsy remains uncertain. Meanwhile, no randomized controlled trials on scalp acupuncture have been performed. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of scalp acupuncture for motor dysfunction in children with cerebral palsy.

Methods/design: This is an assessor and analyst blinded, randomized controlled trial. One hundred cerebral palsy patients with motor dysfunction meeting the inclusion criteria will be allocated by a 1:1 ratio into either an acupuncture treatment group or a control group. Cerebral palsy in the control group will receive conventional rehabilitation treatment, whereas a combination of scalp acupuncture and conventional rehabilitation treatment will be applied to the acupuncture group. Thirty-six treatment sessions will be performed over a 12-week period. The Gross Motor Function Measure and the Fine Motor Function Measure Scale will be assessed as the primary outcome measure. The Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory, and the Cerebral Palsy Quality of Life Questionnaire for Children will be selected as secondary outcome measurements. All assessments will be conducted at baseline, week 4 (treatment 12), week 8 (treatment 24), week 12 (treatment 36), and week 24 (follow-up).

Discussion: This is the first trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of scalp acupuncture for motor dysfunction in children with cerebral palsy. The results of this trial are expected to provide relevant evidence demonstrating that scalp acupuncture can be used as an effective rehabilitation treatment method for improving motor dysfunction in children with cerebral palsy.
Self-Care for Head and Neck Cancer Survivors with Lymphedema and Fibrosis: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Deng Jie , Dietrich Mary S. , Murphy Barbara 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background: Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients are at high risk for developing lymphedema and fibrosis (LEF) following cancer treatment. Once HNC patients develop LEF, they need to conduct life-long self-care to slow LEF progression and reduce associated symptom burden and functional deficits. Data demonstrate that inadequate LEF self-care may be a potentially remediable issue. The objective of this study is to explore the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of an Information-Motivation-Behavioral (IMB) Skills model driven self-care program (SCP) to improve LEF management and reduce LEF-related symptom burden and functional impairments.

Methods/Design: This is a three-arm, prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial to compare: Group 1-Usual Care, Group 2-Usual Care Plus LEF-SCP, and Group 3 - Usual Care Plus LEF-SCP Plus Follow-Up. Participants will be HNC survivors aged > 18 years of age, who meet predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. A sample size of 75 participants is targeted. Interventions will be provided by trained staff. The study assessments for all groups will take place at five points: study entry then 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month post-enrollment. Outcome measures include: 1) feasibility (barriers to implementation, safety, and satisfaction) of the proposed intervention; 2) self-efficacy and adherence to self-care; and 3) preliminary efficacy (LEF progression, symptom burden, and functional status) of the proposed intervention.

Discussion: This will be the first study to evaluate the feasibility of a LEF-SCP in the HNC population and its impact on self-efficacy and adherence. Furthermore, it will evaluate the potential benefit of routine follow-up on adherence and fidelity to the self-care protocol. We expect that the trial will provide evidence supporting the feasibility of a LEF self-care program. In addition, we anticipate that preliminary data will support improved outcomes including increased adherence and fidelity, and decreased LEF associated symptoms.

Trial registration: This study was registered on January 22, 2017 at Clinical Trial.gov, a service of the US National Institute of Health (NCT 03030859). The URL of the trail registry record: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03030859?term=lymphedema+and+fibrosis&cond=Head+and+Neck+Cancer&cntry=US&rank=1

Keywords: Head and neck cancer, lymphedema, fibrosis, self-care, self-management, survivorship
Evaluation of the Teaching Recovery Techniques community-based intervention for unaccompanied refugee youth experiencing post-traumatic stress symptoms (Swedish UnaccomPanied yOuth Refugee Trial; SUPpORT): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Sarkadi Anna , Warner Georgina , Salari Raziye , Fängström Karin , Durbeej Natalie , Lampa Elin , Baghdasaryan Zaruhi , Osman Fatumo , Gupta Sandra , Aronsson Anna Perez , Feldman Inna , Sampaio Filipa , Ssegonja Richard , Calam Rachel , Bjarta Anna , Leiler Anna , Rondung Elisabet , Wasteson Elisabet , Oppedal Brit , Keeshin Brooks 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background

In 2015, 162 877 persons sought asylum in Sweden, 35 369 of whom were unaccompanied refugee minors (URM). Refugee children, especially URM, have often experienced traumas and are at significant risk of developing mental health problems, such as symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety, which can continue years after resettlement. The Swedish UnaccomPanied yOuth Refugee Trial (SUPpORT) aims to evaluate a community-based intervention, called ‘Teaching Recovery Techniques’ (TRT), for refugee youth experiencing PTSD symptoms.

Methods/Design

A randomised controlled trial will be conducted in which participants will be randomly allocated to one of two possible arms: the intervention arm (n = 109) will be offered the TRT programme, and the waitlist-control arm (n = 109) will receive services as usual, followed by the TRT programme around 20 weeks later. Outcome data will be collected at three points: pre-intervention (T1), post-intervention (T2; c.8 weeks after randomisation) and follow-up (T3; c.20 weeks after randomisation).

Discussion

This study will provide knowledge about the effect and efficiency of a group intervention for URM reporting symptoms of PTSD in Sweden.
The effect of the Prolong Life With Nine Turn Method (Yan nian jiu zhuan) Qigong on patients with chronic fatigue syndrome: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: xie Fangfang , You Yanli , Yang Wenjia , Tian Jiancai , Guan Chong , Cheng Ziji , Yao Fei 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is characterized by persistent fatigue, which often leads to physical and psychological damage. However, there is currently no clear explanation for this syndrome. Most treatments are based on symptoms, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is considered to be one of the most effective treatments. Little is known about the Prolong Life With Nine Turn Method (PLWNT) Qigong, a combination of complex two-way traffic path connecting the cognitive center and the enteric nerves. In this study protocol, we explored the effectiveness of PLWNT on gastrointestinal function, physical and mental fatigue, and sleep quality in patients with CFS.

Methods/design

A randomized controlled trial consisting of 90 patients will be divided into treatment A and B groups. The treatment group will be treated with either CBT or PLWNT. Both treatment groups will include a supervised intervention at the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine once a week, and the remaining six days will be completed at home over 12 consecutive weeks. Both treatments will take three months. Qualified participants in accordance with the inclusion criteria and signed informed consent will be recruited. The primary outcome variable is to explore the regulation mechanism of the brain-gut axis in patients with chronic fatigue and the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20). Secondary outcomes are the Short Form 36-item Health Survey (SF-36), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), which will be completed before and after the intervention.

Discussion

This will be the first randomized controlled clinical trial to introduce the PLWNT method for the treatment of CFS. If our results demonstrate that CBT or PLWNT nterventions are more effective, this will provide a quality treatment for patients with chronic fatigue and optimize their guidance.