bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Innovative Techniques for Measuring the Oil Content of Oil‐Contaminated Porous Media
Authors: Zheng Tianyuan , Zheng Xilai , Wang Huan , Xin Jia , Zhang Bo , Walther Marc 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe oil content of oil‐contaminated porous media is an important parameter for the assessment and remediation of oil pollution in soil and groundwater. However, an accurate measurement method is not available. In this study, we propose a new equation to calculate the oil content of water‐bearing media based on traditional extraction–ultraviolet spectroscopy. Further, an improved experimental method was developed. The results indicate that the pure solid weight and oil content of oil‐contaminated media can be accurately determined by introducing the oil drying loss coefficient (γ). The average relative errors of the improved method range from −0.14% to −0.96%. They are much smaller than errors of −4.49% to −10.97% of the original methods, indicating that the accuracy of measured oil content is enhanced. In addition, the accuracy of the new method does not depend on oil volatility and oil content.
Sodium Divalproate in Low Alternating Daily Doses for Migraine Prevention: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Krymchantowski Abouch V. , Krymchantowski Ana Gabriela , Jevoux Carla 
Published: July 2019

Background and ObjectiveSodium divalproate is an effective neuromodulator for migraine prevention. Recommended doses vary from 1,000 to 1,500 mg/day, which may provoke unpleasant side effects as weight gain, tremor, and hair loss. Some patients do respond to lower doses even used once daily in ER presentations, but alternating low daily doses was never studied so far. The aim of this study was to evaluate the adherence, the tolerability, and the efficacy of sodium divalproate (SD) in low alternating daily doses for migraine prevention in patients of a tertiary center.MethodsConsecutive migraineurs from a tertiary center to whom SD was prescribed as monotherapy from January 2017 until September 2018 were studied retrospectively. The doses were 250 mg alternated with 500 mg and were used based on the treating physician expertise and previous experience with tolerability issues when using higher doses. Headache frequency compared to baseline, adherence expressed by returning to a visit after 2 and 4 months and side effects reported by the patients, were evaluated.ResultsSixty‐eight patients (53 women and 15 men, aged 18‐58) were included. The average headache frequency (HF) during baseline was decreased from 8.2 to 5.1 headache days/month among the 50 out of 68 patients returning at 2 months (adherence rate 73.5%). Weight gain was reported by 15 patients (30%, mean 2.1 kg). At 4 months, HF was reduced to 4.2 days/month (adherence rate 61.8%, n = 42) and weight gain reported by 18 patients (42.8%, mean 2.3 kg).ConclusionsDespite the retrospective open design, which cannot allow definitive conclusions, SD in low alternating daily doses seems to be effective as with higher doses, but still induce modest weight gain. Controlled studies are necessary to confirm these observations.
A culturally sensitive nurse‐led structured education programme in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Liu Yeling , Jiang Xinjun , Jiang Hua , Lin Keke , Li Mingzi , Ji Linong 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAimTo assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a culturally sensitive nurse‐led structured education programme for patients with type 2 diabetes.BackgroundA nurse‐led satisfactory diabetes education programme might be feasible. The structured education programme is considered a potential model that helps patients manage diabetes.DesignA mixed‐method design.MethodsA convenience sample of 44 participants received the programme. Feasibility was assessed using the recruitment rate and the retention rate. Acceptability was assessed by interviews to obtain the perception and experience of participants. Also, preliminary efficacy on diabetes knowledge, self‐efficacy, self‐management behaviours, and clinical outcomes was assessed. Finally, data were collected from April to December 2015.ResultsThe recruitment rate and the retention rate were acceptable. Participants thought that the programme contributed to their positive changes. They enjoyed and accepted the programme, and they wanted to gain the ongoing support. Significant improvements in diabetes knowledge, self‐efficacy, self‐management behaviours, A1C, fasting blood glucose, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, weight, body mass index, and waist circumference were reported in 12‐week follow‐up.ConclusionsThis programme is feasible and acceptable, and its preliminary efficacy is promising. Ongoing support, a control group, and long‐term follow‐up are required in future studies to assess its effectiveness.
An analysis of hospital pharmacy practice in six countries of sub-Saharan Africa based on the International Pharmaceutical Federation Basel Statements on the future of hospital pharmacy
Authors: Law Miranda G , Marriott Jennifer , Usifoh Cyril , Acheampong Franklin , Muungo Lungwani , Adome Richard Odoi , Monera-Penduka Tsitsi G , Ndzabala Nettie , Eckel Stephen F 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

Objectives
The objective of this study was to update the self-assessment tool and to evaluate current hospital pharmacy practices in six sub-Saharan African countries.

Methods
Questions in the validated survey were edited if the revised Basel Statement changed intent. A total of 13 updates were made. The survey was administered via e-mail to pharmacy personnel in any hospital centre in Ghana (258 total hospitals), Nigeria (17 038 total hospitals), Malawi (499 total hospitals), Uganda (155 total hospitals), Zambia (98 total hospitals) and Zimbabwe (1389 total hospitals). Snowball sampling increased reach of the survey across each country.

Key findings
Responses were received from all six countries, with nine respondents from Ghana, 15 from Nigeria, two from Malawi, five from Uganda, nine from Zambia and four from Zimbabawe. Uganda had the highest achievement rates for tier one and tier three constructs, and Ghana had the highest achievement rate for tier two constructs. Malawi showed the lowest achievement rates in all three tiers. The six countries achieved an average of 82 per cent (SD = 24) of tier one constructs. Three tier one constructs were achieved less than 25 per cent of the time.

Conclusion
Multiple tier one (minimum standards in hospital pharmacy practice) constructs were achieved greater than 90% of the time, possibly reflecting efforts made towards hospital pharmacy practice advancement in select countries of sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, all countries achieved a majority of tier one overarching constructs. Despite these achievements, there are still many areas for growth, including select tier one constructs with low achievement rates.
The effect of intra‐group loans on the cash flow sensitivity of cash: Evidence from Chile
Authors: Jara‐Bertín Mauricio , Pinto‐Gutiérrez Cristian , Pombo Carlos 
Published: July 2019

AbstractWe examine the effects of internal capital markets on the propensity of firms to save cash from cash flows. We argue that firms that are providers of funds to related parties must maintain a higher cash flow sensitivity of cash to prevent high levels of pressure on their cash holdings in contrast to receivers of intra‐holding funds. Based on a sample of Chilean firms, we confirm that firms with high levels of loans to related companies have higher cash flow sensitivities of cash. This relationship is strongest for firms affiliated with business groups and financially constrained firms. We do not find conclusive evidence of loss to the minority shareholders (tunneling) from intra‐group loans.
Silent and non‐silent thromboembolic events after ventricular tachycardia ablation: Modifiable risk with postprocedure anticoagulation?
Authors: Siontis Konstantinos C. , Killu Ammar M. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThere is increasing recognition of silent and clinically apparent thromboembolic events after left‐sided ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation. However, unlike atrial fibrillation ablation procedures where postablation oral anticoagulation (OAC) is universal, there is significant practice variation in OAC use after VT ablation. Herein, we review the data on post‐VT ablation thromboembolism and evidence on the use of OAC, we suggest that OAC merits consideration in most cases after a balanced assessment of risks and benefits in individual patients, and we discuss future directions.
Electrophysiologic testing for diagnostic evaluation and risk stratification in patients with suspected cardiac sarcoidosis with preserved left and right ventricular systolic function
Authors: Zipse Matthew M. , Tzou Wendy S. , Schuller Joseph L. , Aleong Ryan G. , Varosy Paul D. , Tompkins Christine , Borne Ryan T. , Tumolo Alexis Z. , Sandhu Amneet , Kim Darlene , Freeman Andrew M. , Weinberger Howard D. , Maier Lisa A. , Sung Raphael K. , Nguyen Duy T. , Sauer William H. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIntroductionWhile cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) carries a risk of ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) and sudden cardiac death (SCD), risk stratification of patients with CS and preserved left ventricular/right ventricular (LV/RV) systolic function remains challenging. We sought to evaluate the role of electrophysiologic testing and programmed electrical stimulation of the ventricle (EPS) in patients with suspected CS with preserved ventricular function.MethodsOne hundred twenty consecutive patients with biopsy‐proven extracardiac sarcoidosis and preserved LV/RV systolic function underwent EPS. All patients had either probable CS defined by an abnormal cardiac positron emission tomography or cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, or possible CS with normal advanced imaging but abnormal echocardiogram (ECG), SAECG, Holter, or clinical factors. Patients were followed for 4.5 ± 2.6 years for SCD and VAs.ResultsSeven of 120 patients (6%) had inducible ventricular tachycardia (VT) with EPS and received an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). Three patients (43%) with positive EPS later had ICD therapies for VAs. Kaplan‐Meier analysis stratified by EPS demonstrated a significant difference in freedom from VAs and SCD (P = 0.009), though this finding was driven entirely by patients within the cohort with probable CS (P = 0.018, n = 69). One patient with possible CS and negative EPS had unrecognized progression of the disease and unexplained death with evidence of CS at autopsy.ConclusionsEPS is useful in the risk stratification of patients with probable CS with preserved LV and RV function. A positive EPS was associated with VAs. While a negative EPS appeared to confer low risk, close follow‐up is needed as EPS cannot predict fatal VAs related to new cardiac involvement or disease progression.
Influences of environmental stressors on autonomic function in 12‐month‐old infants: understanding early common pathways to atypical emotion regulation and cognitive performance
Authors: Wass Sam V. , Smith Celia G. , Daubney Katie R. , Suata Zeynep M. , Clackson Kaili , Begum Abdul , Mirza Farhan U. 
Published: July 2019

BackgroundPrevious research has suggested that children exposed to more early‐life stress show worse mental health outcomes and impaired cognitive performance in later life, but the mechanisms subserving these relationships remain poorly understood.MethodUsing miniaturised microphones and physiological arousal monitors (electrocardiography, heart rate variability and actigraphy), we examined for the first time infants’ autonomic reactions to environmental stressors (noise) in the home environment, in a sample of 82 12‐month‐old infants from mixed demographic backgrounds. The same infants also attended a laboratory testing battery where attention‐ and emotion‐eliciting stimuli were presented. We examined how children's environmental noise exposure levels at home related to their autonomic reactivity and to their behavioural performance in the laboratory.ResultsIndividual differences in total noise exposure were independent of other socioeconomic and parenting variables. Children exposed to higher and more rapidly fluctuating environmental noise showed more unstable autonomic arousal patterns overall in home settings. In the laboratory testing battery, this group showed more labile and short‐lived autonomic changes in response to novel attention‐eliciting stimuli, along with reduced visual sustained attention. They also showed increased arousal lability in response to an emotional stressor.ConclusionsOur results offer new insights into the mechanisms by which environmental noise exposure may confer increased risk of adverse mental health and impaired cognitive performance during later life.
Over‐the‐Counter Market Frictions and Yield Spread Changes
Authors: FRIEWALD NILS , NAGLER FLORIAN 
Published: July 2019

ABSTRACTWe empirically study whether systematic over‐the‐counter (OTC) market frictions drive the large unexplained common factor in yield spread changes. Using transaction data on U.S. corporate bonds, we find that marketwide inventory, search, and bargaining frictions explain 23.4% of the variation in the common component. Systematic OTC frictions thus substantially improve the explanatory power of yield spread changes and account for one‐third of their total explained variation. Search and bargaining frictions combined explain more in the common dynamics of yield spread changes than inventory frictions. Our findings support the implications of leading theories of intermediation frictions in OTC markets.
Investigating Adolescent Girls' Perceptions and Experiences of School‐Based Physical Activity to Inform the Girls' Peer Activity Intervention Study
Authors: Owen Michael , Kerner Charlotte , Newson Lisa , Noonan Robert , Curry Whitney , Kosteli Maria‐Christina , Fairclough Stuart 
Published: July 2019

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDAdolescent girls are likely to be less active than adolescent boys. A range of factors including multiple psychosocial aspects are thought to influence their engagement in physical activity (PA). This study aimed to explore adolescent girls' perceptions and experiences of school‐based PA to inform a subsequent intervention, the Girls Peer Activity (G‐PACT) project.METHODSThe Youth Activity Profile was used to assess adolescent girls' current PA levels. Open‐ended questions were used to investigate girls' perceptions and experiences of school‐based PA. Focus groups stratified by PA level were then conducted to explore their perceptions and experiences in depth. The focus group data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.RESULTSThe master themes emanating from the focus groups were noncompetitive activities and after‐school sport culture for lower active girls. Higher active girls' master themes were PA perceptions and physical education. Regardless of activity level, participants reported greater enjoyment from PA when participating with friends and having choice over activities provided within the school setting.CONCLUSIONSThe findings highlight the importance of choice, peer groupings, noncompetitive opportunities, and PA competence to adolescent girls' school‐based PA behaviors. The school environment can support and restrict girls' engagement in PA. The findings will be applied to the design, content, and implementation of the G‐PACT project.
Ergosterol and Fusarium mycotoxins content in two maize cultivars under different forms of nitrogen fertilizers
Authors: Bocianowski Jan , Szulc Piotr , Waśkiewicz Agnieszka , Nowosad Kamila , Kobus‐Cisowska Joanna 
Published: July 2019

AbstractMycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by many filamentous fungi, such as Fusarium, and are widespread in nature and can adversely affect almost all organisms. Mycotoxins can be formed in very different conditions such as when plants are growing or in crops that are stored in improper conditions. One of the methods to prevent the formation of mycotoxins in powdered feed is using varieties of appropriate quality and proper mineral fertilization, primarily nitrogen. In this study, the concentration of ergosterol and mycotoxins in the kernels of two maize cultivars from different maturity groups in Poland during the harvest of 2011 and 2012 was investigated using HPLC methods. We aimed to analyse the concentration of ergosterol as a fungal biomass indicator and mycotoxins from two maize cultivars under six different forms of nitrogen fertilizers. The “stay‐green” hybrid ES Paroli was characterized by a significantly lower ergosterol and the ability to accumulate the mycotoxins, compared to the classic cultivar ES Palazzo. The varieties of maize that remain green for a longer time period, the so‐called stay‐green type, are characterized by a different coefficient of nitrogen remobilization compared to the classic hybrids. Their dynamics of growth and accumulation of nutrients indicates a nitrogen fertilization system, indicating that slow‐release fertilizers are potentially more adapted to the cycles of maize vegetation. Hence, compared to the classic variant, the “stay‐green” variety uses nitrogen more effectively from mineral fertilizers. Such hybrids are healthier and remain in good condition for a longer time; therefore, they are characterized by a lower pathogen pressure. Thus, the cultivation of such varieties can be considered as one of the elements of integrated maize production. We observed identical reactions of the studied experimental factors for both vegetation seasons, which indicates the lack of environmental impact on the functioning and interaction of experimental factors.
Extended palatoplasty as surgical treatment for nasopharyngeal stenosis in six cats
Authors: Sériot P. , Gibert S. , Poujol L. , Bernardin F. , Blond L. , Dunié‐Mérigot A. 
Published: July 2019

ObjectiveTo describe the use of extended palatoplasty as treatment of caudal nasopharyngeal stenosis in cats.Materials and MethodsCT was used to confirm the diagnosis in cats with clinical signs consistent with nasopharyngeal stenosis. Extended palatoplasty rostral to the tonsils using monopolar electrocautery allowed simultaneous removal of the caudal soft palate together with the stenotic area. Cats were re‐evaluated 2 weeks postoperatively. Telephone interview was used to obtain long‐term follow‐up.ResultsSix domestic shorthair cats were diagnosed with nasopharyngeal stenosis, with clinical signs of snoring (n=4), stertor (n=4), nasal discharge (n=3) and sneezing (n=1). CT scan identified a soft‐tissue stricture at the level of the caudal nasopharynx in all cats. Other abnormalities included bilateral rhinitis (n=3), retropharyngeal adenomegaly (n=2), unilateral sinusitis (n=1) and bilateral otitis externa with unilateral otitis media (n=1). Excision of the caudal soft palate and the entire stenotic soft‐tissue membrane was successful in all six cats. No pre‐, intra‐ or postoperative complications were observed. Short‐term outcome revealed clinical improvement in all cases. Long‐term outcome revealed no recurrence of clinical signs in four cats. In one cat, occasional sneezing was reported. One cat died 1 month postoperatively for reasons unrelated to the respiratory condition.Clinical SignificanceExtended palatoplasty was an effective technique to treat caudal nasopharyngeal stenosis and provide improvement of clinical signs without postoperative complications in all cases.
Estimating day range from camera‐trap data: the animals’ behaviour as a key parameter
Authors: Palencia P. , Vicente J. , Barroso P. , Barasona J.Á. , Soriguer R. C. , Acevedo P. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractDay range (DR), the distance travelled by an individual during the day, is an important metric in movement ecology that recently gained interest by its relevance for estimating population density through the random encounter model (REM). Traditionally, DR has been estimated using GPS technology and considering raw straight‐line distances between consecutive locations, which is an underestimation of the true path distance. In this work, we tested the accuracy of a new approach based on camera‐trap data for the estimation of DR taking into account the animals’ behaviour. For this purpose, we considered wild boar (Sus scrofa) as a model species. We tagged 18 individuals with telemetry devices and then monitored the population with camera‐traps (photo and video mode) to estimate the DR. In the case of telemetry, a straight‐line DR was estimated and rescaled with a tortuosity‐related correction factor. Using this camera‐trap data, we revisited the procedure described by Rowcliffe et al. (Remote Sens. Ecol. Conserv. , 2, 2016, 84) to estimate the DR from the speed and activity information obtained from camera‐trapsping. A new derivation of this approach was then developed, in which different animal behaviours were weighted to estimate the DR. The analysis showed no significant differences between the DR values obtained using telemetry data (corrected by the tortuosity‐related correction factor) and those attained with the weighted approach. However, the original approach used to estimate the DR based on camera‐trap data underestimated this parameter. The DR estimated with the weighted approach was 12.74 km·day−1 ± (se) 1.89. Here, we showed that animals’ behaviour should be taken into account to estimate the DR when working with species that behave differently in front of cameras. These results may be relevant not only for REM, but also for movement ecology, disease dynamics and population monitoring methods.
Sediment distribution and accumulation in Lake Naivasha, Kenya over the past 50 years
Authors: Maina Caroline W. , Sang Joseph K. , Raude James M. , Mutua Benedict M. , Moriasi Daniel N. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAlthough surface waterbodies are water sources for socio‐economic activities and ecosystems, their functions are threatened by sedimentation. Sedimentation of lakes and reservoirs can result in a loss of storage capacity and altered water quality. The present study assessed the sedimentation status of Lake Naivasha, Kenya, based on sediment distribution and accumulation over the past 50 years, using a Bathymetric Survey System (BSS). The BSS uses multi‐frequency Acoustic Profiling System (APS) to map recently deposited sediments. Sediment core samples were collected with a vibe‐ coring device and dated. Sediment layers corresponding to a period of the past 20 and 50 years were identified. Sediment cores and acoustic images were subsequently used to determine sediment thickness within the lake. The collected depth data from multi‐frequency APS, and dated cores were processed in DepthPic and Surfer software. The sediment depth was extracted in DepthPic, while the sediment volume and distribution were generated from Surfer software. The results from present study indicated that sediment distribution varied from one part of the lake to another for the past 20 and 50 years. High sediment thickness observed in the south‐west and eastern parts of the lake. Between 1996–2016 and 1966–2016 periods, the maximum accumulated sediment thickness was found to be about 0.55 and 1.9 m, with an average sediment thickness of 0.25 and 0.56 m, respectively. The mean sediment load corresponding to the 1966–1996 and 1996–2016 periods was 2.78 × 105 and 4.61 × 105 t/year, respectively. It was found that sediment load into Lake Naivasha has been increasing in the recent past. Based on the present the study, it was found that combined use of BSS, sediment cores and dating can be adopted in many lakes and reservoirs to determine sediment thicknesses even where no prior bathymetric surveys exist for comparison.