bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The privatization of housing assistance: Are housing allowances eroding government accountability?
Authors: Bendaoud Maroine 
Published: May 2019

AbstractA major change in the low‐income housing sector across nations has been the introduction of housing allowances (or vouchers/benefits) typically used on private rental markets. This change is a fundamental shift from post‐war housing policy when government was a main provider through publicly owned housing. This “privatization” is usually associated with the New Public Management. This article addresses this policy change and discusses the implications for the accountability of governments in Quebec, British Columbia, and Alberta. This article argues that the policy shift from in‐kind to in‐cash has not eroded accountability due to the distinctiveness of housing assistance, compared to other social programs. Actors involved in the housing community continue to challenge governments with regard to consumption subsidies, emphasizing their flaws and imperfections. The argument is empirically probed through a comparative analysis over 50 years, drawing on government archival records and housing advocates’ publications.
Increased frontal gray matter volume in individuals with prodromal psychosis
Authors: Shan Xiao‐Xiao , Ou Yang‐Pan , Pan Pan , Ding Yu‐Dan , Zhao Jin , Liu Feng , Chen Jin‐Dong , Guo Wen‐Bin , Zhao Jing‐Ping 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundBrain anatomical deficits associated with cognitive dysfunction have been reported in patients with schizophrenia. However, it remains unknown whether such anatomical deficits exist in individuals with prodromal psychosis. The present study is designed to investigate anatomical deficits in prodromal individuals and their associations with clinical/cognitive features.MethodsSeventy‐four prodromal individuals and seventy‐six healthy controls were scanned using structural magnetic resonance imaging. Support vector machines were applied to test whether anatomical deficits might be used to discriminate prodromal individuals from healthy controls.ResultsProdromal individuals showed significantly increased gray matter volume (GMV) in the right inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) and right rectus gyrus relative to healthy controls. No correlations were observed between increased GMV and clinical/cognitive characteristics. The combination of increased GMV in the right rectus gyrus and right IFG showed a sensitivity of 74.32%, a specificity of 67.11%, and an accuracy of 70.67% in differentiating prodromal individuals from healthy controls.ConclusionOur results provide evidence of increased frontal GMV in prodromal individuals. A combination of GMV values in the two frontal brain areas may serve as potential markers to discriminate prodromal individuals from healthy controls. The results thus highlight the importance of the frontal regions in the pathophysiology of psychosis.
Postdisaster Volatility of Blood Donations in an Unsteady Blood Supply Chain*
Authors: Hosseinifard Zahra , Abbasi Babak , Fadaki Masih , Clay Nigel M. 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACTThe stochastic behavior of both transfusion (demand) and blood donations (collection) is a challenge for the blood supply chain. Although donations are not fully within the control of blood supply chain, the blood service can marginally moderate it by postponing appointments in the case of having an overstock, or by triggering a call for additional blood when faced with shortages. Such shortages are often observed as a consequence of catastrophic events. Past studies show that the response to a call for blood after a disaster is substantive. Yet the consequential impact on the supply chain is not well understood. This is due to the perishability of blood and the fact that donors are not eligible to give blood for a certain period after a donation has been made. In this study, the donation process is modeled with a Markov chain and the impact of a call for blood resulting from a disaster is investigated. This article highlights new actionable insights that aid planners to mitigate the negative impacts of a substantial response to a call for blood.
Effects of earthworms on bulk density: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Lang Birgit , Russell David J. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAlthough a comprehensive understanding of soil systems is needed to sustain soil functioning, our scientific knowledge of the underlying processes, for example, on the impact of earthworm activity on bulk density, is still limited. Using meta‐analysis, we quantified earthworm effects on bulk density and investigated the influence of driving factors. Earthworm effect sizes were species‐specific and depended on soil texture and earthworm body mass. Effect sizes were not unambiguously dependent on ecological groups, land use, experimental duration, abundance or initial bulk density. The paucity of data did not allow testing of interactive influences through meta‐analysis. Consequently, this study reveals important knowledge gaps in our understanding of earthworm effects on bulk density. Comparative studies taking the soil's complexity into account are still highly necessary to further our understanding of biotic interactions with soil‐structure dynamics.Highlights
The effects of earthworms on bulk density were evaluated by meta‐analysis.
Earthworm effects are species‐specific and depend on soil texture and earthworm body mass.
Effects do not unambiguously depend on land use, duration, abundance and initial bulk density.
Knowledge gaps regarding species, soil characteristics and interactive effects are identified.
Summary of German‐Austrian HIV PrEP guideline
Authors: Spinner CD , Lang GF , Boesecke C , Jessen H , Schewe K ,   the German‐Austrian PrEP consensus conference meeting 2018
Published: May 2019

ObjectivesHIV Pre‐Exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a strategy to reduce HIV transmission in people at risk. Aim of this first German‐Austrian PrEP guideline is to provide professional guidance on: when and in whom to use PrEP, recommended laboratory tests before and while on PrEP, selection of drugs, prevention of adverse events as a consequence of missing accompanying medical care, and general handling of PrEP in adults and adolescents.MethodsCommented summary of of the S2k PrEP consensus guidelines released by the German and Austrian HIV medical societies to highlight the key recommendations of the guidelines.ContentDetailed information about effectiveness of PrEP, when and in whom to use PrEP, as well as about additional monitoring of HIV PrEP are included in the HIV PrEP guidelines. Therewith detailed guidance for people being involved in PrEP counseling and associated care is provided.
The influence of brewing method on bioactive compounds residues in spent coffee grounds of different roasting degree and geographical origin
Authors: Głowacka Rita , Górska Agata , Wirkowska‐Wojdyła Magdalena , Wołosiak Rafał , Majewska Ewa , Derewiaka Dorota 
Published: May 2019

SummaryThe content of bioactive compounds in spent coffee grounds (SGC) was studied. SGC were obtained from Coffea arabica beans of different roasting degrees (light and dark) and different geographical origins (Nicaragua, Columbia and Mexico) processed using four brewing methods (mocha, filtered, drip and infusion). The highest caffeine and chlorogenic acid contents were determined in filtered spent coffee extracts. All extracts of light roasted spent coffee grounds showed lower browning index levels in comparison to that from dark roasted spent coffee grounds. Generally, the highest content of total polyphenolic compounds and highest antioxidant capacity were determined in extracts prepared in drip. In conclusion, the results obtained in this study indicate that the spent coffee grounds produced of domestic levels, especially those obtained from filter coffeemaker, could be considered as a good source of natural antioxidants.
Reduction of cyanide content of bitter almond and its oil using different treatments
Authors: Zhang Lingyan , Zhao Min , Chen Jia , Wang Mengzhu , Yu Xiuzhu 
Published: May 2019

SummaryTo reduce the cyanide content of bitter almond oil, four treatments were investigated. The optimal parameters were obtained, under which loss of cyanide of 79.4%, 87.2%, 98.3% and 98.4% were achieved for baking, microwave, water boiling and ultrasonic treatment, respectively. The effects of treatments on the physicochemical properties of bitter almond oil showed no significant differences. All treatments could reduce the cyanide content in bitter almond oil, and ultrasonic treatment was the most optimal treatment. The loss of cyanide was 98.4% when the ultrasonic power was 700 W for 50 min of treatment. Ultrasonic power and time had remarkable effect on the reduction of cyanide content. The proposed treatments could be applied to reduce the cyanide content in bitter almond oil.
Estimating flood extent during Hurricane Harvey using maximum entropy to build a hazard distribution model
Authors: Mobley William , Sebastian Antonia , Highfield Wesley , Brody Samuel D. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractRescue requests during large‐scale urban flood disasters can be difficult to validate and prioritise. High‐resolution aerial imagery is often unavailable or lacks the necessary geographic extent, making it difficult to obtain real‐time information about where flooding is occurring. In this paper, we present a novel approach to map the extent of urban flooding in Harris County, Texas during Hurricane Harvey (August 25–30, 2017) and identify where people were most likely to need immediate emergency assistance. Using Maximum Entropy, we predict the probability of flooding based on several spatially‐distributed physical and socio‐economic characteristics coupled with crowdsourced data. We compare the results against two alternative flood datasets available after Hurricane Harvey (i.e., Copernicus satellite imagery and riverine flood depths estimated by FEMA), and we validate the performance of the model using a 15% subset of the rescue requests, Houston 311 flood calls, and inundated roadways. We find that the model predicts a much larger area of flooding than was shown by either Copernicus or FEMA when compared against the locations of rescue requests, and that it performs well using both a subset of rescue requests (AUC 0.917) and 311 calls (AUC 0.929) but is less sensitive to inundated roads (AUC 0.721).
Multiple displacement amplification as the first step can increase the diagnostic efficiency of preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disease for β‐thalassemia
Authors: Fu Yu , Shen Xiaoting , Chen Dongjia , Wang Zengyan , Zhou Canquan 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAimTo evaluate whether using multiple displacement amplification (MDA) as the first step can increase the diagnostic efficiency of preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disease (PGT‐M) for β‐thalassemia.MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study. All included patients underwent PGT‐M cycles (n = 307) for β‐thalassemia in our center from January 2014 to February 2018. We divided the patients into two groups based on two different detection methods. For the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) group (n = 115), multiplex nested PCR+ reverse dot blot analysis was performed directly after cell lysis. For the MDA group (n = 192), the whole genomes of single cells were directly amplified using MDA and then examined by singleplex PCR + reverse dot blot for β‐thalassemia.ResultsA total of 2315 embryos were tested. The overall diagnostic efficiency of the MDA group was significantly higher than that of the PCR group (96.99% vs 88.15%, P < 0.001). The percentage of embryos available for transfer was significantly higher in the MDA group than in the PCR group (74.28% vs 64.98%, P < 0.001). Furthermore, the carrier embryo rate of the MDA group was significantly higher than that of the PCR group (50.11% vs 35.95%, P < 0.001).ConclusionThis study indicates that MDA, as the first step in PGT‐M for β‐thalassemia, can increase diagnostic efficiency.
Comparison of different dosage regimes of epsilon aminocaproic acid on blood loss in children undergoing craniosynostosis surgery
Authors: Nguyen Thanh T. , Lam Humphrey V. , Austin Thomas M. , Stricker Paul , Tunceroglu Huseyin , Schoenecker Jonathan 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundOpen cranial vault reconstruction is frequently performed for craniosynostosis. These procedures often involve high volume blood loss that requires blood transfusion. Antifibrinolytics have been shown to decrease blood loss during these procedures but the optimal dose that maximizes benefits is not known.AimsThe primary aim was to evaluate the differences in calculated blood loss between a high infusion rate (40 mg/kg/h) and a low infusion rate (≤30 mg/kg/h) of epsilon aminocaproic acid after a 100 mg/kg loading dose. Secondary aims were to determine if a high infusion rate of epsilon aminocaproic acid was associated with decreased packed red cell transfusion volume and to determine the factors associated with blood loss.MethodsThis was a retrospective study of children who underwent open cranial vault reconstruction. Using an electronic medical record, we identified patients that fit the inclusion criteria. Demographic, laboratory, transfusion, and perioperative data were collected and statistical analysis was performed.ResultsFifty‐three patients were included into the study with twenty‐three receiving higher infusion rate (40 mg/kg/h) epsilon aminocaproic acid. There was a 14.3 mL/kg (95% CI 6.6‐23.9) decrease in calculated blood loss in the high‐dose cohort.ConclusionAn EACA bolus of 100 mg/kg followed by an infusion of 40 mg/kg was associated with a lower calculated blood loss compared to the group who received 100 mg/kg EACA and ≤ 30 mg/kg infusion.
Barriers and Motivators of Physical Activity Participation in Middle-Aged and Older Adults—A Systematic Review
Authors: Spiteri Karl , Broom David , Hassan Bekhet Amira , Xerri de Caro John , Laventure Bob , Grafton Kate 
Published: May 2019

Identifying the difference in the barriers and motivators between middle-aged and older adults could contribute toward the development of age-specific health promotion interventions. The aim of this review was to synthesize the literature on the barriers and motivators for physical activity in middle-aged (50–64 years) and older (65–70 years) adults. This review examined qualitative and quantitative studies using the theoretical domain framework as the guiding theory. The search generated 9,400 results from seven databases, and 55 articles meeting the inclusion criteria were included. The results indicate that the barriers are comparable across the two age groups, with environmental factors and resources being the most commonly identified barriers. In older adults, social influences, reinforcement, and assistance in managing change were the most identified motivators. In middle-aged adults, goal-setting, the belief that an activity will be beneficial, and social influences were identified as the most important motivators. These findings can be used by professionals to encourage engagement with and adherence to physical activity.
Understanding non-vaccinating parents’ views to inform and improve clinical encounters: a qualitative study in an Australian community
Authors: Helps Catherine , Leask Julie , Barclay Lesley , Carter Stacy 
Published: May 2019

ObjectivesTo explain vaccination refusal in a sample of Australian parents.DesignQualitative design, purposive sampling in a defined population.SettingA geographically bounded community of approximately 30 000 people in regional Australia with high prevalence of vaccination refusal.ParticipantsSemi structured interviews with 32 non-vaccinating parents: 9 fathers, 22 mothers and 1 pregnant woman. Purposive sampling of parents who had decided to discontinue or decline all vaccinations for their children. Recruitment via local advertising then snowballing.ResultsThematic analysis focused on explaining decision-making pathways of parents who refuse vaccination. Common patterns in parents’ accounts included: perceived deterioration in health in Western societies; a personal experience introducing doubt about vaccine safety; concerns regarding consent; varied encounters with health professionals (dismissive, hindering and helpful); a quest for ‘the real truth’; reactance to system inflexibilities and ongoing risk assessment.ConclusionsWe suggest responses tailored to the perspectives of non-vaccinating parents to assist professionals in understanding and maintaining empathic clinical relationships with this important patient group.
Factors associated with the responsive behaviours of older adults living in long-term care homes towards staff: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Song Yuting , Hoben Matthias , Weeks Lori , Boström Anne-Marie , Goodarzi Zahra S , Squires Janet , Doan Helen , Wagg Adrian , Reid R Colin , Estabrooks Carole 
Published: May 2019

IntroductionIn the last decade, increasing research interest has been expressed in responsive behaviours of older adults living in long-term care (LTC) homes, including nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Responsive behaviours are not only a sign of underlying unmet needs, but when directed against (towards) paid staff can lead to decreased quality of work life, and may contribute to lower quality of care. In this systematic review, we aim to synthesise empirically based quantitative and qualitative evidence on factors and stakeholder (eg, staff and family members) experiences of factors associated with the responsive behaviours of people living in LTC directed towards staff.Methods and analysisThis study will be a systematic review of published and ‘grey’ literature. Twelve bibliographical databases will be searched, and for each database, we will use appropriate subject headings and keywords that cover two concepts: LTC and responsive behaviour. No publication date or language filter will be used. The title and abstract of each extracted record will be screened, followed by screening of full text of included papers. Then data extraction and quality assessments will be undertaken. Each stage will be completed independently by pairs of authors. For quantitative studies, meta-analysis will be conducted if pooling is possible; otherwise, a critical narrative analysis will be conducted. For qualitative studies, thematic analysis will be conducted. Factors will then be organised at the individual, interpersonal, institutional and larger societal levels. Sensitivity analysis will be conducted to explore the influence of risk of bias and publication bias on the results. Subgroup analysis will be conducted for people who live with dementia and those who do not.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval is not required for this systematic review. The results of this study will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publication and presentation at professional conferences.
The importance of conserving fragmented forest patches with high diversity of flowering plants in the northern Western Ghats: an example from Maharashtra, India
Authors: Kasodekar Amol Kishor , Jadhav Amol Dilip , Bhagat Rani Babanrao , Pawar Rakesh Mahadev , Gupta Vidya Shrikant , Kadoo Narendra Yashwant 
Published: May 2019

The northern Western Ghats (NWG) comprises of a patchy continuum of forests that have been severely fragmented mainly due to anthropogenic activities. We documented tree diversity within a representative fragmented forest patch of the NWG to study the effects of fragmentation on forest structure and composition. The floristic survey was conducted by replicated strip transect sampling method leading to a total sampling area of 0.3ha. A total of 444 individual trees (Girth>10cm) were sampled, which represented 49 tree species belonging to 42 genera and 23 families. Species richness per unit area and tree density were higher than previously reported values from similar forest type in various regions of NWG. These variations, however, could have resulted due to differences in the sampling area, sampling method, and girth classes used across different studies. Nevertheless, various diversity parameters such as N/S ratio, Simpson’s index, Shannon’s index, and Fisher’s α index were comparable with those reported in previous studies in the Western Ghats. The observed species richness was close to species richness estimates such as abundance-based coverage estimate, Chao-1, and Jackknife estimators. The present study also enumerates 108 species of understory flowering plants, which is provided as a checklist. While access restrictions are imposed in protected areas having high conservation priority, such restrictions are not imposed in non-protected areas, which make them much more vulnerable to anthropogenic activities. Hence, this study recommends that owing to their high diversity, the fragmented forest patches of NWG should also be given high conservation priority.
Winter season bloomer Hairy Bergenia Bergenia ciliata (Haw.) Sternb. (Saxifragales: Saxifragaceae), an important winter forage for diverse insect groups
Authors: Pandey Aseesh , Joshi Ravindra K. , Negi Bhawana Kapkoti 
Published: May 2019

Pollinators can play an important role in production improvement in organic farming. It is, therefore, essential to ensure their year-round availability, particularly in winter season in Sikkim Himalaya. Thus, attempts were made to explore resources which could support and provide switching over platforms to pollinators during the winter season. Among the few observed forage species, Bergenia ciliata was found to be an important species that supports a diverse group of pollinators by providing the necessary forage. Therefore, B. ciliata is to be protected and managed to provide forage to pollinator insects during winter season.
Notes on the diet of adult Yellow Catfish Aspistor luniscutis (Pisces: Siluriformes) in northern Rio de Janeiro State, southeastern Brazil
Authors: Di Beneditto Ana Paula Madeira , Tavares Maria Thereza Manhães 
Published: May 2019

Diet of adult specimens of Yellow Catfish Aspistor luniscutis (Valenciennes, 1840) was determined through stomach contents analysis. The specimens were target of commercial gillnet fisheries in northern Rio de Janeiro State, southeastern Brazil. In this region, A. luniscutis is a generalist benthophagous feeder, consuming most available prey species with crustaceans, especially penaeid shrimps, brachyuran crabs, and sciaenid fish dominating.
First assessment of bird diversity in the UNESCO Sheka Forest Biosphere Reserve, southwestern Ethiopia: species richness, distribution and potential for avian conservation
Authors: Van Opstal Mattias , Oosterlynck Bernard , Belay Million , Erens Jesse , De Beenhouwer Matthias 
Published: May 2019

The Sheka Zone in southwestern Ethiopia is covered by some of the largest remaining forests in the Eastern Afromontane biodiversity hotspot. Owing to the rich biodiversity and a high degree of endemism, it was declared as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 2012 and is considered a Key Biodiversity Area. Detailed knowledge on species diversity and distribution in the reserve is, however, severely limited. From February to April 2016, an assessment of the bird diversity and distribution in the reserve was made for the first time through point count transects, camera-trap recordings and opportunistic observations. In total, 244 bird species were identified, of which 19% was only found within the reserve’s designated protected zones. Our study indicates a remarkable bird species richness across the different habitats in Sheka Forest Biosphere Reserve and can be used as a baseline for future monitoring studies and conservation planning.