bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Non‐enzymatic Glucose Sensor Based on Nickel/Carbon Composite
Authors: Marini Silvia , Ben Mansour Nabil , Hjiri Mokhtar , Dhahri Ramzi , El Mir Lassaad , Espro Claudia , Bonavita Anna , Galvagno Signorino , Neri Giovanni , Leonardi Salvatore Gianluca 
Published: January 2018

AbstractNickel/carbon composites (Ni−C) have been synthesized by a pyrolysis treatment carried out at the temperature of 675 °C, of NiO incorporated into a pyrogallol‐formaldehyde organic wet gel. Structural and morphological characterizations of the Ni−C samples were performed by XRD and SEM analysis, respectively. Electrochemical non‐enzymatic glucose sensors were fabricated modifying the working electrode surface of screen printed carbon electrodes. Cyclic voltammetry and amperometric tests were performed in order to investigate the electrocatalytic activity of differently Ni loaded carbon towards the oxidation of glucose in alkaline 0.1 M KOH solution. The sensor based on 30 % Ni/carbon showed the best sensing performance towards glucose monitoring with a sensitivity of 670 μA/mM cm−1 in the a liner range from 20 to 500 μM, and a detection limit lower than 8 μM at S/N=3.
Landslide activation behaviour illuminated by electrical resistance monitoring
Authors: Merritt A.J. , Chambers J.E. , Murphy W. , Wilkinson P.B. , West L.J. , Uhlemann S. , Meldrum P.I. , Gunn D. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractA common factor in landslide activation (or reactivation) is subsurface moisture and associated pore pressure variations linked to rainfall. Monitoring of these subsurface hydrogeological processes is necessary to improve our understanding of water‐induced landslide activation. Geophysical approaches, electrical methods in particular, are increasingly being applied to landslide monitoring because they provide non‐invasive spatial information in heterogeneous subsurface environments that can be difficult to characterise using surface observations or intrusive sampling alone. Electrical techniques are sensitive to changing subsurface moisture conditions, and have proven to be a useful tool for investigating the hydrogeology of natural and engineered slopes.The objectives of this investigation were to further develop electrical resistance monitoring for slope stability assessment, and to validate the approach at an intermittently‐active UK landslide system to advance the understanding of complex landslide activation mechanisms. A long‐term transfer resistance dataset was collected from a grid of electrodes to allow spatial monitoring of the landslide. These data were interpreted using a synthesis of rainfall, temperature, GPS and piezometric records. The resistance data were corrected for seasonal temperature variations and electrode movements were monitored, as these processes were shown to mask moisture related changes. Results reveal that resistance monitoring is sensitive to soil moisture accumulation, including changes in piezometric levels, and can be used to study the principal activation mechanism of slow‐moving shallow earthflows. Spatial monitoring using resistance maps was shown to be particularly valuable as it revealed the evolution of subsurface moisture distribution, in the lead up to landslide activation.Key benefits of this approach are that it provides a simple, rapid and non‐invasive means of spatially monitoring subsurface moisture dynamics linked to landslide activation at high‐temporal resolution. Crucially, it provides a means of monitoring subsurface hydraulic changes in the build‐up to slope failure, thereby contributing to early warning of landslide events. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of type and quantity of organic carbon on the bioaccessibility of polychlorinated biphenyls in contaminated sediments
Authors: Sinche Federico L. , Nutile Sam A. , Huff Hartz Kara E. , Landrum Peter F. , Lydy Michael J. 
Published: January 2018

Abstract

Organic carbon principally controls sorption and desorption of hydrophobic organic compounds in sediments. We investigated the effects of organic carbon type and quantity on compound bioaccessibility. The desorption of 21 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners was determined in spiked sediments amended with black carbon, humic acid, and sawdust at either 3 or 6% organic carbon. Desorption parameters were determined using Tenax sequential extractions and then modeled as operationally defined rapid, slow, and very slow fractions and rate constants. The effects of the amendments on PCB bioaccumulation were also evaluated using Lumbriculus variegatus. The lowest and highest PCB bioaccessibilities were observed in the black carbon and sawdust amendments, respectively. The total amount of PCBs desorbed ranged from 3 to 27% for the black carbon amendments, 12 to 55% for humic acid amendments, 16 to 80% for sawdust amendments, and 35 to 89% for controls. The results also showed that desorption of PCBs was slower in 6% amendments than 3% amendments, and this finding was most evident in humic acid and black carbon amendments. Overall, the trend in PCB bioaccumulation was similar to what was found for compound desorption in that the highest PCB bioaccumulation was observed in controls and sawdust amendments, whereas humic acid and black carbon amendments showed lower bioaccumulation. Finally, the 24-h single-point Tenax and bioaccumulation data were fit to a Tenax regression model. The PCB bioaccumulation was effectively predicted by the model, with 80% of the data falling within the 95% confidence intervals. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:1280–1290. © 2018 SETAC
Benchmark dose analysis framework for developing wildlife toxicity reference values
Authors: Mayfield David B. , Skall Daniel G. 
Published: January 2018

Abstract

The effects characterization phase of ecological risk assessments (ERAs) often includes the selection or development of toxicity reference values (TRVs) for chemicals under investigation. In wildlife risk assessments, TRVs are thresholds represented by a dose or concentration associated with a specified adverse response. Traditionally, a TRV may be derived from an estimate of the no-observed-adverse effect level or lowest-observed-adverse-effect level, identified from a controlled toxicity study. Because of the limitations of this approach, risk assessors are increasingly developing TRVs using alternative methods. Benchmark dose (BMD) analysis is widely recognized as one approach for developing TRVs. A BMD is derived using the full dose–response relationship from all experimental doses and may represent a user-specified response level (e.g., 5, 10, 20, or 50%). Although many regulatory programs consider the use of BMD-derived wildlife TRVs, there is limited guidance available for implementing the BMD approach, particularly for ERA. The present study provides a framework for ecological risk assessors to identify appropriate data, examine dose–response relationships, estimate BMDs, and document the results for use in risk analysis. This framework demonstrates the process of developing a TRV using BMD analysis and identifies applications for which this approach may enhance ERAs (e.g., site assessment, chemical or pesticide registration programs). Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:1496–1508. © 2018 SETAC
Fire‐induced reradiation underneath photovoltaic arrays on flat roofs
Authors: Kristensen Jens Steemann , Merci Bart , Jomaas Grunde 
Published: January 2018

SummaryThe impact of the reflection of fire‐induced heat from a gas burner was studied experimentally to gain knowledge on the interaction between photovoltaic (PV) panels and a fire on flat roofs. The heat flux was measured in a total of eight points at the same level as the top of the gas burner. The gas burner was placed underneath the center of a PV panel, installed in a geometry similar to a commercial east‐west orientated mounting system, and the eight points were symmetrical pairs of two at four different distances from the burner. Measurements were compared with tests with no PV panel, and thereby without the reflection from the PV panel. A significant increase of the received heat flux was recorded, with ascending percentage‐wise difference for increased heat release rates. This indicates that PV panels can have a significant contribution in roof fires, primarily because they stimulate fire spread over the roof on which they have been mounted. The received heat flux is higher underneath the most elevated part of the PV panel, due to two important, flame‐related reasons: 1) the flame deflection toward the most elevated part of the panel and 2) a nonhomogeneous temperature distribution on the PV panel surface, due to the deflected flame, and thereby a nonhomogeneous emission from the heated PV panel. Finally, the results were very similar for a brand new PV panel and a PV panel tested for the fourth time, except during the period when the thin combustible film underneath the new PV panel is burning, supporting that it is the fire dynamics and not the fire load associated with the PV panels that is promoting fire spread associated with PV panels on flat roofs. With this in mind, the current results are relevant not only for PV panels but also for any inclined roof covering panel with limited combustibility.
Do gender gaps in education and health affect economic growth? A cross‐country study from 1975 to 2010
Authors: Mandal Bidisha , Batina Raymond G. , Chen Wen 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWe use system‐generalized method‐of‐moments to estimate the effect of gender‐specific human capital on economic growth in a cross‐country panel of 127 countries between 1975 and 2010. There are several benefits of using this methodology. First, a dynamic lagged dependent econometric model is suitable to address persistence in per capita output. Second, the generalized method‐of‐moments estimator uses dynamic properties of the data to generate appropriate instrumental variables to address joint endogeneity of the explanatory variables. Third, we allow the measurement error to include unobserved country‐specific effect and random noise. We include two gender‐disaggregated measures of human capital—education and health. We find that gender gap in health plays a critical role in explaining economic growth in developing countries. Our results provide aggregate evidence that returns to investments in health systematically differ across gender and between low‐income and high‐income countries.
An evaluation of the ‘Yaka Ŋarali’’ Tackling Indigenous Smoking program in East Arnhem Land: Yolŋu people and their connection to ŋarali’
Authors: Tane Moana P. , Hefler Marita , Thomas David P. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIssue addressedSmoking prevalence estimated between 65% and 84% has been reported among the Yolŋu peoples of East Arnhem Land, Northern Territory. We report on findings of an evaluation of the Yaka Ŋarali’ Tackling Indigenous Smoking program in East Arnhem Land.MethodsQualitative interviews with Yolŋu (N = 23) and non‐Yolŋu (N = 7) informants were conducted in seven communities between June 2014 and September 2015, with the support of Cultural Mentors, in homeland communities throughout East Arnhem Land. The data was coded using NVivo software, analysed line‐by‐line and categorised by the researcher (MT) under three a priori categories established as evaluation parameters. In addition, the meanings of ŋarali’ and Yolŋu cultural obligations to ŋarali’ were analysed using an inductive process.ResultsData were coded under three a priori themes: Yolŋu trying to quit smoking (interest in quitting, access to support); the Yaka Ŋarali program (efficacy and recognition); Yolŋu workforce (roles and responsibilities). Yolŋu informants, including Elders and leaders, both smokers and non‐smokers uniformly acknowledged the deep cultural and traditional connection with ŋarali’ attributing this relationship with its introduction by the Macassans and its subsequent adoption into ceremony.ConclusionsGiven the strong cultural and traditional connection to ŋarali’, care must be taken to ensure tobacco control measures maintain congruence with local values and expectations.So what?Tailored, localised programs, developed in consultation with communities, Elders and leaders are needed to respect and accommodate the tight connection that the Yolŋu have with ŋarali’, maintained over hundreds of years.
Skills, systems and supports: An Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service (Apunipima) approach to building health promotion evaluation capacity of staff
Authors: Nichols Nina , McFarlane Kathryn , Gibson Priscilla , Millard Fiona , Packer Andrew , McDonald Malcolm 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIssue addressedBuilding the health promotion evaluation capacity of a workforce requires more than a focus on individual skills and confidence. We must also consider the organisational systems and supports that enable staff to embed learnings into practice. This paper describes the processes used to build health promotion evaluation capacity of staff in an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service (ACCHS).MethodsTo build health promotion evaluation capacity three approaches were used: (i) workshops and mentoring; (ii) strengthening systems to support program reporting; and (iii) recruitment of staff with skills and experience. Pre‐ and post‐questionnaires determined levels of individual skills and confidence, updated systems were assessed for adequacy to support new health promotion practices and surveys captured the usefulness of workshops and mentoring.ResultsThere was increased participant skills and confidence. Participants completed program impact evaluation reports and results were successfully presented at national conferences. The health promotion team was then able to update in‐house systems to support new health promotion practices. Ongoing collaboration with experienced in‐house researchers provided basic research training and professional mentoring.ConclusionsBuilding health promotion evaluation capacity of staff in an ACCHS can be achieved by providing individual skill development, strengthening organisational systems and utilising professional support.So what?Health promotion practitioners have an ongoing professional obligation to improve the quality of routine practice and embrace new initiatives. This report outlines a process of building evaluation capacity that promotes quality reporting of program impacts and outcomes, reflects on ways to enhance program strengths, and communicates these findings internally and to outside professional bodies. This is particularly significant for ACCHSs responsible for addressing the high burden of preventable disease in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations.
Gender‐specific risk factors for low bone mineral density in patients taking antipsychotics for psychosis
Authors: Jhon Min , Yoo Taeyoung , Lee Ju‐Yeon , Kim Seon‐Young , Kim Jae‐Min , Shin Il‐Seon , Williams Lana , Berk Michael , Yoon Jin‐Sang , Kim Sung‐Wan 
Published: January 2018

AbstractObjectiveThis study examined clinical and gender‐specific risk factors for low bone mineral density (BMD) in adult patients with psychotic disorders.MethodsThe study included 285 community‐dwelling patients with psychotic disorders. Dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry was used to measure BMD. Clinical characteristics associated with low BMD were identified with logistic regression analysis in total population and each gender.ResultsFifty‐eight (20.4%) subjects had low BMD. Low BMD was more common in men and in patients with low body mass indices (BMIs), as well as in those with shorter treatment durations, those on Medicaid, and patients using serotonergic antidepressants. Logistic regression analysis revealed that low BMD was negatively associated with BMI and treatment duration and positively with gender (male) and serotonergic antidepressants use in the overall population. In men, low BMD was associated with treatment duration and BMI; in women, low BMD was associated with BMI, prolactin level, vitamin D, and serotonergic antidepressant use.ConclusionManaging the risk factors associated with low BMD among patients with psychotic disorder should be done gender‐specifically. Psychotropic agents should be prescribed mindful of their effects on bone, as use of these medications is a modifiable risk factor for osteoporosis in women with psychotic disorders.
Formation waters discharge to rivers near oil sands projects
Authors: Ellis Jessica , Jasechko Scott 
Published: January 2018

AbstractGroundwater discharges in the western Canadian oil sands region impact river water quality. Mapping groundwater discharges to rivers in the oil sands region is important to target water quality monitoring efforts and to ensure injected wastewater and steam remain sequestered rather than eventually resurfacing. Saline springs composed of Pleistocene‐aged glacial meltwater exist in the region, but their spatial distribution has not been mapped comprehensively. Here we show that formation waters discharge into 3 major rivers as they flow through the Athabasca Oil Sands Region adjacent to many active oil sands projects. These discharges increase river chloride concentrations from river headwaters to downstream reaches by factors of ~23 in the Christina River, ~4 in the Clearwater River, and ~5 in the Athabasca River. Our survey provides further evidence for the substantial impact of formation water discharges on river water quality, even though they comprise less than ~2% of total streamflow. Geochemical evidence supporting formation water discharges as the leading control on river salinity include increases in river chloride concentrations, Na/(Na + Ca) ratios, Cl/(Cl + SO4) ratios and decreases in 87Sr/86Sr ratios; each mixing trend is consistent with saline groundwater discharges sourced from Cretaceous or Devonian aquifers. These regional subsurface‐to‐surface connections signify that injected wastewater or steam may potentially resurface in the future, emphasizing the critical importance of mapping groundwater flow paths to understand present‐day streamflow quality and to predict the potential for injected fluids to resurface.
Seasonal dynamics of water and nutrient fluxes in an agricultural peatland
Authors: Kennedy Casey D. , Alverson Nickolas , Jeranyama Peter , DeMoranville Carolyn 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) is an important part of the cultural heritage and economy of Southeastern Massachusetts, yet water quality concerns and wetland protection laws challenge its commercial production. Here, we report inputs and outputs of water, nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) for a 2.12‐ha cranberry bed over a 2‐year period from 2013 to 2015. Water‐budget analysis indicated that precipitation contributed 40%, floodwater 37%, irrigation 15%, and groundwater 8% of water inputs to the cranberry bed. Minor annual variation in surface water discharge (~90 mm·year−1 or 3%) contrasted with large decreases in net (= outputs − inputs) nutrient export, from 16.2 to 9.1 kg N·ha−1·year−1 for total (dissolved + suspended particulate) nitrogen (TN) and from 3.34 to 1.47 kg P·ha−1·year−1 for total phosphorus (TP) between Years 1 and 2. Annual variation in net TN and TP export was tied to decreases in spring and summer nutrient export and controlled by the combined effects of fertilizer management, soil biogeochemistry, and hydrology. The relatively high spring TN export in Year 1 was associated with coincident increases in soil temperature and rainfall. A second factor was the timing of fertilizer application, which occurred 1 day prior to a major summer storm (i.e., third largest daily rainfall since 1926) and was responsible for up to 15% and 9% of the Year 1 TN and TP export, respectively. Nutrient budgets, which balanced water and fertilizer inputs with water, fruit, and vegetative outputs, were consistent with the burial of 21.6 kg N·ha−1·year−1 and 7.27 kg P·ha−1·year−1. Field measurements indicated that burial would increase TN and TP in the shallow (0–5 cm) rooting zone by 14% and 6%, respectively, which seemed plausible based on the relatively young age of the bed (4–5 years) and new root growth patterns in Vaccinium plants.
A Cautionary Tale About Using the WordShy: An Action Research Study of How Three Quiet Learners Demonstrated Participation Beyond Speech
Authors: Rosheim Kay Carpenter 
Published: January 2018

AbstractStudents who are quiet while reflecting on information before sharing their thoughts are often mistakenly judged as not participating in class. To better understand how quiet students navigated the space of a Midwestern U.S. suburban classroom, a yearlong action research study was conducted to learn more about student needs and test how adapting curriculum and pedagogy might affect students’ identities. Interviews, classroom videos, and student writing samples were analyzed to learn how quiet students engaged in classroom work, advocated for themselves, and rebuffed labels that they felt were negative. Although talk in the classroom is certainly vital to learning, time for writing and reflection is critical for some students. The findings of this study aim to raise awareness and encourage teachers to take an inquiry stance toward quiet students and consider their other modes of participation beyond speech.
Rutin and meloxicam attenuate paw inflammation in mice: Affecting sorbitol dehydrogenase activity
Authors: Fikry Ebtehal M. , Hasan Wedad A. , Mohamed Eman G. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractRutin, naturally occurring flavonoid, has reported to cover interesting multiple pharmacological properties. This study evaluated rutin or/and meloxicam effects in paw inflammation induced by formalin in mice. Mice were divided into four groups: I‐Formalin group, II‐Rutin 60 mg/kg (p.o.), III‐Meloxicam 10 mg/kg (p.o.), plus IV‐Combined rutin and meloxicam. Therapies were administered once a day for 7 days. The curative effects were assessed on inflammatory, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Both rutin and/or meloxicam induced marked improvement in paw licking time on the 1st day and by combined treatment only on the 3rd day as well reduction in paw edema% on the 3rd day. Moreover, noticeable progress in liver malondialdehyde content, superoxide dismutase, and sorbitol dehydrogenase activities as well decline in paw interleukin‐1β level and extent of apoptosis. The results spot light on the good influence of combined rutin and meloxicam in formalin‐induced mice paw inflammation to a better extent than either rutin or meloxicam lonely.
Parenting in the community: A service evaluation of a universal, voluntary sector parenting intervention
Authors: Gardner E. , Woolgar M. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractEvidence based parenting programs have been shown to improve parenting competence and reduce child behavior problems. More rigorous evaluations of such programs are needed in community contexts. This study provides such an evaluation of The Parenting Children Course, a voluntary sector program that is being run both Live and on DVD within a church context. A total of 225 parents participated in the study. Standardized questionnaires were used to measure key parenting variables before and after the course, and at follow‐up 3 months later. Taking the course improved parents’ confidence and reduced parental negativity, but did not improve positive parenting skills. Parents reported that child behavior and family functioning also improved by the end of the course. There were no signs of decay at 3‐month follow‐up. Strengths and limitations of the study, implications for clinical practice and directions for future research, are discussed.