bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is annual recharge coefficient a valid concept in arid and semi-arid regions?
Authors: Cheng Yiben , Zhan Hongbin , Yang Wenbin , Dang Hongzhong , Li Wei 
Published: October 2017

Abstract. Deep soil recharge (DSR) (at depth greater than 200 cm) is an important part of water circulation in arid and semi-arid regions. Quantitative monitoring of DSR is of great importance to assess water resources and to study water balance in arid and semi-arid regions. This study used a typical bare land on the eastern margin of Mu Us Sandy Land in the Ordos Basin of China as an example to illustrate a new lysimeter method of measuring DSR to examine if the annual recharge coefficient is valid or not in the study site, where the annual recharge efficient is the ratio of annual DSR over annual total precipitation. Positioning monitoring was done on precipitation and DSR measurements underneath mobile sand dunes from 2013 to 2015 in the study area. Results showed that use of an annual recharge coefficient for estimating DSR in bare sand land in arid and semi-arid regions is questionable and could lead to considerable errors. It appeared that DSR in those regions was influenced by precipitation pattern and was closely correlated with spontaneous strong precipitation events (with precipitation greater than 10 mm) other than the total precipitation. This study showed that as much as 42 % of precipitation in a single strong precipitation event can be transformed into DSR. During the observation period, the maximum annual DSR could make up 24.33 % of the annual precipitation. This study provided a reliable method of estimating DSR in sandy areas of arid and semi-arid regions, which is valuable for managing groundwater resources and ecological restoration in those regions. It also provided strong evidence that the annual recharge coefficient was invalid for calculating DSR in arid and semi-arid regions. This study shows that DSR is closely related to the strong precipitation events, rather than to the average annual precipitation, as well as the precipitation patterns.
Identifying, characterizing and predicting spatial patterns of lacustrine groundwater discharge
Authors: Tecklenburg Christina , Blume Theresa 
Published: October 2017

Abstract. Lacustrine groundwater discharge (LGD) can significantly affect lake water balances and lake water quality. However, quantifying LGD and its spatial patterns is challenging because of the large spatial extent of the aquifer–lake interface and pronounced spatial variability. This is the first experimental study to specifically study these larger-scale patterns with sufficient spatial resolution to systematically investigate how landscape and local characteristics affect the spatial variability in LGD. We measured vertical temperature profiles around a 0.49 km2 lake in northeastern Germany with a needle thermistor, which has the advantage of allowing for rapid (manual) measurements and thus, when used in a survey, high spatial coverage and resolution. Groundwater inflow rates were then estimated using the heat transport equation. These near-shore temperature profiles were complemented with sediment temperature measurements with a fibre-optic cable along six transects from shoreline to shoreline and radon measurements of lake water samples to qualitatively identify LGD patterns in the offshore part of the lake. As the hydrogeology of the catchment is sufficiently homogeneous (sandy sediments of a glacial outwash plain; no bedrock control) to avoid patterns being dominated by geological discontinuities, we were able to test the common assumptions that spatial patterns of LGD are mainly controlled by sediment characteristics and the groundwater flow field. We also tested the assumption that topographic gradients can be used as a proxy for gradients of the groundwater flow field. Thanks to the extensive data set, these tests could be carried out in a nested design, considering both small- and large-scale variability in LGD. We found that LGD was concentrated in the near-shore area, but alongshore variability was high, with specific regions of higher rates and higher spatial variability. Median inflow rates were 44 L m−2 d−1 with maximum rates in certain locations going up to 169 L m−2 d−1. Offshore LGD was negligible except for two local hotspots on steep steps in the lake bed topography. Large-scale groundwater inflow patterns were correlated with topography and the groundwater flow field, whereas small-scale patterns correlated with grain size distributions of the lake sediment. These findings confirm results and assumptions of theoretical and modelling studies more systematically than was previously possible with coarser sampling designs. However, we also found that a significant fraction of the variance in LGD could not be explained by these controls alone and that additional processes need to be considered. While regression models using these controls as explanatory variables had limited power to predict LGD rates, the results nevertheless encourage the use of topographic indices and sediment heterogeneity as an aid for targeted campaigns in future studies of groundwater discharge to lakes.
SYNTHESIS AND TEMPERATURE-RESPONSIVE BEHAVIOR OF N-VINYLCAPROLACTAM-GRAFTED NR
Authors: Phetrong S. , Sansuk C. , Paoprasert P. 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACT
Temperature-responsive polymers are smart materials that respond to changes in temperature, making them suitable for a range of applications. We report the synthesis and temperature-responsive behavior of N-vinylcaprolactam-grafted natural rubber. The grafting reaction was carried out using deproteinized natural rubber (DPNR) latex, with 2,2′-azoisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as the free radical initiator. The temperature responsiveness of the graft copolymers was investigated using water swelling and contact angle measurement and compared with that of pure DPNR. The graft copolymer was found to be temperature responsive in the range 32–34 °C, whereas the DPNR was not responsive to temperature. Since the temperature responsiveness of graft copolymer is near the human body temperature, it can be used to fabricate biomedical and sensing materials. Dye adsorption studies revealed the Langmuir isotherm, indicating monolayer coverage. The novel temperature-responsive natural rubber demonstrated in this study has potential uses in a wide range of applications.
INFLUENCES OF PROCESS VARIABLES AND SUBCRITICAL FLUIDS ON EPDM-ASSISTED DEVULCANIZATION OF SBR-BASED GROUND TIRE RUBBER
Authors: Zhang Tao , Cao Jinxing , Wang Xiaojun , Zhang Ling , Zhang Yuncan 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACT
The devulcanization reaction of SBR-based ground tire rubber (GTR) in GTR/EPDM blend was investigated through a co-rotating twin-screw extruder by increasing the screw rotation speed in the presence of subcritical fluids (water, ethanol, and propanol). The influences of the screw rotation speed, the promoting agents, and temperature were investigated. The results show that subcritical fluid, which is a swelling agent and reaction medium, promotes the devulcanization reaction, increases the selectivity of crosslink breakage, keeps the extrusion material from oxidative degradation, reduces the gel particle size of the devulcanized blends, and significantly improves the mechanical properties of the revulcanizate. Among different subcritical fluids (water, ethanol, propanol), the influence of subcritical ethanol is significantly obvious. When promoting agent 450 is added under the best reaction conditions (ethanol, 200 °C, 2.2 Mpa, and 600 rpm), the tensile strength and elongation at break of the revulcanizate retains 99.6% and 209% of vulcanized SBR (24.0 MPa, 356%), respectively.
Skin closure following fractured neck of femur surgery: a survey of orthopaedic surgeons’ practices
Authors: Hill Daniel S. , Freudmann Matthew , Sergeant Jamie C. , Board Tim N. 
Published: October 2017

Introduction: Surgical intervention for patients presenting with a fractured neck of femur is common, however the best method of skin closure remains unclear. It has been suggested that the use of metallic skin clips in the closure of hip wounds may increase the rate of surgical site infections, however there are few high quality studies evaluating this. Methods: We designed a survey to assess surgeons preferred skin closure method and their reasons for choosing it. This was sent to 545 consultant orthopaedic surgeons. Results: The positive response rate to our survey was 68% (n = 370). The survey showed that 44% of surgeons used metallic skin clips, and this was the most common method of closure reported. Hip surgeons were less likely to use metallic skin clips when compared to surgeons with other principal subspecialty practices. Surgeons using clips were most likely to state the rationale for use as convenience, whereas those using non-clip skin closure methods were more likely to cite reduced rates of wound inflammation, discharge, and infection as the rationale for use. Only a small proportion of surgeons indicate that their decisions were evidence based. Conclusions: Skin closure following surgery for fractured neck of femur is not consistent amongst surgeons and is not driven by evidence. Greater levels of evidence in this field are required to improve outcomes in this patient group.
A Novel Insight into the Role of Entry Tears in Type B Aortic Dissection: Pressure Measurements in an in Vitro Model
Authors: Marconi Stefania , Lanzarone Ettore , De Beaufort Hector , Conti Michele , Trimarchi Santi , Auricchio Ferdinando 
Published: October 2017

Introduction Predicting aortic growth in acute type B dissection is fundamental in planning interventions. Several factors are considered to be growth predictors in the literature and, among them, size and location of entry tears have been recognized to particularly influence the false lumen pressure. In this study, we develop an in vitro setting to analyze the actual impact of size and location of the entry tears on false lumen pressure, in the absence of other confounding factors such as the deformability of the aortic wall. Methods We formalize some indexes that synthetically describe the false lumen pressure with respect to the true lumen pressure. Then, we experimentally derive their values in several configurations of the in vitro setting, and we look for trends in the indexes with respect to the size and location of entry tears. Results: Results show that the tears have a relevant impact on the false lumen pressure, but that their size and location alone are not enough to explain the phenomena observed in vivo. Conclusions To predict the behavior of acute type B dissection, we therefore recommend not limiting to size and location, as many effects may derive from the interactions between these parameters and other patient characteristics.
Tubeless versus standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy in pediatric patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Nouralizadeh Akbar , Simforoosh Nasser , Shemshaki Hamidreza , Soltani Mohammad H. , Sotoudeh Mehdi , Ramezani Mehdi H. , Nikravesh Maryam , Golshan Alireza , Ansari Anahita 
Published: October 2017

Background: This systematic review and meta-analysis was designed to evaluate the post-operative outcomes between tubeless and standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) among children. Methods: Literature searches were performed following the Cochrane guidelines. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis that included three trials investigating the outcomes including the length of hospital stay, operation time, hemoglobin decrease, blood transfusion rate, perirenal fluid presence, post-operative fever, stone clearance rate, and the need for a second operation. Results: The patients who underwent tubeless PCNL had shorter length of hospitalization compared to standard PCNLs (mean difference -1.57, 95% confidence interval -3.2 to 0.07, p = 0.06). No significant decrease was detected in hemoglobin after tubeless PCNL compared to standard PCNL (mean difference 0.05, 95% confidence interval -0.03 to 0.13, p = 0.21). There were no significant differences in operation time (p = 0.7), perirenal fluid presence (p = 0.15), post-operative fever (p = 0.72), stone clearance (p = 0.68), and the need for a second operation (p = 0.90). Conclusions: This study showed no significant difference between tubeless and standard PCNLs in children. However, due to the lack of data, the results should be mentioned prudently. Future randomized trials with more sample sizes and longer follow-ups are warranted.
Animals and African Ethics
Authors: Horsthemke Kai 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
African ethics is primarily concerned with community and harmonious communal relationships. The claim is frequently made on behalf of African moral beliefs and customs that, in stark contrast with Western moral attitudes and practices, there is no comparable objectification and exploitation of other-than-human animals and nature. This article investigates whether this claim is correct by examining the status of animals in religious and philosophical thought, as well as traditional cultural practices, in Africa. I argue that moral perceptions and attitudes on the African continent remain resolutely anthropocentric. Although values like ubuntu (humanness) or ukama (relationality) have been expanded to include nonhuman nature, animals are characteristically not seen to have any rights, and human duties to them are almost exclusively “indirect.” I conclude by asking whether those who, following their own liberation, continue to exploit and oppress other creatures—simply because they can—are not thereby contributing to their own dehumanization.
Anthropocentrism, African Metaphysical Worldview, and Animal Practices: A Reply to Kai Horsthemke
Authors: Etieyibo Edwin 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
In his recently published book Animals and African Ethics, Kai Horsthemke (2015) makes two important and related claims. The first is that most African metaphysical, religious, and ethical positions and perspectives on animals are anthropocentric. Second, he states that if there are one or more principles of duties regarding other animals derivable from these positions and perspectives, they are at best “indirect duties.” In this article, I critically engage with these claims in the context of the ontological beliefs and ethical standpoints that flow from anthropocentrism, biocentrism, and ecocentrism. I argue that the African metaphysical worldview and African practices on animals are not anthropocentric. The nub of my argument is that a closer examination of African practices on animals and one dominant African metaphysical worldview—one that Horsthemke engages with in the book—presents us a different conclusion, one that suggests that the worldview and practices are conceivably biocentric or ecocentric rather than anthropocentric.
The Moral Complexities of Eating Meat
Authors: Bernstein Mark 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
The Moral Complexities of Eating Meat is a welcome addition to the growing literature on the moral issues revolving around our eating habits. While much of the volume concerns the so-called causal impotence argument— the idea that since, as individuals, we do little to add to the harm imposed on animals, some opportunistic carnivorism on our parts is not blameworthy—there are thought-provoking essays running the gamut from defending the practice of meat eating more generally to insisting that strict vegetarianism is the only morally permissible way to engage with our food. The essays are, without exception, cogent and accessible and can be usefully incorporated into most classes that deal with animal or applied ethics.
The 1970 British Commonwealth Games: Scottish Reactions to Apartheid and Sporting Boycotts
Authors: Skillen Fiona , McDowell Matthew L. 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
The 1970 British Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh is widely thought to have been a barnstorming success and an excellent advertisement for Scotland. Recent research by the authors, however, shows that the event was a deeply politicized one: reflective of Scotland’s status as a “stateless nation,” of Westminster politics during the era more generally, and of the politics surrounding apartheid South Africa’s sporting contacts with the outside world. The games managed to avert a mass boycott organized by the South African Non-Racial Olympic Committee (SANROC), in retaliation for the Marylebone Cricket Club’s recent invitation of the South African national cricket team. This article will explore Scotland’s place as a nonstate actor within the 1970 crisis. Attention will be given to the domestic political response from Scottish members of Parliament, members of local Scottish councils (particularly within Edinburgh itself), and Scottish National Party (SNP) activists, angered that Scotland should pay for the crimes perceived to be made by an English sporting body. However, our piece goes beyond these discourses, to examine the broader sporting relationship that Scots had with South Africa and Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), governed by white supremacist regimes during the period. Policy documents, housed in the National Records of Scotland, express UK Cabinet-level concerns about the actions of individual sporting clubs’ tours of the countries. This article will also look at how cabinet ministers, most notably Labour’s Minister for Sport Denis Howell, intervened to shape Scotland’s devolved sporting councils’ policies on contacts with South Africa and Rhodesia.
“Watch Britain”: Movement Education, Transnational Exchanges, and the Contested Terrain of Physical Education in Mid-Twentieth-Century Canada
Authors: Vertinsky Patricia , Gils Bieke 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
The notion that exercise is medicine dominated Canadian physical education in its nineteenth-century inception and continued to circulate through fitness discourses despite the introduction of movement education in the mid-twentieth century, which offered more progressive methods of child-centered teaching. Canada’s approach to physical education in the postwar decades was affected by important transatlantic influences, not only in matters of national fitness but through numbers of émigrée female physical educators from Britain who played a significant role in the transfer and exchange of professional practices. Arriving in British Columbia—the end of the railway line—in the late 1950s and ’60s, these women promoted movement education and gained considerable traction in schools and colleges. Ultimately, however, an increasingly gendered discourse pitted the female-centered tradition of child-centered movement education against a growing appetite for competitive sport-skill-based forms of physical education and biopedagogical interventions supported by an evidence-based medicine approach.
Single-Laboratory Validation for Determination of Total Soluble Proanthocyanidins in Cranberry Using 4-Dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde
Authors: Sintara Marsha , Li Lin , Cunningham David G , Prior Ronald L , Wu Xianli , Chang Tony 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) is native to Eastern North America. Recent studies have suggested that the A-type proanthocyanidins (PACs) in cranberries are effective in preventing urinary tract infection. To meet the growing interest in the cranberry market, an accurate, reliable, and simple method to determine PAC concentration is needed. In this study, a modified method using 4-dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde to quantify total PACs in cranberry products was validated. Cranberry juice extract powder, cranberry capsules containing juice extract, and cranberry juice concentrate were used as the samples in this study. With the modified method, the calibration curves for proanthocyanidin A2 had correlation coefficients (r2) of &gt;0.99. The recoveries of two different concentrations after spiking were 97.1 and 99.1%, and the RSDs for repeatability and reproducibility were &lt;2.7 and &lt;1.6%, respectively.
Qualitative study of healthcare providers’ current practice patterns and barriers to successful rehydration for pediatric diarrheal illnesses in Kenya
Authors: House Darlene R. , Cheptinga Philip , Rusyniak Daniel E. , Vreeman Rachel C. 
Published: October 2017

Background
For children worldwide, diarrhea is the second leading cause of death. These deaths are preventable by fluid resuscitation. Nasogastric tubes (NGs) have been shown to be equivalent to intravenous fluids for rehydration and recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for use in severe dehydration. Despite this, NGs are rarely used for rehydration in Kenya. Our objective was to evaluate clinicians’ adherence to rehydration guidelines and to identify barriers to the use of NGs for resuscitating dehydrated children.

Methods
A case-based structured survey was administered to pediatric care providers in western Kenya to determine their choices for alternative rehydration therapies when oral rehydration and intravenous fluids fail. Providers then participated in a qualitative, semi-structured interview to identify barriers to using nasogastric tubes for rehydration. Analysis included manual, progressive coding of interview transcripts to identify emerging central themes.

Results
Of 44 participants, only four (9%) followed WHO guidelines that recommend quickly switching to NG for rehydration in their case responses. Participants identified that placing intravenous lines in dehydrated children is a challenge. However, when discussing NG use, many believed NGs are not effective for rehydration. Other participants’ concerns surrounded knowledge and training regarding guidelines as well as not having NGs available.

Discussion
Healthcare providers in western Kenya do not report using NGs for rehydration in accordance with WHO guidelines for diarrheal illness with severe dehydration. Barriers to the use of NG tubes were lack of knowledge and availability. Education and implementation of guidelines using NG tubes for rehydration may improve outcomes of children suffering from diarrheal illness with severe dehydration.
Hearing assessment during deep brain stimulation of the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus and dentate cerebellar nucleus in rat
Authors: Smit Jasper V. , Jahanshahi Ali , Janssen Marcus L.F. , Stokroos Robert J. , Temel Yasin 
Published: October 2017

BackgroundRecently it has been shown in animal studies that deep brain stimulation (DBS) of auditory structures was able to reduce tinnitus-like behavior. However, the question arises whether hearing might be impaired when interfering in auditory-related network loops with DBS.MethodsThe auditory brainstem response (ABR) was measured in rats during high frequency stimulation (HFS) and low frequency stimulation (LFS) in the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus (CIC,n = 5) or dentate cerebellar nucleus (DCBN,n = 5). Besides hearing thresholds using ABR, relative measures of latency and amplitude can be extracted from the ABR. In this study ABR thresholds, interpeak latencies (I–III, III–V, I–V) and V/I amplitude ratio were measured during off-stimulation state and during LFS and HFS.ResultsIn both the CIC and the CNBN groups, no significant differences were observed for all outcome measures.DiscussionDBS in both the CIC and the CNBN did not have adverse effects on hearing measurements. These findings suggest that DBS does not hamper physiological processing in the auditory circuitry.