bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
German and British Consumer Willingness to Pay for Beef Labeled with Food Safety Attributes
Authors: Lewis Karen E. , Grebitus Carola , Colson Gregory , Hu Wuyang 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe European Union has implemented some of the most stringent food safety policies for beef globally, ranging from banning growth hormones to mandating country of origin labeling. Using choice experiments and random parameter logit models, we examine German and British consumer willingness to pay (WTP) for American, Canadian, Argentinian, French, German and British beef, quality assurance seals, hormone‐free beef production and a gourmet label. We also determine how consumer WTP for these food safety and quality attributes is affected by the extent to which consumers consider food safety issues (FSI). Results indicate that British consumers had the lowest WTP for beef from Argentina and German consumers had the lowest WTP for beef from Great Britain. The hormone‐free label was the relatively most preferred label by consumers in both countries, and by those who considered FSI to affect their meat consumption patterns.
New phenological growth stages of garlic (Allium sativum)
Authors: Lopez‐Bellido F.J. , Lopez‐Bellido R.J. , Muñoz‐Romero V. , Fernandez‐Garcia P. , Lopez‐Bellido L. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe advantages of using Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt and Chemische Industrie (BBCH) phenological scales are well‐known in the field of agronomy. Currently, specific scales exist for the majority of crops. Although garlic has international importance due to its worldwide cultivation, a specific phenological scale has not been developed; in general, garlic is integrated into the BBCH description for onion. While garlic and onion belong to the same genus, this generalisation should be avoided due to their many differences. The means of propagation of garlic is vegetative, from cloves of the previous cycle, and the concurrence of the bulbing phase and the emergence of the inflorescence (bolting types) cause garlic to perpetually remain in a ‘second year stage’ of its biological cycle. In contrast, onions and other bulbous Liliaceae that produce seeds undergo biannual development. In addition to this complexity, its physiological complex is strongly influenced by environmental factors, such as temperature and photoperiod; distinct conditions are required for overlapping or simultaneously occurring phases (bulbing/flowering). Nevertheless, ambiguity and lack of consensus exist concerning the start of different phenological phases due to the complex morphology of the bulb (composed of a bulb of bulbs/cloves). During bulbing, for example, two distinct, consecutive processes are involved: the differentiation of lateral buds and inflorescence (bolting types) and the thickening of the storage leaf of each bud (cloves). In the present study, an extended BBCH scale was developed for garlic (Allium sativum). Seven principal growth stages divided into secondary growth stages are described in detail and are represented by a two‐ or three‐digit code. Descriptions begin with garlic cloves in a stage of dormancy, destined for planting and end with complete bulb maturity. The most complex growth stages of garlic were described from a morphological and physiological perspective, that is complete bolting types (hard‐neck cultivars). Illustrations of different stages are included to clarify the application of the code system. The proposed BBCH garlic scale aims to fill gaps in the knowledge of this important crop and will serve as a useful tool for researchers, technicians and farmers. Thus, experimental findings may be standardised and complementary, which may lead to improvements in management practices and their comparisons.
Safety and efficacy of a novel linear staple device with bioabsorbable polyglicolic acid felt in laparoscopic colorectal surgery
Authors: Naito Masanori , Yamanashi Takahiro , Nakamura Takatoshi , Miura Hirohisa , Tsutsui Atsuko , Sato Takeo , Watanabe Masahiko 
Published: August 2016

AbstractIntroductionLaparoscopic surgery is widely used for the treatment of colorectal cancer, but it is often associated with postoperative anastomotic complications. Generally, gastrointestinal anastomosis for colorectal surgery is performed using mechanical anastomosis with a double stapling technique. Using the automatic suture device with bioabsorbable polyglycolic acid (PGA) felt is expected to adequately reinforce staple lines on fragile tissue, helping to prevent anastomotic complications, including leakage.MethodsThis study included 17 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery after a diagnosis of colorectal cancer. The rectosigmoidal colon was resected toward the dentate line with a novel automatic PGA‐felt suture device.ResultsNone of the patients had any postoperative bleeding, and none developed grade III or higher postoperative complications based on the Clavien–Dindo classification. When the sigmoid colon, rectosigmoid, or rectum was anastomosed, holding the excess portion of the PGA felt, stapled with the automatic PGA‐felt suture device, allowed us to adequately maneuver the part of the colon or rectum to be anastomosed. With this technique, we could easily and safely insert and remove the automatic anastomotic device. When the lower rectum was resected in a planned, two‐step operation, the orientation of the PGA felt helped to determine the direction in which the automatic suture device was to be inserted in the second step. Thus, the resected rectum could easily be stapled in a straight line.ConclusionThe automatic PGA‐felt suture device is safe and effective for colorectal resections and anastomoses.
A systematic review of tranexamic acid in hip fracture surgery
Authors: Farrow Luke S. , Smith Toby O. , Ashcroft George P. , Myint Phyo K. 
Published: August 2016

AimTo systematically examine and quantify the efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid in hip fracture surgery.MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted using Medline, EMBASE, AMED, CiNAHL, and the Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials. Two assessors independently screened search outputs for potentially relevant articles which met the eligibility criteria. The primary outcome measure was requirement of post‐operative blood transfusion. Risk of bias assessment was performed using the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and the ROBINS‐I tool for observational studies. Meta‐analysis was performed to estimate risk ratio (RR), risk difference (RD) and mean difference (MD) values for dichotomous and continuous data outcomes, respectively. The interpretation of each outcome was made using the GRADE approach.ResultsOf 102 studies identified, seven met the inclusion criteria including a total of 770 participants (TXA: 341; Control: 429). On meta‐analysis, intravenous TXA resulted in a 46% risk reduction in blood transfusion requirement compared to a placebo/control group (RR: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.35–0.85; I2: 78%; Inconsistency (χ2) P = <0.0001; n = 750). There was also a significantly higher post‐operative haemoglobin for TXA versus placebo/control (MD: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.45–1.18; I2: 46%; Inconsistency (χ2) P = 0.10; n = 638). There was no increased risk of thromboembolic events (RD: 0.01; 95% CI: −0.03, 0.05; I2: 68%; Inconsistency (χ2) P = 0.007, n = 683).ConclusionThere is moderate quality evidence that TXA reduces blood transfusion in hip fracture surgery, with low quality evidence suggesting no increased risk of thrombotic events. These findings are consistent with TXA use in other orthopaedic procedures.
Specific locations of linear furrows in patients with esophageal eosinophilia
Authors: Okimoto Eiko , Ishimura Norihisa , Okada Mayumi , Izumi Daisuke , Mikami Hironobu , Aimi Masahito , Tanimura Takashi , Mishiro Tsuyoshi , Oshima Naoki , Ishikawa Noriyoshi , Ishihara Shunji , Adachi Kyoichi , Maruyama Riruke , Kinoshita Yoshikazu 
Published: August 2016

Background and AimLinear furrows are the most frequently found endoscopic abnormality in patients with esophageal eosinophilia (EE); however, the precise endoscopic features remain to be fully elucidated. Here, we aimed to clarify the endoscopic features of EE, essential for the diagnosis of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), by focusing on the specific locations of linear furrows in a Japanese population.MethodsWe enrolled 70 cases with EE (≥15 eosinophils/high‐power field) who were diagnosed at our hospital and related facilities. Information regarding endoscopic findings and clinical parameters was retrospectively reviewed. Next, the position of linear furrows in relation to esophageal longitudinal folds (ridge or valley) was evaluated in each case and compared with the position of mucosal breaks in patients with reflux esophagitis. Finally, the relationship between linear furrows and eosinophilic infiltration was evaluated.ResultsOf the 70 EE patients, 63 (90%) had linear furrows. Those occurred in a radial pattern and were widespread throughout the lower to upper esophagus, and exclusively found in esophageal longitudinal mucosal fold valleys, not on ridges, which was different from the position of mucosal breaks in patients with reflux esophagitis. Increased eosinophilic infiltration was significantly more frequent in linear furrows in the valleys (93%) as compared to mucosa on adjacent ridges (60%) (P < 0.05).ConclusionInvestigation of these endoscopic characteristics, especially by focusing on linear furrows in esophageal mucosal fold valleys, may provide important clues for more accurate diagnosis of EoE.
Badgers prefer cattle pasture but avoid cattle: implications for bovine tuberculosis control
Authors: Woodroffe Rosie , Donnelly Christl A. , Ham Cally , Jackson Seth Y. B. , Moyes Kelly , Chapman Kayna , Stratton Naomi G. , Cartwright Samantha J. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractEffective management of infectious disease relies upon understanding mechanisms of pathogen transmission. In particular, while models of disease dynamics usually assume transmission through direct contact, transmission through environmental contamination can cause different dynamics. We used Global Positioning System (GPS) collars and proximity‐sensing contact‐collars to explore opportunities for transmission of Mycobacterium bovis [causal agent of bovine tuberculosis] between cattle and badgers (Meles meles). Cattle pasture was badgers’ most preferred habitat. Nevertheless, although collared cattle spent 2914 collar‐nights in the home ranges of contact‐collared badgers, and 5380 collar‐nights in the home ranges of GPS‐collared badgers, we detected no direct contacts between the two species. Simultaneous GPS‐tracking revealed that badgers preferred land > 50 m from cattle. Very infrequent direct contact indicates that badger‐to‐cattle and cattle‐to‐badger M. bovis transmission may typically occur through contamination of the two species’ shared environment. This information should help to inform tuberculosis control by guiding both modelling and farm management.
Nonlinear identification of a spark ignition engine torque based on ANFIS with NARX method
Authors: Togun Necla , Baysec Sedat 
Published: August 2016

AbstractSpark ignition (SI) engines have a nonlinear dynamic system with inherent uncertainties and unpredictable disturbances. The identification of a nonlinear system is vital in many fields of engineering. In this study, SI engine torque is identified from an input–output measurement. This study aims to propose a dynamic nonlinear model that uses an adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system and a nonlinear auto‐regressive with exogenous input structure to identify the dynamic nonlinear behavior of an SI engine. Considerable good performance is achieved using the adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system nonlinear auto‐regressive with exogenous input method. For model validation, the proposed method is compared with the more conventional identification approach called the Hammerstein method. The results show that the two methods are in excellent agreement. The Hammerstein model was chosen because its identification result of the SI system was studied previously by the author. Validation results prove that the ability of the proposed model can capture the highly nonlinear behavior of the SI system.
Acclimation of photosynthesis to supersaturated CO2 in aquatic plant bicarbonate users
Authors: Hussner Andreas , Mettler‐Altmann Tabea , Weber Andreas P. M. , Sand‐Jensen Kaj 
Published: August 2016

Summary

The photosynthesis of submerged aquatic plants can be limited by carbon dioxide (CO2) because of the low diffusivity of dissolved gas in water. About half of the species are able to use bicarbonate (HCO3−) as an alternative source of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC). HCO3− is usually available in several‐fold higher concentrations than CO2 at pH above seven, but its affinity is lower and the costs are higher than for CO2 use. The effects of changes in CO2 concentrations on the growth and physiology of bicarbonate users remain to be explored comparatively across a wide range of species.

We studied, in the laboratory, the plasticity in photosynthetic carbon kinetics and tissue composition of 10 submerged species, all able to use bicarbonate, acclimated to air saturated and 22 times supersaturated CO2 concentrations with the same concentration of DIC (0.85 mm).

Growth rate of all was stimulated (1.1–2.5 fold) and plants allocated more biomass in roots under elevated CO2 over the 35 days of the acclimation period. The photosynthetic affinity for HCO3− was higher in species acclimated to air saturated rather than supersaturated CO2. Net photosynthesis was more stimulated (2–6 times) by CO2 supersaturation concentrations after acclimation to supersaturated CO2 concentration due to their reduced HCO3− use capacity.

Plants grown under elevated CO2 showed reduced investment in tissue nitrogen, protein and free amino acids. Moreover, the high CO2 treatments yielded overall lower gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) pools, an indicator of stress relief or changes in nitrogen metabolism.

The analysis of 10 freshwater plants confirms that availability of HCO3−, and CO2 is a key regulator of plant physiology affecting growth. Inorganic carbon availability affects the energy budget of plants thereby influencing an array of ecological processes, and hence the distribution of submerged macrophytes in the wild.
Ideologies, status quo, and parties’ outside options in parliamentary politics
Authors: Tsai Tsung‐Sheng , Yang C. C. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThis paper discusses the effect of the status quo policy versus parties’ “outside options,” which are defined as the benefits when parties are not in government, on the determination of the political equilibrium in parliamentary politics. As the value of outside options increases, the status quo becomes less important relative to outside options in terms of the parties’ bargaining strength. It is shown, among other things, that if the value of outside options is intermediate, two extreme parties may form a “disconnected coalition” in equilibrium; and if the value of outside options becomes sufficiently high, the status quo no longer maintains its grip on outcomes and the median‐voter theorem holds in essence.
Effect of Chitosan–Olive Oil Processing Residues Coatings on Keeping Quality of Cold‐Storage Strawberry (Fragaria ananassa. Var. Festival)
Authors: Khalifa Ibrahim , Barakat Hassan , El‐Mansy Hamdy A. , Soliman Soliman A. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractStrawberry fruits have a very short shelf‐life owing to their high degree of perishability. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of chitosan (CH) incorporated with olive oil residues (OOR) coatings on overall quality of cold‐stored strawberry fruits compared to watery wax incorporated with thiabendazole. Strawberries were sprayed after infected with Rhizopus stolonifer with six different coating formulas and uncoated fruits. Indeed, all freshness and microbiological parameters were significantly increased in uncoated fruits compared to coated fruits. Amazingly, the coated strawberry using CH‐OOR 2% was reduced significantly the gradual decline in their contents of total phenolics, flavonoids and their antioxidants. Likewise, it was the lowest fruits in decayed area, fungal count and malondialdehyde development. Then, fruits were coated with CH‐OOR showed uniform coating distribution, since it was impossible to see any pores. Therefore, coating treatments with CH‐OOR was improved the membrane integrity and increased the keeping quality.Practical ApplicationsEdible coatings could be an effective way for delaying the ripening process and extending the shelf‐life stability of strawberry during postharvest. The effectiveness of chitosan (CH)‐olive oil residue (OOR) as a novel edible coating, in comparison with watery wax‐thiabendazole was approved. The applicability of those films to maintain microbiological and freshness quality in strawberry during postharvest was succeed. Incorporation of OOR into CH increased its antifungal property against R. stolonifer in vivo and in vitro. Coating by CH‐OOR reduced phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidants decomposition in coated fruits compared to uncoated. CH‐OOR was able to slow down the gas exchange by reducing the CO2 of coated strawberry, which reduced their malondialdehyde development. Commercially, CH‐OOR could be explored as a novel and potential natural coating to substitute the synthetic agents in fruit packaging industries. The coating cost could increase the total cost about 6–8% where shelf‐life and keeping quality was improved.
Variability between credit units dedicated to dental and clinical sciences in dental schools across the USA
Authors: Nalliah Romesh P. , Forman Michael S. , Chavis Sydnee E. , Timothé Peggy 
Published: August 2016

AbstractPurposeThe Commission of Dental Accreditation (CODA) does not set minimum standards for clock hours of training in Dental and Clinical sciences. The purpose of this evaluation was to compare United States (US) dental schools for variability in clock hours. The current paper utilizes the American Dental Association's survey of clock hours of all US dental schools which is publicly available data. Clock hours survey from 2010 to 2011 was utilized and the analysis tool, JMP, was utilized to visualize and report variability.PerspectiveThe current paper highlights the large variation in clock hours of training among core clinical subjects in accredited dental schools around the United States. For example, teaching Physical Evaluations; Oral and Maxillofacial; and Oral Diagnosis and Treatment Planning were 97.0; 126.6; and 74.4 h. Moreover, upper limit for hours of Operative Dentistry teaching was 1410 h and lower limit was 129 h. Various other fields of education do enforce strict requirements on educational clock hours. For instance, Massachusetts' General Law states that both private and public schools must have 900 and 990 h in a school year for elementary and secondary schools, respectively. However, no such stipulation exists in the field of Dental Education. CODA's mission is “to serve the oral health care needs of the public” and CODA must consider if the average dental patient would consider a dentist who attended the school delivering 1410 h of Operative Dentistry to be the same standard as a graduate of the school delivering 129 h.
A Kenotic Struggle for Dignity
Authors: Malesic Jonathan 
Published: August 2016

AbstractAlthough Booker T. Washington stands outside the theological canon, his writings offer a pragmatic theology that connects the desire for dignity to a kenotic Christology through an ethic of unceasing work. While Washington's project to improve the lives of African Americans in the Jim Crow–era South was severely compromised by political circumstances, problems within his theology of work made his project especially susceptible to those circumstances. The tragedy of Washington's theology stems from his making dignity contingent upon work being recognized as useful by a worker's community. His kenotic ideal of “Christlike” work can actually degrade workers, if their community refuses to recognize their work's merit. Workers’ anxiety about dignity causes them to pour themselves into their work, but a racist society sees African American workers as inherently undignified. Even without Jim Crow's pervasive violence, the postindustrial reappearance of economic doctrines that characterized Washington's era makes his theological ethic relevant again.
Bigger ≠ Better: The Comprehensiveness and Strength of School Wellness Policies Varies by School District Size
Authors: Meendering Jessica , Kranz Emily , Shafrath Tara , McCormack Lacey 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDDistrict size has been shown to
impact the anticipated barriers to wellness policy creation and implementation. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to determine if strength and comprehensiveness of wellness policies differs among school districts of varying size.METHODSWellness policies were collected from 10 large, 29 medium, and 31 small school districts in a rural Midwest state. District size was categorized by the average daily membership in grades 9‐11. Polices were coded using the Wellness School Assessment Tool (WellSAT). Strength and comprehensiveness of the full policy and policy sections were compared among small, medium, and large districts using 1‐way analyses of variance (ANOVAs). Data are presented as mean ± SD. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ .05.RESULTSThere was a difference in the total combined (p = .041), total comprehensiveness (p = .043), and total strength scores (p = .031) based on school district size, such that small districts had stronger, more comprehensive wellness policies than large districts. Section comparisons revealed the section focused on Standards for United States Department of Agriculture School Meals was primarily responsible for these differences.CONCLUSIONSThese data suggest smaller districts write policies that are more comprehensive to governmental standards and use more definitive language than larger districts.
Evaluation of the dose–response relationship of oral robenacoxib in urate crystal‐induced acute stifle synovitis in dogs
Authors: Borer L.R. , Seewald W. , Peel J.E. , King J.N. 
Published: August 2016

The objective of the study was to establish the dose–response relationship for robenacoxib, a selective cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 inhibitor, in a urate crystal model of acute synovitis. In a randomized partial Latin square design trial, 12 beagle dogs were administered orally single doses of robenacoxib (0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 8 mg/kg), placebo and the positive control meloxicam (0.1 mg/kg), 3 h after injection of sodium urate crystals into a stifle joint. Dogs were assessed for weight bearing on a force plate and by subjective clinical orthopaedic observations. Robenacoxib produced dose‐dependent improvement in weight bearing, and decreased pain on palpation and joint swelling, over the dose range 0.5–2 mg/kg with no further increase in effect over the range 2–8 mg/kg. For weight bearing on the force plate, theED50of robenacoxib was 0.6–0.8 mg/kg. The onset of action and time to peak effect of robenacoxib were faster (respectively, 2–2.5 h and 3–5 h) than for meloxicam (respectively, 3 h and 6 h). Robenacoxib significantly inhibitedCOX‐2 at all doses, with dose‐related activity. Robenacoxib did not inhibitCOX‐1 over the dose range 0.5–4 mg/kg, but produced transient inhibition at 8 mg/kg. In conclusion, oral administration of robenacoxib over the dose range 0.5–8 mg/kg demonstrated significant analgesic and anti‐inflammatory efficacy in dogs.