bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The quantitative measurement of nursing care quality: a systematic review of available instruments
Authors: Koy V. , Yunibhand J. , Angsuroch Y. 
Published: June 2016

BackgroundMeasuring nursing care quality is essential for nursing practice. However, because of its complexity, such a quality is difficult to define and measure appropriately and a review of available instruments to measure this is important.AimThis systematic review reports on contemporary quantitative instruments for evaluating nursing care quality and suggests some directions for further study.MethodA comprehensive search was conducted in 2015 to review five databases CINAHL, HINARI, ScienceDirect, Google and PubMed, and 18 articles met the inclusion criteria. The search covered the earliest literature found up until November 2015.ResultWe found that instruments could be categorized from three different measuring perspectives (1) nurses, (2) patients and (3) both nurses and patients.LimitationFirst, only English language literature was sought and only five databases were reviewed. Second, the instruments reviewed are of varying dimensions. Finally, some authors did not provide the psychometric properties of the instruments studied.ConclusionMany reviews published in peer‐reviewed journals have serious methodological flaws that focus on different perspectives in relation to instruments to measure nursing care quality. As the result of this systematic review instruments are focused on different perspectives of nursing care quality for nurse managers. In addition, the findings of this systematic review enhance better understanding of the perspectives in regard to both nurses and patients in the health‐care facilities.Implications for nursing and health policyThe results of this systematic review contribute to the ability of nurse managers to improve and consider the measurement of nursing care quality in clinical practice. The first suggests the need to understand the different perceptions of both nurses and patients' instruments regarding NCQ. Also, a health‐care quality‐related policy should also be formulated to reduce adverse events. The recording system policy must be designed appropriately in order to monitor patient outcomes every year.
The relationships between perceived organizational support, affective commitment, psychological contract breach, organizational citizenship behaviour and work engagement
Authors: Gupta Vishal , Agarwal Upasna A , Khatri Naresh 
Published: June 2016

AbstractAimThis study examines the factors that mediate and moderate the relationships of perceived organizational support with work engagement and organization citizenship behaviour. Specifically, affective commitment is posited to mediate and psychological contract breach to moderate the above relationships.BackgroundNurses play a critical role in delivering exemplary health care. For nurses to perform at their best, they need to experience high engagement, which can be achieved by providing them necessary organizational support and proper working environment.DesignData were collected via a self‐reported survey instrument.MethodsA questionnaire was administered to a random sample of 750 nurses in nine large hospitals in India during 2013–2014. Four hundred and seventy‐five nurses (63%) responded to the survey. Hierarchical multiple regression was used for statistical analysis of the moderated‐mediation model.ResultsAffective commitment was found to mediate the positive relationships between perceived organizational support and work outcomes (work engagement, organizational citizenship behaviour). The perception of unfulfilled expectations (psychological contract breach) was found to moderate the perceived organizational support–work outcome relationships adversely.ConclusionThe results of this study indicate that perceived organizational support exerts its influence on work‐related outcomes and highlight the importance of taking organizational context, such as perceptions of psychological contract breach, into consideration when making sense of the influence of perceived organizational support on affective commitment, work engagement and citizenship behaviours of nurses.
Just Schools and Good Childhoods: Non‐preparatory Dimensions of Educational Justice
Authors: Macleod Colin M. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThis article offers an account of at least some of the non‐preparatory dimensions of education and their significance for a theory of educational justice. I argue that just schools should play a role in facilitating goods of childhood. I also defend an egalitarian view about the access children should have in school to the resources and opportunities associated with the non‐preparatory dimensions of education.
Description of Ganymedes yurii sp. n. (Ganymedidae), a New Gregarine Species from the Antarctic Amphipod Gondogeneia sp. (Crustacea)
Authors: Diakin Andrei , Wakeman Kevin C. , Valigurová Andrea 
Published: June 2016

AbstractA novel species of aseptate eugregarine, Ganymedes yurii sp. n., is described using microscopic and molecular approaches. It inhabits the intestine of Gondogeneia sp., a benthic amphipod found along the shore of James Ross Island, Weddell Sea, Antarctica. The prevalence of the infection was very low and only a few caudo‐frontal syzygies were found. Morphologically, the new species is close to a previously described amphipod gregarine, Ganymedes themistos, albeit with several dissimilarities in the structure of the contact zone between syzygy partners, as well as other characteristics. Phylogenetic analysis of the 18S rDNA from G. yurii supported a close relationship between these species. These two species were grouped with other gregarines isolated from crustaceans hosts (Cephaloidophoroidea); however, statistical support throughout the clade of Cephaloidophoroidea gregarines was minimal using the available dataset.
Effect of Extrusion Processing Parameters on Antioxidant, Textural and Functional Properties of Hydrodynamic Cavitated Corn Flour, Sorghum Flour and Apple Pomace‐Based Extrudates
Authors: Lohani Umesh C. , Muthukumarappan K. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractCorn flour, hydrodynamic cavitated sorghum flour and apple pomace blend was extruded to investigate the effect of extrusion processing on total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity (AA) along with some selected textural and functional properties. Box‐Behnken design was applied for three levels of apple pomace ratio APR (10, 20 and 30%), feed moisture FM (25, 30 and 35% wb), extrusion die temperature T (80, 110 and 140°C) and screw speed SS (100, 150 and 200 rpm) as extrusion parameters. Extrusion cooking at higher APR and low T and SS increased the TPC and AA. Expansion ratio, brittleness, crispness and water solubility index of extrudates were increased while hardness and water absorption index decreased compared to that of control extrudates. Starch digestibility and dietary fiber were also observed to be increased after extrusion. At optimum conditions of 30% APR, 25% wb FM, 132°C T and 108 rpm SS, TPC and AA of extruded products were 120.1 mg GAE/100 g DW and 308.7 µmol TE/100 g DW, respectively, whereas those found in control blend were 123.2 mg GAE/100 g DW and 258.9 µmol TE/100 g DW, respectively. Major phenolic acids in extruded products were derived by caffeic acid followed by salicylic acid and ferulic acid.Practical ApplicationsExtruded products with improved phenolic content, antioxidant activity, textural and functional properties with higher inclusion of apple pomace were obtained. This process for incorporation of sorghum (underutilized cereal) and apple pomace (industrial waste) into human diet to produce nutritious, healthy and gluten free snacks for celiac disease patients has greater potential.
Empowerment in nurse leader groups in middle management: a quantitative comparative investigation
Authors: Spencer Caroline , McLaren Susan 
Published: June 2016

Aims and objectivesThe aim was to investigate structural empowerment in nurse leaders in middle management positions. Objectives were to determine levels of empowerment of nurse leaders and to compare levels of empowerment between nurse leader groups.BackgroundAccess to formal and informal power, opportunity, resources, information and support are determinants of structural empowerment. Empowerment of nurse leaders in middle management positions is vital given their roles in enabling nursing teams to deliver high‐quality care, benefitting both patient and workforce outcomes.DesignQuantitative component of a mixed methods study using survey principles.MethodsThe Conditions of Work Effectiveness Questionnaire II was distributed to the total population (n = 517) of nurse leaders in an NHS Foundation Trust in England. Nurse leader groups comprised unit leaders (sisters, matrons) and senior staff nurses. Quantitative data entered on spss v 17/18, were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.ResultsOverall, the unit response rate was 44·1% (n = 228). Levels of total and global empowerment were moderate and moderate to high respectively. Groups did not differ significantly on these parameters or on five elements of total empowerment, but significantly higher scores were found for unit leaders’ access to information. Significantly higher scores were found for senior staff nurses on selected aspects of informal power and access to resources, but scores were significantly lower than unit leaders for components of support.ConclusionsA moderately empowered population of nurse leaders differed in relation to access to information, aspects of support, resources and informal power, reflecting differences in roles, spheres of responsibility, hierarchical position and the constraints on empowerment imposed on unit leaders by financial and resource pressures.Relevance to clinical practiceEmpowerment of nurse leaders in middle management is vital in enabling nursing teams to deliver high‐quality care. Roles, spheres of responsibility, hierarchical position and constraints imposed by financial and resource pressures influence nurse leader empowerment. Administrative support is needed to sustain practice engagement.
Factors Associated With Perceptions of Family Belonging Among Adolescents
Authors: King Valarie , Boyd Lisa M. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractAdolescents' perceptions of family belonging are associated with several well‐being indicators, yet we know little about which factors influence these perceptions or how they differ by family structure. The current study uses nationally representative data from Add Health to examine predictors of adolescents' perceptions of family belonging in two‐biological‐parent families (n = 9,686). The results are compared to a recent study using Add Health that examined family belonging in married mother–stepfather families. Findings suggest both similarities and differences across family structure in the factors associated with family belonging.
Optimization of a novel chelerythrine-loaded magnetic Fe3O4/chitosan alpha-ketoglutaric acid system and evaluation of its anti-tumour activities
Authors: Yang Fei , Xiao Wen , Ma Xiaohua , Huang Ruixue , Yu Ran , Li Guiyin , Huang Xiao , Chen Cuimei , Ding Ping 
Published: June 2016

Abstract

Objectives
A novel magnetic targeting anti-tumour drug delivery system (Fe3O4/KCTS-CHE) was designed using magnetic Fe3O4/chitosan alpha-ketoglutaric acid (Fe3O4/KCTS) as carrier and chelerythrine (CHE) as an anti-tumour drug model. Moreover, the anti-tumour activities and mechanisms of Fe3O4/KCTS-CHE were investigated.

Methods
The preparation conditions of Fe3O4/KCTS-CHE microspheres were optimized by response surface methodology (RSM). The CHE drug release kinetics was evaluated by fitting the experimental data to standard release equations. The inhibitive activities of Fe3O4/KCTS-CHE microspheres against the HepG2 cells were estimated using MTT assay in vitro, and the mechanisms were studied using Hoechst 33258 staining.

Key findings
The optimum preparation conditions were 11.68 : 1 for Fe3O4/KCTS:CHE ratio, 4 : 1 for oil/water ratio and 50.03 min for the ultrasonic time. The drug loading content and entrapment efficiency under the optimal conditions were 23.3% and 50.9%. The best fit was Higuchi model for the microspheres. The inhibitive rate on HepG2 cells of Fe3O4/KCTS-CHE nanoparticles varied from 30.19 ± 2.64% to 70.46 ± 6.42% at different concentrations from 50 to 400 mg/l in 72 h.

Conclusion
Fe3O4/KCTS-CHE exhibited effective anti-tumour activities against the HepG2 cells and induced cell apoptosis in HepG2 cells. Fe3O4/KCTS-CHE possess a high drug loading efficiency and entrapment efficiency, which are a new matrix for controlling release of drugs and a promising candidate for targeted drug delivery.
Bio-based topical system for enhanced salicylic acid delivery: preparation and performance of gels
Authors: Langasco Rita , Spada Gianpiera , Tanriverdi Sakine Tuncay , Rassu Giovanna , Giunchedi Paolo , Özer Özgen , Gavini Elisabetta 
Published: June 2016

Abstract

Objectives
New salicylic acid (SA)-loaded gels were developed using excipients made from renewable materials, and our goal was to improve drug permeation in the topical treatment of acne vulgaris.

Methods
We studied the preparation parameters to obtain suitable gel formulations. Only naturally occurring polymers were used as gelling agents. Two hydrogels and three lipogels were selected and characterized in terms of drug loading, pH, viability cells, rheology, mechanical properties and in vitro permeation; these hydrogels and lipogels were compared with the traditional ointment. We also evaluated skin parameters before and after gel application.

Key findings
The formulations that we studied are non-Newtonian fluids; they have high drug loading and suitable mechanical properties. Lipogels exhibit a slower and more linear in vitro permeation profile compared with hydrogels. The different vehicles that we used affected drug permeation and improve patient compliance. Cytotoxicity studies suggest that all of the formulations are non-toxic.

Conclusions
Lipogels demonstrate appropriate technological features and improved performance compared with the traditional ointment with regard to their composition. Lipogels may represent a new bio-based topical system for SA delivery. The use of ‘green’ excipients leads to ‘skin-friendly’ formulations that are able to satisfy environmental safety.
Pharmacokinetics of amoxicillin trihydrate in Thai swamp buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis): a pilot study
Authors: Ruennarong N. , Wongpanit K. , Sakulthaew C. , Giorgi M. , Klangkaew N. , Poapolathep A. , Poapolathep S. 
Published: June 2016

This study aimed to investigate the pharmacokinetic characteristics of amoxicillin (AMX) in Thai swamp buffaloes, Bubalus bubalis, following single intramuscular administration at two dosages of 10 and 20 mg/kg body weight (b.w.). Blood samples were collected at assigned times up to 48 h. The plasma concentrations of AMX were measured by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). The concentrations of AMX in the plasma were determined up to 24 h after i.m. administration at both dosages. The Cmax values of AMX were 3.39 ± 0.18 μg/mL and 6.16 ± 0.18 μg/mL at doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg, respectively. The AUClast values increased in a dose‐dependent fashion. The half‐life values were 5.56 ± 0.40 h and 4.37 ± 0.23 h at doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg b.w, respectively. Based on the pharmacokinetic data and PK‐PD index (T > MIC), i.m. administration of AMX at a dose of 20 mg/kg b.w might be appropriate for the treatment of susceptible Mannheimia haemolytica infection in Thai swamp buffaloes.
Does tree canopy closure moderate the effect of climate warming on plant species composition of temperate Himalayan oak forest?
Authors: Bhatta Kuber P. , Vetaas Ole R. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractQuestionWe ask if there are significant changes in plant species composition after 20 yr of documented temperature increase (~1 °C), and if the temporal changes are different in closed temperate oak forest compared to semi‐open canopy. Answers to these questions may indicate if climate warming and/or canopy closure, controlled by land‐use regime, is the main driver of any documented compositional changes in the forest between 1993 and 2013.LocationPhulchoki Mountain, central Himalaya (Nepal).MethodsWe resampled 64 plots of 100 m2 after 20 yr and recorded all terrestrial vascular plants and percentage canopy cover in each sample plot. We analysed the compositional changes in terms of species abundance, frequency and spatial translocation in relation to atmospheric temperature and canopy cover using univariate and multivariate statistics.ResultsWe find clear changes in the species composition, with abundance of almost half of the studied species having increased and one‐quarter of the species having decreased over the past two decades. The changes vary among life forms: trees increased, whereas decreasing species were mainly herbaceous or shrubs. Similarly, shade‐tolerant species increased, whereas those adapted to open habitat decreased. The compositional changes are mainly explained through the increased regional temperature, with a significant buffering effect of tree canopy cover. A significant increase in low‐elevation (warm‐adapted) species is detected, but this thermophilization is only found in the semi‐open forest.ConclusionsFine‐scale temporal changes in the temperate oak forests are mainly driven by macroclimate warming, although change in land‐use regime also has a profound direct effect by governing canopy closure that, in turn, moderates the effect of climate warming. Tree canopy cover governs the relative abundances of different species based on their adaptive characteristics, such as shade tolerance and life‐form traits. The magnitude of the temporal vegetation change would therefore be dependent on both the degree of regional climate warming and forest canopy closure.
Non‐equilibrium dynamics of a wave‐regenerated forest subject to hierarchical disturbance
Authors: Suzuki Satoshi N. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractQuestionsHow do strong windstorms affect the dynamics of a wave‐regenerated forest, long thought to be a shifting‐mosaic steady‐state system? Can large‐scale disturbance lead to non‐equilibrium dynamics in such a forest?LocationA wave‐regenerated Abies forest in northern Yatsugatake, Japan.MethodsWe analysed the motion of a ‘regeneration wave’ using aerial photographs (1947–2012) and field surveys (1954–2012). Long‐term stand dynamics were surveyed along a transect established in 1954.ResultsThe motion and structure of the regeneration waves indicated that the canopy was heavily disturbed by the typhoon in 1959. In 1954 (i.e. before the typhoon), the forest comprised stands of varying age based on a census along the transect. Older stands with high above‐ground biomass and high canopies disappeared after the typhoon. Consequently, the post‐typhoon forest mainly consisted of stands established around 1959. Thus, the typhoon caused a gradual change in age class distributions and in the above‐ground biomass of the forest. Species composition also varied considerably across census years, clearly indicating the influence of large‐scale disturbance.ConclusionsThe study forest changed drastically in structure after a major typhoon, and it continued to change during the subsequent 50 yr. The large‐scale disturbance clearly affected species composition, potentially contributing to the co‐existence of two Abies species. Our results suggest that, in combination, frequent small‐scale disturbance and infrequent large‐scale disturbance produce a non‐equilibrium state with respect to forest structure and species composition.
Environmental filtering and spatial processes in urban riparian forests
Authors: Brice Marie‐Hélène , Pellerin Stéphanie , Poulin Monique 
Published: June 2016

AbstractQuestionsWhat are the spatial processes structuring plant trait composition in urban riparian forest communities at different spatial scales? What are the relative roles of local conditions (including historical aspects), landscape context and spatial processes in the community assembly of these forests?LocationMontréal, Québec, Canada.MethodsSpecies plant composition was inventoried in 57 riparian forests located along a gradient of urbanization. To analyse plant communities in terms of their trait composition, community‐weighted means were calculated using eight functional traits. Forests were characterized by local (physical features, hydrological regime and historical disturbances) and landscape (surrounding land use) variables. Spatial processes structuring communities were assessed using Moran's eigenvector maps and asymmetric eigenvector maps. The relative importance of these three subsets (local, landscape and spatial variables) on tree, shrub and herb functional composition was quantified by variation partitioning using redundancy analyses.ResultsFunctional patterns in riparian forests resulted primarily from environmental filtering (local and landscape variables). Local conditions, especially flood intensity, exerted an overriding selection pressure on functional composition of riparian plant communities. Urbanization seemed to act indirectly on trait patterns through the alteration of hydrological disturbances caused by on‐going and historical land transformation. Nevertheless, dispersal along rivers was also a significant structuring force, while overland dispersal was negligible.ConclusionsOur study highlights that under severe natural disturbance regimes, the effect of natural filters outweighed the negative effects of urban filters. However, the alteration of natural flooding processes by human activities is also a major mechanism influencing plant trait composition in urban riparian communities as forests subjected to reduced flooding intensity experienced a greater effect of urbanization. The effects of urbanization and of past land uses on plant communities were greater for trees than for shrubs and herbs due to the high turnover rate of the latter. Finally, our results showed the importance of dispersal along rivers for biodiversity even in fragmented urban landscapes.