bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biochars from local agricultural waste residues contribute to soil quality and plant growth in a Cerrado region (Brazil) Arenosol
Authors: Speratti Alicia B. , Johnson Mark S. , Sousa Heiriane Martins , Dalmagro Higo J. , Couto Eduardo Guimarães 
Published: November 2017

AbstractArenosols (sandy soils) in the Cerrado region of Mato Grosso, Brazil, are increasingly used for maize production, the second most important crop in the region after soybean. Yet, these soils are typically nutrient poor with low soil water retention, requiring high fertilizer inputs that are often lost in surface runoff or leached. The addition of biochar, a more recalcitrant organic amendment, may therefore be beneficial in Cerrado Arenosols, contributing to sustainable crop production in the region. To examine biochar contribution to soil nutrient levels and maize growth in a Cerrado Arenosol, we conducted a greenhouse experiment using biochars made from local agricultural waste feedstocks. These were cotton husks, swine manure, eucalyptus sawmill residue, and sugarcane filtercake, pyrolyzed at 400 °C, and applied to soil at five rates: 0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4% by weight. Maize plants were grown under unstressed conditions (e.g., no nutrient or water limitations) to highlight any possible negative effects of the biochars. After 42 days, soils were analyzed for nutrient levels, and plant physical and physiological measurements were taken. Filtercake biochar had the highest plant biomass and physiological properties (e.g., photosynthesis, respiration, nitrogen use efficiency), while cotton biochar had the lowest. Importantly, maize biomass decreased with increasing application rates of cotton and swine manure biochars, while biomass did not vary in response to biochar application rate for filtercake and eucalyptus biochars. In this study, we found that while each biochar exhibited potential for improving chemical and physical properties of Cerrado Arenosols, filtercake biochar stood out as most promising. Biochar application rate was identified a key factor in ensuring crop productivity. Transforming these agricultural residues readily available in the region into more stable biochar can thus contribute to sustainable crop management and soil conservation, providing an alternative form of waste disposal for these residual materials.
Predicting soils and environmental impacts associated with switchgrass for bioenergy production: a DAYCENT modeling approach
Authors: Lai Liming , Kumar Sandeep , Folle Solomon M. , Owens Vance N. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractSwitchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) production has the potential to improve soils and the environment. However, little is known about the long‐term future assessment of soil and environmental impacts associated with switchgrass production. In this study, soil organic carbon (SOC), soil nitrate (), water‐filled pore space (WFPS), carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O) fluxes, and biomass yield from switchgrass field were predicted using DAYCENT models for 2016 through 2050. Measured data for model calibration and validation at this study site managed with nitrogen fertilization rates (N rates) (low, 0 kg N ha−1; medium, 56 kg N ha−1; and high, 112 kg N ha−1) and landscape positions (shoulder and footslope) for switchgrass production were collected from the previously published studies. Modeling results showed that the N fertilization can enhance SOC and soil NO3−, but increase soil N2O and CO2 fluxes. In this study, medium N fertilization was the optimum rate for enhancing switchgrass yield and reducing negative impact on the environment. Footslope position can be beneficial for improving SOC, , and yield, but contribute higher greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to those of the shoulder. An increase in temperature and decrease in precipitation (climate scenarios) may reduce soil , WFPS, and N2O flux. Switchgrass production can improve and maintain SOC and , and reduce N2O and CO2 fluxes over the predicted years. These findings indicate that switchgrass could be a sustainable bioenergy crop on marginally yielding lands for improving soils without significant negative impacts on the environment in the long run.
An oral hygiene protocol improves oral health for patients in inpatient stroke rehabilitation
Authors: Murray Joanne , Scholten Ingrid 
Published: November 2017

The objectiveTo determine whether a simple oral hygiene protocol improves the oral health of inpatients in stroke rehabilitation.The background data discussing the present status of the fieldPoor oral health can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia. The comorbidities associated with stroke, such as dysphagia, hemiparesis and cognitive impairment, can further impede independent oral care. International stroke guidelines recommend routine oral care but stop short of detailing specific regimes.Materials and methodsThe oral health assessment tool (OHAT) was conducted by speech‐language pathologists with 100 patients with and without dysphagia in three metropolitan inpatient stroke rehabilitation facilities. A simple nurse‐led oral hygiene regime was then implemented with all participants, which included twice daily tooth brushing and mouth rinsing after lunch, and oral health was measured again one week later.ResultsInitially, dysphagia was negatively associated with OHAT scores, and independence for oral hygiene was positively associated with oral health. After one week of a simple oral hygiene regime, the OHAT scores available for 89 participants indicated an improvement on average for all participants. In particular, 59% of participants with dysphagia had an improvement of 1 or more points. None of the participants developed pneumonia.ConclusionA simple, inexpensive oral hygiene regime resulted in positive outcomes for patients with and without dysphagia in inpatient stroke rehabilitation settings. Oral health assessments and oral hygiene regimes that are simple to implement by the interdisciplinary team can be incorporated into standard stroke care with positive effect.
Characteristics of lactic acid bacteria isolated from different sources and their effects on the silage quality of oat (Avena sativa L.) straw on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Wang Siran , Yuan Xianjun , Dong Zhihao , Li Junfeng , Shao Tao 
Published: November 2017

AbstractEight lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains isolated from five naturally‐fermented silages of different ensilage materials on the Tibetan Plateau were characterized and their effects on the silage quality of oat (Avena sativa L.) straw were studied. These LAB isolates were evaluated using morphological, physiological and biochemical tests. All eight strains (M1, LM8, LO7, LOG9, LCG3, LTG7, I5 and LI3) could grow at 5–20°C, pH 3.5–7.0 and NaCl (3.0, 6.5%) and they were identified as Lactobacillus plantarum, L. coryniformis, Pediococcus pentosaceus, P. acidilactici, L. plantarum, P. acidilactici, L. paraplantarum and L. casei by sequencing 16S rDNA, respectively. The eight isolated strains and one commercial inoculant (L. plantarum MTD‐1) were subsequently added to oat straw for ensiling 35 days. All the LAB strains improved the silage quality of oat straw, evidenced by significantly (P < 0.05) higher lactic acid (LA) and residual water soluble carbohydrate (WSC) contents and ratios of LA to acetic acid (LA/AA), and significantly (P < 0.05) lower pH and ammonia nitrogen contents. ‘LOG9’ performed best among all LAB strains, evidenced by the highest (P < 0.05) LA (94.19 g kg−1 dry matter [DM]) and residual WSC contents (44.53 g kg−1 DM) and ratio of LA/AA (18.18) and LAB count (8.86 lg cfu g−1 fresh weight), and the lowest (P < 0.05) pH (3.87), this might be related to its host specificity. Strain LOG9 is recommended as starter culture for oat straw silage.
Human papillomavirus‐associated cutaneous disease burden in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐positive patients: the role of human papillomavirus vaccination and a review of the literature
Authors: Bacik Lindsay C. , Chung Catherine 
Published: November 2017

AbstractHuman papillomavirus (HPV) infection is related to the development of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, oropharyngeal carcinoma, and anogenital malignancies. Patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have impaired cell‐mediated immunity, placing them at risk for more prolonged infection with a greater likelihood of disease expression. This presents important implications for screening and treatment of HPV in the HIV patient population. The use of prophylactic vaccines directed against HPV has been a promising clinical development, though the immunogenicity of these vaccines in the immunocompromised host and in patients with previously established HPV infections has not been well established. In this review, we describe the pathogenesis and epidemiology of HPV‐related cutaneous malignancies in patients with HIV. We outline the current guidelines and recent advances in the field of HPV vaccination. It is our hope that increasing awareness of the HPV‐related HIV comorbidities will lead to developments in preventative medicine capable of reducing the burden of these diseases. We recognize the importance of prevention as a primary defense against disease and hope that this article organizes and disseminates recent findings in the field of HPV‐associated comorbidities in the HIV population.
The genetic basis of seborrhoeic dermatitis: a review
Authors: Karakadze M.A. , Hirt P.A. , Wikramanayake T.C. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractSeborrhoeic Dermatitis (SD) is a common inflammatory skin disease that presents as itchy, flaking skin in the seborrhoeic areas. Various environmental and intrinsic factors have been identified as predisposing factors for SD, but its aetiology remains poorly understood. Although it was recognized that genetic factors play a role in SD aetiology, there have not been studies that systematically review the literature specifically for causal mutations or protein deficiencies in SD. In this review, we searched various databases for gene mutations and protein deficiencies that cause SD or SD‐like phenotype in humans and experimental animals, and summarize 11 gene mutations or protein deficiencies that were described in the literature. Most of the encoded proteins play a role either in the immune response (ACT1, C5, IKBKG/NEMO, STK4, 2C TCR) or epidermal differentiation (ZNF750, MPZL3). Understanding the genetic basis of SD can impart knowledge of the pathobiology of the disease and help identify novel therapeutic targets.
Low thermal inactivation ofEscherichia coliATCC 25922 in pineapple, orange and watermelon juices: Effect of a prior acid‐adaptation and of carvacrol supplementation
Authors: Tchuenchieu Alex , Sylvain Sado Kamdem , Pop Carmen , Jean‐Justin Essia Ngang , Mudura Elena , Etoa François‐Xavier , Rotar Ancuta 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPast research on the association of natural antimicrobials and low temperatures for fruit juices pasteurization has not targeted acid‐adapted strains which are yet the most relevant strains in these products. We found that previously acid‐adaptedEscherichia coliATCC 25922 cells exhibited an increase of their resistance to thermal inactivation at 55 °C for 5 min both in the presence and absence of carvacrol (30 µL/L). The inactivation ofE. coliwas more intense in pineapple (pH 3.25) and orange (pH 3.61) juice, than in watermelon juice (pH 5.4). Supplementation of juices with carvacrol decreased the survival of both acid‐adapted and non‐adapted bacterial cells. Our results suggest that the supplementation of fruit juices with natural antimicrobials, such as carvacrol, may contribute to counteract the mild thermal tolerance developed by acid‐adapted bacteria. Given the different properties of fruit juices, such combined treatments need to be developed specifically for each fruit product.Practical applicationsSupplementation of fruit juices with natural antimicrobials has been described to increase the efficiency of microbial mild thermal inactivation treatments. However, its effect on the thermal resistance of acid‐adapted cells has not previously been addressed. We observed that acid adaptation enhances mild thermal tolerance. Our results suggest that natural antimicrobials can effectively counteract the mild thermal tolerance of acid‐adapted cells. The combination of mild temperature treatments and natural antimicrobials is a firm alternative to conventional pasteurization to ensure the safety of fruit juices without affecting their nutritional properties. Moreover, this combined strategy does not require expensive novel technologies or high energy consumption.
Mint and pomegranate extracts/oils as antibacterial agents against Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes on shredded carrots
Authors: Xylia Panayiota , Chrysargyris Antonios , Botsaris George , Tzortzakis Nikos 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAmong minimally processed vegetables, shredded carrots are particularly popular. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of different washing treatments with aqueous solutions of mint essential oil (EO) (1:1000), mint hydrosol (1:10), and pomegranate juice (1:10) against two major foodborne pathogens on shredded carrots as well as their effect on carrot's quality. The results of this study indicate that the tested washing treatments resulted in a small but significant decrease of the microbial load of Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes on the sixth day of storage. Pomegranate juice and mint hydrosol were more effective against L. monocytogenes, whereas mint EO was more effective against E. coli. Furthermore, an increase in carrot's total phenolics and antioxidants was observed with the application of mint hydrosol and pomegranate juice, whereas mint EO resulted in a decrease on the sixth day of storage. Additionally, a decreased chroma of the shredded carrots were observed during the application of mint hydrosol on the sixth day. Total carotenoids, ascorbic acid, total soluble solids, and tritratable acidity were not differing after six days of storage of shredded carrots. These washing products can be used for the partial disinfection of shredded carrots.Practical applicationsPomegranate and mint natural products solution can be used for the partial disinfection of minimally processed fresh produce as an alternative to chlorine, and these products can be a part of the sanitation process.
Exploring factors that impact activity participation of children and adolescents with severe developmental disabilities
Authors: Taheri A. , Perry A. , Minnes P. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryBackgroundDespite the benefits of social participation, children and adolescents with developmental disabilities (DD) are often excluded from taking part in social activities. There is a gap in the literature about the factors that contribute to adequate participation of children with severe DD in particular and the barriers to their participation. Taking an ecological perspective, the purpose of this study was to examine child, family and community variables that may impact the activity participation of children and adolescents with severe DD.MethodsA total of 197 parents of children with severe DD (4–19 years) completed a survey, addressing a wide range of child, family and community related variables, as well as a measure of activity participation.ResultsOverall, the final model significantly accounted for 30% of the variance in activity participation. Higher adaptive behaviour, greater parental socialisation and placement in an integrated school programme were significant predictors of greater activity participation.ConclusionChild, family and community factors were all important in understanding the activity participation of children with severe DD, thus supporting the value of an ecological approach. Suggestions for future research and clinical implications are discussed.
Development of the Self‐Regulated Learning Scale in Clinical Nursing Practice for nursing students: Consideration of its reliability and validity
Authors: Iyama Satoko , Maeda Hitomi 
Published: November 2017

AimThis study aimed to develop the Self‐Regulated Learning Scale in Clinical Nursing Practice (SRLS‐CNP) for the assessment of nursing students and to validate it.MethodsQuestionnaires, including the SRLS‐CNP item pool, were sent to 766 students in the second‐to‐fourth grades of nursing universities in Japan. The analysis involved an exploratory factor analysis, Cronbach's α, confirmatory factor analysis, and calculation of the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. In order to confirm stability, 198 students underwent test–retest reliability.ResultsResponses were received from 437 students (return rate: 57.0%); the data of 376 students (valid response rate: 86.0%) were analyzed. Following the factor analysis, the SRLS‐CNP was divided into the motivation subscale (two factors, seven items) and learning strategies subscale (three factors, nine items). The motivation subscale items were termed “intrinsic motivation” and “achievement motivation.” The learning strategies subscale items were termed “synthesized knowledge and nursing skills,” “multidimensional thinking,” and “effort control.” The Cronbach's α for the SRLS‐CNP was 0.853. The verification model in the confirmatory factor analysis showed good conformance; a strong positive correlation was evident between the motivation subscale and the learning strategy subscale. The correlation coefficient for test–retest reliability was 0.77.ConclusionAs shown by its Cronbach's α coefficient, test–retest reliability results, and content, criterion‐related, and construct validity, the SRLS‐CNP was found to have good reliability and validity.
Effectiveness of the teach‐back method for improving the health literacy of senior citizens in nursing homes
Authors: Liu Yong‐Bing , Li Yan‐Fei , Liu Liu , Chen Yan‐Li 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAimTo explore the effectiveness of the teach‐back method for improving the health literacy of older adults in nursing homes in Ürümqi, the capital of Xinjiang, China.MethodsAmong the 27 registered nursing homes, 10 were selected randomly by size and divided into the intervention and control groups. A total of 127 older adults in the intervention group and 136 in the control group met the inclusion criteria. The intervention and control groups were educated by using the teach‐back and traditional methods, respectively, in this 6 month study. The Chinese Citizen Health Literacy Questionnaire was used to evaluate the effects of the interventions.ResultsPre‐intervention, the health literacy level of the cohorts was relatively low. Postintervention, the total health literacy score of the intervention group increased, while the total health literacy score of the control group had increased to a lesser extent. The total and four‐dimension scores of the two groups were statistically significant. The intergroup difference in the two groups, and the intervention group's total health literacy score and each dimension score were higher than in the control group; these differences were statistically significant .ConclusionsThe teach‐back method can improve the health literacy level of older adults through short‐term educational intervention. The teach‐back method should be adopted by more healthcare providers and applied to improve the health literacy education of older adults.
IS RELATIONSHIP LENDING STILL A MIXED BLESSING? A REVIEW OF ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES FOR LENDERS AND BORROWERS
Authors: Duqi Andi , Tomaselli Angelo , Torluccio Giuseppe 
Published: November 2017

AbstractRelationship lending is a common lending technology that is assumed to bring several benefits to small‐medium enterprises (SMEs) and to financial institutions that adopt it. Notably, it could reduce information asymmetries, permitting banks to offer better credit terms to the borrower. However, it also entails some costs for both sides. The empirical evidence so far has not been conclusive in determining under what conditions relationship lending can be beneficial or harmful. Most of the studies suggest that SMEs that engage in relationship lending benefit from more credit availability (especially during a financial crisis), and lower interest rates. This occurs when they are served by small banks, are geographically close to the lender, when the bank is adequately decentralized and when it is the dominant creditor of the firm. However, under certain circumstances, banks can extract rents from the borrower or be captured by him. In addition, the consequences and the future of relationship lending will be remarkably affected by the level of competition among banks, their ownership structure, the regulatory framework and the business model that banks will have to adopt accordingly.
Unionization in the American Newsroom, 1930 to 1960
Authors: Mari Will 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThis study of the material benefits brought to American news workers from the 1930s through the 1960s builds on previous work by media labor‐studies scholars such as Bonnie Brennen, Daniel Leab, Phillip Glende and Sam Kuczun, among others, who have examined the history of the American Newspaper Guild (ANG) in great detail. Their work has focused on legal and policy developments under the Roosevelt administration and in U.S. labor law. My study, as part of a larger project, looks at some of the ground‐level impacts of unionization. It does so examiningEditor & Publisher,The QuillandThe Guild Reporter, among other publications, and references to the material benefits in pay, time off, work‐life balance, health insurance, job security and other, practical and positive ancillary effects brought by the uneven unionization of the newsroom. The arrival of white‐collar unions for new workers was not a panacea to their problems. But it did help them in their collective quest in the United States during the interwar and then post‐World War Two‐eras for better working conditions and a firmer sense of their professionalized identity.
Positive Peer Association Among Black American Youth and the Roles of Ethnic Identity and Gender
Authors: Quimby Dakari , Richards Maryse , Santiago Catherine DeCarlo , Scott Darrick , Puvar Dhara 
Published: November 2017

The study examined whether peer association, a subtype of peer influence that involves the indirect modeling of behaviors, can promote positive development among Black American adolescents living in high‐risk neighborhoods. Data were collected during a three‐year longitudinal study from a sample of 316 Black American adolescents (M = 11.65 years). As positive peer association increased over time, youth experienced an increase in self‐esteem, school connectedness, paternal and maternal closeness, and a decrease in supportive beliefs about aggression. Additionally, lower ethnic identity appeared to account for why some youth experienced a sharper increase in maternal and paternal closeness as positive peer association increased. Future interventions should consider harnessing the ability of prosocial peers to foster healthy development.
A Latent Class Analysis of Online Sexual Experiences and Offline Sexual Behaviors Among Female Adolescents
Authors: Maas Megan K. , Bray Bethany C. , Noll Jennie G. 
Published: November 2017

This study used latent class analysis to identify patterns (i.e., classes) across a broad range of online sexual experiences among female adolescents (n = 312) and to explore offline sexual behavior and substance use correlates of as well as maltreatment differences in class membership. The following four classes were identified: Online Abstinent, Online Inclusive, Attractors, and Seekers. Maltreated female adolescents were more likely to be members of the Online Inclusive class and less likely to be members of the Online Abstinent class than nonmaltreated female adolescents. Offline sexual behaviors and substance use differentially predicted class membership. These results suggest online sexual experiences vary greatly and should not be aggregated together as a global risk factor for all female adolescents.