bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in organic carbon and nitrogen in soil with metal pollution by Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhou T. , Li L. , Zhang X. , Zheng J. , Zheng J. , Joseph S. , Pan G. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryOrganic carbon (OC) and nitrogen (N) storage in soil plays an important role in global climate change and in maintaining food security. Pollution of soil with heavy metals has occurred in many parts of the world, but their effects on soil OC and N have not been well addressed. Relevant data were extracted from peer‐reviewed journal papers and analysed by a meta‐analysis to determine how long‐term heavy metal pollution affected soil OC and N status. Plant biomass decreased significantly because heavy metals in soil decreased soil OC and N concentrations by 5.0 and 17.9%, respectively, but increased the C/N ratio by 5.1%. The largest reductions in soil OC and N concentrations were in soil more strongly polluted by metals. The changes in soil OC and N with metal pollution varied with climatic conditions. More substantial decreases in OC and N concentrations were likely to occur in polluted soil with large background contents of OC and low pH. Overall, heavy metals were linked to greater reductions in soil OC and N concentrations in natural ecosystems than in agro‐ecosystems. These results provided a quantitative evaluation of the effects of heavy metal pollution on the decrease in soil C and N concentrations and, therefore, on global climate change. Further consideration should be given to changes in the cycling of C and N in soil polluted with metals in natural and agro‐ecosystems.
Managing Stress Levels of Parents of Children with Developmental Disabilities: A Meta‐Analytic Review of Interventions
Authors: Lindo Endia J. , Kliemann Karin R. , Combes Bertina H. , Frank Jessica 
Published: March 2016

AbstractParents of children diagnosed with disabilities often experience elevated levels of stress compared to those parenting children without disabilities (Baker‐Ericzén, Brookman‐Frazee, & Stahmer, 2005; Tomanik, Harris, & Hawkins, 2004). This increase in stress can have a negative impact on parent well‐being (Trute & Hiebert‐Murphy, 2002) resulting in a stress‐induced dysregulation of the immune system. In their article in this issue, Gouin, da Estrela, Desmarais, and Baker found that increased levels of social support served as protection against this dysregulation. In the current study, we examined the nature and beneficial components of formal support services targeted at reducing the stress levels of parental caregivers of children with developmental disabilities. With this meta‐analytic review we attempt to examine the efficacy of these interventions and potential moderators to their effects by reviewing comparison group studies conducted in North America with parent stress interventions and stress outcome measures. Six studies were identified that met this review's criteria, reporting an overall effect of d = 0.51. In sum, stress management interventions were found to effectively reduce the reported stress of parents caring for children with developmental disabilities. A significant issue identified was the limited number of comparison group studies that examined stress management interventions for this population. Implications of these findings and need for further exploration are discussed.
Can Twitter improve your health? An analysis of alcohol consumption guidelines on Twitter
Authors: Hughes Emma 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThis article is the first in the feature to highlight the social network site Twitter as a tool for health information and it reports on a study by Emma Hughes, who completed an MSc in information and library studies at Aberystwyth University in 2014. Emma's research investigated the quality of health information available on Twitter, in particular the information available on UK alcohol consumption guidelines. Her research suggests that users searching for this information would need certain literacy skills to interpret it correctly. However, there is no doubt that Twitter is an increasingly popular resource for information dissemination and health professionals, and organisations should be encouraged to use it frequently as a tool for sharing information.AM
Online learning: the brave new world of massive open online courses and the role of the health librarian
Authors: Spring Hannah 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIn a wired, virtual and information rich society, MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) are leading us into a brave new world in which their key role is to support lifelong networked learning. This feature looks at the broad role of MOOCs and considers them within the context of health, and health librarianship. In particular, it provides examples of where health librarians have developed MOOCs and what opportunities there are in the future for health librarians to collaborate in the development and delivery of health MOOCs.H.S.
The experience of a tertiary referral centre in Romania on basal cell carcinomas in outdoor workers: why to assess?
Authors: Salavastru C.M. , Ulrich C. , Cretu S. , Moldovan H.R. , Tiplica G.S. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundPublished epidemiological literature indicates that outdoor workers are at significantly increased risk for developing basal cell carcinomas.ObjectivesThe main objective is to identify basal cell carcinoma features in patients with prolonged occupational exposure to UV radiation and compare them to basal cell carcinoma in patients with no occupational exposure to UV radiation.MethodsData regarding age, gender, living area, occupation, number of lesions, involved anatomic site and histologic subtype of tumor were collected from the charts of 321 patients diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma in our department between 01.01.2013‐31.12.2014. We divided the patient population in which the occupation was accurately identified in two study groups: occupations with UV exposure (OW), and non‐UV exposed occupations (IW) and we compared the clinical and histologic features of the lesions in the two groups.ResultsThe most affected area in both groups was the facial “mask area”. The cheek was second most affected area in exposed group whereas the scalp area was the second most affected in the non‐exposed group. The nodular pattern is the most numerous in both groups (30 lesions in OW group and 15 lesions in the IW group with a mean number of lesions of 1.57±0.90 and 1.27±0.46, respectively) with the mixed type being the second most frequent type for both groups. However, for the OW group the mixed type with an aggressive component was the second most frequent one, while in the non‐exposed group, the mixed type with non‐aggressive components was the second most frequent, the difference being statistically significant. A multinomial logistic regression analysis was conducted to predict the presence of histopathologically aggressive lesions using gender, age, exposure and anatomical site out of which UV exposure and 3 main anatomical sites (mask zone, cheek and torso) were selected in the final analysis. The probability of the model chi‐square (9.430), p = .05, supports a relationship between the dependent variable and the independent variables.ConclusionOur data suggest that in Romania patients diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, occupationally exposed to UV radiation, develop more frequently lesions on the “mask area” of the face; furthermore, prediction of the histo‐pathologically aggressive lesions may be supported by the presence of occupational UV exposure and anatomical site (mask zone, cheek and torso) involved.Also, these patients may be at a higher risk to develop more aggressive histologic subtype BCCs. Although limited by a number of factors, especially the small number of subjects, these data suggest the necessity of conducting both retrospective and prospective studies on clinical and histological types of BCCs evolving in patients working outdoor along with identifying additional risk factors.
Knowledge of outdoor workers on the effects of natural UV radiation and methods of protection against exposure
Authors: Hault K. , Rönsch H. , Beissert S. , Knuschke P. , Bauer A. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe most important but influenceable risk factor in the development of skin cancer is the unprotected exposure to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation. In order to assure adequate and effective protection against UV exposure, a level of knowledge about solar radiation and its effects is required. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge of workers in outdoor professions on the effects of natural UV radiation and methods of protection against exposure. Forty outdoor workers were given a standardized questionnaire designed to ascertain their level of knowledge. The majority of participants knew exposure to solar radiation can be detrimental depending on exposure time. Eighty‐three percentage recognized that people working regularly in an outdoor environment may be at risk due to high exposure. Long‐sleeved clothing plus headgear and sunscreen containing sun‐protecting substances were deemed adequate methods of protection by 83% and 85% respectively. Seventy percentage of the outdoor workers were familiar with the definition of the sun protection factor (SPF), yet only 25% correctly identified the amount of sunscreen needed to achieve the SPF as indicated on the product. A mere 8% of participants knew that symptoms of a sunburn first became apparent 3 h after sun exposure and only 18% were able to accurately gauge the amount of time they could spend in the sun before developing one. Although 30% had heard of the ultraviolet index (UVI), only 13% understood that protecting your skin using additional measures is recommended as of UVI 3. Overall, 30% of the outdoor workers thought themselves sufficiently protected against the harmful effects of the sun. While the participants of this study had a basic fundamental understanding of the effects of solar radiation and methods of protection against exposure, there remains an urgent need for further clarification across all demographic groups.
Influence of oxidative homeostasis on bacterial density and cost of infection in Drosophila–Wolbachia symbioses
Authors: Monnin D. , Kremer N. , Berny C. , Henri H. , Dumet A. , Voituron Y. , Desouhant E. , Vavre F. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe evolution of symbioses along the continuum between parasitism and mutualism can be influenced by the oxidative homeostasis, that is the balance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant molecules. Indeed, ROS can contribute to the host immune defence to regulate symbiont populations, but are also toxic. This interplay between ROS and symbiosis is notably exemplified by recent results in arthropod–Wolbachia interactions. Wolbachia are symbiotic bacteria involved in a wide range of interactions with their arthropods hosts, from facultative, parasitic associations to obligatory, mutualistic ones. In this study, we used Drosophila–Wolbachia associations to determine whether the oxidative homeostasis plays a role in explaining the differences between phenotypically distinct arthropod–Wolbachia symbioses. We used Drosophila lines with different Wolbachia infections and measured the effects of pro‐oxidant (paraquat) and antioxidant (glutathione) treatments on the Wolbachia density and the host survival. We show that experimental manipulations of the oxidative homeostasis can reduce the cost of the infection through its effect on Wolbachia density. We discuss the implication of this result from an evolutionary perspective and argue that the oxidative homeostasis could underlie the evolution of tolerance and dependence on Wolbachia.
Automated background subtraction technique for electron energy‐loss spectroscopy and application to semiconductor heterostructures
Authors: ANGADI VEERENDRA C , ABHAYARATNE CHARITH , WALTHER THOMAS 
Published: March 2016

SummaryElectron energy‐loss spectroscopy (EELS) has become a standard tool for identification and sometimes also quantification of elements in materials science. This is important for understanding the chemical and/or structural composition of processed materials. In EELS, the background is often modelled using an inverse power‐law function. Core‐loss ionization edges are superimposed on top of the dominating background, making it difficult to quantify their intensities. The inverse power‐law has to be modelled for each pre‐edge region of the ionization edges in the spectrum individually rather than for the entire spectrum. To achieve this, the prerequisite is that one knows all core losses possibly present. The aim of this study is to automatically detect core‐loss edges, model the background and extract quantitative elemental maps and profiles of EELS, based on several EELS spectrum images (EELS SI) without any prior knowledge of the material. The algorithm provides elemental maps and concentration profiles by making smart decisions in selecting pre‐edge regions and integration ranges. The results of the quantification for a semiconductor thin film heterostructure show high chemical sensitivity, reasonable group III/V intensity ratios but also quantification issues when narrow integration windows are used without deconvolution.
Lived experience of vulnerability from a Gypsy Roma Traveller perspective
Authors: Heaslip Vanessa , Hean Sarah , Parker Jonathan 
Published: March 2016

Aims and objectivesTo describe the lived experience of vulnerability of individuals within a Gypsy Roma Travelling community.BackgroundPeople experience vulnerability whenever their health or usual functioning is compromised. This may increase when they enter unfamiliar surroundings, situations or relationships. One's experience of vulnerability can also be heightened through interactions between the individual and the society within which they live. Gypsy Roma Travellers are often identified as vulnerable owing to increased morbidity and mortality as well as their marginalised status within society. Yet little is known of the experiences of vulnerability by the individuals themselves. Without their stories and experiences, health professionals cannot effectively develop services that meet their needs.DesignThis descriptive phenomenological study sought to explore the lived experience of vulnerability in a Gypsy Roma Travelling community.MethodsSeventeen Gypsy Roma Travellers were interviewed in 2013–2014 about their experiences of feeling vulnerable. This paper reports on the findings from the depth phase in which 13 individuals were interviewed. The interviews were conducted and analysed using Giorgi's descriptive phenomenological approach.FindingsSix constituents of the phenomenon of vulnerability were identified as feeling: defined and homogenised as a group; pressurised to conform to live in a particular way; split in one's identity; a loss of one's heritage; discriminated, persecuted and threatened; and powerlessness.Relevance to clinical practiceThere is a wealth of evidence that Gypsy Roma Travellers experience high levels of morbidity and mortality, which has led to them being identified by health professionals and policy makers as a vulnerable community. Exploring their lived experience of vulnerability presents a different perspective regarding this concept and can help explain why they may experience poorer levels of physical and mental health.
Historicizing diaglossia
Authors: Rutten Gijsbert 
Published: March 2016

Auer (2005, 2011) presents a typology of present‐day dialect/standard constellations in Europe, thereby reintroducing the concept of diaglossia, which refers to a situation with intermediate variants between dialect and standard. Characterizing the sociolinguistic landscape in many languages in Europe today, diaglossia is assumed to be a relatively recent phenomenon dating back to the late nineteenth or early twentieth century, following a previous stage of diglossia. Drawing on a range of case studies of post‐Medieval English, German and Dutch, this article argues that the sociolinguistic situation in the Early and Late Modern period cannot be described in terms of diglossia, and is characterized by a ubiquity of intermediate variants instead, that is, by diaglossia. This means that diaglossia should be extended much farther back in time and is not a recent development following a state of diglossia.
USprivate oil and natural gas royalties: estimates and policy relevance
Authors: Fitzgerald Timothy , Rucker Randal R 
Published: March 2016

AbstractWidespread ownership of oil and natural gas resources by private individuals is unique to theUnitedStates. The owner's share is typically specified as a gross revenue royalty. We develop estimates of income from production of privately owned minerals. Focusing on onshore resources in the continentalUnitedStates, we determine that the share of total oil and natural gas production attributable to privately owned minerals has been approximately 75 per cent in recent years. We find that average private royalty rates in recent years were 13.5 per cent for oil and 11.8 per cent for natural gas, and that private royalty income from oil and gas production was $21–22 billion in 2011 and 2012. We then briefly discuss four current policy issues upon which our estimates have bearing: exports of liquefied natural gas and crude oil, effects of refinery and pipeline constraints, state and federal tax policy, and regulation of technology.
Determinants of stock prices during dividend announcements: an evaluation of firms' variable effects in Nigeria's oil and gas sector
Authors: Chiek Aik Nai , Akpan Mfon NU 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe aim of this research was to analyse, statistically significant, quantitative variables that determine the share price of oil and gas sector companies listed on the Nigerian Stock exchange, during the economic slowdown period of 2009–2013, after the world financial crisis of 2008, and investigate whether the signalling hypothesis holds or not. In terms of analytical tools, multiple regression analysis is used. During dividend increase announcements, the regression coefficient determinant (R2) indicates that over 90 per cent of variations in stock prices is explained by variations in dividend announcements. This study supports the dividend signalling hypothesis (DSH) but discredits the efficient market hypothesis. During a dividend decrease, the R2 for both equations indicates that over 64 per cent of variations in stock prices is explained by variations in dividend announcements. This result also supports the DSH. The implication of this is that racketeers can capitalise on this and make unjustified returns. By so doing, both sector investors and the stock market will be short changed. As this research considers only the oil and gas sector, further studies need to be conducted that consider possibly all listed firms in the Nigerian stock market, within the same interval to further investigate if the signalling hypothesis will hold or not. But most appropriately, applicable, as a comparative study of the same sector before and after the world financial crisis of 2008 the paper seeks to find out if this phenomenon is also applicable to OPEC member states. This research is in progress.
An empirical study on the valuation of oil companies
Authors: Kumar Bhaskaran Rajesh , K Sukumaran Sujit 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThis study examines the determinants of value creation for the world's largest oil and gas companies. The study was based on 82 oil companies. The financial performance analysis for the period 2009–2013 reveals that the average total revenues increased from $39.82 billion in year 2009 to $68.87 billion in year 2013. The largest oil firms in terms of average revenues were Exxon Mobil, Royal Dutch Shell and Sinopec during the period 2009–2013. Three major market value variables were regressed on various independent variables representing performance, the financing, investment and dividend policy variables of oil firms. The empirical analysis finds that dividend policy and cost efficiency are important determinants of valuation of oil companies. The higher the liquidity position of the energy firms, the higher is the value creation in the market. The study establishes negative relationship between capital intensity and value creation. It can be viewed that market is sceptical about high capital expenditures by oil and gas firms. Higher cash flows result in increase in value for oil firms in stock market. Higher working capital efficiency leads to higher value creation. Undervalued stocks in the oil sector tends to have higher potential for value appreciation. Focus on effective asset utilisation is a value increasing activity for oil and gas sector firms.
Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms in Children: A Prospective Study
Authors: Sasidharanpillai Sarita , Sabitha Sasidharanpillai , Riyaz Najeeba , Binitha Manikoth P. , Muhammed Kunnummal , Riyaz Arakkal , Jayakrishnan Machinary P. , Reyila Vengarakath P. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractDrug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is a severe adverse drug reaction that can affect any age group. We carried out a prospective study of the clinicoepidemiologic aspects of DRESS in children. We prospectively studied all patients ages 12 years and younger admitted to the departments of pediatrics and dermatology at a tertiary care hospital over a 3‐year period with probable or definite DRESS, defined based on the RegiSCAR scoring system. A total of 11 patients were studied. Lamotrigine (four patients) and pencillins (three patients) were the most common offending drugs. Not adhering to the standard guidelines of introduction and gradual titration of lamotrigine to therapeutic dose may have increased the chance of lamotrigine‐induced DRESS. A short latent period between the onset of drug intake and drug reaction was noted in DRESS induced by antibiotics.
Automatic Keyline Recognition and 3D Reconstruction For Quasi‐Planar Façades in Close‐range Images
Authors: Li Chang , Zhang Yongjun , Zhang Zuxun 
Published: March 2016

AbstractCritical keylines, such as concave and convex edges of a building façade, can be lost in photogrammetric recognition procedures. To solve this problem and to reconstruct quasi‐planar 3D façades automatically and precisely, a set of algorithms and techniques for the automatic recognition of lines and 3D reconstruction is proposed. This includes: (1) a procedure for line‐segment matching that satisfies the spatial requirements of a 3D scene based on “global independence” and “local dependence”; (2) a technique of generalised point bundle block adjustment combined with spatial line constraints (in the form of virtual observations) to control the propagation of error; and (3) the methods of perceptual organisation, plane fitting and plane–plane intersection are suggested to acquire the critical keylines corresponding to concave and convex building edges. Experimental results show that these new algorithms are feasible and applicable to recognition and 3D reconstruction. Recommendations for recognition methods are provided depending on whether or not a priori topological relationships are available between the planes under consideration.