bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Precarity in the Nonprofit Employment Services Sector
Authors: Fanelli Carlo , Rudman Debbie Laliberté , Aldrich Rebecca M. 
Published: August 2017

Drawing on interview and focus group data, this article explores research undertaken as part of a larger research project exploring precarity in the nonprofit employment services sector in a mid‐sized Canadian city. We critically survey major legislative changes to Canadian employment and income security policies and programs, including the restructuring of work and labor relations, growth of performance‐based contracting‐out, erosion of intergovernmental transfers, worker stress, and emotional tolls. Our study's results demonstrate how employment precarity in the nonprofit employment services sector is amplified by top‐down and centralized relationships with funding partners and policymaking divorced from the employment experiences of frontline staff. We make the case that it is important to work against rising workplace precarity to strengthen organizational and workplace conditions, as well as build environments more supportive of optimal employment support services.En se fondant sur des entretiens et des données découlant de groupes témoins, cet article présente des explorations entreprises dans une recherche plus large étudiant la précarité dans le secteur des emplois de service dans une ville canadienne de taille moyenne. Nous faisons une revue critique de changements importants intervenus dans la législation portant sur l'emploi au Canada et les politiques et programmes de la sécurité du revenu, incluant la restructuration du travail et des relations de travail, l'augmentation de la privatisation se fondant sur la performance, la diminution des transferts intergouvernementaux, le stress au travail et les conséquences émotionnelles. Les résultats de notre recherche démontrent comment la précarité de l'emploi dans les secteurs des services à but non lucratif est amplifiée par des relations allant du haut vers le bas et centralisée avec des partenaires et des politiques séparés de l'expérience des travailleurs sur le terrain. Nous démontrons qu'il est important de travailler contre la précarisation en renforçant les conditions organisationnelles et de travail, tout en construisant des environnements favorisant une offre de services de l'emploi optimaux.
The participation of parents of disabled children and young people in health and social care decisions
Authors: McNeilly P. , Macdonald G. , Kelly B. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackgroundThere is widespread acceptance that parents should be fully involved in decisions about their son or daughter's health and social care. This is reflected in partnership models of practice as well as local and national policy across the United Kingdom. Previous research indicates that parents' experiences of decision making with professionals are mixed.AimThe research reported here aimed to explore parents' experiences of participating in decisions made with professionals about their disabled son or daughter's care.DesignThis research used mixed methods including survey methodology and qualitative in depth interviews.Setting and participantsThe research was conducted in one Trust in Northern Ireland. Participants were 77 parents of children and young people with a range of impairments aged between 3 and 28 years.ResultsThree themes emerged from the data: taking the lead, not knowing, and getting the balance right. Parents wanted to be involved in all aspects of decision making. Although parents reported many examples of good practice, there were also times when they did not feel listened to or did not have enough information to inform decisions.Discussion and conclusionParents in this research recounted positive as well as negative experiences. Parents took on a protective role when decisions were made about their son or daughter and at times, reported the need to “fight” for their child. The provision of information remains problematic for these families, and at times, this created a barrier to parents' participation in decision making. Partnership approaches to care that recognize parents' expertise are particularly important to parents when decisions are made with professionals.
Occupational contact urticaria and protein contact dermatitis: causes and concomitant airway diseases
Authors: Helaskoski Eva , Suojalehto Hille , Kuuliala Outi , Aalto‐Korte Kristiina 
Published: August 2017

SummaryBackgroundContact urticaria (CU) and protein contact dermatitis (PCD) are mainly induced by an immediate, IgE‐mediated immunological mechanism. Immediate sensitization is also linked to asthma and/or allergic rhinitis.ObjectivesTo report causes of work‐induced CU and PCD, and to evaluate the occurrence of concomitant airway diseases.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the patient files of cases diagnosed with CU or PCD at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health during 1995–2011. We obtained data on occupation, exposures, clinical and immunological test results, and diagnosed occupational skin and respiratory diseases.ResultsAltogether, 291 cases of occupational CU or PCD were diagnosed during the study period. The most common causes were flour, cow dander, natural rubber latex and acid anhydrides. Concomitant occupational asthma caused by the same agent as the skin disease was detected in 60 patients (21%), and occupational rhinitis was detected in 111 patients (38%).ConclusionsAlmost half of the patients (46%) with occupational CU and PCD had concomitant occupational airway disease. Patients with CU/PCD should always be asked about respiratory symptoms, and preventive measures at the workplace should include protection of both the skin and the airways.
Are metals involved in tattoo‐related hypersensitivity reactions? A case report
Authors: de Cuyper Christa , Lodewick Evelyne , Schreiver Ines , Hesse Bernhard , Seim Christian , Castillo‐Michel Hiram , Laux Peter , Luch Andreas 
Published: August 2017

SummaryBackgroundAllergic reactions to tattoos are not uncommon. However, identification of the culprit allergen(s) remains challenging.ObjectivesWe present a patient with papulo‐nodular infiltration of 20‐year‐old tattoos associated with systemic symptoms that disappeared within a week after surgical removal of metal osteosynthesis implants from his spine. We aimed to explore the causal relationship between the metal implants and the patient's clinical presentation.MethodsMetal implants and a skin biopsy of a reactive tattoo were analysed for elemental contents by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and synchrotron‐based X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy.ResultsNickel (Ni) and chromium (Cr) as well as high levels of titanium (Ti) and aluminium were detected in both the skin biopsy and the implants. XRF analyses identified Cr(III), with Cr(VI) being absent. Patch testing gave negative results for Ni and Cr. However, patch tests with an extract of the implants and metallic Ti on the tattooed skin evoked flare‐up of the symptoms.ConclusionThe patient's hypersensitivity reaction and its spontaneous remission after removal of the implants indicate that Ti, possibly along with some of the other metals detected, could have played a major role in this particular case of tattoo‐related allergy.
Reaction time can be measured during voluntary contractions with electrode array
Authors: Le Mansec Y. , Nordez A. , Dorel S. , Jubeau M. 
Published: August 2017

SummaryReaction time (RT) is classically divided into premotor time (PMT) and electromechanical delay (EMD). However, the determination of the onset of electromyographic activity (EMG) during voluntary contraction remains questionable. In addition, the reliability of RT, PMT and EMD needs to be determined. Twelve participants performed two sessions of RT trials, separated by 5 min. RT was evaluated during voluntary isometric contractions of the elbow flexors, i.e., time between a light signal (stimulus) and the onset of the mechanical response. To assess EMD, an electrode array (64 channels) was used to accurately detect the onset of EMG activity. PMT represented the major part of the RT (~88%). Coefficients of variation were reasonably satisfactory for all parameters (range: 11·9‐13·4%). The use of electrode array appears to be a relevant method to measure EMD. Moreover, sessions based on two trials are reliable enough to detect changes in RT components.
Nitrogen fixation by Alnus species boosts soil nitrous oxide emissions
Authors: Bühlmann T. , Caprez R. , Hiltbrunner E. , Körner C. , Niklaus P. A. 
Published: August 2017

The aim of this study was to assess how higher soil temperatures and increased nitrogen (N) availability, mediated by the N2 fixation of different Alnus species, affect soil nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. We measured rates of N2O emission in situ under non‐N2‐fixing tree species or grassland (controls) and under Alnus species by the closed chamber technique along a temperature gradient of 5.7 K from the lowlands to the upper montane belt in Switzerland. Similar soil conditions and representative tree and bush taxa at a given elevation were a key prerequisite for the site selection. Across the 12 test plots, and irrespective of the elevation, N2O emissions were on average 12‐fold larger in Alnus stands than in non‐N2‐fixing vegetation. The mean emission was 1.3 ± 0.2 kg N2O‐N ha−1 under Alnus and 0.1 ± 0.1 kg N2O‐N ha−1 under non‐N2‐fixing vegetation from mid‐June to mid‐October. The largest rates of emission were observed in Alnus viridis (Chaix.) D.C. shrubland at 1680 m a.s.l. (mid‐elevation), with a seasonal emission of 4.2 ± 0.5 kg N2O‐N ha−1. Differences in soil temperature along the elevation gradient did not affect the release of N2O in non‐N2‐fixing vegetation or across the different Alnus species. We conclude that larger N availability through N2 fixation increases N2O emissions in ecosystems even without intense agricultural management. The fast expansion of Alnus viridis across the Alps has been documented mainly in the context of ‘ecological consequences’. Here, we provide evidence that Alnus viridis also adds substantially to greenhouse gas emissions.Highlights
We evaluated soil N2O emissions under Alnus and non‐fixing species along a temperature gradient of 5.7 K.
Alnus stands emitted on average 12‐fold more N2O than non‐N2‐fixing vegetation.
Neither short‐ nor long‐term variation in temperature affected N2O emissions in Alnus stands.
During the growing season, soil under Alnus viridis emitted 1.5% of the annual Swiss N2O emission.
Decoupled responses of soil bacteria and their invertebrate consumer to warming, but not freeze–thaw cycles, in the Antarctic Dry Valleys
Authors: Knox Matthew A. , Andriuzzi Walter S. , Buelow Heather N. , Takacs‐Vesbach Cristina , Adams Byron J. , Wall Diana H. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAltered temperature profiles resulting in increased warming and freeze–thaw cycle (FTC) frequency pose great ecological challenges to organisms in alpine and polar ecosystems. We performed a laboratory microcosm experiment to investigate how temperature variability affects soil bacterial cell numbers, and abundance and traits of soil microfauna (the microbivorous nematode Scottnema lindsayae) from McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica. FTCs and constant freezing shifted nematode body size distribution towards large individuals, driven by higher mortality among smaller individuals. FTCs reduced both bacterial and nematode abundance, but bacterial cell numbers also declined under warming, demonstrating decoupled consumer–prey responses. We predict that higher occurrence of FTCs in cold ecosystems will select for large body size within soil microinvertebrates and overall reduce their abundance. In contrast, warm temperatures without FTCs could lead to divergent responses in soil bacteria and their microinvertebrate consumers, potentially affecting energy and nutrient transfer rates in soil food webs of cold ecosystems.
Long‐term ecological monitoring and institutional memories
Authors: Lamb David 
Published: August 2017

SummaryMany important ecological management issues can only be addressed by long‐term monitoring or through studies carried out over extended periods. But such studies require institutional settings that ensure funding is sustained and that data arising from these studies are securely managed. Recent experience suggests both are difficult to achieve. This is because management agencies and research bodies are periodically restructured, especially in recent years. This has often led to long‐term work being terminated. But there is anecdotal evidence that the data collected in at least some of these studies are not always lost. Instead, it can remain stored in the back rooms of agencies or in the personal files of former staff. Such data are clearly at risk; with time fewer people remain aware of the work or of the existence of data that were collected, thereby increasing the likelihood that the information will eventually disappear. This seems a waste. Securing funds for any long‐term ecological study is always likely to be difficult, and many of these previous long‐term studies are likely to be relevant to some of our present management problems. One approach to taking advantage of these earlier studies would be to ask scientific and professional associations to survey their older members to identify relevant previous investigations. But any re‐establishment of former studies will require the creation of new institutional arrangements, more robust institutional memories and sufficient funds that are able to sustain any resurrected investigations into the future.
Kinematic discrimination of ataxia in horses is facilitated by blindfolding
Authors: Olsen E. , FouchÉ N. , Jordan H. , Pfau T. , Piercy R. J. 
Published: August 2017

SummaryBackgroundAgreement among experienced clinicians is poor when assessing the presence and severity of ataxia, especially when signs are mild. Consequently, objective gait measurements might be beneficial for assessment of horses with neurological diseases.ObjectivesTo assess diagnostic criteria using motion capture to measure variability in spatial gait‐characteristics and swing duration derived from ataxic and non‐ataxic horses, and to assess if variability increases with blindfolding.Study designCross‐sectional.MethodsA total of 21 horses underwent measurements in a gait laboratory and live neurological grading by multiple raters. In the gait laboratory, the horses were made to walk across a runway surrounded by a 12‐camera motion capture system with a sample frequency of 240 Hz. They were made to walk normally and with a blindfold in at least three trials each. Displacements of reflective markers on head, fetlock, hoof, fourth lumbar vertebra, tuber coxae and sacrum derived from three to four consecutive strides were processed and descriptive statistics, receiver operator characteristics (ROC) to determine the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity and area under the curve (AUC), and correlation between median ataxia grade and gait parameters were determined.ResultsFor horses with a median ataxia grade ≥2, coefficient of variation for the location of maximum vertical displacement of pelvic and thoracic distal limbs generated good diagnostic yield. The hoofs of the thoracic limbs yielded an AUC of 0.81 with 64% sensitivity and 90% specificity. Blindfolding exacerbated the variation for ataxic horses compared to non‐ataxic horses with the hoof marker having an AUC of 0.89 with 82% sensitivity and 90% specificity.Main limitationsThe low number of consecutive strides per horse obtained with motion capture could decrease diagnostic utility.ConclusionsMotion capture can objectively aid the assessment of horses with ataxia. Furthermore, blindfolding increases variation in distal pelvic limb kinematics making it a useful clinical tool.
Nonlinear numerical study of crack initiation and propagation in a reactor pressure vessel under pressurized thermal shock using XFEM
Authors: Sun X. , Chai G. , Bao Y. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractUnder pressurized thermal shock (PTS), once crack initiation occurs in a reactor pressure vessel (RPV), the stress concentration around the crack tips may result in local instability and crack propagation. The temperature‐dependent material properties are introduced into the finite element analysis model. According to the response of the transient temperature field and stress field near the crack tip region, the influence of PTS on the carrying capacity of the structure is demonstrated. Also, the process of crack initiation and propagation is simulated by using the extended finite element method (XFEM). The results show that the crack of mode I is easy to be initiated on the nozzle in the initial high temperature and high pressure working state. The effect of cladding on the RPV integrity is enhanced with the increase of crack size, and it mainly depends on the crack length. During the PTS transient, a discontinuity of stress exists near the cladding‐base interface, and the cladding bears more loading than the base of the same size. As the unloading of the internal pressure, the stress does not decline due to the strong thermal shock. In the late stage of the PTS process, the internal pressure caused by repressurization poses a challenge to the strength of the structure. With the decrease of the base wall thickness, the allowable repressure value also gradually decreases. However, the increase of the base wall thickness causes the rise of thermal stress, and the allowable repressure load is not significantly improved.
Recreational charter fishery attributes and variation in key species catches and discards: Resource management considerations
Authors: Gray C. A. , Kennelly S. J. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractStrategic long‐term sampling programmes that deliver recreational catch, effort and species demographic data are required for the effective assessment and management of recreational fisheries and harvested organisms. This study used a spatially and temporally stratified observer programme to examine variation in the rates, quantities and lengths of retained and discarded catches of key species in a recreational charter fishery. Geographic region, but not season, significantly influenced catch rates of key demersal species, being driven by temporally persistent latitudinal clines in environmental conditions influencing species distributions. There was considerable trip‐to‐trip variation in catch rates that were attributed to localised differences in fishing operations, locations, environmental conditions and client preferences. Broad trends in retained and discarded catch rates were nevertheless, similar across different fishing effort standardisations (per‐trip, per‐hour, per‐client, per‐client/fished hour), demonstrating that the coarsest unit of effort could be used in fishery assessments. Discard rates of organisms were variable and driven by a combination of mandated legal lengths, individual client and operator preferences for particular species and sizes of organisms, and not due to attainment of catch quotas or high‐grading. This study has identified important fishery attributes that require consideration in assessing charter fisheries and stocks of recreational fish species.
Effects of environmental variables on survey catch rates and distribution by size of shallow‐ and deep‐water Cape hakes, Merluccius capensis and Merluccius paradoxus off Namibia
Authors: Kainge P. , van der Plas A. K. , Bartholomae C. H. , Wieland K. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIn order to study the effects of temperature, oxygen, salinity and time of day on survey trawl catches, we modeled observed catches of juvenile, small, medium and large hakes per station as functions of zenith angle of the sun, geographical position, year, temperature, salinity, oxygen and depth. We used data from summer demersal surveys conducted during the period 2002–2015, together with a computation of the corresponding light level data from which the solar zenith angles were obtained, and fitted the generalized additive models to these data. Based on best model results, important covariates were oxygen, depth, geographical position and temperature. The best models explained 70%, 69%, 57% and 57% of the variability in catches of juvenile, small, medium and large Merluccius capensis, respectively, and 71%, 68%, 81% and 70% of juvenile, small, medium and large Merluccius paradoxus, respectively. The significant effects of temperature, oxygen, depth and geographical position on survey catches of hake of different size groups indicate that survey size structure may be affected by the behavior of both species towards environmental conditions. Greater care should therefore be taken when interpreting hake survey biomass estimates, based on swept area method, especially those that were collected during exceptional unfavourable environmental conditions. It would also be highly desirable if the oceanographic conditions are collected on each trawl station in order to improve understanding of the linkage between resources and environmental conditions.
Benthic carbon is inefficiently transferred in the food webs of two eutrophic shallow lakes
Authors: Lischke Betty , Mehner Thomas , Hilt Sabine , Attermeyer Katrin , Brauns Mario , Brothers Soren , Grossart Hans‐Peter , Köhler Jan , Scharnweber Kristin , Gaedke Ursula 
Published: August 2017

Abstract

The sum of benthic autotrophic and bacterial production often exceeds the sum of pelagic autotrophic and bacterial production, and hence may contribute substantially to whole‐lake carbon fluxes, especially in shallow lakes. Furthermore, both benthic and pelagic autotrophic and bacterial production are highly edible and of sufficient nutritional quality for animal consumers. We thus hypothesised that pelagic and benthic transfer efficiencies (ratios of production at adjacent trophic levels) in shallow lakes should be similar.

We performed whole ecosystem studies in two shallow lakes (3.5 ha, mean depth 2 m), one with and one without submerged macrophytes, and quantified pelagic and benthic biomass, production and transfer efficiencies for bacteria, phytoplankton, epipelon, epiphyton, macrophytes, zooplankton, macrozoobenthos and fish. We expected higher transfer efficiencies in the lake with macrophytes, because these provide shelter and food for macrozoobenthos and may thus enable a more efficient conversion of basal production to consumer production.

In both lakes, the majority of the whole‐lake autotrophic and bacterial production was provided by benthic organisms, but whole‐lake primary consumer production mostly relied on pelagic autotrophic and bacterial production. Consequently, transfer efficiency of benthic autotrophic and bacterial production to macrozoobenthos production was an order of magnitude lower than the transfer efficiency of pelagic autotrophic and bacterial production to rotifer and crustacean production. Between‐lake differences in transfer efficiencies were minor.

We discuss several aspects potentially causing the unexpectedly low benthic transfer efficiencies, such as the food quality of producers, pelagic–benthic links, oxygen concentrations in the deeper lake areas and additional unaccounted consumer production by pelagic and benthic protozoa and meiobenthos at intermediate or top trophic levels. None of these processes convincingly explain the large differences between benthic and pelagic transfer efficiencies.

Our data indicate that shallow eutrophic lakes, even with a major share of autotrophic and bacterial production in the benthic zone, can function as pelagic systems with respect to primary consumer production. We suggest that the benthic autotrophic production was mostly transferred to benthic bacterial production, which remained in the sediments, potentially cycling internally in a similar way to what has previously been described for the microbial loop in pelagic habitats. Understanding the energetics of whole‐lake food webs, including the fate of the substantial benthic bacterial production, which is either mineralised at the sediment surface or permanently buried, has important implications for regional and global carbon cycling.