bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Landscape context in colonization of restored dry grasslands by target species
Authors: Prach Karel , Fajmon Karel , Jongepierová Ivana , Řehounková Klára 
Published: October 2014

AbstractQuestionsAlthough the role of landscape context, often interpreted as the available species pool, is generally assumed to be important for the restoration of disturbed sites, not many studies evaluating this role quantitatively in restored dry grasslands have been carried out. There is especially a lack of large‐scale, multi‐site studies. We asked how many unsown target species established spontaneously in restored dry grasslands and how spontaneous establishment depended on their occurrence in the surrounding landscape.LocationWhite Carpathian Mts., eastern Czech Republic (48°50′–49°05′ N, 17°19′–17°55′ E, 250–610 m a.s.l.).MethodsWe studied spontaneous colonization by unsown target species in dry grasslands on ex‐arable land at 82 sites, sown with a regional seed mixture, commercial clover–grass seed mixtures or left to spontaneous succession. In total, 246 phytosociological relevés in 5‐m × 5‐m plots were recorded. Restoration started 1–31 yr ago. Nearby semi‐natural grasslands were included as reference sites (94 phytosociological relevés). A total of 108 target species were defined and their presence evaluated in the surroundings of the restored grasslands, i.e., in grid cells (3.1 km × 2.8 km) in which the restored sites were situated. Data were processed using multivariate analyses (DCA, CCA) and GLM.ResultsThe number of target species at the restored sites significantly increased with time elapsed since restoration started and the number of target species occurring in the surroundings. The sites, although restored in different ways, converged in their species composition towards ancient grasslands. The maximum relative colonization of a restored grassland by target species from the surroundings was 23.4%, and the restored grasslands contained max. Fifty‐seven percent of the average number of dry grassland target species present in the ancient grasslands.ConclusionsSowing seed mixtures should be seen as not more than a first phase in the restoration of species‐rich grasslands. In a next phase of restoration, we can reasonably rely on gradual spontaneous colonization by target species if they occur in the surroundings, even at sites sown with commercial seed mixtures or restoring spontaneously. However, full restoration probably takes decades or more.
Changes in landscape composition of differently irrigated hay meadows in an arid mountain region
Authors: Riedener Eliane , Melliger Ramona L. , Rusterholz Hans‐Peter , Baur Bruno 
Published: October 2014

AbstractQuestionsDoes the recent change from traditional to sprinkler irrigation result in alterations in the surrounding landscape of species‐rich hay meadows in an arid Swiss mountain region? Are landscape composition and landscape heterogeneity important determinants of plant diversity in these meadows?LocationSouthwestern Switzerland.MethodsWe surveyed vascular plant species in six traditionally and six sprinkler‐irrigated hay meadows. Plant species were divided into grassland specialists and generalists. Individual landscape traits were assessed in circular areas with radii of 50 and 100 m around each meadow in a field survey. Aerial photographs were used to measure the percentage area covered by different habitat types in the present and prior to the installation of sprinklers at the same spatial scale as in the field surveys. The potential effects of irrigation technique and present‐day landscape features on the plant diversity and species composition of hay meadows were examined with GLM and NMDS.ResultsLandscape composition was more diverse for traditionally than for sprinkler‐irrigated meadows, but did not differ prior to the installation of sprinklers. Total plant species richness and the number of specialists were negatively affected by the distance to the closest haystack. Generalists were positively influenced by a variety of different small‐scale landscape traits in the surroundings, whereas the percentage area covered by woodland had a negative effect. Finally, hay meadows irrigated with sprinklers had an increased number of generalist plant species.ConclusionsThis study showed that the small‐scale surroundings, and to some extent the type of irrigation, are important for the conservation of plant diversity of these meadows. Furthermore, the study suggests that the installation of sprinklers was associated with a homogenization of the landscape, which facilitates land use. Extensive management should be promoted by compensation payments for farmers to prevent intensification.
Three decades of vegetation changes in peatlands isolated in an agricultural landscape
Authors: Pasquet Salomé , Pellerin Stéphanie , Poulin Monique 
Published: October 2014

AbstractQuestionsWhat vegetation changes occurred over three decades on two large temperate peatlands (1115 ha) isolated in an agricultural landscape and affected by a human‐ignited fire?LocationSouthwest Québec, Canada.MethodsIn 2012, we revisited 103 plots first sampled in 1984–85. Changes in species composition were evaluated using the Sørensen dissimilarity index, in species frequency with Chi‐square goodness‐of‐fit tests, and in species cover using one‐sample t‐tests. Tree encroachment was evaluated using aerial photographs and satellite imagery. We used linear discriminant analyses (LDA) and ANOVA to evaluate the impact of tree encroachment on species composition.ResultsWe found a floristic dissimilarity of 35% between 1984 and 1985 and 2012. Most species whose frequency and mean cover increased were peatland species, while most species with lower frequency and mean cover in 2012 were non‐peatland species. The total area occupied by forest increased from 26% to 51%, an overall gain of 280 ha of forest. The species composition of old and new forests as well as of open sectors was highly distinct, as shown by the LDA that correctly assigned 97% of the sampling plots to these groups. Non‐peatland species were 15 and five times more abundant than peatland species in old and new forests than open habitats, respectively.ConclusionsGradual drying of the peatland margins due to drainage of the surrounding catchment, as well as post‐fire succession are likely the main drivers of the changes observed. Overall, our study showed that peatlands isolated in an anthropogenic landscape are dynamic ecosystems where vegetation communities can experience substantial changes in a short time frame. The broader implication is that peatland conservation in highly modified landscapes must be linked to restoration.
Smart learning adoption in employees and HRD managers
Authors: Lee Junghwan , Zo Hangjung , Lee Hwansoo 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe innovation of online technologies and the rapid diffusion of smart devices are changing workplace learning environment. Smart learning, as emerging learning paradigm, enables employees' learning to take place anywhere and anytime. Workplace learning studies, however, have focused on traditional e‐learning environment, and they have failed to capture the features of new learning environment and prove its impact on the adoption. As a result, they have failed to align educational needs of employee and technology‐oriented approach of organisation. Thus, this study addresses the differentiated characteristics of smart learning and analyse how this characteristics influence its adoption. In order to suggest the way of successful adoption, this study compares adoption behaviour of employees and HRD managers, as a learner and a coordinator of learning. The results demonstrate that mobility and personalisation of smart learning is crucial for the adoption. According to comparative analysis, the adoption behaviour of smart learning also differs in employees and HRD manager. HRD manager emphasise perceived ease of use as a reason for adoption, while employees emphasise perceived usefulness. Mobility, interactivity, personalisation and collaborativeness, which are important features of smart learning, have different effects on perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness for the two groups. This analysis provides useful guidance for practice to adopt smart learning successfully.
Organisational learning as an emerging process: The generative role of digital tools in informal learning practices
Authors: Za Stefano , Spagnoletti Paolo , North‐Samardzic Andrea 
Published: October 2014

AbstractIncreasing attention is paid to organisational learning, with the success of contemporary organisations strongly contingent on their ability to learn and grow. Importantly, informal learning is argued to be even more significant than formal learning initiatives. Given the widespread use of digital technologies in the workplace, what requires further attention is how digital technologies (eg, massive open online courses—MOOC) enable informal learning processes. Drawing fromComplexAdaptiveSystems (CAS) theory, in this paper we advance a conceptual model for examining this important topic. The two dimensional matrix and the micro‐level description of informal learning activities presented provide a framework for both further research on technology‐mediated practices for informal learning, as well as the design of formative contexts for learning to occur.
Hodgson, Vet al ed (2014) The design, experience and practice of networked learningSpringer (Berlin) isbn 978‐3‐319‐01940‐6 281 pp £93.50 e‐book (boards £117) http://www.springer.com/education+%26+language/learning+%26+instruction/book/978‐3‐319‐01939‐0
Authors: Johnson Mike 
Published: October 2014

SummaryThis collection of twelve papers from the 2012 Networked Learning Conference will stimulate and focus your attention on vital aspects of the design, experience, practice and research of networked learning in a diverse range of contexts. An extended introductory overview chapter carries a valuable contribution to debates about the essence and state of the field. If you are likely to find the content of this book relevant, I recommend you borrow a copy.Mike Johnson
Salmons, Janet (2015) Qualitative online interviewsSage (London & Thousand Oaks CA) isbn 978‐1‐4833‐3267‐3 320 pp £37.99 http://www.routledge.com/books/details/9780415525794/
Authors: Cowan John 
Published: October 2014

SummaryThis tightly written, well founded, comprehensive yet highly readable source book for anyone undertaking qualitative online interviews is a must for modern researchers. It takes interviewing wholeheartedly forward into the digital age. If you feel the content of this book is likely to be relevant to you, I recommend that you buy a copy for your own use.John Cowan
Hazelnut allergy differs between children and adults in frequency of severity, aetiology and relevance of diagnostic parameters
Authors: Masthoff L. J. , van Hoffen E. , de Reus A. , Boonacker C. W. , Bruijnzeel‐Koomen C. A. , Pasmans S. G. , Knulst A. C. 
Published: October 2014

SummaryBackgroundHazelnut allergy in adults is often birch pollen related, whereas in children, non‐pollen‐related hazelnut allergy is more frequent.ObjectiveTo compare the differences in hazelnut allergy between children and adults with regard to severity, aetiology and diagnostic value of routinely available data.MethodsAdults (n = 120) who underwent a double‐blind placebo‐controlled food challenge (DBPCFC) for hazelnut were selected and compared to 151 hazelnut‐challenged children from a previous study. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to build a prediction model. The area under the curve (AUC) of the ROC curve was determined for level of hazelnut‐specific IgE, skin prick test (SPT) and the prediction model.ResultsHazelnut allergy was confirmed by DBPCFC in 95/120 (79%) adults, 77% had only subjective and 23% objective symptoms, whereas in children, 63% had objective symptoms to hazelnut. Within the group of children, the frequency of severe hazelnut allergy was higher in younger than in older children. A concomitant birch pollen allergy was more common in adults (82%) than in children (39%) with a hazelnut allergy. A detailed history with allergic symptoms to previous ingestion of hazelnut had the highest diagnostic value in adults, while in children, SPT to hazelnut extract showed the highest level of discrimination between clinical reactivity and tolerance to hazelnut.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceHazelnut allergy differs between children and adults with respect to frequency of severity, aetiology and relevance of diagnostic parameters. Therefore, age has to be taken into account in the diagnostic work‐up of a hazelnut allergy.
Male central hypogonadism secondary to exogenous androgens: a review of the drugs and protocols highlighted by the online community of users for prevention and/or mitigation of adverse effects
Authors: Karavolos Stamatios , Reynolds Michael , Panagiotopoulou Nikoletta , McEleny Kevin , Scally Michael , Quinton Richard 
Published: October 2014

SummaryAndrogen‐ or anabolic steroid‐induced hypogonadism (ASIH) is no longer confined to professional athletes; its prevalence amongst young men and teenagers using androgens and/or anabolic steroids (AASs) is rising fast, and those affected can experience significant symptoms. Clinicians are increasingly encountering demanding, well‐informed men affected by ASIH, yet lacking authoritative information on the subject may struggle to project a credible message. In this article, we overview the methods and drugs that men use in an attempt to counteract ASIH (with a view to either preventing its onset, or reversing it once it has developed) and summarize the scientific evidence underpinning these. The main channel for obtaining these drugs is the Internet, where they can be readily sourced without a valid prescription. An Internet search using relevant terms revealed a huge number of websites providing advice on how to buy and use products to counteract ASIH. Drugs arising repeatedly in our search included human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), selective oestrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) and aromatase inhibitors (AIs). The quality and accuracy of the online information was variable, but review of medical literature also highlighted a lack of scientific data to guide clinical practice. It is important for clinicians to be aware of the AAS user's self‐treatment strategies with regard to ASIH side‐effect mitigation. By ensuring that they are well‐informed, clinicians are more likely to retain the credibility and trust of AAS users, who will in turn likely be more open to engage with appropriate management.
Soft tissue conditions and marginal bone levels of implants with a laser‐microtextured collar: a 5‐year, retrospective, controlled study
Authors: Iorio‐Siciliano V. , Matarasso R. , Guarnieri R. , Nicolò M. , Farronato D. , Matarasso S. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractAimTo compare clinical and radiographic outcomes of implants with a Laser‐Lok®‐microtextured collar to implants with a resorbable blast textured (RBT) collar after a 5‐year follow‐up period.Materials and methodsThirty‐four implants with a Laser‐Lok®‐microtextured collar (test group [TG]) and 31 implants with an RBT collar (control group [CG]) were placed in 45 non‐smoking, periodontally healthy patients. The full‐mouth plaque score, full‐mouth bleeding score, number of sites with plaque, and the number of sites with bleeding on probing (BOP) were recorded at baseline, and at 1‐, 2‐, 3‐, 4‐, and 5‐year follow‐up. Probing depth (PD) and mucosal recession were assessed at baseline and after the 5‐year follow‐up period. The radiographic marginal bone loss (MBL) was calculated by subtracting the bone level at the time of crown insertion from the bone level at the 5‐year follow‐up.ResultsAn implant survival rate of 94% and of 90% was reported for the TG and the CG, respectively. No statistical differences were found between the study groups for presence of plaque (10.1% vs. 25%) or for number of sites with BOP (10.3% vs. 23%). The differences between both study groups were statistically significant for mean MBL (0.81 ± 0.24 vs. 2.02 ± 0.32 mm), mean PD (2.32 ± 0.44 vs. 4.25 ± 0.87 mm), and mean mucosal recession (0.16 ± 0.3 vs. 0.22 ± 0.3 mm).ConclusionsWithin the limitations of this study, results suggest that the laser‐microtextured implant collar surface may provide more favorable conditions for the attachment of hard and soft tissues, and reduce the level of MBL.
Embodiment Effects and Language Comprehension in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: De Scalzi Marika , Rusted Jennifer , Oakhill Jane 
Published: October 2014

AbstractIt has been shown that when participants are asked to make sensibility judgments on sentences that describe a transfer of an object toward or away from their body, they are faster to respond when the response requires a movement in the same direction as the transfer described in the sentence. This phenomenon is known as the action compatibility effect (ACE). This study investigates whether the ACE exists for volunteers with Alzheimer's disease (AD), whether the ACE can facilitate language comprehension, and also whether the ACE can still be produced if the order of the two events is inverted, that is, whether overt movement can prime comprehension of transfer sentences. In Study 1, participants with AD, younger, and older adults were tested on an adaptation of the ACE Paradigm. In Study 2, the same paradigm was modified to include an arm movement that participants had to perform prior to sentence exposure on screen. In Study 1, young, older adults, and individuals with AD were faster to respond when the direction of the response movement matched the directionality implied by the sentence (ACE). In Study 2, no traditional ACE was found; participants were faster when the direction of the movement immediately preceding the sentence matched the directionality of the sentence. It was found that compatibility effects generated a relative advantage, that transfer schemata are easier to process, and that an ACE‐like effect can be the result of mutual priming between language and movement. Results suggested preservation in AD of the neural systems for action engaged during language comprehension, and conditions under which comprehension in AD can be facilitated in real life may be identified.
The Simon Effect in Action: Planning and/or On‐Line Control Effects?
Authors: Scorolli Claudia , Pellicano Antonello , Nicoletti Roberto , Rubichi Sandro , Castiello Umberto 
Published: October 2014

AbstractChoice reaction tasks are performed faster when stimulus location corresponds to response location (Simon effect). This spatial stimulus–response compatibility effect affects performance at the level of action planning and execution. However, when response selection is completed before movement initiation, the Simon effect arises only at the planning level. The aim of this study was to ascertain whether when a precocious response selection is requested, the Simon effect can be detected on the kinematics characterizing the online control phase of a non‐ballistic movement. Participants were presented with red or green colored squares, which could appear on the right, left, above, or below a central cross. Depending on the square's color, participants had to release one of two buttons (right/left), then reach toward and press a corresponding lateral pad. We found evidence of the Simon effect on both action planning and on‐line control. Moreover, the investigation of response conflict at the level of previous trials (i.e., n−1), a factor that might determine interference at the level of the current response, revealed a conflict adaptation process across trials. Results are discussed in terms of current theories concerned with the Simon effect and the distinction between action planning and control.
Neurological outcomes of animal models of uterine artery ligation and relevance to human intrauterine growth restriction: a systematic review
Authors: Basilious Alfred , Yager Jerome , Fehlings Michael G 
Published: October 2014

AimThis review explores the molecular, neurological, and behavioural outcomes in animal models of uterine artery ligation. We analyse the relevance of this type of model to the pathological and functional phenotypes that are consistent with cerebral palsy and its developmental comorbidities in humans.MethodA literature search of the PubMed database was conducted for research using the uterine artery ligation model published between 1990 and 2013. From the studies included, any relevant neuroanatomical and behavioural deficits were then summarized from each document and used for further analysis.ResultsThere were 25 papers that met the criteria included for review, and several outcomes were summarized from the results of these papers. Fetuses with growth restriction demonstrated a gradient of reduced body weight with a relative sparing of brain mass. There was a significant reduction in the size of the somatosensory cortex, hippocampus, and corpus callosum. The motor cortex appeared to be spared of identifiable deficits. Apoptotic proteins were upregulated, while those important to neuronal survival, growth, and differentiation were downregulated. Neuronal apoptosis and astrogliosis occurred diffusely throughout the brain regions. White matter injury involved oligodendrocyte precursor maturation arrest, hypomyelination, and an aberrant organization of existing myelin. Animals with growth restriction demonstrated deficits in gait, memory, object recognition, and spatial processing.InterpretationThis review concludes that neuronal death, white matter injury, motor abnormalities, and cognitive deficits are important outcomes of uterine artery ligation in animal models. Therefore, this is a clinically relevant type of model, as these findings resemble deficits in human cerebral palsy.
STRATEGIC OR NONSTRATEGIC: THE ROLE OF FINANCIAL BENEFIT IN BANKRUPTCY
Authors: Zhang Shuoxun , Sabarwal Tarun , Gan Li 
Published: October 2014

AbstractA partial test for strategic behavior in bankruptcy filing may be formulated by testing whether consumers manipulate their debt and filing decision jointly, or not: that is, testing for endogeneity of financial benefit and the bankruptcy filing decision. Using joint maximum likelihood estimation of an extended discrete choice model, test results are consistent with nonstrategic filing: financial benefit is exogenous to the filing decision. This result is confirmed in two different datasets (Panel Study of Income Dynamics and Survey of Consumer Finances). This result is consistent with an ex ante low net gain from a bankruptcy filing; a type of “rational inattention” to rare events such as bankruptcy. (JEL D12, D14)