bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Évaluation et cartographie de la vulnérabilité à la chaleur dans l'agglomération de Montréal
Authors: Lareau Félissa , Baudouin Yves 
Published: March 2015

Cet article propose une méthodologie basée sur l'utilisation d'un système d'information géographique (SIG) pour évaluer la vulnérabilité des populations urbaines aux épisodes de chaleur extrême dans le contexte des changements climatiques. L'objectif est de produire une méthode d'évaluation simple et reproductible capable de croiser des facteurs sociaux et physiques afin d'identifier et de cartographier les secteurs les plus vulnérables en prenant comme étude de cas l'île de Montréal. Nous pouvons dégager trois éléments fondamentaux de la vulnérabilité thermique dans la littérature : l'exposition, la sensibilité et la capacité d'adaptation des populations. Les variables choisies pour évaluer la vulnérabilité thermique sont : 1) la présence d'îlots de chaleur urbains calculée à partir d'une image satellitaire pour représenter l'exposition; 2) la proportion de personnes âgées de 65 ans et plus vivant seules pour la sensibilité et 3) l'indice de défavorisation matérielle et sociale développé par Raymond et Pampalon pour exprimer la capacité d'adaptation. La cartographie résultante aide à hausser la résilience des municipalités en facilitant les interventions en cas de sinistre et en ouvrant la voie à l'implantation d'actions de prévention ciblées et efficaces. Cette étude constitue une avancée dans l'exploration des possibilités des SIG pour l'analyse environnementale.This article proposes a methodology based on the use of a geographic information system (GIS) to evaluate the vulnerability of urban populations to episodes of extreme heat in a context of climate change. The goal is to produce a simple and reproducible evaluation method, incorporating social and physical factors, to identify and map areas that are most at risk using the island of Montreal as a case study. We have identified three fundamental elements of thermal vulnerability from the literature: exposure, sensitivity and the populations' ability to adapt. The variables we selected to evaluate thermal vulnerability were: 1) the presence of urban heat islands calculated from satellite imaging to represent exposure; 2) the proportion of people aged 65 and over who live alone for the purposes of sensitivity; and 3) the material and social deprivation index established by Raymond and Pampalon to express adaptability. The resulting map helps to improve the resilience of municipalities by facilitating action in the event of an extreme heat incident and by creating a new means to implement targeted and efficient measures of prevention. This study is a major advance in the exploration of possibilities offered by GIS for environmental analysis.
Ridge preservation after ridge expansion with simultaneous guided bone regeneration: a preclinical study
Authors: Stricker Andres , Fleiner Jonathan , Stübinger Stefan , Fleiner Henrik , Buser Daniel , Bosshardt Dieter D. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate ridge preservation after ridge splitting with simultaneous implant placement and guided bone regeneration (GBR) in a miniature pig model.Material and MethodsIn miniature pigs, the mandibular premolars and first molars were extracted together with removal of the interdental and buccal bone. Three months later, ridge splitting and expansion of the buccal plate were performed with simultaneous placement of two titanium implants per quadrant. On the test side, access by a mucoperiosteal flap followed by GBR with a biphasic calcium phosphate and a collagen membrane was performed. On the contralateral control side, a mucosal flap (MF), leaving the periosteum attached to the buccal bone, was elevated. After healing periods of 6 and 12 weeks, eight and four animals, respectively, were sacrificed for histological and histometric evaluation.ResultsIn the MF group, all 16 implants were osseointegrated, while in the GBR group, one bone fracture occurred, and six of 16 implants were lost. After 6 weeks, significantly higher bone crest levels were found for the GBR group than for the MF group both buccally and lingually (P < 0.001), and buccal bone thickness was greater in the GBR group than in the MF group (P < 0.001 at the implant shoulder [IS]). After 12 weeks, bone was significantly higher in the GBR group compared to the MF group. Furthermore, buccal bone thickness in the GBR group was 0.93, 4.5, and 5.94 mm at, and 2 and 4 mm apical to the IS, respectively. The corresponding values in the MF group were greatly reduced (0, 0.21, and 2.56 mm). Bone loss on the buccal side compared to the lingual side was significantly greater only in the MF group.ConclusionsIn this ridge expansion model in miniature pigs, the buccal bone volume was significantly better preserved with GBR when compared to a mucosal access flap, provided that soft tissue healing occurred complication free.
A new technique of extreme lateral positioning for laparoscopic splenic flexure mobilization
Authors: Gonsalves S. , Brayshaw I. , Maslekar S. , Hance J. , Sagar P. , Miskovic D. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAimThis aim of this study was to describe a novel positioning technique that assists in the expeditious mobilization of the splenic flexure without the need for redraping or compromise of port placement.MethodA prospective case series was studied to evaluate the technique and its ability to facilitate splenic flexure mobilization.ResultsThe technique was used in 12 patients. There were no adverse intra‐ or postoperative events. The median time (interquartile range) for laparoscopic splenic flexure mobilisation was 10 (9–11.25).ConclusionThis novel positioning technique is safe and feasible. We include a detailed video that describes and demonstrates the requisites for its safe conduct. We also include intra‐operative footage demonstrating the benefits of the patient's position.
AGRICULTURAL TRANSITION AND THE ADOPTION OF PRIMITIVE TECHNOLOGY
Authors: Ang James B. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThis paper tests Jared Diamond's influential theory that an earlier transition from a hunter‐gatherer society to agricultural production induces higher levels of technology adoption. Using a proxy for the geographic diffusion barriers of Neolithic technology and an index of biogeographic endowments to isolate the exogenous component of the timing of agricultural transition, the findings indicate that countries that experienced earlier transitions to agriculture were subsequently more capable of adopting new technologies in 1000 BC, 1 AD, and 1500 AD. These results lend strong support to Diamond's hypothesis. (JEL O30, O40)
IS THERE ADVERSE SELECTION IN LIFE INSURANCE MARKETS?
Authors: Hedengren David , Stratmann Thomas 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAdverse selection theory predicts people with a high risk of death are more likely to own life insurance. Using a unique data set merging administrative and survey records, we test this theory and find the opposite: people with high death risk are less likely to own life insurance. We postulate advantageous selection and price discrimination swamp adverse selection in individual life insurance markets. To determine which effect is more powerful, we analyze group life insurance markets, where insurance companies cannot price discriminate as well as in individual markets. Our data suggest that price discrimination has a stronger effect than advantageous selection. (JEL D8, G1, I1)
Accounting for the effects of water and the environment on proximally sensed vis–NIR soil spectra and their calibrations
Authors: Ji W. , Viscarra Rossel R. A. , Shi Z. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryVisible–near infrared (vis–NIR) spectroscopy can be used to estimate soil properties effectively using spectroscopic calibrations derived from data contained in spectroscopic databases. However, these calibrations cannot be used with proximally sensed (field) spectra because the spectra in these databases are recorded in the laboratory and are different to field spectra. Environmental factors, such as the amount of water in the soil, ambient light, temperature and the condition of the soil surface, cause the differences. Here, we investigated the use of direct standardization (DS) to remove those environmental factors from field spectra. We selected 104 sensing (sampling) sites from nine paddy fields in Zhejiang province, China. At each site, vis–NIR spectra were recorded with a portable spectrometer. The soils were also sampled to record their spectra under laboratory conditions and to measure their soil organic matter (SOM) content. The resulting data were divided into training and validation sets. A subset of the corresponding field and laboratory spectra in the training set (the transfer set) was used to derive the DS transfer matrix, which characterizes the differences between the field and laboratory spectra. Using DS, we transferred the field spectra of the validation samples so that they acquired the characteristics of spectra that were measured in the laboratory. A partial least squares regression (PLSR) of SOM on the laboratory spectra of the training set was then used to predict both the original field spectra and the DS‐transferred field spectra. The assessment statistics of the predictions were improved from R2 = 0.25 and RPD = 0.35 to R2 = 0.69 and RPD = 1.61. We also performed independent predictions of SOM on the DS‐transferred field spectra with a PLSR derived using the Chinese soil spectroscopic database (CSSD), which was developed in the laboratory. The R2 and RPD values of these predictions were 0.70 and 1.79, respectively. Predictions of SOM with the DS‐transferred field spectra were more accurate than those treated with external parameter orthogonalisation (EPO), and more accurate than predictions made by spiking. Our results show that DS can effectively account for the effects of water and environmental factors on field spectra and improve predictions of SOM. DS is conceptually straightforward and allows the use of calibrations made with laboratory‐measured spectra to predict soil properties from proximally sensed (field) spectra, without needing to recalibrate the models.
Sensitivity analysis of dynamic response and fatigue behaviour of various asphalt concrete mixtures
Authors: Ali Y. , Irfan M. , Ahmed S. , Khanzada S. , Mahmood T. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThis paper presents the dynamic response (|E*|) and fatigue behaviour of various asphalt concrete mixtures subjected to sinusoidal compressive loading. Eight different wearing and base mixtures including Superpave, Asphalt Institute, British Standard dense bituminous macadam and Pakistan's National Highway Authority gradations were selected, and gyratory compacted specimens were fabricated. Laboratory investigations of |E*| at various temperatures (4.4 to 54.4 °C) and loading frequencies (0.1 to 25 Hz) were used to construct stress‐dependent master curves separately, for wearing and base course mixtures. The indicators of dynamic response and viscous (or elastic) properties of the mixtures were used to derive fatigue parameter to estimate the resistance to fatigue, and results revealed that Superpave wearing and NHA‐B base course had better resistance to fatigue for evaluated mixtures. Also, the sensitivity of the dynamic modulus to the variation in hot mix asphalt mix properties using different aggregate gradation, diverse loading frequencies and temperature were evaluated.
Removal of imidacloprid and acetamiprid from tea infusions by microfiltration membrane
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Lu Haiyan , Wang Bing , Zhang Zhuo , Lin Xiaorong , Chen Zhongzheng , Li Bin 
Published: March 2015

SummaryRemoval of imidacloprid and acetamiprid in tea infusions by microfiltration membrane using dead‐end model was investigated in the present study. The results showed that microfiltration significantly promoted the removal of both pesticides (P < 0.05) in tea infusions. Furthermore, the extent of removal was strongly influenced by the pore size of membrane, operational pressure and the concentrations of tea infusions. The initial concentration of imidacloprid and acetamiprid showed no significant effect on their removal rates. The maximum removal rates were 79.7% for imidacloprid and 81.9% acetamiprid. The changes in major chemical components of tea infusions after microfiltration were evaluated. The results indicated that microfiltration caused no considerable changes in total polyphenols and total free amino acids, and small but statistically significant losses (6.3–18.0%) of eight catechins and three methylxanthines when filtration volume reached to 200 mL. The present study validated the application of microfiltration as a potentially feasible and promising method for the removal of imidacloprid and acetamiprid residues from tea infusions.
Liposarcoma or invasive lipomatosis in flower horn fish, hybrid cichlid: clinical, radiological, ultrasonographical and histopathological study
Authors: Rahmati‐Holasoo H , Shokrpoor S , Tavakkoli A , Vajhi A , Ebrahimzadeh Mousavi H 
Published: March 2015

AbstractLiposarcoma or invasive lipomatosis affecting three indoor aquarium fish (flower horn fish, hybrid cichlid) is characterized, by the presence of mature adipocytes of variable sizes and by an invasive behaviour, which affected internal organs and eyes of all cases. Detailed macroscopic, radiological, ultrasonographical and histopathological features are presented. All fish had bilateral exophthalmia with some masses around the eyes. Ultrasonography confirmed the presence of hyperechoic masses in the eyes. Histopathology of all cases described the presence of variable‐sized adipose cells in the eyes. The suggested diagnosis is well‐differentiated liposarcoma or invasive lipomatosis. This is the first report of liposarcoma or invasive lipomatosis in flower horn fish, hybrid cichlid.
Performance of growing cattle on poor‐quality rangelands supplemented with farm‐formulated protein supplements in Zimbabwe
Authors: Gusha J. , Katsande S. , Zvinorova P. I. , Halimani T. E. , Chiuta T. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryFarmers use different non‐conventional protein supplements and different feeding strategies to aid their animals survive the dry season in Zimbabwe. The strategies can be giving supplements once a week or once every other day up to very little supplement daily. Supplements are either legume crop residues or forage legumes. However, the efficacy of the use of non‐conventional protein supplements in promoting growth and at the same time lowering the age at first calving is little understood. The study tested whether supplementing with farm‐formulated non‐conventional feeds could reduce live weight loss during the dry season and promote live weight gain as well as early development of sexual maturity in beef cattle. In a completely randomized design, thirty dams with calves on hooves were allocated to five different treatments which were repeated during the dry season for 3 years. The 3‐year study results show that weight loss can be controlled, resulting in positive growth in both the pre‐weaning and post‐weaning phases of growing cattle. Yearlings fed solely on natural pasture lost significant weight during the dry season as compared to supplemented groups. The period to puberty and first calving was achieved at 18 and 27 months, respectively. Using non‐conventional protein supplements could thus improve livestock productivity in resource‐poor farming communities. It was concluded that smallholder farmers can supplement cattle with a kilogram per day of low‐cost farm‐based non‐conventional legume meal to improve livestock productivity in semi‐arid regions of Zimbabwe.
Increasing water‐use efficiency directly through genetic manipulation of stomatal density
Authors: Franks Peter J. , W. Doheny‐Adams Timothy , Britton‐Harper Zoe J. , Gray Julie E. 
Published: March 2015

Summary

Improvement in crop water‐use efficiency (WUE) is a critical priority for regions facing increased drought or diminished groundwater resources. Despite new tools for the manipulation of stomatal development, the engineering of plants with high WUE remains a challenge.

We used Arabidopsis epidermal patterning factor (EPF) mutants exhibiting altered stomatal density to test whether WUE could be improved directly by manipulation of the genes controlling stomatal density. Specifically, we tested whether constitutive overexpression of EPF2 reduced stomatal density and maximum stomatal conductance (gw(max)) sufficiently to increase WUE.

We found that a reduction in gw(max) via reduced stomatal density in EPF2‐overexpressing plants (EPF2OE) increased both instantaneous and long‐term WUE without altering significantly the photosynthetic capacity. Conversely, plants lacking both EPF1 and EPF2 expression (epf1epf2) exhibited higher stomatal density, higher gw(max) and lower instantaneous WUE, as well as lower (but not significantly so) long‐term WUE.

Targeted genetic modification of stomatal conductance, such as in EPF2OE, is a viable approach for the engineering of higher WUE in crops, particularly in future high‐carbon‐dioxide (CO2) atmospheres.
Nurses experience of using scientific knowledge in clinical practice: a grounded theory study
Authors: Renolen Åste , Hjälmhult Esther 
Published: March 2015

BackgroundGuidelines recommend the use of evidence‐based practice in nursing. Nurses are expected to give patients care and treatment based on the best knowledge available. They may have knowledge and positive attitudes, but this does not mean that they are basing their work on evidence‐based practice. Knowledge is still lacking about what is needed to successfully implement evidence‐based practice.AimThe aim of this study was to gain more knowledge about what nurses perceive as the most important challenge in implementing evidence‐based practice and to explain how they act to face and overcome this challenge.MethodWe used classical grounded theory methodology and collected data through four focus groups and one individual interview in different geographical locations in one large hospital trust in Norway. Fourteen registered clinical practice nurses participated. We analysed the data in accordance with grounded theory, using the constant comparative method.ResultsContextual balancing of knowledge emerged as the core category and explains how the nurses dealt with their main concern, how to determine what types of knowledge they could trust. The nurses' main strategies were an inquiring approach, examining knowledge and maintaining control while taking care of patients. They combined their own experienced‐based knowledge and the guidelines of evidence‐based practice with a sense of control in the actual situation.ConclusionThe grounded theory contextual balancing of knowledge may help us to understand how nurses detect what types of knowledge they can trust in clinical practice. The nurses needed to rely on what they did, and they seemed to rely on their own experience rather than on research.
Factors related to self‐efficacy among men and women undergoing outpatient chemotherapy in Japan
Authors: Sato Miho , Sumi Naomi 
Published: March 2015

ObjectiveThis study aims to examine factors that influence self‐efficacy in Japanese patients with cancer receiving outpatient chemotherapy and to identify whether there are gender‐specific similarities or differences that determine self‐efficacy in this setting.MethodsA cross‐sectional survey was conducted among 156 patients with cancer (86 men and 70 women) undergoing chemotherapy as outpatients across five hospitals in Japan. The patients completed the European Organization for Research and Cancer Core Quality of Life questionnaire (EORTC QLQ‐C30), the Self‐Efficacy for Advanced Cancer questionnaire (SEAC) which consists of three subscales (affect regulation efficacy, symptom‐coping efficacy and activities of daily living efficacy), and a patient information form. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with self‐efficacy in men and women.ResultsIn both men and women, insomnia was related to affect regulation efficacy, while fatigue and nausea/vomiting correlated with activities of daily living efficacy. For male patients, fatigue and nausea/vomiting also correlated with affect regulation efficacy and symptom‐coping efficacy. Emotional functioning influenced self‐efficacy for both genders, while physical functioning affected self‐efficacy in female patients only.ConclusionsThese results suggest that to enhance self‐efficacy in Japanese patients with cancer undergoing outpatient chemotherapy, effective intervention is required with regard to the management of both emotional and physical functioning, specifically symptoms such as fatigue, nausea/vomiting and insomnia in both genders. Furthermore, women with a reduced level of physical function may require particular attention, as they may be at risk of lower levels of self‐efficacy.
Use of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale in Spanish caregivers
Authors: Sánchez‐López María Pilar , Limiñana‐Gras Rosa María , Colodro‐Conde Lucía , Cuéllar‐Flores Isabel 
Published: March 2015

BackgroundThe Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) is widely used in the assessment of anxiety and depression, but there are scarce data about its psychometric properties in caregivers of older relatives.ObjectiveThe goal of this study was to analyse the factor structure of the HADS to verify its suitability to assess emotional symptomatology in family caregivers of old people, its internal consistency and confirming its relation with the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ‐12) and an index of disease and physical complaints.MethodsOne hundred and seventy‐five family caregivers (25 men and 150 women) aged 32–86, who were taking care of at least one older person in a situation of dependence, were recruited for this study. A descriptive, comparative, correlational design was employed. The scientific adequacy of the questionnaire and its structure were analysed using confirmatory factor analysis. The scores obtained in the GHQ and in an index of disease and physical complaints were used as external criteria to assess the adequacy of the HADS for caregivers.ResultsHigher levels of anxiety and depression than in the normal population were obtained. The reliability/internal validity of the questionnaire was adequate. A bifactor model, with one subscale for anxiety and one for depression, provides the best fit to the data. The subscales were related to GHQ‐12 and index of diseases/physical complaints.ConclusionsThe HADS was shown to be useful to assess the presence of anxiety and depression in family caregivers, and the original two‐dimensional model is the most adequate.