bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigating determinants of youth's intentions of seeking microcredit in the post-conflict era
Authors: Jebarajakirthy Charles , C. Lobo Antonio , Hewege Chandana 
Published: September 2014

Purpose– Bottom of pyramid market (BOP) has gained attention of researchers and marketers in recent years. The BOP market comprises many segments, however, little is known about purchase behaviour in BOP market or segments therein. The purpose of this paper is to investigate youth's intentions of seeking microcredit in the post-war era that are an integral part of BOP market.Design/methodology/approach– The sample comprised 1,250 youth aged 18 and above from Northern Province of Sri Lanka. Surveys were administered for data collection. After testing measurement model, a structural model was run to test hypotheses.Findings– Positive affect, subjective norms and entrepreneurial desire enhanced intentions of seeking microcredit, whereas perceived deterrents negatively influenced those intentions. Perceived benefits, perceived behavioural control and knowledge of microcredit did not have significant effects on these intentions.Research limitations/implications– This study was conducted in one war-affected country, Sri Lanka. Also, data were cross-sectional. Hence the model needs replication amongst youth in other post-conflict contexts and with longitudinal data.Practical implications– Findings of this study would be of use to market microcredit to youth in post-conflict era and other segments of BOP.Originality/value– A unique purchase behavioural model is suggested to enhance youths’ intentions of seeking microcredit in the post-war era, a segment within the BOP market. This study can contribute to purchase behaviour literature in identified contexts.
Plant–herbivore interactions: silicon concentration in tussock sedges and population dynamics of root voles
Authors: Wieczorek Monika , Zub Karol , Szafrańska Paulina A. , Książek Aneta , Konarzewski Marek 
Published: September 2014

Summary

It has been hypothesized that the induction of silicon (Si)‐based plant defence in response to herbivore damage may engender rodent population cycles. Many studies have also considered accumulation of Si as a process controlled by geo‐hydrological factors.

To test these ideas, we investigated the relationship between concentration of Si in fibrous tussock sedge (Carex appropinquata) and the population density of a major sedge consumer, the root vole (Microtus oeconomus), in field enclosures in natural habitat under a variety of natural water regimes and weather conditions.

We found that a high density of voles at the end of summer resulted in the immediate accumulation of Si by rhizomes, followed by accumulation of Si in leaves with a 1‐year lag time. The level of river flooding in the same year had an additional impact on Si concentration in rhizomes but did not affect silicification of leaves.

Overwinter changes in concentration of Si in sedges were influenced by fluctuations in ambient temperature and the depth of snow cover (multiple freeze–thaw cycles), thus affecting the quality of winter food available for voles.

Smaller voles had lower mortality during early winter than large voles, which seemed to be connected with changes in the quality of the autumn rather than the winter food base. Winter survival of voles was not associated with Si concentration in their faeces, however.

Our results suggest that changes in Si concentration in fibrous tussock sedge can be induced by changes in vole population density and are also additionally affected by the amount of flooding and weather conditions.
Biocrust morphogroups provide an effective and rapid assessment tool for drylands
Authors: Read Cassia F. , Duncan David H. , Vesk Peter A. , Elith Jane 
Published: September 2014

Summary

Biological soil crusts (biocrusts) occur across most of the world's drylands and are sensitive indicators of dryland degradation. Accounting for shifts in biocrust composition is important for quantifying integrity of arid and semi‐arid ecosystems, but the best methods for assessing biocrusts are uncertain. We investigate the utility of surveying biocrust morphogroups, a reduced set of biotic classes, compared to species data, for detecting shifts in biocrust composition and making inference about dryland degradation.

We used multivariate regression tree (MRT) analyses to model morphogroup abundance, species abundance and species occurrence data from two independent studies in semi‐arid open woodlands of south‐eastern Australia. We advanced the MRT method with a ‘best subsets’ model selection procedure, which improved model stability and prediction.

Biocrust morphogroup composition responded strongly to surrogate variables of ecological degradation. Further, MRT models of morphogroup data had stronger explanatory power and predictive power than MRT models of species abundance or occurrence data. We also identified morphogroup indicators of degraded and less degraded sites in our study region.

Synthesis and applications. Sustainable management of drylands requires methods to assess shifts in ecological integrity. We suggest that biocrust morphogroups are highly suitable for assessment of dryland integrity because they allow for non‐expert, rapid survey and are informative about ecological function. Furthermore, morphogroups were more robust than biocrust species data, showed a strong response to ecological degradation and were less influenced by environmental variation, and models of morphogroup abundance were more predictive.
Outcomes of Non‐Tunneled Non‐Cuffed Hemodialysis Catheters in Patients on Chronic Hemodialysis in a Resource Limited Sub‐Saharan Africa Setting
Authors: Kaze Francois Folefack , Ashuntantang Gloria , Halle Marie Patrice , Kengne Andre‐Pascal 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to investigate the adverse outcomes of non‐tunneled hemodialysis catheters and determinants in chronic hemodialysis patients receiving care at the Yaoundé General Hospital hemodialysis center, Cameroon. This was a prospective study of 11 months duration (February–December 2008) involving 81 non‐tunneled non‐cuffed catheters (63 femoral, 18 internal jugular) placed in 72 adults (47 men, 65.3%) on chronic hemodialysis. Baseline clinical and laboratory parameters associated with catheter‐related complications during follow‐up were investigated. The difference between variables was assessed using the χ2 test and equivalents. Sixty‐five (80.2%) catheters were inserted for emergency dialysis, 11 (13.6%) for a failed native arteriovenous fistula and five (6.2%) for a failed prior catheter. The mean time‐to‐catheter removal was 35 ± 28 days. Catheter‐related complications accounted for a third of catheter removals. The main catheter‐related complications were infections (17/27, 62.9%) and bleeding (6/27, 22.2%), which were associated with unemployment (P = 0.0002) and longer duration of catheter (P = 0.004). The catheter‐related infections were sepsis (11.8%), exit‐site (29.4%) and both (58.8%); leading to death in 11/17 (64.7%) cases. Fever (94.1%), pain (88.2%) and pus (70.6%) were the main infectious signs with Staphylococcus aureus involved in 70.6%. Unemployment was significantly frequent in patients with infectious complications (76.5% vs. 26.6%, P = 0.0004). Non‐tunneled hemodialysis catheters are mainly used for emergency dialysis through the femoral vein in this setting. Catheter‐related infections due to Staphylococci are the leading complications associated with unemployment and longer utilization. Efforts are needed to improve early transfer of patients to nephrologists for better preparation for renal replacement therapy.
Cementing an Implant Crown: A Novel Measurement System Using Computational Fluid Dynamics Approach
Authors: Wadhwani Chandur , Goodwin Sabine , Chung Kwok‐Hung 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundCementing restorations to implants is a widely used clinical procedure. Little is known about the dynamics of this process. Using a systems approach and advanced computing software modeling this can be investigated virtually. These models require validation against real‐life models.PurposeThe study aims to consider the system effect of a crown, abutment, and cement flow under different conditions and comparing real physical models to virtual computer simulations.Materials and MethodsA physical model of implant abutments and crowns provided three groups according to abutment screw access modification (n = 9): open (OA), closed (CA), and internal vented (IVA) abutment groups. Crowns were cemented using standardized amounts and site application. Proportion of cement retained within the crown–abutment system was recorded and compared. Differences among groups were identified using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey's post hoc test (α ≤ 0.05). Three‐dimensional multiphysics numerical stimulation software (STAR‐CCM+, CD‐adapco) with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach was applied to a virtual model system of a scanned abutment and crown system. Three‐dimensional real‐time model simulations of cement and air displacement were produced, evaluating cement application site, speed of crown seating, and abutment modifications.ResultsStatistically significant differences in cement retained within the system (p < 0.01) were found among the IVA > OA > OCA abutment groups. The CFD virtual simulations followed this trend. Site application and speed of seating also affected cement extrusion and cement marginal infill. Fast crown seating and occlusal cement site application produced air incorporation at the margins.ConclusionsThe CFD approach provides a convenient way to evaluate crown–cement–implant abutment systems with respect to cement flow. Preliminary evaluation indicates that the results achieved follow those of a physical actual cement‐retained crown–implant abutment study.
Correlation and persistence of hunting and logging impacts on tropical rainforest mammals
Authors: Brodie Jedediah F. , Giordano Anthony J. , Zipkin Elise F. , Bernard Henry , Mohd‐Azlan Jayasilan , Ambu Laurentius 
Published: September 2014

AbstractHumans influence tropical rainforest animals directly via exploitation and indirectly via habitat disturbance. Bushmeat hunting and logging occur extensively in tropical forests and have large effects on particular species. But how they alter animal diversity across landscape scales and whether their impacts are correlated across species remain less known. We used spatially widespread measurements of mammal occurrence across Malaysian Borneo and recently developed multispecies hierarchical models to assess the species richness of medium‐ to large‐bodied terrestrial mammals while accounting for imperfect detection of all species. Hunting was associated with 31% lower species richness. Moreover, hunting remained high even where richness was very low, highlighting that hunting pressure persisted even in chronically overhunted areas. Newly logged sites had 11% lower species richness than unlogged sites, but sites logged >10 years previously had richness levels similar to those in old‐growth forest. Hunting was a more serious long‐term threat than logging for 91% of primate and ungulate species. Hunting and logging impacts across species were not correlated across taxa. Negative impacts of hunting were the greatest for common mammalian species, but commonness versus rarity was not related to species‐specific impacts of logging. Direct human impacts appeared highly persistent and lead to defaunation of certain areas. These impacts were particularly severe for species of ecological importance as seed dispersers and herbivores. Indirect impacts were also strong but appeared to attenuate more rapidly than previously thought. The lack of correlation between direct and indirect impacts across species highlights that multifaceted conservation strategies may be needed for mammal conservation in tropical rainforests, Earth's most biodiverse ecosystems.Correlación y Persistencia de los Impactos de la Caza y la Tala sobre los Mamíferos de los Bosques Tropicales
Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia in Sweet's syndrome: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Tzelepis Elias , Kampolis Christos F. , Vlachadami Ioanna , Moschovi Maria , Alamani Maria , Kaltsas Gregory 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackground and AimsSweet's syndrome or acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis is characterized by fever, leukocytosis and tender erythematous plaques, which show infiltration by mature neutrophils on histological examination. Pulmonary involvement is rare in Sweet's syndrome.MethodWe describe the case of a 17‐year‐old man with a myelodysplastic syndrome following therapy for Hodgkin's lymphoma who developed Sweet's syndrome and cryptogenic organizing pneumonia. In addition, we conducted a review of the related English literature.ResultsLiterature review yielded six similar reports of biopsy‐proven cryptogenic organizing pneumonia associated with Sweet's syndrome. We present the clinical and laboratory characteristics, as well as the response to treatment, of all cases of cryptogenic organizing pneumonia reported in patients with Sweet's syndrome.ConclusionsCryptogenic organizing pneumonia is a rare manifestation of Sweet's syndrome, which may be complicated by respiratory failure. Prompt treatment with corticosteroids usually leads to clinical and radiographic improvement.
Caffeine increases light responsiveness of the mouse circadian pacemaker
Authors: van Diepen Hester C. , Lucassen Eliane A. , Yasenkov Roman , Groenen Inske , Ijzerman Adriaan P. , Meijer Johanna H. , Deboer Tom 
Published: September 2014

AbstractCaffeine is the most commonly used psychoactive stimulant worldwide. It reduces sleep and sleepiness by blocking access to the adenosine receptor. The level of adenosine increases during sleep deprivation, and is thought to induce sleepiness and initiate sleep. Light‐induced phase shifts of the rest–activity circadian rhythms are mediated by light‐responsive neurons of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus, where the circadian clock of mammals resides. Previous studies have shown that sleep deprivation reduces circadian clock phase‐shifting capacity and decreases SCN neuronal activity. In addition, application of adenosine agonists and antagonists mimics and blocks, respectively, the effect of sleep deprivation on light‐induced phase shifts in behaviour, suggesting a role for adenosine. In the present study, we examined the role of sleep deprivation in and the effect of caffeine on light responsiveness of the SCN. We performed in vivo electrical activity recordings of the SCN in freely moving mice, and showed that the sustained response to light of SCN neuronal activity was attenuated after 6 h of sleep deprivation prior to light exposure. Subsequent intraperitoneal application of caffeine was able to restore the response to light. Finally, we performed behavioural recordings in constant conditions, and found enhanced period lengthening during chronic treatment with caffeine in drinking water in constant light conditions. The data suggest that increased homeostatic sleep pressure changes circadian pacemaker functioning by reducing SCN neuronal responsiveness to light. The electrophysiological and behavioural data together provide evidence that caffeine enhances clock sensitivity to light.
Attitudes towards implementation of surveillance‐based parasite control on Kentucky Thoroughbred farms – Current strategies, awareness and willingness‐to‐pay
Authors: Robert M. , Hu W. , Nielsen M. K. , Stowe C. J. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryReasons for performing studyTraditionally, equine parasite control has relied heavily on frequent routine anthelmintic treatments applied at regular intervals all year round. However, current recommendations aim to employ a more surveillance‐based approach and it remains unknown to what extent these recommendations are being implemented on US horse farms.ObjectivesTo describe equine parasite control on Kentucky Thoroughbred farms and evaluate respondents' willingness to pay for various attributes of surveillance‐based parasite control strategies.Study designQuestionnaire survey performed among the membership of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers' Club.MethodsThe survey collected demographic data and information about current parasite control strategies. Further, respondents were asked to choose between hypothetical parasite control strategies described with a combination of different attributes: costs, time and effort needed, hypothetical disease‐risk levels and hypothetical risks of anthelmintic resistance. Data were analysed with multivariable logistic analysis.ResultsAbout 26% responded to the survey (n = 112). Most respondents were concerned about anthelmintic resistance and incorporated veterinary advice in defining their deworming programme. However, almost 70% were following a traditional rotational deworming programme with little or no faecal surveillance. Respondents were willing to pay a premium for a product for which there is no known anthelmintic resistance and provided the highest possible decrease in health risks. The number of young horses on the farm, utilisation of veterinarian advice in developing a deworming programme, expressed concern about drug resistance in parasites and having documented drug resistance on the farm all associated significantly with the type of parasite control programme used.ConclusionsTraditional approaches for equine parasite control are still widely used in the Kentucky Thoroughbred industry. The data suggest that respondents were only willing to make these changes if they could be given assurance that the surveillance‐based approach would prevent anthelmintic resistance and decrease health risks significantly for the horses.
Immune potential of allogeneic equine induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Aguiar C. , Theoret C. , Smith O. , Segura M. , Lemire P. , Smith L. C. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryReasons for performing studyInduced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) have brought immense hope to cellular therapy and regenerative medicine. However, the antigenicity of iPSC has not been well documented and remains a hurdle for clinical applications. Expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules by human and murine iPSC is downregulated, making these cells potentially safe for transplantation. No such data are available for any large animal model.ObjectivesTo measure expression of MHC molecules on equine iPSC (eiPSC) and describe their antigenicity using intradermal testing. The hypothesis was that allogeneic eiPSC weakly express MHC molecules and would not elicit a rejection response when injected intradermally.Study designExperimental study involving both in vitro and in vivo components.MethodsTwo green fluorescent protein‐expressing eiPSC lines were analysed by flow cytometry for MHC expression. One line was then transplanted intradermally, along with appropriate controls, into 2 unrelated experimental horses. Blood was collected pre‐ and 7 days post transplantation. The wheals formed at the sites of injection were measured at regular intervals beginning at 0.25 h until 4 weeks. Tissue samples of the injected sites were obtained at 2, 3, 7 and 30 days post transplantation and analysed by histopathology and immunofluorescence.ResultsBoth eiPSC lines weakly expressed MHC molecules. eiPSC were detectable up to 7 days following allogeneic transplantation and elicited no apparent systemic response. Injection of eiPSC caused small wheal formation at the skin surface. Skin sections revealed CD4+ and CD8+ mononuclear cells up to 30 days post transplantation.ConclusionsThese data suggest that while transplantation of allogeneic eiPSC elicits a moderate cellular response, it does not cause acute rejection. The feasibility of banking allogeneic iPSC for regenerative medicine applications should be explored.
Operationalizing resilience for adaptive coral reef management under global environmental change
Authors: Anthony Kenneth R.N. , Marshall Paul A. , Abdulla Ameer , Beeden Roger , Bergh Chris , Black Ryan , Eakin C. Mark , Game Edward T. , Gooch Margaret , Graham Nicholas A.J. , Green Alison , Heron Scott F. , van Hooidonk Ruben , Knowland Cheryl , Mangubhai Sangeeta , Marshall Nadine , Maynard Jeffrey A. , McGinnity Peter , McLeod Elizabeth , Mumby Peter. J. , Nyström Magnus , Obura David , Oliver Jamie , Possingham Hugh P. , Pressey Robert L. , Rowlands Gwilym P. , Tamelander Jerker , Wachenfeld David , Wear Stephanie 
Published: September 2014

AbstractCumulative pressures from global climate and ocean change combined with multiple regional and local‐scale stressors pose fundamental challenges to coral reef managers worldwide. Understanding how cumulative stressors affect coral reef vulnerability is critical for successful reef conservation now and in the future. In this review, we present the case that strategically managing for increased ecological resilience (capacity for stress resistance and recovery) can reduce coral reef vulnerability (risk of net decline) up to a point. Specifically, we propose an operational framework for identifying effective management levers to enhance resilience and support management decisions that reduce reef vulnerability. Building on a system understanding of biological and ecological processes that drive resilience of coral reefs in different environmental and socio‐economic settings, we present an Adaptive Resilience‐Based management (ARBM) framework and suggest a set of guidelines for how and where resilience can be enhanced via management interventions. We argue that press‐type stressors (pollution, sedimentation, overfishing, ocean warming and acidification) are key threats to coral reef resilience by affecting processes underpinning resistance and recovery, while pulse‐type (acute) stressors (e.g. storms, bleaching events, crown‐of‐thorns starfish outbreaks) increase the demand for resilience. We apply the framework to a set of example problems for Caribbean and Indo‐Pacific reefs. A combined strategy of active risk reduction and resilience support is needed, informed by key management objectives, knowledge of reef ecosystem processes and consideration of environmental and social drivers. As climate change and ocean acidification erode the resilience and increase the vulnerability of coral reefs globally, successful adaptive management of coral reefs will become increasingly difficult. Given limited resources, on‐the‐ground solutions are likely to focus increasingly on actions that support resilience at finer spatial scales, and that are tightly linked to ecosystem goods and services.