bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of species distribution models to explain and predict the distribution, abundance and assemblage structure of nearshore temperate reef fishes
Authors: Young Mary , Carr Mark H. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAimThe purpose of this study was to create predictive species distribution models (SDMs) for temperate reef‐associated fish species densities and fish assemblage diversity and richness to aid in marine conservation and spatial planning.LocationCalifornia, USA.MethodsUsing generalized additive models, we associated fish species densities and assemblage characteristics with seafloor structure, giant kelp biomass and wave climate and used these associations to predict the distribution and assemblage structure across the study area. We tested the accuracy of these predicted extrapolations using an independent data set. The SDMs were also used to estimate larger scale abundances to compare with other estimates of species abundance (uniform density extrapolation over rocky reef and density extrapolations taking into account variations in geomorphic structure).ResultsThe SDMs successfully modelled the species–habitat relationships of seven rocky reef‐associated fish species and showed that species’ densities differed in their relationships with environmental variables. The predictive accuracy of the SDMs ranged from 0.26 to 0.60 (Pearson's r correlation between observed and predicted density values). The SDMs created for the fish assemblage‐level variables had higher prediction accuracies with Pearson's r values of 0.61 for diversity and 0.71 for richness. The comparisons of the different methods for extrapolating species densities over a single marine protected area varied greatly in their abundance estimates with the uniform extrapolation (density values extrapolated evenly over the rocky reef) always estimating much greater abundances. The other two methods, which took into account variation in the geomorphic structure of the reef, provided much lower abundance estimates.Main conclusionsSpecies distribution models that combine geomorphic, oceanographic and biogenic habitat variables can reliably predict spatial patterns of species density and assemblage attributes of temperate reef fishes at spatial scales of 50 m. Thus, SDMs show great promise for informing spatial and ecosystem‐based approaches to conservation and fisheries management.
Graced Life After All? Terrorism and Theology on July 22, 2011
Authors: Salomonsen Jone 
Published: September 2015

AbstractOn the afternoon of July 22, 2011, a white Norwegian killed seventy‐seven people in and around Oslo. A majority of those killed where Social Democratic youth, camping on the island of Utøya. Dressed as a Norwegian policeman, Anders Behring Breivik took the ferry over to the island and shot sixty‐nine children with a pistol and a semi‐automatic gun. The weapons were carved with Rune names and dedicated to Thor and Odin, the war gods in Norse mythology. About ninety minutes before the attacks, Breivik had published a 1,500‐page manifesto on the Internet, urging radical nationalists in Europe to defend Christianity by fighting back Islamic migration, multiculturalism, and feminism. I propose to analyze how a new project linking “Christian and pagan” was launched through the Oslo massacres. I also make a distinction between the sacrificial aspects of a bloody massacre, and the non‐bloody acts of love that manifested among surviving youth at Utøya, and ask if these contrary acts express, or at least involve, two radically different ways of doing religion.
The Question of Salvation of Non‐Muslims: The Exegesis of Muhammad Asad
Authors: Duderija Adis 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThis article applies Alan Race's typology of Christian thought in relation to the salvation of non‐Christians to that of the Islamic tradition and uses the exegesis of Muhammad Asad as an example. It argues that Asad's exegesis of the relevant qur'anic verses places him firmly into the pluralist camp as defined by Race.
Recruitment and abnormality incidence of a desert frog assemblage at an Australian copper mine
Authors: Read John L. , Tyler Michael J. , Robinson Michael 
Published: September 2015

SummaryMetamorphlings of five desert frog species were assessed for morphological abnormalities adjacent to and remote from the Nifty Copper Mine in the Great Sandy Desert of Western Australia. Abnormality rates in the most abundant species Main's Frog (Cyclorana maini) at a remote pond were higher than that recorded in three of the four ponds adjacent to the mine. The overall abnormality rate of 2.5% therefore likely reflects the regional background levels at Nifty, which is lower than background levels at other Australian arid zone sites. Although higher rates of abnormalities were not detected in ponds adjacent to the mine, frog recruitment was inhibited in one brackish mine pond.
Two‐tiered methodology for the assessment and projection of mine vegetation rehabilitation against mine closure restoration goal
Authors: Ngugi Michael R. , Neldner Victor J. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryReinstatement of a ‘self‐sustaining native ecosystem’ is an increasingly common revegetation goal for open‐cut mines in Australia. This is usually applied as a regulatory requirement for mine closure, with some mines aiming for a high standard of ‘ecological restoration’. There is a growing appreciation that ecological restoration outcomes of mine rehabilitation are unachievable within the life of a mine and that assessment methodologies are subjective and inadequate to provide the high degree of confidence needed for mine closure. Here we elaborate on the integration of the BioCondition assessment and the Ecosystem Dynamics Simulator (EDS) trajectory methodologies. We also demonstrate an alternative early relinquishment assessment criteria similar to that used for early recruitment of regrowth native vegetation that exhibit structural characteristics of undisturbed native vegetation into remnant status in Queensland. We used ten age cohorts of rehabilitation ranging from three to 22 years at Meandu coal mine, south‐east Queensland. All the sites gained average BioCondition scores ranging from 19 to 44 out of possible score of 65. Growth trajectories indicated decline in species and basal area on all sites in the next three decades as the dense stock of short‐lived acacia species senesce and die. None of the sites are projected to meet self‐sustaining status by 2072, but there is evidence in some of a progression. All the sites except two (K2.3 and SW2) are projected to achieve remnant vegetation status by 2062. Applying the remnant vegetation criteria results in shorter timeframes and robustly evaluates whether sites are progressing towards the self‐sustaining ecosystem mine closure goal.
Widening gap between expectations and practice in Australian minesite rehabilitation
Authors: Lamb David , Erskine Peter D. , Fletcher Andrew 
Published: September 2015

SummaryThe basic methods for rehabilitating degraded land left after mining are reasonably well‐understood and there are examples across Australia of these being currently implemented. But there are many other situations where further research will be needed to achieve rehabilitation objectives. In addition, a number of mines are yet to embark on any sustained program of rehabilitation and there is a disappointing number of cases of mines ceasing operations before rehabilitation is completed leaving sites in a badly degraded state. Overall there appear to be surprisingly few examples in Australia of post‐ mining rehabilitation that has reached a successful conclusion. In part, this may be simply a matter of time and the problem will be resolved as more mines reach the end of their working lives. But there is an apparent trend for mines to be placed into ‘care and maintenance’ or sold to other entities, to avoid the costs of rehabilitation. Thus, we are concerned there is a widening gap between what should be possible and what is being done in practice. We review some of the experiences of rehabilitating post‐mining landscapes in Australia and conclude that problems have arisen because of (i) the inherently difficult task of restoring ecosystems at highly modified mine sites, (ii) institutional and management weaknesses and (iii) loose regulatory frameworks that allow a high level of company self‐regulation. A key problem is that the importance of rehabilitation appears to rank below that of production in the minds of many mine managers and is not accorded the level of priority that the community expects. The scale of the mining industry and its capacity to cause environmental damage means that there is a need to improve the way mine rehabilitation is currently undertaken. We suggest that this might be achieved by improving research programs as well as better institutional and regulatory arrangements. The present situation represents a major ecological and financial risk to the nation as a whole and regulatory authorities need to develop more rigorous approaches to ensure effective rehabilitation standards are achieved.
Key lessons for achieving biodiversity‐sensitive cities and towns
Authors: Ikin Karen , Le Roux Darren S. , Rayner Laura , Villaseñor Nelida R. , Eyles Kathy , Gibbons Philip , Manning Adrian D. , Lindenmayer David B. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryAustralia's urban landscapes offer opportunities to marry socio‐economic and biodiversity conservation objectives. Yet, information is needed on what urban landscape and habitat features are important for wildlife. In this article, we draw together our research from southeastern Australia to describe key lessons for biodiversity‐sensitive cities and towns. Lesson 1: The effects of urbanization on wildlife extend into adjacent habitats. We recommend retaining large, undisturbed areas of habitat away from development, avoiding intensive development adjacent to important conservation areas, prioritizing areas of ecological and social significance, screening light and noise pollution at the urban fringe and around large nature reserves, and planting appropriately provenanced locally native species for public streetscapes, parks and gardens. Lesson 2: Strategic enhancement of urban greenspace offers biodiversity gains. We recommend increasing the total amount of greenspace cover, maintaining ecological structures as habitat islands, using landscaping techniques to minimize risks to human safety, and gardening with low‐flowering native shrubs. Lesson 3: Large old trees need to be managed for long‐term sustainability. We recommend retaining large old trees in new developments, increasing the maximum standing life of urban trees, protecting regenerating areas and planting more seedlings, supplementing habitat features associated with large trees, and ensuring that young trees have space to grow through time. Lesson 4: Education and engagement connects residents with nature and raises awareness. We recommend education programs to enhance opportunities for residents to experience and learn about biodiversity, engaging residents in the establishment and maintenance of wildlife habitat, providing ‘cues to care’, facilitating access to garden plants that benefit wildlife, and encouraging cat containment. These lessons provide an evidence‐base for implementing conservation and management actions to improve the capacity of our cities and towns to support a diverse and abundant biota.
Slashing may have potential for controlling Phragmites australis in long‐inundated parts of a Ramsar‐listed wetland
Authors: Greet Joe , Rees Paul 
Published: September 2015

SummaryPhragmites or Common Reed (Phragmites australis) is a natural component of many wetlands but can be highly invasive. Phragmites is encroaching into important mudflat habitat areas of the Ramsar‐listed Seaford Wetlands (Melbourne, Victoria), which are critical for migratory birds. We assessed the efficacy of slashing as a means of controlling Phragmites by establishing twelve 5 m × 5 m quadrats within mature Phragmites reed beds and slashing half of them. The response of Phragmites to slashing was highly variable and dependent on the elevation (i.e. subsequent flooding) of the slashed quadrats. Phragmites regrowth was minimal in lower‐lying quadrats which were wholly inundated for several months each of the following two years (to a mean depth of ~22 cm). In contrast, in quadrats of higher elevation, which were mostly only partially or shallowly inundated, Phragmites recovered almost completely within 10 months. In quadrats that were not slashed there was no change in Phragmites cover (i.e. it remained ~100%) irrespective of flooding extent. It is suspected that prolonged flooding above the height of the remaining stubble is necessary to prevent recovery. Thus, slashing may be a successful means of controlling Phragmites when low‐lying areas are targeted and these are subsequently flooded to a sufficient depth (e.g. >20 cm) for at least several months.
Overview of the management of relapsing−remitting multiple sclerosis and practical recommendations
Authors: Gallo P. , Van Wijmeersch B. 
Published: September 2015

The initial phases of the clinical course of relapsing−remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) are characterized by a mainly inflammatory pathology which gives way to a largely neurodegenerative process as the disease evolves. As all currently available disease‐modifying therapies aim to control inflammation, the window of opportunity for use is early in the disease course, specifically at the time of a clinically isolated syndrome suggestive ofMSor in the early stages of relapsing−remittingMS. Approximately 30% of patients treated with first‐line immunomodulators (interferon‐β or glatiramer acetate) show a suboptimal response during the first 1–2 years and require a switch to an alternative therapy. It is recommended not to wait too long to switch in order to prevent disease progression. Patients with a poor prognosis in particular may require a timely switch to a second‐line agent. Regular monitoring of disease and therapy in patients withMSis essential. In the first year after diagnosis, clinical evaluations (neurological status, symptomatic assessment, patient well‐being) should be performed at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months, and then every 6 months thereafter. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) should be performed every 6 months in the first year of treatment, and at least once yearly thereafter. A spinal cordMRIshould be performed once yearly in patients presenting spinal symptoms.
Quasi‐Nationalisation in the UK Banking Crisis: A Problematic Policy Option
Authors: Henderson Elisa 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe systemic banking crisis in 2008 led to the quasi‐nationalisation of two UK listed banks: The Royal Bank of Scotland and Lloyds Banking Group (National Audit Office, 2010). Using property rights and agency theory as the theoretical frameworks, this paper analyses whether the quasi‐nationalisation of these banks has been successful. It is argued that as a rescue mechanism, quasi‐nationalisation was a positive development. However, questions arise over its effect as an instrument of banking reform. The State's arm's length approach to management represents a lost opportunity to change the culture of profitability over people that contributed to the banking crisis.
Spatio‐Temporal Variations in Stream–Aquifer Interactions Following Construction of Weirs in Korea
Authors: Lee Hyeonju , Koo Min‐Ho , Kim Kisu , Kim Yongcheol 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe “Four Major Rivers Restoration Project” was conducted to secure sufficient water resources, introduce comprehensive flood control measures, improve water quality, and restore river ecosystems in Korea. As a part of the project, 16 sites were dredged and weirs were installed in the Han, Geum, Yeongsan, and Nakdong Rivers from late 2010 to early 2012. Groundwater data were obtained from 213 groundwater monitoring wells near the four major rivers to analyze the impacts of weir construction on the nearby groundwater flow system. The groundwater level and chemical characteristics were analyzed to investigate how the groundwater flow system and water quality changed following weir construction. Our results show that the groundwater level immediately increased with increased river levels following weir construction. In addition, the hydrologic condition of some rivers upstream of the weirs was changed from gaining to losing streams. Consequently, the direction of groundwater flow changed from perpendicular to parallel to the river, and groundwater downstream of the weir became recharged from the area upstream of the weir. This should affect groundwater quality, which should become similar to the river water; however, this change has not yet been observed. Therefore, both further monitoring of the groundwater quality and further hydrogeochemical analysis are required for quantitative evaluation of the effects of weir construction in the study area.
Application of nephrostomy tubes with balloon after percutaneous nephrolithotomy: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Su Hongwei , Zhu Yongsheng , Wang Jia , Deng Qingfu , Pei Lijun , Wang Juan 
Published: September 2015

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of nephrostomy tubing with balloon on postoperative hemorrhage after percutaneous nephrolithotomy.MethodsA total of 284 patients with upper urinary calculi were enrolled for blocked randomization with 71 blocks and block length of 4. The experimental group consisted of 143 patients receiving 14‐Fr silicone tubing with balloon, and the control group consisted of 141 patients receiving 14‐Fr silicone tubing without balloon. One patient in the control group developed intraoperative bleeding as a result of calyceal laceration, and was reassigned to the experimental group receiving nephrostomy tubing with balloon.ResultsPostoperative drop in hemoglobin level at 3 days was significantly less in the experimental group (3.31 ± 2.85 g/L) compared with the control group (5.14 ± 3.43 g/L) (P < 0.001). The duration of gross hematuria, defined by urine with visible light or bright red color (2.73 ± 1.59 days vs 3.55 ± 2.09 days, P < 0.001), and the incidence of postoperative extravasation (22/143 vs 38/141, P < 0.05) for patients in the experimental group (implanted with 14‐Fr silicone tubing with balloon) were significantly lower compared with the control group.ConclusionUse of indwelling nephrostomy tubes with balloon after percutaneous nephrolithotomy can reduce blood loss. Further consideration for more widespread adoption of this type of tubing to limit perioperative bleeding complications is warranted.
Evaluation of an intensified prevention program for 4th graders with increased caries risk using ICDAS
Authors: Winter Julia , Weber Kristina , Martin Katharina , Heinzel‐Gutenbrunner Monika , Pieper Klaus 
Published: September 2015

BackgroundIn order to investigate correlations between specific parameters and dental caries, it is useful to record incipient and dentine lesions.AimThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a selective intensified preventive program (SIP) on oral health of fourth graders using ICDAS.DesignA cohort study was performed. ICDAS and DMFT index were recorded. Prevention and social factors were collected with psychometric questionnaires. The test group and the control group were parallelized using sociodemographic variables.ResultsThe participants in the fluoride varnish program in the test region showed a significantly lower caries experience than pupils in the control region. The bivariate analysis revealed that a migrant background had a negative impact on oral health whereas fissure sealants, use of fluoridated table salt, use of fluoride tablets, early start of toothbrushing and high social status exerted a positive influence on dental health. Stepwise backward logistic regression analysis confirmed that fissure sealants, a high social status and an early start of toothbrushing had a significant positive impact on dental health.ConclusionThe results of our study suggest that a SIP impedes the primary occurrence of incipient lesions and the transition from incipient to advanced lesions.
Momentum Strategies and Investor Sentiment in the REIT Market
Authors: Hao Ying , Chu Hsiang‐Hui , Ko Kuan‐Cheng , Lin Lin 
Published: September 2015

AbstractComparing across three momentum measures, we empirically find that the 52‐week high strategy plays a dominant role in generating momentum profits in the Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) market. The profitability of the 52‐week high strategy, however, varies with the state of investor sentiment. Specifically, we find that the 52‐week high momentum earns significantly positive returns following optimistic periods and significantly negative returns following pessimistic periods. Further evidence indicates that investor sentiment serves as a better predictive variable in explaining the REIT momentum than market states, business cycles, legislation changes, and monetary policy changes. Overall, our findings are in line with behavioral theories in explaining the REIT momentum.
Corporate Tax Changes under the UK Coalition Government (2010–15)
Authors: Miller Helen , Pope Thomas 
Published: September 2015

AbstractCorporation tax was one of the most active policy areas under the coalition government in power in the UK from 2010 to 2015. In attempting to fulfil an aim to create ‘the most competitive corporate tax regime in the G20’, the government reduced the main rate by 8 percentage points, introduced a Patent Box and reformed the taxation of foreign income. The government also made changes to the tax base – notably, reducing the generosity of capital allowances for plant and machinery and temporarily increasing the generosity of the annual investment allowance – and took steps to reduce avoidance opportunities. This paper reviews the policy changes and sets out where they leave the UK corporate tax system.
School Spending in England 2010–15
Authors: Sibieta Luke 
Published: September 2015

AbstractSchool spending in England has been relatively protected over the past five years, with day‐to‐day school spending per pupil rising by about 0.6 per cent in real terms. This contrasts with cuts to other areas of education spending and across other areas of government spending more generally. This real‐terms increase has been delivered by an increase in funding going to the most disadvantaged pupils via the pupil premium. (Other types of funding were frozen in cash terms per pupil.) One of the consequences of this reform is that funding is increasingly concentrated on schools catering for the highest proportions of pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds. This is in contrast to school systems in some other countries (for example, the US), where resources tend to be more highly correlated with local property values. Looking forward, rising pupil numbers, together with reforms that will increase the cost of employing staff, will contribute to increasing school costs over the coming years, with school spending needing to increase by at least 20 per cent in cash terms just to keep funding per pupil constant in real terms after accounting for expected cost increases for schools.