bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An agenda for assessing and improving conservation impacts of sustainability standards in tropical agriculture
Authors: Milder Jeffrey C. , Arbuthnot Margaret , Blackman Allen , Brooks Sharon E. , Giovannucci Daniele , Gross Lee , Kennedy Elizabeth T. , Komives Kristin , Lambin Eric F. , Lee Audrey , Meyer Daniel , Newton Peter , Phalan Ben , Schroth Götz , Semroc Bambi , Rikxoort Henk Van , Zrust Michal 
Published: October 2014

AbstractSustainability standards and certification serve to differentiate and provide market recognition to goods produced in accordance with social and environmental good practices, typically including practices to protect biodiversity. Such standards have seen rapid growth, including in tropical agricultural commodities such as cocoa, coffee, palm oil, soybeans, and tea. Given the role of sustainability standards in influencing land use in hotspots of biodiversity, deforestation, and agricultural intensification, much could be gained from efforts to evaluate and increase the conservation payoff of these schemes. To this end, we devised a systematic approach for monitoring and evaluating the conservation impacts of agricultural sustainability standards and for using the resulting evidence to improve the effectiveness of such standards over time. The approach is oriented around a set of hypotheses and corresponding research questions about how sustainability standards are predicted to deliver conservation benefits. These questions are addressed through data from multiple sources, including basic common information from certification audits; field monitoring of environmental outcomes at a sample of certified sites; and rigorous impact assessment research based on experimental or quasi‐experimental methods. Integration of these sources can generate time‐series data that are comparable across sites and regions and provide detailed portraits of the effects of sustainability standards. To implement this approach, we propose new collaborations between the conservation research community and the sustainability standards community to develop common indicators and monitoring protocols, foster data sharing and synthesis, and link research and practice more effectively. As the role of sustainability standards in tropical land‐use governance continues to evolve, robust evidence on the factors contributing to effectiveness can help to ensure that such standards are designed and implemented to maximize benefits for biodiversity conservation.
Building robust conservation plans
Authors: Visconti Piero , Joppa Lucas 
Published: October 2014

AbstractSystematic conservation planning optimizes trade‐offs between biodiversity conservation and human activities by accounting for socioeconomic costs while aiming to achieve prescribed conservation objectives. However, the most cost‐efficient conservation plan can be very dissimilar to any other plan achieving the set of conservation objectives. This is problematic under conditions of implementation uncertainty (e.g., if all or part of the plan becomes unattainable). We determined through simulations of parallel implementation of conservation plans and habitat loss the conditions under which optimal plans have limited chances of implementation and where implementation attempts would fail to meet objectives. We then devised a new, flexible method for identifying conservation priorities and scheduling conservation actions. This method entails generating a number of alternative plans, calculating the similarity in site composition among all plans, and selecting the plan with the highest density of neighboring plans in similarity space. We compared our method with the classic method that maximizes cost efficiency with synthetic and real data sets. When implementation was uncertain—a common reality—our method provided higher likelihood of achieving conservation targets. We found that χ, a measure of the shortfall in objectives achieved by a conservation plan if the plan could not be implemented entirely, was the main factor determining the relative performance of a flexibility enhanced approach to conservation prioritization. Our findings should help planning authorities prioritize conservation efforts in the face of uncertainty about future condition and availability of sites.
Corporate Governance, Risk Disclosure Practices, and Market Liquidity: Comparative Evidence from the UK and Italy
Authors: Elshandidy Tamer , Neri Lorenzo 
Published: October 2014

AbstractManuscript TypeEmpiricalResearch Question/IssueThis paper examines the influence of corporate governance on risk disclosure practices in the UK and Italy and also studies the impact of those practices on market liquidity.Research Findings/InsightsWe find that governance factors principally influence the decisions of UK (Italian) firms over whether to exhibit risk information voluntarily (mandatorily) in their annual report narratives. When we distinguish between firms with strong and weak governance (in terms of board efficiency) in each country, we find that the factors that affect mandatory and voluntary risk disclosure appear to be driven more by strongly governed firms in both countries. Furthermore, strongly governed firms in the UK tend to provide more meaningful risk information to their investors than weakly governed firms. In Italy, however, we find that strongly rather than weakly governed firms exhibiting risk information voluntarily rather than mandatorily improves market liquidity significantly.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsThis paper emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between mandatory and voluntary risk disclosure when studying the impact of corporate governance. Our findings differ across strongly and weakly governed firms, in terms of both the factors that influence risk disclosure practices and the exact informativeness of those practices.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsThe results support the current regulatory trend in risk reporting within the UK that emphasizes the importance of directors and encourages rather than mandates risk disclosure. However, the results generally signal a need for further improvements in the Italian context. Our evidence also supports the value of the confidence in the UK governance system, compared to that in Italy, which motivates British firms to provide highly informative risk information more often than Italian firms.
Comparison of insulin glargine and liraglutide added to oral agents in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes
Authors: D'Alessio D. , Häring H.‐U. , Charbonnel B. , de Pablos‐Velasco P. , Candelas C. , Dain M.‐P. , Vincent M. , Pilorget V. , Yki‐Järvinen H. ,   on behalf of the EAGLE Investigators
Published: October 2014

AimTo compare safety and efficacy of insulin glargine and liraglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).MethodsThis randomized, multinational, open‐label trial included subjects treated for T2DM with metformin ± sulphonylurea, who had glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels of 7.5–12%. Subjects were assigned to 24 weeks of insulin glargine, titrated to target fasting plasma glucose of 4.0–5.5 mmol/L or liraglutide, escalated to the highest approved clinical dose of 1.8 mg daily. The trial was powered to detect superiority of glargine over liraglutide in percentage of people reaching HbA1c <7%.ResultsThe mean [standard deviation (s.d.)] age of the participants was 57 (9) years, the duration of diabetes was 9 (6) years, body mass index was 31.9 (4.2) kg/m2 and HbA1c level was 9.0 (1.1)%. Equal numbers (n = 489) were allocated to glargine and liraglutide. Similar numbers of subjects in both groups attained an HbA1c level of <7% (48.4 vs. 45.9%); therefore, superiority of glargine over liraglutide was not observed (p = 0.44). Subjects treated with glargine had greater reductions of HbA1c [−1.94% (0.05) and −1.79% (0.05); p = 0.019] and fasting plasma glucose [6.2 (1.6) and 7.9 (2.2) mmol/L; p < 0.001] than those receiving liraglutide. The liraglutide group reported a greater number of gastrointestinal treatment‐emergent adverse events (p < 0.001). The mean (s.d.) weight change was +2.0 (4.0) kg for glargine and −3.0 (3.6) kg for liraglutide (p < 0.001). Symptomatic hypoglycaemia was more common with glargine (p < 0.001). A greater number of subjects in the liraglutide arm withdrew as a result of adverse events (p < 0.001).ConclusionAdding either insulin glargine or liraglutide to subjects with poorly controlled T2DM reduces HbA1c substantially, with nearly half of subjects reaching target levels of 7%.
Thickness and fit of mouthguards adjusted by notching thermoplastic sheets under different heating conditions
Authors: Mizuhashi Fumi , Koide Kaoru , Takahashi Mutsumi 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThis study examines the thickness and fit of mouthguards by notching thermoplastic copolymer ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) sheets and then heating them to various degrees. The material used was a 3.8‐mm‐thick sports mouthguard. Notches with a length of 90 and 80 mm were cut into an EVA sheet 20 mm from the anterior and posterior margins and 15 mm from the right and left margins, respectively, and the sheet was compared with the original. The sheets were formed using a vacuum former when the sheets were heated until they hung 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 cm from the baseline. We measured the thickness and fit of the mouthguard at the central incisor and first molar. Differences in thickness and fit according to the measurement parts, sheet type, and heating conditions were analyzed by three‐way anova. The measurement parts and sheet type significantly differed (P < 0.01), and the notched sheet maintained the required thickness. Fit differed among the measurement parts and by heating conditions (P < 0.01), but was not affected by the notching. The mouthguard fit was optimal when the sheets were heated to a hanging distance of 3.0 cm. These results suggest that the thickness and fit of the EVA sheet could be maintained by notching and heating the sheet to a hanging distance of 3.0 cm. These findings could be useful for fabricating appropriate mouthguards.
Effects of context‐drug learning on synaptic connectivity in the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala in rats
Authors: Rademacher David J. , Mendoza‐Elias Nasya , Meredith Gloria E. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractContext‐drug learning produces structural and functional synaptic changes in the circuitry of the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala (BLA). However, how the synaptic changes translated to the neuronal targets was not established. Thus, in the present study, immunohistochemistry with a cell‐specific marker and the stereological quantification of synapses was used to determine if context‐drug learning increases the number of excitatory and inhibitory/modulatory synapses contacting the gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) interneurons and/or the pyramidal neurons in theBLAcircuitry. Amphetamine‐conditioned place preference increased the number of asymmetric (excitatory) synapses contacting the spines and dendrites of pyramidal neurons and the number of multisynaptic boutons contacting pyramidal neurons andGABAinterneurons. Context‐drug learning increased asymmetric (excitatory) synapses onto dendrites ofGABAinterneurons and increased symmetric (inhibitory or modulatory) synapses onto dendrites but not perikarya of these same interneurons. The formation of context–drug associations alters the synaptic connectivity in theBLAcircuitry, findings that have important implications for drug‐seeking behavior.
Rapid generation of reaction permeability in the roots of black smoker systems, Troodos ophiolite, Cyprus
Authors: Cann J. R. , McCaig A. M. , Yardley B. W. D. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe deep levels of former black smoker hydrothermal systems are widespread in the Troodos ophiolite in Cyprus. They are marked by zones of hydrothermal reaction in the sheeted dyke unit close to the underlying gabbros. These zones are characterized by the presence of epidosite (epidote–quartz rock). In the reaction zones, the dykes are altered to a range of greenschist facies mineral assemblages, from a low degree of alteration with a five to seven phase metabasaltic assemblage to a high degree of alteration with a two to three phase epidosite assemblage. Individual dykes may contain the full range, with the epidosites forming yellow–green stripes within a darker background, often extending for more than several metres, parallel to the dyke margins. Field relations show that the alteration took place on a dyke‐by‐dyke basis and was not a regional process. SEM petrography reveals that the epidosites contain millimetre scale pores. The minerals surrounding the pores show euhedral overgrowths into the free pore space, indicating a former transient porosity of up to 20%. We conclude that the epidosites formed by reaction between newly intruded basaltic dykes and actively circulating black smoker fluid leading to extensive dissolution of primary dyke minerals. This reaction generated the porosity in the stripes and transiently led to a much increased permeability, allowing the rapid penetration of the black smoker fluid into the dykes and flow along them in fingers. As the system evolved, the same flow regime allowed mineral precipitation and partial infilling of the porosity. This mechanism allows rapid recrystallization of the rock with release of metals and other components into the fluid. This explains the depletion of these components in epidosites and their enrichment in black smoker vent fluids and the relatively constant composition of vent fluids as fresh rock is continually mined.
International doctoral students as knowledge brokers: reciprocity, trust and solidarity in transnational networks
Authors: BILECEN BAŞAK , FAIST THOMAS 
Published: October 2014

AbstractIn this article, we examine the role of brokerage, the knowledge that brokers transfer and the social conditions of that transfer. Previous research suggests that highly skilled migrants spanning multiple locales have the advantage of being able to transfer knowledge as they move from one place to another. In this study, using a network perspective, we look at the activities of international doctoral students in their transfer of knowledge and illustrate the underlying social conditions of knowledge transfer through transnational friendship networks. Using a qualitative methodology, we examine the research questions and 35 in‐depth interviews, as well as egocentric network analysis conducted in Germany. In the findings, we explore the social conditions of knowledge brokerage, including trust, reciprocity and solidarity. Finally, we discuss the implications for further research on knowledge sharing among brokers and international students.
FEIBA in the treatment of acquired haemophilia A: Results from the prospective multicentre French ‘FEIBA dans l'hémophilie A acquise’ (FEIBHAC) registry
Authors: Borg J.‐Y. , Négrier C. , Durieu I. , Dolimier E. , Masquelier A.‐M. , Lévesque H. ,   the FEIBHAC Study Group
Published: October 2014

SummaryFactor VIII inhibitor bypass activity (FEIBA) is a recommended first‐line bypassing agent for bleeding episodes in patients with acquired haemophilia A (AHA). Due to the low incidence of AHA, available clinical data on FEIBA treatment are limited. The study aim was to delineate practice patterns in FEIBA treatment of AHA patients, the haemostatic efficacy of FEIBA, including criteria for its assessment, and safety. A prospective registry was established of AHA patients receiving FEIBA for bleeding episodes or prophylaxis at the time of invasive procedures. Data were collected at 16 participating centres in France. Patients were followed up for 3 months. Haemostatic efficacy, FEIBA regimen and FEIBA‐related adverse events were documented. Thirty‐four patients averaging 81.8 years old with standard deviation (SD) 8.1 years were included in the study: 33 for acute bleeding and one for haematoma evacuation. The mean initial dose of FEIBA for acute bleeding was 75.4 U kg−1 (SD, 7.7 U kg−1), most often administered twice daily, and the median duration of FEIBA treatment was 4.0 days (interquartile range, 2.2–8.0 days). FEIBA was effective in managing 88.0% of bleeding episodes (95% confidence interval, 75.8–94.5%). No baseline variables influencing treatment response could be identified. The sensitivity and specificity of an objective haemostatic efficacy scale in predicting sequential investigator assessments of haemostatic efficacy were 45.3% and 84.1% respectively. Four patients experienced a total of six serious adverse events possibly related to FEIBA. In the first prospective study specifically focused on FEIBA treatment of patients with AHA, 88.0% of bleeding episodes were effectively managed.
Rethinking the relationship between science and society: Has there been a shift in attitudes to Patient and Public Involvement and Public Engagement in Science in the United Kingdom?
Authors: Boaz Annette , Biri Despina , McKevitt Christopher 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe policy imperative to engage the public and patients in research can be seen as part of a wider shift in the research environment. This study addresses the question: Has there been a shift in attitudes to Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) and Public Engagement in Science (PES) amongst researchers?MethodsAttitudes toPPIandPESwithin a cluster of threeNIHRsupported Biomedical Research Centres were explored through in‐depth interviews with 19 researchers.ResultsParticipants distinguishedPPI(as an activity involving patients and carers in research projects and programmes) fromPES(as an activity that aims to communicate research findings to the public, engage the public with broader issues of science policy or promote a greater understanding of the role of science in society). While participants demonstrated a range of attitudes to these practices, they shared a resistance to sharing power and control of the research process with the public and patients.ConclusionWhile researchers were prepared to engage with the public and patients and listed the advantages of engagement, the study revealed few differences in their underlying attitudes towards the role of society in science (and science in society) to those reported in previous studies. To the participants science remains the preserve of scientists, with patients and the public invited to ‘tinker at the edges’.
Australian pharmacies prevent potential adverse reactions in patients taking warfarin requesting over-the-counter analgesia
Authors: MacFarlane Brett V , Bergin Jenny K , Reeves Peter , Matthews Andrew 
Published: October 2014

Abstract

Objective
The objective of this article was to assess if Australian pharmacy staff prevent potential adverse reactions in warfarin patients requesting over-the-counter (OTC) analgesia.

Methods
Mystery shoppers entered 170 pharmacies across Australia to request OTC analgesia for a hypothetical patient with a wrist injury who currently takes warfarin following a heart valve replacement. The request was made to the first pharmacist or non-pharmacist staff member to approach the mystery shopper. The interaction was audio-taped and assessed by a pharmacist. The OTC analgesic recommended was assessed for the potential to cause an adverse bleeding event. The quality of advice given with the OTC analgesic was assessed against determined criteria. Results were compared with scenarios of similar request type where the hypothetical patient was not taking warfarin.

Key findings
Mystery shoppers enquiring about taking OTC analgesics concomitantly with warfarin had access to the pharmacist in 97.0% of cases. All 170 pharmacies recommended OTC analgesics that were less likely to cause adverse events when taken with warfarin. The advice given and the communication between pharmacy staff and mystery shoppers were of high quality.

Conclusion
Australian pharmacies support the quality use of medicines by patients taking warfarin by providing expeditious access to the pharmacist, appropriate recommendations of OTC analgesics, high standards of quality of advice and they communicate in a way to ensure ease of understanding by the consumer. The protocols used by pharmacy staff help prevent potentially serious adverse drug events.
Postoperative detrusor contractility temporarily decreases in patients undergoing pelvic organ prolapse surgery
Authors: Kitta Takeya , Mitsui Takahiko , Kanno Yukiko , Chiba Hiroki , Moriya Kimihiko , Nonomura Katsuya 
Published: October 2014

ObjectivesTo assess the postoperative lower urinary tract function in patients undergoing pelvic organ prolapse surgery.MethodsA total of 24 women with advanced anterior vaginal wall prolapse underwent transvaginal repair using a polypropylene mesh. The preoperative, 1‐week and 3‐month postoperative evaluations were carried out by urodynamics. Maximal flow rate detrusor pressure at maximal flow rate, voided volume and bladder contractility index were measured. A value of P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.ResultsThe mean age of patients was 73.5 years (range 49–84 years). The mean postoperative maximal flow rate, voiding efficiency and bladder contractility index decreased significantly after the operation compared with the preoperative values (P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed between preoperative and 3‐month postoperative parameters. Of the patients, 33.3%, 11.1% and 50% were classified as having normal/strong contractility preoperative, 1 week and 3 months, respectively. The proportion of normal/strong contractility decreased significantly after the operation, and it recovered 3 months postoperatively. The grade of obstruction did not change significantly.ConclusionsPatients undergoing pelvic organ prolapse surgery present temporary impaired detrusor contractility, which improves significantly during the midterm postoperative period.
Microstructures and Microwave Dielectric Properties of Ba((Co0.55Zn0.35Mg0.1)1/3Nb2/3)O3‐BaZrO3 Ceramics
Authors: Ma Pian Pian , Yi Lei , Wu Shu Ya , Chen Xiang Ming , Gu Hui 
Published: October 2014

Microstructures and microwave dielectric properties of (1−x)Ba((Co0.55Zn0.35Mg0.1)1/3 Nb2/3)O3‐xBaZrO3 (x = 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, and 0.06) ceramics have been investigated. The 1:2 ordered structure remains in the solid solutions when x is less than 0.03, but the ordering is destabilized. While, the local ordering behavior, which generates from compositional inhomogeneous, is observed in the composition with x = 0.04, where the 1:1 ordered phase begins to form. For x = 0.05 and 0.06, the solid solutions are comprised of nanometer‐sized 1:1 and 1:2 ordered domains, those are dispersed in a disordered matrix. The lower Qf values of the as‐sintered ceramics mainly because of the lower ordering degrees. BaZrO3 substitution decreases both the annealing time and temperature. The effects of annealing process upon the improvement of Qf values are significant for the lower substitution levels (x = 0.01 and 0.02), while only slight effects are determined for high substitution levels (x = 0.04, 0.05, and 0.06). The highest Qf value of 84,500 GHz is obtained for 1 mol% BaZrO3 substituted composition, after annealing at 1300°C for 8 h.