bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Perspectives for the application of computer models to forest dynamics forecasting in bieszczadzki national park (Poland)
Authors: Kozak Ihor , Perzanowski Kajetan , Kucharzyk Stanisław , Przybylska Krystyna , Zięba Stanisław , Frąk Rafał , Bujoczek Leszek 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThis paper presents the perspectives for application of computer models in forecasting the dynamics of forest development on example of Moczarne area, in Bieszczadzki National Park, based on authors’ computer models. First, the possibilities for forecasting the dynamics of forest development in a local scale, i.e. within single rectangular or circular study plot, are presented. For this purpose, a computer prognostic model FORKOM E has been applied, using both general mathematical relationships functioning within a forest ecosystem and empirical ones, characteristic for tree stands at analysed plots. Additionally, a layer of 3D visualisation of a tree stand, which is an integral part of the mentioned model, is also presented. Presented also are the possibilities for forecasting the dynamics of forest development at landscape scale, applying the theory of cellular automata. For this purpose, a prognostic computer model CELLAUT was used in which the whole analysed tree stand is understood as a set of single cells, where stages of landscape development dominating within those cells are considered as also the influence of particular cells upon their neighbours. The paper also describes the perspectives for application of self-learning neural networks in the process of supplementation and verification of some parameters of a tree stand, calculated by the above-mentioned models.
First data on canids depredation on livestock in an area of recent recolonization by wolf in central Italy : considerations on conflict survey and prevention methods
Authors: Magrini Caterina 
Published: May 2015

AbstractWolf and dog depredation on livestock in the province of Rieti, central Italy, in 2007-2008, was studied. The study area was characterized by a high degree of human disturbance, widespread presence of free ranging dogs and a recent wolf recolonization. Because of the ineffectiveness of compensation programmes, it was not possible to use the official statistics to investigate the extent of the conflict, but sample interviews and surveys of farmers were used. Also, the farming protection tecniques adopted for different livestock species were analysed; the most utilized husbandry method was stabling for cattle and pigs, annual fenced grazing for horses and sheeps, and annual open grazing only for goats. Although sheep farms were the most attacked because of their availability (33.6% of the whole farms), goat farms were the most selected by predators because of their accessibility (40% of farms kept goats in annual open grazing). Management implications to mitigate livestock depredation were discussed.
Woodland Ponds as an Important Habitat of Hippeutis Complanatus (Linnaeus 1758) Occurrence - Effect of Environmental Factors and Habitat Preferences
Authors: Spyra Aneta 
Published: May 2015

AbstractSpyra A. Woodland ponds as an important habitat of Hippeutis complanatus (Linnaeus 1758) occurrence - effect of environmental factors and habitat preferences. Ekológia (Bratislava), Vol. 33, No. 2, p. 101-115, 2014.In industrial areas, woodland ponds are refuges of biological diversity. The impact of environmental factors such as the physico-chemical properties of water, organic matter content in bottom sediments and various types of substratum on the occurrence of Hippeutis complanatus were assessed. In Poland, it is considered to be a species with an established but unspecified risk, deserving the status of endangered species due to the decline of wetland environments. A Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) revealed associations between the distribution patterns of freshwater snails species and the concentration of nitrates (NO3) and calcium (Ca) as well as pH and the organic matter content in the bottom sediments. Based on statistical relationships, results of study suggest that the kind of substratum (Typha latifolia remains, Phragmites australis remains, fallen leaves of waterside trees) has an impact on the occurrence of freshwater snails including Hippeutis complanatus for which the preferred substratum is the fallen leaves of waterside trees and sites with a high content of organic matter in bottom sediments. The study has shown that isolated water bodies located in forest complexes can be refuges for species that occur in small numbers in other types of aquatic environments.
How to Select Potential Sites of Community Importance to the Natura 2000 Network: The Issue of Criteria
Authors: Tworek Stanisław , Makomaska-Juchiewicz Małgorzata , Cierlik Grzegorz 
Published: May 2015

AbstractTworek S., Makomaska-Juchiewicz M., Cierlik G.: How to select potential sites of community importance to the NATURA 2000 network: the issue of criteria. Ekológia (Bratislava), Vol. 33, No. 2, p. 127-137, 2014.In this paper, on the basis of experience gained at the elaboration of the Proposal of Natura 2000 network in Poland, we analyse the usefulness of criteria recommended in Annex III of the Habitats Directive (HD) for selecting proposed Sites of Community Importance (pSCI), i.e. potential Special Areas of Conservation. These are sites important for conservation of habitat types and species (except for birds), listed in Annexes I and II of the HD. The recommendations should allow arriving at the estimates of relative value of the selected areas vis-a-vis the national resources of each habitat type and species. These are, however, neither objective and quantified nor easy to apply criteria; because most of them rely on best expert judgement, which is subjective to a great extent. Moreover, the practical usefulness of the criteria is related to the level of knowledge of the distribution and size of resources of the habitat types and species of European importance. Our experience of selecting pSCI at national level indicates that this stage of work calls for more precise criteria than these recommended in the HD. We present our proposal of domestic criteria, which make easier the preliminary selection of pSCI that were tested in work with local experts responsible for regional proposals of sites to the Natura 2000 network in Poland. Because of the far-reaching consequences entailing the designation of Natura 2000, we would like to encourage a widespread discussion on criteria for selecting pSCI.
Structure of the Breeding Bird Assemblage of A Natural Beech-Spruce Forest in the Šútovská Dolina National Nature Reserve, the Malá Fatra Mts
Authors: Korňan Martin , Adamík Peter 
Published: May 2015

AbstractKorňan M., Adamík P.: Structure of the breeding bird assemblage of a natural beech-spruce forest in the Šútovská dolina National Nature Reserve, the Malá Fatra Mts. Ekológia (Bratislava), Vol. 33, No. 2, p. 138-150, 2014.The structure of a breeding bird assemblage of a natural beech-spruce forest in the Šútovská dolina National Nature Reserve, the Malá Fatra Mts was studied in the period 2000−2002. A 20-ha forest interior study plot was established for bird censusing. Population abundances were estimated by a combined version of the mapping method from April to the beginning of July. Altogether, 49 breeders were recorded and the total mean breeding bird assemblage density of the beech-spruce forest was 54.23±8.60 pairs/10 ha (CV = 15.85%). One species were characterised as eudominant (≥10%): Fringilla coelebs; and five species as dominant (≥5%): Erithacus rubecula, Sylvia atricapilla, Parus ater, Regulus regulus and Certhia familiaris. The Shannon diversity index (H') varied between 3.97 and 4.04 bites. The evenness index (J') reached values between 0.74 and 0.79. Expected species diversity in random sample of 100 pairs calculated by rarefaction [E (S1
The Response of Adenanthera Pavonina L. and Parkinsonia Aculeata L. to Household Detergent Solution
Authors: Rizvi Aamna , Iqbal Muhammad Zafar , Khursheed Sehrish 
Published: May 2015

AbstractRizvi A., Iqbal M.Z., Khursheed S.: The response of Adenanthera pavonina L. and Parkinsonia aculeata L. to household detergent solution. Ekológia (Bratislava), Vol. 33, No. 2, p. 171-177, 2014.The growth of Adenanthera pavonina L. and Parkinsonia aculeata L. was studied in soil irrigated with household detergent solution of different concentrations (0, 0.25 and 0.5%) under natural environmental conditions. Detergent solutions exhibited great inhibition of all the observed growth parameter of Adenanthera pavonina and Parkinsonia aculeata. Growth of plants extremely declined when irrigated with 0.75 and 1% treatments and died after two weeks of experiment. Analysis of soil showed that detergent solution has resulted in significant increase of pH, soluble sodium and chlorides. Soluble potassium and total phosphate were significantly decreased in soil irrigated with detergent solutions as compared to control.
Influence of Climate Change on Soil Water Regime in Koprivnica-Križevci County
Authors: Spoljar Andrija , Kisic Ivica , Volf Tomislava Peremin , Kamenjak Dragutin , Kaucic Drazen 
Published: May 2015

AbstractSpoljar A., Kisic I., Peremin Volf, T., Kamenjak D., Kaucic D.: Influence of climate change on soil water regime in Koprivnica-Krizevci County. Ekológia (Bratislava), Vol. 33, No. 2, p. 178-187, 2014.The influence of climate change on soil water regime was investigated in the area of Koprivnica- -Krizevci County (Republic of Croatia). Water balance calculations were done for three climatic stations using Thornthwaite and Palmer water balance methods. In the 18-year period (from 1991 to 2008), compared with the previously observed 30-year period (from 1961 to 1990), the increase in average mean annual temperature was 1°C. Regarding the global warming, there was an increase in plant water potential during the investigated period. Compared with the previous period and according to Thornthwaite and Palmer methods, there was an increase in water deficit. Negative linear trend in precipitation was detected for all climate stations in the investigated area (p > 0.05) as well as positive linear trend in mean annual temperature (p < 0.05). The calculation of linear trend in water deficit in soil, according to Thornthwaite method, shows that by the year 2020 there could be an increase in water deficit by an average of 13 mm (p > 0.05), whereas according to the Palmer method there could be an increase by an average of 9 mm (p < 0.05 only for the climate station in Krizevci).
Assessment of Mountain Ecosystems Changes Under Anthropogenic Pressure in Latorica River Basin (Transcarpathian Region, Ukraine)
Authors: Kozak Olena , Didukh Yakiv 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe Carpathian mountain ecosystems have been changed under anthropogenic pressure during last decades. The different types of anthropogenic pressure affect the ecosystem characteristics and functioning. The species composition, species richness and ecological indicator values of 12 ecological factors were compared among 14 habitats: natural, semi-natural, degraded and ruderal ecosystems in different altitude zones. The results show that anthropogenic pressure and altitude gradient influence indices of edaphic and climate conditions. The anthropogenic pressure also affects biodiversity: the highest species richness and Shannon-Wiener index are observed in habitats with ‘intermediate’ disturbances level, while high level of disturbances cause decrease in bio-diversity. The disturbances cause the ecosystem to become susceptible to invasion of alien species, while native species, especially rare, become vulnerable and can disappear.
Risk Factors and Clinical Presentation of Cervical Arterial Dissection: Preliminary Results of a Prospective Case-Control Study
Authors: Thomas Lucy C. , Rivett Darren A. , Attia John R. , Levi Christopher 
Published: May 2015

Study Design Cross-sectional case-control study. Objectives To identify risk factors and clinical presentation of individuals with cervical arterial dissection. Background Cervical arterial dissection is a common cause of stroke in young people and has in rare cases been associated with cervical manipulative therapy. The mechanism is considered to involve pre-existing arterial susceptibility and a precipitating event, such as minor trauma. Identification of individuals at risk or early recognition of a dissection in progress could help expedite medical intervention and avoid inappropriate treatment. Methods Participants were individuals 55 years of age or younger from the Hunter region of New South Wales, Australia with radiologically confirmed vertebral or internal carotid artery dissection and an age- and sex-matched comparison group. Participants were interviewed about risk factors, preceding events, and clinical features of their stroke. Physical examination of joint mobility and soft tissue compliance was undertaken. Results Twenty-four participants with cervical arterial dissection and 21 matched comparisons with ischemic stroke but not dissection were included in the study. Seventeen (71%) of the 24 participants with dissection reported a recent history of minor mechanical neck trauma or strain, with 4 of these 17 reporting recent neck manipulative therapy treatment. Cardiovascular risk factors were uncommon, with the exception of diagnosed migraine. Among the participants with dissection, 67% reported transient ischemic features in the month prior to their admission for dissection. Conclusion Recent minor mechanical trauma or strain to the head or neck appears to be associated with cervical arterial dissection. General cardiovascular risk factors, with the exception of migraine, were not important risk factors for dissection in this cohort. Preceding transient neurological symptoms appear to occur commonly and may assist in the identification of this serious pathology. Level of Evidence Prognosis, level 4. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2015;45(7):503–511. Epub 21 May 2015. doi:10.2519/jospt.2015.5877
Development of a Review-of-Systems Screening Tool for Orthopaedic Physical Therapists: Results From the Optimal Screening for Prediction of Referral and Outcome (OSPRO) Cohort
Authors: George Steven Z. , Beneciuk Jason M. , Bialosky Joel E. , Lentz Trevor A. , Zeppieri Giorgio , Pei Qinglin , Wu Samuel S. 
Published: May 2015

Study Design Literature review and cross-sectional study. Background Direct access to physical therapy necessitates greater responsibility to determine appropriateness of care by recognizing the potential for concomitant disease or systemic involvement. Recent research has identified excessive variability in the reporting of red flag symptoms. An initial step to improve the identification of red flag symptoms is the development of a standardized screening tool. Objective To describe the development of a review-of-systems screening tool appropriate for use by orthopaedic physical therapists. Methods First, a red flag symptom item bank was compiled from a systematic literature review to allow for further psychometric testing and development of a screening tool. Second, physical therapists in 11 outpatient clinics recruited patients presenting with primary complaints of neck, shoulder, low back, or knee pain. Patients completed the red flag symptom item bank and standard questionnaires for comorbidities, negative mood, quality of life, pain, and function. The development of the screening tool involved identifying and combining different 3-item sets that characterized the highest number of patients reporting at least 1 positive symptom response (operationally defined as “red flag symptom responder”). Results The literature search yielded 103 studies that met the inclusion criteria, and the final item bank consisted of 97 items representing 8 body systems. Four hundred thirty-one patients with primary complaints of neck (n = 93), shoulder (n = 108), low back (n = 119), or knee (n = 111) disorders contributed to the cross-sectional study. The number of red flag symptom responders was 393 of 431 (91.2%). These patients were older, more likely to be female, had lower income, and were more likely to report neck or back pain (all, P<.05). A 10-item review-of-systems screening tool correctly identified 372 of 393 (94.7%) responders, and a 23-item version identified all 393 (100%) responders. The review-of-systems screening tools and the complete 97-item bank had similar correlations with concurrent clinical measures, except for depressive symptoms. Conclusion Concise red flag symptom identification appears to be feasible in outpatient orthopaedic physical therapy settings. Future research will determine how this review-of-systems screening tool needs refinement for different patient populations and whether it predicts clinical outcomes or the need for referral to other providers. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2015;45(7):512–526. Epub 21 May 2015. doi:10.2519/jospt.2015.5900
The investigation of mechanical properties of B4C-reinforced AlSi7 foams
Authors: Uzun Arif , Turker Mehmet 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
In this study, the mechanical properties of B4C-reinforced AlSi7 foams produced by using a powder metallurgy method were investigated. For this purpose, Al foams containing B4C at various ratios (0, 2, 4 and 6 %) were prepared with dimensions of 30 × 30 × 14 mm and 110 × 15 × 14 mm for compression and bending tests. Both tests were performed at a 1 mm min–1 strain rate. According to the experimental results, the compressive stress of B4C-reinforced/unreinforced AlSi7 foams, whose relative densities were close to each other, for 10 % strain increased about 15 % with the addition of B4C. Although energy absorption values of B4C-reinforced/unreinforced AlSi7 foams were in a complex correlation for 60 % strain, the amount of absorption energy increased with the increase in relative density and the amount of B4C. Bending strength increased due to strain hardening that occurs with the addition of B4C to AlSi7 foams. While maximum bending strength was 0.9 kN in unreinforced materials, it was ∼1.15 kN in 6 % B4C-reinforced AlSi7 foams. Thus, the bending strength of B4C-reinforced materials is higher by ∼ 28 %.
Impact Evaluation of an After-school Cooking Skills Program in a Disadvantaged Community: Back to Basics
Authors: Burrows Tracy L. , Lucas Hannah , Morgan Philip J. , Bray James , Collins Clare E. 
Published: May 2015

Purpose: Few efficacious child obesity interventions have been converted into ongoing community programs in the after-school setting. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of phase 2 of the Back to Basics cooking club on dietary behaviours and fruit and vegetable variety in a population at risk of obesity at a low income school with > 10% indigenous population. Methods: Baseline and 3-month dietary intake and social cognitive theory (SCT) constructs were collected in 51 children, mean age 9 years, 61% female. McNemar tests were used for comparison of proportions between categorical variables. Cohen's d was used to compare effect sizes across different measures. Results: Consumption of one or more fruit servings per day significantly increased from 41% to 67% (P = 0.02, d = 0.13) and there was a trend for increasing the weekly variety of fruit and vegetables. The SCT constructs assessed within the current study improved significantly (P < 0.05), with moderate to large effect sizes (d = 0.33–0.78). Conclusion: This study documents that a previous efficacious healthy lifestyle program can be adapted for use as an obesity prevention program addressing improvements in vegetable and fruit intakes in a low income community with a relatively high indigenous population.
Socioeconomic and Cultural Correlates of Diet Quality in the Canadian Arctic: Results from the 2007–2008 Inuit Health Survey
Authors: Galloway Tracey , Johnson-Down Louise , Egeland Grace M. 
Published: May 2015

Purpose: We examined the impact of socioeconomic and cultural factors on dietary quality in adult Inuit living in the Canadian Arctic. Methods: Interviews and a 24-h dietary recall were administered to 805 men and 1292 women from Inuit regions in the Canadian Arctic. We examined the effect of age, sex, education, income, employment, and cultural variables on respondents' energy, macronutrient intake, sodium/potassium ratio, and healthy eating index. Logistic regression was used to assess the impact of socioeconomic status (SES) on diet quality indicators. Results: Age was positively associated with traditional food (TF) consumption and greater energy from protein but negatively associated with total energy and fibre intake. Associations between SES and diet quality differed considerably between men and women and there was considerable regional variability in diet quality measures. Age and cultural variables were significant predictors of diet quality in logistic regression. Increased age and use of the Inuit language in the home were the most significant predictors of TF consumption. Conclusions: Our findings are consistent with studies reporting a nutrition transition in circumpolar Inuit. We found considerable variability in diet quality and complex interaction between SES and cultural variables producing mixed effects that differ by age and gender.
Flowering and biomass allocation in U.S. Atlantic coast Spartina alterniflora
Authors: Crosby Sarah C. , Ivens‐Duran Morgan , Bertness Mark D. , Davey Earl , Deegan Linda A. , Leslie Heather M. 
Published: May 2015

• Premise of the study: Salt marshes are highly productive and valuable ecosystems, providing many services on which people depend. Spartina alterniflora Loisel (Poaceae) is a foundation species that builds and maintains salt marshes. Despite this species' importance, much of its basic reproductive biology is not well understood, including flowering phenology, seed production, and the effects of flowering on growth and biomass allocation. We sought to better understand these life history traits and use that knowledge to consider how this species may be affected by climate change.• Methods: We examined temporal and spatial patterns in flowering and seed production in S. alterniflora at a latitudinal scale (along the U.S. Atlantic coast), regional scale (within New England), and local scale (among subhabitats within marshes) and determined the impact of flowering on growth allocation using field and greenhouse studies.• Key results: Flowering stem density did not vary along a latitudinal gradient, while at the local scale plants in the less submerged panne subhabitats produced fewer flowers and seeds than those in more frequently submerged subhabitats. We also found that a shift in biomass allocation from above to belowground was temporally related to flowering phenology.• Conclusions: We expect that environmental change will affect seed production and that the phenological relationship with flowering will result in limitations to belowground production and thus affect marsh elevation gain. Salt marshes provide an excellent model system for exploring the interactions between plant ecology and ecosystem functioning, enabling better predictions of climate change impacts.