bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The empirical analysis of financial reports of companies in Croatia: Benford distribution curve as a benchmark for first digits
Authors: Cunjak Mataković Ivana 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
The financial numbers game is unfortunately alive and doing well. One of the forensic accounting techniques is based on Benford’s Law and is used for the detection of unusual transactions, anomalies or trends. The aim of this paper is to test whether the financial statements of Croatian companies deviate from Benford’s Law distribution. The financial statements of 24 companies that are in the pre-bankruptcy settlement process and 24 companies that are not in the pre-bankruptcy settlement process were analysed using the Benford’s Law test of the first digit distribution for the period from 2015 to 2018. The data used to calculate the first digits of distribution were taken from the Zagreb Stock Exchange. The chi-square test has shown that the observed companies that are not in the process of pre-bankruptcy settlement do not have the first digit distribution which follows the Benford’s Law distribution. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov Z test has shown that the distribution of the first digits from the financial statements of companies listed on the Zagreb Stock Exchange fits to Benford’s Law distribution.
Physicochemical quality, antioxidant capacity and nutritional value of edible flowers of some wild dahlia species
Authors: Espejel Esteban Arturo Rivera , Alvarez Oscar Cruz , Muñoz José Merced Mejía , Mateos María del Rosario García , León María Teresa Beryl Colinas , Damián María Teresa Martínez 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Mexico is the centre of origin and domestication of the dahlia, which has the widest distribution worldwide as an ornamental plant; however, due to changes in eating habits in some sectors of the population (vegetarians and vegans), it has also been incorporated as an ingredient in the gastronomic field. The aim of this research was to determine the attributes of physicochemical quality, antioxidant capacity and nutritional value of ligulate flowers of some wild dahlia species. A completely randomized experimental design with five repetitions was used. Fresh weight, total titratable acidity (TTA), total soluble solids (TSS), ascorbic acid (AA), colour, total phenols (TP), total flavonoids (TFl), total anthocyanins (TAn), antioxidant capacity (AC) and proximate composition were evaluated. The highest fresh weight was observed in D. × hortorum, with similar values among its different flower colours. Likewise, D. merckii and D. coccinea stood out for their high TTA value; however, D. coccinea also had the highest AA content (0.77-0.9 mg g−1 FW), TP (12.87-19.92 mg GAE g−1 FW), TFl (6.78-11.32 mg QE g−1 DW) and AC (47.28-60.43 mg AAEVC g−1 FW). On the other hand, D. campanulata was notable for its high levels of moisture, fat and raw fibre; similarly, D. coccinea stood out for its high amounts of dry matter and total carbohydrates. The ligulate flowers of wild dahlias have a high concentration of bioactive compounds and a nutritional composition with beneficial contributions to health care, so they could be used for consumption as fresh products.
Effect of foliar application of Trichoderma on the quality of tomato fruits grown in different hydroponic substrates
Authors: Palacios-Torres Rogelio Enrique , Bustamante-Ortiz Aldo Guadalupe , Prieto-Baeza Luis Alberto , Hernández-Hernández Hipólito , Ramírez-Seañez Ana Rosa , Yam-Tzec José Antonio , Díaz-Félix Gabriela 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
The quality of tomato fruits is influenced by preharvest factors. Trichoderma are considered biostimulants with potential to improve growth and development in plants, as well as the quality of the fruits. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of foliar application of Trichoderma on the quality of tomato fruits at different cluster levels on the same plant in two commercial hybrids using three different substrates in a greenhouse. Six foliar applications of a liquid biological preparation of Trichoderma were performed at a dose of 4 mL L−1 every 15 days after transplanting. The results show that the foliar application of Trichoderma increased the ratio of soluble solids to titratable acidity of the fruits at different cluster levels, which was mainly due to the decrease in acidity rather than the increase in soluble solids. The decrease in titratable acidity is in accordance with the increase in the pH of the fruits. Trichoderma have a positive effect on titratable acidity, pH and electrical conductivity of fruits. In the Cid hybrid grown in the tezontle substrate, the application of Trichoderma increased the ratio of total soluble solids to titratable acidity. At the same time, sand increased the percentage of juice in the fruits. Foliar application of Trichoderma increases the quality of tomato fruits, and as such, should be considered as a crop management option.
Spatial and temporal analysis of leopards (Panthera pardus), their prey and tigers (Panthera tigris) in Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand
Authors: Saisamorn Apinya , Duengkae Prateep , Pattanavibool Anak , Duangchantrasiri Somphot , Simcharoen Achara , Smith James L.D. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Despite their extensive distribution globally, recent reports indicate leopards are declining, especially in Southeast Asia. To support conservation efforts we analyzed the behavioral interactions between leopards (Panthera pardus), their prey, and tigers to determine if leopards fine-tune their activity to maximize contact with four prey species (sambar; wild boar; barking deer; banteng) and avoid tigers and if prey alter their temporal activity in response to variation in their relative abundance ratio with leopards. A lower density of sambar in the northern part of our study area and a lower density of wild boar and a higher density of tigers in the southern part allowed us to examine fine-grained differences in the behavior of leopards and their prey. We used camera trap data to investigate spatial and temporal overlap. Differences in tiger relative abundance did not appear to impact the temporal activity of leopards. Leopards had similar cathemeral activity at all sites with highest activity at dawn and dusk. This behavior appears to be a compromise to provide access to diurnal wild boar and barking deer and nocturnal sambar and banteng. Sambar showed higher temporal avoidance of leopards in the north where its RAI was lowest; in contrast, wild boar had the highest temporal avoidance in the south where its density was lowest. This is the first study in Southeast Asia to quantify spatial and temporal interactions between the leopard, its primary ungulate prey, and the tiger. It provides new insights for conserving this declining subspecies.
Effects of a host tree on movement and distribution of winter geometrid moths (Lepidoptera): thickness of trunks and branches
Authors: Kulfan Ján , Sarvašová Lenka , Parák Michal , Zach Peter 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Adult moths from an ecological group of winter geometrid species look for trees where they copulate and females lay eggs. We investigated how tree trunk and lower branch thickness affects the occurrence of females on trunks and branches and how the density of females and tree trunk thickness affects the occurrence of males on trunks. The research was carried out in a xeric thermophilous oak forest in southern Slovakia (Central Europe) in the winter season 2014–2015. The moths were obtained from Quercus pubescens trees by sticky bands. Three autumn species Operophtera brumata, Erannis defoliaria, Alsophila aceraria and four spring species Agriopis leucophaearia, Agriopis marginaria, Apocheima hispidaria, Phigalia pilosaria were recorded. We have found out that females had not exclusively negative geotactic behaviour as they (except for the rare P. pilosaria) occurred also on lower branches. Tree trunk and lower branch thickness had a positive effect on abundance of females of the three most abundant species (A. leucophaearia, O. brumata, E. defoliaria) on trunks and lower branches. Tree trunk thickness had a positive effect on density of the females of A. leucophaearia on trunks but not on O. brumata and E. defoliaria. The abundance of the males of O. brumata, E. defoliaria and A. leucophaearia on trunks was positively affected by tree trunk thickness and the density of their females.
Some ecological aspects of dhole (Cuon alpinus) in the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, Uthai Thani Province, Thailand
Authors: Charaspet Khwanrutai , Sukmasuang Ronglarp , Khiowsree Noraset , Songsasen Nucharin , Simchareon Saksit , Duengkae Prateep 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
The dhole (Cuon alpinus) is one of the least frequent studied endangered canid species and many aspects of ecological knowledge about this species are lacking. The objectives of this study were to investigate the spatial movement of dholes, prey abundance, prey selection, and prey overlaps with other large carnivorous species in the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand, during November, 2017 and October, 2018. Two adult female dholes were captured and fitted with GPS collars. Twenty camera trap sets were systematically used to survey the area. Scat collection was conducted along forest roads and trails. The home range sizes and activity radii of the two dholes were 3,151.63 ha. and 1,442.84 m, and 33.39 ha and 331.56 m, respectively. The sambar deer (Rusa unicolor) was the most abundant prey species (30.93%). However, dhole fecal analysis showed that the monitored dholes preferred red muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak) (57.1%). There was a high degree of prey overlap between dholes and leopards (98%), indicating very high prey competition. The dholes in this study represent movement patterns in richly abundant prey habitats, but with the presence of other predators that can affect prey selection and movement patterns of the dhole in the area.
Tree canopy affects soil macrofauna spatial patterns on broad- and meso-scale levels in an Eastern European poplar-willow forest in the floodplain of the River Dnipro
Authors: Zhukov Oleksandr V. , Kunah Olga M. , Dubinina Yuliya Y. , Fedushko Marina P. , Kotsun Vadim I. , Zhukova Yuliya O. , Potapenko Olena V. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
This paper tested the hypothesis that the placement of trees in the floodplain ecosystem leads to multiscale spatial structuring and plays an important role in formation of the spatial patterns of the soil macrofauna. The research polygon was laid in an Eastern European poplar-willow forest in the floodplain of the River Dnipro. The litter macrofauna was manually collected from the soil samples. The distances of the sampling locations from the nearest individual of each tree species were applied to obtain a measure of the overstorey spatial structure. The pure effect of tree structured space on the soil animal community was presented by the broad-scale and meso-scale components. The soil animal community demonstrated patterns varying in tree structured space. The tree induced spatial heterogeneity was revealed to effect on the vertical stratification of the soil animal community. The complex nature of the soil animal community variability depending on the distance from trees was depended on the interaction of tree species in their effects on soil animals. The importance of the spatial structures that interact with soil, plants and tree factors in shaping soil macrofauna communities was shown.
Effects of dormancy-breaking methods on germination of the water-impermeable seeds of Gleditsia caspica (Fabaceae) and seedling growth
Authors: Nourmohammadi Kazem , Kartoolinejad Davoud , Naghdi Reza , Baskin Carol C. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Various treatments can be used to break physical dormancy (PY, i.e. water-impermeable seed coat) of legume species, but the effects of these treatments on seedling growth are of great importance in the success of afforestation projects. Our aims were to determine the effects of 20 PY-breaking treatments on (1) germination of Gleditsia caspica (Caspian locust) seeds and (2) seedling growth. Five germination and nine seedling growth and morphological traits were studied. Immersion in concentrated sulfuric acid (98%) for 60 minutes was optimal for all germination traits and for all seedling traits except root length. After seed coat removal or treatment with sulfuric acid (for 45 to 120 minutes), 99–100% of the seeds germinated, but seedling growth traits after 5 months were significantly lower in the former than in the latter treatment. Other treatments (e.g., different periods of exposure to cold water, boiling water, and KNO3) did not significantly increase germination or improve seedling growth. Thus, despite incurring adverse environmental impacts, sulfuric acid treatments have the best potential to break seed dormancy and produce high-quality seedlings (in terms of shoot length, root and shoot mass, root area, leaf number and area and collar diameter) of Caspian locust.
Impact of regional climatic conditions on tree growth on mainland Greece
Authors: Koulelis Panagiotis P. , Daskalakou Evangelia N. , Ioannidis Kostas E. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Forest growth is commonly used to explore tree vitality and ability to resist to environmental changes or climatic fluctuations. This paper illustrates and examines how regional climatic conditions can be related to the decline of tree growth, which were found to be more distinct in Quercus frainetto Ten. (Hungarian oak) and Fagus sylvatica L. (European beech) and less pronounced in Abies borissi-regis Matt f. (Bulgarian fir) on three long-term intensive monitoring plots (ICP Forests-Level II) in Greece during the period 1996–2009. Relative basal area increment and volume increment were calculated, expressing tree growth in terms of mean relative annual periodic increment. A decline in the growth of basal area and volume was observed after hot and dry periods, where annual temperatures and precipitation were far from the mean of the analyzed period. This observation was statistically confirmed in oak and beech plots regarding summer precipitation only and are in agreement with the findings of previous studies in Europe. The representativeness of the results at a national scale needs further investigation, although our results provide a good basis for further and more intensive monitoring programs to address various forest management scenarios against the background of potential climatic changes in the Mediterranean area.
Differentiation of flea communities of small mammals in selected habitats in the Eastern Tatra Mts
Authors: Baláž Ivan , Tulis Filip , Zigová Martina 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Research into small mammals and their ectoparasites was carried out in the Belianske Tatras during 2010–14, evaluating flea communities found on small mammals on the basis of species richness, abundance and level of infestation. Flea infestation of host species occurred mostly in C. glareolus with the highest infestation rates recorded in S. alpinus, the earlier mentioned C. glareolus, N. anomalus and N. fodiens. Based on their prevalence in all the examined hosts, the most frequent flea communities found were M. turbidus, C. agyrtes, A. penicilliger and P. soricis. In addition, flea prevalence in all the captured host species was evaluated. The most frequent flea communities were M. turbidus, P. soricis and D. dasycnema (8 host species); C. agyrtes and H. orientalis (7); A. penicilliger and P. bidentata (4); C. uncinatus, P. sylvatica and R. integela (3); and M. rectangulatus, N. fasciatus and C. bisoctodentatus (2), while A. nuperus and A. arvicolae were recorded in only one host species.
Functional diversity of soil microorganisms in the conditions of an ecological farming system
Authors: Fazekašová Danica , Fazekaš Juraj 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
In the current study, we investigate the relationships among the soil functional diversity, physicochemical properties and heavy metals presence in an ecological farming system. The soil samples were collected from permanent research sites, from A soil horizons, at a depth from 0.05 m to 0.15 m, in June 2018. In fresh soil samples, we evaluated the metabolic profiles of their microbial communities, using Biolog® Eco Plates. The research showed that the soil physical properties got adjusted after a long-term application of an ecological farming system and that the measured values were stabilised, reaching the levels comparable with the average values for the relevant soil type. It is necessary to devote a continual attention to soil reaction, because soil is naturally acidified through acid atmospheric fallout as well as through calcium uptake-off by plants. The values of the selected heavy metals in the monitored period did not exceed the limit values specified in the Act No. 220/2004 Coll. Based on the results of Shannon’s diversity, we can conclude that the diversity in the investigated sites was low, from moderate to medium. The differences (3.26–3.36) among all 11 study localities were very small and not significant. There were determined the correlations between the soil functional diversity, soil physicochemical properties, and heavy metal contents. The average well colour development (AWCD) positively correlated with soil reaction and with Mg content and significantly negatively correlated with contents of Hg, Zn and Cu; equitability significantly positively correlated with soil reaction, Mg, AWCD and Shannon’s diversity. Spearman’s correlation coefficients confirmed the positive correlation between Shannon’s diversity and soil reaction, AWCD and Mg. In our study, no correlation was found between the functional diversity of microorganisms and the soil physical properties.
Diversity, dynamics and ecological analysis of flora of reclaimed soil
Authors: Andrusevych Kateryna , Zadorozhnaya Galina 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
The flora of vegetation cover of sod-lithogenic soil on loess loams was studied at a reclaimed site in the Nikopol manganese-ore basin. The control site is located on the black soil of the steppe area. The species composition of plants was studied in both sites annually for three years. Ecological analysis of the flora was carried out according to Raunkiaer’s system of life-forms and Belgard’s system of ecomorphs. It has been established that the floristic composition on the reclaimed site is significantly poorer than that of the steppe site. The reclaimed site was found to be have fewer species and a smaller number of families. The comparative inconstancy and dynamism of floristic composition on reclaimed soil is shown. The reclaimed ecosystem is distinguished by a significant share of the participation of annual and biennial plant forms. This indicates the anthropogenic transformation of the vegetation cover of the reclaimed soil. Also, a distinctive feature of the reclaimed soil flora is the smaller number of ecological groups of species. Such groups are united according to the ecological optimum to one of the environmental parameters.
Threats to endangered musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster) in the Khaptad National Park, Nepal
Authors: Thapamagar Tilak , Bhandari Shivish , Ghimire Kishor , Bhusal Daya Ram 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
The Alpine musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster) is classified as an “Endangered” species by the IUCN Red list category. We studied anthropogenic pressure on the musk deer population in the Khaptad National Park, Nepal. The questionnaire survey was applied from October to November 2018. Out of 111 respondents, 77% reported that the primary objective for poacher kills to the musk deer was musk pod, followed by skin (15%) and meat (8%). The major part of the killing tools represented traps; however, 23% respondents stated that poachers also use snares, 20% respondents reported guns, and 18% persons interviewed had no idea regarding the tool the poachers use to kill the musk deer. There was a significant difference between the male and female respondents regarding their opinion on musk deer conservation; male respondents exhibited more positive attitudes towards musk deer conservation than female respondents (Chi-squared 8.21; P < 0.05). People based conservation awareness programs and alternative income generating sources must be employed for long term musk deer conservation in the Nepal Himalayas.
Periodontal Disease in Association with Systemic Diseases in the Dog
Authors: Penlington L. , Faixová Z. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Periodontal disease (PD) is the second most common disease affecting dogs in UK veterinary practices. Veterinary and human literature suggests that periodontal disease may be associated with bacteraemia and a chronic, systemic release of inflammatory mediators which produce direct or immune-mediated changes elsewhere in the body. Thirty canine periodontal patient’s electronic medical histories were analysed for comorbidities. The findings were analysed overall to identify any possible associations. Seventy three percent of these dogs had comorbidities, most commonly haematopoietic, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and hepatic systems were involved. The most prevalent comorbidities were: high liver enzymes, heart murmur, mitral valve disease, and monocytosis. Other interesting comorbidities were: endocarditis, neutrophilia, submandibular lymph node enlargement and arthritis. Periodontal disease patients had a higher prevalence of disease when compared to the disease prevalence data for UK pet dogs in general. Mitral valve disease was over 17 times more likely in the periodontal disease patients. Comorbidity disease prevalence also increased with more severe periodontal disease stages. This study supports an association between periodontal disease and systemic diseases in the dog. Further studies should focus on confirming a cause and effect relationship. Until then, these data may be useful for veterinarians to examine periodontal patients for concurrent diseases and can be used as a tool to promote dental disease prevention to pet owners.
Antioxidant Enzymes of Honeybee Larvae Exposed to Oxamyl
Authors: Prezenská M. , Sobeková A. , Sabová L. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Oxamyl is a carbamate insecticide used to control a broad spectrum of insects. It can also affect non-targeted organisms when applied incorrectly. The world food production depends partially on honeybee pollination abilities and therefore it is directly linked to the health of bees. The success of the colony development depends, among other factors, on the health of the larvae. The first 6 days are crucial for their development. In this stage, the worker larvae grow exponentially and may be exposed to xenobiotics via their diet. In this study, we investigated the effect of oxamyl on honeybee larvae (Apis mellifera) by monitoring the changes in their antioxidant enzyme system. The activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione-S-transferase were determined in the homogenates of in vitro reared honeybee larvae after their single dietary exposure to oxamyl at doses of 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 µg a.i./larva (a. i.—active ingredient). The doses of oxamyl did not cause statistically significant changes in the activities of the enzymes. Even a slight activation of these enzymes protected the larvae from the adverse effects of the reactive oxygen species (ROS). Marked changes in both the enzyme activity and the content of lipid peroxidation products were observed at the oxamyl dose of 10 µg a. i./larva. This fact may indicate a potential oxidative damage to the larvae. These results allowed us to assume that the toxic effects of oxamyl involves not only the inhibition of acetylcholine esterase but is also associated with ROS production.