bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plant n-alkane production from litterfall altered the diversity and community structure of alkane degrading bacteria in litter layer in lowland subtropical rainforest in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Tung-Yi , Hsu Bing-Mu , Chao Wei-Chun , Fan Cheng-Wei 
Published: March 2018

Abstract. n-Alkane and alkane-degrading bacteria have long been used as crucial
biological indicators of paleoecology, petroleum pollution, and oil and gas
prospecting. However, the relationship between n-alkane and
alkane-degrading bacteria in natural forests is still poorly understood. In
this study, long-chain n-alkane (C14–C35) concentrations in
litterfall, litter layer, and topsoil as well as the diversity and abundance of
n-alkane-degrading bacterial communities in litter layers were investigated
in three habitats across a lowland subtropical rainforest in southern Taiwan:
ravine, windward, and leeward habitats in Nanjenshan. Our results demonstrate
that the litterfall yield and productivity of long-chain n-alkane were
highest in the ravine habitats. However, long-chain n-alkane concentrations
in all habitats were decreased drastically to a similar low level from the
litterfall to the bulk soil, suggesting a higher rate of long-chain
n-alkane degradation in the ravine habitat. Operational taxonomic unit (OTU)
analysis using next-generation sequencing data revealed that the
relative abundances of microbial communities in the windward and leeward
habitats were similar and different from that in the ravine habitat. Data
mining of community amplicon sequencing using the NCBI database revealed that
alkB-gene-associated bacteria (95 % DNA sequence similarity to
alkB-containing bacteria) were most abundant in the ravine habitat. Empirical
testing of litter layer samples using semi-quantitative polymerase chain
reaction for determining alkB gene levels confirmed that the ravine habitat
had higher alkB gene levels than the windward and leeward habitats. Heat map
analysis revealed parallels in pattern color between the plant and microbial
species compositions of the habitats, suggesting a causal relationship
between the plant n-alkane production and microbial community diversity.
This finding indicates that the diversity and relative abundance of microbial
communities in the litter layer are affected by n-alkane plant composition
in the litterfall.
A bias-corrected CMIP5 dataset for Africa using the CDF-t method – a contribution to agricultural impact studies
Authors: Famien Adjoua Moise , Janicot Serge , Ochou Abe Delfin , Vrac Mathieu , Defrance Dimitri , Sultan Benjamin , Noël Thomas 
Published: March 2018

Abstract. The objective of this paper is to present a new dataset of bias-corrected
CMIP5 global climate model (GCM) daily data over Africa. This dataset was
obtained using the cumulative distribution function transform (CDF-t) method,
a method that has been applied to several regions and contexts but never to
Africa. Here CDF-t has been applied over the period 1950–2099 combining
Historical runs and climate change scenarios for six variables: precipitation,
mean near-surface air temperature, near-surface maximum air temperature,
near-surface minimum air temperature, surface downwelling shortwave
radiation, and wind speed, which are critical variables for agricultural
purposes. WFDEI has been used as the reference dataset to correct the GCMs.
Evaluation of the results over West Africa has been carried out on a list of
priority user-based metrics that were discussed and selected with
stakeholders. It includes simulated yield using a crop model simulating maize
growth. These bias-corrected GCM data have been compared with another
available dataset of bias-corrected GCMs using WATCH Forcing Data as the reference dataset.
The impact of WFD, WFDEI, and also EWEMBI reference datasets has been also
examined in detail. It is shown that CDF-t is very effective at removing the
biases and reducing the high inter-GCM scattering. Differences with other
bias-corrected GCM data are mainly due to the differences among the
reference datasets. This is particularly true for surface downwelling
shortwave radiation, which has a significant impact in terms of simulated
maize yields. Projections of future yields over West Africa are quite
different, depending on the bias-correction method used. However all these
projections show a similar relative decreasing trend over the 21st century.
Unsupervised detection of salt marsh platforms: a topographic method
Authors: Goodwin Guillaume C. H. , Mudd Simon M. , Clubb Fiona J. 
Published: March 2018

Abstract. Salt marshes filter pollutants, protect coastlines against storm surges, and
sequester carbon, yet are under threat from sea level rise and anthropogenic
modification. The sustained existence of the salt marsh ecosystem depends on
the topographic evolution of marsh platforms. Quantifying marsh platform
topography is vital for improving the management of these valuable
landscapes. The determination of platform boundaries currently relies on
supervised classification methods requiring near-infrared data to detect
vegetation, or demands labour-intensive field surveys and digitisation. We
propose a novel, unsupervised method to reproducibly isolate salt marsh
scarps and platforms from a digital elevation model (DEM), referred to as Topographic Identification of
Platforms (TIP). Field observations and numerical models show that salt
marshes mature into subhorizontal platforms delineated by subvertical
scarps. Based on this premise, we identify scarps as lines of local maxima on
a slope raster, then fill landmasses from the scarps upward, thus isolating
mature marsh platforms. We test the TIP method using lidar-derived DEMs from
six salt marshes in England with varying tidal ranges and geometries, for
which topographic platforms were manually isolated from tidal flats.
Agreement between manual and unsupervised classification exceeds 94 % for DEM
resolutions of 1 m, with all but one site maintaining an accuracy superior to
90 % for resolutions up to 3 m. For resolutions of 1 m, platforms detected
with the TIP method are comparable in surface area to digitised platforms
and have similar elevation distributions. We also find that our method allows
for the accurate detection of local block failures as small as 3 times the
DEM resolution. Detailed inspection reveals that although tidal creeks were
digitised as part of the marsh platform, unsupervised classification
categorises them as part of the tidal flat, causing an increase in false
negatives and overall platform perimeter. This suggests our method may
benefit from combination with existing creek detection algorithms. Fallen
blocks and high tidal flat portions, associated with potential pioneer zones,
can also lead to differences between our method and supervised mapping.
Although pioneer zones prove difficult to classify using a topographic
method, we suggest that these transition areas should be considered when
analysing erosion and accretion processes, particularly in the case of
incipient marsh platforms. Ultimately, we have shown that unsupervised
classification of marsh platforms from high-resolution topography is possible
and sufficient to monitor and analyse topographic evolution.
A new pachyrhizodontid fish (Actinopterygii, Teleostei) from the Muhi Quarry (Albian-Cenomanian), Hidalgo, Mexico
Authors: Arratia Gloria , González-Rodríguez Katia A. , Hernández-Guerrero Citlalli 
Published: March 2018

Abstract. A new genus and species – Motlayoichthys sergioi (ZooBank registration: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:2C503741-2362-4234-8CE0-BB7D8BE5A236, urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:EF5040FD-F306-4C0F-B9DA-2CC696CA349D) – from the Cretaceous (Albian-Cenomanian) of the Muhi Quarry, Hidalgo, central Mexico is assigned to the family Pachyrhizodontidae based on the presence of the inner premaxillary tooth and a few other cranial characters. Its unique suite of characters, that includes several autapomorphies supports its assignment as a new genus and species, such as the presence of a triangular head with three sides of similar lengths and with its deepest part at the level of the supraoccipital region; the lower jaw projecting anterior to the premaxilla; the ornamentation of cranial bones – especially those of the cheek region – consisting of fine longitudinal crests densely covering the bony surfaces; one or a few deep grooves on the mandibular teeth, which in addition bear acrodin tips ornamented with fine parallel striae; and the position of the dorsal fin, near the posterior margin of the cranium. Motlayoichthys n. gen., together with Michin, Pachyrhizodus, Rhacolepis, and Notelops, is part of the early radiation of pachyrhizodontoids during Albian times.
Remote-sensing data processing with the multivariate regression analysis method for iron mineral resource potential mapping: a case study in the Sarvian area, central Iran
Authors: Mansouri Edris , Feizi Faranak , Jafari Rad Alireza , Arian Mehran 
Published: March 2018

Abstract. This paper uses multivariate regression to create a mathematical model for iron skarn exploration in the Sarvian area, central Iran, using multivariate regression for mineral prospectivity mapping (MPM). The main target of this paper is to apply multivariate regression analysis (as an MPM method) to map iron outcrops in the northeastern part of the study area in order to discover new iron deposits in other parts of the study area. Two types of multivariate regression models using two linear equations were employed to discover new mineral deposits. This method is one of the reliable methods for processing satellite images. ASTER satellite images (14 bands) were used as unique independent variables (UIVs), and iron outcrops were mapped as dependent variables for MPM. According to the results of the probability value (p value), coefficient of determination value (R2) and adjusted determination coefficient (Radj2), the second regression model (which consistent of multiple UIVs) fitted better than other models. The accuracy of the model was confirmed by iron outcrops map and geological observation. Based on field observation, iron mineralization occurs at the contact of limestone and intrusive rocks (skarn type).
Homosexuality and the “Aqedah Theology”: A Comparison of Modern Orthodoxy and the Conservative Movement
Authors: Irshai Ronit 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
The present article examines the halakhic attitudes toward homosexuality in Modern Orthodoxy and in the Conservative movement, through the prism of the “Aqedah theology” and the link between religion and morality. The article argues that even if there is no clear halakhic boundary between some of the positions of Conservative and Modern Orthodox Judaism, there is a clear difference between them with regard to the Aqedah theology. For Modern Orthodoxy, even if God commands certain things that on the surface clash with contemporary moral concepts, individuals are expected to sacrifice or “bind” their inclinations, including their moral values, to comply with the divine injunction. This is not the case in the Conservative movement. Here the debate is not about whether the Aqedah theology is legitimate (all agree that it is not), but whether the situation of a human being who is barred from realizing his sexual orientation involves “binding” moral concepts.
Ecological Value Of Soil Organic Matter (SOM) at Tropical Evergreen Aglaia-Streblus Forest of Meru Betiri National Park, East Java, Indonesia
Authors: Sulistiyowati Hari , Winarso Sugeng , Macandog Damasa , Sotto Rachel , Baguinon Nestor , Buot Jr Inocencio 
Published: March 2018

As part of carbon pools, forest soil stores soil organic matter (SOM) that contains many elements including organic C, N, P, and K. These elements contribute nutrients for biogeochemical cycles within the ecosystem. This study was done to determine the ecological value of forest soil organic matter at tropical evergreen Aglaia-Streblus forest of Meru Betiri National Park (MBNP), East Java, Indonesia. The data were sampled along gradient topography in Pringtali tropical forest of TMBNP. Direct measurements of soil moisture, temperature, and pH were taken in the field. The soil samples were extracted from 6 points of soil solum using soil auger, and then oven-dried to get value of dry-weight. The elements content of organic C, N, P, and K were analyzed and estimated at the laboratory. The ecoval of SOM was appraised using developed ecological valuation tool. The result showed that SOM contributed higher ecoval of organic C (66.03 Mg ha-1) than other elements. Compared to P and K elements, N had the highest stock of element content. However, comparing to other two tropical forest ecosystems of Asia the ecoval of SOM elements in TMBNP was relatively low because of its natural geomorphological features.The ecoval of SOM elements in TMBNP was relatively low because of its natural geomorphological features. The ecovals contributed about 2.440,64 - 6.955,50 USD or 31.271.923,73 - 89.120.837,23 IDR per hectare of ecological value (d) to the ecosystem. This value was mainly contributed by organic C stock in the TMBNP forest SOM. It means the forest SOM had higher element content of organic C than N, P, and K elements. This d value is an indicator for TMBNP to protect the SOM elements meaning protecting their resources to sustain the biogeochemical cycles in the forest ecosystem. All the management and policy correlated to this protected area should consider this valuable information for their plan and actions.
Phosphorus Extraction from Soil Constituents Using Bray P-1, Mehlich-1 and Olsen Solutions
Authors: Lumbanraja Jamalam , Mulyani Sri , Utomo Muhajir , Sarno Sarno 
Published: March 2018

The extraction methods using Bray P-1, Mehlich-1, and Olsen solutions are the most frequently used in equilibrium condition to estimate the available P in the soil constituents. However, each method can gives some different values that may not describe the availability of soil P. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct a laboratory experiment to compare the three solutions in equilibrium and kinetics conditions for P release from soil colloids as a basic data for the future related to plant productions. The objective of this study was to compare the amounts of P release in equilibrium and kinetics conditions using Bray P-1, Mehlich-1, and Olsen solutions and the rate constants (k) of P release from soil colloids using the three solutions of five soil constituents or treatments: (1) Soil (100% soil), (2) P-rock (100% phosphate rock), (3) compost (100% chicken manure compost), (4) soil + P-rock (75% soil + 25% phosphate rock), and (5) soil + P-rock + compost (50% soil + 25% phosphate rock + 25% chicken manure compost). Each extraction for each treatment was conducted in triplicate. The results indicate that the amounts of extracted P employing equilibrium condition in all treatments are significantly lower compared to those employing kinetics condition. The results also show that Mehlich-1 solution is the most powerful solution to extract P from soil constituents followed by Bray P-1 solution and Olsen solution, except that in the soil + phosphate rock + compost treatment in which the amount of P extracted using Mehlich-1 solution is the highest then followed by that of P extracted by Olsen solution and Bray P-1 solution both in equilibrium and kinetic conditions. The highest rate constants (k) of the reaction in all treatments were found in the extractions using Mehlich-1 solution for desorbed P followed by that of using Bray P-1 solution and Olsen solution. Keywords: Compost, equilibrium, kinetics, P extraction solutions, phosphate rock, soil
The Effect of Paraquat, Difenoconazole, and Butylphenyl Methylcarbamate (BPMC) on CO2 Emissions and Phenolic Acids in Peat Soil
Authors: Fitriyani Indri Hapsari , Anwar Syaiful , Hartono Arief , Tjahyandari Diah 
Published: March 2018

Pesticides are widely used in agriculture, including on peat soil. The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of the application of paraquat, difenoconazole, and butylphenyl methylcarbamate (BPMC) on CO2 emissions and concentrations of phenolic acids in a peat soil. Peat soil sample was taken in District of Pulang Pisau, Central Kalimantan. The peat soil was applied with 1.89 mg kg-1 paraquat, 1.72 mg kg-1 difenoconazole and 1.65 mg kg-1 butylphenyl methylcarbamate (BPMC), then the soil was incubated for 1, 2, 4 , 5, 7, 10, 14, 21, 26 and 30 days. The results showed that the application of pesticides on peat soil increased CO2emission, and decreased CH4 emission and phenolic acid concentrations up to 30 days of incubation. The CO2 emmisions were derived from C of degraded pesticides and from C of phenolic acids, although the oxidation reaction was not accompanied by the change of soil pH. Keyword: CO2 emission, phenolic acids, butylphenyl methylcarbamate (BPMC), difenoconazole, paraquat, peat soil
In Memoriam Robert B. Seidman
Authors: O’Rourke Maureen A. 
Published: March 2018

In Memoriam Robert B. Seidman
From 1974 until 2013, Boston University School of Law was enriched by the presence of Professor Robert Seidman and his wife and academic partner Ann. Bob worked until the age of 93 and passed away shortly after retiring from what was a truly extraordinary career.
Promoting Legislative Objectives Throughout Diverse Sub-National Jurisdictions
Authors: Seitz Lorna 
Published: March 2018

Promoting Legislative Objectives Throughout Diverse Sub-National Jurisdictions
This article outlines an approach, derived from Ann and Robert Seidman’s Institutionalist Legislative Drafting Theory and Methodology (ILTAM), for drafting laws and developing implementing policies and programmes to realize legislative objectives and promote necessary behavioural change throughout a jurisdiction despite significant sub-jurisdictional socio-economic differences. ILTAM can serve as a powerful tool for catalysing the development of situationally appropriate programmes to initiate and sustain behavioural change in furtherance of legislative objectives. The article begins by discussing the movement towards legislative standardization, and its benefits and failings. It then introduces the concept of informal jurisdictions, and highlights modifications to ILTAM that improve the methodology’s efficacy in devising solutions that work in those jurisdictions. The article then describes the power of intransitive law as a mechanism for catalysing progress towards shared objectives in a manner that allows for localized approaches, promotes governmental responsiveness, brings innovation, and maximizes participatory governance. Lastly, it describes the importance that Ann and Robert Seidman placed on institutionalizing on-going monitoring, evaluation and learning processes; and describes how intransitive drafting techniques can focus implementation on motivating behavioural change while systematically identifying needed policy and law reforms in response to suboptimal legislative outcomes.
De tiende wijziging van de Aanwijzingen voor de regelgeving – van: a naar ‘b’
Authors: Vester L.J. 
Published: March 2018

De tiende wijziging van de Aanwijzingen voor de regelgeving – van: a naar ‘b’
In het artikel wordt naar aanleiding van de tiende wijziging daarvan de betekenis van de Aanwijzingen voor de regelgeving voor de wetgevingspraktijk beschreven, alsmede de wijze van totstandkoming daarvan. Verder worden de belangrijkste wetgevingstechnische veranderingen beschreven die het gevolg zijn van deze wijziging. Afsluitend wordt vooruitgekeken naar mogelijke of reeds voorgenomen toekomstige wijzigingen van de Aanwijzingen.
Toegankelijk wetgeven onder de Omgevingswet
Authors: Oldenziel H.A. , de Vos H.W. 
Published: March 2018

Toegankelijk wetgeven onder de Omgevingswet
Er wordt op dit moment gewerkt aan een nieuw stelsel voor het omgevingsrecht. Een belangrijk verbeterdoel van deze grote wetgevingsoperatie is de vereenvoudiging en harmonisatie van regels. Om daarvoor te zorgen is een leidraad wetgevingskwaliteit opgesteld. Daarin zijn, in aanvulling op de Aanwijzingen voor de regelgeving, vuistregels opgenomen over de structuur en vormgeving van wetgeving en over modern taalgebruik. Enkele van deze vuistregels lenen zich voor bredere toepassing. Deze zouden een plek in de Aanwijzingen kunnen krijgen. Dit zou het harmoniserende effect van de Aanwijzingen kunnen vergroten. Belangrijker is nog dat het bevorderen van de eenheid en toegankelijkheid in de dagelijkse wetgevingspraktijk gestalte krijgt. Alleen dan kunnen concrete resultaten worden geboekt.
Onpartijdige rechtswetenschap?
Authors: van Gestel R.A.J. 
Published: March 2018

Onpartijdige rechtswetenschap?
Recentelijk is in de media veel aandacht geschonken aan gevallen van beïnvloeding door opdrachtgevers van (rechts)wetenschappelijk onderzoek. Veel nadruk ligt daarbij al snel op pogingen van bestuurders en beleidsmakers om de inhoud van dergelijk onderzoek – vaak op subtiele wijze – een wenselijk geachte richting op te sturen. Veel minder aandacht is er echter voor de andere kant van de zaak, namelijk: wat is de verantwoordelijkheid van die wetenschappers en hoe zijn hun onpartijdigheid en onafhankelijkheid gewaarborgd? In deze bijdrage zal worden beweerd dat ook daar werk aan de winkel is.
Le troisième sexe: het Duitse Grondwettelijk Hof en genderneutraliteit
Authors: Ranchordás S.H. 
Published: March 2018

Le troisième sexe: het Duitse Grondwettelijk Hof en genderneutraliteit
In deze bijdrage gaat de auteur in op een recent arrest van het Duitse Grondwettelijk Hof over de erkenning van het zogenaamde ‘derde geslacht’. Dit arrest roept wezenlijke vragen op over geslachtsregistratiesystemen. Deze zijn ook voor Nederland van belang. Het Grondwettelijk Hof heeft in het betreffende arrest geoordeeld dat het recht om voor wat betreft geslacht niet op een binaire wijze gekwalificeerd te worden onder het algemene persoonlijkheidsrecht valt, en dus wordt beschermd door de Duitse Grondwet. Het Duitse Personenstandsgesetz geeft een onjuiste vertaling van dit recht, door alleen de mogelijkheid te bieden voor een blanco geslachtsregistratie. Dit arrest is een belangrijke stap in de richting van een brede erkenning van het derde geslacht voor individuen met zowel mannelijke als vrouwelijke geslachtskenmerken (interseksualiteit; hier draaide de Duitse casus om). Hoewel andere landen al stappen hebben genomen in de officiële erkenning van het derde geslacht, is het de vraag of, en zo ja hoe snel, dit in Nederland zal gebeuren.
Antimicrobial Potential of Sicilian Honeys Against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Coniglio Maria Anna , Laganà Pasqualina , Faro Giuseppina , Marranzano Marina 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the antibacterial effect of 71 organic Sicilian honeys of different botanical origins against Staphylococcus aureus [American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) 9144™] and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853™). The antimicrobial activity was determined by means of an agar diffusion assay from the estimation of the diameter of the inhibition zone produced by the honeys. S. aureus was more inhibited than P. aeruginosa (chi-square value 11.2698, P value 0.000788). In particular, a statistically significant inhibition growth against S. aureus was exhibited by the polyfloral (chi-square value 6.1714, P value 0.012983) and the eucalyptus honeys (chi-square value 4, P value 0.0455). Results partially suggest Sicilian organic polyfloral and eucalyptus honeys as possible alternatives to antimicrobial agents when S. aureus resistance causes failure of initial conventional antibiotic treatment.