bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Innovating for skills enhancement in agricultural sciences in Africa: The centrality of field attachment programs
Authors: Egeru Anthony , Nampala Paul , Massa-Makuma Henry , Osiru Moses , Ekwamu Adipala 
Published: September 2016

Africa remains an intensely agrarian continent, with two-thirds of its people directly or indirectly deriving their livelihood from agriculture. Higher agricultural education has thus emphasised production of graduates with the requisite skills to drive agricultural development. Despite these efforts, too few graduates in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) have the employable skills necessary to transition to the labour market. A similar situation is observable among agricultural science graduates, who are vital to serving rural smallholder farmers. Most Colleges of Agriculture in Africa offer field attachment internships in agriculture and related fields but they are largely designed to cater for undergraduate students and are not part of the training programs at graduate level. To ameliorate this gap, the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), a network of 55 member universities in SSA, designed and rolled out an innovative field attachment program award (FAPA), launched in 2010, to serve graduate students. The FAPA is competitively based and designed to encourage students to follow through with the dissemination of their research and to enable them to link more closely with the communities and agencies working in the geographical area where the research was undertaken.During the period 2010–2015, five grant cycles were successfully implemented and 114 graduate students from 17 countries in SSA awarded. This article discusses the lessons learned during this period by examining two key areas: (1) the application process and implementation of the awards; and (2) the reported outcomes and challenges for grantees. Establishing the award has generated key technical and implementation lessons that the network and individual universities have been able to use to improve and institutionalise processes. Grantees have reported gaining a range of cross-cutting skills in personal mastery, initiative leadership and innovativeness, proactivity, flexibility, communication, analytical capacity, teamwork, networking and advocacy, and technical capacity, particularly in engaging with smallholder farmers. They have also noted significant challenges, in particular around establishing productive and sustainable engagement with smallholder farmers. These outcomes have influenced curricular reviews by member universities, with particular emphasis on these skills sets. Keywords: graduate employability, internships, sub-Saharan Africa, university
A comparative study of K-rich and Na/Ca-rich feldspar ice-nucleating
particles in a nanoliter droplet freezing assay
Authors: Peckhaus Andreas , Kiselev Alexei , Hiron Thibault , Ebert Martin , Leisner Thomas 
Published: September 2016

Abstract. A recently designed droplet freezing assay was used to study the freezing of up to 1500 identical 0.2 nL water droplets containing suspensions of one Na/Ca-rich feldspar and three K-rich and one Na/Ca-rich feldspar particles. Three types of experiments have been conducted: cooling ramp, isothermal freezing at a constant temperature, and freeze–thaw cycles. The observed freezing behavior has been interpreted with the help of a model based on the classical nucleation theory (soccer ball model (SBM); Niedermeier et al., 2015). By applying the model to the different freezing experiments conducted with the same ice-nucleating material, the unique sets of model parameters for specific feldspar suspensions could be derived. The SBM was shown to adequately describe the observed cooling rate dependence, the ice-nucleating active sites (INAS) surface density ns(T) in a wide temperature range, and the shift of the freezing curves towards lower temperature with dilution. Moreover, the SBM was capable of reproducing the variation of INAS surface density ns(T) with concentration of ice-nucleating particles in the suspension droplets and correctly predicting the leveling-off of ns(T) at low temperature. The freeze–thaw experiments have clearly shown that the heterogeneous freezing induced even by very active ice-nucleating species still possesses a stochastic nature, with the degree of randomness increasing towards homogeneous nucleation. A population of the high-temperature INAS has been identified in one of the K-rich feldspar samples. The freezing of 0.8 wt % suspension droplets of this particular feldspar was observed already at −5 °C. These high-temperature active sites could be deactivated by treating the sample with hydrogen peroxide but survived heating up to 90 °C. Given a high mass concentration of these high-temperature active sites (2.9 × 108 g−1) and a very low value of contact angle (0.56 rad) the possibility of biological contamination of the sample was concluded to be unlikely but could not be completely ruled out. The freezing efficacy of all feldspar samples has been shown to reduce only slightly after suspension in water for over 5 months.
Impacts of land-use history on the recovery of ecosystems after agricultural abandonment
Authors: Krause Andreas , Pugh Thomas A. M. , Bayer Anita D. , Lindeskog Mats , Arneth Almut 
Published: September 2016

Abstract. Land-use changes have been shown to have large effects on climate and biogeochemical cycles, but so far most studies have focused on the effects of conversion of natural vegetation to croplands and pastures. By contrast, relatively little is known about the long-term influence of past agriculture on vegetation regrowth and carbon sequestration following land abandonment. We used the LPJ-GUESS dynamic vegetation model to study the legacy effects of different land-use histories (in terms of type and duration) across a range of ecosystems. To this end, we performed six idealized simulations for Europe and Africa in which we made a transition from natural vegetation to either pasture or cropland, followed by a transition back to natural vegetation after 20, 60 or 100 years. The simulations identified substantial differences in recovery trajectories of four key variables (vegetation composition, vegetation carbon, soil carbon, net biome productivity) after agricultural cessation. Vegetation carbon and composition typically recovered faster than soil carbon in subtropical, temperate and boreal regions, and vice versa in the tropics. While the effects of different land-use histories on recovery periods of soil carbon stocks often differed by centuries across our simulations, differences in recovery times across simulations were typically small for net biome productivity (a few decades) and modest for vegetation carbon and composition (several decades). Spatially, we found the greatest sensitivity of recovery times to prior land use in boreal forests and subtropical grasslands, where post-agricultural productivity was strongly affected by prior land management. Our results suggest that land-use history is a relevant factor affecting ecosystems long after agricultural cessation, and it should be considered not only when assessing historical or future changes in simulations of the terrestrial carbon cycle but also when establishing long-term monitoring networks and interpreting data derived therefrom, including analysis of a broad range of ecosystem properties or local climate effects related to land cover changes.
Herziening van de Corporate Governance Code
Authors: Vetter H.J. 
Published: September 2016

Herziening van de Corporate Governance Code
Meer dan 100 reacties heeft de Monitoring Commissie Governance Code ontvangen naar aanleiding van haar consultatiedocument voor een herziene Code. Uit negen reacties valt op te maken dat de grondhouding van de respondenten positief is, maar dat het voorstel voor de herziening van de Code nog wel verbeteringen behoeft. Belangrijke punten van kritiek betreffen onder meer de lange termijn waardecreatie “voor alle stakeholders”, de maximale zittingstermijn voor commissarissen, de beloning van bestuurders en van leden van de executive-committee, de responstijd, de in control verklaring en de regeling over de certificering. Een verkenning van de belangrijkste punten van kritiek
Corporate Governance in Nederland: lange termijn waardecreatie
Authors: Oostwouder W.J. 
Published: September 2016

Corporate Governance in Nederland: lange termijn waardecreatie
In het Voorstel voor herziening van de Nederlandse Corporate Governance Code d.d. 11 februari 2016 wordt de nadruk gelegd op de focus op lange termijn waardecreatie van de vennootschap en de aan haar verbonden onderneming. Het huidige richtsnoer: “het creëren van aandeelhouderswaarde op lange termijn” zou dan uit de Code verdwijnen. Het is kennelijk de bedoeling dat de lange termijn waardecreatie ten bate van alle stakeholders geschiedt. Onder het door de Commissie gehanteerde begrip “stakeholders” vallen ook maatschappelijke groeperingen. De auteur beantwoordt de vraag wat het richtsnoer en de reikwijdte van het begrip stakeholders in de nieuwe Code zouden moeten zijn.
Optical Sensing of Fluoride Through a Self-Organized Fluorescent Ensemble of Quinizarin-Al(III) Complex
Authors: Adurty Sunil , Karnam Lohith , Chittor Sundaresan Neelakantan , Belliraj Siva Kumar 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
A one-pot, cost-effective system for sensing fluoride ions using quinizarin as a novel chromophore is reported. Quinizarin complexes with Al(III) to form a self-organized turn-on fluorescence system in methanol. In the presence of fluoride ions, this system undergoes a subsequent ligand swap reaction with the fluoride ion and consequently the fluorescence turns off, delivering a sensitive route for the estimation of fluoride. This domino effect presents a sensitive and selective reaction system for the detection of fluoride ions in the concentration range 0.5–15 ppm. The study was performed using spectrophotometric and spectrofluorimetric techniques. Various analytical parameters such as pH, equilibration time, ambient temperature, and applicability of the method have been reported along with the study of the associated interfering ions.
Human Induced Pluripotent Cell-Derived Sensory Neurons for Fate Commitment of Bone Marrow-Derived Schwann Cells: Implications for Remyelination Therapy
Authors: Cai Sa , Han Lei , Ao Qiang , Chan Ying-Shing , Shum Daisy Kwok-Yan 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
Strategies that exploit induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to derive neurons have relied on cocktails of cytokines and growth factors to bias cell-signaling events in the course of fate choice. These are often costly and inefficient, involving multiple steps. In this study, we took an alternative approach and selected 5 small-molecule inhibitors of key signaling pathways in an 8-day program to induce differentiation of human iPSCs into sensory neurons, reaching ≥80% yield in terms of marker proteins. Continuing culture in maintenance medium resulted in neuronal networks immunopositive for synaptic vesicle markers and vesicular glutamate transporters suggestive of excitatory neurotransmission. Subpopulations of the derived neurons were electrically excitable, showing tetrodotoxin-sensitive action potentials in patch-clamp experiments. Coculture of the derived neurons with rat Schwann cells under myelinating conditions resulted in upregulated levels of neuronal neuregulin 1 type III in conjunction with the phosphorylated receptors ErbB2 and ErbB3, consistent with amenability of the neuritic network to myelination. As surrogates of embryonic dorsal root ganglia neurons, the derived sensory neurons provided contact-dependent cues to commit bone marrow-derived Schwann cell-like cells to the Schwann cell fate. Our rapid and efficient induction protocol promises not only controlled differentiation of human iPSCs into sensory neurons, but also utility in the translation to a protocol whereby human bone marrow-derived Schwann cells become available for autologous transplantation and remyelination therapy.
Women's and Men's Differing Experiences of Health, Lifestyle, and Aging with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Ploughman Michelle , Collins Katie , Wallack Elizabeth M. , Monks Michael , Mayo Nancy ,   Health, Lifestyle, and Aging with MS Canadian Consortium
Published: September 2016

Background:
The growing population of older people with multiple sclerosis (MS) has led to more interest in understanding factors associated with healthy aging. We aimed to determine whether older women and men with MS have different health and lifestyle behaviors and whether there are sex differences in contributors to perceived health.

Methods:
Data were obtained from a postal survey involving 743 Canadians older than 55 years with MS for at least 20 years. Sex differences in health, lifestyle, mood, and socioeconomics were examined using analysis of variance. Multiple regression was used to build explanatory models of health perception.

Results:
Despite no differences in age, years with MS, disability, fatigue, or social support, older men (n = 166) experienced lower perceived health and lower resilience and participated less in life roles than older women (n = 577). Men experienced more depressive symptoms, and women reported more anxiety. Depression was the strongest predictor of health perception in both women and men (β = −2.40 and −5.19, respectively, for each 3-point increase in depressive symptoms). Other contributors included household participation, fatigue, resilience, and disability in women and physical activity, financial flexibility, and alcohol use in men.

Conclusions:
Older men exhibit poorer adaptation to aging with MS than older women.
Prospective Comparison of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Transrectal and Transperineal Sonography, and Surgical Findings in Complicated Perianal Crohn Disease
Authors: Bor Renáta , Farkas Klaudia , Bálint Anita , Szűcs Mónika , Ábrahám Szabolcs , Milassin Ágnes , Rutka Mariann , Nagy Ferenc , Milassin Péter , Szepes Zoltán , Molnár Tamás 
Published: September 2016

ObjectivesMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and transrectal sonography are the two accepted imaging modalities for evaluation of perianal fistulas and abscesses. Transperineal sonography is a new technique that is easy to learn and can be performed at any time. The purpose of this study was to prospectively compare the diagnostic accuracy of MRI, transrectal sonography, and transperineal sonography with surgical findings in patients with perianal Crohn disease.MethodsAll patients with perianal Crohn disease underwent MRI, transrectal sonography, and transperineal sonography within a few days before surgery. Fistulas were classified as simple (43.8%) or complex (52.2%) based on surgical findings.ResultsTwenty‐three patients with active perianal Crohn disease (12 women and 11 men; mean age, 29.9 years; current therapy: antibiotics, 69.6%; azathioprine, 56.5%; and biologics, 73.9%; previous surgery, 26.1%; and proportion of smokers, 39.1%) were included. Sensitivity values for MRI, transrectal sonography, and transperineal sonography for diagnosis of fistulas were 84.6%, 84.6%, and 100%, respectively. Transperineal sonography was more sensitive for diagnosis of perianal abscesses than MRI and transrectal sonography (100%, 58.8%, and 92.8%).ConclusionsTransperineal sonography is a very accurate diagnostic method with outstanding sensitivity compared with MRI and transrectal sonography for evaluation of complicated perianal Crohn disease. Due to its simplicity and low cost, it is recommended that transperineal sonography be the first diagnostic modality in these cases.
Ultrasound‐Guided Peripheral Intravenous Catheter Training Results in Physician‐Level Success for Emergency Department Technicians
Authors: Duran-Gehring Petra , Bryant Laurie , Reynolds Jennifer A. , Aldridge Petra , Kalynych Colleen J. , Guirgis Faheem W. 
Published: September 2016

ObjectivesTo report our success and complication rates with emergency department (ED) technician–performed ultrasound (US)‐guided peripheral intravenous (IV) catheter placement and to compare our results to similar studies in the literature.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective review of a prospective database of patients who underwent US‐guided peripheral IV catheter placement attempts for clinical care in the ED. All patients meeting difficult IV access criteria who had a US‐guided peripheral IV catheter placement attempted by a trained ED technician were included. Average attempts per success and overall success rates were compared to similar published studies.ResultsThere were 830 participants, with an overall success rate of ED technician– performed US‐guided peripheral IV catheter placement of 97.5%. Clinicians categorized 82.6% of participants as having difficult IV access and reported that in 46.5%, a central venous catheter would have been necessary if the US‐guided peripheral IV catheter failed. Of successful catheter attempts, 86.8% were placed on the first attempt; 11.6% were placed on the second attempt; and 1.6% were placed on the third attempt. For this study, the average number of attempts per success was 1.15 (95% confidence interval, 1.12–1.18), which was lower than in 6 other published studies, ranging from 1.27 to 1.70. The overall success rate of our ED technician‐performed attempts was 0.970 (95% confidence interval, 0.956–0.983), which was higher than that reported in previous ED technician studies (0.79–0.80), and closer to that reported for physicians or nurses (0.87–0.97). The arterial puncture complication rate was 0.8%, which was also lower than in other published studies (1.25%–9.80%).ConclusionsWith brief but comprehensive training, ED technicians can successfully obtain US‐guided peripheral IV catheter access in patients with difficult IV access.
Elastography Improves the Diagnostic Accuracy of Sonography in Differentiating Endometrial Polyps and Submucosal Fibroids
Authors: Czuczwar Piotr , Wozniak Slawomir , Szkodziak Piotr , Kudla Marek J. , Pyra Krzysztof , Paszkowski Tomasz 
Published: September 2016

ObjectivesTo assess whether strain elastography may be used to visualize the different stiffness of endometrial polyps and submucosal fibroids.MethodsWe conducted a prospective monocentric single‐operator study on diagnostic accuracy. Patients who qualified for hysteroscopy because of suspected endometrial polyps and submucosal fibroids were included. Before the procedure, all patients underwent routine sonographic and power Doppler examinations. Additionally, the stiffness of intrauterine lesions was assessed by strain elastography. The enhancement was adjusted to visualize hard myometrium and soft endometrium around the intrauterine lesion. Due to their histologic structure, we assumed that on strain elastography, endometrial polyps should appear as soft lesions, whereas submucosal fibroids should appear as hard lesions. Sonographic, power Doppler, and elastographic findings were verified by pathologic examinations after hysteroscopies. The diagnostic accuracy of sonography, power Doppler imaging, and strain elastography was compared by the McNemar test.ResultsForty‐seven patients were included and underwent hysteroscopy. In 29 cases, endometrial polyps were found, and in 18, submucosal fibroids were found. The diagnostic accuracy rates for B‐mode sonography, power Doppler imaging, and strain elastography in distinguishing endometrial polyps and submucosal fibroids were 70.2%, 65.9%, and 89.4%, respectively. The proportion of correct findings was significantly higher for strain elastography than for B‐mode sonography (P = .0265) and power Doppler imaging (P = .0153).ConclusionsStrain elastography complements sonography in differentiating intrauterine lesions. Strain elastography may be used to visualize the different stiffness of endometrial polyps and submucosal fibroids.
Analytical Chemistry in the Life Sciences and Medicine
Authors: Ham Bryan M. 
Published: September 2016

Analytical chemistry, the scientific discipline associated with the study and characterization of both natural and artificial materials, is growing in almost every area. Qualitative and quantitative methods are used in a complementary fashion for the separation, identification, and quantification of analytes that make up the sample under investigation.Analytical methods can be broken down into two areas: traditional benchtop (also called wet chemistry) and instrumental analysis—the driving force behind almost all recent advances—that employs sophisticated computerized apparatus with specialized software for measurement. Recent improvements in instrumental analyses focus on applications to a broader scope of disciplines, including bioanalysis, forensics, military, environmental analysis, industrial analysis, materials analysis, and medical and clinical analysis. Biological applications (bioanalytical chemistry) such as cancer and biomarker studies are of special interest and therefore are the focus of this article.
Fuels For Internal Combustion Engines
Authors: Hancsók Jenő 
Published: September 2016

Mobility is critical for sustainable development. The share of vehicles with internal combustion engines exceeds 95% globally (2014). The rest are electric engines and others. Therefore, engine fuels are one of most important energy sources.
Internal combustion engines can be intermittent (eg, Otto engine, diesel engine) or continuous (aviation turbine) and these engines use different motor fuels to generate power. Gasolines are the main fuel for spark‐ignition internal combustion engines (Otto engines), diesel fuels are for compression ignition internal combustion engines (diesel engines), marine fuels are for shipping, and aviation turbine fuels (JET fuels) are used for aviation turbines.
In this article, energy requirements for transportation, regulation of fuels quality, and fuels standards are discussed.
Influence of the solar cycle on the Polar‐night Jet Oscillation in the Southern Hemisphere
Authors: Kuroda Yuhji , Deushi Makoto 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe Polar‐night Jet Oscillation (PJO) is the dominant mode of stratospheric variability in the Southern Hemisphere and persists from midwinter to spring. The influence of the 11 year solar cycle on modulation of the PJO from late winter to spring is examined using observations and three 42 year simulations from a chemistry‐climate model. The only variation applied to model boundary conditions was the strength of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This is set at 2 times larger than observations to enhance the strength of the solar signal. Simulations show a downward propagation of the stratospheric signal into the troposphere from late winter to spring, which tends to be enhanced as UV strength increases. This result is similar to observations but with a 1–2 month lag. The behavior of the PJO with respect to wave‐mean flow interactions is examined using a newly developed momentum budget analysis as well as wave energy analysis. We suggest that UV modulation of the interactions between planetary waves and zonal‐mean flow in the stratosphere, rather than direct diabatic processes as suggested in a previous study, is the source of solar cycle modulation of the PJO.