bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hemoglobin–oxygen affinity in high-altitude vertebrates: is there evidence for an adaptive trend?
Authors: Storz Jay F. 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACT
In air-breathing vertebrates at high altitude, fine-tuned adjustments in hemoglobin (Hb)–O2 affinity provide an energetically efficient means of mitigating the effects of arterial hypoxemia. However, it is not always clear whether an increased or decreased Hb–O2 affinity should be expected to improve tissue O2 delivery under different degrees of hypoxia, due to the inherent trade-off between arterial O2 loading and peripheral O2 unloading. Theoretical results indicate that the optimal Hb–O2 affinity varies as a non-linear function of environmental O2 availability, and the threshold elevation at which an increased Hb–O2 affinity becomes advantageous depends on the magnitude of diffusion limitation (the extent to which O2 equilibration at the blood–gas interface is limited by the kinetics of O2 exchange). This body of theory provides a framework for interpreting the possible adaptive significance of evolved changes in Hb–O2 affinity in vertebrates that have colonized high-altitude environments. To evaluate the evidence for an empirical generalization and to test theoretical predictions, I synthesized comparative data in a phylogenetic framework to assess the strength of the relationship between Hb–O2 affinity and native elevation in mammals and birds. Evidence for a general trend in mammals is equivocal, but there is a remarkably strong positive relationship between Hb–O2 affinity and native elevation in birds. Evolved changes in Hb function in high-altitude birds provide one of the most compelling examples of convergent biochemical adaptation in vertebrates.
Current versus future reproduction and longevity: a re-evaluation of predictions and mechanisms
Authors: Zhang Yufeng , Hood Wendy R. 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACT
Oxidative damage is predicted to be a mediator of trade-offs between current reproduction and future reproduction or survival, but most studies fail to support such predictions. We suggest that two factors underlie the equivocal nature of these findings: (1) investigators typically assume a negative linear relationship between current reproduction and future reproduction or survival, even though this is not consistently shown by empirical studies; and (2) studies often fail to target mechanisms that could link interactions between sequential life-history events. Here, we review common patterns of reproduction, focusing on the relationships between reproductive performance, survival and parity in females. Observations in a range of species show that performance between sequential reproductive events can decline, remain consistent or increase. We describe likely bioenergetic consequences of reproduction that could underlie these changes in fitness, including mechanisms that could be responsible for negative effects being ephemeral, persistent or delayed. Finally, we make recommendations for designing future studies. We encourage investigators to carefully consider additional or alternative measures of bioenergetic function in studies of life-history trade-offs. Such measures include reactive oxygen species production, oxidative repair, mitochondrial biogenesis, cell proliferation, mitochondrial DNA mutation and replication error and, importantly, a measure of the respiratory function to determine whether measured differences in bioenergetic state are associated with a change in the energetic capacity of tissues that could feasibly affect future reproduction or lifespan. More careful consideration of the life-history context and bioenergetic variables will improve our understanding of the mechanisms that underlie the life-history patterns of animals.
The private life of echidnas: using accelerometry and GPS to examine field biomechanics and assess the ecological impact of a widespread, semi-fossorial monotreme
Authors: Clemente Christofer J. , Cooper Christine E. , Withers Philip C. , Freakley Craig , Singh Surya , Terrill Philip 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACTThe short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) is a monotreme and therefore provides a unique combination of phylogenetic history, morphological differentiation and ecological specialisation for a mammal. The echidna has a unique appendicular skeleton, a highly specialised myrmecophagous lifestyle and a mode of locomotion that is neither typically mammalian nor reptilian, but has aspects of both lineages. We therefore were interested in the interactions of locomotor biomechanics, ecology and movements for wild, free-living short-beaked echidnas. To assess locomotion in its complex natural environment, we attached both GPS and accelerometer loggers to the back of echidnas in both spring and summer. We found that the locomotor biomechanics of echidnas is unique, with lower stride length and stride frequency than reported for similar-sized mammals. Speed modulation is primarily accomplished through changes in stride frequency, with a mean of 1.39 Hz and a maximum of 2.31 Hz. Daily activity period was linked to ambient air temperature, which restricted daytime activity during the hotter summer months. Echidnas had longer activity periods and longer digging bouts in spring compared with summer. In summer, echidnas had higher walking speeds than in spring, perhaps because of the shorter time suitable for activity. Echidnas spent, on average, 12% of their time digging, which indicates their potential to excavate up to 204 m3 of soil a year. This information highlights the important contribution towards ecosystem health, via bioturbation, of this widespread Australian monotreme.
Trials based on specific fracture configuration and surgical procedures likely to be more relevant for decision making in the management of fractures of the proximal humerus
Authors: Sabharwal S. , Patel N. K. , Griffiths D. , Athanasiou T. , Gupte C. M. , Reilly P. 
Published: October 2016

Objectives The objective of this study was to perform a meta-analysis of all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing surgical and non-surgical management of fractures of the proximal humerus, and to determine whether further analyses based on complexity of fracture, or the type of surgical intervention, produced disparate findings on patient outcomes. Methods A systematic review of the literature was performed identifying all RCTs that compared surgical and non-surgical management of fractures of the proximal humerus. Meta-analysis of clinical outcomes was performed where possible. Subgroup analysis based on the type of fracture, and a sensitivity analysis based on the type of surgical intervention, were also performed. Results Seven studies including 528 patients were included. The overall meta-analysis found that there was no difference in clinical outcomes. However, subgroup and sensitivity analyses found improved patient outcomes for more complex fractures managed surgically. Four-part fractures that underwent surgery had improved long-term health utility scores (mean difference, MD 95% CI 0.04 to 0.28; p = 0.007). They were also less likely to result in osteoarthritis, osteonecrosis and non/malunion (OR 7.38, 95% CI 1.97 to 27.60; p = 0.003). Another significant subgroup finding was that secondary surgery was more common for patients that underwent internal fixation compared with conservative management within the studies with predominantly three-part fractures (OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.63; p = 0.009). Conclusion This meta-analysis has demonstrated that differences in the type of fracture and surgical treatment result in outcomes that are distinct from those generated from analysis of all types of fracture and surgical treatments grouped together. This has important implications for clinical decision making and should highlight the need for future trials to adopt more specific inclusion criteria. Cite this article: S. Sabharwal, N. K. Patel, D. Griffiths, T. Athanasiou, C. M. Gupte, P. Reilly. Trials based on specific fracture configuration and surgical procedures likely to be more relevant for decision making in the management of fractures of the proximal humerus: Findings of a meta-analysisBone Joint Res 2016;5:470–480. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.510.2000638.
Tourism Sector on the Zagreb Stock Exchange (ZSE): What is the Value of Croatian Tourism?
Authors: Penda Ivor Altaras 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
In this paper the author investigates and analyzes the historical and current data on the shares of the tourism sector on the Zagreb Stock Exchange (ZSE), and on that basis he is trying to estimate the value of entire Croatian tourism. He also argues that the lack of transparency of the domestic capital market, and in particular its inefficiency, is directly reflected on the tourism sector as its significant component. Tourism represents about 15% of the total Croatian economy, with clear indications that it is one of the few segments in which Croatia has certain success, and has significant progress in this part of the national economy. Thereby tourism sector deserves special attention on the securities market, which has one of the fundamental tasks to find funds on the market for financing development projects.
An Analysis of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism in the Context of Corporate Social Responsibility
Authors: Buzar Stipe 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
The author analyzes the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism in the context of corporate social responsibility and the need for discussing this topic in ethical codes within the business and tourism sector. The text first offers an overview of the fundamental ethical concepts in business ethics and corporate social responsibility and briefly conceptualizes the relationship between these two fields. At the end, the author analyzes the content of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism with emphasis on the elements pertaining to corporate social responsibility, after which he offers a critical opinion about the contribution of the aforemntioned code.
Welfare: The Negative Societal Effects
Authors: Knight Victoria , Simpson David , Block Walter 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
The welfare system was instituted, presumably, to decrease poverty, increase the wealth and well-being of the poor. Paradoxically, it has had just about the opposite effect. How did this boomerang in public policy occur? It is simple. Welfare payments helped break up the family, disproportionately in the black community. But a non-intact family is one of the most effective causal agents in impoverishment. Hence, a program that throws massive amounts of money at poor people reduces their economic wellbeing, does not increase it.
Methodology Proposal for Increasing Swift Trust within Virtual Teams in the Inception Phase of a Project Life-Cycle: Project Manager’s Perspective
Authors: Milovanović Bojan Morić , Krišto Tomislav , Srhoj Stjepan 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
This paper proposes team building methodology for project managers in virtual teams as means to develop swift trust between new team members in the inception phase of the project life cycle. Proposed methodology encompasses activities within the first three days after the team formation and proposes the measuring tools for monitoring and managing trust development within the project team. Aim of this paper is to provide new insights to various decision makers potentially interested in increasing the performance of project teams operating in virtual environment, such as: investors, business owners and project managers working in virtual environment.
Tourism – An Outsider’s View
Authors: Vukonić Boris 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
When nearly fifty years ago I wrote my first article on tourism, I could have written and talked about “an outsider’s view”. Everything that followed was “an insider’s view”. However, since I am no longer active, in the literal meaning of the word, in tourism, I can again rightfully claim that this article will offer “an outsider’s view”. Nevertheless, today this view is significantly different from the one I held during my early engagement with Croatian tourism, due to the diverse experience I gained during my longstanding career. As a result, this title should be taken as an effort to provide the article with a more attractive heading than article titles found in professional publications or as a tendency to give it a special meaning.
This paper attempts to provide a summarized explanation of the position of modern Croatian tourism today, to make relevant the tourism results in Croatia in 2015 and to offer author’s commentary on preparations for the tourism season 2016.
Russian Roulette; Rejoinder to Robins
Authors: Block Walter E. 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
This paper is an attempt to understand and elaborate upon libertarian punishment theory. It is completely non-controversial, even amongst non-libertarians, that the criminal must be forced to return his ill-gotten gains to the victim. At least among libertarians, it is agreed upon, in addition, that the punishment for the criminal must be proportionate to his crime. This, typically, implies that what he did to the victim should be done to him. For example, if A steals a car from B, A must be compelled to return that automobile to B, and, then, to give B a vehicle owned by A. But what about the fact that A scared B when he committed his dastardly crime? Should punishment theory take that into account too, and, if so, how? That is the subject of the present paper.
The Problem of Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Closed Coal Mine Shafts – The Overview and the Case Study
Authors: Wrona Paweł , Sułkowski Józef , Różański Zenon , Pach Grzegorz 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
Greenhouse gas emissions are a common problem noticed in every mining area just after mine closures. However, there could be a significant local gas hazard for people with continuous (but variable) emission of these gases into the atmosphere.
In the Upper Silesia area, there are 24 shafts left for water pumping purposes and gases can flow through them hydraulically. One of them – Gliwice II shaft – was selected for inspection. Carbon dioxide emission with no methane was detected here. Changes in emission and concentration of carbon dioxide around the shaft was the aim of research carried out.
It was stated that a selected shaft can create two kinds of gas problems. The first relates to CO2 emission into the atmosphere. Possible emission of that gas during one minute was estimated at 5,11 kg CO2/min. The second problem refers to the local hazard at the surface. The emission was detected within a radius of 8m from the emission point at the level 1m above the ground.
These kinds of matters should be subject to regular gas monitoring and reporting procedures.
Goniolimon dalmaticum Rchb. f. and G. tataricum (L.) Boiss. (Plumbaginaceae) in the Croatian Flora and their Distribution in the Balkan Peninsula
Authors: Buzurović Uroš , Bogdanović Sandro , Niketić Marjan , Tomović Gordana 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
Goniolimon tataricum (L.) Boiss. is recognized as a new species for the Croatian flora. Besides G. dalmaticum Rchb. f., G. tataricum represents the second species of this genus in Croatia. To confirm the identity of G. tataricum as a new species, morphometric study and multivariate statistical analysis were performed on the data from four Croatian populations of G. dalmaticum and G. tataricum. Based on results of morphometric analysis, an identification key for these two species is provided. Data about distribution in the Balkan Peninsula, habitat and ecology of the newly-recorded species are also presented. Typification of G. dalmaticum was performed for the first time.
Micromorphological, Anatomical and Cytogenetical Studies in Endemic Crepis macropus Boiss. & Heldr. (Asteraceae) from Turkey
Authors: Inceer Huseyin , Kalmuk Nursen Aksu , Imamoglu Kemal Vehbi , Duman Ozge , Hayirlioglu-Ayaz Sema , Arslan Gokhan 
Published: October 2016

AbstractIn the present study, the micromorphological structure of achene, pappus and style using scanning electron microscope (SEM), stomatal characteristics, anatomy of stem and achene together with chromosome number and nuclear DNA content of the Turkish endemicCrepis macropusBoiss. & Heldr. are provided in order to expand knowledge of its taxonomy. The SEM studies in this species show that dense spiny cells are found on the achene surface, the pappus bristle has 3–5 spikes and the style possesses slender papillae. The stem structure is composed of epidermis, collenchyma, parenchymatous cortex and pith. The species has anomocytic stomata in both the upper and the lower surface of the leaves. The pericarp of the achene is mainly composed of several layers of sclerenchymatous cells. In this species, the chromosome number is 2n = 2x = 8, karyotype consists of two submetacentric and six subtelocentric chromosomes and nuclear DNA content (2Cvalue) is 12.96 pg. These data are presented here for the first time and their taxonomic values are discussed.
Intracluster Homogeneity Selection Problem in a Business Survey
Authors: Žmuk Berislav 
Published: October 2016

Abstract

Background: In the cluster sampling approach many parameters have influence on lowering the survey costs and one of the most important is the intracluster homogeneity.

Objectives: The goal of the paper is to find the most optimal value of intracluster homogeneity in case when two or more questions or variables have a key role in the research.

Methods/Approach: Five key variables have been selected from a business survey conducted in Croatia and results for the two-stage cluster sampling design approach were simulated. The calculated intracluster homogeneity values were compared among all the five observed questions and survey costs and precision levels were inspected.

Results: In the new cluster sampling design, for the fixed precision level, the lowest survey costs would be achieved by using the intracluster homogeneity value which is the closest to the average intracluster homogeneity value among all the key questions. Similar results were obtained when survey costs were held fixed.

Conclusions: If there is more than one key question in the survey, then the best solution would be to use an average intracluster homogeneity value. However, one should notice that in that case minimum survey costs would not be reached, but the precision levels would increase at all key questions.
Polypropylene – zinc oxide nanorod hybrid material for applications in separation processes
Authors: Jakubiak Szymon , Tomaszewska Justyna , Jackiewicz Anna , Michalski Jakub , Kurzydłowski Krzysztof J. 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
Hybrid filter material was obtained via modification of polypropylene (PP) nonwoven with nanosize zinc oxide particles of a high aspect ratio. Modification was conducted as a three-step process, a variant of hydrothermal method used for synthesis of nano-ZnO, adopted for coating three dimensional polymeric nonwoven filters. The process consisted of plasma treatment of nonwoven to increase its wettability, deposition of ZnO nanoparticles and low temperature hydrothermal growth of ZnO rods. The modified nonwovens were investigated by a high resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM). It has been found that the obtained hybrid filters offer a higher filtration efficiency, in particular for so called most penetrating particle sizes.
The Transaction Footprints of Scottish Food And Drink SMEs
Authors: Copus Andrew , Hopkins Jonathan , Creaney Rachel 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
This paper presents a survey approach to measuring the “transaction footprints” of rural small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). Combined with a graphical presentation of results, this contributes to the evidence base on the roles of local and global linkages. Findings suggest that the food and drink industry of Scotland is relatively localised in its input and sales interaction pattern, although substantial variations, associated with product specialisms, remoteness/accessibility, input purchasing and marketing strategies, exist. Localised SMEs have weathered the recession slightly better, but more outward-looking in firms tend to have greater optimism about the future. Transaction footprint analysis should be viewed as component of an ongoing process of re-mapping the network infrastructure of the rural economy, alongside analysis of untraded interdependencies, and institutional networks in the realm of governance.
Sarajevo-Romanija Region: A Fluid Space between the Rural and Urban
Authors: Mutabdzija Goran 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
In this paper, emphasis is placed on the complexity of rural-urban relations and their reflection on the important socio-geographical processes, from de-agrarian and migration to the creation of new settlements and strengthening nodality individual centres. A clear polarization in urban and rural areas is more difficult due to the lack of adequate statistical indicators or deployment of institutions with different degree of importance, population density and distance from major city, providing sufficiently clear evidence of the degree of urbanity of local communities. This can be best seen in the Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) which is sparsely populated country with an average of 74 inhabitants/km2. Since there is a clear correlation between this indicator and sustainable development, increasing urbanization rates, which can stimulate economic growth and reduce poverty, is set as the primary social objective. Many developing countries looking for a way better governance of rural-urban relations, as one of the elements of inclusive growth, as a crucial element in the development of any society through innovation (industry) and harmonious territorial relations (urban-rural). Since BiH has a negative historical heritage but also unfavourable indicators of the degree of urbanization (40%), macroeconomic stability (29% of the GDP of the EU average) and the degree of innovation (44% compared to Switzerland) it is clear that should be analyzed and rural-urban relations as one of the signposts along the way of creating a better and healthier society.
Effect of Nitrates, Thiocyanates and Selenium on the Iron and Iodine Status of Postpartum Women
Authors: Bivolarska Anelia V. , Maneva Ana I. , Gatseva Penka D. , Katsarova Mariana N. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractAim:To find correlations between high thiocyanate and nitrate levels and low selenium levels and the indicators of the iodine and iron status of postpartum women.Materials and methods:The study included 41 mothers aged 26.4±5.9 yrs from Asenovgrad and nearby villages. Urinary iodine was determined by the Sandell-Kolthoff reaction and thiocyanate – by the interaction of these ions with acidic solution of KMnO4; for serum nitrates we used the colorimetric method; serum selenium was assessed by electro-thermal atomic-absorption spectrophotometry; thyroxin (FT4), the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), serum ferritin (SF), and serum transferrin receptor (sTfR) were determined using ELISA; Hb levels were determined by hematology analyzer.Results:Assessing the iodine status, we found a negative correlation between the levels of iodine and thiocyanates in urine (R=−0.717, р<0.0001), a positive correlation between nitrates and TSH (R=0.487, р=0.003) and a negative correlation between nitrates and FT4 (R=−0.312, р=0.06). For the iron status, we found a negative correlation between nitrates and SF (R=−0.429, р=0.009) and between nitrates and Hb (R=−0.383, р=0.021). The Mann-Whitney U-test showed that in women with nitrate levels higher than the mean value there was low FT4 level (р=0.06), high TSH level (р=0.013), low Hb concentration (р=0.061) and low SF concentration (р=0.005). The combined effects of environmental factors (elevated nitrate levels and low selenium level) on the iodine and iron status are manifested by low concentrations of FT4 (р=0.033), Hb (р=0.06) and SF (р=0.05) and high level of TSH (р=0.05).Inconclusion, we found that environmental factors, especially when combined, have a negative impact on the iron and iodine status of females.