bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stress test of banks in India across ownerships: a VAR approach
Authors: Banerjee Sreejata , Murali Divya 
Published: August 2017

Purpose
This paper aims to examine whether the Indian banking system is robust to withstand unexpected shocks from external and domestic macroeconomic factors after financial liberalization in 1992. As proposed by Demirgüç-Kunt and Detragiache (1998) and Kaminsky and Reinhart (1999) banking crisis follows financial liberalization. India embarked financial deregulation from 1992, whereas the ongoing global financial crisis (GFC) could jeopardize bank portfolios.

Design/methodology/approach
Stress test is undertaken through the vector auto regressive (VAR) model to examine if decline in GDP, exchange rate volatility and foreign capital portfolio funds adversely impact bank asset quality through higher defaults. The VAR model is run for banks belonging to public, private or foreign ownership. Soundness of banks is measured by the non-performing assets (NPAs) with quarterly data from 1997 to 2014. Post-VAR estimation technique, Granger causality test (GC) and impulse response function (IRF) are used to check for robustness of the VAR model findings.

Findings
The authors found that there is little divergence among banks of different ownership in responding to the shocks from REER, foreign capital flows and GDP output gap. IRF shows that GDP shock to NPA of public and private banks takes more than nine and eight quarters to stabilize. Foreign banks are impacted by the same macroeconomic factors. The stress test exhibits that public banks are more vulnerable and need recapitalization. Moreover, domestic banks are not adversely affected by the GFC, and credit for this could be attributed to the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI’s) regulatory policy.

Research limitations/implications
Surprisingly, capital market indices do not influence banks’ NPA, and this needs further investigation. The limitation arises from the fact that stock market index for banks was launched only in the early 2000. Missing data and limited number of banks shares traded in the market could explain the trivial results.

Practical implications
Findings of this study will be useful to RBI policymakers and bank managers. The exchange-rate risk faced by borrowers that lead to increased NPAs is an issue that the RBI would be interested to examine. The impact of foreign capital flows, adversely influencing the NPAs of banks, is a significant issue that the RBI is concerned with.

Social implications
Banking sector crisis has serious repercussions, causing loss of household savings and decline in confidence in the banking sector.

Originality/value
This topic was explored in India only by Bhattacharya and Roy in (2008). No other similar work has been done to the authors’ knowledge in stress test of banks in India across different ownership. The authors’ study period covers the GFC and shows that it has not caused devastation as it has in developed countries.
Earthworms affect plant growth and resistance against herbivores: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Xiao Zhenggao , Wang Xie , Koricheva Julia , Kergunteuil Alan , Le Bayon Renée‐Claire , Liu Manqiang , Hu Feng , Rasmann Sergio 
Published: August 2017

Abstract

Subterranean detritivores such as earthworms can increase soil nutrient availability through their burrowing and casting activities. A number of recent studies have explored whether these changes caused by earthworms may in turn affect plant performance and resistance to herbivores, but no formal synthesis of this literature has been conducted to date.

We tested for the effects of earthworms on plant growth, resistance and chemical defences against insect herbivores by performing a meta‐analysis of the existing literature up to 2016. We also explored ecological factors that might explain among‐studies variation in the magnitude of the earthworm effects on plant growth and resistance.

We found that earthworm presence increases plant growth (by 20%) and nitrogen content (by 11%). Overall, earthworms did not affect plant resistance against chewing herbivores (caterpillars, slugs and rootworms), and even led to a 22% decrease in plant resistance against phloem‐feeding herbivores (aphids). However, earthworm presence increased production of chemical defences by 31% when plants where attacked by cell‐feeders (thrips), and resulted in an 81% increase in resistance against thrips. The magnitude of earthworm effects was stronger when earthworm inoculations consisted of a mix of species and ecological types, and when densities of earthworms were high.

These results suggest that earthworm presence is an important factor underlying natural variation in plant defences against herbivores, and call for a better integration of the soil fauna in the studies of plant‐herbivore interaction, both for applied and fundamental research.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Radial variation of wood functional traits reflect size‐related adaptations of tree mechanics and hydraulics
Authors: Rungwattana Kanin , Hietz Peter 
Published: August 2017

Abstract

Wood serves for mechanical support, water transport and storage. These functions are provided for by different cells with a large variation in wood anatomy among species but also within individual trees. The latter often reflects ontogenetic adjustments, related to tree size or age, which can be studied by looking at patterns of radial variation in wood.

We quantified radial variation in wood density (WD) and wood anatomy and ask how ontogenetic changes of wood functions are controlled in five canopy tree species in western Thailand. We ask if there are trade‐offs between these main functions of wood, how ontogenetic trends are linked to differences in growth trajectories and shade tolerance among tree species and if wood properties are mainly controlled by tree age or by size.

In all species studied, vessel fraction, vessel size, theoretical hydraulic conductivity (Kh) and fibre wall thickness significantly increased with tree diameter. While the ray fraction also increased in all species except Neolitsea, axial parenchyma changed significantly only in Afzelia, the species with by far the largest axial parenchyma fraction. The average WD and Kh reflect the phenology, with deciduous and shade‐intolerant Toona and Melia having low WD and high Kh, and shade‐tolerant brevi‐deciduous Chukrasia and evergreen Neolitsea having higher WD and low Kh. Deciduous Afzelia, however, had the lowest Kh and second‐highest WD. The radial gradients in WD and Kh also reflect within‐species differences in growth rates during ontogeny.

The relationship between WD and its underlying anatomical components varied substantially among species. Modulating fibre wall thickness and vessel size enables growing trees to increase water transport capacity and mechanical strength at the same time. Across species, tree diameter had a stronger effect than age on all parameters except for fibres.

Given the very substantial within‐tree size‐related variation in wood traits, tree size is an essential parameter to include in comparative studies on the functional ecology of wood. Analysing ontogenetic changes in wood can advance our understanding of the different ecological strategies of trees.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Life stage and species identity affect whether habitat subsidies enhance or simply redistribute consumer biomass
Authors: Keller Danielle A. , Gittman Rachel K. , Bouchillon Rachel K. , Fodrie F. Joel 
Published: August 2017

AbstractQuantifying the response of mobile consumers to changes in habitat availability is essential for determining the degree to which population‐level productivity is habitat limited rather than regulated by other, potentially density‐independent factors.Over landscape scales, this can be explored by monitoring changes in density and foraging as habitat availability varies. As habitat availability increases, densities may: (1) decrease (unit‐area production decreases; weak habitat limitation); (2) remain stable (unit‐area production remains stable; habitat limitation) or (3) increase (unit‐area production increases; strong habitat limitation).We tested the response of mobile estuarine consumers over 5 months to changes in habitat availability in situ by comparing densities and feeding rates on artificial reefs that were or were not adjacent to neighbouring artificial reefs or nearby natural reefs.Using either constructed or natural reefs to manipulate habitat availability, we documented threefold density decreases among juvenile stone crabs as habitat increased (i.e. weak habitat imitation). However, for adult stone crabs, density remained stable across treatments, demonstrating that habitat limitation presents a bottleneck in this species’ later life history. Oyster toadfish densities also did not change with increasing habitat availability (i.e. habitat limitation), but densities of other cryptic fishes decreased as habitat availability increased (i.e. weak limitation). Feeding and abundance data suggested that some mobile fishes experience habitat limitation, or, potentially in one case, strong limitation across our habitat manipulations.These findings of significant, community‐level habitat limitation provide insight into how global declines in structurally complex estuarine habitats may have reduced the fishery production of coastal ecosystems.
Invasive earthworms erode soil biodiversity: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Ferlian Olga , Eisenhauer Nico , Aguirrebengoa Martin , Camara Mariama , Ramirez‐Rojas Irene , Santos Fábio , Tanalgo Krizler , Thakur Madhav P. 
Published: August 2017

Abstract

Biological invasions pose a serious threat to biodiversity and ecosystem functioning across ecosystems. Invasions by ecosystem engineers, in particular, have been shown to have dramatic effects in recipient ecosystems. For instance, invasion by earthworms, a below‐ground invertebrate ecosystem engineer, in previously earthworm‐free ecosystems alters the physico‐chemical characteristics of the soil. Studies have shown that such alterations in the soil can have far‐reaching impacts on soil organisms, which form a major portion of terrestrial biodiversity.

Here, we present the first quantitative synthesis of earthworm invasion effects on soil micro‐organisms and soil invertebrates based on 430 observations from 30 independent studies.

Our meta‐analysis shows a significant decline of the diversity and density of soil invertebrates in response to earthworm invasion with anecic and endogeic earthworms causing the strongest effects. Earthworm invasion effects on soil micro‐organisms were context‐dependent, such as depending on functional group richness of invasive earthworms and soil depth. Microbial biomass and diversity increased in mineral soil layers, with a weak negative effect in organic soil layers, indicating that the mixing of soil layers by earthworms (bioturbation) may homogenize microbial communities across soil layers.

Our meta‐analysis provides a compelling evidence for negative effects of a common invasive below‐ground ecosystem engineer on below‐ground biodiversity of recipient ecosystems, which could potentially alter the ecosystem functions and services linked to soil biota.
Early‐ and late‐flowering guilds respond differently to landscape spatial structure
Authors: Miller Jesse E. D. , Ives Anthony R. , Harrison Susan P. , Damschen Ellen I. 
Published: August 2017

Abstract

Species with unique phenologies have distinct trait syndromes and environmental affinities, yet there has been little exploration of whether community assembly processes differ for plants with different phenologies. In this study, we ask whether early‐ and late‐blooming species differ in the ways that dispersal, persistence and resource acquisition traits shape plant occurrence patterns in patchy habitats.

We sampled plant communities in 51 Ozark dolomite glade grasslands, which range in size from <1 ha to >100 ha. We modelled the occurrence of 71 spring‐ and 43 summer‐blooming grassland species in these patches, using as predictors both environmental variables (landscape structure, soil resources) and plant traits related to dispersal, longevity and resource acquisition. We were especially interested in how the environmental variables and plant traits interacted to determine the occurrence of phenological strategies in habitats that vary in size and isolation.

Summer‐blooming species with better persistence and dispersal abilities had higher relative frequencies in smaller, more isolated habitat patches, and summer‐blooming species with higher specific leaf area—suggesting fast growth and low stress tolerance—were more likely to occur in patches with greater soil organic matter and clay content. However, spring‐blooming species showed much weaker interactions between functional traits and environmental gradients, perhaps because environmental conditions are less harsh in spring than in summer.

Synthesis. Several axes of plant life‐history variation may simultaneously influence community responses to habitat connectivity. In this case, explicitly considering plant phenology helped identify generalizable relationships between functional traits and landscape spatial structure.
Bipolar transurethral enucleation and resection of the prostate versus bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate for prostates larger than 80 g: Comparison of early postoperative outcome
Authors: Cho Chak‐Lam , Mak Christy Wing‐Hin , Chan Wayne Kwun‐Wai , Chu Ringo Wing‐Hong , Law In‐Chak 
Published: August 2017

AimThe aim of the present study was to compare the safety and early postoperative outcomes of bipolar transurethral enucleation and resection of the prostate (TUERP) and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in patients with prostates larger than 80 g.Patients and MethodsBetween January 2014 and December 2016, 41 and 61 patients had bipolar TUERP and bipolar TURP performed at our unit for the treatment of prostates larger than 80 g. All patients were evaluated preoperatively by digital rectal examination, transrectal ultrasonography and laboratory studies, including measurement of haemoglobin and prostate‐specific antigen levels. Patients were reassessed postoperatively at 3 months.ResultsThe preoperative parameters between bipolar TUERP and TURP were comparable. Bipolar TUERP is more efficient in tissue removal, with more tissue retrieved per minute of theatre time (0.73 g/min vs 0.64 g/min, P = 0.022). The hospitalization time between the groups was comparable. Bipolar TUERP achieved a lower serum prostate‐specific antigen level (1 ng/mL vs 1.8 ng/mL, P < 0.001), lower transrectal ultrasonography volume (18.3 cm3 vs 23.8 cm3, P < 0.001) and higher peak flow rate (23.1 mL/s vs 16.9 mL/s, P = 0.026) compared with bipolar TURP at 3 months postoperatively. Postoperative complications due to urinary tract infection were more common in the bipolar TURP group, while the readmission rate due to transient haematuria was higher among bipolar TUERP patients. The transfusion rate was low in both groups, and postoperative urethral stricture was uncommon.ConclusionsBipolar TUERP is a safe technique for the surgical treatment of large prostates. More complete removal of adenoma can be achieved without an increase in theatre time. Bipolar TUERP results in better early postoperative functional outcomes in terms of higher peak flow rate compared with bipolar TURP. The complication rate is not increased with bipolar TUERP.
When invasive ants meet: effects of outbreeding on queen performance in the tramp ant Cardiocondyla itsukii
Authors: Heinze Jürgen , Frohschammer Sabine , Bernadou Abel 
Published: August 2017

AbstractMost disturbed habitats in the tropics and subtropics harbor numerous species of invasive ants, and occasionally the same species has been introduced repeatedly from multiple geographical sources. We examined how experimental crossbreeding between sexuals from different populations affects the fitness of queens of the tramp ant Cardiocondyla itsukii, which is widely distributed in Asia and the Pacific Islands. Eggs laid by queens that mated with nestmate males had a higher hatching rate than eggs laid by queens mated to males from neighboring (Hawaii × Kauai) or distant introduced populations (Hawaii/Kauai × Okinawa). Furthermore, inbreeding queens had a longer lifespan and produced a less female‐biased offspring sex ratio than queens from allopatric mating. This suggests that the genetic divergence between different source populations may already be so large that in case of multiple invasions eventual crossbreeding might negatively affect the fitness of tramp ants.
Negotiating Sustained Action for Sustainable Development – Application to Students in South Sudan
Authors: Mugisha Frederick 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe global agenda on sustainable development will require a process to inspire individual and organization SDG‐related actions and commit to report progress on until 2030. It will be powerful for example to know how actions of university students will change as they become leaders, and how universities will align their actions to the challenges of communities and governments. This commentary characterizes a 5‐stage process to inspire individual, collective and institutional actions for sustainable development. In 2016, over 500 students in seven universities in South Sudan underwent the first four stages. They reviewed milestones and took the journey into the future to 2030 and 2063. They articulated the future South Sudan they want as ‘one that is peaceful, inclusive and prosperous, with strong institutions that prioritize the interest of her citizens’. They then prioritized the SDGs that resonate to that future as Goals 16, 4 and 1 in that order. Finally they pledged to ‘undertake inter‐university dialogue, research and innovation for Sustainable Development’. In 2017, the leadership of universities and students will commit to SDG‐actions and to report on progress as a basis for sharing and learning each year until the year 2030 when the agenda is concluded.
First‐aid training in school: amount, content and hindrances
Authors: Bakke H. K. , Bakke H. K. , Schwebs R. 
Published: August 2017

BackgroundTo increase knowledge and competence about first aid in the population, first‐aid instruction is included in primary and secondary school curricula. This study aimed to establish how much time is spent on first‐aid training, which first‐aid measures are taught, and which factors prevent teachers from providing the quantity and quality of first‐aid training that they wish to give.MethodsA questionnaire was distributed to teachers in physical education in primary and secondary schools and to teachers in vocational subjects in higher secondary schools.ResultsThe teachers taught a median of two lessons in first aid per year. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was taught by 64% of teachers, free airway and recovery position by 69% and stopping severe bleeding by 51%. Recognising heart attack and stroke was taught by 25% and 23%, respectively. The main factors that the teachers perceived as limiting the amount and quality of first‐aid training were insufficient learning objective specifications in the curriculum, too many other competence aims, lack of CPR mannequins and lack of training as first‐aid instructors.DiscussionNorwegian teachers provide an appreciable amount of first‐aid training to their students. However, several potential life‐saving measures are poorly covered. The curriculum needs to contain first aid but also should specify what first‐aid measures to be taught. First‐aid training of teachers should adequately prepare them to be first‐aid instructors.
Spontaneous breathing trials after prolonged mechanical ventilation monitored by electrical impedance tomography: an observational study
Authors: Zhao Z. , Peng S.‐Y. , Chang M.‐Y. , Hsu Y.‐L. , Frerichs I. , Chang H.‐T. , Möller K. 
Published: August 2017

BackgroundThe study objective was to examine the correlation between regional ventilation distribution measured with electrical impedance tomography (EIT) and weaning outcomes during spontaneous breathing trial (SBT).MethodsFifteen patients received 100% automatic tube compensation (ATC) during the first and 70% during the second hour. Another 15 patients received external continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) of 5 and 7.5 cmH2O during the first and second hours, respectively. Regional ventilation distributions were monitored with EIT.ResultsTidal volume and tidal variation of impedance correlated significantly during assist‐control ventilation and ATC in all patients (r2 = 0.80 ± 0.18, P < 0.001). Higher support levels resulted in similar ventilation distribution and tidal volume, but higher end‐expiratory lung impedance (EELI) (P < 0.05). Analysis of regional intratidal gas distribution revealed a redistribution of ventilation towards dorsal regions with lower support level in 13 of 30 patients. These patients had a higher weaning success rate (only 1 of 13 patients failed). Eight of 17 other patient failed (P < 0.05). The number of SBT days needed for weaning was significantly lower in the former group of 13 patients (13.1 ± 4.0 vs. 20.9 ± 11.2 days, P < 0.05).ConclusionsRegional ventilation distribution patterns during inspiration were associated with weaning outcomes, and they may be used to predict the success of extubation.
Bronchial wheezing predicts inflammation and respiratory failure in fire smoke victims
Authors: Nakstad E. R. , Aass H. C. D. , Opdahl H. , Witsø A. , Borchsenius F. , Heyerdahl F. , Skjønsberg O. H. 
Published: August 2017

BackgroundAcute fire smoke inhalation injury involves inflammatory mediators whose roles are poorly understood. We carried out a prospective observational study of fire smoke victims to identify clinical and biochemical markers that may predict pulmonary dysfunction and investigated possible correlations between dysfunction and cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and blood.MethodsForty patients with respiratory and/or neurological symptoms following acute fire smoke inhalation had pulmonary function tests and blood gas analyses performed on admission, at discharge, and after 3 months. Cytokines were measured using BioPlex/XMap technology.ResultsOn admission, 30 (75%) patients had dyspnea. Patients presenting with bronchial wheezing (n = 14) had significantly lower PEF (201 l/min, 82–360) than non‐wheezing patients (406 l/min, 100–683) (n = 16, P = 0.03). Bronchial wheezing predicted need for ICU treatment with OR = 93.3 at 95% CI (P < 0.001) and was associated with gas exchange impairment, with mean paO2/FiO2 ratio 34.4 (11.8–49.8) kPa on admission and 21.3 (8.3–44.5) kPa 48 h later. Blood HbCO also predicted ICU treatment, with OR = 1.58 at 95% CI (P < 0.001). Serum CRP, IL‐6, IL‐8, and MCP‐1 were significantly higher in wheezing patients after 12–24 h compared with non‐wheezing patients and study controls. Cytokine levels were still elevated after 3 months. BAL fluid had significantly higher levels of IL‐8, MCP‐1, IL‐1β, and G‐CSF compared with healthy controls.ConclusionIn victims of fire smoke inhalation, pulmonary wheezing predicts inflammation, pulmonary dysfunction, respiratory failure, and need for intensive care.