bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hierarchy of factors drivingN2Oemissions in non‐tilled soils under different crops
Authors: Cosentino V. R. N. , Figueiro Aureggui S. A. , Taboada M. A. 
Published: September 2013

SummaryNitrous oxide (N2O) is emitted to the atmosphere as a by‐product of nitrification and denitrification by soil microbial processes. Differences in climate, soil and management regulate these processes, causingN2Oemissions to vary in space and time. This study aimed to identify and rank the soil properties that controlN2Oemissions in non‐tilled soils under different crops. Over a period of 2 years, gas samples were taken from closed chambers and soil properties were determined once per season.N2Oemission rates were highly variable (from −15 to 314 µgN2O‐N m−2 hour−1). A regression tree analysis allowed us to classify soilN2Oemissions into three groups, separated by topsoil temperature (primary factor) and water‐filled pore space (WFPS, secondary factor).N2Oemissions were small (mean 4.22 µgN2O‐N m−2 hour−1) with topsoil temperature less than 14°C (Group 1), large (mean 61.87 µgN2O‐N m−2 hour−1) with topsoil temperature between 14 and 23°C andWFPSmore than 58.5% (Group 2) and moderate (mean 21.4 µgN2O‐N m−2 hour−1) with topsoil temperature more than 23°C andWFPSless than 58.5% (Group 3). These emission groups allow for more efficient sampling ofN2Oemissions in the field: in winter, when topsoil temperatures are less than 14°C andN2Oemissions are expected to be small or even negligible, sampling frequency can be reduced; in autumn and spring, when topsoil temperatures are more than 14°C andWFPSis more than 60–70%, sampling frequency should be increased.
Low ankle−brachial index predicts new vascular events and functional outcome after 1 year in patients with non‐cardioembolic stroke: our experience and review
Authors: Alvarez‐Sabín J. , Quintana M. , Santamarina E. , Maisterra O. , Gil‐Núñez A. 
Published: September 2013

Background and purposeThe ankle−brachial index (ABI) has been defined as an important factor associated with vascular events. Our objective was to analyze the prognostic value of the ABI as a predictive factor of new vascular events and functional status at 1 year in patients with non‐cardioembolic ischaemic stroke.MethodsA prospective, longitudinal, observational and multicenter study was performed, including consecutive patients ≥50 years old who had suffered from a non‐cardioembolic ischaemic stroke. Pathological ABI (PI) was defined when the value was ≤0.9. The logistic regression model, survival analysis and the Cox proportional hazard regression model were used to identify factors independently associated with functional outcome and occurrence of new vascular events, including recurrent stroke.ResultsIn all, 977 patients were evaluated. The mean age was 69.1 ± 9.5 years. 40.5% patients had PI. Stroke recurrence and new vascular events global rates were 9% and 20% respectively at 1 year. PI was independently associated with new vascular events [hazard ratio 1.764 (1.274–2.444), P = 0.001]. A cut‐off point of ABI ≤ 0.8 (14% vs. 7%, P = 0.002) independently predicted stroke recurrence in an adjusted regression model [hazard ratio 1.807 (1.102–2.963), P = 0.019]. PI was also associated with functional dependence [odds ratio 1.490 (1.011–2.196), P = 0.044].ConclusionsIn non‐cardioembolic ischaemic stroke patients, PI was an independent predictive factor of new vascular events and functional outcome after 1 year of follow‐up.
Transnational Judicial Dialogue as an Organisational Field
Authors: Frishman Olga 
Published: September 2013

AbstractOver the last few decades, judges and courts have had an important role in global governance. They also now communicate with each other more than they used to. Scholars have named this phenomenon ‘the transnational judicial dialogue.’ This paper calls for a comprehensive understanding of this judicial dialogue in a way that will explain the influence it has on courts. This paper proposes to use the concept of organisational fields, developed by DiMaggio and Powell, to study the relationships between courts. It will be seen that this concept gives a fuller account of those relationships and their effects than the existing approaches. This paper will first show that the transnational organisational field of the courts is now emerging using the four criteria of structuration. Then, the paper will discuss three examples of how this concept can contribute to the study of transnational relationships between courts.
Use of two conventional staining methods to assess the acrosomal status of stallion spermatozoa
Authors: Runcan E. E. , Pozor M. A. , Zambrano G. L. , Benson S. , Macpherson M. L. 
Published: September 2013

SummaryReasons for performing studyThe acrosome is a highly specialised region of the spermatozoon that is essential for fertilisation. Defects or dysfunction of this structure have been associated with fertility problems in man and various domestic species including stallions. Current methods of evaluating the acrosome of stallion spermatozoa are time consuming and require specialised equipment, which is cost prohibitive to the average practitioner.ObjectivesTo evaluate 2 conventional stains (Dip Quick and Spermac) and determine their usefulness in assessing acrosome integrity in stallions as compared with specific acrosomal labelling with a fluorescein‐conjugated lectin – a method that has been validated for acrosome status evaluation in stallions.Study designIn vivo experimental design.MethodsSemen from 6 mature Miniature horse stallions of known fertility was collected on 5 separate occasions. To increase the number of reacted acrosomes, portions of each ejaculate were incubated with the calcium ionophore, A23187. Ejaculates were divided and semen samples were processed according to recommendations for fluorescein‐conjugated peanut lectin, Pisum sativum agglutin, Dip Quick, and Spermac staining methods. Slides were evaluated independently by 2 separate investigators. Spermatozoa were classified as having intact, reacting, reacted or defective acrosomes.ResultsAll parameters obtained by both investigators, using all 3 staining methods were highly correlated (P<0.001). There was no statistical difference (P>0.05) between investigators or staining method for the percentages of intact or reacted acrosomes. However, there was a significant difference between investigators and staining methods for determining reacting acrosome percentages (P<0.05).ConclusionsDip Quick and Spermac stains are useful for determining intact vs. reacted acrosomes for stallion spermatozoa.
Elasticity and breaking strength of synthetic suture materials incubated in various equine physiological and pathological solutions
Authors: Kearney C. M. , Buckley C. T. , Jenner F. , Moissonnier P. , Brama P. A. J. 
Published: September 2013

SummaryReasons for performing studySelection of suture material in equine surgery is often based on costs or subjective factors, such as the surgeon's personal experience, rather than objective facts. The amount of objective data available on durability of suture materials with regard to specific equine physiological conditions is limited.ObjectivesTo evaluate the effect of various equine physiological and pathological fluids on the rate of degradation of a number of commonly used suture materials.Study designIn vitromaterial testing.MethodsSuture materials were exposedin vitroto physiological fluid, followed by biomechanical analysis. Three absorbable suture materials, glycolide/lactide copolymer, polyglactin 910 and polydioxanone were incubated at 37°Cfor 7, 14 or 28 days in phosphate‐buffered saline, equine serum, equine urine and equine peritoneal fluid from an animal with peritonitis. Five strands of each suture material type were tested to failure in a materials testing machine for each time point and each incubation medium. Yield strength, strain andYoung's modulus were calculated, analysed and reported.ResultsFor all suture types, the incubation time had a significant effect on yield strength, percentage elongation andYoung's modulus in all culture media (P<0.0001). Suture type was also shown significantly to influence changes in each of yield strength, percentage elongation andYoung's modulus in all culture media (P<0.0001). While the glycolide/lactide copolymer demonstrated the highest Day 0 yield strength, it showed the most rapid degradation in all culture media. For each of the 3 material characteristics tested, polydioxanone showed the least variation across the incubation period in each culture medium.ConclusionsThe duration of incubation and the type of fluid have significant effects on the biomechanical properties of various suture materials. These findings are important for evidence‐based selection of suture material in clinical cases.
Changes in soil organic carbon in a clay loam soil following ploughing and reseeding of permanent grassland under temperate moist climatic conditions
Authors: Necpálová M. , Li D. , Lanigan G. , Casey I. A. , Burchill W. , Humphreys J. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractThis study investigated changes in soil organic carbon (SOC) in a poorly drained clay loam soil under (i) permanent grassland (PG) over 7 years and (ii) after PG renovation over 2·5 years. The experimental area was divided into four blocks with four paddocks per block. Composite soil samples from each PG block were taken to 30‐cm depth on five occasions between 2004 and 2011. In June 2008, one paddock per block was renovated by ploughing and reseeding and sampled as above on the latter four occasions. Renovation decreased SOC (P < 0·05) by 32·2 t ha−1 in the 2·5 years following ploughing; the difference developed almost entirely (86%) in the first four months. Renovation had no effect on above‐ground productivity, standing root and stubble phytomass or on dissolved organic matter leaching. Therefore, soil respiration was considered to be a single potential pathway responsible for the SOC loss from renovated grassland. Although a simple linear regression indicated a tendency for PG to accumulate SOC, there was no evidence of recovery in SOC to previous levels following renovation during the study period. These results could have implications for greenhouse gas inventories in countries where PG is an important land‐use type.
Cesium transfer to Gramineae biofuel crops grown in a field polluted by radioactive fallout and efficiency of trapping the cesium stable isotope in a small‐scale model system for biomass gasification
Authors: Kobayashi Makoto , Takeno Keiji , Matsumoto Keigo , Matsunami Hisaya , Tsuruta Shin‐ichi , Ando Shotaro 
Published: September 2013

AbstractThe accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (Tokyo Electric Power Company, Inc.) caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake of 11 March 2011 resulted in radioactive fallout that caused heavy damage to agricultural production over a wide area of eastern Japan. Production of biofuel crops and their conversion to energy may be one way to resume agricultural production at an early date and to put renewable energy to practical use. This study addressed two concerns relevant to this scenario: (i) the degree of transfer of radioactive cesium from the soil to biofuel crops; and (ii) evaluation of gasification technology from the standpoint of removal of cesium contained in the biomass. Sixteen lines of Gramineae crops grown in an experimental field 112 km from the nuclear power plant contained 143.4–600.4 Bq kg−1 dry matter (DM) of radioactive cesium, the arithmetic average being 285.9 Bq kg−1 DM. The crops included, inter alia, Erianthus arundinaceus (Retz.) Jesw., Miscanthus spp., maize (Zea mays L.) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor Moench), all of which were cultivated without tillage in 2011. A comparison of Miscanthus spp. that overwintered between 2011 and 2012 revealed that radioactivity decreased from 146.1 to 229.3 Bq kg−1 DM (arithmetic average: 193.3 Bq kg−1 DM) to 53.0–81.0 Bq kg−1 DM (arithmetic average: 66.0 Bq kg−1 DM). A simplified laboratory‐scale experiment revealed that the stable isotope of cesium attached to pulverized biomass of Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica D. Don) and E. arundinaceus was completely trapped in gasification system and gas purification system. This result indicates that cesium was not transferred to the gas that was produced for fuel. Gasification using polluted biomass will be practical after further studies have addressed problems related to issues such as scale‐up, troubleshooting continuous runs and disposal of radioactive wastes.
Pan Africanism: A Brief Intellectual History
Authors: Eze Michael Onyebuchi 
Published: September 2013

AbstractIn this article, I will historicize the socio‐political and cultural emergence of Pan Africanism as an ideology. In doing so, one is enabled to appreciate its continued relevance and significance as well as its limitations and imposed misrecognition, morass misapplications, and muddled ambiguities within history. Historicizing Pan Africanism as a discourse frees it from an essentialist rendered definition and enables a new understanding in which Pan Africanism is to be understood as a performative‐operative discourse. Being performative means that it ceases to be a close‐minded rigid ideology proscribed by racial consciousness; it means assuming a new pose of repudiation that is dependent on contemporary socio‐cultural tissues of historical experiences. But our concept is not just performative, it is also discursive because it generates a new sense of meaning for our contemporary understanding of Africanity.
Chinese Migration and Settlement in Southeast Asia Before 1850: Making Fields From the Sea
Authors: Lockard Craig A. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractHuman migration is a central theme in world and Asian history, but important cases, among them Chinese who emigrated to other countries between ca. 1000 and 1850 CE, have been somewhat neglected in the migration literature. Since the mid‐19th century, millions of Chinese migrated temporarily or permanently to other countries, making these migrants and their descendants a vital presence in the world economy and in the population of many nations. Today, more than 30 million people of Chinese ancestry or ethnicity live outside of Greater China, over 20 million of them in Southeast Asia. But this emigration has a much longer history, the subject of recent scholarly interest that has enriched our knowledge and is the focus of this essay. It has been said of the maritime trading and fishing peoples of southern China that they made fields from the sea. Enterprising and adaptable, Chinese have long sailed to Southeast Asia to trade, many of them settling permanently. By 1400, Chinese trade networks linked Southeast Asian trading ports to China and to each other. Chinese settlers eventually became dominant in the commercial sector in many societies, including most Western colonies, in Southeast Asia. Increasing numbers of migrants arrived to trade or mine for tin and gold, ushering in a “Chinese century” in the Southeast Asian economies from around 1700 into the mid‐1800s. Over the centuries some Chinese married local women, serving as cultural brokers between China and Southeast Asia and fostering hybrid communities. Others maintained their cultural heritage. After 1850, millions more left China. Chinese immigrants and their descendants built the foundations for a widespread modern diaspora and transnational connections. The emigrant flow from China continues, continuing a human behavior – migration – that has a long history in Asia.
The Debate on the Baltic Crusades and the Making of Europe
Authors: Bombi Barbara 
Published: September 2013

AbstractThe Baltic Crusades represent a long‐term phenomenon that lasted for about 300 years (1147–1525). The nature of these crusades has been controversial from the very beginning, as they aimed at conquering new land, expanding and consolidating the borders of Christendom, as well as at converting the local pagan population. Along with the ethical issues that are linked to conversion by means of crusading, the debate on the Baltic Crusades has also been heavily influenced by the political situation in the Baltic region and the making of Europe in the 20th century, from German domination and the rise of National Socialism, to the Cold War and finally the independence of the Baltic republics. Two historiographical approaches are mainly addressed in this essay: on the one hand, some works have focused on the religious aspects of mission, conversion and crusading, taking into account the role of the papacy, preaching and ecclesiastical institutions; on the other hand, historians have been interested in conversion and crusading in the Baltic region as means of economic, social and political expansion that contributed to the formation of political unity in Europe during the High Middle Ages, foreshadowing to some extent the well‐known events of the 20th century.
Comparative ecology of diurnal geckos (Lygodactylus) in Kafue flats, Zambia*
Authors: SIMBOTWE M. P. 
Published: September 2013

SummaryTwo species of Lygodactylus were observed during their natural period of diurnal activity under sympatric and allopatric conditions. Observations included daily activity patterns, habitat and microhabitat requirements, morphological growth, diet, survivorship and reproduction. Emphasis was placed upon ecological differences that may reduce competition under sympatric conditions.Only slight differences in temporal patterns of activity occurred. Lygodactylus chobiensis was found to use live trees more than dead trees. The opposite was true for L. capensis. Both species are largely arboreal. Females were slightly longer than males in L. chobiensis (100.6%) and in L. capensis (100.1%). Males of both species weighed more than females. Both species fed largely on termites. Survivorship was low and reproduction occurred throughout the year. Females attained sexual maturity at an earlier age than males. In general under sympatric condition both species were found widely dispersed over a large area and occurred in low numbers.RésuméDeux espèces de Lygodactylus ont été observés durant leur période naturelle d'activité diurne, en conditions sympatriques et allopatriques. Les observations comprennent l'actogramme, les exigences pour l'habitat et le microhabitat, la croissance morphologique, le régime alimentaire, la survie et la reproduction. L'accent est mis sur les différences écologiques qui peuvent réduire la compétition en conditions sympatriques.Seules sont apparues de légères différences dans la structure temporelle des activités. On a vu que Lygodactylus chobiensis utilise davantage les arbres vivants que les arbres morts, alors que c'est le contraire chez Lygodactylus capensis. Les deux espèces sont principalement arboricoles.Les femelles sont légérement plus longues que les mâles tant chez L. chobiensis que chez L. capensis. Les mâles des deux espèces sont plus lourds que les femelles. Toutes deux se nourrissent largement de termites. Le taux de survie est faible et la reproduction survient tout au long de l'année. Les femelles atteignent la maturité sexuelle à un âge plus précoce que les mâles. De manière générale, en condition sympatrique, les deux espèces sont dispersées sur une grande surface et vivent en petits nombres.
Haematological observations on the Zambian snakes in the genera Dispholidus, Naja and Psammophylax*
Authors: SIMBOTWE M. P. , GHOSH T. , GRIMM H. 
Published: September 2013

SummaryHaematological studies of the snakes in the genera Dispholidus, Naja and Psammophylax were carried out. In Dispholidus typus, the majority of the red blood cells were oval. All cells contained central nuclei with moderately open chromatin and many were pynotic. Cells of different sizes and stages of development were present. Naja haje had red blood cells of various shapes ranging from circular to oval. Elongated poikilocytes (helmet cells) were present and these constituted 3–4% of total cells. Structure of the nuclei was similar to that found in D. typus. Cells were larger in larger specimens of the same species. Psammophylax tritaeniatus red blood cells were nearly all round. In all species, cell sizes, surface areas and shapes varied within individuals and between species. In D. typus and Naja haje, leucocytes showed degenerative changes and neutrophils showed pale basophilic cytoplasm. Some lymphocytes were seen. Haemoglobin and haematocrit results confirm earlier work on reptiles.RésuméDes études hématologiques de serpents des genres Dispholidus, Naja et Psammophylax ont été entreprises. Chez Dispholidus typus, la majorité des globules rouges sont ovales. Toutes les cellules contiennent un noyau central avec chromatine et beaucoup sont pynotiques. On constate des cellules de différentes tailles et différents stades de développement. Naja haje a des globules rouges de formes variées allant du cercle à l'ovale. On observe que des poikilocytes forment 3 à 4% du total des cellules. La structure des noyaux est similaire à celle de D. typus. Les cellules sont plus grandes chez les plus grands spécimens de la même espèce.Les globules rouges de Psammophylax tritaeniatus sont presque tous ronds. Chez toutes les espèces, la taille des cellules, leur surface et leur forme varient selon les individus et selon les espèces. Chez D. typus et Naja haje, les leucocytes présentent une évolution dégénérescente et les nucléophiles un pâle cytoplasme basophilique.Certains lymphocytes ont été observés. Les résultats d'analyse sur l'hémoglobine et l'hématocrite confirment les travaux antérieurs sur les reptiles.
Observations on the Nile monitor lizard (Varanus niloticus, L.) in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Authors: EDROMA E. L. , SSALI W. 
Published: September 2013

SummaryThe daily activity, feeding habits and intra‐ and interspecific relationships of the monitor lizard Varanus niloticus (L.) were studied from 07.00 to 17.00 h. The lizards basked in the mornings (07.00–09.30) and afternoons (14.30–15.10). They are scavengers and predators.RésuméL'activité journalière, les habitudes alimentaires et les relations inter‐ et intraspé cifiques du varan du Nil, Varanus niloticus L. ont étéétudiées de 7 à 17 heures. Les varans prennent le soleil le matin (7.00–10.30) et l'après‐midi (14.30–15.10). Ils sont charognards et prédateurs.
Foreign Debt Usage in Non‐Financial Firms: a Horse Race between Operating and Accounting Exposure Hedging
Authors: Aabo Tom , Hansen Marianna Andryeyeva , Muradoglu Yaz Gulnur 
Published: September 2013

AbstractPrevious studies show that foreign exchange exposure from international sales can be hedged by foreign debt. We go beyond the foreign sales measure by using a unique database with detailed exposure information on Danish non‐financial firms with international operations. Our results indicate that foreign debt is used to hedge foreign assets and subsidiaries (accounting exposure) as opposed to foreign sales (operating exposure). The paper adds to the literature on corporate hedging by highlighting the importance of accounting exposure in the hedging behavior of corporate managers and the perceived need to reduce risks due to currency mismatches between assets and liabilities.