bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microfinance Institutions in Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda: Loan Outreach to the Poor and the Quest for Financial Viability
Authors: Ayele Gashaw Tsegaye 
Published: June 2015

AbstractMicrofinance institutions' (MFIs') loan service outreach to the poor (depth) and the ensuing institutional viability concern is an unsettled issue in the literature. Can MFIs increase the depth of their outreach whilst achieving financial viability (viability)? Answering this question is exceedingly relevant to countries that opt for right policies towards financial inclusion. In their microfinance operations, Kenya and Uganda ranked first and second in Africa; fifth and eighth in the world, respectively; and Ethiopia is an emerging MFI destination. Yet, the loan outreach in these countries falls short of the uncontested huge demand. The study introduces an approach that disintegrates the overall effect of depth on viability into direct and indirect effects. Hausman‐Taylor and Generalized Structural Equation Models are employed on unbalanced panel dataset of 31 MFIs (2003–12) drawn from the three countries. The result implied a direct‐positive effect and an indirect‐negative effect running from depth to viability. Under contained operational‐expenses‐per‐loan‐portfolio, depth could be pro‐viability. Debt‐to‐Equity‐Ratio relate inversely with viability whereas ‘Real‐Yield’ relates directly. The paper concludes that support to MFIs should be aligned to ensure efficiency through reduced operational costs and thereby complementary depth–viability nexus can prevail.
Foreign Ownership and Labour in Sub‐Saharan African Firms
Authors: Foster‐McGregor Neil , Isaksson Anders , Kaulich Florian 
Published: June 2015

AbstractWe examine whether foreign‐owned firms pay higher wages and have higher employment than domestically owned firms using survey data from 19 sub‐Saharan African (SSA) countries. Our results indicate that foreign‐owned firms pay higher average wages than domestically owned firms, with the wage premium found to be higher for white‐collar workers. We find little evidence of a positive employment effect of foreign ownership, though the evidence suggests a positive employment effect of Chinese ownership on workers in manufacturing.
Impact des Transferts de Fonds sur le Taux de Change Réel Effectif en Tunisie
Authors: Chnaina Khaled , Makhlouf Farid 
Published: June 2015

RésuméLes transferts de fonds des migrants tunisiens constituent une source de devises non négligeable, Ils ont augmenté d'une manière rapide notamment la dernière décennie. Ils peuvent également engendrer le phénomène de syndrome hollandais. Le but de ce travail est d'étudier l'impact des transferts sur taux de change réel effectif. En estimant des relations de co‐intégration avec ruptures structurelles par l'intermédiaire de la méthode de Johansenet al. () et Saikkonen et Lütkepohl () et Saikkonenet al. (); nous avons trouvé qu'une augmentation de 1% de ratio des transferts de fonds sur PIB provoque une appréciation de taux de change réel d'équilibre de 0,39%. Ce qui confirme l'hypothèse de syndrome hollandais dans l'économie tunisienne.AbstractRemittances to Tunisia constitute a main foreign flow; they have increased rapidly particularly over the past decade. Remittances can induce the syndrome known as Dutch Disease. The aim of this study is to analyse the impact of remittances on the real effective exchange rate. By estimating cointegration relations with structural breaks through the method of Johansenet al. (); Saikkonen and Lütkepohl () and Saikkonenet al. (); we found that an increase in worker's remittances of 1 percentage point of GDP is associated with an appreciation of Tunisia's real effective exchange rate by 0.39 per cent. This result confirms the hypothesis of Dutch Disease in Tunisia.
Testing PPP for the South African Rand/US Dollar Real Exchange Rate at Different Data Frequencies
Authors: Caporale Guglielmo Maria , Gil‐Alana Luis A. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThis paper tests the PPP hypothesis for the South African rand/US dollar real exchange rate using a fractional integration framework. The results suggest that the real exchange rate of the South African rand with respect to the US dollar is a highly dependent variable with an order of integration very close to 1. This finding is not affected by the data frequency considered (daily, weekly or monthly). Also, there appears to be a single break in December 2001 (possibly corresponding to a change in the monetary policy framework), with the unit root null being rejected in favour of d > 1 for the periods before the break, but not afterwards. Thus, our results strongly reject the PPP hypothesis for the South African rand/US dollar rate across data frequencies, since shocks are found to affect the exchange rate forever.
Canal du commerce extérieur, politiques publiques et spécialisation des PED africains: étude empirique
Authors: Assoumou Ella Giscard , Bastidon Cécile 
Published: June 2015

RésuméNous proposons un modèle à deux pays : un pays en développement exportateur de matières premières et importateur de produits finis, et une économie avancée. Les tests individuels réalisés sur 16 pays africains entre 1970 et 2007 montrent que la variation des échanges commerciaux de ces pays suite aux chocs de revenu et de prix internationaux provoque celle de leurs revenus, en fonction de leurs spécialisations et de leurs politiques publiques. Les pays de l'échantillon doivent diversifier leurs économies en produisant les biens et services consommés localement afin de réduire leurs niveaux d'exposition.AbstractWe propose a two countries model: a developing country that exports raw materials and imports finished products and a developed country. We test this model in 16 African countries between 1970 and 2007 and show that the variation in commercial flows caused by international income and price shocks entails a variation in their incomes, depending on the specialization and public policies. The countries of the sample must diversify their economies in producing goods and services consumed locally in order to reduce their levels of exposure.
Estimating Time Since Death from Postmortem Human Gut Microbial Communities
Authors: Hauther Kathleen A. , Cobaugh Kelly L. , Jantz Lee Meadows , Sparer Tim E. , DeBruyn Jennifer M. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractPostmortem succession of human‐associated microbial communities (“human microbiome”) has been suggested as a possible method for estimating postmortem interval (PMI) for forensic analyses. Here we evaluate human gut bacterial populations to determine quantifiable, time‐dependent changes postmortem. Gut microflora were repeatedly sampled from the proximal large intestine of 12 deceased human individuals as they decayed under environmental conditions. Three intestinal bacterial genera were quantified by quantitative PCR (qPCR) using group‐specific primers targeting 16S rRNA genes. Bacteroides and Lactobacillus relative abundances declined exponentially with increasing PMI at rates of Nt = 0.977e−0.0144t (r2 = 0.537, p < 0.001) and Nt = 0.019e−0.0087t (r2 = 0.396, p < 0.001), respectively, where Nt is relative abundance at time (t) in cumulative degree hours. Bifidobacterium relative abundances did not change significantly: Nt = 0.003e−0.002t (r2 = 0.033, p = 0.284). Therefore, Bacteroides and Lactobacillus abundances could be used as quantitative indicators of PMI.
Characterizing and Contextualizing the Water Challenges of Megacities
Authors: Li Enjie , Endter‐Wada Joanna , Li Shujuan 
Published: June 2015

AbstractWe characterize and compare water challenges confronting the 28 megacities of the world in 2014. Relying on existing literature and diverse primary data sources, we present a unique portrait at a global scale of the water implications of the rapid growth in megacities. We find that differentiating and analyzing the complexity of megacities' water problems based on geographic contexts, historical development trajectories, urban population growth rates, and forms of urban expansion helps explain the nature of the various water management problems they confront. Two governance features also shed light on megacity water challenges: fragmentation resulting from forms of megacity urban expansion; and, urban dualism resulting from contradictions between historical and cultural legacies and the rise of global engineering and technological norms for water management. The increasing vulnerability of megacities to climate change poses risks as well as opportunities for a more collective response to address this global phenomenon. Our analysis raises important questions and offers guidance about the future trajectories of many more large cities around the world that are on their way to becoming megacities.
Integrated Modeling of Water Supply and Demand under Management Options and Climate Change Scenarios in Chifeng City, China
Authors: Hao Lu , Sun Ge , Liu Yongqiang , Qian Hong 
Published: June 2015

AbstractWater resource management is becoming increasingly challenging in northern China because of the rapid increase in water demand and decline in water supply due to climate change. We provide a case study demonstrating the importance of integrated watershed management in sustaining water resources in Chifeng City, northern China. We examine the consequences of various climate change scenarios and adaptive management options on water supply by integrating the Soil and Water Assessment Tool and Water Evaluation and Planning models. We show how integrated modeling is useful in projecting the likely effects of management options using limited information. Our study indicates that constructing more reservoirs can alleviate the current water shortage and groundwater depletion problems. However, this option is not necessarily the most effective measure to solve water supply problems; instead, improving irrigation efficiency and changing cropping structure may be more effective. Furthermore, measures to increase water supply have limited effects on water availability under a continuous drought and a dry‐and‐warm climate scenario. We conclude that the combined measure of reducing water demand and increasing supply is the most effective and practical solution for the water shortage problems in the study area.
Modeling Megacity Drinking Water Security under a DSS Framework in a Tidal River at the North Pearl River Delta, China
Authors: Xiao Dacheng , Jia Haifeng , Wang Zheng 
Published: June 2015

AbstractA modeling study was undertaken under a decision support system (DSS) for drinking water security in the Foshan section of the Beijiang River, a typical tidal river in the North Pearl River Delta. The DSS included a database layer, application support layer, and an application layer. As an integral part of the DSS application support layer, an integrated modeling system was developed to simulate hydrodynamics. The balance of dissolved oxygen and toxicants was based on an environmental fluid dynamics code and a water quality analysis simulation program (WASP) modeling framework. Model calibration and validation was undertaken using monitoring data in normal hydrological conditions. Four scenarios for the environmental management of water, including current water temp‐spatial feature analysis, control of pollution sources, and emergency response, were designed and analyzed in the DSS. The results indicated that the tide downstream has a distinct influence on hydrodynamics and pollutant diffusion, and the DSS could be used to design effective schemes to reduce pollutant discharges and provide emergency responses for ensuring drinking water security.
Modeling the Effects of Extreme Drought on Pollutant Transport Processes in the Yangtze River Estuary
Authors: Yang Ye , Chen Xiaofeng , Li Yangyang , Xiong Ming , Shen Zhenyao 
Published: June 2015

AbstractWater resources in the Yangtze River Estuary (YRE), which is the vital water supply for Shanghai, decreased by approximately 2.45 Gm3 in 2006, the second‐worst recorded drought year. A numerical model was developed to investigate the effects of this extreme drought on pollutant transport processes in the YRE. The model was calibrated against observations and displayed good agreement. Residence time, a critical hydrodynamic indicator, was implemented to indicate pollutant transport processes. Numerical experiments were conducted to examine the possibly drought‐induced influences. The model results demonstrated that the influences on pollutant transport processes varied spatially and temporally, and these influences could partly explain the observed temporal and spatial variations of total nitrate in 2006. The area most susceptible to drought is in the north branch with 2‐11 days' extension of residence time. As the drought occurred in both the high and normal water periods, its influences were more significant during the normal water period with saltwater intrusion into the north branch. The drought also introduced a pollutant transport lag in timescale of approximately five days by diminishing the seaward advection flux with freshwater discharge. In 2006, the magnified tidal influence during the drought contributed more than usual to structuring pollutant transport, as the pollutant transport processes were intensely associated with tidal flow and tidal cycle.
A Water Yield‐Oriented Practical Approach for Multifunctional Forest Management and its Application in Dryland Regions of China
Authors: Wang Yanhui , Xiong Wei , Gampe Stephan , Coles Neil Andrew , Yu Pengtao , Xu Lihong , Zuo Haijun , Wang Yunni 
Published: June 2015

AbstractMountainous forest areas are vitally important for water supply in dryland regions which suffer from high erosion risk and severe water shortage. Massive afforestation, mainly for erosion control, may reduce the water yield and threaten local water supply security. Moreover, many over‐dense forests due to a strict logging ban policy have produced remarkably negative impacts for both forests (e.g., low timber quality, restricted natural regeneration, and high stand instability) and water yield. To satisfy the rapidly increasing demands on water supply and other services, a practical approach for managing forest stands in a multifunctional way, which particularly addresses water yielding, is urgently required. For this purpose, we integrated the existing knowledge and experience, designed an “ideal” stand structure to represent multifunctional forest (MFF) and determined its key parameters (a ground coverage of >0.7, a canopy density around 0.7, and an H/DBH ratio (tree height [m] to the diameter at breast height [cm]) of <0.7). Moreover, a decision process for MFF stand management was recommended as: (1) investigating the site quality; (2) identifying the site‐specific main forest functions; (3) quantifying the stand structure; (4) diagnosing the stand structure by comparing with the “ideal” one; and (5) arranging the functions/structure‐oriented management measures. In this way, the water‐yielding function can be improved and meanwhile other forest functions can be promoted.
Beijing's Water Resources: Challenges and Solutions
Authors: Wang Jianhua , Shang Yizi , Wang Hao , Zhao Yong , Yin Yin 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBeijing's local water resources have been overexploited and the ecological and environmental pressures exceed the carrying capacity of this densely populated megacity. This article examines the current status of Beijing's water resources with respect to its industrial, residential, and eco‐environmental water usage and the challenges it may face in the near future. The article describes the context of water uses, the steps taken by Beijing to alleviate the water shortage problems, and challenges to Beijing's abilities to meet its urgent and future water needs. A multipronged strategy is proposed that aims at both the present problems and the anticipated future challenges. In particular, engineering and institutional approaches for Beijing's successful transition from overexploitation to sustainable utilization of water resources are explained. Actions include reasonable water utilization, water conservation, reclaimed wastewater, and importing water from neighboring areas. We conclude that Beijing must take additional steps in water resource management to ensure its sustainable development that involves continued urbanization sprawls and population growth. Future water resource management strategies should focus on strengthening water demand management through water conservation, efficient interbasin water transfers, use of nontraditional water resources, strategically reserving water supply, and promoting rehabilitation of the eco‐environments.
Changing the Course of Rivers in an Asian City: Linking Landscapes to Human Benefits through Iterative Modeling and Design
Authors: Vollmer Derek , Costa Diogo , Lin Ervine Shengwei , Ninsalam Yazid , Shaad Kashif , Prescott Michaela F. , Gurusamy Senthil , Remondi Federica , Padawangi Rita , Burlando Paolo , Girot Christophe , Grêt‐Regamey Adrienne , Rekittke Joerg 
Published: June 2015

AbstractConcerns over water scarcity, climate change, and environmental health risks have prompted some Asian cities to invest in river rehabilitation, but deciding on the end goals of rehabilitation is a complex undertaking. We propose a multidisciplinary framework linking riparian landscape change to human well‐being, providing information relevant to decision makers, in a format that facilitates stakeholder involvement. We illustrate this through a case study of the densely settled, environmentally degraded, and flood prone Ciliwung River flowing through metropolitan Jakarta, Indonesia. Our methodology attempts to respond to this complexity through an iterative approach, strongly based on conceptualization and mathematical modeling. Nested hydrologic, hydrodynamic, and water quality models provide outputs at catchment‐, corridor‐, and localized site‐scales. Advanced 3‐D landscape modeling is used for procedural design and precise visualization of proposed changes and their impacts, as predicted by the mathematical models. Finally, participatory planning and design methods allow us to obtain critical stakeholder feedback in shaping a socially acceptable approach. Our framework aims at demonstrating that a change in paradigm in river rehabilitation is possible, and providing future scenarios that balance concerns over flooding, water quality, and ecology, with the realities of a rapidly growing megacity.
Surgical Anatomical Landmarks of the Thoracolumbar Vertebral Column on Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Dogs
Authors: Yeamans C. L. , Haley A. , Gutierrez‐Quintana R. , Penderis J. 
Published: June 2015

SummaryMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in veterinary medicine profoundly improved spinal cord disease investigation in canine patients. We aimed to further describe the anatomical landmarks of the thoracolumbar junction in sagittal MRI sequences. MRI studies from 90 dogs were reviewed retrospectively, representing a broad cross section of breeds and body weights. The ratio of the distance from the dorsal aspect of the vertebral canal to the dorsal aspect of the transverse process or rib articulation relative to the length of L2 vertebra was determined for T12, T13, L1 and L2 vertebrae. A statistically significant difference was noted with the transverse processes being more ventrally located than the cranial fovea costalis. The lumbar transverse processes and rib articulations dramatically varied in shape, being oval or round, respectively. The sagittal image at the level of the lateral margin of the articular facet joint proved to be the most consistent for review of these structures.
British Pharmacological Society, 5th Focused Meeting on Cell Signalling: Matters arising …
Authors: Willars Gary B , Tobin Andrew B , Challiss R A John 
Published: June 2015

Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on 5th BPS Focused Meeting on Cell Signalling. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2015.172.issue‐13
Compound MQA, a Caffeoylquinic Acid Derivative, Protects Against NMDA‐Induced Neurotoxicity and Potential Mechanisms In Vitro
Authors: Tian Xing , An Li , Gao Ling‐Yue , Bai Jun‐Peng , Wang Jian , Meng Wei‐Hong , Ren Tian‐Shu , Zhao Qing‐Chun 
Published: June 2015

SummaryAimsCompound MQA (1,5‐O‐dicaffeoyl‐3‐O‐[4‐malic acid methyl ester]‐quinic acid) is a natural derivative of caffeoylquinic acid isolated from Arctium lappa L. roots. However, we know little about the effects of MQA on the central nervous system. This study aims to investigate the neuroprotective effects and underlying mechanisms of MQA against the neurotoxicity of N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA).Methods and ResultsPretreatment with MQA attenuated the loss of cell viability after SH‐SY5Y cells treated with 1 mM NMDA for 30 min by MTT assay. Hoechst 33342 and Annexin V‐PI double staining showed that MQA inhibited NMDA‐induced apoptosis. In addition to preventing Ca2+ influx, the potential mechanisms are associated with increases in the Bcl‐2/Bax ratio, attenuation of cytochrome c release, caspase‐3, caspase‐9 activities, and expressions. Also, MQA inhibited NMDA‐induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38, and JNK1/2. Furthermore, deactivation of CREB, AKT, and GSK‐3β, upregulation of GluN2B‐containing NMDA receptors (NMDARs), and downregulation of GluN2A‐containing NMDARs were significantly reversed by MQA treatment. Computational docking simulation indicates that MQA possesses a well affinity for NMDARs.ConclusionThe protective effects of MQA against NMDA‐induced cell injury may be mediated by blocking NMDARs. The potential mechanisms are related with mitochondrial apoptosis, ERK‐CREB, AKT/GSK‐3β, p38, and JNK1/2 pathway.
Modulation of mTOR Activity by μ‐Opioid Receptor is Dependent upon the Association of Receptor and FK506‐Binding Protein 12
Authors: Wang Yan , Ge Yan‐Hui , Wang Yan‐Xia , Liu Ting , Law Ping‐Yee , Loh Horace H. , Chen Hong‐Zhuan , Qiu Yu 
Published: June 2015

SummaryAimsMechanistic/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activation by μ‐opioid receptor (OPRM1) participates in antinociceptive tolerance, hyperalgesia, and physical dependence. Our previous study also showed that mTOR activation by OPRM1 could attenuate β amyloid oligomers‐induced neurotoxicity. OPRM1 is demonstrated to interact with FK506‐binding protein 12 (FKBP12). It is our great interest to investigate whether OPRM1‐mediated mTOR signaling is related to receptor‐FKBP12 association.MethodsThe activities of mTOR and its downstream effector p70 S6K were measured by immunoblotting their phosphorylation status. The interaction of receptor with mTOR was detected by co‐immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence.ResultsOPRM1 activation by morphine‐induced time‐dependent mTOR activation. PI3K‐specific inhibitor LY294002 only blocked the late phase of mTOR activation. However, morphine‐induced mTOR activation was totally blocked at all time points in cells expressing FKBP12 association‐deficient mutant receptor. FKBP12 knockdown also blocked morphine‐induced mTOR activation. Further analysis demonstrated that morphine treatment enhanced the association of receptor with phosphorylated mTOR, whereas decreased association was observed after FKBP12 knockdown, mTOR inhibition or in cells expressing FKBP12 association‐deficient mutant.ConclusionsOPRM1‐FKBP12 association played a key role in OPRM1‐mediated mTOR activation, which could underlie the mechanisms of multiple physiological and pathological processes. Thus, our findings provide new avenue to modulating these processes.
808. CYMBIDIUM WENSHANENSE
Authors: Cribb Phillip , Schuiteman André 
Published: June 2015

SummaryCymbidium wenshanense Y.S. Wu & F.Y. Liu, a very rare species from Yunnan is discussed and illustrated. Though only recently described (in 1990), it is already threatened in the wild by over‐collecting. Fortunately it is well‐established in cultivation and can be propagated by seed.