bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lobbying in the Virtual World: Perceptions in the Nonprofit Sector
Authors: Miller-Stevens Katrina , Gable Matthew J. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractElectronic lobbying efforts have become an essential, yet profoundly underutilized strategy of nonprofit organizations to advance the representation of the underserved in policymaking. Through a survey and interviews of leaders and staff members in state nonprofit associations that are members of the National Council of Nonprofits, this study examines the use and perceived effectiveness of nonprofit electronic lobbying activities and the communication channels employed for this purpose, in addition to exploring social crises and technological barriers potentially limiting nonprofit adoption of these activities. The study concludes that state nonprofit associations actively utilize email as an electronic lobbying activity to reach policymakers, but the activity is rarely employed to disseminate information to the general public. Social media methods such as blogging and social networking sites are used less frequently, but they are often perceived as being highly effective as a grassroots lobbying activity.
Optimal Sequence-Based Control and Estimation of Networked Linear Systems
Authors: Fischer Jörg , Reinhardt Marc , Hanebeck Uwe D. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
In this paper, a unified approach to sequence-based control and estimation of linear networked systems with multiple sensors is proposed. Time delays and data losses in the controller-actuator link are compensated by sending sequences of control inputs. The sequence-based design paradigm is further extended to the sensor-controller connections without increasing the load of the network. In this context, we present a recursive solution based on the Hypothesizing Distributed Kalman Filter (HKF) that is included in the overall sequence-based controller design.
On the Optimization of the Transport Layer for Networked Control Systems
Authors: Blind Rainer , Allgöwer Frank 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Recent publications showed that packet loss significantly reduces the performance of Networked Control Systems (NCS). One approach to increase the reliability of the communication system is to retransmit lost packets. Obviously, such retransmissions take time and thus require to increase the sampling time, what generally degrades the performance. Thus, we raise the question whether it is worth to increase the sampling time to allow more packet transmissions per sampling interval. To answer this question, we present and analyze four different configurations of the transport layer. Finally, with the help of three simple examples, we show that the control performance can be improved by a proper design of the transport layer.
Corporate Tax Preferences: Identification and Accounting Measurement
Authors: Musumeci James J. , Sansing Richard C. 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACT
This study evaluates the relation between a firm's long-run cash effective tax rate (ETR) and the extent to which a corporation's projects are tax-favored or tax-disfavored. We first derive a measure of the extent to which a project is tax-favored that is independent of the project's financial accounting treatment. We argue that our measure, which focuses on the present value of the government's tax collections from the project, is superior to the traditional measure that compares the pretax and after-tax internal rates of return of the project. We then use our measure as a benchmark with which to examine the relation between the ETR and tax preferences. We find that the long-run cash ETR is an unreliable tax preference measure, even when the asset is depreciated for financial reporting purposes at the rate at which its productivity declines.
Periodontal status of ectopic canines after orthodontic treatment
Authors: Evren Ayşegül Dalkılıç , Nevzatoğlu Şirin , Arun Tülin , Acar Ahu 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTObjective:To evaluate the periodontal health and tooth vitality of palatally impacted and buccal ectopic maxillary canines after completion of orthodontic treatment.Materials and Methods:Fifteen patients who had unilateral, palatally impacted canines and 15 patients who had unilateral, buccal ectopic canines comprised the subjects of the study. Clinical and radiographic data was collected by recalling the patients in both groups after a mean period of 3.82 ± 1.54 years following completion of their orthodontic treatment. In both groups, the contralateral, normally placed canines served as controls.Results:Palatally impacted canines had greater pocket depths, higher gingival levels, higher electric pulp testing scores, and reduced bone levels compared to their contralaterals. Buccal ectopic canines had increased plaque and gingival bleeding index, greater pocket depths, reduced attached gingival width, higher gingival levels, increased clinical crown lengths, and higher electric pulp testing scores compared to their contralaterals. Buccal ectopic canines had lower electric pulp testing scores and higher bone levels compared to palatally impacted canines.Conclusion:All ectopic canines had increased plaque and gingival bleeding index, greater pocket depths, reduced attached gingival width, higher gingival levels, increased crown lengths, higher electric pulp testing scores, and reduced bone levels compared to their contralaterals.
Using Passive Energy Systems in Ecofarm Architecture
Authors: Csontos Györgyi 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
The history of eco (organic) farming in Hungary has begun in 1983. Currently, approx. 2% of the agricultural area is managed this way. This research gives a survey on the architectural backgrounds of this specific land management type.
Sustainability and energy conservation have brought along a new demand in the construction industry, including design and operation of agricultural buildings: the usage of energy efficient, environmentally friendly and preferably renewable energy based building alternatives.
Among the energy-saving solutions we have to emphasize those passive systems in particular, which use the natural conditions (sunlight, shading, ventilation, gravity, etc.) on their own, without the help of mechanical equipment, and achieve energy efficiency by placing and structuring technological buildings accordingly.
New Ideas in Scoring the Mental Rotation Test
Authors: Bölcskei Attila , Kovács András Zsolt , Kušar Domen 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Spatial ability development is of paramount importance in engineering training, especially for architects. The paper aims to compare results achieved by the world-wide Mental Rotation Test (MRT) at the University of Ljubljana and at the Ybl Faculty of SzIU in Budapest, with respect to total scores, improvement and hand preferences. The paper concludes that the mental rotation aspect of spatial intelligence can significantly be developed by Descriptive Geometry courses in both countries. Sophisticated statistical analysis, however, leads to new ideas in scoring MRT. The main goal of the paper is to present an alternative scoring system, which seems to be fairer and provides the expected statistical behavior of samples.
Additional Results to the Structural Analysis of Eccentrically Compressed Cross-Section Made of no Tension Material
Authors: Hazay Máté 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
The mechanical behaviour of eccentrically compressed stocky bars of rectangular cross section, having no-tension material is well known. The aim of the structural analysis is to determine the distribution of the stresses arisen from the effect of an eccentrically compressive force, i.e. to describe the shape of the stress block, and to calculate the compressive resistance of the bar. Some important details of the phenomenon could not be found in the technical literature. In our paper we study these details. We evaluate the analytical functions of the curves, bounding areas lain around the kern or the point of gravity, on which areas the eccentric force acts a pentagonal compressed zone arisen. Furthermore, we determine the resistance of the stocky bar in the cases of triangular and rectangular compressive zone.
The Significance of the Concept of Mercy and Its Value in One’s Life, According to Imam Bediuzzaman Said Nursi
Authors: Muflih Betania Kartika 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThis work investigates the approach used by Imam Bediuzzaman Said Nursi in interpreting the Qur’anic verses on Allah being Merciful and Compassionate and attempts to understand his lively scriptural approach to the value of mercy, which makes life meaningful and purposeful. This work aims to highlight distinctive aspects and features of his approach and methodology of Qur’anic exegesis. It discusses the background, reason, and the purpose behind Imam Bediuzzaman’s approach to the issue at hand. It is also important to note that this work is not merely an intellectual enterprise but living answers to problems he personally experienced. The article presents a textual analysis to answer the research questions and address the main problem. It concludes that it is necessary to situate Nursi’s work within the context of Tawhid (Divine Unity), which constitutes the background of his entire system of thought. Through the insight of Tawhid, all that happens in this universe is the product of universal mercy and under the direct control of Merciful Lord. From the perspective of Tawhid too, the order in this universe is the manifestation of the Compassionate Creator’s practices. Indeed, Imam Bediuzzaman’s approach provides a framework for a profound understanding and interpretation of the concept of mercy and its impact on one’s life and social fabric.
Extracellular hydrolytic enzyme production by proteolytic bacteria from the Antarctic
Authors: Tropeano Mauro , Vázquez Susana , Coria Silvia , Turjanski Adrián , Cicero Daniel , Bercovich Andrés , Mac Cormack Walter 
Published: July 2013

AbstractCold−adapted marine bacteria producing extracellular hydrolytic enzymes are important for their industrial application and play a key role in degradation of particulate organic matter in their natural environment. In this work, members of a previously−obtained protease−producing bacterial collection isolated from different marine sources from Potter Cove (King George Island, South Shetlands) were taxonomically identified and screened for their ability to produce other economically relevant enzymes. Eighty−eight proteolytic bacterial isolates were grouped into 25 phylotypes based on their Amplified Ribosomal DNA Restriction Analysis profiles. The sequencing of the 16S rRNA genes from representative isolates of the phylotypes showed that the predominant culturable protease−producing bacteria belonged to the class Gammaproteobacteria and were affiliated to the genera Pseudomonas, Shewanella, Colwellia, and Pseudoalteromonas, the latter being the predominant group (64% of isolates). In addition, members of the classes Actinobacteria, Bacilli and Flavobacteria were found. Among the 88 isolates screened we detected producers of amylases (21), pectinases (67), cellulases (53), CM−cellulases (68), xylanases (55) and agarases (57). More than 85% of the isolates showed at least one of the extracellular enzymatic activities tested, with some of them producing up to six extracellular enzymes. Our results confirmed that using selective conditions to isolate producers of one extracellular enzyme activity increases the probability of recovering bacteria that will also produce additional extracellular enzymes. This finding establishes a starting point for future programs oriented to the prospecting for biomolecules in Antarctica.
Role of Organic and Inorganic Nutrient Sources in Improving Wheat Crop Production
Authors: Ahmad M. , Afzal M. , Ahmad A. , Ahmad A.U.H. , Azeem M.I. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Effects of organic manures on grain yield and yield components of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar Minthar-03 were studied at (RARI) Regional Agricultural Research Institute Bahawalpur, Pakistan, during 2010-2011 seasons in chemistry division. The present study have six treatments i.e. control, NPK=150-120-60 kg/ha, control, NPK= 150-120-60 kg/acre, NPK+ poultry manure 50 kg /acre, NPK + press mud 500 kg/acre, NPK + city compost 300 kg/acre, NPK + humic acid 4 kg/acre. Combinations of NPK + PM 50 kg/ha having high plant height (102.53) while number of (343) tillers/m2 was obtained high in combination with NPK + city compost 300 kg/ha which was at par with combination (NPK + press mud 500 kg/acre) having plant height 100.90. spike length, number of grains /spike, 1000 grains weight, grain yield t/ha was 13.35 cm, 61.85, 40.60 grams and 3.14 t/ha respectively obtained in treatment (NPK + press mud 500 kg/acre). While minimum amount of plant height (94.80), number of tillers/m2 (223), spike length (10.35 cm), number of grains/spike (43.43), 1000 grains weight (35.33g), grain yield t/ha (38.41) was found in control where no dose of organic and inorganic fertilizer were applied.
Effect of Different Sowing Techniques and Mulches on the Growth and Yield Behavior of Spring Planted Maize (Zea Mays L.)
Authors: Zamir M.S.I. , Yasin G. , Javeed H.M.R. , Ahmad A.U.H. , Tanveer A. , Yaseen M. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
A field trail was carried out to evaluate the effect of different sowing techniques and mulches on the growth and yield attributes of maize. The experiment was conducted at the Agronomic Research Farm, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad during spring season, 2011. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with split plot arrangement having three replications with net plot size of 7.0 m × 4.5 m. Field experiment comprised of five sowing methods (S1: ridge sowing, S2: ridge sowing alternate double sided, S3: bed sowing, S4: furrow sowing and S5 flat sowing) and three mulches (M1: maize pith, M2: wheat straw, M3: rice straw) was conducted during 2011 spring season under the tropical condition. The results showed that cobs length, cob diameter, and number of grains per cob, 1000-grain weight, biological yield and grain yield were maximum under ridge sowing method (S1) following the ridge sowing alternate double sided (S2). Furrow sowing shows least response to the agronomic and yield related parameters of spring maize. Among the mulch treatments; wheat straw mulch (M2) perform better and gave higher grain yield (6.21 Mg ha-1) as compared to the rice straw mulch and maize pith. Sowing techniques and mulches showed statistically non significant results for quality parameters (starch contents, oil contents and protein contents). Interaction of all three quality parameters was also observed non significant.
Impact of Livestock Manure, Nitrogen and Biofertilizer (Azotobacter) on Yield and Yield Components Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.)
Authors: Esmailpour A. , Hassanzadehdelouei M. , Madani A. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Integrated nutrient management strategies involving chemical and biologic fertilizer is a real challenge to stop using the high rates of agrochemicals and to enhance sustainability of crop production. In order to study the effects of livestock manure, chemical nitrogen, and biologic (Azotobacter) fertilizers on yield and yield components of wheat, an agricultural experiment in the form of split factorial design with three replications was conducted in Elam region, Iran. The aim of this research was assessment of the effects of these fertilizers separately and in integrated forms; and setting out the best fertilizer mixture. The results showed that treatment with livestock manure, Azotobacter and chemical nitrogen increased plant height, biological and grain yield. Using livestock manure and Azotobacter increased biologic yield through increase in plant height which cause to increase in grain yield without any significant changes in harvest index and other yield components, but the use of chemical nitrogen caused an increase in plant height, No. of spikelete/spike, No. of grain/spike, one thousand grain weight and harvest index, biologic and grain yield. In the light of the results achieved, we may conclude that using livestock manure and chemical nitrogen fertilizer together with the Azotobacter had the maximum impact on yield; and that we can decrease use of chemical fertilizers through using livestock manure and biologic fertilizers and to reach to the same yield when we use only chemical fertilizers.
Impact of Varying Planting Patterns and Fertilizer Application Strategies on Autumn Planted Sunflower Hybrid
Authors: Yasin M. , Mahmood A. , Ali A. , Aziz M. , Javaid M.M. , Iqbal Z. , Tanveer A. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Achene yield, oil contents and protein contents are vital yield attributes of sunflower crop. To acquaint the impact of NP rates and planting patterns on the production potential of autumn sunflower hybrid Hysun-33 and fertilizer use efficiency a field experiment was executed in 2005. Treatments comprised of four NP combinations viz. 0-0, 50-35, 100-70 and 150-105 NP kg ha-1 and two planting patterns viz. bed sowing with 75 cm wide beds separated by 20 cm furrows and bed sowing with 60 cm wide beds separated by 25 cm furrows. Treatment 150-105 NP kg ha-1 with 75 cm wide beds separated by 20 cm furrows was found to be supercilious as it exhibited significant lofty achene yield (3360.00 kg ha-1), number of achene head-1 (1267.02), 1000-achene weight (68.65 g), biological yield (11166.6 kg ha-1) and harvest index (30.09%). Contrastingly, treatment 0-0 N-P kg ha-1 with 60 cm wide bed separated by 25 cm plant spacing bestowed the minimum grain yield. Frail increase in oil contents with gradual increase in fertilizer levels but it did not procure at a level of significance. Superior protein contents (27.71%) were revealed in treatment 150-105 N-P kg ha-1 with 75 cm wide bed separated by 20 cm plant spacing.
The Effect of Nacl Priming on Emergence, Growth and Yield of Fenugreek Under Saline Conditions
Authors: Soughir M. , Elouaer M.A. , Hannachi C. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Salinity is considered as a major abiotic stress affecting crop production in arid and semi-arid regions in the world. Poor germination and decrease of seedling growth are major results of poor crop establishment and failure. Many research studies have shown that seed priming is an efficient method for increasing plant growth and yield in saline condition. For this reason, this experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of NaCl priming on the emergence and seedling growth of Tunisian fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) under salinity conditions. Seeds of fenugreek were primed with NaCl (4 g L-1) for 36 h in continuous 25°C. Primed (P) and non-primed (NP) seeds were sown in plastic pots and placed in greenhouse for 4 months. Experiments were conducted using various NaCl concentrations (0, 4, 6, 8 and 10 g L-1). Results showed that emergence percentage of primed seeds was greater than nonprimed seeds. Roots length, plant height, leaf area, fresh and dry weight and yields of plants derived from primed seeds were higher compared with non-primed seeds. Na+ content of plants derived from primed seeds was lower than that of primed ones. In the other side, K+ and Ca2+ content of plants derived from primed seeds was higher compared with plants derived from nonprimed seeds. These results suggest that NaCl priming of fenugreek seeds increased salt tolerance of seedlings by reducing Na+ and promoting K+ and Ca2+ accumulation.
Demographic Study on the Total Sura de Stepă Breed Population in Romania
Authors: Creangă Şt. , Dascălu D.L. , Ruginosu Elena , Borş I. , Ilie Daniela Elena , Cean Ada 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
The research was conducted from August until November 2012 in the districts of Moldavia (Botoşani, Suceava, Iaşi, Vaslui, Bacău, Neamţ, Galaţi and Vrancea), in the West and the Central part of the country (Cluj and Covasna districts) and in the South-East of the country (Tulcea and Brăila districts). The choice of the districts was established based on the informations received from Animal Improvement and Breeding Offices in Romania. The purpose of this research was to identify the effective of Sura de stepă cattle breed in Romania and the evaluation of the phenotypic characters in steppe animals, which belong to the variety of Moldavian breed. The results showed that the Sura de stepă breed consists of a minor part, being raised in just two districts of Moldavia, Iaşi and Neamţ, respectively, as a pure breed with an average of 0,03 % (83 cows), at the Research and Development Station for Cattle Breeding (R.D.S.C.B.) Dancu-Iaşi, with a core of preservation of 59 cows (0,19 %) and at the Holding TCE 3 Brazi Society, Neamţ district, with a core of 24 cows (0,06 %), and under half-breed form with an average of 0,33 % (592 cows). In Harghita, Covasna and Cluj districts, 295 cows from the Sura de stepă breed, Hungarian variety, were identified, excepting being the animals belonging to University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj, which come from R.D.S.C.B. Dancu-Iaşi, which are Romanian Sura de stepă, Moldavian variety. In Tulcea district, 20 cows of half-breed Sura de stepă and 50 cows of pure breed cattle, Moldavian variety, were identified, from which 24 cows at a private landlord in Pardina locality, Tulcea district, and 26 cows belonging to nine owners from different localities (C.A. Rosetti, Pardina, Chilia Veche, Sfântu Gheorghe, Crişan), each owning 2-3 cows. The analysis of the main body indices showed that the Sura de stepă cows from Pardina, Tulcea county, are of small size and weight, having smaller values in all analysed parameters, compared to the Sura de stepă cows from R.D.S.C.B. Dancu-Iaşi from the North-East part of the country, which however fitted the specific limits of the breed, Moldavian variety.
Locating the Experimental Novel in Erasure and The Water Cure
Authors: Morton Seth 
Published: July 2013

Abstract: The article examines the way that the experimental evolves in Percival Everett’s work, bringing into focus a dialectic in his fiction between play, the imaginative, and the fantastic, on the one hand, and mimesis, realism, and the everyday, on the other. It argues that the synthesis of this dialectic does not allow us to escape or transcend the scene of art but rather returns us, more forcefully, to the ground-zero tension that exists in the work of art itself. This tension, at the heart of all experimentation, is a generative space of self-reflexivity and meaning making that names the scene of art for what it is.
Setting One’s House in Order: Theoretical Blackness in Percival Everett’s Fiction
Authors: Stewart Anthony 
Published: July 2013

Abstract: The article argues that Percival Everett’s fiction is not fiction at all, or at least, not just fiction. It is more an attempt to hew out and work in spaces in between conventional literary categories in order not to provide answers but to provoke better questions that might be asked about his work and by extension the works of other writers as well. From here, it is not much of a leap to recognize that the lessons for reading produced by Everett’s texts translate easily into lessons for reading other, perhaps more problematic and conventionalized signifiers, like the notion of the “African American novelist” or, for that matter, any person who is not “like me,” whoever that “me” might happen to be. In other words, Everett’s novels occupy and draw our attention to the spaces in between conventional notions of literary fiction and equally conventional notions of literary theory.