bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ascorbic acid levels of aqueous humor of dogs after experimental phacoemulsification
Authors: De Biaggi Christianni P. , Barros Paulo S. M. , Silva Vanessa V. , Brooks Dennis E. , Barros Silvia B. M. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractPhacoemulsification has been successfully employed in humans and animals for lens extraction. This ultrasonic extracapsular surgical technique induces hydroxyl radical formation in the anterior chamber, which accumulates despite irrigation and aspiration. In this paper we determined the total antioxidant status of aqueous humor after phacoemulsification by measuring aqueous humor ascorbic acid levels. Mixed‐breed dogs (n = 11; weighing about 10 kg) with normal eyes as determined by slit‐lamp biomicroscopy, applanation tonometry, and indirect ophthalmoscopy had phacoemulsification performed in one eye with the other eye used as a control. Samples of aqueous humor were obtained by anterior chamber paracentesis before surgery and at days 1, 2, 3, 7, and 15 after surgery. Total aqueous humor antioxidant status was inferred from the capacity of aqueous humor to inhibit free radical generation by 2,2‐azobis (2‐amidopropane) chlorine. Ascorbic acid concentrations were measured by high‐pressure liquid chromatography with UV detection. Protein content was determined with the biuret reagent. Statistical analysis was performed by anova followed by the paired t‐test. Total antioxidant capacity was reduced from 48 to 27 min during the first 24 h with a gradual increase thereafter, remaining statistically lower than the control eye until 7 days postoperatively. Reduced levels of ascorbic acid followed this reduction in antioxidant capacity (from 211 to 99 µm after 24 h), remaining lower than the control eye until 15 days postoperatively. Protein concentration in aqueous humor increased from 0.62 mg/mL to 30.8 mg/mL 24 h after surgery, remaining statistically lower than the control eye until 15 days postoperatively. Paracentesis alone did not significantly alter the parameters measured. These results indicate that after phacoemulsification, the aqueous humor ascorbic acid levels and antioxidant defenses in aqueous humor are reduced, indirectly corroborating free radical production in the anterior chamber as a result of phacoemulsification. The inflammatory process consequent to the surgical procedure demonstrated by increased protein content in aqueous humor can also contribute to free radical production and ascorbic acid consumption.
Prevalence of feline cataract: results of a cross‐sectional study of 2000 normal animals, 50 cats with diabetes and one hundred cats following dehydrational crises
Authors: Williams David L. , Fred Heath M. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractObjective  In this study 2000 normal cats, 50 cats with diabetes and 100 cats with a history of dehydrational crises were examined ophthalmoscopically to determine presence of cataract.Materials and methods  The cats examined were predominantly from veterinary hospital populations but also from re‐homing facilities and breeding catteries. Prevalence of cataract was determined for different age groups (year cohorts). The age at which prevalence of cataract was 50% (C50) was determined indirectly from a fitted prevalence curve as previously described. C50 was determined for animals of different genders and different breeds as well as for those with diabetes and histories of dehydrational episodes related to chronic renal failure, chronic vomiting or chronic diarrhea.Results  The mean ± standard deviation of C50 for all normal cats in the study was 12.7 ± 3.4 years. All cats over 17.5 years were affected by some degree of lens opacity. C50 for cats with diabetes was 5.6 ± 1.9 years (significantly different from normal cats at P < 0.0001). For cats with a history of dehydrational crises C50 was 9.9 ± 2.5 (difference from normal cats nearing statistical significance at P = 0.06).Conclusion  The study yields novel findings regarding the prevalence of age‐related cataract in normal cats together with cats with diabetes and history of previous dehydrational episodes in which prevalence of cataract is increased.
Protecting Drinking Water Quality Against Contamination by Pesticides: An Alternative Regulatory Framework
Authors: Faure Michael G. , Lefevere Jürgen GJ. 
Published: August 2006

SamenvattingIn onderstaand artikel wordt de huidige regulering van de vervuillng van drinkwater door pesticiden geanalyseerd. Deze regulering is een samenspel tussen EG‐en nationale instrumenten. Aan de hand van de casus van drinkwatervervuiling in Italië door de pesticide atrazine wordt aangetoond dat de huidige regulering niet functioneert. Met name het Italiaans verbod op het gebruik van de pesticide verschuift enkel het vervuilingsprobleem. De auteurs proberen middels een economische analyse te komen tot een alternatief voorstel voor regulering van het pesticidenprobleem. Aan de basis van dit voorstel liggen optimaal gedifferentieerde standaarden en een juist samenspel tussen Europese en nationale regelgeving. Het artikel geeft hiermee een voorstel voor een efficiënte en effectieve oplossing van het probleem van de vervuiling van drinkwater door pesticiden.
Water Use and Development in Arid Regions: Environment, Economic Development and Water Resource Politics and Policy
Authors: Allan J.A. 
Published: August 2006

SummaryWater resource allocation and management options differ greatly according to the diversity and the strength of an economy. They also differ with respect to trends in the acceptance of principles of environmental sustainability. Diverse and strong economies have options which are not available to economies which lack diversity and are heavily dependent on agricultural, often irrigated, production and livelihoods. This article will illustrate this with a case study, from the Middle East and North Africa, which shows that, within a period of three decades, an economy can move from total commitment to water security to one in which policies and practice on the allocation and use of water are based on principles of allocative and productive efficiency as well as environmental sustainability. It is concluded that those negotiating for water, whether the negotiations are legally principled or politically pragmatic, should be negotiating to gain flows of economic resources which enable sound livelihoods. From such flows come the options to maximize the social and economic returns to water and other inputs.The author recognizes that the ideas presented here will take a decade or more to become widely accepted by those operating in real political economies. It is suggested, however, that those attempting to press the utility of legal principles and instruments should take into account the dynamic nature of actual political economies. They should also contribute to the development of legal regimes which promote the appreciation of the social and economic value of water and especially of‘virtual water’to national and regional economies. They should not devise principles and rules for abstract hydrologies.Water for us is life itself. It is food for the people ‐ and not food alone. Without large scale irrigation projects we shall not achieve high productivity, balancing the economy or economic independence. For without irrigation we shall not produce a wealthy agriculture … we shall not be a people rooted in the land, secure in its existence and stable in its character.Prime Minister Moshe Sharett, 19521Ideas on food security and self‐sufficiency are of the 1950s and 1960s, not of today.Avram Katz‐Oz, Former Minister of Agriculture2
The Convention on Nuclear Safety of 1994
Authors: Reyners Patrick 
Published: August 2006

SummaryThe negotiation of the Convention on Nuclear Safety (the Convention) which began in December 1991 within the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), was concluded by a Diplomatic Conference in Vienna in June 1994. The Convention was formally opened for signature on 20 September 1994 in conjunction with the annual General Conference of the IAEA. Today, 63 states have signed the Convention and 19 have ratified or accepted it. Out of these 19 countries, 14 are currently operating nuclear power plants.1 It is hoped that the Convention will come into force this year. This article analyzes its scope and content.
PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY IN SOUTHEAST ASIA: PAST THEMES, CURRENT STATUS AND FUTURE TRENDS
Authors: Gupta Avijit , Wong P.P. 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTOur knowledge regarding the physical geography of Southeast Asia is incomplete to a surprising extent. This paper reviews the past research, describes the ongoing work, and attempts to identify the future trends. Coverage of such a large area, even for the last 25 years, requires study of publications in several languages and coping with literature which is not easily available. Therefore certain topics. which are prominent in current research and likely to remain so in the future were chosen and reviewed in detail. Such topics include studies related to active plate margin features; the Pleistocene in Southeast Asia; erosion and sedimentation rates; rainforest; river systems; karst in Southeast Asia; coastal geomorphology; and the urban environment.Environmental studies are rapidly gaining importance chiefly because of (a) the destruction of the natural vegetation and the associated loss of biodiversity and (b) the growing problems due to accelerated erosion and sedimentation This trend is likely to continue with accelerated destruction of forests, development of coastal areas, and urbanization of the landscape The direction of research in physical geography of Southeast Asia has been determined by a combination of individual research interest, governmental priorities, and international expectations
FORTY YEARS OF HUMAN GEOGRAPHY IN THE JOURNAL
Authors: Raguraman K. , Huang Shirlena 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTThis paper reviews the articles published on human geography in the Journal since its inception, and focuses on the contributions made in the major fields of research. In the earlier years of the Journal, the themes of tropical agriculture, population and settlement geography, and historical geography were particularly strong, as was a concern with human‐environment relationships. Over the years, articles on urban and regional planning, transport and communications, tourism and recreation, and in social geography were also published, reflecting the increasing spread of themes covered. One of the most significant dimensions of change in the Journal has been a shift from a descriptive orientation of the articles to one emphasizing theory development and evaluation.
FORTY YEARS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY IN THE JOURNAL
Authors: Wong P.P. , Gupta Avijit 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTUp to June 1993, 207 articles on physical geography have been published in the Malayan Journal of Tropical Geography (MJTG) (1953–57), Journal of Tropical Geography (JTG) (1958–79) and the Singapore Journal of Tropical Geography (SJTG) (1980–93). These articles are examined initially in terms of their sub‐fields (Biogeography, Climatology, Geomorphology, Hydrology, and Soils), area of focus (the tropics, Africa, America, East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia excluding Malaysia and Singapore, Malaysia, Singapore, and Southwest Pacific) and the area of origin of the authors. The more significant papers in the sub‐fields are indicated. Various factors influencing the contributions to the Journal and some insights on the contributions of local staff (Singapore and Malaysia) are also given. The significance of the Journal as an avenue for local and foreign authors and for papers on physical geography in the tropics is briefly evaluated.
COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL KNOWLEDGE AND LAND RESOURCE SURVEYS IN SWAZILAND
Authors: Osunade M.A. Adewole 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTThis paper argues for the incorporation of community environmental knowledge systems in modem land resource surveys. Such surveys, usually carried out by specialists from outside traditional communities, oftem do not incorporate the communities’ concepts and knowledge which modulate land use practices. They are therefore not helpful to the small farmers who are the primary land users.Recent studies have confirmed the viability of indigenous knowledge systems. In Swaziland, the farmers’ concepts of soil and slope unit systems have been validated and are found to be similar to the modem survey concepts of “soil series” and “land slope”. They have also employed other land attributes (such as animal life and vegetation elements) as indicators of land quality. The time has come when land resource surveys must take account of such indigenous knowledge systems so that the goals of improved land management and increased production may be achieved.
FALLOW AND FERTILITY UNDER SUBSISTENCE CULTIVATION IN THE PAPUA NEW GUINEA HIGHLANDS: I. FALLOW SUCCESSIONS
Authors: Sillitoe Paul 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTThe Wola people of Nipa District in the Southern Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea show little interest in attempting to manipulate the fallow vegetation that colonises their garden sites when they cease to cultivate them, although they are intimately aware of the composition of different successions. Their disinterest signals an interesting farming regime, one in which people cultivate some land semi‐permanently under non‐perennial crops within the broad context of a swidden regime. This paper reports on the general sequence in which plants recolonise cleared sites, both according to locally identified stages and the results of a survey of fallow vegetation on sites uncultivated for different periods of time. The attitudes of local people to various regrowth species are also discussed in the context of fallow management. One species, the casuarina, emerges as pre‐eminent and its effect on fallow soil recuperation is investigated.
VARIATION OF SOIL CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OVER NIGERIAN SAVANNA
Authors: Jaiyeoba I.A. 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTAn analysis of relationships between selected soil chemical properties and parameters of parent material, climate and relief was undertaken for the savanna of north central Nigeria. Step by step examination of individual properties and the environmental parameters reveals numerous invariably disparate relationships often explicable in terms of local conditions. However, an analysis of covariance involving all variables shows that variations in base elements and cation exchange capacity are more strongly related to lithology than climatic or relief parameters. Soil pH and base saturation percentage, on the other hand, are influenced more by rainfall than parent material, altitude and slope position. Temperature and slope gradient are relatively unimportant in the variability of all soil properties. On the whole, the soil properties show significantly greater values over basalt, shale and alluvium than gneiss, schist and colluvium which in turn show greater values than sandstone, granite, granite gneiss, aeolian and ironpan‐rich deposits. Exchangeable cations and cation exchange capacity increase with an increase in rainfall, altitude and downslope position while pH and base saturation per cent show a decreasing trend.
LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT UNDER THE “NIC” MODEL OF DEVELOPMENT: RECENT EVIDENCE FROM MAURITIUS
Authors: Pandit Kavita 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTThe export‐based development strategies of the Newly Industrialising Countries (NICs) of East Asia, associated with high labour absorption in manufacturing, low unemployment rates, and rising skill levels, are often suggested as a model for other developing countries. The paper examines labour and employment trends from 1963 to 1988 in Mauritius, a country that explicitly adopted the NIC model in the early seventies. The trends show a number of similarities to NIC labour and employment patterns. The gains made since 1970, ironically, present constraints to sustaining economic development based on labour intensive production. Mauritius faces unique opportunities and challenges as it begins to make the shift to capital intensive manufacturing and service activities, the final step to NIC status.
TRACER AND DARCY‐BASED IDENTIFICATION OF SUBSURFACE FLOW, BUKIT TIMAH FOREST, SINGAPORE
Authors: Sherlock M.D. , Chappell Nick , Greer Tony 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTThe spatial distribution of soil hydrological properties and associated flow pathways within a single 0.01 to 10 km2 catchment are usually poorly defined by typical programmes of point‐scale measurements. This is due not only to “measurement uncertainty” caused by instrument error and inadequate spatial sampling but also to “conceptual uncertainty” resulting from a deficiency in the Darcy‐Buckingham‐Richards description of subsurface flow. This study examines these two sources of uncertainty in the identification of subsurface flow beneath the Bukit Timah forest, Singapore. The two distinct approaches of water‐tracing and Darcy‐Buckingham calculations are compared. Flow estimates resulting from quasi‐steady Darcy‐Buckingham calculations were found to be very sensitive to the magnitude and pattern of the saturated hydraulic conductivity, which itself was sensitive to the permeametry technique used. The use of a Hydro‐Physics ring permeameter in the estimation of subsurface flows gives rates that are far greater than the mean propagation rates of tagged water though the approach identifies the relative difference between the behaviour of the two slopes studied. Whilst the lumped differences between the two tropical slopes may be identified with the Darcy method, the poor correlation with the absolute velocity and direction of the tracer plume means that catchment or even slope scale simulation using parameters of the Darcy‐Buckingham‐Richards equation will be highly uncertain.
BEYOND BEAN COUNTING AND WHALE TALES
Authors: Le Boeuf Burney J. , Würsig Bernd 
Published: August 2006

AbstractThree developments have implications for the future study of marine mammal behavior: 1) The number and affiliation of researchers have increased from a few individuals representing the interests of government or industry to many people conducting studies from a variety of points of view; 2) The interpretation of natural selection's operation on social behavior and life history patterns has shifted from emphasizing group to individual benefits; and 3) The passage of the Marine Mammal Protection Act has committed the United States to manage, research and protect marine mammal populations. Despite negative aspects of each development, the overall effect on marine mammal research will be positive. The combination of these changes and the interaction and collaboration of researchers with diverse orientations will spur new and varied research efforts and lead to a deeper understanding of marine mammals.
THE BREEDING CYCLE OF THE SOUTHERN SEA LION, OTARIA BYRONIA
Authors: Campagna Claudio 
Published: August 2006

AbstractDaily counts of Southern sea lions (Otaria byronia) made at Punta Norte, Argentina, during four consecutive breeding seasons (1980–1984) yielded similar results in the time of the reproductive events. Males and females began to arrive during the second week of December. Males reached peak numbers (100–110) between 15 and 21 January. Females reached maximum numbers (300–350) at the end of January. About 380–430 pups were born between December 20 and February 2, and 70–80 percent of births occurred between 10 and 25 January. Copulations peaked during the third week of January. The sex ratio of adult males to adult females at peak season fluctuated from 1:3.7 to 1:4.2. By the first week of February, coinciding with the maximum number of young males (25–50), 90 percent of the adult males had abandoned the area and the number of females fluctuated greatly. Since 1980 the number of females and pups has shown a slight increase, particularly during the 1983–1984 breeding season.
POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS AND MIGRATION OF SUMMER AND LATE‐SEASON HUMPBACK WHALES (MEGAPTERA NOVAEANGLIAE) IN SOUTHEASTERN ALASKA
Authors: Baker C. Scott , Herman Louis M. , Perry Anjanette , Lawton William S. , Straley Janice M. , Straley John H. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractA total of 326 humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) were individually identified in southeastern Alaska during five summer seasons (July to September) and four late seasons (November to February) spanning the years 1979 to 1983. Peak numbers of whales were found late in August or early in September. Whales arrived 1–2 wk later in 1982 than in 1981. Whales sighted in both the summer and late seasons of 1981 and 1982 remained about 3.7 mo and one whale remained for at least 4.9 mo. Humpback whales from southeastern Alaska wintered in Hawaiian or Mexican waters, but generally did not travel to other feeding regions. The most rapid migratory transit between Hawaii and southeastern Alaska was 79 d. Based on mark‐recapture analyses of the photographic data, we estimate a population of 270–372 whales in the southeastern Alaska feeding herd.
SEXUAL DIMORPHISM IN SPOTTED DOLPHINS (STENELLA ATTENUATA) IN THE EASTERN TROPICAL PACIFIC OCEAN
Authors: Schnell Gary D. , Douglas Michael E. , Hough Daniel J. 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTWe analyzed 4 meristic and 32 morphometric cranial traits of 612 adult specimens of spotted dolphins (Stenella attenuata) from the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean for sexual dimorphism. Eleven 5″ latitude/longitude blocks with five or more of each sex were assessed with a two‐way ANOVA for sex and geographic differences. Interaction between these two factors was found for six measurements, suggesting that the degree of sexual dimorphism varies geographically for a few characters (although in no discernible geographic pattern). Sexual dimorphism was demonstrated for 23 of the 36 characters, with differences ranging from 0.00 to 5.88 percent. Females characteristically had a longer rostrum, while males generally had larger skulls overall. In terms of number of characters, the extent of sexual dimorphism demonstrated for skulls of spotted dolphins goes considerably beyond that shown for any other small delphine. A discriminant function involving a combination of 10 characters enabled us to identify correctly the sex of more than 75 percent of the specimens. A procedure for correcting specimen measurements is outlined that would enable an investigator to combine male and female specimens in geographic variation studies. A term (zwitter) is proposed for use when referring to specimens where measurements have been corrected to take into account differences between the sexes.
ECOLOGY, BEHAVIOR AND SOCIAL ORGANIZATION OF THE BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN: A REVIEW
Authors: Shane Susan H. , Wells Randall S. , Würsig Bernd 
Published: August 2006

AbstractThe authors review the literature on bottlenose dolphin ecology, behavior and social organization, focusing on data collected on free‐ranging animals. Most bottlenose dolphins studied to date have had definable home ranges, and behavioral, morphological and biochemical information indicates discrete stocks in some areas. Bottlenose dolphins appear to form relatively permanent social groups based on sex and age. Mother—calf bonds are long‐lasting. Movement patterns are extremely variable from location to location but are relatively predictable at any given site. Food resources are one of the most important factors affecting movements. Bottlenose dolphin behavior is very flexible, and these dolphins are generally active day and night. Feeding peaks in the morning and afternoon have been observed at several sites. Social behavior is an important component of daily activities. Sharks are the most significant predator on bottlenose dolphins in most areas, but captive and wild studies show that dolphins and sharks frequently live in harmony as well. Human activities may be helpful, harmful or neutral to bottlenose dolphins, but interactions with humans are frequent for these coastal cetaceans.