bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Parliamentary oversight: Oireachtas committees and the Dáil Committee on Public Accounts in the twenty-first century
Authors: Lynch Catherine 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Strong parliaments hold the government, its departments and the wider public administration to account. Such parliaments are built on strong and active committee systems. For a long time, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) was the only oversight committee consistently in place in the Houses of the Oireachtas. This article explains how the committee system has been gradually expanded and strengthened, and how its remit to oversee the actions of the government is wide. It explains the institutional factors that lead to the continued prominence of the PAC, including how it draws on the expert, independent reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General to conduct its oversight work, while noting that the PAC still faces the same challenges as other committees concerning a wide remit, finite resources and the multiple motivations of its membership. The work of the PAC is described and placed in the context of the financial scrutiny cycle which is being developed in the Houses of the Oireachtas. This is followed by a discussion of how the PAC manages its potentially wide remit to conduct ex post financial scrutiny of public expenditure, and the balance between what is referred to as ‘police-patrol’, rather than ‘fire-alarm’, scrutiny and the procedural changes which are designed to ensure that the PAC (with the authority of the Dáil) can examine and hold actors to account for the expenditure of any public money.
Comparative evaluation of shear bond strength and debonding properties of GC Ortho Connect composite and Transbond XT composite
Authors: Bahrami Somayeh , Azarbayejani Saeed , Kazemian Mehrdad 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Objectives
The aim of this study was to evaluate the shear bond strength (SBS) and the adhesive remnant index (ARI) of “GC Ortho Connect”, a new no-primer orthodontic composite, in comparison with Transbond XT composite.

Methods
Sixty extracted human premolars were randomly divided into three groups (n=20). All teeth were etched with 37% phosphoric acid after which brackets were bonded using Transbond XT composite (3M Unitek, Monrovia, USA) and its primer in group I, GC Ortho Connect composite (GC Orthodontics, Tokyo, Japan) in group II, and Transbond XT composite without its primer in group III. After 24 hr of storage in distilled water at 37°C, the SBS was measured using a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. After debonding, the ARI scores were determined under a stereomicroscope at ×20 magnification. ANOVA and the Kruskal–Wallis test were applied to analyse the data at P < 0.05.

Results
The mean SBS value for GC Ortho Connect composite was 15.50±3.25 MPa, which was significantly higher than the value in group I (12.66±3.3 MPa) and group III (11.18±4.94 MPa). The ARI scores showed that the GC Ortho Connect composite mainly exhibited cohesive failure; whereas, most failures in the Transbond XT composite group occurred at the enamel–adhesive interface.

Conclusions
The performance of GC Ortho Connect composite heralds easier and more efficient bonding in orthodontics.
Effects of Protease and Sex on Skin, Bone and Muscle Yields and Percentages of Major Primal Cuts in Broilers
Authors: Dosković Vladimir , Bogosavljević-Bošković Snežana , Škrbić Zdenka , Lukić Miloš , Milošević Božidar , Rakonjac Simeon , Petričević Veselin , Bjedov Siniša 
Published: December 2023

Summary
This study aimed to assess the effects of different dietary levels of the protease enzyme and sex on skin, bone and muscle yields and percentages of breast, drumsticks and thighs as the most valuable carcass parts of broilers. A total of 300 one-day-old, mixed-sex broiler chickens (Cobb 500) were randomly divided into 3 dietary treatments with different levels of protease supplementation (group C: a standard diet without Ronozyme ProAct; group E-I: a diet with 200 mg/kg Ronozyme ProAct and a 4% crude protein reduction compared to the standard diet; and group E-II: a diet with 300mg/kg Ronozyme ProAct and a 6% crude protein reduction compared to the standard diet). All diets were maize- and soybean meal-based. Feed and water were provided ad libitum throughout the 49-day feeding trial. The results obtained indicate that the dietary treatments had no significant effect on skin, bone and muscle yields and percentages of the drumsticks, thighs and breast (P > 0.05), except for the breast muscle weight in the female chickens (especially between the E-I and E-II groups), and the drumstick bone percentage in the males between the C and E-2 groups (P < 0.05). In all three groups, the male chickens exhibited higher weights of skin, muscle and bone in breast, drumsticks and thighs than the female chickens, and the differences were not significant only in the skin weight of drumsticks and thighs (P > 0.05). The females had a higher yield of muscle tissue in breast and drumsticks, a higher percentage of skin in drumsticks and thighs, and a lower percentage of bone in drumsticks and thighs than the males (P < 0.05). Major differences resulted from the effect of broiler sex, whereas the dietary treatments containing 3 levels of protease supplementation had a very small effect on the yields and percentages of skin, bone and muscle in breast, drumsticks and thighs.
Seasonal Trends in Holstein Milk Traits
Authors: Gavran Mirna , Solić Dragan , Gantner Vesna , Bjedov Siniša 
Published: December 2023

Summary
The dairy industry acknowledges the seasonal nature of milk production and the fluctuations in milk component concentrations throughout the year. This variability in milk components, influenced by seasonal changes, assumes critical importance in light of the projected global population increase to 9.7 billion people within the next 20–50 years. Addressing the imminent need for major alterations in agricultural and livestock practices to accommodate this growth necessitates a comprehensive evaluation of all stages within the food production chain. An essential aspect of achieving sustainable agriculture involves identifying opportunities to reduce gaseous pollutants. This study aims to investigate how seasonal variations impact the specific properties of Holstein milk, with a focus on the daily milk yield, daily milk protein, daily milk fat, and urea content. Test-day records from Holstein dairy cows in Croatia, collected during routine milk assessments from January 2005 to December 2022, form the basis of this research. A meticulous process of logical scrutiny of milk recording data, compliant with the ICAR standards, and rectification of non-logical variable values ensured the inclusion of 5,164,920 Holstein test-day records in the refined database. Our analysis centers on the annual number of samples and the primary parameters of milk content (namely fat, protein, and urea). The examination of Holstein milk samples revealed recurring cyclical patterns, indicating higher values during winter and lower values in summer. These distinct variations likely correlate with the annual climatic fluctuations in Croatia. The implications of these findings warrant future research to monitor trends in the raw milk quality and assess the potential adverse effects of the identified changes on the milk properties.
Physiological, Haematological And Production Characteristics Of Pheasants In Different Rearing Conditions
Authors: Davidović Vesna , Popović Zoran , Lavadinović Vukan 
Published: December 2023

SummaryThis paper presents a physiological, hematological, and biochemical study of the impact of different rearing conditions on pheasant production outcomes and mortality rates in both the pheasant parent flock and pheasant chicks up to 6 weeks old. Pheasant breeding holds significance within hunting activities and meat production for the food market due to its high biological and nutritive value. Pheasant meat contains high-quality proteins, minerals, essential unsaturated fatty acids, and boasts a low-fat percentage. The quality of pheasant meat derived from natural habitats holds a higher biological value compared to that of pheasants raised on farms, featuring higher water, protein, and calcium contents, and a lower fat percentage. The dry mass of breast muscles from farm-reared birds contains more protein and less fat when compared to drumstick muscles. Notably, during the egg-laying period, alterations in hematological parameters linked to oxygen transport, decreased erythropoiesis, and increased values in white blood cell parameters were observed. Changes in blood biochemical parameters signify increased energy requirements in pheasant hens during egg laying, as well as heightened transportation of minerals, proteins, and cholesterol, which accumulate in the eggshell, albumen, and yolk. The elevated metabolic requirements in pheasant hens manifest significantly through increased levels of cholesterol, uric acid, lactates, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), calcium, and phosphorus. Simultaneously, there is a noteworthy decrease in plasma total proteins, albumins, glucose, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) concentrations. Several challenges persist throughout all production stages, leading to reduced egg yield, compromised egg quality and fertility, as well as increased mortality rates. These issues stem from factors such as high population density, an inappropriate male-to-female sex ratio, inadequate nutrition, and insufficient assessment of the biological quality of hatching eggs.
Adaptive Defence Strategies of the Stingless Bee, Tetragonula Iridipennis Smith. Against Nest Intruders in a Newly Divided Colony
Authors: Amala Udayakumar , Shamappa Venu Hunasikote , Kandikere Chandramanu , Nanjundaiah Shylesha Arakalagud , Maharudrappa Shivalingaswamy T. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
A study was conducted to document nest intruders in newly divided colonies of stingless bees. The nature of the damage, the sequence of activities after colony division, and task allocation in the colony were studied. Three insect invaders - solitary resin bees (Megachile disjuncta, M. cephalotes), ants (Oecophylla smaragdina and Camponotus sp.) and spiders belonging to the family Salticidae and Lycosidae invaded the colonies during the earlier stages of division. The mean number of resin bees and ant invasions was significantly higher during the first week after division. Spiders invaded the hives and formed webs during the second week after division, resin and honey resources are robbed by resin bees and ants. Nest entrance closure was observed at 4.37±0.74 days after colony division guard bee activity from 6.13±1.24 days and foraging activity from 10.63±1.06 days after division. Observations on the task allocation framework after colony division indicated that 69% of bees were involved in hive entrance repair, 18% in colony architecture development, and 13% in tending to newly emerged bees from brood cells. The bees built a complex nest entrance, guarded activity and demonstrated nest closure behaviour in order to protect the nest against intruders. The results of the study are of prime importance for beekeepers to learn how to watch for hive intruders during colony division and to understand the adaptive defence mechanism to protect colonies.
The Impact of Project Management Tools on Project Results: Evaluation of a Survey Among Managers Leading International Development Projects for four selected Central and Eastern European Donors
Authors: Dufková Gabriela 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
As the success rate of international development projects might be still below expectations, several studies have explored whether and how the use of project management (PM) tools might improve internal and external project performance. This article looks specifically at four selected Central and Eastern European countries and evaluates a newly collected data set. Based on a survey, the study examines the adoption of PM tools among project managers in the region. Furthermore, with the use of cluster analysis, it suggests that the tools are adopted progressively in four stages that differ culturally from other international studies. Last but not least, using structural equation modelling, the research indicates that among the surveyed project managers, the use of stage 1 tools might directly contribute to the improvement of internal project results and that these internal results might then have a positive impact also on the external project performance.
Tony Lawson on money
Authors: Menšík Josef 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Tony Lawson, the leading figure of the Cambridge Social Ontology Group, recently published a series of papers devoted to the question of the nature of money. These contributions have to be understood in the context of his broader approach to social ontology, the so called social positioning theory. While at first glance Lawson’s monetary ideas might appear disconnected and sometimes even contradictory or mistaken, there is a consistent vision behind them which is Lawson general social ontology. Lawson’s elaboration of the nature of money is not the only one compatible with the social positioning theory and an alternative one is briefly proposed in the paper. While systematising various Lawson’s monetary contributions, attention has been paid to several particular discrepancies and mistakes and their rectification. At the end of the paper, some lessons from analysing Lawson’s monetary contributions are drawn for his general approach to social ontology.
The fair access of the third country nationals to successfully integrate in the Romanian society
Authors: Tomita Mihaela , Ungureanu Roxana , Duta Malina , Ilioni-Loga Flavius 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The present paper presents the experience and situation of third country nationals living in Timisoara, Romania. Their experience is relevant to the region of Banat, in the West of the country, but broadly speaking, also mirrors the situation of various types of migrants who come to Romania. Through both individual interviews and focus groups, we obtained information concerning 4 main topics that are relevant to integration: education, health, housing, and employment. The respondents were adults who came from a background that is diversified professionally, culturally, and geographically. Thus, the sample, consisting of a total of over 50 persons, is relevant to our purpose: finding out what the needs of the third country nationals are and how can both state institutions and civil society organizations better meet those needs. After having studied material stemming from previous research and after having analysed the discourse of those whom we have encountered, we conclude that, though the Romanian state has the legal basis and premises to ensure the successful integration of TCNs in Romania, there is still work to be done in the field of putting the theoretical framework into common practice on the ground, thus ensuring the fair access of the TCNs to the tools and support they need to successfully integrate in the Romanian society.
Complex Analysis of the Territorial Development of Csongrád-Csanád County
Authors: Kovács Helga 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The study focuses on the county of Csongrád-Csanád and its districts, looking at the relative social and economic development of the districts and the direction of territorial changes in each district. The territorial development differences of the districts of Csongrád-Csanád county were mapped in two years, 2014 and 2020. Based on the indicators defined in Government Decree 290/2014 (XI. 26.), new indicators were developed. Subsequently, the economic, social, infrastructural and employment data of the districts were examined using a complex development indicator. The data for the analysis of the districts were provided by the Regional Statistical Information Database of the Central Statistical Office (KSH) and the National Spatial Development and Planning Information System (TeIR). The county covered by the study comprises seven districts: the districts of Csongrádi, Hódmezővásárhelyi, Kisteleki, Makói, Mórahalmi, Szeged and Szentes.
The Tennis Ball Marker in the south-eastern Bushveld Complex: comparison with the Boulder Bed of the Western Bushveld Complex and proposed genesis by disaggregation of intrusive sills in processes akin to those involved in the formation of peperites and mafic enclave swarms
Authors: Mitchell A.A. , Scoon R.N. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The Tennis Ball Marker (TBM) is a distinctive lithology that is particularly well developed near the base of the Rustenburg Layered Suite (RLS) on the farm Middelkraal 221 JS, approximately 20 km south of the town of Roossenekal in the Eastern Limb of the Bushveld Complex. The name refers to a texture in which approximately tennis ball-sized spheroidal aggregates of feldspathic orthopyroxenite or melanorite occur within a lighter-coloured gabbronorite host rock. We have identified two well-defined layers in which pyroxenitic spheroids are densely packed, with spheroids more sparsely distributed elsewhere in the host gabbronorite. The TBM at Middelkraal has previously been described as a contact phenomenon where the Main Zone (MZ) has been contaminated by footwall lithologies that include basaltic lavas of the Dullstroom Formation. Our geochemical data, in tandem with new geological mapping, suggest that the TBM is in fact hosted by the Marginal Sill Phase (MSP), and not by the MZ. The MSP is a regional feature that separates the overlying units of the RLS from its floor rocks throughout this region. Sills that make up the MSP were injected on a regional plane of weakness in the primary stratigraphy prior to the intrusion of the remainder of the RLS. The MSP does not represent the chilled carapace of a magma chamber, as implied in previous studies, and there is no evidence of a genetic relationship with the MZ. Our geochemical data indicate, furthermore, that the gabbronorite constituting the dominant lithology of the MSP that hosts the TBM at Middelkraal formed from a sequence of several magma influxes. The TBM is ascribed to one or more subsequent intrusions of pyroxenitic magma into the still hot gabbronoritic host sequence. There are no comparable lithologies reported from other layered intrusions, and the closest analogy to the TBM is the Boulder Bed in the Upper Critical Zone (UCZ) of the Western Bushveld Complex, which has received considerably more attention in the literature than has the TBM. The Boulder Bed has been ascribed variously to in-situ agglomeration of clusters of orthopyroxene resulting from liquid immiscibility, in situ breakup of a pre-existing pyroxenite layer, possibly due to seismic events, or the disaggregation of a late-stage pyroxenitic sill intruding into the magma chamber. We subscribe to the latter mechanism for both the TBM and the Boulder Bed, drawing on similarities with mafic magmatic enclaves, where mafic sills have been shown to have disaggregated on intrusion into earlier bodies of felsic to intermediate igneous rock, or peperites, where magma intruded fluidised sediments.
The geomorphology and neotectonics of the Vaalputs Radioactive Waste Disposal Facility site, Namaqualand, South Africa: Palaeoseismological and geodynamic implications
Authors: Andreoli M.A.G. , Knight J. , Durrheim R.J. , Evans M. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The safe disposal of radioactive waste products remains a challenging and controversial issue, yet their burial in a stable geological environment is the option favoured by most countries. Past investigations of the Vaalputs facility in South Africa’s semi-arid Bushmanland Plateau demonstrated its suitability for the disposal of low-level, short-lived (&lt;300 years) radioactive waste, but also the need for more data on hazardous seismotectonic and climatic processes for the potential storage of longer-lived spent nuclear fuel. We review and then provide new information on the regional geomorphological and morphotectonic features of the Bushmanland Plateau, focusing on pedogenic features and compressive shear fractures in the trenches excavated over the past two decades. The fractures, provisionally dated between ~75 ka and ~46 ka, resemble east-verging thrust faults of limited horizontal displacement (≤1 m) and die out at depths of 4 m. Having discounted a pedogenic origin, the shear fractures likely represent stress relief structures triggered by the seismogenic reactivation of one of the Quaternary active faults in the area. The most likely candidate is the Santab Fault Zone (SFZ), which has a strike length ≥20 km and a throw of up to ~5 m at its closest point (8 km) to the Vaalputs site. Regional remote sensing and off-site investigations in the Bushmanland Plateau relate the neotectonic episodes at Vaalputs and environs to a late Pleistocene climax of the Namaqualand seismic source zone. This zone is characterised by the Wegener Stress Anomaly, a long-lived ~northwest-southeast oriented compression that, at its apex in the Late Santonian, caused large scale folding and thrusting not only in Bushmanland and parts of central-southern Namibia, but also swept across the entire African plate.