bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alterações degenerativas em pacientes com disfunção crâniomandibular
Authors: Ilha filho João Baptista , Fava Antônio Sérgio , Aquotti Vanessa Cristina , Reis Alessandra Aquotti , Bon Alexandre S. , Mena L.
Published: September 2010

Os processos degenerativos da ATM foram estudados em 17 pacientes, 34 ATMs do Serviço de Cirurgia Bucomaxilofacial do Hospital Jaraguá-São Paulo/SP, todos com diagnóstico de disfunção crâniomandibular. Foi utilizado o exame radiográfico do tipo transcraniano para verificação das degenerações articulares. As ATMs de cada paciente foram examinadas por três diferentes profissionais com auxílio do exame radiográfico. O exame clínico procurou observar dados como raça, gênero, a queixa principal de cada paciente, presença de dor pré-auricular, dor muscular, estalo nas articulações, e limitação da abertura da boca. A dor pré-auricular, e os estalos foram as principais queixas dos pacientes. As alterações degenerativas ocorreram mais nas mulheres com faixa etária entre 20 a 29 anos. Ocorreram na seguinte ordem decrescente: facetamento, eburnação e osteófito. As alterações foram mais marcantes no côndilo do que na eminência articular, já os facetamentos estiveram relacionados com a queixa principal de dor pré-auricular. Foi observado estatisticamente uma correlação de 70% entre o facetamento e a ebunação.
Estudo comparativo da reabsorção radicular apical em pacientes bruxônomos e pacientes sem sinais clínicos de desgaste dentário
Authors: Odebrech Rebeca , Canto Graziela L. , Bortolon Adriana C.
Published: September 2010

A reabsorção radicular, assim como o bruxismo, são temas amplamente abordados na literatura, contudo, a associação dos mesmos ainda permanece pouco documentada. Desse modo, esta pesquisa objetiva comparar pacientes portadores de bruxismo e pacientes sem sinais clínicos de desgaste dentário em relação à quantidade de reabsorção radicular apical nos incisivos superiores. Para tanto foram avaliados clínica e radiograficamente 64 pacientes, perfazendo um total de 256 incisivos acompanhados. Os resultados demonstram que há uma correlação positiva entre bruxismo e reabsorção radicular.
Níveis de farinha de peixe em rações para juvenis de tilápia
Authors: Pontes Edvânia da Conceição , Oliveira Marinez Moraes de , Rosa Priscila Vieira e , Freitas Rilke Tadeu Fonseca de , Pimenta Maria Emília de Sousa Gomes , Rodrigues Paulo Borges
Published: September 2010

Avaliou-se a influência do uso na ração de farinha de peixe suplementada com aminoácidos sobre o desempenho, as características de carcaça e a análise hematológica de juvenis de tilápia-do-nilo. Utilizaram-se 140 juvenis com peso médio de 14,0 ± 0,14 g, distribuídos aleatoriamente em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com cinco níveis de farinha de peixe (0; 1,5; 3,0; 4,5 e 6,0%) na ração, cada um com quatro repetições. As rações foram isoenergéticas (3.000 kcal de energia digestível) e isocálcicas, e os peixes foram alimentados três vezes ao dia, até saciedade aparente, durante 60 dias. Foram avaliados o ganho de peso, o consumo de ração, a conversão alimentar aparente, a taxa de eficiência protéica, o índice hepatossomático, o peso da carcaça, o rendimento de carcaça, a retenção de nitrogênio e as taxas de hematócrito e hemoglobina. Os níveis de farinha de peixe não influenciaram o ganho de peso, a conversão alimentar, o consumo de ração, o índice hepatossomático, o rendimento de carcaça, o peso da carcaça e a taxa de hemoglobina, mas tiveram efeito quadrático sobre a retenção de nitrogênio, o teor de umidade e de gordura na carcaça e a taxa de hematócrito. Quanto maiores os níveis de farinha de peixe, menor a taxa de eficiência proteica e mais altos os teores de proteína e cinzas na carcaça. O nível de 3% de farinha de peixe não afeta o desempenho nem as características de carcaça de juvenis de tilápia-do-nilo.
Aspectos genéticos de curvas de probabilidade de postura em codornas
Authors: Rossi Robson Marcelo , Martins Elias Nunes
Published: September 2010

Neste trabalho foram avaliados os componentes de covariância e as herdabilidades dos parâmetros da curva de produção de ovos em codornas em um modelo de duplo estágio: o primeiro estágio composto pelo ajustamento de uma curva não-linear e o segundo, pela avaliação dos parâmetros genéticos obtidos por meio do modelo animal. Foram utilizados registros individuais diários de postura até 90 dias, a contar do primeiro ovo no lote, de 308, 374 e 378 aves de três linhagens. Dentro de cada linhagem, não houve diferenças entre os componentes de covariância nem herdabilidades para as rações contendo diferentes níveis de energia (2.900 ou 2.500 kcal/kg de EM), indicando que não houve heterogeneidade de variância. Entretanto, os valores de correlações genéticas foram na ordem de 0,53 a 0,65 para o parâmetro α e de 0,28 a 0,30 para β, indicando haver interação genótipo × ambiente. As estimativas de herdabilidade, respectivamente, nas três linhagens, para os parâmetros α e β na dieta de alta energia foram 0,21 e 0,50; 0,12 e 0,49; e 0,12 e 0,48, e na dieta de baixa energia, 0,23 e 0,50; 0,13 e 0,50; e 0,10 e 0,47. As estimativas dos componentes de covariância e herdabilidades foram diferentes entre as linhagens, para os dois parâmetros da curva. Uma linhagem apresentou maior herdabilidade para o parâmetro α, o que indica maior potencial para mudanças por seleção para a produção na fase inicial de postura. Considerando o parâmetro β, as três linhagens apresentam o mesmo potencial.
Modelos de regressão aleatória na avaliação genética do crescimento de ovinos da raça Santa Inês
Authors: Sarmento José Lindenberg Rocha , Torres Robledo de Almeida , Lôbo Raimundo Nonato Braga , Albuquerque Lucia Galvão de , Sousa Wandrick Hauus de , Sousa José Ernandes Rufino de
Published: September 2010

Utilizaram-se 17.767 registros de peso de 4.210 cordeiros da raça Santa Inês com o objetivo de comparar modelos de regressão aleatória com diferentes estruturas para modelar a variância residual em estudos genéticos da curva de crescimento. Os efeitos fixos incluídos na análise foram: grupo contemporâneo e idade da ovelha no parto. As regressões fixas e aleatórias foram ajustadas por meio de polinômios de Legendre de ordens 4 e 3, respectivamente. A variância residual foi ajustada por meio de classes heterogêneas e por funções de variância empregando polinômios ordinários e de Legendre de ordens 2 a 8. O modelo considerando homogeneidade de variâncias residuais mostrou-se inadequado. De acordo com os critérios utilizados, a variância residual contendo sete classes heterogêneas proporcionou melhor ajuste, embora um mais parcimonioso, com cinco classes, pudesse ser utilizado sem perdas na qualidade de ajuste da variância nos dados. O ajuste de funções de variância com qualquer ordem foi melhor que o obtido por meio de classes. O polinômio ordinário de ordem 6 proporcionou melhor ajuste entre as estruturas testadas. A modelagem do resíduo interferiu nas estimativas de variâncias e parâmetros genéticos. Além da alteração da classificação dos reprodutores, a magnitude dos valores genéticos preditos apresenta variações significativas, de acordo com o ajuste da variância residual empregado.
Desempenho, características de carcaça e composição óssea de suínos alimentados com diferentes níveis de ractopamina e fitase
Authors: Corassa Anderson , Lopes Darci Clementino , Teixeira Alexandre de Oliveira
Published: September 2010

O experimento foi conduzido com objetivo de avaliar o efeito da utilização de ractopamina e fitase em dietas para suínos no período final de terminação sobre o desempenho, as características de carcaça e a composição mineral no osso terceiro metacarpo. Foram utilizados 240 suínos machos castrados com peso inicial de 100,7 ± 3,9 kg, em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, em arranjo fatorial 2 × 3, com dois níveis de ractopamina (5 ppm e 10 ppm) e três de fitase (0, 500 e 750 uf), totalizando seis dietas, avaliadas em cinco repetições de oito animais por unidade experimental. O experimento teve duração de três semanas e, ao final, os animais foram abatidos para avaliação de carcaça. Não houve interação entre os níveis de ractopamina e fitase para nenhuma das variáveis. O peso corporal, o consumo diário de ração, a perda de peso durante o transporte, o percentual de carne magra e os teores de cinzas, fósforo e flúor no osso não foram influenciados pelas dietas. O nível de 10 ppm de ractopamina foi o que promoveu melhores resultados de ganho de peso, conversão alimentar, peso de carcaça quente, carne magra total, índice de bonificação e teor de cálcio no osso. Os níveis de fitase avaliados não influenciaram o desempenho nem as características de carcaça, exceto o rendimento, que foi maior nos animais alimentados com a dieta contendo 500 uf em comparação àqueles que não receberam fitase. Dietas com 10 ppm de ractopamina proporcionam melhor desempenho e características de carcaça em comparação a dietas com 5 ppm. A substituição de fonte inorgânica por fitase (500 ou 750 uf) na dieta não influencia o desempenho, as características de carcaça nem a composição mineral no osso de suínos alimentados com dietas contendo ractopamina.
Balanço de cálcio e fósforo e estudo dos níveis desses minerais em dietas para codornas japonesas (45 a 57 semanas de idade)
Authors: Costa Carlos Henrique Rocha , Barreto Sergio Luiz de Toledo , Umigi Regina Tie , Lima Heder José D'Avila , Araujo Marcelle Santana de , Medina Paola
Published: September 2010

Objetivou-se verificar o efeito de quatro níveis de cálcio (Ca) e de fósforo disponível (Pd) na dieta sobre o desempenho, a qualidade dos ovos e a excreção mineral em codornas japonesas durante o terço final do ciclo de produção. Utilizaram-se 384 codornas, com 313 dias de idade, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 4 × 2, composto de quatro níveis de cálcio (2,0; 2,5; 3,0 e 3,5%) e dois de fósforo disponível (0,15 e 0,35%), de modo que cada combinação foi avaliada em seis repetições de oito aves. As dietas experimentais foram isoproteicas (19,31% de PB), isocalóricas (2.800 kcal de EM/kg) e isoaminoacídicas. Foram avaliados a produção, o peso, a massa, a altura e o diâmetro dos ovos, o consumo de ração, a conversão alimentar, a viabilidade, o peso específico, os componentes dos ovos (peso e porcentagem de casca, albúmem e gema), o balanço de cálcio e fósforo total e a excreção de matéria mineral. Não houve interação dos níveis de cálcio e fósforo disponível utilizados. O aumento do nível de cálcio na dieta melhorou linearmente a conversão por dúzia e reduziu o consumo. Promoveu também aumento no peso específico, no peso e na porcentagem de casca e redução linear no peso da gema e aumentou o teor de cálcio nas excretas. A viabilidade e o teor de fósforo nas excretas aumentaram com o acréscimo de fósforo disponível, enquanto as demais variáveis não foram influenciadas pelos níveis de cálcio e fósforo disponível da dieta. Os níveis de 3,5% de cálcio e o de 0,15% de fósforo disponível são suficientes para proporcionar bom desempenho produtivo e manutenção satisfatória da qualidade dos ovos de codornas japonesas no terço final de postura (45 a 57 semanas de idade), e correspondem a consumos diários de 899 mg de cálcio e 40 mg de fósforo disponível por ave.
Oregano essential oil as food additive for piglets: antimicrobial and antioxidant potential
Authors: Henn João Dionísio , Bertol Teresinha Marisa , Moura Neusa Fernandes de , Coldebella Arlei , Brum Paulo Antônio Rabenschlag de , Casagrande Maurício
Published: September 2010

This study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of oregano essential oil on the performance and on the occurrence of diarrhea in weanling pigs, as well as its antioxidant and antimicrobial activity evaluated in vitro. It was compared four treatments (diets): negative control; positive control, 0.5% ZnO (preventive diarrhea) + 0.05% zinc acitracin (growth promoter); or 0.003% of essential oil of oregano, combined or not with preventive of diarrhea. Weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion were evaluated from 27 (weaning) to 62 days of age of the animals, and the occurrence of diarrhea was evaluated on the first 14 days of the experiment. The positive control diet and the oregano oil + zinc oxide diet were the ones that provided the best zootechnical performance. The number of piglets with diarrhea, as well as the duration of diarrhea, were lower in animals fed positive control and oregano oil + zinc oxide diets. Oregano oil had in vitro bacteriostatic action on all the tested microorganisms and bactericidal action against four bacteria. The in vitro antioxidant activity of oregano oil was 98.88% through linoleic acid/β-carotene system methodology, and 174.17 mg/mL by the DPPH method, expressed as CE50. Oregano oil shows potent antioxidant effect and a strong antimicrobial activity, however, it does not improve the zootechnical performance neither it is efficient in preventing diarrhea in weanling pigs.
Analysis of the aluminum production chain in Brazil
Authors: Machline Claude , Garcia Fernando , Amaral Jr. José Bento , Nobre Wilson
Published: September 2010

This paper's objective is to analyze the Brazilian aluminum production chain. We define production chain as the structured set of operations necessary to transform raw materials into a related group of finished products. The study of such a chain aims at increasing the competitiveness of its elements, focusing on their problems and devising solutions. The methodology adopted consisted in defining the basic production steps; visit plants and factories; interview executives; and analyze the wealth of data gathered. Some principles of production chain dynamics are proposed. The aluminum industry offers today, in Brazil, acute problems, due to currency devaluation, cost and scarcity of electrical energy, invoicing taxes and lack of economies of scale, which threaten its survival.
Silêncio e omissão: aspectos da cultura brasileira nas organizações
Authors: Vieira Francisco Giovanni David , Crubellate João Marcelo , Silva Ilse Gomes , Silva Wânia Rezende
Published: September 2010

O artigo analisa o silêncio e a omissão aspectos da cultura brasileira presentes nas organizações empresariais e estatais, que não só moldam a maneira como tais organizações se relacionam entre si e com o mercado, como também influenciam a própria formação e desenvolvimento dos processos e medidas administrativas dessas organizações. O pano de fundo para tal análise é a falsificação de remédios no Brasil, e a sua referência empírica são as organizações a ela vinculadas.
Lei de responsabilidade fiscal: condição insuficiente para o ajuste fiscal
Authors: Sodré Antônio Carlos de Azevedo
Published: September 2010

O estudo aqui exposto tem como objetivo discutir a Lei de Responsabilidade Fiscal (LRF) do ponto de vista de sua relevância para o ajuste fiscal brasileiro. Para isto, são apresentados os principais dispositivos desta lei, explorando os seus possíveis impactos nas contas públicas brasileiras nos próximos anos. A análise é feita com base em um referencial teórico que, apesar de simples, é de muita utilidade para o estudo das questões fiscais pois enfatiza a relação das variáveis que influenciam diretamente na evolução da Dívida Pública. Com base neste referencial e no breve exame dos resultados fiscais apresentados pelo país durante o Plano Real argumenta-se que a LRF não garante o equilíbrio fiscal brasileiro pois ela não exerce um controle significativo nos gastos financeiros do setor público.
O recalque e a castração na histeria de angústia: o pequeno Hans e Christoph Haitzmann
Authors: Barrocas Ricardo Lincoln Laranjeira , Félix Maria Luciana Silva Fernandes
Published: September 2010

Consideramos uma pista lógica encontrada em Freud que atribuiu à histeria de angústia dois efeitos singulares. O primeiro é referente à fobia do pequeno Hans em que a libido é posta na forma de ansiedade. No segundo, a histeria de angústia pode combinar-se, em qualquer proporção, com a histeria de conversão. Supomos que tal fato tenha ocorrido com Christoph Haitzmann. As duas situações comparadas à heterossexualidade típica, em que o recalque e a castração são mais bem estruturados, mostram Hans ter concernido a uma homossexualidade atípica e Haitzmann a uma heterossexualidade atípica.
Uma anotação à clínica: Gilles Deleuze, esquizofrenia e sua positividade
Authors: Barros Maria Elizabeth , Pereira Juan Carlos Peixoto
Published: September 2010

O artigo trata a questão da esquizofrenia, tomada como um signo negativo quando se instala como patologia no campo das psicoses. Afirma que o discurso médico psiquiátrico celebrou seu advento e comemorou tais possibilidades que o pensamento "freudo-bleuleriano" abriu e desvelou. Considera que a carreira da esquizofrenia, atravessando o movimento político da antipsiquiatria, confrontou-se com outra sorte de experiências, sendo registrada segundo uma nova lógica que, sob as condições impostas pelo acontecimento freudiano, transformou o saber no século XX. Afirma que Gilles Deleuze compreendeu esse aturdimento, recolheu a parte que lhe cabia e documentou-a, em particular em sua obra Lógica do Sentido quando inverteu a polaridade dos signos, positivando a esquizofrenia.
Obesity, inflammatory markers, and endometrial cancer risk: a prospective case–control study
Authors: Dossus Laure , Rinaldi Sabina , Becker Susen , Lukanova Annekatrin , Tjonneland Anne , Olsen Anja , Stegger Jakob , Overvad Kim , Chabbert-Buffet Nathalie , Jimenez-Corona Aida , Clavel-Chapelon Francoise , Rohrmann Sabine , Teucher Birgit , Boeing Heiner , Schütze Madlen , Trichopoulou Antonia , Benetou Vassiliki , Lagiou Pagona , Palli Domenico , Berrino Franco , Panico Salvatore , Tumino Rosario , Sacerdote Carlotta , Redondo Maria-Luisa , Travier Noémie , Sanchez Maria-Jose , Altzibar Jone M , Chirlaque Maria-Dolores , Ardanaz Eva , Bueno-de-Mesquita H Bas , van Duijnhoven Fränzel J B , Onland-Moret N Charlotte , Peeters Petra H M , Hallmans Goran , Lundin Eva , Khaw Kay-Tee , Wareham Nicholas , Allen Naomi , Key Tim J , Slimani Nadia , Hainaut Pierre , Romaguera Dora , Norat Teresa , Riboli Elio , Kaaks Rudolf
Published: September 2010

Obesity, a major risk factor for endometrial cancer, is a low-grade inflammatory state characterized by elevated concentrations of cytokines and acute phase reactants. The current study had two aims: first to investigate the associations of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL6), and IL1 receptor antagonist (IL1Ra) with endometrial cancer risk and second to examine to which extent these markers can influence the association between obesity and endometrial cancer. We conducted a case–control study, nested within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition, which comprised 305 incident cases of endometrial cancer and 574 matched controls. CRP, IL6, and IL1Ra were measured in prospectively collected blood specimens by immunoassays. Data were analyzed using conditional logistic regression. All statistical tests were two-sided, and P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. We observed a significant increase in risk of endometrial cancer with elevated levels of CRP (odds ratio (OR) for top versus bottom quartile: 1.58, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03–2.41, Ptrend=0.02), IL6 (OR for top versus bottom quartile: 1.66, 95% CI: 1.08–2.54, Ptrend=0.008), and IL1Ra (OR for top versus bottom quartile: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.22–2.73, Ptrend=0.004). After adjustment for body mass index (BMI), the estimates were strongly reduced and became non-significant. The association between BMI and endometrial cancer was also substantially attenuated (∼10–20%) after adjustment for inflammatory markers, even when the effects of C-peptide or estrone had already been taken into account. We provided epidemiological evidence that chronic inflammation might mediate the association between obesity and endometrial cancer and that endometrial carcinogenesis could be promoted by an inflammatory milieu.
Geotechnical instrumentation in the port of Alicante, Spain
Authors: Eleno Carretero C. J.
Published: September 2010

Construction of new structures and structural elements in harbour works often requires the adoption of monitoring systems which can contrast and highlight the differences between theoretical and real soil geotechnical responses, during both the works and the service stage. These systems enable engineers to keep abreast of unforeseen soil responses, and provide a tool to manage unexpected situations. The site geotechnical conditions in the enlargement of the Port of Alicante necessitated the adoption of a geotechnical monitoring system. In view of this, the Alicante Port Authority included the installation of a geotechnical instrumentation system as part of the technical assistance to management. The aim of this article is to explain the main questions that concerned the definition of the control variables, the type of instrumentation, the data-collection-and-transmission system, and the processing and interpretation of the results obtained.
Extension to the Port of Tarragona breakwater, Spain
Authors: Sánchez F. S. , Tous J. Borràs i , Rodríguez R. G. , Rodríguez E. M. , Ballesté C. S. , Benamón C. A.
Published: September 2010

Recent works at the Port of Tarragona in Spain invovled extending the length of the existing outer breakwater by 845 m following the same alignment. A vertical breakwater solution was adopted composed of reinforced-concrete prefabricated caissons with walls 24 m wide, 26 m wide at the base and founded at elevation −21·50 m. A total of 11 caissons were constructed, each 66·85 m long, the new breakwater being joined to the old one by a typical section of rubblemound breakwater with an armour layer composed of 39 t massed concrete blocks at the trunk of the breakwater and 59 t blocks at the roundhead. The depth of the seabed where the works were constructed ranges progressively from approximately 23 to 27 m. While the works were being performed, the Pineda Beach was regenerated with successive loads of sand (400 000 m3 in 4 years), in fulfilment of the environmental impact statement for the project. It took 34 months to complete the works.
A Real Time Power System Harmonic Estimator Considering Fundamental Frequency Variations
Authors: Dadash Zadeh Mohammad Reza
Published: September 2010

A new technique based on orthogonal filters and iterative frequency tracking is proposed to estimate harmonic components in power systems for real time applications. Frequency interpolation is used to estimate fundamental frequency and harmonics when the nominal frequency of the signal is a non-integer value. Fixed data window size and fixed sampling rate are the two advantageous features of the proposed technique. An off-line computation method with linear interpolation is proposed to reduce the number of computations involved during the generation of filter coefficients. The proposed technique was implemented using a real-time DSP (digital signal processor) data acquisition system. The performance of the proposed technique was studied by estimating the harmonic components of various signals. A FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) based technique was also used to estimate harmonic components for comparison. It has been shown that the accurate fundamental frequency is computed using iterative technique, and then accurate harmonic components are estimated when the fundamental frequency is not equal to the power system nominal frequency.
Bayesian Network Method for Fault Diagnosis in a Continuous Tubular Reactor
Authors: Liu Haoran , Buvat Jean-Christophe , Estel Lionel , Polaert Isabelle
Published: September 2010

The aim is this paper is to study fault diagnosis in a continuous chemical process. An experimental system is built to be the research base and a model is proposed and trained to carry out the fault diagnosis in the process. A Bayesian network model with two-layer nodes structure is designed and Maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) is used to amend the conditional probability table (CPT) given by expert knowledge. Then a Monte Carlo method is applied to simplify the inference rules and the data samples collected from the experimental system has been used to test the model.
Economic Incentives for a Healthy Diet: A Comparison of Policies in a Canadian Context
Authors: Kennedy Peter W
Published: September 2010

This paper examines the potential impact of policies to promote dietary health in the context of a tax-financed universal health care (TFUHC) system, as found in Canada and many other countries, in which a universal level of treatment is set by government policy. I construct a model in which a low quality diet raises the risk of disease, and disease in turn causes a loss of labor productivity. Low quality diets are less expensive than high quality diets, so dietary choices are worse for lower income households. The effect of disease can be partly offset by medical treatment. I show that dietary choices under TFUHC are distorted by a moral hazard problem which leads to diets that are lower in quality than is first-best. I then examine three different policy interventions to address the dietary distortion: a reduced level of treatment; risk-based premiums for health care; and a quality-based tax on food. I calibrate the model with Canadian data on type 2 diabetes and derive the net benefit and distributional impact for each policy.
Common fixed points of generalized almost nonexpansive mappings
Authors: Abbas Mujahid , Ilic Dejan
Published: September 2010

The concept of a generalized almost nonexpansive mappings is introduced and the existence of common fixed points for this new class of mappings is proved. As an application, an invariant approximation result is obtained.
Approximation and shape preserving properties of the nonlinear Favardsza-Szász-Mirakjan operator of max-product kind
Authors: Bede Barnabás , Coroianu Lucian , Gal Sorin
Published: September 2010

Starting from the study of the Shepard nonlinear operator of max-prod type in [6], [7], in the book [8], Open Problem 5.5.4, pp. 324-326, the Favard-Sz?sz-Mirakjan max-prod type operator is introduced and the question of the approximation order by this operator is raised. In the recent paper [1], by using a pretty complicated method to this open question an answer is given by obtaining an upper pointwise estimate of the approximation error of the form C?1(f;?x/?n) (with an unexplicit absolute constant C>0) and the question of improving the order of approximation ?1(f;?x/?n) is raised. The first aim of this note is to obtain the same order of approximation but by a simpler method, which in addition presents, at least, two advantages : it produces an explicit constant in front of ?1(f;?x/?n) and it can easily be extended to other max-prod operators of Bernstein type. Also, we prove by a counterexample that in some sense, in general this type of order of approximation with respect to ?1(f;?) cannot be improved. However, for some subclasses of functions, including for example the bounded, nondecreasing concave functions, the essentially better order ?1 (f;1/n) is obtained. Finally, some shape preserving properties are obtained.
Matrix transformations of strongly convergent sequences into Vσ
Authors: Mohiuddine S.A. , Aiyub M.
Published: September 2010

In this paper, we define the spaces ?(p, s) and ?p (s), where ?(p, s) = {x:1/n? k=1 K-s |xk -?|pk ? 0 for some ?, s ? 0} and if pk = p for each k, we have ?(p, s)=?p(s). We further characterize the matrix classes (?(p, s), V? ), (?p (s), V? ) and (?p (s), V? )reg , where V? denotes the set of bounded sequences all of whose ?-mean are equal.
Quasiconformality of harmonic mappings between Jordan domains
Authors: Mateljevic Miodrag , Bozin Vladimir , Knezevic Miljan
Published: September 2010

Suppose that h is a harmonic mapping of the unit disc onto a C 1,? domain D. We give sufficient and necessary conditions in terms of boundary function that h is q.c. We announce some new results and also outline application to existence problem of mean distortion minimizers in the Universal Teichm?ller space.
On some weighted integral inequalities for convex functions related to Fejér's result
Authors: Tseng K.L. , Hwang Shiow-Ru , Dragomir S.S.
Published: September 2010

In this paper, we introduce some functionals associated with weighted integral means for convex functions. Some new Fej?r-type inequalities are obtained as well.
Some properties of K-contact Riemannian manifolds admitting a semi-symmetric non-metric connection
Authors: Jaiswal J.P. , Ojha R.H.
Published: September 2010

In this paper we present an investigation of differential geometric structures arising on immersed manifolds in K-contact Riemannian manifolds admitting semi-symmetric non-metric connection. Some properties of semi-symmetric non-metric connection in K-contact Riemannian manifolds are also obtained.
(Strong) weak exhaustiveness and (strong uniform) continuity
Authors: Caserta Agata , Di Maio , Holá L'ubica
Published: September 2010

In this paper we continue, in the realm of metric spaces, the study of exhaustiveness and weak exhaustiveness at a point of a net of functions initiated by Gregoriades and Papanastassiou in 2008. We prove that exhaustiveness at every point of a net of pointwise convergent functions is equivalent to uniform convergence on compacta. We extend exhaustiveness-type properties to subsets. First, we introduce the notion of strong exhaustiveness at a subset B for sequences of functions and prove its equivalence with strong exhaustiveness at P0 (B) of the sequence of the direct image maps, where the hypersets are equipped with the Hausdorff metric. Furthermore, we show that the notion of strong-weak exhaustiveness at a subset is the proper tool to investigate when the limit of a pointwise convergent sequence of functions fulfills the strong uniform continuity property, a new pregnant form of uniform continuity discovered by Beer and Levi in 2009.
Properties of I-submaximal ideal topological spaces
Authors: Ekici Erdal , Noiri Takashi
Published: September 2010

In [2], the notion of I-submaximal ideal topological spaces is introduced and studied. In this paper, several characterizations and further properties of I -submaximal ideal topological spaces are obtained.
Gδ-Blumberg spaces
Authors: Ahmadi Zand
Published: September 2010

A topological space X is called a G?-Blumberg space If for every real-valued function f on X , there exists a dense G?-set D in X such that the restriction of f to D is continuous. In this paper, the behaviour of this space under taking subspaces and superspaces, images and preimages are studied, and a G?-Blumberg space which is a generalization of an almost P-space is characterized. Some unsolved problems are posed.
The Impact of Culture on the Interpretation of “In Context” Verbal Probability Expressions
Authors: Doupnik Timothy S. , Richter Martin
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACT: We report in this paper, the results of an investigation of the effect of national culture on the interpretation of “in context” verbal probability expressions. We develop hypotheses with regard to the effect that the interaction of the accounting value of conservatism and the context in which probability expressions are used will have on accountants' interpretations of those expressions. We elicit information from U.S. and German professional accountants to test three hypotheses. We find significant differences between U.S. and German accountants in the interpretation of several verbal probability expressions. In most cases, the German accountants are more conservative; for example, Germans exhibit a conservative bias in their interpretation of the word “probable” when used across a variety of accounting contexts. The study's results suggest that culture influences the interpretation of verbal probability expressions used in accounting standards in a systematic and predictable manner. This phenomenon raises the question of whether a common set of accounting standards can be applied consistently across cultures.
An Analysis of International Accounting Research in U.S.- and Non-U.S.-Based Academic Accounting Journals
Authors: Prather-Kinsey Jenice J. , Rueschhoff Norlin G.
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACT: Faculty and administrators are called upon to evaluate international accounting researchers' performance, which requires knowledge of international accounting research journal outlets, journal rankings, topics, methods, and authorship. Both seasoned and novice international researchers are faced with the need to know the placement, turnaround review time, rankings, topics, methods, and authorship of potential international accounting research outlets. Thus, the objective of this study is to provide timely information to the international accounting research evaluator as well as to international accounting researchers, whether at the entrance, mid-career, or senior level. We compare and analyze accounting research published in 41 U.S.- and non-U.S.-based academic journals from 1981–2000 in order to describe and discern the trends of international accounting research within five dimensions: quantity, internationality, topic, method, and author. Our regression-based growth comparisons reveal an increase in international accounting research, a greater broadness/diversity in internationality topic and authorship across countries, and more broadness in research method over time from 1981 to 2000. Interestingly, one top-tier journal shows a decline in international accounting studies published. These findings are among those reported in our analyses that provide timely information to those pursuing or evaluating international accounting research.
Associations of Six Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Obesity-Related Genes With BMI and Risk of Obesity in Chinese Children
Authors: Wu Lijun , Xi Bo , Zhang Meixian , Shen Yue , Zhao Xiaoyuan , Cheng Hong , Hou Dongqing , Sun Dandan , Ott Jurg , Wang Xingyu , Mi Jie
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE

Childhood obesity strongly predisposes to some adult diseases. Recently, genome-wide association (GWA) studies in Caucasians identified multiple single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with BMI and obesity. The associations of those SNPs with BMI and obesity among other ethnicities are not fully described, especially in children. Among those previously identified SNPs, we selected six (rs7138803, rs1805081, rs6499640, rs17782313, rs6265, and rs10938397, in or near obesity-related genes FAIM2, NPC1, FTO, MC4R, BDNF, and GNPDA2, respectively) because of the relatively high minor allele frequencies in Chinese individuals and tested the associations of the SNPs with BMI and obesity in Chinese children.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We investigated the associations of these SNPs with BMI and obesity in school-aged children. A total of 3,503 children participated in the study, including 1,229 obese, 655 overweight, and 1,619 normal-weight children (diagnosed by the Chinese age- and sex-specific BMI cutoffs).

RESULTS

After age and sex adjustment and correction for multiple testing, the SNPs rs17782313, rs6265, and rs10938397 were associated with BMI (P = 1.0 × 10−5, 0.038, and 0.00093, respectively) and also obesity (P = 5.0 × 10−6, 0.043, and 0.00085, respectively) in the Chinese children. The SNPs rs17782313 and rs10938397 were also significantly associated with waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, and fat mass percentage.

CONCLUSIONS

Results of this study support obesity-related genes in adults as important genes for BMI variation in children and suggest that some SNPs identified by GWA studies in Caucasians also confer risk for obesity in Chinese children.
Sagittal Abdominal Diameter Is a Strong Anthropometric Measure of Visceral Adipose Tissue in the Asian General Population
Authors: Yim Jeong Yoon , Kim Donghee , Lim Seon Hee , Park Min Jeong , Choi Seung Ho , Lee Chang Hyun , Kim Sun Sin , Cho Sang-Heon
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE

Finding the anthropometric measure of visceral obesity is essential to clinical practice, because it predicts cardiovascular and metabolic risks. Sagittal abdominal diameter (SAD) has been proposed as an estimate of visceral adipose tissue (VAT). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the usefulness of SAD in predicting visceral obesity by comparing SAD to other anthropometric measures.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Estimation of subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue and measurement of SAD and transverse abdominal diameter using computed tomography at the umbilical level were obtained in 5,257 men and women who were enrolled in a health checkup program in Korea. To compare SAD to other anthropometric measures, linear regression analyses were used to determine correlations between anthropometrics and visceral obesity.

RESULTS

SAD showed a stronger correlation to VAT than waist circumference, BMI, and transverse abdominal diameter in the both sexes (men: r = 0.804, women: r = 0.724). Waist circumference showed generally stronger associations to subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) than to VAT (men: r = 0.789 vs. 0.705, women: r = 0.820 vs. 0.636). Even after subdividing according to age or BMI in both sexes and analyzing multiple regressions, SAD showed the strongest correlation to VAT.

CONCLUSIONS

SAD showed the strongest correlation to VAT irrespective of age, sex, and the degree of obesity compared with other anthropometric measures, whereas waist circumference may have a stronger correlation to SAT than to VAT. The clinical use of SAD has advantages over other anthropometric measures in predicting VAT.
Medical Expenditures Associated With Diabetes Acute Complications in Privately Insured U.S. Youth
Authors: Shrestha Sundar S. , Zhang Ping , Barker Lawrence , Imperatore Giuseppina
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE

To estimate medical expenditures attributable to diabetes ketoacidosis (DKA) and severe hypoglycemia among privately insured insulin-treated U.S. youth with diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We analyzed the insurance claims of 7,556 youth, age ≤19 years, with insulin-treated diabetes. The youth were continuously enrolled in fee-for-service health plans, and claims were obtained from the 2007 U.S. MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounter database. We used regression models to estimate total medical expenditures and their subcomponents: outpatient, inpatient, and drug expenditures. The excess expenditures associated with DKA and severe hypoglycemia were estimated as the difference between predicted medical expenditures for youth who did/did not experience either DKA or severe hypoglycemia.

RESULTS

For youth with and without DKA, respectively, predicted mean annual total medical expenditures were $14,236 and $8,398 (an excess of $5,837 for those with DKA). The excess was statistically greater for those with one or more episodes of DKA ($8,455) than among those with only one episode ($3,554). Predicted mean annual total medical expenditures were $12,850 and $8,970 for youth with and without severe hypoglycemia, respectively (an excess of $3,880 for those with severe hypoglycemia). The excess was greater among those with one or more episodes ($5,929) than among those with only one ($2,888).

CONCLUSIONS

Medical expenditures for potentially preventable DKA and severe hypoglycemia in U.S. youth with insulin-treated diabetes are substantial. Improving the quality of care for these youth to prevent the development of these two complications could avert substantial U.S. health care expenditures.
The dependence of critical temperature on oxygen concentration in YBa2Cu3O6+x
in terms of the fragmented chain model
Authors: Milic Mirjana , Matic Vladimir , Lazarov Nenad
Published: September 2010

An extended ASYNNNI model, that beside nearest-neighbour and next-nearest neighbour O-O interactions in the basal plane also includes interactions between the three nearest oxygen atoms, is used to describe the statistics of CuO chain fragmentation and to calculate doping and T
c in YBa2Cu3O6+x
. Calculations were made by the Monte Carlo method employing the recently proposed charge transfer model that assumes only chains whose length is equal to, or exceeds, a characteristic (critical) length, l
cr, can provide holes to the layers and contribute to doping p. The obtained p(x) is then combined with a universal T
c versus p relation to yield T
c(x) characteristics that correlate remarkably with those reported in recent experiments. The best coordination between theoretical and experimental T
c(x) characteristics has been achieved for l
cr = 2, implying that only isolated basal plane oxygen atoms (trivial chains) do not contribute holes to CuO2 layers.
Preparing Faculty for the Future: AAVMC Members' Perceptions of Professional Development Needs
Authors: Haden N. Karl , Chaddock Michael , Hoffsis Glen F. , Lloyd James W. , Reed William M. , Ranney Richard R. , Weinstein George J.
Published: September 2010

Our purpose in this study was to determine professional development needs of faculty in the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges' (AAVMC's) member institutions, including those needs associated with current and emerging issues and leadership development. The survey asked respondents to report their level of job satisfaction and their perceptions of professional development as they related to support and resources, teaching, research, career planning, and administration. Five hundred and sixty-five individuals from 49 member institutions responded to an online professional development needs survey. We found that job satisfaction was associated with a variety of workplace variables correlated with academic rank, with those of higher academic rank expressing greater levels of satisfaction. Respondents with tenure also expressed generally higher levels of satisfaction. Most of the respondents expressed interest in learning more about topics related to teaching (e.g., effective questioning, giving feedback, principles of learning and motivation), research (e.g., research design, writing grants), career planning (e.g., mentoring, time management), and administration (e.g., fostering innovation, enhancing productivity, improving the work environment). Just more than half of the respondents indicated moderate to high interest in an AAVMC multi-phase leadership training program. The study suggests topics for which AAVMC should provide professional development opportunities either at existing meetings or through new programming. The study also suggests directions for individual institutions as they seek to implement professional development activities at the local level.
Perceptions of Veterinary Faculty Members Regarding Their Responsibility and Preparation to Teach Non-technical Competencies
Authors: Lane India F. , Bogue E. Grady
Published: September 2010

The development of non-technical competencies has become an important component of veterinary education. In this study, we determined faculty perspectives regarding their perceived involvement and ability in the cultivation of these competencies. A survey was administered to faculty members at five institutions. Respondents were asked whether the competency should be taught in their own courses and how prepared they felt to teach and evaluate the competency. Responses were analyzed by participant institution, gender, terminal degree and year, discipline, rank, and teaching experience. More than 90% of faculty respondents reported a personal responsibility to teach or cultivate critical thinking skills, communication skills, self-development skills, and ethical skills, with more than 85% also agreeing to a role in skills such as interpersonal skills, creativity, and self-management. The lowest percentages were seen for crisis and incident management (64%) and business skills (56%). Perceived preparedness to teach and evaluate these competencies paralleled the preceding findings, especially for the four consensus competencies and self-management. Faculty preparedness was lowest for business skills. Junior faculty were somewhat less likely than others to perceive a responsibility to teach non-technical competencies; however, instructors were more prepared to teach and evaluate business skills than were other faculty. Institutional trends were evident in faculty preparation. Although male faculty and non-DVM faculty tended to report a higher degree of preparedness, few differences reached statistical significance. Faculty perceptions of their responsibility to teach non-technical competencies vary by competency and parallel their perceived preparedness to teach and evaluate them.
Using Standardized Essays in the Veterinary Medicine Admissions Process: Are the Ratings Reliable and Valid?
Authors: Hecker Kent , Violato Claudio
Published: September 2010

The reliability and validity of using essays for veterinary medical school admissions requires investigation. We explored the reliability and construct validity of a structured essay station in the 2009 admission process at the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. One hundred three applicants (female=80.6%, male=19.4%; mean age=23.05 years, SD=3.96) participated. Each applicant wrote a one-hour supervised essay (750 words). Essays were rated independently by two randomly assigned raters (n=16). Raters scored essays on four items, each on a five-point anchored scale. Nine essays were scored by all raters to perform a decision study. Generalizability analysis resulted in a reliability coefficient of 0.55. The decision study indicated that three raters and four items produces a G of 0.68. Essay score correlated with interview score (r=0.30, p<0.01) but not with GPA (r=0.05, p=ns). Overall reliability was adequate and higher than what has been reported for unsupervised written submissions. Results from the decision study suggest that three raters with four items provide adequate reliability. Correlations with interviews and grade point average provide evidence of construct validity. A time-limited essay with a clear scoring protocol results in adequate reliability and some validity.
Assessing the Influence of Gender, Learning Style, and Pre-entry Experience on Student Response to Delivery of a Novel Veterinary Curriculum
Authors: Foster Neil , Gardner David , Kydd Julia , Robinson Robert , Roshier Mandy
Published: September 2010

We investigated whether a novel veterinary curriculum was biased toward a particular gender, learning style, or pre-university experience (entry following undergraduate degree or direct entry from secondary school). We found no significant difference (p>0.05) in overall performance of first-year male, female, graduate-entry, or school-entry students. Students rated live-animal practical classes and facilitated problem-based learning as the most favored method of teaching, and this response was not biased by gender or pre-vet school experience. Men rated multiple-choice question (MCQ) assessment more highly than women, but there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in male or female performance on MCQ examinations. Men and women also performed comparably well in essays (both knowledge based and critical), suggesting that the retention of knowledge and depth of understanding was not gender biased. However, men performed significantly (p<0.05) better on critical essays compared with knowledge-based essays, and this trend was shown for both graduate-entry and school-entry students alike. We found no significant difference (p>0.05) in performance between groups of students with multimodal, kinesthetic, or reading–writing learning styles. Students with an auditory preference consistently performed less well in all types of assessment (p<0.05), but the number of students in this group was very small. Students whose learning style could not be specifically determined by Visual, Auditory, Read/write, Kinesthetic (VARK) tests consistently performed better than other groups, but this finding was not significant. Our results indicate that the Nottingham veterinary course does not bias for or against any of the variables we investigated.