bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improvement in Chemical Attributes of Oxisol Subsoil and Crop Yields under No‐Till
Authors: Nora D. Dalla , Amado T. J. C.
Published: July 2013

The natural chemical qualities of the subsoil of Oxisols often restrict root growth, water use efficiency, and crop yield. The practice of continuous no‐till farming creates a fertile topsoil but generally does not affect the subsoil. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of gypsum in improving the chemical attributes of the subsoil and increasing crop yields. To this end, the experiment was conducted at two sites in distrophic Red Oxisols located in southern Brazil. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with three replications. Treatments consisted of broadcast gypsum rates of 0.0, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, and 6.5 Mg ha–1. Soil samples were collected from the root zone at the beginning of the experiment and after six and 22 mo to evaluate soil pH and extractable P, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Al3+, and SO4–S concentrations. After 6 mo of gypsum application, an increase in exchangeable bases associated with a decrease in Al3+ concentrations in the subsoil was noted, and this improvement was intensified further by 22 mo. An increase in crop yields was related to the increase in base saturation and Ca2+ saturation and a decrease in Al3+ saturation in the 25‐ to 40‐cm soil depth. Surface application of gypsum was an effective method of improving the chemical quality of the rooting zone in Oxisols under continuous no‐till farming and resulted in a higher impact on corn (Zea mays L.) grain yield than soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] yield.
Natural Glyphosate Tolerance in Sainfoin (Onybrychis viciifolia)
Authors: Peel Michael D. , Ransom Corey V. , Mott Ivan W.
Published: July 2013

Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.), a nonbloating forage legume, is purported to have tolerance to glyphosate [N‐(phosphonomethyl) glycine]. The effect on biomass yield (BMY) and survival of eight rates of glyphosate on seedlings and mature plants were determined. Treatment rates were 0, 210, 420, 841, 1681, 3363, 6725, and 13,450 g ae ha−1. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) was included as susceptible check. The dose required to produce a 50% reduction (GR50) in sainfoin seedling BMY was 868 and 2984 g ae ha−1 at the first and second harvests, respectively. Alfalfa seedling BMY GR50 values were 331 and 463 g ae ha−1 at the first and second harvests, respectively. The dose estimated to cause 50% mortality (LD50) in sainfoin seedlings was beyond the highest treatment rate at 14,016 g ae ha−1, compared with alfalfa at 2068 g ae ha−1. Four weeks after a spring treatment, sainfoin and alfalfa mature plant BMY GR50 values were 2622 and 208 g ae ha−1, respectively. Biomass yield GR15 values from the same spring treatment were 1030 g ae ha−1 for sainfoin and 66 g ae ha−1 for alfalfa. Thirteen months following the spring treatments sainfoin and alfalfa GR50 values averaged 11,007 and 1093 g ae ha−1, respectively. Fall applied glyphosate BMY GR50 values from harvests the following spring were 12,949 g ae ha−1 for sainfoin and 755 g ae ha−1 for alfalfa. The LD50 for sainfoin spring and fall treatments on mature plants was estimated to be well beyond the highest treatment rate 13,450 g ae ha−1. The average LD50 for mature alfalfa plants was 583 g ae ha−1. Based on the LD50 values, sainfoin seedlings are over six times more tolerant, and mature plants over 20 times more tolerant to glyphosate than alfalfa. Based on the GR50 values, glyphosate has a 10‐fold greater negative impact on alfalfa BMY than it does on sainfoin; however, the GR15 values indicate a likely reduction in sainfoin BMY at glyphosate rates in the range of 841 g ae ha−1.
Breeding for Yield Potential has Increased Deep Soil Water Extraction Capacity in Irrigated Wheat
Authors: Pask A. J. D. , Reynolds M. P.
Published: July 2013

The global wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growing area under irrigation has risen to approximately 20%. However, future availability and quality of irrigation water is likely to decline due to competition from the needs of the expanding population combined with the effects of climatic change. Recent genetic improvements of the yield of irrigated spring wheat lines reported by CIMMYT have been associated with significantly higher biomass, suggesting that either crops are becoming more water use efficient or are extracting more water from their environment. Water uptake characteristics of eight CIMMYT spring bread wheat cultivars—released during the period between 1950 and 2009—were measured in three contrasting irrigation regimes in northwestern Mexico during 2009/2010 and 2010/2011 and compared with crop growth. Increases in yield and biomass of genotypes were associated with additional water uptake in all environments whilst the water use efficiency for yield and biomass production was unchanged across cultivars but increased as a main effect of reduced water supply. Modern cultivars showed increased ability to extract moisture from deeper soil profiles (60–120 cm) especially during grain filling, associated with higher stomatal conductance in the fully irrigated environment and lower canopy temperatures in all environments. Expression of C isotope discrimination was progressively lower with increasing water stress. Results indicated increased water uptake by roots especially from deeper soil profiles allowing greater water harvest.
Periprosthetic Shoulder Infection
Authors: Franceschini Vincenzo , Chillemi Claudio
Published: July 2013

Shoulder arthroplasty is considered the most effective surgical procedure for endstage shoulder pain from different causes including osteoarthritis, cuff-tear arthropathy, trauma, and tumors. Although uncommon and less frequent than knee or hip periprosthetic infection, periprosthetic shoulder infection represents a devastating complication and, despite treatment, is associated with unsatisfactory results. The most commonly identified microorganisms in periprosthetic shoulder infections areStaphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negativeStaphylococciandPropionibacterium acnes. Diagnosis is not always easy and mainly derives from the integration of clinical symptoms, laboratory exams, radiological studies and microbiological swabs. Different options are available for treatment, including antibiotic therapy, lavage and debridement with retention of the prosthesis, one-stage reimplantation, two-stage reimplantation with antibiotic-impregnated cement spacer and resection arthroplasty. The aim of this review is to describe the current knowledge regarding risk factors, etiology, diagnosis and treatment of periprosthetic shoulder infection.
Differences in Progression to ESRD between Black and White Patients Receiving Predialysis Care in a Universal Health Care System
Authors: van den Beukel Tessa O. , de Goeij Moniek C.M. , Dekker Friedo W. , Siegert Carl E.H. , Halbesma Nynke
Published: July 2013

Background and objectives

Studies performed in the United States showed that blacks progress from CKD to ESRD faster than do whites. Possible explanations are differences in health care system factors. This study investigated whether progression is also faster in a universal health care system, where all patients receive comparable care.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Data from the PREdialysis PAtient REcord study, a multicenter follow-up study of patients with CKD who started predialysis care in The Netherlands (1999–2011), were analyzed. Time-dependent Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) for starting renal replacement therapy (RRT), and linear mixed models were used to compare renal function decline (RFD) between blacks and whites. To explore possible mechanisms, analyses were adjusted for patient characteristics.

Results

At initiation of predialysis care, blacks (n=49) were younger and had more diabetes mellitus, higher proteinuria levels, and a higher estimated GFR than whites (n=946). Median follow-up time in months was similar (blacks: 13.9 [boundaries of interquartile range (IQR), 5.3 to 19.5]; whites: 13.1 [IQR, 5.1 to 24.0]). For blacks compared with whites, the crude HR for starting RRT within the first 15 months was 0.86 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.55 to 1.34) and from 15 months onward, 1.93 (95% CI, 1.02 to 3.68), which increased after adjustment. RFD was faster by 0.18 (95% CI, 0.05 to 0.32) ml/min per 1.73 m2 per month in blacks compared with whites.

Conclusion

Blacks receiving predialysis care in a universal health care system have faster disease progression than whites, suggesting that health care system factors have a less influential role than had been thought in explaining black-white differences.
Single FGF-23 Measurement and Time-Averaged Plasma Phosphate Levels in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Seiler Sarah , Lucisano Gaetano , Ege Philipp , Fell Lisa H. , Rogacev Kyrill S. , Lerner-Gräber Anne , Klingele Matthias , Ziegler Matthias , Fliser Danilo , Heine Gunnar H.
Published: July 2013

Background and objectives

Plasma phosphate levels display considerable intraindividual variability. The phosphatonin fibroblast growth factor 23 is a central regulator of plasma phosphate levels, and it has been postulated to be a more stable marker than conventional CKD–mineral and bone disorder parameters. Thus, fibroblast growth factor 23 has been hypothesized to reflect time-averaged plasma phosphate levels in CKD patients.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Among 40 patients from the outpatient dialysis center, serial measurements of plasma calcium and phosphate (before every dialysis session) as well as C-terminal fibroblast growth factor 23, parathyroid hormone, and alkaline phosphatase (one time weekly) were performed over a study period of 4 weeks in November and December of 2011. Intraindividual variability of repeated plasma fibroblast growth factor 23 measurements compared with other CKD–mineral and bone disorder markers was tested, and the association of a single plasma fibroblast growth factor 23 measurement with time-averaged plasma phosphate levels was analyzed.

Results

Against expectations, intraindividual variability of fibroblast growth factor 23 (median coefficient of variation=27%; interquartile range=20–35) was not lower than variability of plasma phosphate (median coefficient of variation=15%; interquartile range=10–20), parathyroid hormone (median coefficient of variation=24%; interquartile range=15–39), plasma calcium (median coefficient of variation=3%; interquartile range=2–4), or alkaline phosphatase (median coefficient of variation=5%; interquartile range=3–10). Moreover, the correlation between the last fibroblast growth factor 23 measurement after 4 weeks and time-averaged plasma phosphate did not surpass the correlation between the last fibroblast growth factor 23 measurement and a single plasma phosphate value (r=0.67, P<0.001; r=0.76, P<0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

Surprisingly, fibroblast growth factor 23 was not more closely associated to time-averaged plasma phosphate levels than a single plasma phosphate value, and it did not show a lower intraindividual variability than other tested markers of CKD–mineral and bone disorder. Thus, fibroblast growth factor 23 should not be used in clinical practice as a reflector of time-averaged plasma phosphate levels.
A lump-integral model based freezing and melting of a bath material onto a cylindrical additive of negligible resistance
Authors: Singh U.C. , Prasad A. , Kumar A.
Published: July 2013

In a theoretical analysis, a lump-integral model for freezing and melting of
the bath material onto a cylindrical additive having its thermal resistance
negligible with respect to that of the bath is developed. It is regulated by
independent nondimensional parameters, namely the Stefan number, St the heat
capacity ratio, Cr and the modified conduction factor, Cofm. Series solutions
associated with short times for time variant growth of the frozen layer and
rise in interface temperature between the additive and the frozen layer are
obtained. For all times, numerical solutions concerning the frozen layer
growth with its melting and increase in the interface temperature are also
found. Time for freezing and melting is estimated for different values of Cr,
St and Cofm. It is predicted that for lower total time of freezing and
melting Cofm<2 or Cr<1 needs to be maintained. When the bath temperature
equals the freezing temperature of the bath material, the model is governed
by only Cr and St and gives closed-form expressions for the growth of the
frozen layer and the interface temperature. For the interface attaining the
freezing temperature of the bath material the maximum thickness of the frozen
layer becomes ?max-?Cr(Cr+St). The model is validated once it is reduced to a
problem of heating of the additive without freezing of the bath material onto
the additive. Its closed-form solution is exactly the same as that reported
in the literature.
Effect of Sodium Ascorbate on Dentin Bonding After Two Bleaching Techniques
Authors: Briso ALF , Rahal V , Sundfeld RH , Santos PH dos , Alexandre RS
Published: July 2013

The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of 10% sodium ascorbate (SA) on the hybrid layer, resin tag length, and bond strength to dentin after bleaching. Six groups were tested: G C, control; G SA, sodium ascorbate (SA) + restoration; G CP, bleaching with carbamide peroxide (CP) + restoration; G CP+SA, bleaching with CP + SA+ restoration; G HP, bleaching with 35% hydrogen peroxide (HP) + restoration; and G HP+SA, HP + SA + restoration. After dental bleaching, the dentin was exposed and the antioxidant solution was applied to groups G SA, G CP+SA, and G HP+SA, before bonding procedures. The teeth were sectioned in the mesiodistal direction. One section was decalcified, and the specimens were embedded in paraffin and sectioned in the longitudinal direction with a thickness of 6 μm. Fifteen slices of each specimen were selected according to a systematic sample of slices with an interval proportional to the total number of slices obtained for each tooth. The specimens were stained using the Brown & Brenn method, and an optic microscope was used to analyze the hybrid layer thickness and resin tag length. The remaining tooth segment was sectioned into stick-shaped specimens and used for microtensile bond strength testing (0.5 mm/min). Statistical analysis was performed using two-way analysis of variance and Fisher test. The results for hybrid layer + tag formation (in micrometers) were G C, 13.27 Aa; G SA, 11.85 Ba; G CP, 6.84 Bb; G CP+SA, 9.02 Ab; G HP, 7.28 Bb; and G HP+SA, 9.22 Ab; bond strength results (in MPa) were G C, 49.5 Aa; G SA, 51.7 Aa; G CP, 37.16 Bb; G CP+SA, 47.69 Aa; G HP, 32.39 Ab; and G HP+SA, 39.67 Ab. Tooth bleaching with CP or HP impairs the formation of the hybrid layer and resin tags and reduces the microtensile bond strength. Statistically, the use of SA significantly increases the hybrid layer thickness and resin tag length. The microtensile bond strength values for carbamide peroxide increased, but the microtensile bond strength for hydrogen peroxide was not affected.
Fracture Strength and Fracture Patterns of Root-filled Teeth Restored With Direct Resin Composite Restorations Under Static and Fatigue Loading
Authors: Taha NA , Palamara JE , Messer HH
Published: July 2013

Aim

To assess fracture strength and fracture patterns of root-filled teeth with direct resin composite restorations under static and fatigue loading.

Methodology

MOD cavities plus endodontic access were prepared in 48 premolars. Teeth were root filled and divided into three restorative groups, as follows 1) resin composite; 2) glass ionomer cement (GIC) core and resin composite; and 3) open laminate technique with GIC and resin composite. Teeth were loaded in a servohydraulic material test system. Eight samples in each group were subjected to stepped fatigue loading: a preconditioning load of 100 N (5000 cycles) followed by 30,000 cycles each at 200 N and higher loads in 50-N increments until fracture. Noncycled teeth were subjected to a ramped load. Fracture load, number of cycles, and fracture patterns were recorded. Data were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance and Bonferroni tests.

Results

Fatigue cycling reduced fracture strength significantly (p<0.001). Teeth restored with a GIC core and a laminate technique were significantly weaker than the composite group (379±56 N, 352±67 N vs 490±78 N, p=0.001). Initial debonding occurred before the tooth underwent fracture. All failures were predominantly adhesive, with subcrestal fracture of the buccal cusp.

Conclusions

Resin composite restorations had significantly higher fracture strength than did other restorations. Fatigue cycled teeth failed at lower load than did noncycled teeth.
Synthesis, antibacterial and cytotoxic activity evaluation of hydroxyurea derivatives
Authors: Kos Ivan , Jadrijević-Mladar Milena , Butula Ivan , Biruš Mladen , Maravić-Vlahoviček Gordana , Dabelić Sanja
Published: July 2013

5

Synthesis and biological evaluation of a series (N = 16) of cyclic and acyclic hydroxyurea derivatives, including benzotriazole-, isocyanuric acid- and biuret-containing compounds, are disclosed. 1-N-(benzyloxycarbamoyl)benzotriazole was used as a benzyloxyisocyanate donor, a useful intermediate in the preparation of substituted hydroxyurea. Antibacterial activities of synthesized hydroxyurea derivatives were tested on three E. coli strains, i.e., a strain susceptible to antibiotics, a strain resistant to macrolide antibiotics and a strain resistant to aminoglycoside antibiotics. Six compounds (three acyclic and three cyclic hydroxyureas) showed growth inhibition of the tested E. coli strains, with different specificity toward each strain. Results of the cytotoxic activity evaluation revealed that twelve out of sixteen test compounds were cytotoxic to human acute monocytic leukemia THP-1 and/or human acute T cell leukemia Jurkat cell line. 1-(N-hydroxycarbamoyl) benzotriazole () increased the metabolic activity of both cell lines. Two compounds, 1-(N-hydroxycarbamoyl) benzotriazole (5) and N,N’,N’’-trihydroxybiuret (15), were identified as potential NO donors.
Synthesis and potential cytotoxic activity of some new benzoxazoles, imidazoles, benzimidazoles and tetrazoles
Authors: Arulmurugan Subramaniyan , Kavitha Helen P.
Published: July 2013

2

The present work deals with the synthesis of some novel heterocyclic compounds such as benzoxazoles , 7, 13 and 19, imidazoles 3, 8, 14 and 20, benzimidazoles 4, 9, 15 and 21, and tetrazoles 10, 16, and 22. The synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, 1H NMR, mass spectrometry and elemental analysis. The compounds were evaluated for cytotoxicity against human cancer cell lines such as MCF-7 (breast cancer) and HT-29 (colon cancer) by the MTT assay method. Among the tested compounds, 4,4’-sulfonylbis(N-(2-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol- -2-yl)ethyl)aniline (9), N-bis(2-(benzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-ethyl)- 6-phenyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine (13), N-bis(2-(1H-benzo[ d]imidazol-2-yl)ethyl)-6-phenyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine (15) and N-tris(2-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)ethyl)- 1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triamine (21) showed potent cytotoxicity.
Traffic Model of IMS/NGN Architecture with Transport Stratum Based on MPLS Technology
Authors: Kaczmarek Sylwester , Kosek Magdalena , Sac Maciej
Published: July 2013

Growing expectations for a fast access to information create strong demands for a universal telecommunication network architecture, which provides various services with strictly determined quality. Currently it is assumed that these requirements will be satisfied by Next Generation Network (NGN), which consists of two stratums and includes IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) elements. To guarantee Quality of Service (QoS) all NGN stratums have to be correctly designed and dimensioned. For this reason appropriate traffic models must be developed and applied, which should be efficient and simple enough for practical applications. In the paper such a traffic model of a single domain of NGN with transport stratum based on Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) technology is presented. The model allows evaluation of mean transport stratum response time and can be useful for calculating time of processing requests in the entire NGN architecture. Results obtained using the presented model are described and discussed. As a result of the discussion, elementary relationships between network parameters and transport stratum response time are indicated.
Offset Drift Dependence of Hall Cells with their Designed Geometry
Authors: Paun Maria-Alexandra , Sallese Jean-Michel , Kayal Maher
Published: July 2013

In this paper, the performance of CMOS Hall Effect Sensors with four different geometries has been experimentally studied. Using a characteristic measurement system, the cells residual offset and its temperature behavior were determined. The offset, offset drift and sensitivity are quantities that were computed to determine the sensors performance. The temperature coefficient of specific parameters such as individual, residual offset and resistance has been also investigated. Therefore the optimum cell to fit the best in the performance specifications was identified. The variety of tested shapes ensures a good analysis on how the sensors performance changes with geometry
Estimation of Stresses in a Dry Sand Layer Tested on Shaking Table
Authors: Sawicki Andrzej , Kulczykowski Marek , Jankowski Robert
Published: July 2013

Theoretical analysis of shaking table experiments, simulating earthquake response of a dry sand layer, is presented. The aim of such experiments is to study seismic-induced compaction of soil and resulting settlements. In order to determine the soil compaction, the cyclic stresses and strains should be calculated first. These stresses are caused by the cyclic horizontal acceleration at the base of soil layer, so it is important to determine the stress field as function of the base acceleration. It is particularly important for a proper interpretation of shaking table tests, where the base acceleration is controlled but the stresses are hard to measure, and they can only be deduced. Preliminary experiments have shown that small accelerations do not lead to essential settlements, whilst large accelerations cause some phenomena typical for limit states, including a visible appearance of slip lines. All these problems should be well understood for rational planning of experiments. The analysis of these problems is presented in this paper. First, some heuristic considerations about the dynamics of experimental system are presented. Then, the analysis of boundary conditions, expressed as resultants of respective stresses is shown. A particular form of boundary conditions has been chosen, which satisfies the macroscopic boundary conditions and the equilibrium equations. Then, some considerations are presented in order to obtain statically admissible stress field, which does not exceed the Coulomb-Mohr yield conditions. Such an approach leads to determination of the limit base accelerations, which do not cause the plastic state in soil. It was shown that larger accelerations lead to increase of the lateral stresses, and the respective method, which may replace complex plasticity analyses, is proposed. It is shown that it is the lateral stress coefficient K0 that controls the statically admissible stress field during the shaking table experiments.
Structure of Turbulent Vortices in a Compound Channel
Authors: Rimkus Alfonsas
Published: July 2013

In spite of many investigations performed on turbulent flows, their structure has not yet been sufficiently explored. The difficulty is that, when a detailed picture of the velocity field is necessary, the widely employed Particle Image Velocity (PIV) method can provide photos covering only a short interval of flow, which cannot include the largest structures of turbulent flow, and consequently these structures cannot be investigated. In this study, the author tried to obtain necessary data about the processes occurring in the flow by analyzing instantaneous velocity measurements carried out by 3D means. A measurement at the points of a flow cross-section takes at least 1 minute. During this time all vortex structures, including the largest, occur repeatedly many times and can be studied. The analysis of such measurements was the aim of this article. The process of the generation of vortices at the bottom and their further development, including the conditions of the development of the largest vortices, has been investigated. The results of these investigations are discussed in this article.
Gender-based dimorphism of aerobic and anaerobic capacity and physical activity preferences in deaf children and adolescents
Authors: Zwierzchowska Anna
Published: July 2013

Purpose

Research on the hearing impaired has revealed that the rate of change of physical fitness characteristics between both genders may be different than that of the hearing. The aim of the study was to verify the gender-based differentiation of aerobic and anaerobic capacity in a group of deaf children and adolescents (aged 10-18 years) and to evaluate their physical activity preferences.

Methods

A semi-longitudinal study was conducted, with data collected three times over a period of two years. Aerobic capacity was measured by the PWC170 cycle test, anaerobic capacity by the Wingate test. A questionnaire was used to evaluate the physical activity preferences and favored leisure activities of the participants.

Results

Significant genderbased differences were found in the aerobic and anaerobic capacity of the deaf boys and girls. A moderate correlation was noted for leisure time preferences.

Conclusions

Deaf children feature no gender-based differences among their physical activity preferences. Environment plays a major role in stimulating the behavior of deaf children and adolescents.
Subjective assessment of sports success in wheelchair rugby – proposal of a new research tool
Authors: Tasiemski Tomasz , Bauerfeind Joanna
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The main purpose of this study was to design and perform a preliminary psychometric analysis of a measure in the subjective assessment of sports success in wheelchair rugby (WR). An additional objective of this study was to assess potential differences in the subjective assessment of sports success between rugby players who play in the first and second Polish Wheelchair Rugby League (PWRL).

Methods

Thirty WR players who played in the first (n = 11) and second PWRL (n = 19) completed the newly-created Subjective Assessment of Sports Success in Wheelchair Rugby (SASS-WR) scale and a questionnaire collecting demographic, career, and sports training data.

Results

The SASS-WR scale was found to be a valid and reliable measure of sports success in WR. The final version consists of 12 items defining four dimensions of sports success: (1) Individual Sports Success of the Player, (2) National Sports Success of the Team, (3) International Sports Success of the Team, (4) Social and Personal Success of the Player. The players in the first league were significantly more focused on achieving individual sports success as well as having their team achieve national and international sports success when compared with the players in the second league. Social and personal success (the fourth dimension of the SASS-WR) was more important for the second league players than first league players, although this difference was not significant.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that the SASS-WR scale can serve as a valuable diagnostic tool in assessing sports success among WR players.
Exercise or relaxation? Which is more effective in improving the emotional state of pregnant women?
Authors: Guszkowska Monika , Sempolska Katarzyna , Zaremba Agnieszka , Langwald Marta
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The aim of this study was to compare the changes in emotional states in pregnant women after completing a relaxation session and a one-off physical exercise class.

Methods

The study included 139 pregnant women between the ages of 22 to 34 years (28.59 ± 2.99 years) in their second and third trimesters of pregnancy who were participating in one of three programs: a progressive relaxation course, a physical exercise program, or a traditional childbirth education program (control group). Emotional states were assessed by McNair, Lorr, and Droppleman’s Profile of Mood States immediately before (pre-test) attending their seventh respective class and then immediately after finishing it (post-test).

Results

The pre-test emotional state of participants in all three groups was similar. Post-test, both the exercise and relaxation groups featured significantly improved emotional states, with the changes greater than those of women who attended the prenatal class. Pregnant women who participated in physical exercise were less troubled and tense and characterized by a higher level of vigor than the control group.

Conclusions

Physical exercise may be especially helpful in coping with fatigue and feeling tired, while relaxation training is more beneficial for women with elevated levels of anxiety and depression.
The Relationship between The Maqasidic (Higher Purposes of Shari’ah) Approach and Siyar (Foreign Policy of the Islamic State)
Authors: Ra’ees Wahabuddin
Published: July 2013

Classical jurists have rigorously studied siyar (the foreign policy of the Islamic state), describing the nature of the principles and norms that influenced the formulation of siyar. On the basis of these principles and norms, the jurists formulated rulings to describe the nature of the relationship of the Islamic state with others. This study examines the relationship between the principles and norms that influenced siyar and the maqasid approach (higher purposes) of shari’ah. This study first presents a conceptual analysis of siyar. Second, it discusses the approach of maqasid of shari’ah. Third, it explores selected juridical rulings that describe the nature of siyar. Fourth, this study, building on an analysis of selected juridical rulings, suggests that siyar was guided by some general principles and norms. Finally, the study examines the relationship between the principles that governed siyar and the approach of maqasid of shari’ah. The study concludes that the aim of both siyar and maqasid of sharia’h was/is to establish a moral order. The genesis of this positive relationship between the maqasid of shari’ah and the principles and norms that guided siyar is found in the unity of the source of knowledge or the principle of Divine Unity (al Tawhid).
An Introduction to Nursi’s Approach to the Wisdom of Bodily Resurrection in Islam
Authors: Simsek Cuneyt M.
Published: July 2013

To believe in the hereafter is one of the most important pillars of belief in Islam. This pillar is so important that almost thirty percent of the Qur’an explicitly or implicitly speaks of the resurrection and the hereafter. In this context the question if the life in the hereafter is physical or not is of great importance. The author of this paper analyzes some wisdom that requires physical resurrection in the light of Said Nursi’s works. The first part of this paper discusses the reasons for bodily existence or corporiality and the following part some arguments used for bodily resurrection in the light of Nursi’s ideas.
The relation between recitation styles and the different Qur’an scriptures
Authors: Akdemir Mustafa A.
Published: July 2013

The mutawatir hadiths that explain that the Qur’an was revealed on the basis of “seven letters” are regarded as the origin of the discipline of recitation. The styles whose methodology and principles were determined were named after a famous person over the course of time. Examples are the recitation style of Asim, the tradition of Hafs, and the method of Zeran.

Together with this expansion and need, other problems appeared in the Othman period. The conversions of new tribes and Arabic communities to Islam led to an increase in different accents and language differences that in turn played a role in causing problems in Qur’anic education. Othman immediately asked Hafsa for the scripture she had gotten from Omar and assembled a committee. There is an agreement on six copies among the different narrations ranging from four to seven.

Dots, vocalization, and other marks were also not used in the scriptures that Othman ordered transcribed. This was the result of a conscious decision. In this way each confirmed recitation style could be formed by this template. Therefore, his effort should be considered as not only compiling the pages of the Qur’an but also as an attempt to produce a scripture for collecting and detecting different recitation styles.

The work of Caliph Othman is invaluable. He considered the different recitation styles in the context of "the seven letters" as real and, to protect the Qur’an from change or loss, since all represented a genuine text of the Qur’an, he retained the differences in the copies of the scriptures.

Therefore, Othman’s scripture was prepared with a very limited number of spelling differences, which are reflected in the different scriptures as a necessity that has been transcribed with a specific way of reading and spelling Quraysh, whereby it was possible to acquire all permitted recitation styles and to read it.

In addition to the fact that recitation styles make reading easier, exegetes observe that they also serve to enrich the message of the text. In other words, the styles provide flexibility to the texts so that they bear the intended meaning and messages. In this regard the recitation styles represent one aspect of the inimitability of the Qur’an.
The Historical Background of Lutherian Protestanism from an Islamic Perspective and Martin Luther’s View of the Qur’an, the Prophet Muhammad and the Turks
Authors: Hıdır Özcan
Published: July 2013

Martin Luther is one of the most important figures of the 16th century, a period of religious reformation in European history. He is the initiator of what later called “Protestantism”. Luther’s theological theories and tradition of thought belong to the foundations of contemporary Western civilization and also been effective in the formation of the world of thought in the West. In this regard, Luther is the first to take religious, political and socio-cultural dynamics into account for understanding Western civilization. It can be stated that the Ottomans -thus Islam and Muslims- had some political effect with respect to the emergence of Protestantism. However we lack information and documents to prove the existence of a religious effect. Along with this, it is obvious that the possibility of such an effect cannot be totally disregarded; it needs to profound en depth studies from comparative perspectives, especially by Muslim researchers.

Although, from time to time, Luther expressed a positive view of Islam, the Qur’an, the Prophet Muhammad and Turks, his opinions in general are negative. It must not be overlooked that these theories and views are expressed within the negative political context of that time (the 16th century). Along with this, it is known that this negative attitude influences the negative depictions and descriptions regarding Islam, Qur’an, Prophet Muhammad and Muslims in the contemporary Western world. So it can be said that the negative image of Islam in the West has in fact a background that shows continuity from the Middle Ages until now. To understand our time, it is necessary to study this image in the Middle Ages thoroughly. It is obvious that both Westerners and Muslims have much to do to rectify this image.

In this study, we attempt to analyze the historical background of Lutherian Protestantism and reconsider the view and attitudes of Martin Luther against the Qur’an, the Prophet Muhammad, and the Ottoman Turks, from the perspectives of the Islamic scholars.
The Values and Norms of Islam
Authors: Akgunduz Ahmed
Published: July 2013

Islamic Law is one of the broadest and most comprehensive systems of legislation in the world. It was applied, through various schools of thought, from one end of the Muslim world to the other. It also had a great impact on other nations and cultures. We will focus in this article on values and norms in Islamic law. The value system of Islam is immutable and does not tolerate change over time for the simple fact that human nature does not change. The basic values and needs (which can be called maṣlaḥa) are classified hierarchically into three levels: (1) necessities (Ḍarūriyyāt), (2) convenience (Ḥājiyyāt), and (3) refinements (Kamāliyyāt=Taḥsīniyyāt). In Islamic legal theory (Uṣūl al‐fiqh) the general aim of legislation is to realize values through protecting and guaranteeing their necessities (al-Ḍarūriyyāt) as well as stressing their importance (al‐ Ḥājiyyāt) and their refinements (taḥsīniyyāt).

In the second part of this article we will draw attention to Islamic norms. Islam has paid great attention to norms that protect basic values. We cannot explain all the Islamic norms that relate to basic values, but we will classify them categorically. We will focus on four kinds of norms: 1) norms (rules) concerned with belief (I’tiqādiyyāt), 2) norms (rules) concerned with law (ʿAmaliyyāt); 3) general legal norms (Qawā‘id al‐ Kulliyya al‐Fiqhiyya); 4) norms (rules) concerned with ethics (Wijdāniyyāt = Aḵlāqiyyāt = Ādāb = social and moral norms).
Discussions on the Influence of the Judeo-Christian Culture on Hadiths
Authors: Hıdır Özcan
Published: July 2013

Although it is difficult to determine the first Western scholar to claim the influence of Judaic culture on hadiths or tried to relate hadiths to the biblical texts, the Frenchman Barthelmy d’Herbelot (d. 1695) was the first orientalist to claim that many chapters in the hadith literature, including al-kutub al-sitta, were borrowed from the Talmud.

The ideas and claims of some Western scholars such as Alois Sprenger, Ignaz Goldziher, Georges Vajda, and S. Rosenblatt up to the end of the 18th century led to many discussions that were defended and developed with new arguments by many Western scholars. Nowadays, the reflection of these claims in the Islamic world has become a serious hadith problem. In addition to the role of the conversion movement in the early Islam and the first Jewish converts to Islam, the non-Arabs known as almawālī, especially in the Ummayad period, and poets like Umayya ibn Abi al-Salt of the Jāhilliya period, who were believed to have read the early holy books, and preachers, are the most important factors playing a role in this influence. This study attempts to analyze the claims, opinions, and factors from the perspectives of the Islamic literature and Muslim scholars’ views towards the Jewish‐Christian tradition.
The Process of Drafting Treaties in Islamic Jurisprudence: A Comparison of the Views of Classical Jurists
Authors: Bsoul Labeeb Ahmed
Published: July 2013

This article examines the process of drafting treaties between Muslims and non-Muslims, both theoretically and historically. I demonstrate the process of the consummation of treaties and their importance in Islamic jurisprudence. Treaties formed part of siyar (foreign relations). This field, a branch of Islamic public law, covers the range of mutual relations between Muslims and non-Muslims. The aim here is to survey the work of prominent jurists and scholars from different schools of thought in general and these jurists’ interpretations of treaties, especially in the classical era, as a guide to modern scholarship for further research.
The Concept of Effective Islamic Spiritual Care
Authors: Isgandarova Nazila
Published: July 2013

The paper discusses the effectiveness of Islamic spiritual and religious care based on an ethnographic study involving 15 Muslim spiritual caregivers. Six themes emerged from the interview. These six themes describe what the spiritual care providers see as effective Muslim spiritual care. 1. The most effective Muslim spiritual care is rooted in the Qur’an and the Hadiths. 2. Effective Muslim spiritual care also means creating a caring relationship with the patient. 3. Muslim scholars are one of the important sources of effective Islamic spiritual care. 4. The insights of psychology and the social sciences are a necessary part of effective Islamic spiritual care. 5. There is a need for continuing education. 6. Styles of effective Muslim spiritual care are varied.
Islam: the Religion of Peace?
Authors: Aydin Hayati
Published: July 2013

The word islam as a verb is derived from the infinitive Arabic trilateral root of silm, salamet (peace and security). So, if Islam is characterized by peace and salvation, how can we interpret jihad verses? This article focuses on this point. I will discuss the subject and the impact of this apparent paradox with reference to Islam according to Qur’anic texts. The interpretation of jihad that I will explore best fits the religion that is characterized by peace and salvation.

The intention of this article is to show evidence from religious sources that assert that Islam is not a religion that endorses terrorism but one that emphasizes peace and salvation.
A Model for Developing Meta-Cognitive Tools in Teacher Apprenticeships
Authors: Bray Paige , Schatz Steven
Published: July 2013

This research investigates a model for developing meta-cognitive tools to be used by pre-service teachers during apprenticeship (student teaching) experience to operationalise the epistemological model of Cook and Brown (2009). Meta-cognitive tools have proven to be effective for increasing performance and retention of undergraduate students. Postulating that the student teaching experience is a new type of learning ñ learning about practice (knowledge in action), instead of learning curriculum or pedagogy (knowledge possessed) ñ we suggest that a meta-cognitive tool set may prove similarly useful. Before studying the effectiveness of a tool set, however, a model which enables different programmes to evolve and develop appropriate tools is necessary. This case study research explores a model for the development of a context-specific tool set over 18 months, incorporating user feedback, researcher reflection and multiple-tool development. The model showed promise as a starting point for understanding and operationalising complex interactions with theory and practice.
Countryís Competitiveness and Sustainability in the Context of the Higher Education System Reforms
Authors: Jermolajeva Elita , Aleksejeva Ludmila
Published: July 2013

The accumulation of knowledge and its use have become important factors that promote economic development as they contribute to a countryís competitiveness in the global economy. The basic significance of research is obtained by defining new approaches in the organisation, function and efficiency of the higher education system (HES) by emphasising its qualitative aspects. The aim of the article is to describe the influence of education reform on economic competitiveness, paying a special attention to analysing and evaluating international experiences from an interdisciplinary perspective, including economics, pedagogy, etc. Quantitative indicators are used to characterise specific features of the HES and the interaction of this system in the overall context of state development. Some aspects of the Latvian HES are also analysed. The economic activity of inhabitants often directly depends on their level of education. In order to reorganise the Latvian HES and increase its competitiveness and efficiency, thus ensuring quality and availability, the Latvian education system must define a middle-term (4ñ5 years) and long-term (10ñ15 years) development plan that is coordinated with national economic development.
Coping at School - Academic Success or/and Sustainable Coping in Future?
Authors: Sakk Monica
Published: July 2013

The purpose of the research was to monitor opinions of learners, parents and teachers on the aspects of coping at the second level of primary school in both Estonian-medium and Russian-medium schools. The research was carried out from 2006 to 2011. The research used a questionnaire which was administered to 652 learners and their parents in Forms 4 through 6 at both Estonian-medium and Russian-medium general education schools. In the second part of the research, 30 teachers from the same selection were interviewed. The results of the research show that the learners, parents and teachers who took part in the research in both Estonian-medium and Russian-medium schools link the aspects of coping with academic success. Additionally, teachers in schools with Estonian as the language of instruction consider the learnersí skills of social coping also important. Both the Estonian-medium and Russian-medium school teachers consider home and parents the main factors that influence coping skills. According to the teachers, changes in society have changed common beliefs, attitudes and the way of thinking among the parents and the learners, causing difficulties in learnersí academic as well as social coping. Based on the rapid changes in society, it is important to reorient teacher education. Social skills, forming the basic skills of learning, and accessing different websites for studying will become crucial in teaching the new generation.
Why Education for Sustainable Development Needs Early Childhood Education: The Case of Norway
Authors: Eriksen Kristin Gregers
Published: July 2013

With this article, the author intends to outline a legitimising basis for implementing education for sustainable development (ESD) in early childhood education, in juridical, pedagogical and political terms. Starting from our current ecological crisis, the ontological assumptions of modern culture are considered obstructive to possibilities for mitigation. The author affirms a need for constructing new conceptual frameworks in the field of ESD suitable also for the youngest children. The very logic of the reigning notion of knowledge requires revision in order to secure successful implementation as well as fostering citizens with the moral agency required to meet calamity. Ontological insights from deep ecology are suggested integrated with the more practical epistemological concept of ecological habitus. Possible gains are not exclusively related to sustainability, but also include positive impacts on the life quality of young children as such.
An experimental study of interceptor’s effectiveness on hydrodynamic performance of high-speed planing crafts
Authors: Karimi Mohammad Hosein , Seif Mohammad Saeed , Abbaspoor Madjid
Published: July 2013

Trim control mechanisms such as interceptors and trim flaps have been widely used in recent years in highspeed crafts for ride and trim control. In spite of their extensive application, a few studies investigating the impact of interceptors on planing craft performance, have been published. In the present study, the impact of interceptors on planing crafts hydrodynamic quality is investigated through application of an experimental method. Two scaled-down models of high-speed planing mono-hull and catamaran are tested with and without interceptors in calm water at different heights of the interceptors to investigate the effect of interceptors on drag reduction of the models. The first one is a scaled-down model of 11 m planing mono-hull boat and the test was conducted at the towing tank of Sharif University of Technology, Iran. The second one is a scaled-down model of 18 m planing catamaran boat and the test was conducted at the towing tank of Krylov Shipbuilding Research Institute (KSRI), Russia. The experimental results show a remarkable drag reduction of up to 15% for mono-hull model and up to 12% for catamaran model over the wide speed range of the models.