bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Managing current developments in SEN and inclusion: developing confidence in new teachers
Authors: Richards Gill
Published: July 2010

Developments in special and inclusive education have lead to increasing challenges for teachers. Initial Teacher Education has struggled to keep pace with these developments and equip all newly qualified teachers with the skills required to meet the needs of children with SEN. This paper reflects upon recent national initiatives designed to increase student teachers’ skills and confidence through a specialised placement and the Training and Development Agency’s ‘SEN and/or Disabilities Training Toolkit’. It considers the implications for managers of ITE programmes as they deliver these initiatives within a curriculum of competing priorities.
Delivering higher education within further education in England: issues, tensions and opportunities
Authors: Scott Gill
Published: July 2010

There is an increasing blurring of boundaries between Higher Education (HE) and Further Education (FE), not only in delivery of programmes, but also in progression through programmes. The government has reiterated its commitment to widening participation and the removal of the divide between academic and vocational higher level skills. Further Education colleges have responded to the request to widen participation in HE by delivering courses closer to the client group, through flexible delivery methods and modes and co-operation with employers. However, there are tensions with this diversification of delivery point and methods, in terms of student support, staff workloads and research capacity as well as funding and investment.
The impact of the economic crisis on elementary and secondary education funding: Ontario
Authors: Jefferson Anne L.
Published: July 2010

In Fall 2008, the Ontario government’s ability to maintain and enhance a school system was tested as the economy suffered one of its most extreme downturns. This paper discusses the action adopted by the government. The unique measures undertaken by the government to lessen the impact of the economic crisis on students’ learning is highlighted.
An outside-inside view of exclusive practice within an inclusive mainstream school
Authors: Woods Annie
Published: July 2010

This article is a reflection on a sabbatical experience in a mainstream school where an inclusive ethos underpinned the curriculum and environmental approaches for all children. The period as acting head teacher raised some challenges for the author in reconciling inclusion for all children and the exclusive nature of some professional and physical spaces available to the community of adults working in the school. It has highlighted some development opportunities for the senior management of the school and its governing body.
The North/South divide in Italy and England: Discursive construction of regional inequality
Authors: González Sara
Published: July 2010

Despite the entrenched and long-term nature of the Italian and English North/South divide, this has not always been considered a relevant scale at which to redress spatial inequalities. To explain this apparent conundrum, this paper has two interlinked aims: (1) to investigate why, how, for whom and when the North/South divide is held to be a relevant ‘policy geography’ and (2) to explain the accompanying debates about the internal geography of this North/South divide. To do this, the paper develops a cultural politics of scales approach that compares the discursive (re)construction of the North/South divide in Italy and England by focusing on key moments, particularly the Keynesian consensus after the Second World War and the more current turn to neoliberal policies. Two parallel trends are identified: that support for an interventionist state and regional subsidies to poorer regions has decreased and that the North/South divide as a dual national partition has been dissolved into a micro-diverse geography. The paper concludes that the North/South divide is a contested political geography interpreted in different ways and used as a ‘discursive device’ by different actors to fit wider political projects.
Portrayals of Male and Female Scientists in Television Programs Popular Among Middle School-Age Children
Authors: Long Marilee , Steinke Jocelyn , Applegate Brooks , Knight Lapinski Maria , Johnson Marne J. , Ghosh Sayani
Published: July 2010

This content analysis examined portrayals of scientist characters in 14 television programs popular among or likely to have been viewed by middle school—age children. While male scientists significantly outnumbered and appeared in significantly more scenes than did female scientists, males and females were depicted similarly in reference to professional position, marital status, and parental status. Gender-stereotyped behavior was largely absent in portrayals of scientist characters. Additionally, both male and female scientists were portrayed most often with the wishful identification attribute of intelligence. Implications for middle school—age children’s perceptions of scientists and for cultivating girls’ interest in science careers are discussed.
Sound-Bite Science: On the Brevity of Science and Scientific Experts in Western European Television News
Authors: Verhoeven Piet
Published: July 2010

Science forms an integral part of our daily lives and plays an important role in democratic deliberation and decision making. One would expect this omnipresence of science to be reflected in television news programs in public broadcasting because of its responsibility to preserve the diversity and openness of the media. For this study, a representative sample of six Western European news programs was analyzed. The results show that science has a marginal presence and that “science news” is about technology or the natural sciences. In national, foreign, or economic news items, “embedded” scientists rarely comment on the issue at hand.
Similarity Attracts: An Analysis of Recruitment Decisions in Academia
Authors: Roebken Heinke
Published: July 2010

The finding and the recruiting of scientists have been a long-standing issue in higher education. Due to the dearth of reliable evidence on scholarly potential at an early stage of a scientist’s career, the hiring department often has to look for alternative assessment criteria. Drawing on the similarity-attraction theory, it is hypothesized that decision makers in academia tend to prefer candidates whose demographic backgrounds are similar to their own. By examining personnel exchange between German departments of business administration, recruitment patterns are visualized and examined on the basis of the similarity-attraction paradigm. Poisson regression analysis indicates that similarity and geographical proximity help to explain recruitment processes among German departments of business administration.
Correlation of Managers’ Value Systems and Students’ Moral Development in High Schools and Pre-university Centers
Authors: Alavi Hamid Reza , Rahimipoor Tahereh
Published: July 2010

The goal of this research was to understand the managers’ value system, the students’ moral development, and their relationship in the high schools and pre-universities of District One in Kerman City. The research method used was descriptive-correlational. The statistical population was composed of high school and pre-university managers and students, which included 72 managers and 16,643 students. All of the managers and 375 students were selected through cluster and simple random sampling methods. The necessary data were obtained by the study of values (SOV) test for identification of the managers’ value system, and the defining issues test (DIT) to identify students’ moral development. The research results showed that there was a relationship between the managers’ theoretical, social, and religious values with the students’ moral development, but there was no relationship between the managers’ economic, aesthetic, and political values with the students’ moral development.
RapGEF2 is essential for embryonic hematopoiesis but dispensable for adult hematopoiesis
Authors: Satyanarayana Ande , Gudmundsson Kristbjorn Orri , Chen Xiu , Coppola Vincenzo , Tessarollo Lino , Keller Jonathan R. , Hou Steven X.
Published: July 2010

RapGEF2 is one of many guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) that specifically activate Rap1. Here, we generated RapGEF2 conditional knockout mice and studied its role in embryogenesis and fetal as well as adult hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) regulation. RapGEF2 deficiency led to embryonic lethality at ∼ E11.5 due to severe yolk sac vascular defects. However, a similar number of Flk1+ cells were present in RapGEF2+/+ and RapGEF2−/− yolk sacs indicating that the bipotential early progenitors were in fact generated in the absence of RapGEF2. Further analysis of yolk sacs and embryos revealed a significant reduction of CD41 expressing cells in RapGEF2−/− genotype, suggesting a defect in the maintenance of definitive hematopoiesis. RapGEF2−/− cells displayed defects in proliferation and migration, and the in vitro colony formation ability of hematopoietic progenitors was also impaired. At the molecular level, Rap1 activation was impaired in RapGEF2−/− cells that in turn lead to defective B-raf/ERK signaling. Scl/Gata transcription factor expression was significantly reduced, indicating that the defects observed in RapGEF2−/− cells could be mediated through Scl/Gata deregulation. Inducible deletion of RapGEF2 during late embryogenesis in RapGEF2cko/ckoERcre mice leads to defective fetal liver erythropoiesis. Conversely, inducible deletion in the adult bone marrow, or specific deletion in B cells, T cells, HSCs, and endothelial cells has no impact on hematopoiesis.
Reduced soluble receptor for advanced glycation end-products in COPD
Authors: Smith D.J. , Yerkovich S.T. , Towers M.A. , Carroll M.L. , Thomas R. , Upham J.W.
Published: July 2010

The soluble receptor for advanced glycation end-products (sRAGE) has anti-inflammatory properties, and deficiency of circulating sRAGE is associated with various human diseases. Whether sRAGE concentrations are reduced in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has not been determined. The aim of this study was to determine plasma levels of sRAGE in COPD patients and establish whether sRAGE varies in relation to forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and other inflammatory markers.

61 COPD patients and 42 healthy controls were recruited. Plasma sRAGE, C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid A (SAA) were measured in patients with stable COPD. A subgroup had measurements during acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD).

sRAGE was significantly lower in stable COPD than in healthy controls (p<0.001), while CRP (p<0.001) and SAA (p = 0.015) were higher in stable COPD than in healthy controls. Multiple linear regression confirmed that COPD was negatively associated with sRAGE (p<0.001). Plasma sRAGE was positively correlated with FEV1(r2= 0.530, p<0.001), while CRP and SAA were inversely proportional to FEV1. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that only sRAGE was a strong predictor of FEV1. AECOPD were associated with even lower sRAGE levels that increased with convalescence.

Circulating sRAGE is lower in COPD and shows a strong correlation to the degree of airflow limitation.
Prognostic value of procalcitonin in community-acquired pneumonia
Authors: Schuetz P. , Suter-Widmer I. , Chaudri A. , Christ-Crain M. , Zimmerli W. , Mueller B.
Published: July 2010

The prognostic value of procalcitonin (PCT) levels to predict mortality and other adverse events in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) remains undefined.

We assessed the performance of PCT overall, stratified into four predefined procalcitonin tiers (<0.1, 0.1–0.25, >0.25–0.5, >0.5 μg·L−1) and stratified by Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI) and CURB-65 (confusion, urea >7 mmol·L−1, respiratory frequency ≥30 breaths·min−1, systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≤60 mmHg, and age ≥65 yrs) risk classes to predict all-cause mortality and adverse events within 30 days follow-up in 925 CAP patients.

In receiver operating characteristic curves, initial PCT levels performed only moderately for mortality prediction (area under the curve (AUC) 0.60) and did not improve clinical risk scores. Follow-up measurements on days 3, 5 and 7 showed better prognostic performance (AUCs 0.61, 0.68 and 0.73). For prediction of adverse events, the AUC was 0.66 and PCT significantly improved the PSI (from 0.67 to 0.71) and the CURB-65 (from 0.64 to 0.70). In Kaplan–Meier curves, PCT tiers significantly separated patients within PSI and CURB-65 risk classes for adverse events prediction, but not for mortality. Reclassification analysis confirmed the added value of PCT for adverse event prediction, but not mortality.

Initial PCT levels provide only moderate prognostic information concerning mortality risk and did not improve clinical risk scores. However, PCT was helpful during follow-up and for prediction of adverse events and, thereby, improved the PSI and CURB65 scores.
Factors associated with inflammatory cytokine patterns in community-acquired pneumonia
Authors: Martínez R. , Menéndez R. , Reyes S. , Polverino E. , Cillóniz C. , Martínez A. , Esquinas C. , Filella X. , Ramírez P. , Torres A.
Published: July 2010

Raised systemic levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 cytokines have been associated with poorer outcome in community-acquired pneumonia. The aim of our study was to identify potential associated factors with increased levels of IL-6, IL-10, or both cytokines.

We performed a prospective study of 685 patients admitted to hospital with community-acquired pneumonia. IL-6 and IL-10 were measured in blood in the first 24 h.

30-day mortality increased from 4.8% to 11.4% (p = 0.003) when both cytokines were higher than the median. Independent associated factors with an excess of IL-6 were neurologic disease, confusion, serum sodium <130 mEq·L−1, pleural effusion, and bacteraemia. The associated factors for an excess of IL-10 were respiratory rate ≥30 breaths·min−1, systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg and glycaemia ≥250 mg·dL−1. The independent associated factors for an excess of both cytokines were confusion, systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg, pleural effusion and bacteraemia. Protective factors were prior antibiotic treatment and pneumococcal vaccination.

Different independent factors are related to an excess of IL-6 and IL-10. Confusion, hypotension, pleural effusion and bacteraemia were associated with the inflammatory profile with the highest mortality rate, whereas anti-pneumococcal vaccination and previous antibiotic treatment appeared to be protective factors.
High-contrast three-dimensional imaging of the Arabidopsis leaf enables the analysis of cell dimensions in the epidermis and mesophyll
Authors: Wuyts Nathalie , Palauqui Jean-Christophe , Conejero Geneviève , Verdeil Jean-Luc , Granier Christine , Massonnet Catherine
Published: July 2010

Background

Despite the wide spread application of confocal and multiphoton laser scanning microscopy in plant biology, leaf phenotype assessment still relies on two-dimensional imaging with a limited appreciation of the cells' structural context and an inherent inaccuracy of cell measurements. Here, a successful procedure for the three-dimensional imaging and analysis of plant leaves is presented.

Results

The procedure was developed based on a range of developmental stages, from leaf initiation to senescence, of soil-grown Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. Rigorous clearing of tissues, made possible by enhanced leaf permeability to clearing agents, allowed the optical sectioning of the entire leaf thickness by both confocal and multiphoton microscopy. The superior image quality, in resolution and contrast, obtained by the latter technique enabled the three-dimensional visualisation of leaf morphology at the individual cell level, cell segmentation and the construction of structural models. Image analysis macros were developed to measure leaf thickness and tissue proportions, as well as to determine for the epidermis and all layers of mesophyll tissue, cell density, volume, length and width. For mesophyll tissue, the proportion of intercellular spaces and the surface areas of cells were also estimated. The performance of the procedure was demonstrated for the expanding 6th leaf of the Arabidopsis rosette. Furthermore, it was proven to be effective for leaves of another dicotyledon, apple (Malus domestica Borkh.), which has a very different cellular organisation.

Conclusions

The pipeline for the three-dimensional imaging and analysis of plant leaves provides the means to include variables on internal tissues in leaf growth studies and the assessment of leaf phenotypes. It also allows the visualisation and quantification of alterations in leaf structure alongside changes in leaf functioning observed under environmental constraints. Data obtained using this procedure can further be integrated in leaf development and functioning models.
Development of novel measurement assay for calcium in serum by the chlorophosphonazo-III vanadate method
Authors: Noda K , Sato Y , Miura T , Katayama K , Kojima R
Published: July 2010

Background

Chlorophosphonazo-III (2,7-bis[4-chloro-2-phosphonophenylazo]-1,8-dihydroxy-3,6-naphthalenedisulphonic acid, disodium salt; CPZ-III) reacts with calcium and magnesium in a sample under acidic to neutral conditions. However, the specific method of measuring calcium in serum using CPZ-III has not been established because of the difficulty of avoiding the interaction between CPZ-III and albumin.

Methods

In this study, we found that the non-specific reaction between CPZ-III and albumin could be controlled and calcium in serum could be specifically detected using CPZ-III combined with vanadate. On the basis of this finding, we evaluated a novel method of serum calcium determination using CPZ-III.

Results

This CPZ-III vanadate method gave linear results from 0 to 7.0 mmol/L. The coefficient of variation was 0.63–0.76%. There was no interference except with Omniscan. There was no change in control performance during 60 d under open-air conditions. The assay results correlated well with those of the Arsenazo-III (2,7-bis(2-arsonophenylazo)-1,8-dihydroxy-3,6-naphthalenedisulphonic acid) method (slope = 1.067; intercept = −0.120; r = 0.989; Sy/ x = 0.036 mmol/L), o-cresolphthalein complexone method (slope = 0.911; intercept = 0.186; r = 0.988; Sy/ x = 0.035 mmol/L), amylase enzymatic method (slope = 0.981; intercept = 0.072; r = 0.989; Sy/ x = 0.036 mmol/L) and inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy method (slope = 0.955; intercept = −0.001; r = 0.979; Sy/ x = 0.048 mmol/L).

Conclusions

These results suggested that the present method has great clinical potential for measuring calcium.
Lumpy Capacity Investment and Disinvestment Dynamics
Authors: Besanko David , Doraszelski Ulrich , Lu Lauren Xiaoyuan , Satterthwaite Mark
Published: July 2010

Capacity addition and withdrawal decisions are among the most important strategic decisions made by firms in oligopolistic industries. In this paper, we develop and analyze a fully dynamic model of an oligopolistic industry with lumpy capacity and lumpy investment/disinvestment. We use our model to suggest answers to two questions: First, what economic factors facilitate preemption races? Second, what economic factors facilitate capacity coordination? With a series of examples we show that low product differentiation, low investment sunkness, and high depreciation tend to promote preemption races. The same examples also show that low product differentiation and low investment sunkness tend to promote capacity coordination. Although depreciation removes capacity, it might impede capacity coordination. Finally, our examples show that multiple equilibria arise over at least some range of parameter values. The distinct structures of these equilibria suggest that firms' expectations play a key role in determining whether or not industry dynamics are characterized by preemption races and capacity coordination. Taken together, our results suggest that preemption races and excess capacity in the short run often go hand-in-hand with capacity coordination in the long run.
Bare Below the Elbows: Professionalism vs Infection Risk
Authors: Baxter JA , Dale O , Morritt A , Pollock JC
Published: July 2010

In September 2007 the Department of Health (DH) published a document entitled Uniforms and workwear: An evidence base for developing local policy. This report tackled the issues of wearing and appropriately laundering workwear in an effort to advise employers when creating their local policy. It was based on two literature reviews carried out by Thames Valley University known as TVU1 and TVU2. These studies looked at the evidence surrounding the role of uniforms in the transmission of infection (TVU1), the efficacy of laundry practices in removing contamination (TVU1) and how public perception of both the individual and the organisation is altered by uniforms (TVU2).
Live Surgery Seminar
Authors: Young Sorrel
Published: July 2010

I was delighted to be invited to attend the Live Surgery seminar at the Royal College of Surgeons on 7 April 2010 and have been asked to comment on the proceedings and on the live broadcast at the Wellcome Collection last May. I underwent mitral valve surgery in January 2009, operated on by Frank Wells, and so would like to offer opinions from a patient's perspective.
Dental public health
Authors: Allen Christopher
Published: July 2010

There is that moment at any social gathering when the obviously successful grandee, who was not quick enough to avoid your eye, squints at you and enquires:' And exactly what is it you do?' Luckily there is usually someone more important in their sightline, over your shoulder, so they pass on without listening for a reply. This simple question has caused great consternation in more than one dental public health consultant because although dental public health (DPH) is easily defined, the DPH practitioner is a less coherent entity.
The turn of the tide
Authors: Black John
Published: July 2010

After the excitement of the general election and the formation of the first peacetime coalition government for 70 years, I was delighted to read in the coalition agreement between the Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties that:' We will examine the balance of the EU's existing competences and will, in particular, work to limit the application of the Working Time Directive in the United Kingdom.'
Retention Requirements for Alpine Ski Bindings
Authors: Ettlinger Carl F. , Dodge David , Johnson Robert J. , Shealy Jasper E. , Sargent Michael
Published: July 2010

Releasable ski bindings have helped to reduce the risk of lower leg injury but have not been effective in abating the risk of injury to the knee’s anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The authors theorized that if binding retention requirements were better understood, bindings could be developed that would eliminate excess retention under conditions associated with known mechanisms of injury, while providing an appropriate margin of retention during controlled skiing maneuvers. Currently, release/retention requirements for Alpine bindings are defined simply by a moment (couple). But the moment sensed by a skier’s leg at release is dependent on not only the release moment to which the binding has been adjusted also but by where on the ski the load is applied. During the Winter of 2006–2007, the authors developed the instrumentation, protocols, and methods of data reduction and analysis necessary to express retention requirements of Alpine skiers in terms of load and load position on a virtual ski of infinite length. During the Winter of 2007–2008, 15 experienced skiers were fitted with a pair of skis in which one ski was equipped with a platform for measuring forces transverse to the long axis of the ski boot in a plane parallel to the bottom of the sole. Each subject in the study performed a series of skiing, recovery, and climbing maneuvers. Video and audio records of those maneuvers were synchronized with the 90 min of recorded data, allowing the data to be classified by skiing activity and reduced to a force and moment resolved about an axis approximating the skier’s tibia. The force was then divided into the moment resulting in the position (lever arm) of the force necessary to produce the moment. Using current standards, the moment was scaled as a percentage of the recommended release moment. Loads applied to the inside edge of the rear body of the ski, an area commonly associated with ACL injuries, were rarely found to be both more than 45 cm from the tibia and more than 40 % of the recommended. The few events in this “zone of ACL vulnerability” were associated with loss of control while skiing backward at low speed. From these observations, a release simulating platform was developed, which isolated the binding from the ski. The platform sounded an alarm if the moment sensed by the simulator exceeded 50 % of the recommended release moment and the load was applied in the “zone of vulnerability.” In more than 120 min of skiing, the alarm never sounded, indicating that no inadvertent release would have taken place if the simulator had been an active release binding. However, subjects were able to initiate the alarm, thus simulating a release, by attempting to twist out of the binding with only the tail end of the ski engaged with the snow surface. The authors believe that the database and analytical techniques developed in this study may help to optimize the overall release/retention capabilities of future bindings.
Unraveling the role of the ghrelin gene peptides in the endocrine pancreas
Authors: Granata Riccarda , Baragli Alessandra , Settanni Fabio , Scarlatti Francesca , Ghigo Ezio
Published: July 2010

The ghrelin gene peptides include acylated ghrelin (AG), unacylated ghrelin (UAG), and obestatin (Ob). AG, mainly produced by the stomach, exerts its central and peripheral effects through the GH secretagogue receptor type 1a (GHS-R1a). UAG, although devoid of GHS-R1a-binding affinity, is an active peptide, sharing with AG many effects through an unknown receptor. Ob was discovered as the G-protein-coupled receptor 39 (GPR39) ligand; however, its physiological actions remain unclear. The endocrine pancreas is necessary for glucose homeostasis maintenance. AG, UAG, and Ob are expressed in both human and rodent pancreatic islets from fetal to adult life, and the pancreas is the major source of ghrelin in the perinatal period. GHS-R1a and GPR39 expression has been shown in β-cells and islets, as well as specific binding sites for AG, UAG, and Ob. Ghrelin colocalizes with glucagon in α-islet cells, but is also uniquely expressed in ε-islet cells, suggesting a role in islet function and development. Indeed, AG, UAG, and Ob regulate insulin secretion in β-cells and isolated islets, promote β-cell proliferation and survival, inhibit β-cell and human islet cell apoptosis, and modulate the expression of genes that are essential in pancreatic islet cell biology. They even induce β-cell regeneration and prevent diabetes in streptozotocin-treated neonatal rats. The receptor(s) mediating their effects are not fully characterized, and a signaling crosstalk has been suggested. The present review summarizes the newest findings on AG, UAG, and Ob expression in pancreatic islets and the role of these peptides on β-cell development, survival, and function.
Remediation of contaminated industrial sites
Authors: Baylis James , Allenby Douglas
Published: July 2010

Ground and groundwater pollution are the unfortunate legacies of our industrial heritage. Nowhere is this more common that in our older towns and cities where the sources of pollution are typically associated with coal gas producing plants, chemical producers, steel producers and processing plants such as tanneries. In recent times, dependence upon oil and its by-products has resulted in the pollution of many refinery sites, particularly those situated alongside major estuaries and rivers. The paper briefly examines the influence of recent legislation aimed at directing the remediation industry away from wholesale excavation and off-site disposal towards treatment and reuse through on-site and off-site solutions. Examples are presented to illustrate the remediation of gas-producing, refinery and chemical sites. Recent investigations to verify closure records for a number of dump sites containing the decontaminated remains of a chemical warfare agent plant and laboratory facility are described, together with the use of a vapour containment system to prevent the uncontrolled release of chemical warfare agents to the atmosphere.
Comparison of Economic Optimum Nitrogen Rates for Rice in Arkansas
Authors: Watkins K. B. , Hignight J. A. , Norman R. J. , Roberts T. L. , Slaton N. A. , Wilson C. E. , Frizzell D. L.
Published: July 2010

Historically high N prices have increased farmer interest in economic optimum N rates for rice (Oryza sativa L.). This study uses five to 8 yr of rice variety by N data from four research locations in Arkansas varying by soil series [Perry clay (Vertic Haplaquepts); Sharkey clay (Vertic Haplaquepts); DeWitt silt loam (Typic Albaqualfs); and Hillemann silt loam (Thermic, Albic, Glossic Natraqualfs)] to estimate rice yield response to N functions for five common functional forms [quadratic, quadratic‐plateau, square root, linear‐plateau, and Mitscherlich]. Economic optimum N rates (EONs) are calculated by location and functional form across years using both nonlinear optimization and a numerical method proposed for making N rate guidelines in the Corn Belt of the United States. Statistical analysis indicated the quadratic fits the yield data best at three of four locations and performs as well as either the linear‐plateau or quadratic‐plateau at the fourth location. The numerical method produces approximately the same EON rates (within ±1 kg ha−1) as nonlinear optimization. Economic optimum N rates varied by research location and are as follows assuming average 2006–2008 rice price and N cost data and annual quadratic functions: 150 kg N ha−1 at the DeWitt silt loam location; 122 kg N ha−1 at the Hillemann silt loam location; 181 kg N ha−1 at the Sharkey clay location; and 187 kg N ha−1 at the Perry clay location.
Forage Characteristics Affecting Meat Goat Preferences for Forage Chicory Cultivars
Authors: Cassida K. A. , Foster J. G. , Turner K. E.
Published: July 2010

Concentration of bitter sesquiterpene lactones (SL), lactucin, lactucopicrin, and 8‐deoxylactucin, has been associated with low soil P fertility and reduced livestock preference for forage chicory (Cichorium intybus L.). We evaluated the effect of cultivar and available soil phosphorus (ASP) on meat goat (Capra hircus L.) preferences for ‘Grasslands Puna (Puna)’ ‘Forage Feast,’ and ‘INIA le Lacerta (Lacerta)’chicory grown under varying P fertility. Soil Bray‐P was used to designate ASP as low (LP, mean 8.6 mg kg−1), medium (MP, 21.7 mg kg−1), and high (HP, 40.1 mg kg−1) for the preference test. In September, clipped fresh forage was offered to confined Boer‐cross goat kids using a replicated 3 by 3 Latin square design with an extra period. Preferences were measured using dry matter intake for cultivar effects and multidimensional scaling (MDS) for ASP effects. Across cultivars, soil Bray‐P was positively related to leaf P and Mg concentrations. Soil Bray‐P did not affect lactucopicrin or 8‐deoxylactucin, and was positively associated with lactucin, in contrast to the hypothesis. Goats exhibited no preferences among cultivars despite up to fourfold differences in individual SL. Within cultivars, goats preferred Puna with less lactucin and total SL, Lacerta with less lactucopicrin and leaf Mg, and Forage Feast with more cell wall. Goats were able to detect relatively small differences in SL within cultivars, but this had little practical effect on intake of the forage because they ate it even when bitter. Therefore, P fertilization for fall‐grown chicory is unlikely to improve forage intake in goats.
Economically Optimal Compost Rates for Organic Crop Production
Authors: Endelman Jeffrey B. , Reeve Jennifer R. , Hole David J.
Published: July 2010

Current guidelines for the use of compost in organic agriculture are based on nutrient targets, which represent the conditions needed for maximum yield. Due to the high cost of inputs, however, a maximum‐yield strategy may be far from economically optimal in some organic cropping systems. In this article we formulate a theory of economically optimal rates (EORs) for compost that incorporates the effects on yield in the years after application. When carryover is neglected, it is well known that the slope of the yield response at the EOR equals the fertilizer/crop price ratio. We show that when carry‐over effects are modeled with a decay series, the critical slope is reduced by the sum of the decay series, and this criterion holds for each crop in a rotation. To demonstrate the application of these theoretical results, we used data from a previous study in which the dryland wheat yield response to compost was measured on organic farmland in northern Utah. Since a decay series was not measured, EORs are presented for a range of values of the cumulative carryover, as well as for different compost/wheat price ratios. The EOR for compost sold by one of the region's main composting facilities was predicted to be zero, which highlights the challenging nature of organic fertility management in northern Utah's dryland agriculture. Confidence in the EOR was hindered by our limited understanding of carryover in dryland systems, which should be a priority for future research.
Effects of Saline and Alkaline Stress on Germination, Seedling Growth, and Ion Balance in Wheat
Authors: Guo Rui , Shi LianXuan , Ding XueMei , Hu Yongjun , Tian ShangYi , Yan DeFu , Shao Shuai , Gao Yuan , Liu Rong , Yang YunFei
Published: July 2010

We tested wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings under five different saline and alkaline stress (9:1 molar ratio of NaCl/Na2SO4 and 9:1 molar ratio of NaHCO3/Na2CO3, respectively) regimes of differing severity for 7 d, comparing growth, germination, and ionic balance of wheat seedlings, to elucidate the mechanism of alkaline stress (high pH) damage to wheat, and it physiological adaptive mechanism to alkaline stress. We found that alkalinity had a more severe effect on wheat seedlings than salinity, preventing germination before and after recovery, and severely inhibiting shoot and root growth. Plants responded to both saline and alkaline stress by accumulating Na+ at the expense of K+, and by accumulating soluble osmolytes, but these effects were more pronounced under alkaline stress than saline stress. Alkaline stress also induced several specific responses such as the inhibition of fructan synthesis (fructan levels increased in response to salinity), the accumulation of organic acids, the accumulation of Ca2+ and the depletion of H2PO4− The results suggest that specific damage caused by alkaline stress might reflect a massive influx of Na+, resulting in a severe deficit of negative charge. The plants respond by trying to restore the osmotic balance and synthesizing organic acids as counter‐ions to address the intracellular ion imbalance. These data provide important leads in the development of engineered wheat plants with improved stress tolerance.
Cotton Responses to Tillage and Rotation during the Turn of the Century Drought
Authors: Bauer Philip J. , Fortnum Bruce A. , Frederick James R.
Published: July 2010

Longer rain‐free periods are predicted to occur more often in the southeastern United States as a result of global climate change. This nonirrigated field study was conducted from 1997 through 2002, which coincided with the 1998–2002 drought that affected most of the United States. The objective was to determine the effect of rotation and tillage on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) productivity. Treatments in the study were rotation [cotton rotated with corn (Zea mays L.), cotton planted after a rye (Secale cereale L.) winter cover crop, and continuous cotton with no cover crop] and tillage system (conventional tillage and conservation tillage). Two levels of aldicarb [2‐methyl‐2‐(methylthio)propanal O‐{(methylamino)carbonyl}oxime] (0 and 1.18 kg a.i. ha−1) were also included because of known soil management effects on thrips (Frankliniella sp.) and root‐knot nematodes (Meloidigyne incognita). The predominant soil types were Bonneau loamy sand (loamy, siliceous, subactive, thermic Arenic Paleudult) and Norfolk loamy sand (fine‐loamy, kaolinitic, thermic Typic Kandiudult). Rotation did not affect cotton yield in any year. Tillage did not affect cotton yield in 1997. Conservation tillage resulted in an average 25% yield increase in cotton lint yield over conventional tillage during the 5‐yr drought. Tillage and aldicarb affected both thrips and root‐knot nematodes, but lack of interaction among these factors for lint yield suggested that management of these pests was not the predominant cause for the cotton yield increase with conservation tillage. Conservation tillage for cotton production could be an important method to help mitigate the effects of climate change in the region if change occurs as predicted.
Concentration effect of copper loading on the reductive dechlorination of tetrachloroethylene by zerovalent silicon
Authors: Lee Chun-chi , Doong Ruey-an
Published: July 2010

The dechlorination of tetrachloroethylene (PCE) by zerovalent silicon (Si(0)) in the presence of low concentration of Cu(II) ion was investigated under anaerobic conditions. The mass loadings of Cu(II) in the Si(0)-H2O system were in the range 0.06–3 wt% (0.02–1 mM). In addition, the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) were used to characterize the change in chemical species and distribution patterns of metals, respectively. Results showed that the pre-incubation time of 3 d was needed to activate the reactive sites of Si(0) before the dechlorination of PCE. Addition of low concentration of Cu(II) at 0.06 wt% significantly enhanced the dechlorination of PCE, while high concentration of Cu(II) would occupy the reactive sites of Si(0), and subsequently decreased the dechlorination efficiency and rate of PCE. The pseudo first-order rate constant (kobs) for PCE dechlorination by 0.06 wt% Cu/Si was 0.028 h−1, which was 2.8 times higher than that by Si(0) alone. However, the kobs for PCE dechlorination decreased to 0.0016 h−1 when the loading of Cu(II) increased to 3 wt%. The EPMA results showed that the distribution of 0.06 wt% Cu on the Si(0) surface was homogeneous without any aggregation, which means that the maximum rate constant was observed before the total coverage of the active sites on the reductive metal by the catalytic metal layer. The surface coverage of Cu to Si(0) can theoretically calculate by estimation of the lowest energy fcc(111) crystallographic orientation. The calculated surface coverage of 0.06 wt% Cu onto Si(0) was approximately 43%, which is consistent with the experimental results obtained in this study.
Application of the contingent valuation method in a developing country: a case study of the Yusufeli Dam in northeast Turkey
Authors: Alp Emre , Yetiş Ülkü
Published: July 2010

Hydroelectric power plants and dams often play an important role in developing countries in terms of their contribution to economy. In accordance with the energy policies of Turkish Republic, Yusufeli Dam and Hydroelectric Power Plant in Northeastern Turkey have been initiated. In this study, the Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) was conducted in Yusufeli Village to determine the environmental costs of the Yusufeli Project. The purpose is to assess the willingness to pay (WTP) of Yusufeli Village residents for restoration of the environmental impacts of the dam project and also to investigate the underlying economic, psychological, and social motivations for WTP. WTP was calculated as US$761 per person which can further be used in the cost–benefit analysis. The results from the study suggest that application of the CVM in rural and urban areas located in the same region can show differences.
Sewer system flow components identification using signal processing
Authors: Dorval F. A. , Chocat B. , Emmanuel E. , Lipeme Kouyi G.
Published: July 2010

The development of a continuous model to simulate the behaviour of sewer systems requires detailed information on each component of the flows contributing to the global discharge. In this paper authors investigate a novel method based on signal processing and long time series data implemented with a 2 min time step (flow rate, conductivity, pH and turbidity) in order to identify the dry weather components in a separated stormwater sewer system draining an industrial catchment. The wavelet analysis is applied to the recorded data to identify main components in dry weather flow after the removing of the signal noise. This paper highlights also a method to detect inflow into sewer system and shows how hydrological modelling can be used to characterise the relevant components. These techniques could be used as a basis for several applications.
The Logic of Policy Change after Crisis: Proximity and Subsystem Interaction
Authors: Nohrstedt Daniel , Weible Christopher M.
Published: July 2010

What mechanisms link external events to policy change in a policy subsystem? This paper responds to this question by offering a nuanced re‐conceptualization of external events and by identifying the mechanisms that link disruptive crises to policy change. Building from the tenets of the advocacy coalition framework and a synthesis of the crisis management and policy change literatures, this paper (1) introduces the concept of policy and geographical proximity as a means to show how different types of crises alter the incentives for policy action within policy subsystems; (2) discusses an integrated set of proposals on how geographical and policy proximity affects the prospects of change in a policy subsystem; and (3) presents hypothesized scenarios outlining plausible intervening pathways linking a crisis to changes as contingent on policy subsystem structures.
Relationships Among Stressors, Work-Family Conflict, and Emotional Exhaustion: A Study of Electronics Industry Employees in China
Authors: Yu Ming-Chu , Lee Yuan-Duen , Tsai Bin-Chuan
Published: July 2010

In this study we examined the relationships among job stress, role stress, work-family conflict, and emotional exhaustion among electronics industry employees in China. Empirical data was gained from 466 questionnaires. Factor analysis and regression analysis were employed. It was found
that job stress and role stress have a significant effect on emotional exhaustion, and that work-family conflict has a positive effect on emotional exhaustion. We determined that there is a need for human resource management staff in the industry to establish and strengthen a scheme of organizational
support that extends to the families of employees.
Determining the degree of powder homogeneity using PC-based program
Authors: Djuragic Olivera , Colovic Radmilo , Levic Jovanka , Sredanovic Slavica , Selakov Aleksandar
Published: July 2010

The mixing of powders and the quality control of the obtained mixtures are critical operations involved in the processing of granular materials in chemical, metallurgical, food and pharmaceutical industries. Studies on mixing efficiency and the time needed for achieving homogeneity in the powder mashes production have significant importance. Depending on the characteristic of the materials, a number of methods have been used for the homogeneity tests. Very often, the degree of mixing has been determined by analyzing images of particle arrays in the sample using microscopy, photography and/or video tools. In this paper, a new PC-based method for determining the number of particles in the powder homogeneity tests has been developed. Microtracers?, red iron particles, were used as external tracer added before mixing. Iron particles in the samples of the mixtures were separated by rotary magnet and spread onto a filter paper. The filter paper was sprayed with 50% solution of ethanol for color development and the particles counted where the number of spots presented the concentration of added tracer. The number of spots was counted manually, as well as by the developed PC program. The program which analyzes scanned filter papers with spots is based on digital image analyses, where red spots were converted through few filters into a black and white, and counted. Results obtained by manual and PC counting were compared. A high correlation was established between the two counting methods.
Review of existing energy management standards and possibilities for its introduction in Serbia
Authors: Jelic Dubravka , Gordic Dusan , Babic Milun , Koncalovic Davor , Sustersic Vanja
Published: July 2010

Until recent times, energy management practices primarily consisted in replacing inefficient equipment and then using any number of methods to estimate obtained savings. Experience shows that positive effects of energy efficient improvements were decreased over time. There have been significant efforts over the last decade to define appropriate standards and best practices and implement the consistent energy management system to increase and maintain the energy savings. The knowledge gained from thousands of energy efficient projects is driving a transition from traditional tactical practice (one-time "build and forget" projects) to energy management strategies proposed and endorsed by a number of international organizations. The current status of internationally developed energy management standards, including an analysis of their shared features and differences is presented in this paper. The purpose of the analysis is to describe the current state of ?best practices? for this emerging area of energy efficiency policymaking in order to study the possibility of implementation of energy management standards in Serbia and to estimate the effects and the potential for energy saving that would be made by its implementation.
Development of the boiler for combustion of agricultural biomass by products
Authors: Turanjanin Valentina , Djurovic Dejan , Dakic Dragoljub , Eric Aleksandar , Repic Branislav
Published: July 2010

Republic of Serbia consumes about 15 million tons of equivalent oil per year (Mtoe). At the same time potential of the renewable energy sources is about 3,5 Mtoe/year. Main renewable source is biomass, with its potential of about 2,6 Mtoe/year, and 60% of the total biomass source is of agricultural origin. Mainly, that type of biomass is collected, transported and stored in form of bales. At the same time in one of the largest agricultural companies in Serbia (PKB) there are over 2000 ha of soya plantations, and also 4000 t/year of baled soya straw available, none of which being used for energy purposes. Therefore, efforts have been made in the Laboratory for Thermal Engineering and Energy of the "Vinca" Institute to develop a technology for utilizing bales of various sizes and shapes for energy production. Satisfactory test results of the 1 MW experimental facility - low CO levels and stable thermal output - led to the building-up of a 1.5 MW soya straw bales-fired hot water boiler, with cigarette type of combustion, for the purposes of greenhouse and office heating in the PKB. Further more, achieving good results in exploitation of that hot water boiler, the next step is building up the first combined heat and power (electricity) production facility (CHP), which will use agricultural biomass as a fuel, in Serbia.