bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Žodžių reikšmių mišimas Jokūbo Morkūno Postilės I ir III dalyse
Authors: Dambrauskas Kęstutis
Published: March 2019

[full article and abstract in Lithuanian; abstract in English]

The Postilla of Jokūbas Morkūnas (hereinafter – the MP) has been translated from Polish. It is because of the impact of the Polish language words were often granted extraordinary meanings. 

This article attempts to determine the typical or atypical values of the nouns, verbs and their derivatives, adverbs, as well as prefixes, used in the MP, as their values influenced the literal translation from Polish.

If appropriate word meaning was used several times in text, it was easy to identity word meaning inhevency. The same is much harder to achieve if one takes a word from the MP that was used just once or twice. Then, the appropriate meaning of the word, audited in the LKŽe, and the inherency of its values are determined based on the dictionary material. In the MP, normally used verbs were of typical values, and less often used were adjectives and adverbs. In some cases, attempts are being made to convey the Polish vocabulary of the language in the linguistic units, creating a calque. However, it cannot be said that the majority of the word meanings were calques taken over from the Polish language. We found a number of cases when the usage of verb prefixes denotes meanings originally not possessed by the words: the prefix at­ indicates the direction away; the prefix pri­ – a short or long operation; damage and the degree of damage is marked with the prefix per­. The greatest influence on the literal tracing of the original word was made with the prefixes nu­ and pa­.

It is true that words with typical definitions were commonly used in the MP for foreign language exposure.
Direct Costs Associated with Relapsed Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Therapies
Authors: Purdum Anna , Tieu Ryan , Reddy Sheila R. , Broder Michael S.
Published: March 2019

Background

About one third of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) relapse after receiving first-line (1L) treatment of rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP). Relapsed patients may then be eligible for second-line (2L) therapy. The study's objective was to examine health care use and costs among treated patients with DLBCL receiving 2L therapy versus those without relapse.

Materials and Methods

We analyzed Truven Health MarketScan® claims data between 2006 and 2015. Patients (≥18 years of age) had ≥1 DLBCL claim from 1 year before to 90 days after beginning 1L therapy, and comprised those without 2L treatment for ≥2 years (cured controls) versus those who initiated non-R-CHOP chemotherapy after discontinuing 1L therapy (2L cohort). 2L patients were further subgrouped: hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT [yes/no]) and time of relapse (months between 1L and 2L): early (≤3), mid (4–12), and late (>12) relapse. The primary outcome was 1- and 2-year health care costs. Hospitalization rate and length of stay were also measured.

Results

A total of 1,374 patients with DLBCL received R-CHOP and fulfilled all criteria: 1,157 cured controls and 217 2L patients (87 early-relapse, 66 mid-relapse, 64 late-relapse). Twenty-eight percent of 2L patients received HSCT. Charlson Comorbidity Index/mortality risk was higher for 2L patients (4.2 [SD: 3.0]) versus controls (3.8 [2.6]; p = .039), as were yearly costs (Year 1: $210,488 [$172,851] vs. $25,044 [$32,441]; p < .001 and Year 2: $267,770 [$266,536] vs. $42,272 [$49,281]; p < .001). HSCT and chemotherapy were each significant contributors of cost among 2L patients.

Conclusion

DLBCL is resource intensive, particularly for 2L patients. Great need exists for newer, effective therapies for DLBCL that may save lives and reduce costs.

Implications for Practice

This study identified multiple important drivers of cost in the understudied population of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) receiving second-line (2L) treatment. Such drivers included hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) and chemotherapy. Even though HSCT is currently the only curative therapy for DLBCL, less than one third of patients receiving 2L and subsequent treatment underwent transplant, which indicates potential underuse. The variation in chemotherapy regimens suggested a lack of consensus for best practices. Further research focusing on newer and more effective treatment options for DLBCL has the potential to decrease mortality, in addition to reducing the extensive costs related to therapy options such as transplant.
Mechanistic-empirical analysis of geogrid-stabilized layered systems: Part II. Analysis
Authors: Sun X. , Han J.
Published: March 2019

In recent years, the mechanistic-empirical design method has become popular for pavement design. In the mechanistic-empirical design of geogrid-stabilized roads, elastic solutions for the geogrid-stabilized layered system are necessary but not yet available. In the companion paper, the analytical solutions for the geogrid-stabilized layered system were derived according to the layered elastic theory and the mechanistic-empirical approach. In this study, the elastic responses (i.e. vertical stresses, radial stresses, and elastic strains) due to the effect of the geogrid were investigated based on these solutions. The analytical solutions were then employed to estimate the reduction of vertical stresses underneath the geogrid compared with the measured results, which show reasonable agreement. A parametric study was conducted to investigate the effect of lateral restraint and tensioned membrane on the elastic responses, with the surface deformation at different base thicknesses and base-to-subgrade modulus ratios. The results clearly show that the lateral restraint effect is more significant compared to the tensioned membrane effect when the surface displacement is less than 75 mm, especially in a section with a relatively thick base course. The analytical solutions may be implemented in the mechanistic-empirical design of geogrid-stabilized unpaved roads.
Impact of unpaved road condition on rural transport services
Authors: Mbabazi Emmerentian
Published: March 2019

The majority of roads in developing countries especially in sub-Saharan Africa remain unpaved. To optimise their social impact, rural roads need to be complemented with convenient and affordable transport services that allow residents to reach markets and basic services. Motorcycle taxis or boda bodas, have risen to be the most dominant transport service in the rural areas of Uganda. Careful management of the vehicle operating costs (VOCs) is therefore important to sustain this service in the rural areas. This study estimates the changes in VOCs for motorcycle taxis with changes in the unpaved road condition. A 1·8% rise in operating costs is found when a road condition deteriorates from very good to good; and a 7·7% increase when road condition deteriorates from good to fair or poor.
A new procedure to determine equivalent strut of infill walls with openings for engineering applications
Authors: Tabeshpour Mohammad Reza , Noorifard Azadeh
Published: March 2019

In architecture, design of doors and windows for functional requirements, circulation, natural light and ventilation, aesthetics and view is inevitable. Parameters such as size, location and aspect ratio of the openings change the seismic behaviour of infilled frames. Ignoring these parameters in structural analysis may lead to substantial inaccuracy in predicting the lateral stiffness, strength and ductility of the frame. Despite numerous experimental and numerical studies on perforated infill walls in recent decades, the related provisions are rare in seismic codes and engineers tend not to use their results in analysis and design due to their complexity. The main purpose of this work was to propose a new procedure to determine the specifications of equivalent struts of perforated infill walls for engineering applications considering structural stiffness and load path based on valuable existing literature. All common types of windows used in architectural design (central openings, eccentric openings, corner openings and full-length openings) were investigated and the literature was reviewed for reduction factors of equivalent struts of infill walls with openings. Where there was a lack of studies, 27 micro models and 14 macro models were analysed to achieve the purpose of the research. A comprehensive and practical algorithm based on the size and location of openings is proposed.
Differenciálás a labdajátékos testnevelésórán a 3–4. osztályban
Authors: Jakab Gabriella , Borsi Bence
Published: March 2019

When determining the aims of physical education, the National Curriculum enhances the regular provision of physical activities, which plays an important role in the life of students also when growing up. It is important to socialize children by keeping lifelong active and healthy lifestyle in focus. As future teachers we regarded it to be crucial for children to experience the pleasure of movement with the help of ball games; therefore it is important for pedagogues to design variable playful lessons providing experiences matching the age characteristics of children. One of the basic pillars of education for healthy lifestyle is to participate in efficient sport lessons matching the level of training of students, which motivates them for continuous development. With the help of Polar OH1 pulse meters the stamina and resilience of children may be measured objectively.
A testnevelésórák hatékonyságának mérése általános iskolás tanulók körében az atlétika tanítási egység alatt
Authors: Fodor Szabina , Zsámbok István
Published: March 2019

A teacher specialized in physical education and sports is going to teach athletics in school as well. Athletics is a part of physical education and its divisions are based on natural movements and capabilities. By these movements the level of motoric skills of students, their level of training and physical health may be measured. Education for healthy lifestyle plays an important role in the life of the next generations. In order to improve the efficiency of physical education in schools, we need to seek the platforms of development, which may enhance future results. We need to plan sports lessons based on skill differentiation and personal capabilities. Our aim is to build up a system of physical education, which suits the personal training level of students and yields the best possible results.
Angyalkertek egykor és ma – Az óvodapedagógus hallgatók metaforáiban megjelenő óvodakép pedagógiatörténeti vonatkozásai és jelenkori sajátosságai
Authors: Kissné Zsámboki Réka , Patyi Gábor
Published: March 2019

The aims of our research are to review the relations between the former and present concepts on the definition of ‘kindergarten’ and to explore the attributes of kindergarten teacher training students about the function and definition of ‘kindergarten’. We used a qualitative research methodology with document- and metaphor analyses with the participation of first-year students in Kindergarten Education BA training program. Our students' metaphors were also compared with the requirements of National Curriculum of ECEC. Several idealistic and ‘romantic’ features were found in the concepts; therefore, innovative and reflective training contents need to be worked out to decrease the risk of reality shock that students need to face with.
Az önazonosság mint a pedagógiai kapcsolat próbája
Authors: Perjés István
Published: March 2019

The study investigates how the formations of the self-identity of the human entity, while trying to understand the world and the self, and the patterns of experiencing freedom, created by the potential of powers of performance that originates from the search for self-identity and also shapes the freedom and responsibilities of pedagogical relationships, are represented in the ethos of getting at truth and justice, present in every human being.In case we succeed in finding good enough solutions that enable the free movement between the individual and institutional values and interest, we can get closer to grasp the habitualised concept of the pedagogical culture of the ethos.The conclusion of the study suggests that good enough practice of education which is able to react sensitively to the changes of socialisation may support the self-development attempts of students to fill the gaps of their self-identity, re-create their self and find the possible means of understanding.
Tanulási módszerek – a Google-találatok függvényében
Authors: Simon Katalin
Published: March 2019

If someone asks a question himself/herself about how to make learning more efficient in today’s fast developing world, he/she will most likely turn to the Internet for help. We assume that at least 1/3 of the Google hits unfortunately, does not have any useful information. We have thought that certain sites are about the learning methods of the students of primary and secondary schoosl. We have supposed that most of them suggest techniques that help memorize the material. We have analysed 180 hits of Google for the words: „learning methods” to examine our hypothesis. We have deduced that with the help of the Internet one can learn how to learn efficiently.
Szemléletváltozás szükségessége – kell-e szeretni a természettudományokat?
Authors: Pápai János , Krausz Krisztina
Published: March 2019

We have been teaching biology and chemistry in secondary grammar schools with outstandingly high academic reputation for almost twenty years. We have always payed attention to articles which are about the situation of natural science subjects. We have been reading a decreasing trend in the number of pupils who are interested in these natural science subjects and that their scientific knowledge has become less competitive, thus the succes rate has dropped. However, students in our school showing curiosity and the number of schoolchildren who are interested in natural science subjects have been growing steadily. What could be the reason for this contrast? We hope that the applied methods we use in everyday classes hasve a prominent role in this. For the significance of these methods we bring some good examples from our own experience and make suggestions for improvement.
A fenntarthatóságra nevelés egyik lehetősége: az egyszerűsített karbonlábnyom-számítás
Authors: Patocskai Mária , Győrfi Tamás
Published: March 2019

Due to the globalization of environmental problems, it becomes increasingly topical to quantify environmental impacts from household consumption. From the different methods available we have chosen the calculation of GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions, which is based on lifestyle connected to population activities deriving from fossil resources. We have relied on electricity consumption from the three connected lifestyle activities involving the highest energy con- sumption. Based on the strategy above the national average was calculated. The results shed light on the extent of pollution deriving from energy requiring human activities. The personal responsibility of the general public concerning environmental issues and consumer responsibi- lity are not at all negligible.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation associated with manual therapy in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled clinical trial protocol
Authors: Mendonça Mannaly , Araújo Maria das Graças , Fonseca Camilla , Mèlo Maíra Lima, Luiz , Rocha Sérgio , Guerino Marcelo , Lima Ana Paula , Monte-Silva Kátia
Published: March 2019

Background: Persistent pain in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) may generate sensitization of the afferent and central nervous system (CNS) pathways over time. Therefore, for patients with chronic pain derived from KOA, to associate therapies that address peripheral impairment, such as central and manual therapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation seems to be a promising strategy for pain reduction. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to unite rTMS and TM to control the pain of patients with knee OA and to examine the efficacy of this treatment protocol, assuming that this union would be more beneficial than the formally applied therapies isolated. Methods: This clinical trial with three arms interventions, controlled, triple blind and randomized, will allocate patients with KOA in groups (i) transcranial magnetic stimulation; (ii) sham transcranial magnetic stimulation + manual therapy and (iii) transcranial magnetic stimulation + manual therapy. Pain assessment will be performed using the visual analog scale of pain of 100 points, before and after the interventions, and for a maximum of 30 days after the single session. This session will involve the application of real or fictitious transcranial magnetic stimulation followed by manual or home therapy. Discussion: The study is in the recruitment stage and it is expected that after the application of the therapeutic protocol the group that performed the association has a more significant improvement in comparison to the others. Study registry: The protocol of this study was published on the Clinical Trials (www.clinicaltrials.org), with the registration number NCT03076294.
Gender difference in trends in healthy life expectancy in 2005-2012 for adults aged 50 years and older in South Africa
Authors: Chirinda Witness , Saito Yasuhiko , Gu Danan , Zungu Nompumelelo
Published: March 2019

Data characterizing older people’s life expectancy by good or poor health is important for policy and fiscal planning. This study aims to examine trends and investigate gender differences in healthy life expectancy (HLE) for older people in South Africa for the period 2005–2012. Using data from three repeated cross-sectional surveys conducted in 2005, 2008, and 2012, we applied a self-rated health measure to estimating HLE. The Sullivan method was used in the calculations. We found that unhealthy life expectancy decreased over the period, while HLE and the proportion of life spent in good health increased more than total life expectancy in the same period. Gender disparities were evident: Women had higher life expectancy than men, yet they spent a greater proportion of their lifetime in poor health. We concluded that HLE of older people in South Africa has improved over the period under investigation.
Teaching and assessment of basic clinical communication skills among undergraduate third year medical students in Gujarat
Authors: Brahmbhatt Krutarth , Lodhiya Kaushik
Published: March 2019

Background: Good communication skills are essential components of physician-training. Effective communication between the doctor and the patient leads to better compliance, better health outcomes, decreased litigation, and higher satisfaction both for doctors and patients. The acquisition of communication and interpersonal skills is recognized and documented as a core competency for physician training in many countries. In the absence of proper training, Indian medical graduates often have less than adequate communication skills and the demand for formal training in this area has often been echoed. Aim and objectives were to know the attitude and ascertain the change in attitude, assess basic communication skills, ascertain the change in basic clinical communication skills (before and after training) and to impart training regarding communication skills by using different teaching learning methods to undergraduate medical students (third year).Methods: An interventional study was conducted using convenience sampling method. Assessment of attitude, communication skills and self-competence of communication skills was done using standardized questionnaires. Data analysis was done by using appropriate statistical tests.Results: Total 60 students participated in the study. The change in the mean scores of pre-training and post-training attitude, SEGUE (set the stage, elicit information, give information, understand patient’s perspective, end the encounter) framework score and self-assessment of communication competence scores were statistically significant before and after training.Conclusions: After training undergraduate medical students by using variety of effective training methods; their attitude towards learning communication skills changed positively and their basic clinical communication skills improved significantly.
Prospective monitoring of cutaneous adverse drug reactions in a secondary care hospital, UAE
Authors: Al Mulla Fatma , B. Sridhar Sathvik , Abu Al Hassan Ghada , Sharif Atiqulla
Published: March 2019

Background: Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are one of the most important causes of morbidity, hospitalization, increased healthcare cost and even mortality. Cutaneous adverse reactions are most commonly documented for drugs. The aim of the study was to monitor the incidence and nature of cutaneous adverse drug reactions (CADRs) in the dermatology outpatients and identify the causative drugs.

Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at the dermatology outpatient department of a secondary care hospital, UAE. All the patients attending dermatology outpatient and satisfying the inclusion criteria were monitored for ADRs. The required data were collected from the patients, their case files, and caretakers and entered in a suitably designed ADR reporting and documentation form. The causality, severity, and preventability of cutaneous ADRs were assessed using Naranjo, WHO, Hartwig and modified Schumock and Thornton scale.

Results: The prevalence of cutaneous ADRs was found to be 2.6%. Majority (43.4%) of the cutaneous ADRs were caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Majority (56.5%) of the study population reported itching as the most common cutaneous ADR. Also, 60.8% of the reported ADRs were “probable” in nature according to World Health Organization scale, whereas 56.5% reports were “probable” according to Naranjo’s algorithm. Majority (97%) of the ADRs were not preventable.

Conclusions: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were the common causes of cutaneous ADRs in the study. Majority of the adverse reactions were mild in nature. The type and nature of cutaneous adverse drug reaction profile documented in this study is almost similar in many ways to other ADRs monitoring studies conducted in dermatology outpatient clinics.
Patient perception, satisfaction and cosmetic results of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of acne scars: a patient-reported outcome of a non-surgical management
Authors: Colak Ozlem , Ozer Kadri
Published: March 2019

Background: Acne is a common skin condition of the pilosebaceous unit that is prevalent up to 80% of the adolescent population. Permanent, disfiguring scar is an unfortunate complication due to abnormal resolution following the damage during acne inflammation. Those troubling noticeable scars may lead to not only cosmetic problems but also psychological and social consequences which could impair the quality of life including diminished self-esteem and disruption of daily activities. We aimed to discuss our results of PRP procedure in the treatment of acne scars using scales based on patient satisfaction, perception and the quality of life.

Methods: This study included 11 patients suffering from post-acne scars who underwent 3 sessions of platelet-rich plasma injection. The outcome was determined by the difference in pre- and post- procedure FACE-Q modules, dermatology life quality index (DLQI) and body image questionnaire (BIQ) which were designed as patient-reported outcome instrument to evaluate the unique outcomes of patients undergoing facial cosmetic procedures.

Results: Overall satisfaction with outcome was 77.18±8.30 (range 63–87). No major complications such as hyper-/hypopigmentation, scar formation, infections, skin necrosis, nodulation, fibrosis, or calcification were recorded. All patients developed ecchymosis and edema in the treated area and all were improved during follow-up. The patient-reported FACE-Q satisfaction, FACE-Q quality of life, DQLI and BIQ scores of pre- and post- procedure showed statistically significant improvement (<0.05).

Conclusions: PRP can increase the quality of life in patients with acne scars in terms of social and psychological function without large damage to the skin.
Treatment of Osteoporosis with Bisphosphonates: Is Vitamin D Necessary?
Authors: Sánchez Ariel
Published: March 2019

Bisphosphonates (BP) are the most commonly used medications for the treatment of osteoporosis. Of them, the most frequently prescribed worldwide is alendronate. Of the various compounds available, those that are ingested are usually indicated, but they are also available for intravenous use at different intervals, depending on their potency [1].
Dyskurs – dyskursologia – glottodydaktyka polonistyczna
Authors: Zarzycka Grażyna
Published: March 2019

Najważniejszym celem przedstawianego artykułu jest sprawdzenie, w jaki sposób pojęcie dyskursu, które można uznać za kluczowe dla humanistyki ostatnich dekad, zakorzeniło się w glottodydaktyce polonistycznej. W części pierwszej artykułu zostały omówione, na podstawie wybranych prac badaczy światowych i polskich, definicje, taksonomie dyskursu, jak też określone kierunki badań dyskursologicznych. W drugiej części pracy podjęto rozważania dotyczące sposobu definiowania dyskursu glottodydaktycznego oraz określono zagadnienia wymagające dalszej dyskusji. Celem trzeciej, analitycznej części artykułu, było określenie kierunków dotychczasowych badań dyskursologicznych w glottodydaktyce polonistycznej. Wnioski zostały sformułowane na podstawie studium krytycznego zawartości wybranych prac naukowych opublikowanych przez przedstawicieli glottodydaktyki polonistycznej; zostało ono przeprowadzone metodą wyszukiwania słów kluczowych w nagłówkach prac.
Jak liczą Polacy – lingwakulturowe aspekty gramatyki opisowej i historycznej liczebnika
Authors: Garncarek Piotr
Published: March 2019

Artykuł jest poświęcony wybranemu zagadnieniu nauczania cudzoziemców jpjo – gramatyce liczebnika. Eksponuje problem dwojakiego wyrażania mnogości w konstrukcjach zdaniowych. Wskazana jest nie tylko gramatyczna wykładnia tego zagadnienia, gdzie nominalność użytych liczebników (mniejszych lub większych niż 5) decyduje o mianownikowej bądź dopełniaczowej konstrukcji zdania. Obok neurolingwistycznej interpretacji takiego mechanizmu, w tekście prowadzone są lingwakulturowe rozważania, stanowiące jego istotę. Pojawia się wyjaśnienie antropometryczne i historia tworzenia się istniejącej obecnie zasady językowej. Dodatkowo tekst stanowi swoistą propozycję interdyscyplinarnej narracji w nauczaniu polszczyzny.
Podręcznik do nauki języka polskiego jako obcego jako reprezentacja gatunku dydaktycznego (kierunki analizy genologicznej i zapowiedź rozprawy doktorskiej)
Authors: Góralczyk-Mowczan Paula
Published: March 2019

Artykuł stanowi zapowiedź rozprawy doktorskiej, która dotyczyć będzie aktualnego wzorca gatunkowego podręcznika do nauczania języka polskiego jako obcego (jpjo), przedstawienia zbioru wariantów i paradoksów tegoż wzorca oraz kierunku najnowszych przemian / tendencji wewnątrzgatunkowych z uwzględnieniem ich przyczyn. W artykule odwołano się do koncepcji Marii Wojtak – związanej z analizą gatunkową sensu stricto oraz przywołano wybrane poglądy Jolanty Nocoń – dotyczące analizy podręcznika szkolnego jako gatunku dydaktycznego. Praca zawiera przede wszystkim omówienie czterech aspektów analitycznych, którymi kierowano się podczas analizy genologicznej podręczników do nauczania jpjo: stylowojęzykowego, strukturalnego, pragmatycznego i poznawczego.
Amniotic membrane transplantation in a patient with impending perforated corneal ulcer caused by Streptococcus mitis: a case report
Authors: Hsiao Fang-Chi , Meir Yaa-Jyuhn James , Yeh Lung-Kun , Tan Hsin-Yuan , Hsiao Ching-Hsi , Ma Hui-Kang David , Wu Wei-Chi , Chen Hung-Chi
Published: March 2019

Background: Streptococcus mitis (S. mitis) belongs to the viridan streptococci group which is rarely isolated as a causative pathogen of corneal ulcer. When it causes keratitis, penetrating keratoplasty (PK) might be necessary. Herein, we demonstrated amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) can be an easier surgery with acceptable outcomes and less complication.
Case presentation: A 63-year-old female Taiwanese presented with right persistent corneal ulcer for nine months. Culture from corneal scraping yielded S. mitis. A right eye descemetocele decreased from 3 mm in diameter to 0.8 mm after continuous administration of topical Vancomycin and Ceftriaxone for two weeks. Due to retarded healing, AMT was performed. Her corneal erosion healed and became clear gradually. Her visual acuity recovered from counting fingers initially to 20/200 finally 17 months after AMT.
Conclusion: This unusual case illustrated that antibiotics plus AMT instead of PK may be an effective alternative treatment to promote epithelialization and reduce inflammation in corneas complicated by S. mitis keratitis.
DEVELOPING SINGLE-ACCEPTANCE SAMPLING PLANS BASED ON A TRUNCATED LIFETIME TEST FOR AN ISHITA DISTRIBUTION
Authors: Al-Nasser Amjad D. , Al-Omari Amer I. , Bani-Mustafa Ahmed , Jaber Khalifa
Published: March 2019

Acceptance sampling plans are statistical procedures that are used for quality control and improvement in cases where it is not possible to test every item in a lot of materials. The outcome of this test determines whether the entire lot is accepted or rejected based on a random sample. In this procedure, an important characteristic of the materials is their lifetime sampling distribution, and this can vary from sample to sample. In this article, a new lifetime distribution, known as an Ishita distribution, is considered for developing a new single-acceptance sampling plan. The new acceptance sampling plan is developed under a condition wherein the mean lifetime test is truncated within a pre-specified time period. Based on this condition, the parameters of the acceptance sampling plan including the operating characteristics function and the minimum sample size are obtained. The producer’s risk in relation to the entire lot of materials is derived and illustrated by numerical examples.
DEALING WITH HETEROSKEDASTICITY WITHIN THE MODELING OF THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF OLDER PEOPLE
Authors: Jabłońska Katarzyna
Published: March 2019

Using the estimation method of ordinary least squares leads to unreliable results in the case of heteroskedastic linear regression model. Other estimation methods are described, including weighted least squares, division of the sample and heteroskedasticity-consistent covariance matrix estimators, all of which can give estimators with better properties than ordinary least squares. The methods are presented giving the example of modelling quality of life of older people, based on a data set from the first wave of the COURAGE – Poland study. The comparison of estimators and their practical application may teach how to choose methodologically the most appropriate estimation tool after detection of heteroscedasticity.
DISCRIMINANT COORDINATES ANALYSIS IN THE CASE OF MULTIVARIATE REPEATED MEASURES DATA
Authors: Krzyśko Miroslaw , Łukaszonek ojciech , Wolynski Waldemar
Published: March 2019

The main aim of the paper is to adapt the classical discriminant coordinates analysis to multivariate repeated measures data. The proposed solution is based on the relationship between the discriminant coordinates and canonical variables. The quality of these new discriminant coordinates is examined on some real data.
A MATHEMATICAL PROGRAMMING APPROACH FOR OBTAINING OPTIMUM STRATA BOUNDARIES USING TWO AUXILIARY VARIABLES UNDER PROPORTIONAL ALLOCATION
Authors: Danish Faizan
Published: March 2019

Optimum stratification is the method of choosing the best boundaries that make the strata internally homogenous. Many authors have attempted to determine the optimum strata boundaries (OSB) when a study variable is itself a stratification variable. However, in many practical situations fetching information regarding the study variable is either difficult or sometimes not available. In such situations we find help in the variable (s) closely related to the study variable. Using auxiliary information many authors have formulated the problem as a MPP by redefining the problem as the problem of optimum strata width, and developed a solution procedure using dynamic programming technique. By using many distributions they worked out the optimum strata boundary points for the population under different allocation. In this paper, under proportional allocation OSBs are determined for the study variable using two auxiliary variables as the basis of stratification with uniform, right-triangular, exponential and lognormal frequency distribution by formulating the problems which are executed by using dynamic programming. Empirical studies are presented to illustrate the computation details of the solution procedure and its comparison with the existing literature.
COMPARISON OF DIABETIC NEPHROPATHY ONSET TIME OF TWO GROUPS WITH LEFT TRUNCATED AND RIGHT CENSORED DATA
Authors: Sabharwal Alka , Grover Gurprit
Published: March 2019

The present paper is concerned with the comparison of the nephropathy onset time of type-2 diabetic patients, grouped on the basis of gender and age at the time of diabetes diagnosis. Diabetic Nephropathy (DN) onset time is assumed to follow Weibull distribution with fixed left truncation. The likelihood ratio test is applied on uncensored cases and Thoman and Bain two sample tests is applied with generated left truncated Weibull distributions. To avoid the model validity issues for left truncated and right censored data (LTRC), the nonparametric approach, suggested by Kaplan and Meier, is used to compare the survival function of two groups over different time periods. Another method based on median survival time of the pooled group is applied to compare the survival function of two groups with LTRC data. The major advantage of developing methods for comparing the nephropathy onset times of DM patients is that the expected DN onset time of new DM patients can be predicted depending on the patient group.
Under Stressful Conditions, High Cattle Density Maintains White Clover Abundance
Authors: Scheneiter Jorge O. , Bertín Oscar D. , Lattanzi Fernando A.
Published: March 2019

Core Ideas

Clover richness depends on the grazing management and available water in the topsoil.

Clover recovery is not related to the pre‐drought spatial distribution.

Tiller density, within a patch, is related to the previous presence of white clover.

The steer density adjusts tall fescue and white clover populations in the pasture.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the abundance and dynamics of white clover (WC) (Trifolium repens L.) under cattle grazing, in a stressful environment. To this end, we performed a 5‐yr experiment in Buenos Aires province, Argentina, where treatments were low and high forage offers (LFO and HFO) of a tall fescue (TF) [Lolium arundinaceum Schreb. (Darbysh.)]–WC mixture and two sites regarding the initial existence of WC in the pasture (with and without white clover, WC+ and WC–). Climatic conditions determined periods of deficiency or abundance of plant available water in the topsoil, which interacted with the grazing management, leading to either the absence or richness of WC in the pasture. Before a drought, the basal cover of WC was 31.0 and 11.2% with LFO and HFO treatments, respectively (P < 0.001); whereas, during recovery after drought, the corresponding values were 44.0 and 2.7% (P < 0.001), respectively. Re‐establishment of WC at the pasture level was poorly related to the pre‐drought spatial distribution. At the beginning of the experiment, the TF tiller density was greater in WC– sites; whereas, at the end of the experiment, the opposite was observed. The N derived from biological fixation was 85.5% and differences among treatments were of small magnitude. We concluded that, at the pasture level, the abundance of WC in an environment with hot and often dry summers is favored when the competition by TF is controlled and the availability of water in the soil is not limiting.
Regulated Deficit Irrigation at Special Development Stages Increases Sugar Beet Yield
Authors: Li Yangyang , Fan Hua , Su Jixia , Fei Cong , Wang Kaiyong , Tian Xiaoming , Ma Fuyu
Published: March 2019

Core Ideas

Different growth stages of drip‐irrigated sugar beet can bear different water deficit level.

The canopy development stage is the most water‐sensitive period of the sugar beet.

Regulated deficit irrigation could increase beet yield and reduce the consumption of water resources in arid land.

The shortage of water resources promotes the development of water saving irrigation in arid land. Regulated deficit irrigation (RDI), as one of the water‐saving irrigation technologies through applying a certain amount of water stress to the crops to promote the distribution of the photosynthate of crops to the needs of the tissues and organs, can save water and may increase yield. Our study evaluated the effect of the RDI on the sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L. cv. Beta356). Seven irrigation treatments were applied based on the growth stages of sugar beet (canopy development, storage root development, and sugar accumulation) and water deficit levels (30, 50, and 70% of field capacity [FC]). The yield, quality, sugar yield, irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE), and agronomic physiological traits of sugar beet were evaluated. Moderate water deficit (50% of FC) during canopy development increased sugar yield by 27% compared with the control (70% of FC during the whole growth stages). Severe (30% of FC) water deficit increased sugar yield by 45% during storage root development, and by 55% during sugar accumulation. The RDI during canopy development and storage root development inhibited leaf growth but did not affect yield. Malondialdehyde content and relative conductivity increased significantly when soil water content dropped to the irrigation threshold levels (i.e., 30% and 50% of FC) before rehydration during canopy development. After rehydration, there were significant increases in peroxidase activity and proline content (indicators of antioxidant defense and osmotic stress). Our results indicated that RDI increased yield at 30% and 50% of FC during three growth stages (canopy development, storage root development, and sugar accumulation) of sugar beet, which reduced irrigation water requirements. RDI could be applied as a strategic action for crop sustainability and water saving in arid land.
Yield, Forage Nutritive Value, and Preference of Legumes under Horse Grazing
Authors: Catalano Devan N. , Sheaffer Craig C. , Grev Amanda M. , DeBoer Michelle L. , Martinson Krishona L.
Published: March 2019

Core Ideas

Alfalfa had better persistence than red or white clover in horse pastures.

Inclusion of grass increased yield of clover pastures but not alfalfa pastures.

Inclusion of grass decreased nutritive values of legume pastures.

On average, legume pastures contained 111 g kg–1 of nonstructural carbohydrates.

Legumes have the potential to provide high‐quality pasture but are rarely grazed by horses in monocultures. The objectives of this research were to evaluate yield, forage nutritive value, and preference of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), and white clover (Trifolium repens L.) in monoculture or in mixture with perennial cool‐season grasses under horse grazing. Research was conducted between 2014 and 2016 in St. Paul, MN. Two separate but identical experiments were established in spring 2014 and 2015. Four to six adult horses grazed legumes, which were established as a randomized complete block design with and without cool‐season grasses in four replicates. Forages were measured for yield, forage nutritive value, and preference every 28 d during the grazing season. Averaged over both experiments, alfalfa, red clover, and white clover yielded 13.4, 6.9, and 4.5 Mg ha−1 yr−1, respectively. In grass mixtures, alfalfa, red clover, and white clover yielded 13.1, 9.4, and 8.6 Mg ha−1 yr−1, respectively. Equine digestible energy (DE) of all legumes in monoculture or mixture exceeded the energy requirements for adult horses at maintenance with ³2.29 Mcal kg−1. Red and white clover were more preferred by horses than alfalfa, and preference was positively correlated to crude protein and equine DE. This research helps confirm that legumes are high in nutritive value, yield well, are a preferred forage option for horses, and should be considered as a viable grazing option for horses with increased energy and nutritional needs.
Digital Image Analysis of Old World Bluestem Cover to Estimate Canopy Development
Authors: Xiong Yedan , West C.P. , Brown C.P. , Green P.E.
Published: March 2019

Core Ideas

ImageJ and Canopeo agreed in accurately measuring vegetative ground cover of pasture.

Light interception was linearly related to ground cover measurement with ImageJ and Canopeo.

ImageJ and Canopeo reduced the time for estimating canopy development by 96%.

Digital image analysis (DIA) can potentially provide rapid, objective assessment of pasture canopy development. In pastures of ‘WW‐B.Dahl’ Old World bluestem [Bothriochloa bladhii (Retz) Blake], we compared the DIA programs ImageJ and Canopeo for ground cover estimates, their ability to estimate canopy functions, and their time savings for vegetation analysis relative to a manual method. The DIA procedure involved processing overhead canopy images into two color groupings corresponding to green ground cover and non‐green (dead) cover plus bare ground for ground cover calculation. ImageJ analysis of ground cover agreed with two types of Canopeo applications (r2 values of 0.97 and 0.98). The prediction regression for percentage photosynthetically active radiation interception (PARI) using ImageJ, y = 0.94x − 2.91 (r2 = 0.72), was not different from Canopeo. Predicted values of leaf area index (LAI) and biomass increased exponentially with ground cover, likely owing to overlapping leaf area in older canopies. Two‐dimensional ground cover had limited power of estimating LAI and biomass when ground cover exceeded 60%, LAI exceeded 1.8, and biomass exceeded 1500 kg DM ha−1. The time required for estimating PARI, LAI, and green biomass using ground cover from both DIA methods was reduced to 3.6% of manual methods. The use of DIA with ImageJ provided measurements of ground cover that are simple and conducive to large batch analyses. Regressions of ground cover were deemed useful for rapid estimations of PARI and LAI, but of lesser value for biomass, especially when canopies developed stems and seedheads.
Development and Evaluation of Soil Moisture‐Based Indices for Agricultural Drought Monitoring
Authors: Krueger Erik S. , Ochsner Tyson E. , Quiring Steven M.
Published: March 2019

Core Ideas

In situ soil moisture data were used to develop agricultural‐drought indices.

Promising indices were directly linked to drought impacts (i.e., lower crop yield).

Preferred indices, formulated as anomalies, were comparable across time and space.

These can be derived from in situ soil moisture data common to networks worldwide.

Our methodology is transferrable to other regions with in situ soil moisture data.

Agricultural drought is characterized by low soil moisture levels that negatively affect agricultural production, but in situ soil moisture measurements are largely absent from indices commonly used to describe agricultural drought. Instead, many indices incorporate weather‐derived soil moisture estimates, which is necessary, in part, because the relationships between in situ soil moisture and agricultural‐drought impacts are not well quantified. Our objective was to use in situ soil moisture data from monitoring networks in Oklahoma and West Texas to identify a soil moisture‐based agricultural drought index that is (i) strongly related to crop‐yield anomaly across networks, (ii) comparable across time and space, and (iii) readily understandable. Candidate indices included soil matric potential (MP), soil water storage (SWS), and fraction of available water capacity (FAW), with indices assessed in their raw form and after climatological (i.e., anomalies) or statistical standardization. At the county level, indices related similarly to crop‐yield anomaly, with soil moisture‐yield anomaly correlation coefficients averaging 0.63, 0.76, and 0.76 for winter wheat, hay, and cotton, respectively. However, standardization was essential to maximize temporal and spatial comparability, and at the regional level, standardized indices were more highly correlated with crop‐yield anomaly than non‐standardized indices. Our findings show that existing in situ soil moisture datasets can underpin regional drought‐monitoring systems. The SWS‐anomaly may be the preferred index because it is comparable across space and time, has units that are readily understandable (e.g., mm or inches), and can be broadly applied using data from the many in situ soil‐moisture monitoring networks across the world.
Alfalfa and Timothy Nutritive Value in Contrasting Agroclimatic Regions
Authors: Lauzon Julie , Tremblay Gaëtan F. , Bélanger Gilles , Seguin Philippe , Lajeunesse Julie , Gervais Rachel
Published: March 2019

Core Ideas

Lower fiber and greater digestibility but lower mass of forages were observed in cool regions.

Contrasted regions did not affect forage non‐structural carbohydrates, total N, and fatty acids.

Lower growing degree days are needed for reaching the developmental stage for harvest in cool regions.

Temperature affects forage nutritive value but little information exists on the effects of climatically‐contrasting regions. Forage nutritive value at three sites in eastern Canada was compared for alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and timothy (Phleum pratense L.) by measuring attributes four to seven times during primary growth over 2 yr and comparing values at specific developmental stage or forage mass using regression analyses. At the recommended stage of development for harvest, alfalfa and timothy at Normandin, QC (30‐yr average of 1359 cumulative growing degree days, GDD), generally had a superior nutritive value in terms of forage fiber concentrations and digestibility but lower forage mass compared with forages at the more southern sites of St‐Augustin‐de‐Desmaures, QC (1712 GDD), and Ste‐Anne‐de‐Bellevue, QC (2098 GDD). For example, the neutral detergent fiber concentration of timothy at early heading was less at Normandin than St‐Augustin and Ste‐Anne (613 vs 650 and 652 g kg−1 dry matter, DM) but forage mass was less (4.02 vs 6.14 and 5.00 Mg DM ha−1). The in vitro true digestibility of DM (IVTD) of alfalfa at early flowering was greater at Normandin than St‐Augustin and Ste‐Anne (765 vs 729 and 726 g kg−1 DM) but forage mass was less (3.86 vs 6.38 and 6.15 Mg DM ha−1). When compared at similar forage mass, forages at the northernmost site had either similar or lower nutritive value than at the southern sites. The three climatically‐contrasted sites did not differ for forage non‐structural carbohydrate (NSC), total N, and total fatty concentrations.