bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
People Skills: Developing Soft Skills—A Change Management Perspective
Authors: Levasseur Robert E.
Published: December 2013

This is another in a series of articles about some of the most effective models, methods, and processes of organization development (OD), also known as change management, a discipline that offers much to professionals intent on solving real-world problems. Because it is based on a systemic view of organizations, OD includes the whole universe of fuzzy people issues that increasingly determine the success or failure of efforts to implement otherwise flawless technical solutions. This article examines the increasingly important set of personal abilities known as soft skills. The primary focus is on how modern change management principles and practices can facilitate the development of soft skills, such as self-awareness, communication, collaboration, and leadership.
The Ombudsman: Evidence and Executive Compensation—Like Trains Passing in the Night? An Introduction to “Are Top Executives Paid Enough?”
Authors: Pfeffer Jeffrey
Published: December 2013

The following articles review the ever-growing literature that demonstrates how senior executive compensation practices remain disconnected from relevant empirical literature. The problem is that management is still not an evidence-based profession, and there are few sanctions for either consultants or senior executives who ignore scientific knowledge in their decision making.
The Ombudsman: A Closer Look at the Efficiency of Top Executive Pay and Incentives
Authors: Armstrong Christopher S.
Published: December 2013

Jacquart and Armstrong [Jacquart P, Armstrong JS (2013) Are top executives paid enough? An evidence-based review. Interfaces 43(6):580–589] offer a series of provocative recommendations aimed at improving current executive compensation practices. I argue that when executive compensation contracts are designed to achieve multiple goals, an efficient contract may call for the executive to be paid rents, which could be mistaken for excess compensation. I also discuss how the popular notion that executive compensation contracts exhibit little, if any, pay for performance is largely inaccurate, because it focuses exclusively on annual pay rather than on the change in an executive’s overall wealth. In particular, when changes in the value of executives’ stock and option holdings are taken into account, executive compensation contracts tend to exhibit substantial pay for performance.
The Ombudsman: Do CEOs’ Aspirations for Wealth Harm Stockholders?
Authors: Deci Edward L. , Ryan Richard M.
Published: December 2013

Increasingly, high-level executives are rewarded not for effective behaviors but for certain outcomes such as stock prices. The primary problem with this prevalent approach, which often gives large sums to CEOs, is that it strengthens any behavior that appear to lead to the outcomes, including fraudulent ones. In addition, board members often have similarly compensated positions in their own companies; therefore, top executives and board members are likely to support each other in pursuit of high pay. However, research has shown that when people aspire to and attain greater wealth, they tend to display poorer psychological well-being and decreased performance. Such compensation tends to undermine intrinsic motivation, which can result in negative consequences for companies and their stockholders.
The Ombudsman: Employee Ownership as a Mechanism to Enhance Corporate Governance and Moderate Executive Pay Levels
Authors: Jones Derek C.
Published: December 2013

By drawing on information about firms, including the Mondragon cooperatives and major Japanese corporations, I provide evidence on ways in which employee ownership may improve corporate governance and moderate executive pay levels.
Practice Summary: Decision Conferencing Rationalises Defence Training
Authors: Kitchen Bob , Carmona Carmen , Warburton Patrick , Mazonowicz Rex
Published: December 2013

In October 2010, the UK Secretary of State for Defence announced a process to transform defence to meet the challenges of the future. This process set out a series of complex decisions, including the future location for defence technical training. Five months after the announcement, the Defence Technical Training Change Programme (DTTCP) team contacted Catalyze to request support for the DTTCP decision-making process. The team recognised that this would be an important and highly sensitive process, and would need to deliver efficiencies while improving the overall value delivered by defence technical training. Catalyze used decision conferencing and multicriteria decision analysis to help the DTTCP team and stakeholders understand the challenges and reach agreement on a solution. In July 2011, the Secretary of State for Defence announced the recommended location and the migration plan for the three branches of military service to consolidate specific technical training services into a single site.
Distribution of Corticosteroid Receptors in Mature Oligodendrocytes and Oligodendrocyte Progenitors of the Adult Mouse Brain
Authors: Matsusue Yumiko , Horii-Hayashi Noriko , Kirita Tadaaki , Nishi Mayumi
Published: December 2013

The expression of glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) was investigated immunohistochemically in two different lineages of oligodendrocytes, using carbonic anhydrase (CA) II and neuron glial antigen (NG) 2 as markers of mature oligodendrocytes and oligodendrocyte progenitors, respectively. We focused on the gray matter regions, including CA1, CA3 and the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, the primary somatosensory cortex barrel field and the basolateral amygdala, and the white matter regions, including the corpus callosum, external capsule and fimbria of the hippocampus. More than 80% of CAII-immunoreactive (IR) cells and more than 95% of NG2-IR cells expressed GRs in various regions of the brain. In contrast, neither CAII-IR cells nor NG2-IR cells expressed mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs) in the same regions. The intensity of GR expression was drastically reduced in CA II-IR cells and NG2-IR cells in the same regions in adrenalectomized mice. Finally, steroid receptor co-activator (SRC)-1 and p300, both of which are cofactors for GR, were expressed in the gray and white matter regions in NG2-IR cells, but not in CAII-IR cells. These results suggest that the expression of GRs in oligodendrocytes and their progenitor cells mediates several functions in vivo, including differentiation and myelination, as a major target of glucocorticoids and their cofactors.
Food Insecurity and SNAP Participation in Mexican Immigrant Families: The Impact of the Outreach Initiative
Authors: Kaushal Neeraj , Waldfogel Jane , Wight Vanessa R.
Published: December 2013

We study the factors associated with food insecurity and participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Mexican immigrant families in the US. Estimates from analyses that control for a rich set of economic, demographic, and geographic variables show that children in Mexican immigrant families are more likely to be food insecure than children in native families, but are less likely to participate in SNAP. Further, more vulnerable groups such as the first-generation Mexican immigrant families, families in the US for less than 5 years, and families with non-citizen children – that are at a higher risk of food insecurity are the least likely to participate in SNAP. Our analysis suggests that the US Department of Agriculture outreach initiative and SNAP expansion under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act increased SNAP participation of the mixed-status Mexican families, and there is some evidence that food insecurity declined among children in low-educated mixed status families. We do not find any evidence that the outreach and ARRA expansion increased SNAP receipt among Mexican immigrant families with only non-citizen members who are likely to be undocumented.
Long-term changes in sublittoral macroalgal assemblages related to water quality improvement
Authors: Pinedo Susana , Zabala Mikel , Ballesteros Enric
Published: December 2013

Sampling of sublittoral macroalgal assemblages was carried out in 1982 and 1999 along the coast of Catalonia (Northwestern Mediterranean, Spain) in order to study long-term changes in species composition. Ordination analysis revealed significant differences in species composition and abundance between the two study periods. The number of stations with indicators of eutrophication, such as species of Chaetomorpha, Cladophora, and Ulva, decreased from 1982 to 1999. This decrease was not balanced by an increase in species typical of pristine environments, such as large perennial brown algae (in particular, Cystoseira mediterranea), but rather by an increase of stress-resistant species such as Corallina elongata. The observed shifts seem to be driven by the decrease in nutrient loadings in the water column, resulting from the progressive implementation of sewage treatment management in the study region since the mid-1970s.
Historical and present distribution of Zostera marina in the high north (Troms County, northern Norway) – a decline over the last century
Authors: Jørgensen Nina M. , Bekkby Trine
Published: December 2013

Eelgrass meadows (Zostera marina) have been mapped in Troms (Norway), in the temperate northeast Atlantic, north of the polar circle, from 2008 to 2011. In this region, there is little knowledge of the distribution of the eelgrass meadows. Northern Norway has an extensive coastline with many pressures and stakeholders. Old records (back to 1900) have been revisited and new locations surveyed based on a combination of spatial modeling, using digital information on depth, slope, and wave exposure and stakeholder recommendations. The results showed that 42% of the previously mapped locations had disappeared. However, we found Z. marina meadows at seven locations where they had not previously been recorded. Most meadows (66%) were smaller than 10,000 m2. The largest meadow covered an area of 325,000 m2, and was located in Balsfjorden. The results clearly show that Z. marina is able to form actively growing stands even at ∼70°N. Three of the meadows were first registered over 100 years ago, indicating long-lived stands in stable conditions. This study cannot explain the causes for the observed decline, and only discusses possible relations. The eelgrass meadows are genetically isolated but yet diverse. Management at fjord range level is required to maintain healthy and stable stands of eelgrass meadows in this region.
Extractives of mechanically wounded wood and knots in beech
Authors: Vek Viljem , Oven Primož , Ters Thomas , Poljanšek Ida , Hinterstoisser Barbara
Published: December 2013

Various types of wound-associated wood, such as discoloured wood including knots of living and dead branches, were sampled from common beech trees (Fagus sylvatica L.), extracted, and the extracts have been analysed by GC and colourimetry assay. Sequential pressurised solvent extraction was applied with cyclohexane and aqueous methanol. The yield of hydrophilic compounds was three to five times higher than that of lipophilic extractives. The fractions differed mainly in their hydrophilic moieties. The lipophilic extractives consisted mainly of free fatty acids, fatty alcohols and free sterols. The yield of fatty acids was slightly higher in reaction zones and knots. The content of free sterols was highest in the reaction zones and in the discoloured wood. The hydrophilic extractives consisted of soluble sugars, various acids and phenolic compounds with catechin as the dominant one. Expectedly, the yield of phenolic extractives and catechin (proanthocyanidins) was highest in knots and wound-wood. Discoloured wood gave rise to lower amounts of catechin.
Thermoplastic deformation of poplar wood plasticized by ionic liquids measured by a nonisothermal compression technique
Authors: Ou Rongxian , Xie Yanjun , Wang Qingwen , Sui Shujuan , Wolcott Michael P.
Published: December 2013

The in situ thermoplasticization of poplar wood with ionic liquids (ILs) has been investigated. The thermoplastic deformation of wood samples treated with four types of ILs at various concentrations was determined through nonisothermal compression tests by means of a rotational rheometer. Results show that increasing the concentration of ILs reduced softening temperature and increased deformation compared to the untreated control. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that plastic deformation of wood cells from the applied compression stress varied, depending on cell type, and occurred without cell wall fracture. X-ray diffraction analysis of compressed wood showed that wood treated with ILs exhibits a greater crystallinity index than the untreated control. The recovered strain in compressed samples decreased with increasing temperature and concentration of ILs to 18% weight percent gain (WPG) and then decreased slightly to 36% WPG. In treated samples, the combined wood/IL blends demonstrated less thermal stability than wood and ILs alone. Results also show that plastic deformation of IL-treated wood resulted in viscous buckling of unfractured cell walls. This deformation mode likely resulted from the disintegration of intermolecular and intramolecular hydrogen bonding between cell wall polymers through the combined effect of ILs, pressure, and high temperature.
Effects of Defatted Flaxseed Addition on Rheological Properties of Wheat Flour Slurry
Authors: Hao Changchun , Li Dong , Mao Zhihuai , Ozkan Necati , Chen Xiao Dong
Published: December 2013

Rheological property of defatted flaxseed-added wheat flour dispersions was investigated as a function of defatted flaxseed concentration (0–20%), NaCl concentration (0, 0.6, and 1.2%), sucrose concentration (0, 5, and 10%), and slurry concentration (33and 62.5%). Frequency sweep tests at 20°C and temperature sweep tests from 20 to 90°C were applied to the samples. The experimental measurements demonstrated that the viscoelastic moduli of samples increased with the increase in defatted flaxseed concentration from 0 to 20% and decreased with the increase in NaCl, sucrose, and water concentration at 20°C. The gelatinization temperatures of the defatted flaxseed-wheat slurry samples were delayed with the addition of defatted flaxseed, NaCl, and sucrose but hastened with the addition of water.
Effect of Pulsed Vacuum Treatment on Mass Transfer and Mechanical Properties during Osmotic Dehydration of Pineapple Slices
Authors: Ramallo Laura A. , Hubinger Miriam D. , Mascheroni Rodolfo H.
Published: December 2013

The influence of operating pressure during osmotic dehydration on mass transfer and mechanical properties in pineapple fruits was analyzed. Dehydration trials were performed at atmospheric pressure (OD) and by applying a vacuum pulse (VPOD), in sucrose solution at 60°Brix and 40°C for 300 min. Seven operation conditions were implemented with a vacuum pulse of 100 mbar or 250 mbar for 0, 5, 15 or 25 min at the beginning of the process. The decrease of pressure favored the solute uptake, but the water loss has not been significantly affected. No significant effect of vacuum time was observed. However, solute uptake in trials with vacuum pulse of 100 mbar was significantly higher than in OD process. In general, mechanical properties and shrinkage were not affected by operation conditions. Osmotic dehydration process (both OD and VPOD) originates a more resistant tissue structure than the one in fresh pineapple fruit.
Fluidized Bed Drying of Sprouted Wheat(Triticum aestivum)
Authors: Shingare Shyamala P. , Thorat Bhaskar N.
Published: December 2013

Wheat is a staple food throughout the world. Sprouted wheat contains numerous vitamins, secondary plant ingredients, enzymes, mineral nutrients and trace materials. The present work was carried on drying of sprouted wheat (Triticum aestvum) in a laboratory fluidized bed using different operating conditions. Physical properties including bulk density, tapped density, particle density and porosity were determined for various forms of wheat. The proximate analysis and handling properties were measured. The entire drying period was considered to follow falling rate period. The experimental data were modeled using Fick’s diffusion equation and the effective diffusivity coefficients were found to be within the range of 7.3 × 10–10 to 30.4 × 10–10 m2/s. Malting caused significant increase in protein content. During drying lightness increased, while yellowness and redness decreased. The dehydrated sprouted wheat exhibited excellent reconstitution andkeeping quality. The dehydrated sprouted wheat flour can be used for making noodles, pasta, laddu, bread, unleavened bread, porridge and gruels for newborns.
Promoting Social and Cultural Competence for Students from Diverse Backgrounds with Disabilities
Authors: Adera Beatrice , Manning Maria L.
Published: December 2013

Amidst diversity in today’s schools, challenges for students from culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) backgrounds are growing. These students must acquire necessary social and cultural skills in order to navigate contrasting value systems and educational expectations despite potential cognitive and learning deficits. The combination of teacher bias and educational deficits imposes psychological stressors that inhibit the learning process. Acquisition of social-emotional and cultural competence relies heavily on teacher expertise. This article examines three key barriers (social interaction, social competence, and cultural competence) and proposes a line of inquiry for teachers to plan strategies and interventions that target sociallyvalid and culturally relevant competencies for CLD students with disabilities.
The Impact of Governmental Policy on the Effective Operation of CSOs: A French Case Study
Authors: Mourey Damien , Eynaud Philippe , Cordery Carolyn
Published: December 2013

Worldwide, civil society organizations (CSOs) are an integral component in the complex network that comprises the public sphere improving the welfare of our communities. In the second half of the twentieth century French CSOs’ contributions to their citizens’ welfare have become increasingly valued. Nevertheless, radical changes to employment policies during the Sarkozy regime (2007–2012) impacted social services to unemployed migrants. In addition, central government constrained local governments’ ability to fund social services, pushing a shift from a culture of “granting subsidies” to one based on “public procurement contracting” (Langlais 2008). These environmental changes are likely to transform CSO-government relationships.

This research asks two questions: what is the impact of such radical changes and what possible responses can organizations make, if they are to survive? To answer these, we utilize a case study of a French CSO (Association), which is highly dependent on public funding to deliver its urban-based migrant programs. We utilize the lens of resource dependency, focusing on the interrelationships and interactions that impact CSOs’ legitimacy and support. Effects of the reforms include a change from relatively cooperative relationships with government to adversarial exchanges. Moreover, this CSO’s activities are apprehended by public funders as short-term single projects considered in isolation from one another so that its overall outcomes are not quantitatively measured. As a result, the CSO’s overarching and long-term social and economic contribution to the territory’s public sphere is in jeopardy.
Contrast enhancement of iohexol-cisplatin-gelatin complex under computed tomography imaging
Authors: Liu Wei-Hung , Wang Yang-Kao , Wu Chi-Chang , Deng Win-Pin , Lin Kuang-Hsun , Lo Wen-Cheng , Tseng Ching-Li
Published: December 2013

X-ray computed tomography (CT) is one of the most powerful non-invasive diagnostic techniques nowadays. The iodinated molecules used as CT contrast agents in the clinic have short circulation times in the body, which significantly restrict its applications. Furthermore, some patients are hypersensitive to iodine. So, researchers have made tremendous efforts to improve the property of iodine. Besides, cis-diammineplatinum (II) dichloride (cisplatin), a major chemo agent for cancer treatment, possess higher X-ray attenuation coefficient being a CT contrast agent. The incorporation of cisplatin with an iodinated agent could facilitate the quality of CT images and damage cancer cells simultaneously. To reduce toxicity of a contrast agent, polymer matrix, gelatin, was incorporated for avoiding contact with nontarget cells. In this study, we combined the iodine contrast agent, 1,3-N-bis (2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-5-[N-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)acetamido]-2,4,6-triiodobenzene-1,3-dicarboxamide (iohexol), with cisplatin, and then examined them in a micro CT with different X-ray tube voltages (50 kV, 80 kV, 100 kV) to find optimal scanning conditions for imaging. As expected, iohexol combined with cisplatin enhanced X-ray attenuation and image contrast. The optimal CT image could be acquired at iohexol and cisplatin concentrations of 50 mg/ml and 3 mg/ml, respectively, under 80 kV irradiation. Finally, the iohexol-cisplatin-gelatin solution was then fabricated into nanoparticles of sizes about 240 nm, which may suitable for in vivo delivery.
Structure and performance of polybutene-1 pipes produced via mandrel rotation extrusion
Authors: Liu Wei , Wang Qi , Nie Min
Published: December 2013

In this article, a new rotational extrusion processing system was adopted for manufacturing of polybutene-1 (PB-1) pipes, and the effects of mandrel rotation speed on their structures and mechanical performances were studied. The experimental results showed that besides the conventional axial extrusion flow field, a hoop shear stress field imposed to the melt, which was generated by the introduction of mandrel rotation, could lead the combined stress apart from the axial direction of the pipes to induce the molecular orientation deviated from the axial direction. Thus, the axial orientation of PB-1 was restrained, which was revealed by thermal shrinkage measurements and polarized infrared spectra. Moreover, it was also found and confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and two-dimensional wide-angle X-ray diffraction that orientation mainly existed in the amorphous region rather than the crystal region. Differential scanning calorimetry tests showed that the mandrel rotation could facilitate the formation of more perfect crystals and higher crystallinity. As a result, compared with the PB-1 pipe produced by conventional extrusion, the hoop strength of the PB-1 pipes manufactured at a mandrel rotation speed of 8 rpm increased from 20.2 to 24.9 MPa, achieving a mechanical balance in both axial and hoop directions.
Impact of Using a Novel Emotional Intelligent Controller for Induction Motor Speed Control
Authors: Senthilkumar S. , Vijayan S.
Published: December 2013

This paper presents the design and simulation of a high-performance brain emotional learning and fuzzy-based intelligent controller (BELFBIC) for three-phase induction motor V/f speed control. V/Hz control is simple and relatively easy to implement. It provides motor performance that is adequate for most applications. For the first time, this new design brain emotional learning and fuzzy-based intelligent controller is used for a space vector pulse width modulation inverter fed induction motor V/f speed control. A comparative analysis with a PID controller and a fuzzy controller is also carried out. The simulation is carried out by MATLAB/Simulink.
Influence of Clethodim Application Timing on Control of Volunteer Corn in Soybean
Authors: Marquardt Paul T. , Johnson William G.
Published: December 2013

Herbicide options for management of volunteer corn in soybean include a variety of acetyl CoA carboxylase-inhibiting herbicides, yet often, applications of acetyl CoA carboxylase herbicides are delayed until the weed is visible above the soybean canopy. Volunteer corn growing above the soybean canopy is a highly competitive weed, and herbicides applied at this point can kill the weed, yet soybean yield loss is still a concern. Our objective was to compare the effect of controlling various densities of volunteer corn growing in soybean EARLY (≤ 30 cm) versus LATE (≈ 90 cm) on percent control and soybean yield. Seven volunteer corn densities (0, 0.5, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 16 plants m−2) were hand planted into 19-cm row soybean. Clethodim 79 g ai ha−1was tank-mixed with glyphosate at 840 g ae ha−1and applied to the volunteer corn EARLY and LATE. The EARLY application provided higher and less variable control of volunteer corn 14 d after treatment (DAT) compared to LATE applications at all volunteer corn densities. There was no difference in control at 28 DAT for both the EARLY and LATE applications. Soybean yield was not affected by either application timing. Although no yield reduction was seen with the LATE treatments, later-season applications of clethodim to control volunteer corn may offer more variable control and could allow for additional Bt selection pressure on targeted insect pests.
Weed Control and Crop Safety with Premixed Pyrasulfotole and Bromoxynil in Grain Sorghum
Authors: Reddy Seshadri S. , Stahlman Phillip W. , Geier Patrick W. , Thompson Curtis R. , Currie Randall S. , Schlegel Alan J. , Olson Brian L. , Lally Nathan G.
Published: December 2013

Field experiments were conducted in grain sorghum at five locations in Kansas in 2009 and 2010, to evaluate the efficacy and crop safety of early- to mid-POST (EMPOST) and late-POST (LPOST) applications of premixed pyrasulfotole and bromoxynil (PYRA&BROM) in tank mix combinations with atrazine or atrazine plus 2,4-D ester or dicamba compared to bromoxynil plus atrazine. PYRA&BROM at 244 or 300 g ai ha−1 plus atrazine at 560 g ai ha−1 applied EMPOST controlled pigweed species (Palmer amaranth, tumble pigweed, and redroot pigweed), kochia, velvetleaf, common sunflower, ivyleaf morningglory, and common lambsquarters 93% or greater. Puncturevine control among three locations ranged from 85 to 99%. Control of most weed species was not improved by increasing PYRA&BROM rate from 244 to 300 g ha−1 or by tank mixing 2,4-D or dicamba with PYRA&BROM plus atrazine. However, ivyleaf morningglory control was improved at the LPOST timing by adding 2,4-D or dicamba at 140 g ae ha−1. In no instance did any PYRA&BROM treatment provide greater weed control than bromoxynil plus atrazine at 281 + 560 g ha−1 when applied EMPOST, but in most instances PYRA&BROM treatments were more effective than bromoxynil plus atrazine when applied LPOST. Generally, PYRA&BROM treatments were more effective when applied EMPOST than LPOST, especially when 2,4-D or dicamba was added. PYRA&BROM plus atrazine treatments caused foliar bleaching in sorghum within 7 ± 3 d after treatment, but recovery was complete within 3 to 4 wk and grain yields were not reduced. Tank mixing dicamba with PYRA&BROM and atrazine occasionally reduced visible crop response compared to PYRA&BROM plus atrazine. Our results indicate that PYRA&BROM plus atrazine with or without 2,4-D or dicamba selectively controls several troublesome broadleaf weeds in grain sorghum. Foliar bleaching of sorghum leaves can occur but the symptoms are transient, and grain yields are not likely to be reduced.
Effect of PRE and POST Herbicides on Carolina Redroot (Lachnanthes caroliniana) Growth
Authors: Meyers Stephen L. , Jennings Katherine M. , Monks David W. , Jordan David L. , Ballington James R.
Published: December 2013

Greenhouse studies were conducted in Raleigh, NC to determine Carolina redroot control by selected PRE and POST herbicides labeled for blueberries. Paraquat, glufosinate, glyphosate, and flumioxazin provided some Carolina redroot shoot control 7 d after POST application (DAPOST) ranging from 48 to 74%. Control 25 DAPOST was greatest for hexazinone at 2.2 kg ai ha−1(90%) followed by glufosinate with 56% control and paraquat and terbacil each with 53% control. Control for most treatments declined between 25 and 63 DAPOST with the exception of glyphosate, which increased to 64%. Carolina redroot shoots per pot were reduced by terbacil, hexazinone at 2.2 kg ha−1, and glyphosate compared with the nontreated check 63 DAPOST. Control of Carolina redroot roots and rhizomes 63 DAPOST ranged from 7 to 68%, with the greatest control provided by terbacil (68%) and hexazinone at 2.2 kg ha−1(64%). Terbacil and hexazinone at 2.2 kg ha−1were the only treatments that reduced both shoot and root/rhizome dry weight compared with the nontreated check.
Responses of an HPPD Inhibitor-Resistant Waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus) Population to Soil-Residual Herbicides
Authors: Hausman Nicholas E. , Tranel Patrick J. , Riechers Dean E. , Maxwell Douglas J. , Gonzini Lisa C. , Hager Aaron G.
Published: December 2013

Field experiments were conducted in 2010 and 2011 at a Mclean County, IL seed corn production field where resistance to foliar-applied 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) inhibitors was confirmed in waterhemp. Corn herbicides were applied to the soil at 1 and 2 times (1× and 2×, respectively) the recommended field use rate, while soybean herbicides were applied only at 1× the recommended rate. Waterhemp control and density were determined 30 and 60 d after treatment (DAT). In corn, 1× rates of mesotrione, safened and unsafened isoxaflutole formulations, atrazine, andS-metolachlor provided less than 70% control 30 DAT, while control with acetochlor was greater than 80%. One and 2× rates of acetochlor and 2× rates of mesotrione and unsafened isoxaflutole provided the greatest reduction of waterhemp density across years. At 30 DAT in soybean, sulfentrazone, flumioxazin, metribuzin, and pyroxasulfone provided the highest levels of waterhemp control (84 to 92%), as well as the greatest reduction in waterhemp density both years. A dose–response experiment with soil-applied mesotrione was performed under controlled greenhouse conditions using three waterhemp populations: MCR15 (seed collected from the McLean Co. site), NH41 (progeny obtained from the McLean Co. population by an additional generation of mesotrione selection in the greenhouse), and a sensitive (S). Emergence counts 21 DAT revealed higher seedling survival of MCR15 and NH41 at mesotrione rates of 105 g ha−1or less compared with the sensitive control. Resistant-to-sensitive (R/S) ratios for NH41 and MCR15 were 12.7 and 8.8, respectively. Field results indicate the McLean Co. waterhemp population demonstrates reduced sensitivity to soil-applied HPPD-inhibiting herbicides. This is supported by greenhouse results that demonstrate reduced sensitivity to mesotrione in MCR15 and NH41.
The Effect of Time of Day on the Activity of Postemergence Soybean Herbicides
Authors: Stopps Gregory J. , Nurse Robert E. , Sikkema Peter H.
Published: December 2013

The effect of time of day (TOD) on the activity of six common POST herbicides was investigated in field trials from 2007 to 2009 at two locations in southwestern Ontario. Percentage weed control was assessed following application of bentazon, chlorimuron-ethyl, fomesafen, glyphosate, imazethapyr, or quizalofop-p-ethyl applied at 3-h intervals from 6:00 A.M. to midnight, when weeds averaged 15 cm tall. The effect of time of day varied with weed species, but weed control was generally reduced when herbicides were applied at 6:00 A.M., 9:00 P.M., and midnight. Herbicide activity on velvetleaf was most frequently reduced, especially for chlorimuron-ethyl, glyphosate, and imazethapyr. Control of common ragweed with glyphosate and imazethapyr was also affected by the timing of application, and pigweed species only showed an effect with glyphosate. Variation in temperature, relative humidity, and dew presence/absence at different times of the day, as well as morphological/physiological characteristics such as weed size at time of application and diurnal leaf movement in response to light intensity, may account for the variation in weed control at different times of the day. Significant soybean yield loss was not observed in this study, but may occur if herbicide efficacy is severely reduced by application at inappropriate times of day. These results provide valuable information for growers, and suggest that POST herbicides are most effective when applied midday, rather than in the early morning or late evening.
A Survey of Glyphosate-Resistant Waterhemp (Amaranthus rudis) in Missouri Soybean Fields and Prediction of Glyphosate Resistance in Future Waterhemp Populations Based on In-Field Observations and Management Practices
Authors: Rosenbaum Kristin K. , Bradley Kevin W.
Published: December 2013

A survey of soybean fields containing waterhemp infestations was conducted just prior to harvest in 2008 and 2009 to determine the frequency and distribution of glyphosate-resistant waterhemp in Missouri, and to determine if there are any in-field parameters that may serve as indicators of glyphosate resistance in this species in future crop production systems. Glyphosate resistance was confirmed in 99 out of 144, or 69%, of the total waterhemp populations sampled, which occurred in 41 counties of Missouri. Populations of glyphosate-resistant waterhemp were more likely to occur in fields with no other weed species present at the end of the season, continuous cropping of soybean, exclusive use of glyphosate for several consecutive seasons, and waterhemp plants showing obvious signs of surviving herbicide treatment compared to fields characterized with glyphosate-susceptible waterhemp. Therefore, it is suggested that these four site parameters, and certain combinations of these parameters, serve as predictors of glyphosate resistance in future waterhemp populations.
Consultant Perspectives on Weed Management Needs in Midsouthern United States Cotton: A Follow-Up Survey
Authors: Riar Dilpreet S. , Norsworthy Jason K. , Steckel Lawrence E. , Stephenson Daniel O. , Bond Jason A.
Published: December 2013

A survey questionnaire was sent to cotton consultants of Arkansas and Mississippi through direct mail and Louisiana and Tennessee consultants through on-farm visits in fall of 2011. The survey was returned by a total of 22 Arkansas, 17 Louisiana, 10 Mississippi, and 11 Tennessee cotton consultants, representing 26, 53, 13, and 38% of total cotton planted in these states in 2011, respectively. Collectively, the area planted to glyphosate-resistant (Roundup Ready®, RR) cotton was 97%, glyphosate plus glufosinate-resistant (Widestrike®Flex, WRF) cotton was 30%, and glufosinate-resistant (Liberty Link, LL) cotton was 2.6% of the total cotton surveyed in 2011. Seventy percent of area in all states is still under continuous RR/WRF cotton. Average cost of herbicides in RR systems was $114 ha−1and in LL systems was $137 ha−1. Across the states, cotton planted under no-tillage, conservation tillage, and conventional tillage was 31, 36, and 33%, respectively, of total scouted cotton. Area under conventional tillage increased and conservation tillage decreased in Arkansas compared with a previous survey conducted in 2006. Palmer amaranth, morningglories, and horseweed in the order of listing were the most problematic weeds of cotton across Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee. In Louisiana, however, morningglories were the most problematic weed followed by Palmer amaranth and common waterhemp. Glyphosate-resistant (GR) Palmer amaranth infested only 13% of scouted cotton area in Louisiana compared with 75% in the remaining three states, and consequently, hand-weeding to control GR Palmer amaranth is practiced on only 2.5% of total scouted area of Louisiana and 49% of the scouted area of the remaining three states. Hand-weeding added an additional $12 to 371 ha−1to weed-management costs. One-half (50%) of the cotton consultants emphasized the need for more research on residual herbicides that can control GR Palmer amaranth effectively.
Active Smoking May Negatively Affect Response Rate, Progression-Free Survival, and Overall Survival of Patients With Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Treated With Sunitinib
Authors: Keizman Daniel , Gottfried Maya , Ish-Shalom Maya , Maimon Natalie , Peer Avivit , Neumann Avivit , Hammers Hans , Eisenberger Mario A. , Sinibaldi Victoria , Pili Roberto , Hayat Henry , Kovel Svetlana , Sella Avishay , Boursi Ben , Weitzen Rony , Mermershtain Wilmosh , Rouvinov Keren , Berger Raanan , Carducci Michael A.
Published: December 2013

Learning Objectives

Describe the association between risk factors for renal cell carcinoma and the outcome of sunitinib treatment for metastatic disease. Explain the impact of active smoking on the outcome of sunitinib-treated metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Discuss obesity, hypertension, and diabetes in relation to the outcome of sunitinib-treated metastatic renal cell carcinoma.
Hypothyroidism After a Cancer Diagnosis: Etiology, Diagnosis, Complications, and Management
Authors: Carter Yvette , Sippel Rebecca S. , Chen Herbert
Published: December 2013

Learning Objectives

Describe the impact of hypothyroidism in patients with cancer. Identify options for managing hypothyroidism in patients with cancer.
Coping with the Crisis: People with Severe Mental Disorders Acting for Social Change Through Sustainable Energy
Authors: Carta MG , Sancassiani F , Lecca ME , Pintus E , Pintus M , Pisano E , Congiu S , Moro MF , Angermeyer CM
Published: December 2013

Background:

The aim of the study was to examine the efficacy of a vocational training program on renewable energy sources in reducing disabilities of people with chronic psychosis (CP). The innovative element was that the project could produce major advantages regarding the economic needs of the whole area involved.

Methods:

Experimental Cohort, 26 subjects with CP (EC); Control Cohort1, 130 subjects with CP following pharmacotherapy plus other rehabilitation activities (CIC); Control Cohort2, 101 subjects with CP following the usual treatment (pharmacotherapy) (CUC). Study tool: Health of the Nation Outcome Scales (HoNOS). Assessment made at the start of the study (T0) and after three months (T1). Statistical analysis made by MANOVA.

Results:

Improvement in HoNOS total score in both groups (F=7.574, p=0.000) with non-significant differences between groups over time (F=1.336, p=0.252) was found comparing EC vs. CIC. Greater improvement in EC vs. CIC was shown in the HoNOS “impairment" scale (F=4.910, p=0.028). EC vs. CUC: both groups improved in HoNOS total score (F=9.440, p=0.000) but the improvement was greater in EC (F = 2.273, P=0.048).

Conclusions:

Work inclusion, as well as other rehabilitation treatments, reduces the social needs of people with chronic psychosis. Work inclusion in a project with real relevance for the area where these people live, produces more improvement of cognitive, physical and somatic disabilities, probably related to a better outcome in self-efficacy.
Design and Development of a Prototype Electrotherapy Device
Authors: Rocha J. G. , Correia V. M. G. , Martins M. S. , Cabral J. M.
Published: December 2013

This article describes a complete prototype system that can be used in electrotherapy treatments, that is, in medical treatments involving electric currents. The system is composed of two main blocks: the master and the slave. The Master block, whose main component is a CPU, controls the user interface. The Slave block, which is composed of a microcontroller and a wave generator, produces the appropriated voltages and currents compatible with the desired treatment. The whole system is powered by a 12 V power supply and the output signal voltage ranges between -100 V and 100 V. Despite the prototype being able of performing all the electrotherapy treatments in the low-medium frequency ranges, it was tested in aesthetic mesotherapy, namely in anticellulite, located anticellulite, antistretch, and antiflaccidity. In these treatments, the output signal is composed of an overlap of two frequencies: the first one is selected in the range of 1.2 kHz - 1.8 kHz and the second in the range of 0.07 Hz - 2 Hz. The system was tested in a clinical environment with real patients. It showed good results both in effectiveness of treatments and in terms of pain suffered by the patients.
Human CT Measurements of Structure/Electrode Position Changes During Respiration with Electrical Impedance Tomography
Authors: Zhang Jie , Qin Lihong , Allen Tadashi , Patterson Robert P
Published: December 2013

For pulmonary applications of Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) systems, the electrodes are placed around the chest in a 2D ring, and the images are reconstructed based on the assumptions that the object is rigid and the measured resistivity change in EIT images is only caused by the actual resistivity change of tissue. Structural changes are rarely considered. Previous studies have shown that structural changes which result in tissue/organ and electrode position changes tend to introduce artefacts to EIT images of the thorax. Since EIT reconstruction is an ill-posed inverse problem, any small inaccurate assumptions of object may cause large artefacts in reconstructed images. Accurate information on structure/electrode position changes is a need to understand factors contributing to the measured resistivity changes and to improve EIT reconstruction algorithm. Our previous study using MRI technique showed that chest expansion leads to electrode and tissue/organ movements but not significant as proposed. The accuracy of the measurements by MRI may be limited by its relatively low temporal and spatial resolution. In this study, structure/electrode position changes during respiration cycle in patients who underwent chest CT scans are further investigated. For each patient, sixteen fiduciary markers are equally spaced around the surface, the same as the electrode placement for EIT measurements. A CT scanner with respiration-gated ability is used to acquire images of the thorax. CT thoracic images are retrospectively reconstructed corresponding temporally to specific time periods within respiration cycle (from 0% to 90%, every 10%). The average chest expansions are 2 mm in anterior-posterior and -1.6 mm in lateral directions. Inside tissue/organ move down 9.0±2.5 mm with inspiration of tidal volume (0.54±0.14 liters), ranging from 6 mm to 12 mm. During normal quiet respiration, electrode position changes are smaller than expected. No general patterns of electrode position changes are observed. The results in this study provide guidelines for accommodating the motion that may introduce artefacts to EIT images.
Application of MALDI-TOF MS for the Identification of Food Borne Bacteria
Authors: Pavlovic Melanie , Huber Ingrid , Konrad Regina , Busch Ulrich
Published: December 2013

Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has recently emerged as a powerful tool for the routine identification of clinical isolates. MALDI-TOF MS based identification of bacteria has been shown to be more rapid, accurate and cost-efficient than conventional phenotypic techniques or molecular methods. Rapid and reliable identification of food-associated bacteria is also of crucial importance for food processing and product quality.

This review is concerned with the applicability of MALDI-TOF MS for routine identification of foodborne bacteria taking the specific requirements of food microbiological laboratories and the food industry into account. The current state of knowledge including recent findings and new approaches are discussed.
Did SOX Influence the Association between Fee Dependence and Auditors' Propensity to Issue Going-Concern Opinions?
Authors: Kao Jennifer L. , Li Yan , Zhang Wenjun
Published: December 2013

Li (2009) found that the association between fee dependence (FEEDEP) and the incidence of going-concern opinions (GCO) changed from insignificant in 2001 to positive in 2003. This finding has been interpreted as evidence that auditors became more conservative after the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX). However, Feldmann and Read (2010) suggested that the year following SOX was not typical due to the intense spotlight directed at the audit profession. We revisit Li (2009) by extending the post-SOX period to 2011, and find robust results of little FEEDEP-GCO association in the years after 2003. Hence, the rise in auditor conservatism identified by Li (2009) likely represented the audit profession's temporary reaction to public scrutiny surrounding the passage of SOX, rather than a sustained movement toward more conservative going-concern reporting. Our study reinforces the notion that the effect of major events and government regulations cannot be adequately assessed based on what transpires in the short run.

JEL Classifications: M420.
The Value of Social Media for Small Businesses
Authors: Schaupp Ludwig Christian , Bélanger France
Published: December 2013

Companies are implementing social media for marketing, advertising, employee recruitment, and overall communications with employees, clients, and partners. Small businesses are able to gain substantial value from social media but there are also many challenges. In this research, the Technology-Organization-Environment framework, the Resource-Based View theory, and interview data are combined to develop a model of social media usage and value for small businesses. Survey data from small businesses from a variety of industries and geographical locations are collected to validate the model. Results indicate that technology competence, pressure from clients, and characteristics of the mobile environment are significant antecedents of social media usage. The dimensions of social media value—perceived impact on internal operations, marketing, customer service, and sales—are also significant. Implications and avenues for future research are discussed.
Studies in the liverwort family Metzgeriaceae (Metzgeriales) from southern Africa. 1. Metzgeria nudifrons Stephani and a key to the species
Authors: Phephu Nonkululo , Rooy Jacques van
Published: December 2013

This is the first of several projected articles on the taxonomy of southern African Metzgeriaceae H. Klinggr. A brief history of the genus Metzgeria Raddi in southern Africa, the only local representative, is presented. Family and genus descriptions, as well as a key to the species, are provided. Of the seven species currently recognized in southern Africa, M. nudifrons is the only species with gemmae on the dorsal surface of the thallus. It is also characterized by the distinctly broad costa, hairy male branchlets as well as single and straight hairs on the ventral face and margins of the thallus. Metzgeria nudifrons is described, illustrated and its geographical distribution mapped.
New records of lichenicolous fungi from SW Poland
Authors: Kossowska Maria , Szczepańska Katarzyna
Published: December 2013

New localities of nine lichenicolous fungi from southwestern Poland are presented, of which Zwackhiomyces martinatianus (Arnold) Triebel & Grube is reported as new for Poland and Chaenothecopsis viridireagens (Nádv.) A. F. W. Schmidt and Illosporium carneum Fr. as new for the Polish Sudetes. The first modern record of Karschia talcophila in Poland is given.
Stability of the equilibrium positions of an engine with nonlinear quadratic springs
Authors: Stănescu Nicolae-Doru , Popa Dinel
Published: December 2013

Our paper realizes a study of the equilibrium positions for an engine supported by four identical nonlinear springs of quadratic characteristic. The systems with quadratic characteristic are generally avoided because they lead to mathematical complications. Our goal is to realize such a study for an engine supported on quadratic springs. For the model purposed, we established the equations of motion and we discussed the possibilities for the equilibrium positions. Because of the quadratic characteristic of the springs and of the approximations made for the small rotations, the equations obtained for the equilibrium lead us to a paradox, which consists in the existence of an open neighborhood in which there exists an infinity of positions of indifferent equilibrium, or a curve where the equilibrium positions are situated. Moreover, the study of the stability shows that the stability is assured for the position at which the springs are not compressed. Finally, a numerical example is presented and completely solved.