bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical and Microbiologic Follow‐Up Evaluations After Non‐Surgical Periodontal Treatment With Erbium:YAG Laser and Scaling and Root Planing
Authors: Lopes Beatriz Maria Valério , Theodoro Leticia Helena , Melo Rafaela Fernanda , Thompson Gloria Maria de Azevedo , Marcantonio Rosemary Adriana Chiérici
Published: April 2010

Background: This study compared erbium‐doped: yttrium, aluminum, and garnet (Er:YAG) laser irradiation (100 mJ/pulse; 10 Hz; 12.9 J/cm2) with or without conventional scaling and root planing (SRP) to SRP only for treatment of periodontal pockets.

Methods: Nineteen patients with pockets from 5 to 9 mm were included. In a split‐mouth design, each site was allocated to a treatment group: 1) SRPL, SRP and laser; 2) L, laser; 3) SRP, SRP only; and 4) C, no treatment. Clinical parameters of probing depth (PD), gingival recession, and clinical attachment level (CAL) were evaluated at baseline and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment. Visible plaque index, gingival bleeding index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP), and subgingival plaque samples were also measured 12 days postoperatively, in addition to the above mentioned months. Intergroup and intragroup statistical analyses were performed (P <0.05).

Results: GI decreased for SRPL and increased for L, SRP, and C (P <0.05) 12 days postoperatively and decreased for SRPL and SRP (P <0.05) 3, 6, and 12 months after baseline; BOP and PD decreased for all treated groups (P <0.01) 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment. CAL gain was significant for SRPL, L, and SRP (P <0.05) 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. SRPL and L presented a significant reduction in the percentage of sites with bacteria 6 and 12 months after treatment (P <0.05).

Conclusion: Non‐surgical periodontal treatment with Er:YAG laser may be an alternative treatment for reduction and control of the proliferation of microorganisms in persistent periodontitis.
Prevention measures against radiation exposure to radon in well waters: analysis of the present situation in Finland
Authors: Turtiainen Tuukka , Salonen Laina
Published: April 2010

Naturally occurring radioactive elements are found in all groundwaters, especially in bedrock waters. Exposure to these radioactive elements increases the risk of cancer. The most significant of these elements is radon which, as a gas, is mobile and dissolves in groundwater. In Finland, water supply plants are obliged to carry out statutory monitoring of the water quality, including radon. Monitoring of private wells, however, is often neglected. In this paper, we outline the problem by reviewing the outcomes of the studies conducted in Finland since the 1960s. We also summarise the development of legislation, regulations and political decisions made so far that have affected the amount of public exposure to radon in drinking water. A review of the studies on radon removal techniques is provided, together with newly obtained results. New data on the transfer of radon from water into indoor air are presented. The new assessments also take into account the expanding use of domestic radionuclide removal units by Finnish households.
Vulnerability of Quebec drinking-water treatment plants to cyanotoxins in a climate change context
Authors: Carrière Annie , Prévost Michèle , Zamyadi Arash , Chevalier Pierre , Barbeau Benoit
Published: April 2010

Cyanobacteria are a growing concern in the province of Quebec due to recent highly publicised bloom episodes. The health risk associated with the consumption of drinking water coming from contaminated sources was unknown. A study was undertaken to evaluate treatment plants' capacity to treat cyanotoxins below the maximum recommended concentrations of 1.5 μg/L microcystin-LR (MC-LR) and the provisional concentration of 3.7 μg/L anatoxin-a, respectively. The results showed that close to 80% of the water treatment plants are presently able to treat the maximum historical concentration measured in Quebec (5.35 μg/L MC-LR equ.). An increase, due to climate change or other factors, would not represent a serious threat because chlorine, the most popular disinfectant, is effective in treating MC-LR under standard disinfection conditions. The highest concentration of anatoxin-a (2.3 μg/L) measured in natural water thus far in source water is below the current guideline for treated waters. However, higher concentrations of anatoxin-a would represent a significant challenge for the water industry as chlorine is not an efficient treatment option. The use of ozone, potassium permanganate or powder activated carbon would have to be considered.
The detection of Yersinia enterocolitica in surface water by quantitative PCR amplification of the ail and yadA genes
Authors: Cheyne Bo M. , Van Dyke Michele I. , Anderson William B. , Huck Peter M.
Published: April 2010

Yersinia enterocolitica has been detected in surface water, and drinking untreated water is a risk factor for infection. PCR-based methods have been used to detect Y. enterocolitica in various sample types, but quantitative studies have not been conducted in water. In this study, quantitative PCR (qPCR)-based methods targeting the Yersinia virulence genes ail and yadA were used to survey the Grand River watershed in southern Ontario, Canada. Initial testing of reference strains showed that ail and yadA PCR assays were specific for pathogenic biotypes of Y. enterocolitica; however the genes were also detected in one clinical Yersinia intermedia isolate. A survey of surface water from the Grand River watershed showed that both genes were detected at five sampling locations, with the ail and yadA genes detected in 38 and 21% of samples, respectively. Both genes were detected more frequently at colder water temperatures. A screening of Yersinia strains isolated from the watershed showed that the ail gene was detected in three Y. enterocolitica 1A/O:5 isolates. Results of this study show that Yersinia virulence genes were commonly detected in a watershed used as a source of drinking water, and that the occurrence of these genes was seasonal.
Quantitative Microbial Risk Analysis to evaluate health effects of interventions in the urban water system of Accra, Ghana
Authors: Labite Herve , Lunani Isabella , van der Steen Peter , Vairavamoorthy Kala , Drechsel Pay , Lens Piet
Published: April 2010

A quantitative microbial risk assessment was applied to evaluate the microbial risks of the Accra Urban Water System (AUWS). The exposure assessment was based on the count of indicator organisms in waste water from open roadside drains and in water and sand samples from the beach. The predicted total disease burden generated in a representative catchment of the AUWS (Odaw Catchment) was 36,329 Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) per year, of which 12 and 88% are caused by, respectively, shortcomings in the water supply system and inappropriate sanitation. The DALYs per person per year were above the WHO reference value. The open roadside drain had the highest contribution to the disease burden. Of four possible interventions evaluated for health risk reduction, the highest efficiency in terms of DALYs averted per euro invested would be achieved by providing covers for the open roadside drains.
Biofilm bacterial communities and abundance in a full-scale drinking water distribution system in Shanghai
Authors: Bai Xiaohui , Wu Fan , Zhou Binhui , Zhi Xinghua
Published: April 2010

Community diversity and abundance of biofilms from a full-scale drinking water distribution system in Shanghai were characterized by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis of 16S rRNA sequences and heterotrophic plate count (HPC), respectively. Bacteria affiliated to the Beta- and Gamma-Proteobacteria were dominating in both in-situ and HPC-culturable bacterial communities. Other bacteria present included members of Alphaproteobacteria, Bacteroides, Actinobacteria, Nitrospirae and Firmicutes. Acidovorax, Ralstonia and Acinetobacter were common species in biofilms. Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterobacter sp. were detected in the local distribution system. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC), residual disinfectant and temperature were the most important factors influencing both bacterial abundance and composition. HPC for biofilm sample was not correlated with its community diversity.
Estimation of norovirus and Ascaris infection risks to urban farmers in developing countries using wastewater for crop irrigation
Authors: Mara Duncan , Sleigh Andrew
Published: April 2010

A quantitative microbial risk analysis—Monte Carlo method was used to estimate norovirus and Ascaris infection risks to urban farmers in developing countries watering their crops with wastewater. For a tolerable additional disease burden of≤10−4 DALY loss per person per year (pppy), equivalent to 1 percent of the diarrhoeal disease burden in developing countries, a norovirus reduction of 1–2 log units and an Ascaris egg reduction to 10–100 eggs per litre are required. These are easily achieved by minimal wastewater treatment—for example, a sequential batch-fed three tank/pond system. Hygiene improvement through education and regular deworming are essential complementary inputs to protect the health of urban farmers.
Demonstration and evaluation of germicidal UV-LEDs for point-of-use water disinfection
Authors: Chatterley Christie , Linden Karl
Published: April 2010

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation is a common disinfection option for water treatment in the developed world. There are a few systems installed in developing countries for point-of-use treatment, but the low-pressure mercury lamps currently used as the UV irradiation source have a number of sustainability issues including a fragile envelope, a lifetime of approximately one year, and they contain mercury. UV light emitting diodes (LEDs) may offer solutions to many of the sustainability issues presented by current UV systems. LEDs are small, efficient, have long lifetimes, and do not contain mercury. Germicidal UV LEDs emitting at 265 nm were evaluated for inactivation of E. coli in water and compared to conventional low-pressure UV lamps. Both systems provided an equivalent level of treatment. A UV-LED prototype was developed and evaluated as a proof-of-concept of this technology for a point-of-use disinfection option, and the economics of UV-LEDs were evaluated.
An assessment of microbiological water quality of six water source categories in north-east Uganda
Authors: Parker A. H. , Youlten R. , Dillon M. , Nussbaumer T. , Carter R. C. , Tyrrel S. F. , Webster J.
Published: April 2010

Target 7C of the Millennium Development Goals is to “halve, by 2015, the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation”. However, the corresponding indicator measures the “proportion of population using an improved drinking water source”. This raises the question of whether “safe” and “improved” can be used interchangeably. This paper tests this hypothesis by comparing microbiological water quality in 346 different water sources across the District of Amuria in Uganda to each other and to defined standards, including the WHO drinking water standard of zero TTC per 100 ml, and the Ugandan national standard of 50 TTC per 100 ml. The water sources were grouped into six different categories: boreholes, protected springs, covered hand dug wells, open hand dug wells, open water and roofwater harvesting. The paper concludes that the ranking from the highest to the lowest microbiological quality water was: boreholes, protected springs and roofwater harvesting, open and covered hand dug wells, open water. It also concludes that sanitary surveys cannot be used to predict water quality precisely; however they are an essential component of the monitoring of safe water supplies.
Specificity of a defined substrate method used to monitor balneability of tropical coastal waters impacted by polluted stormwater
Authors: Sousa Oscarina V. , Evangelista-Barreto Norma S. , Catter Karla M. , Fonteles-Filho Antonio A. , Macrae Andrew , Fernandes Vieira Regine Helena S.
Published: April 2010

Defined substrate (DS) is an alternative technique to monitoring the water quality based on species-specific enzyme activity. Although more sensitive and more specific than traditional media, there is some controversy over use in the warmer waters of tropical and subtropical environments, rich in organic matter and microorganism groups capable of interfering with results. The aim of this study was to test the specificity of DS method (Colilert, IDEXX) for detection of coliforms and Escherichia coli in stormwater seawater samples from a coastal city (Fortaleza, Brazil) compared to findings obtained with the multiple tube fermentation (MTF) method. The samples were collected from stormsewers and adjacent seashore locations. The most probable number (MPN) of total coliforms (TC), thermotolerant coliforms (TtC) and E. coli was determined and the selectivity of the enzymatic substrate medium in the seawater samples was tested. The MTF method showed samples from sampling points 1, 2 and 3 to be 13.3, 13.3 and 46.7%, respectively, above the legal cut-off value for coastal balneability. With the DS method, the corresponding figures were 60, 53.3 and 80% for E. coli. Overall, coliform levels were higher with the DS medium. Vibrios and aeromonads were isolated from E. coli-positive DS tubes.
Public health perspectives of channelized and unchannelized headwater streams in central Ohio: a case study
Authors: Smiley Peter C. , King Kevin W. , Fausey Norman R.
Published: April 2010

Headwater streams constitute the majority of watersheds in the United States and many in the midwest have been channelized for agricultural drainage. Public health implications of water chemistry and aquatic insects within channelized and unchannelized headwater streams have not been explored. We sampled water chemistry and aquatic insects in two channelized and two unchannelized headwater streams in central Ohio from December 2005 until November 2008. Maximum concentrations of ammonium, nitrate plus nitrite, and chlorothalonil were greater in channelized streams. Nitrate plus nitrite and atrazine also exceeded drinking water standards more often in channelized streams. Maximum concentrations of simazine and the percentage of times it exceeded the drinking water standards were greater in unchannelized streams. The predicted hazard potential of nutrient and pesticide mixtures was greater in channelized streams. Mosquito abundance did not differ between stream types. Chironomid abundance was greater in channelized streams. Biting dipterans did not exhibit consistent abundance trends and only differed between stream types in the summer and fall. Our results suggest that if whole stream uptake of nutrients and pesticides is minimal in channelized headwater streams then nutrient and pesticide inputs from these streams may impact downstream drinking water sources. Our results also suggest channelized and unchannelized headwater streams are not serving as a significant source of mosquitoes.
A Six-Wave Study of the Consistency of Mexican/Mexican American Preadolescents' Lifetime Substance Use Reports
Authors: Wagstaff David A. , Kulis Stephen , Elek Elvira
Published: April 2010

In the Fall of 2004, 1,948 5th grade students from Phoenix, AZ enrolled in an evaluation of a school-based, substance use prevention intervention. To assess the consistency of Mexican and Mexican-American students' self-reports of lifetime substance use, the present study analyzed data reported by 1,418 students who reported Mexican ancestry and completed 2 to 6 questionnaires administered over a 40-month period. By wave 6, which was completed in March 2008, lifetime alcohol, cigarette, marijuana, and inhalant use rates were 86.0%, 65.0%, 64.5%, and 62.1%, respectively. Corresponding rescission rates were 24.0%, 9.6%, 5.8%, and 9.2%. Reporting patterns with one “Yes–No” sequence accounted for more than 88% of the inconsistent self-reports. This finding suggests that the majority of Mexican/Mexican-American preadolescents participating in a substance use prevention intervention provided logically consistent self-reports of lifetime substance use.
Concurrent Predictors of Cigarette and Alcohol Use among U.S. and Russian Adolescents
Authors: Gunning Melissa , Sussman Steve , Rohrbach Louise A. , Kniazev Vadim , Masagutov Radik
Published: April 2010

In the present study, we describe correlates of 30-day cigarette and alcohol use among two samples of high school students, one in the Russian Federation ( n = 365), and one in the United States ( n = 965). The correlates used in the analyses are based on the theory of triadic influence, which organizes predictors of adolescent substance use into three distinct types of influence. Overall, correlates from each of the types of influence were significant predictors of substance use in both samples. The most consistent positive predictors of cigarette and alcohol use across countries were friends' substance use and sensation seeking behavior. Perceived harmfulness of drug use was negatively associated with cigarette and alcohol use in both samples. Having a substance abuser in one's family was negatively associated with alcohol use in the Russian sample, but positively associated with alcohol use in the U.S. sample. In general, similar patterns of relationships between predictors and substance use were seen across both countries.
School-Related Factors Affecting High School Seniors' Methamphetamine Use
Authors: Roselove Jarrod , Lo Celia C.
Published: April 2010

Data from the 2005 Monitoring the Future survey were used to examine relationships between school-related factors and high school seniors' lifetime methamphetamine use. The study applied logistic regression techniques to evaluate effects of social bonding variables and social learning variables on likelihood of lifetime methamphetamine use. The results confirmed that likelihood of such use was higher when social bonding factors were weak and social learning factors were strong. Results also showed the social bonds' impact to be mediated by social learning factors. Policy implications are discussed briefly.
Strengthening Resistance Self-Efficacy: Influence of Teaching Approaches and Gender on Different Consumption Groups
Authors: Heyne Thomas , Bogner Franz X.
Published: April 2010

Our study focused on strengthening the individual self-efficacy of low achieving 8th graders reducing drug-specific peer pressure through theoretical and practical training. The subject of the intervention was based on a substance-specific life skills program offering both teacher-centered and student-centered teaching approaches. A cluster analysis identified four consumption groups in our pre-test setting: (1) A “potentially curious” sample; (2) an “actually curious” sample; (3) an “experimenter” sample; and (4) a “consumer” sample. Self-efficacy was measured three times in a pre-, post-, and retention-test design. Only the “potentially curious” sub-sample showed higher resistance self-efficacy, boys and girls revealed no differences. Altogether, a short- and middle-term consistent increase was detected in both teaching methods. Consequences to increase the efficiency of drug prevention measurements are being discussed.
Effect of Tephrosia purpurea (L) Pers. on Partial Thickness and Full Thickness Burn Wounds in Rats
Authors: Lodhi Santram , Pawar Rajesh Singh , Jain Alok Pal , Jain Avijeet , Singhai Abhay K
Published: April 2010

The plant Tephrosia purpurea (Linn) Pers. (Fabaceae) has been used for a long time in folk medicine for the management of several diseases, including ulcers and other internal wounds. The objective of the present study was to screen the flavonoid-rich fraction of Tephrosia purpurea L. aerial parts for its burn wound repairing efficacy based on traditional uses. Flavonoid fraction ointment (5% w/w) was prepared with simple ointment base B.P. for topical application. The silver sulphadiazine ointment (standard) and simple ointment base B.P. (control) was used in partial thickness and full thickness burn wound models. Wound contraction and tensile strength were measured in partial thickness burn, where as full thickness model was used for the determination of protein, hydroxyproline, anti-oxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT and GSH) level in granuloma mass as well as for histopathological study. It was observed that, wound contraction and tensile strength of skin tissues were observed significantly greater (P<0.001) in the case of flavonoid rich fraction when compared to the control group. In the full thickness burn model (on day 9), protein and hydroxyproline contents were found to be significantly higher (P<0.001). Presence of matured collagen fibers and fibroblast cells with better angiogenesis was observed as a result of histopathological studies, which was visibly improved in case of treated groups compared to control group. In conclusion, our findings suggest that flavonoid-rich fraction may have a potential benefit in enhancing the burn wound healing process, possibly due to the free radical scavenging property of the plant.
Enrollee Incentives in Consumer Directed Health Plans: Spend Now or Save for Later?
Authors: Feldman Roger D , Parente Stephen T
Published: April 2010

We propose a model of enrollee incentives in consumer directed health plans (CDHPs) and estimate the model with data from a large employer that offered a CDHP in addition to two traditional health insurance plans. In the CDHP a portion of the enrollee's pretax compensation is placed in an account that can be used to pay for out-of-pocket medical expenses or rolled over to the next year. In a multi-period model, healthy employees should save part of the account to pay for future medical contingencies. We measured health status by the employee's predicted medical spending in the year prior to the CDHP offering. We found that healthy CDHP enrollees tended to spend less in three post-enrollment years than a comparison group of healthy employees who elected to keep their traditional health insurance coverage. However, CDHP enrollees with high predicted spendinga measure of poorer healthspent more than their comparison group of traditional health insurance enrollees in the following three years.
Carbon Taxes and Innovation without Commitment
Authors: Golombek Rolf , Greaker Mads , Hoel Michael
Published: April 2010

Climate mitigation policy should be imposed over a long period, and spur innovation of new technologies in order to make stabilization of green house gas concentration economically feasible. The government may announce current and future policy packages that stimulate current R&D in climate-friendly technologies. However, once climate-friendly technologies have been developed, the government may have no incentive to implement the pre-announced future policies, that is, there may be a time inconsistency problem. We show that if the government can optimally subsidize R&D today, there is no time inconsistency problem. Thus, lack of commitment is not an argument for higher current R&D subsidies than the first-best subsidy. If the offered R&D subsidy is lower than the optimal subsidy, the current (sub-game perfect) carbon tax rate exceeds the first-best carbon tax rate.
Heavy metals in fluvial sediments of the Odra River flood plains - introductory research
Authors: Ibragimow Aleksandra , Głosińska Grażyna , Siepak Marcin , Walna Barbara
Published: April 2010

Heavy metals in fluvial sediments of the Odra River flood plains - introductory research

The article presents the results of research on concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) in fluvial sediment samples collected in the flood plains of the Odra River. The samples were collected from the presently flooded area and from the area which was formerly flooded. The extraction of sediment samples was conducted using aqua regia and four other extractants: 0.01M CaCl2, 0.1M HCl, 0.005M DTPA and 0.02M EDTA. The analysis of the results revealed different concentration values for particular sample collection sites situated along the course of the Odra River. The differentiation of metal concentrations in the investigated samples depending on the extractants was also observed. The concentrations of metals were determined using the technique of atomic absorption spectrometry with flame atomization (F-AAS).
Topoclimatic differentiation of the area of the Słowiński National Park, northern Poland
Authors: Kolendowicz Leszek , Bednorz Ewa
Published: April 2010

Topoclimatic differentiation of the area of the Słowiński National Park, northern Poland

The primary objective of the study was to elaborate a synthetic topoclimatic map of the area of the Słowiński National Park (SNP). The spatial scopes of individual types of topoclimate were distinguished using the method proposed by Paszyński (1999). Pursuant to this method, the topoclimatic classification - and subsequently topoclimatic charting - is performed on the basis of an analysis of the exchange of energy between the atmosphere and its base. The research conducted allowed us to determine that the SNP contains 12 types of local climate, and also to designate the spatial scopes thereof.
Ethics in Practice
Authors: Bednall David H.B. , Adam Stewart , Plocinski Katrine
Published: April 2010

Survey researchers face declining response rates, due to lower contactability and more selective cooperation by potential respondents. Commercial market research companies are under even greater pressure than academic researchers as most commercial surveys do not have high social status. Several persuasion techniques to enhance cooperation have been used in academic surveys, though some of them might be considered unethical. Given the commercial pressures of time and cost, this study investigated the extent to which market research companies favoured these persuasion techniques. A survey of fieldwork managers in companies operating in Australia was conducted, along with qualitative research. It was found that some techniques were unacceptable as they threatened long-term relationships with the public, some were impractical and others were useful, but not for all surveys.
The past Matters: Eliminating the Pro-Labour Bias in British Opinion Polls
Authors: Curtice John , Sparrow Nick
Published: April 2010

Opinion polls in Britain display a persistent tendency to overestimate Labour's share of the vote in the ballot box. This appears to arise from failure to secure a politically representative sample and to estimate accurately who will actually vote. We argue that, despite some potential pitfalls, polls based on fresh cross-section samples have to engage in weighting by recalled past vote choice and recalled past turnout in order to overcome these problems.
Themes in the Research on Preservice Teachers’ Views of Cultural Diversity
Authors: Castro Antonio J.
Published: April 2010

This article traces themes found in the research on preservice teachers’ views of cultural diversity published in peer-reviewed journals from 1985 to 2007. The article seeks to draw insights that inform education researchers interested in interrogating and unpacking views about diversity expressed by today’s millennial college students. Findings suggest that although recent studies report a shift toward more positive attitudes about teaching culturally diverse students, persistent issues plague preservice teachers’ understanding of cultural diversity. Implications for future research are discussed.
Methodology in Our Education Research Culture
Authors: Henson Robin K. , Hull Darrell M. , Williams Cynthia S.
Published: April 2010

How doctoral programs train future researchers in quantitative methods has important implications for the quality of scientifically based research in education. The purpose of this article, therefore, is to examine how quantitative methods are used in the literature and taught in doctoral programs. Evidence points to deficiencies in quantitative training and application in several areas: (a) methodological reporting problems, (b) researcher misconceptions and inaccuracies, (c) overreliance on traditional methods, and (d) a lack of coverage of modern advances. An argument is made that a culture supportive of quantitative methods is not consistently available to many applied education researchers. Collective quantitative proficiency is defined as a vision for a culture representative of broader support for quantitative methodology (statistics, measurement, and research design).
An Australian Perspective on Developing Standards and Ensuring Compliance
Authors: Thornber Peter M.
Published: April 2010

Australia is a federation of states and territories, each with their own parliament and animal-welfare laws. Australian animal-welfare legislation imposes a “duty of care” on people responsible for the care and well-being of animals under their management. In the livestock sector, this responsibility is mirrored by the ongoing development of standards, guidelines, and codes of practice to assist people to understand their responsibilities and to meet expectations concerning animal welfare. The Australian Animal Welfare Strategy (AAWS) is the national animal-welfare policy blueprint for sustainable improvements in animal welfare, and one of its key goals is to achieve greater consistency in the development, implementation, and enforcement of animal-welfare standards. Standards, guidelines, and model codes also inform the development of contemporary, evidence-based quality assurance programs for individual livestock industries and provide the basis for competency-based training programs for animal handlers. Australian standards have been developed for pigs and land transport of livestock, and work is progressing on national standards for cattle, sheep, horses, zoo animals, dogs, and cats. Other achievements include the development of requirements for the care and use of animals in research and teaching, guidelines for the welfare of aquatic animals, and codes of practice for the humane killing of pest animals. State and territory governments are developing a framework for consistent regulation and compliance in consultation with industries and welfare organizations.
Evolution of Animal-Welfare Education for Veterinary Students
Authors: Main David C.J.
Published: April 2010

Animal-welfare education is an evolving component of the veterinary curriculum. Although different veterinary schools may cover different elements of the subject and teach it in many different ways, it is important to recognize that this multidisciplinary subject is evolving rapidly. For example, welfare science is beginning to examine the quantification of positive welfare or a good life in addition to evaluating harms associated with different husbandry systems. Although the curriculum is under continual pressure, the drivers (policy makers, student expectations, and trade requirements) for including animal welfare in the course are likely to increase. Some core components of an animal-welfare course are important to include in all veterinary curriculums. This would include an appreciation of the difference between welfare science, ethics, and standards.
Expertise and Advocacy in Animal-Welfare Decision Making: Considerations for a Veterinary Curriculum in Animal Welfare
Authors: Carbone Larry
Published: April 2010

An animal-welfare curriculum for veterinary students should provide learning opportunities in the application of veterinary expertise to patient management and animal-welfare policy. Real-life and hypothetical cases are presented that can allow students to develop their personal-values statement about animal welfare, explore the interaction of facts and values in deciding on a course of action, and understand the unique obligations and authority they will have as veterinarians.
Opportunities for Learning about Animal Welfare from Online Courses to Graduate Degrees
Authors: Siegford Janice M. , Cottee Stephanie Yue , Widowski Tina M.
Published: April 2010

Knowledge of animal welfare has become essential for veterinarians. However, there is no clear consensus about how to provide veterinarians and students with this critical information. The challenges associated with finding qualified instructors and fitting additional courses into an already full curriculum mean that options for learning about animal welfare beyond the veterinary school classroom must be explored. Online courses can be excellent ways for veterinary students and graduate veterinarians to become familiar with current animal-welfare science, assessment schemes, and regulations while removing geographical barriers and scheduling difficulties. Faculty at Michigan State University have created an online animal-welfare course with lecture material from experts in welfare-related social and scientific fields that provides an overview of the underlying concepts as well as opportunities to practice assessing welfare. However, to develop expertise in animal welfare, veterinarians need more than a single course. Graduate degrees can be a way of obtaining additional knowledge and scientific expertise. Traditional thesis-based graduate programs in animal-welfare science are available in animal-science departments and veterinary colleges throughout North America and offer students in-depth research experience in specific areas or species of interest. Alternatively, the University of Guelph offers a year-long Master of Science degree in which students complete a series of courses with a specialization in animal behavior and welfare along with a focused research project and paper. In summary, a range of options exist that can be tailored to provide graduate veterinarians and veterinary students with credible education regarding animal welfare beyond the veterinary curriculum.
After the DVM: Specialization in Animal Welfare
Authors: Beaver Bonnie V.
Published: April 2010

As the public comes to expect higher levels of expertise in various areas of veterinary medicine, organizations have been created to certify that certain individuals have, in fact, achieved that higher level. Animal welfare is an area in which veterinarians have always been looked to for leadership, and it has now escalated to the level of needing an organization to oversee specialization. The American College of Animal Welfare has applied to the American Board of Veterinary Specialties for recognition as a new veterinary specialty organization.
Implications of the Foresight Report for Animal-Welfare Education and Research: What Are Veterinary Colleges Teaching Today about Animal Welfare?
Authors: Krehbiel Janver D.
Published: April 2010

This article provides a brief overview of the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges' Foresight Project final report, Envisioning the Future of Veterinary Medical Education. Points of concern and recommendations specifically regarding animal-welfare education that surfaced in the final report are discussed. Also included is a summary of how six veterinary colleges are presently addressing animal welfare in their education and research programs.
Animal Welfare: An Aspect of Care, Sustainability, and Food Quality Required by the Public
Authors: Broom Donald M.
Published: April 2010

People feel that they have obligations to the animals that they use and show some degree of care behavior toward them. In addition, animal welfare is an aspect of our decisions about whether animal-usage systems are sustainable. A system that results in poor welfare is unsustainable because it is unacceptable to many people. The quality of animal products is now judged in relation to the ethics of production, including impact on the animal's welfare on immediate features and on consequences for consumers. Because genetic selection and management for high productivity may lead to more disease and other aspects of poor welfare, consumers demand some major changes in animal-production systems. In teaching animal welfare, a clear definition that can be related to other concepts such as needs, health, and stress is needed. The methodology for the scientific assessment of animal welfare has developed rapidly in recent years and has become a major scientific discipline. No veterinary degree course should be approved unless a full course on the science of animal welfare and relevant aspects of ethics and law have been taught. Each country should have a national advisory committee on animal-welfare science, made up of independent scientists, including veterinarians, who can write impartial reviews of the state of scientific knowledge.
How Welfare Is Measured and Why Scientists Do It Differently
Authors: Swanson Janice C.
Published: April 2010

Scientists studying the welfare of animals use approaches that best answer the research question. The research question, experimental approach, variables selected for measurement, and data interpretation can differ depending on the scientist's disciplinary training and his or her values framework. For example, a veterinary medical scientist may value measures of biological functioning over other measures of animal welfare, whereas an applied ethologist may place greater emphasis on behavioral measures. Animal care and husbandry recommendations, guidelines and standards, assessment strategies, and laws can reflect these differences with respect to the importance attached to the accommodation of different aspects of animal well-being.
Control of Golden Crownbeard (Verbesina encelioides) in Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) with Postemergence Herbicides1
Authors: Grichar W. J. , Sestak D. C.
Published: April 2010

Field experiments at five South Texas locations from 1992 to 1995 evaluated eight postemergence herbicides alone or in combination for golden crownbeard control and peanut yield. Imazapic provided inconsistent golden crownbeard control regardless of rate. Bentazon and 2,4-DB alone controlled ≥ 90% golden crownbeard while acifluorfen at 0.42 kg/ha and pyridate provided ≥ 80% control. Bromoxynil and imazethapyr alone or acifluorfen plus bentazon provided inconsistent golden crownbeard control.
Influence of Digging Date on Yield and Gross Return of Virginia-type Peanut Cultivars in North Carolina
Authors: Jordan D. L. , Spears J. F. , Sullivan G. A.
Published: April 2010

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) growers must balance complex interactions among cultivars, planting dates, environmental and physiological stresses during the growing season, and weather conditions at harvest when determining when to dig peanut. Ten field experiments were conducted in North Carolina from 1994 through 1996 to determine the influence of digging date on pod yield and gross return of virginia-type peanut. Beginning in mid- to late September, the cultivars NC 9, NC 10C, NCV-11, VA-C 92R, AgraTech (AT) VC-1, and NC 12C were dug on four dates approximately 7 d apart. Considerable variation in pod yield and gross return was noted among cultivars and experiments. Delaying digging increased pod yield and gross return in some but not all experiments. Greater variation in pod yield and gross return was observed for NC 10C than for AT VC-1 when compared across digging dates. Pod yield and gross return for NC9, NC V-11, VA-C 92R, and NC 12C were intermediate between NC 10C and AT VC-1. Of the cultivars evaluated, yield and gross return of AT VC-1 were the most stable over digging dates. These data suggest that growers should evaluate maturity of peanut in individual fields for each cultivar when determining when to dig. These data also suggest that factors other than maturity impact pod yield and gross return.
Validation of EXNUT for Scheduling Peanut Irrigation in North Carolina1
Authors: Davidson J. I. , Griffin W. J. , Lamb M. C. , Williams R. G. , Sullivan G.
Published: April 2010

During crop years 1989-1992 EXNUT concepts and a version of EXNUT modified for North Carolina conditions were evaluated. This version was revised and evaluated on 20-25 peanut fields during crop years 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, and 1997 when average yields of 4360, 4890, 4640, 4530, and 4770 kg/ha, respectively, were obtained. These yields averaged 880 kg/ha higher than average yields produced on these irrigated fields prior to 1993 and 1660 kg/ha higher than the average county yields during 1993-1997. The farmers and county agents reported that irrigation scheduled by EXNUT provided an estimated 500 kg/ha increase in yields. Costs of running EXNUT were estimated at $5.14/ha. Using these estimates, net returns from using EXNUT instead of normal irrigation scheduling by the farmer was $272.76/ha. Average compliance of farmers with EXNUT water scheduling recommendations was 85 and 75% for wet years (1994 and 1996) and dry years (1993, 1995, and 1997), respectively. On the average, a 71% or higher compliance with EXNUT recommendations on fields with sandy- and medium-type soils resulted in yields greater than 4480 kg/ha, making irrigation of peanuts feasible in these fields at a world market price as low as $350 per metric ton. Every percentage point increase in compliance with EXNUT recommendations on these fields resulted in an increase in yield of 50 and 110 kg/ha during wet and dry years, respectively. Yields from fields with heavy type soils averaged only 3850 kg/ha because of excessive disease and harvest losses. On the average, peanuts can be produced on this heavy-type soil at world market prices of $410/metric ton if compliance with EXNUT recommendations is at least 80%. This 9-yr study is an example of how expert systems can be transferred through cooperation of researchers, extension specialists, and users.
Response of Virginia-Type Peanut to Norflurazon
Authors: Jordan D. L. , Culpepper A. S. , Batts R. B. , York A. C.
Published: April 2010

Four field experiments were conducted in North Carolina from 1994 to 1996 to determine the effect of norflurazon applied preemergence at 1.6 kg ai/ha to virginia-type peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) cvs. NC 7, NC 9, NC 10C, NC-V 11, VA-C 92R, and AT VC-1. Injury 3 wk after planting was 7% or less in three experiments. Greater injury was noted on VA-C 92R relative to other cultivars in one of these experiments. Injury ranged from 25 to 41% in the fourth experiment, with greater injury noted on NC 9, NC-V 11, and VA-C 92R than on NC 7, NC 10C, or AT VC-1. Norflurazon did not affect peanut maturity, the percentage of extra large kernels, total sound mature kernels, or fancy pods. Norflurazon reduced peanut yield 6% irrespective of cultivars in two of four experiments.
Reproductive Efficiency in Reciprocal Crosses of Arachis monticola with A. hypogaea Subspecies1
Authors: Pattee H. E. , Stalker H. T. , Giesbrecht F. G.
Published: April 2010

Wild species of Arachis encompass a large number of species which can provide valuable genetic resources for improving A. hypogaea L., the domesticated peanut. Arachis monticola Krapov. and Rig. is the only species which is both cross compatible with A. hypogaea and at the same ploidy level. An evaluation of reproductive efficiency in crosses between A. hypogaea and A. monticola was conducted to better understand the potential for utilization of this germplasm. This study documents the reproductive efficiency of A. monticola in reciprocal crosses with A. hypogaea subsp. hypogaea var. hypogaea cvs. Florunner and NC 6; A. hypogaea subsp. fastigiata var. vulgaris cv. Argentine; and A. hypogaea subsp. fastigiata var. fastigiata cv. New Mexico Valencia C by using selfs as controls. A significant maternal effect was observed among selfs and hybrids for timing of fertilization. Selfs of Florunner and New Mexico Valencia C initiated fertilization by 1 d after pollination, whereas syngamy did not occur in selfs of NC 6, Argentine or A. monticola until after day 1. Fertilization approached 100% in A. monticola and A. hypogaea genotypes except for New Mexico Valencia C, which only had 70% of the eggs fertilized. Embryo abortion was observed in both selfs and interspecific hybrids, with the highest rates in selfs after the pegs entered the soil; but in hybrids abortion also occurred as the peg elongated. Crosses were generally more successful when A. hypogaea was the female parent, and developing cultivars with A. monticola cytoplasm will be difficult. Sixty to more than 90% of growing ovules aborted in different interspecific crosses. Arachis monticola selfs and hybrids most closely followed the pattern of reproductive development of A. hypogaea cv. Argentine, which lends support to the theory that A. monticola is a weedy derivative of the cultivated peanut.
A Triple Deck, Parallel Belt Screen for Farmer Stock Peanuts1
Authors: Blankenship P. D. , Woodall M. P.
Published: April 2010

Belt screens currently used in the peanut industry separate farmer stock peanut materials into two size categories based on diameter. Utilizing belt screens for obtaining more than two size categories requires two or more screens with different spacings between belts for each screen. A modification of the belt screen design was developed incorporating three screen decks into a single machine. The three decks provide the ability to separate small foreign materials, large vegetative foreign materials, and loose shelled kernels and small pods from farmer stock peanuts. The machine was equipped with fixed spacings appropriate for screening farmer stock peanuts (cv. Florunner) for performance testing. Round belts (1.27 cm dia.) for the three decks were spaced on sheaves to provide 0.64-, 1.03-, and 2.54-cm openings between belts. Screen capacity and separation performance were evaluated by varying material feed rates and belt speeds. Belt speeds evaluated were 105.2, 117.3, 130.0, 140.7, and 152.4 cm/sec and feed rates varying from 5170 to 27,210 kg/hr. An average of 91.55% of the sample weights was divided into the 10.3-mm < diam. < 25.4-mm separation. Compared to prescreening sample composition, the average LSK percentage was reduced by 6.39% and FM by 7.36% in the 10.3-mm < diam. < 25.4-mm separation. Within the ranges tested, derived equations indicated that feed rate and belt speed had limited effects on separations. The openings between the belts appeared to influence material separation more than feed rate and belt speed.
Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Cultivar Response to Leaf Spot Disease Development Under Four Disease Management Programs1
Authors: Grichar W. J. , Besler B. A. , Jaks A. J.
Published: April 2010

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) pod yield and response to early and late leaf spots [caused by Cercospora arachidicola S. Hori and Cercosporidium personatum (Berk. & M. A. Curtis) Deighton, respectively] were evaluated on six runner-type cultivars under four leaf spot spray programs using tebuconazole at 0.23 kg ai/ha and chlorothalonil at 1.26 kg ai/ha. The four leaf spot spray programs included unsprayed, 14-d schedule, 21-d schedule, and 28-d schedule. With the 14- and 21-d schedule, chlorothalonil was applied at the first and last applications with a maximum of four tebuconazole applications for the middle sprays. On the 28-d schedule, tebuconazole was applied four times. Under conditions of heavy leaf spot disease pressure where no fungicide was applied, Southern Runner and Georgia Browne were slightly less susceptible (although not significantly) to early or late leaf spot than Florunner, GK-7, Georgia Runner, or Sunrunner. Less leaf spot was present in the 14-d schedule compared to 21- or 28-d schedules. Although there was no yield difference between the 14-, 21-, or 28-d schedules, the plots sprayed on a 14-d schedule yielded 43% more than the unsprayed. When averaged across all spray schedules, Georgia Browne yielded 15% more peanuts than Georgia Runner.
Long-Term Effects of Three Tillage Systems on Peanut Grade, Yield, and Stem Rot Development1
Authors: Grichar W. J.
Published: April 2010

Field studies were conducted from 1987 to 1996 to evaluate the effects of long-term no-tillage, reduced-tillage, or full-tillage systems on peanut grade, yield, and stem rot (Sclerotium rolfsii) disease development. In 3 of 10 yr the full-tillage system outyielded the no-tillage system while the reduced tillage system resulted in yield increase over no-tillage systems in 2 yr. Reduced-tillage plots had a higher incidence of stem rot than full-or no-tillage in 4 of 10 yr. In 3 of 10 yr, peanut grade (% TSMK) was lower in no-tillage than full-tillage plots. The reduced tillage system has shown promise for use in Texas for peanut. However, no-tillage peanut systems have never produced yield and quality comparable to full-tillage systems.