bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Green's functions for the wave, Helmholtz and Poisson equations in a two-dimensional boundless domain
Authors: Couto Roberto Toscano
Published: May 2013

In this work, Green's functions for the two-dimensional wave, Helmholtz and Poisson equations are calculated in the entire plane domain by means of the two-dimensional Fourier transform. New procedures are provided for the evaluation of the improper double integrals related to the inverse Fourier transforms that furnish these Green's functions. The integrals are calculated by using contour integration in the complex plane. The method consists basically in applying the correct prescription for circumventing the real poles of the integrand as well as in using well-known integral representations of some Bessel functions.
Extension of application field of analytical formulas for the computation of projectile motion in midair
Authors: Chudinov Peter
Published: May 2013

The classic problem of the motion of a point mass (projectile) thrown at an angle to the horizon is reviewed. The air drag force is taken into account with the drag factor assumed to be constant. An analytical approach is used for the investigation. Application field of the previously obtained approximate analytical formulas has been expanded both in the upward launch angle and in the direction of increase of the initial speed of the projectile. The motion of a baseball is presented as an example. It is shown that in a sufficiently wide ranges of initial velocity and launch angle the relative error in calculating the distance of the ball does not exceed 1%.
Equilíbrio postural em idosos praticantes de hidroginástica e karatê
Authors: Martins Raquel de Melo , Dascal Juliana Bayeux , Marques Inara
Published: May 2013

O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar o equilíbrio postural de idosos praticantes de karatê e hidroginástica. Os participantes foram 30 idosos ativos e inativos, com média de idade de 74,55 ± 6,5 anos, divididos em: GK (karatê), GH (hidroginástica), GI (inativos). Eles foram submetidos a uma bateria de avaliação de equilíbrio postural, denominado de escala de Berg, compostas por 14 tarefas comuns ao cotidiano, envolvendo o equilíbrio estático e o dinâmico. Para análise dos dados, foi realizada análise descritiva, com base na mediana e intervalo interquartil. Utilizou-se do teste de Kruskal Wallis para verificar diferenças significativas entre grupos e o teste de Mann-Whitney como post hoc. Os resultados indicaram diferenças entre os grupos de praticantes e de inativos com p=0,007. Para as tarefas da escala de Berg, identificaramse diferenças na tarefa de subir e descer escadas entre os grupos GH e GI (P=0,043) e na tarefa manter-se em apoio unipodal (P=0,004), entre os grupos ativos com o grupo de inativo. Os resultados conferem à prática de atividade física papel importante para o equilíbrio de idosos, destacando um desempenho otimizado de idosos praticantes de atividade física, independentemente da modalidade.
The influence of the practice of physical activity on the quality of life, muscle strength, balance, and physical ability in the elderly
Authors: Orlando Mariana Martinez , Silva Maria Stella Peccin da , Lombardi Junior Império
Published: May 2013

INTRODUCTION: Ageing has become a huge public health challenge due to the need to find solutions for improving quality of life. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess quality of life, muscle strength, balance and physical capacity among elderly practitioners and non-practitioners of physical activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational, cross-sectional study was carried out involving 74 elderly individuals in the city of Santos (state of São Paulo, Brazil), divided into two groups: practitioners and non-practitioners of physical activity. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used for the classification of the participants. The generic SF-36 questionnaire was used to assess quality of life. The Berg scale was used for the analysis of balance. Dynamometry was used for the muscle strength test. The six-minute walk test was used for the assessment of physical capacity. RESULTS: Significant differences were found between elderly practitioners and non-practitioners of physical activity regarding quality of life (p = 0.001), muscle strength (p = 0.001), balance (p = 0.001) and physical capacity (p = 0.001). The data also showed that aspects of quality of life were strongly correlated with physical capacity among the non-practitioners of physical activity (r = 0.741). CONCLUSION: Elderly individuals in the city of Santos (Brazil) who practice physical activity have better quality of life, muscle strength, physical capacity and balance in comparison to those who do not practice physical activity.
Acompanhamento farmacoterapêutico em pacientes dislipidêmicos de um lar de idosos da cidade de Novo Hamburgo-RS
Authors: Gregori Fransuelen de , Ziulkoski Ana Luiza , Andrighetti Letícia Hoerbe , Lourenço Eloir Dutra , Perassolo Magda Susana
Published: May 2013

INTRODUÇÃO: A partir do último século, observou-se aumento na expectativa de vida e na incidência de patologia na população idosa, principalmente doenças crônicas. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito do acompanhamento farmacoterapêutico (AF) em pacientes dislipidêmicos de um lar de idosos da cidade de Novo Hamburgo, RS. METODOLOGIA: Trata-se de estudo quantitativo, observacional com delineamento longitudinal retrospectivo, que avaliou 50 pacientes idosos residentes de um lar geriátrico (80,2 ± 7,64 anos, 32 mulheres). Foi avaliado o perfil lipídico desses pacientes (colesterol total, triglicerídeos, HDL e LDL) antes e após AF de um ano. A análise dos resultados ocorreu por meio de estatística descritiva e teste t Student ou U de Mann Whitney para amostras pareadas. RESULTADOS: 56% dos pacientes apresentaram alteração no perfil lipídico no início do estudo e, 30% ao final, ocorrendo significativa melhora após o AF. Além disso, os níveis de colesterol total apresentaram diminuição favorável após um ano de acompanhamento (206 ± 53 vs. 180 ± 43 mg/dL; P = 0,009). A maioria dos pacientes que apresentou diagnóstico de dislipidemia utilizava medicamentos há pelo menos três meses para o tratamento dessa patologia (estatinas e fibratos). A maioria desses pacientes utilizava os medicamentos de forma correta. CONCLUSÃO: Conclui-se que os pacientes tiveram melhora no seu perfil lipídico após um ano de acompanhamento.
Produtividade de cana soca sem queima em função do uso de gesso e vinhaça
Authors: Carvalho Juliana Mariano , Andreotti Marcelo , Buzetti Salatiér , Carvalho Morel de Passos e
Published: May 2013

A compreensão da influência da palhada de cana-de-açúcar sobre a dinâmica da aplicação de vinhaça e corretivos é essencial para o bom gerenciamento do sistema produtivo. O objetivo da realização deste trabalho foi avaliar os teores de nutrientes do solo, produtividade de colmos e a qualidade tecnológica da cana soca (2º ciclo), em função da aplicação de vinhaça e gesso, em Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo distrófico do noroeste paulista. O trabalho foi desenvolvido com a cultivar RB867515 e o delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições, em esquema fatorial 2x3, ou seja, com e sem gessagem (1,0 t ha-1) e aplicação de vinhaça em três doses: 0,0 m³ ha-1 (testemunha), 100,0 m³ ha-1 e 200,0 m³ ha-1. O uso de gesso incrementou os teores de Ca2+, Mg2+ e SO4(2-) e valores de pH e V%, bem como reduziu os teores de Al3+, nas camadas de 0-0,20 m e 0,20-0,40 m, e aumentou o teor de SO4(2-), na camada de 0,40-0,60 m, aos 180 e 360 dias, respectivamente. A gessagem e a aplicação de vinhaça não resultaram em aumento na produtividade de colmos, ou melhoria da qualidade tecnológica.
Análise econômica da produção de feijão em função de doses de nitrogênio e coberturas vegetais
Authors: Gerlach Gustavo Antonio Xavier , Arf Orivaldo , Corsini Daiene Camila Dias Chaves , Silva Juliano Costa da , Coletti Admar Júnior
Published: May 2013

O nitrogênio é o nutriente aplicado em maior quantidade à cultura do feijão, o mais limitante ao crescimento e desenvolvimento das plantas e o que mais onera o custo de produção. Uma boa opção para o produtor diminuir custos, com a utilização de fertilizantes nitrogenados, é a utilização de plantas de cobertura do solo, também conhecidas como adubos verdes. Assim, este trabalho objetivou avaliar os custos de produção e índices de lucratividade de diferentes tratamentos envolvendo coberturas vegetais e doses de nitrogênio em cobertura, na cultura do feijoeiro irrigado, em sistema plantio direto, nas safras de inverno de 2010 e 2011. O trabalho foi realizado em área experimental localizada no município de Selvíria (MS), em Latossolo Vermelho distrófico típico. Os tratamentos constituíram-se de seis coberturas vegetais (Crotalaria juncea, milheto, guandú, Crotalaria juncea + milheto, guandú + milheto e pousio) e quatro doses de N (0 kg ha-1, 30 kg ha-1, 60 kg ha-1 e 90 kg ha-1). Foram estimados o custo operacional total, receita bruta, lucro operacional, índice de lucratividade, produtividade de equilíbrio e o preço de equilíbrio. Concluiu-se que o uso da Crotalaria juncea, como cobertura vegetal do solo, proporcionou os maiores valores de custo operacional total e lucro operacional e os melhores índices de lucratividade, e que o incremento nas doses de nitrogênio aumentou o custo operacional total, com tendência de aumento na produtividade e, consequentemente, no preço de equilíbrio.
Water resources development in the Cauvery river basin, India
Authors: Stacey David Beresford , Visweswaran V. R.
Published: May 2013

The first centrally planned initiative to secure water for irrigation and control flooding in the Cauvery river basin, India, dates to c. 200 CE when Karikal Cholan constructed the Grand Anicut. The irrigation infrastructure was extended by British military engineers in the nineteenth century when several large barrages and regulators were constructed. In the twentieth century, water demand increased in those parts of the Cauvery basin in the Princely State of Mysore (now in Karnataka) and the Madras Presidency (now in Tamil Nadu). Disagreement between the states over water use was partially resolved by the agreements of 1892 and 1924. Two impressive reservoirs, the Krishnarajasagar in Mysore and the Mettur in the Madras Presidency, were then constructed on the Cauvery river; other smaller reservoirs were built on its tributaries. By 1972 over 1·2 Mha were being irrigated from the Cauvery. Rapid expansion of the irrigable areas, however, renewed the dispute over the use of the Cauvery waters. In 1990, the Cauvery water disputes tribunal was constituted but, despite its rulings, disagreements re-emerge in dry years. The history of the development of water resources in the Cauvery river basin is described in this paper.
Effects of slip on eccentrically loaded multiple-ply girder timber trusses
Authors: Burdzik Walter M. G. , Skorpen Sarah A. , Jansen van Rensburg Karin
Published: May 2013

Recent roof failures in South Africa, of multiple ply nail plated trusses, have necessitated a rethink about the way in which timber trusses are analysed. The authors believe that the relative slip between plies caused by a torsional moment as a result of eccentric loading is a possible reason for some of the failures. The design assumption in South Africa and America is that all the plies share the applied load equally; Eurocode 5 (BS EN 1995-1-1:2004) does not cover the design of multiple ply trusses; and BS 5268-3:2006 recommends additional load factors to be applied to eccentrically loaded truss components with the outer ply being loaded more than the inner plies, as a result of the torsion induced by an out-of-plane eccentricity. In this paper, a matrix stiffness method is used to show that, by ignoring the eccentric loading and relative slip between the trusses, the member and plate force may be underestimated by a factor in excess of two for a three ply girder truss. A single three-ply girder truss test is used to illustrate the merits of the method. The required load factors calculated also show that the magnification factors in BS 5268-3:2006 are lower than they should be.
A methodology to model the variability in pavement performance
Authors: Evdorides Harry , Burrow Michael , Sulaiman Suherman
Published: May 2013

This paper presents a methodology for modelling pavement resilience and provides an insight into the reasons why the prediction of pavement performance may not be accurate by analysing the variability of the parameters used to express pavement performance. The study identifies basic statistical properties that describe the underlying variability of the types of data considered in the development of the pavement performance model form. Thereafter the paper gives a methodology that (a) uses the Monte Carlo data generation technique to develop appropriate performance models and (b) enables the effects of the variability of the model parameters on the performance predicted to the analysed. The analysis of the results shows that, for the data sets examined, the variability of traffic loading significantly influences the pavement performance, the variability of pavement strength is less important, whilst the initial pavement roughness has an insignificant effect on pavement performance. The predictions of performance made by the models developed are assessed quantitatively and it is shown that they are in close agreement with the progression of historical data collected from in-service pavements for both high and low levels of data variability.
A review of design and maintenance guidelines for greenways
Authors: Manton Richard , Clifford Eoghan
Published: May 2013

Ireland's reliance on the private car for transport is having a negative impact on the environment and public health; a modal shift from driving to cycling has the potential to reduce Ireland's carbon dioxide emissions and improve public health. Irish government policy commits to an increase in the modal share of cycling from 2% to 10% and the establishment of a National Cycle Network. In this network, the length of greenways (off-road cycle trails) will be maximised, however, no guidance exists for the design, maintenance or route selection of greenways in Ireland. Furthermore, internationally, while there is diverse literature with guidelines on cycle-route design, to date this has not been collated and reviewed. This paper reviews literature on the route selection, geometric design, pavement structure and maintenance of greenways from Ireland, UK, France, Denmark, USA and Australia. The review is of interest to designers, planners and other stakeholders, and can inform the development of guidelines for the design and maintenance of new greenways such as those proposed as part of the Nation Cycle Network in Ireland.
Mammal predator and prey species richness are strongly linked at macroscales
Authors: Sandom Christopher , Dalby Lars , Fløjgaard Camilla , Kissling W. Daniel , Lenoir Jonathan , Sandel Brody , Trøjelsgaard Kristian , Ejrnæs Rasmus , Svenning Jens-Christian
Published: May 2013

Predator–prey interactions play an important role for species composition and community dynamics at local scales, but their importance in shaping large‐scale gradients of species richness remains unexplored. Here, we use global range maps, structural equation models (SEM), and comprehensive databases of dietary preferences and body masses of all terrestrial, non‐volant mammals worldwide, to test whether (1) prey bottom‐up or predator top‐down relationships are important drivers of broad‐scale species richness gradients once the environment and human influence have been accounted for, (2) predator–prey richness associations vary among biogeographic regions, and (3) body size influences large‐scale covariation between predators and prey. SEMs including only productivity, climate, and human factors explained a high proportion of variance in prey richness (R2 = 0.56) but considerably less in predator richness (R2 = 0.13). Adding predator‐to‐prey or prey‐to‐predator paths strongly increased the explained variance in both cases (prey R2 = 0.79, predator R2 = 0.57), suggesting that predator–prey interactions play an important role in driving global diversity gradients. Prey bottom‐up effects prevailed over productivity, climate, and human influence to explain predator richness, whereas productivity and climate were more important than predator top‐down effects for explaining prey richness, although predator top‐down effects were still significant. Global predator–prey associations were not reproduced in all regions, indicating that distinct paleoclimate and evolutionary histories (Africa and Australia) may alter species interactions across trophic levels. Stronger cross‐trophic‐level associations were recorded within categories of similar body size (e.g., large prey to large predators) than between them (e.g., large prey to small predators), suggesting that mass‐related energetic and physiological constraints influence broad‐scale richness links, especially for large‐bodied mammals. Overall, our results support the idea that trophic interactions can be important drivers of large‐scale species richness gradients in combination with environmental effects.
Fire, humans, and climate: modeling distribution dynamics of boreal forest waterbirds
Authors: Börger Luca , Nudds Thomas D
Published: May 2013

Understanding the effects of landscape change and environmental variability on ecological processes is important for evaluating resource management policies, such as the emulation of natural forest disturbances. We analyzed time series of detection/nondetection data using hierarchical models in a Bayesian multi‐model inference framework to decompose the dynamics of species distributions into responses to environmental variability, spatial variation in habitat conditions, and population dynamics and interspecific interactions, while correcting for observation errors and variation in sampling regimes. We modeled distribution dynamics of 14 waterbird species (broadly defined, including wetland and riparian species) using data from two different breeding bird surveys collected in the Boreal Shield ecozone within Ontario, Canada. Temporal variation in species occupancy (2000–2006) was primarily driven by climatic variability. Only two species showed evidence of consistent temporal trends in distribution: Ring‐necked Duck (Aythya collaris) decreased, and Red‐winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) increased. The models had good predictive ability on independent data over time (1997–1999). Spatial variation in species occupancy was strongly related to the distribution of specific land cover types and habitat disturbance: Fire and forest harvesting influenced occupancy more than did roads, settlements, or mines. Bioclimatic and habitat heterogeneity indices and geographic coordinates exerted negligible influence on most species distributions. Estimated habitat suitability indices had good predictive ability on spatially independent data (Hudson Bay Lowlands ecozone). Additionally, we detected effects of interspecific interactions. Species responses to fire and forest harvesting were similar for 13 of 14 species; thus, forest‐harvesting practices in Ontario generally appeared to emulate the effects of fire for waterbirds over timescales of 10–20 years. Extrapolating to all 84 waterbird species breeding on the Ontario Boreal Shield, however, suggested that up to 30 species may instead have altered (short‐term) distribution dynamics due to forestry practices. Hence, natural disturbances are critical components of the ecology of the boreal forest and forest practices which aim to approximate them may succeed in allowing the maintenance of the associated species, but improved monitoring and modeling of large‐scale boreal forest bird distribution dynamics will be necessary to resolve existing uncertainties, especially on less‐common species.
Human Milk Banking
Authors: O’Hare Esther Marie , Wood Angela , Fiske Elizabeth
Published: May 2013

Forms of human milk banking and donation have been present for more than a century worldwide, but, since 1985, the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA) has established guidelines to make the use of donor’s breast milk safe and the second best form of feeding to maternal breast milk for a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) infant. The Indiana Mother’s Human Milk Bank provides an extensive and meticulous process of selecting breast milk donors. The process begins with a phone interview with a potential donor and includes the review of the donor’s medical records, blood laboratory screening, medication and dietary intake, as well as consent from the donor’s pediatrician. The milk bank follows steps of collecting, storing, and receiving the breast milk in accordance with the guidelines of the HMBANA. Pasteurization is the method used to ensure the proper heating and cooling of breast milk. Despite the rigorous pasteurization method, the donor’s breast milk will not lose most of the important beneficial components needed for sick or ill NICU infants. Every batch of pasteurized breast milk will be cultured for any possible contamination and shipped to NICUs after it has been cleared by laboratory testing.
Neonatal Bioethical Perspectives: Practice Considerations
Authors: Pasarón Raquel
Published: May 2013

Over the past 30 years, there has been a modest improvement in the survival rates of U.S. infants. The public health impact of associated economic and technological advances raises questions regarding neonatal care and end-of-life decisions for those caring for this population. Nurses have an obligation to remain abreast of neonatal ethical standards because they are intimately involved in caring for these patients. Therefore, the aim of this article is to (a) summarize the extant neonatal bioethical literature to appreciate the complex ethical issues that translate into practice challenges, (b) present a framework that guides the assessment of the benefits and burdens of neonatal intensive care in the clinical setting to solicit and provoke dialogue, and (c) provide examples that advocate for educational training for neonatal health care providers in support of ethically sound care to affected families and infants.
Winter Annual Weed Management and Nitrogen Rate Effects on Corn Yield
Authors: Mueller Nathan D. , Ruiz Diaz Dorivar A. , Dille J. Anita , Shoup Doug E. , Mengel David B. , Murray Leigh W.
Published: May 2013

Management of winter annual weeds (WAWs) can affect soil N availability and corn (Zea mays L.) production under no‐till systems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of delaying WAW herbicide applications on N availability and grain yield for no‐till corn following soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Field research was conducted in 2010 and 2011 at 14 sites with naturally‐occurring populations of WAWs in eastern Kansas. A factorial arrangement of three herbicide application dates (November–March, April, and May) and five N rates (0, 17, 34, 67, and 135 kg N ha–1) were used to evaluate the interaction between weed and N response. Corn plant population, soil nitrate‐N, early corn N uptake, chlorophyll meter (CM) readings at silking, and grain yield were measured. Analysis across site‐years, no significant interaction occurred between herbicide application date and N rate for variables measured. Delaying herbicide application until April significantly reduced early corn N uptake by 52 mg N plant–1, CM readings at silking by 3.4%, and grain yield by 0.48 Mg ha–1 across site‐years. Using the N fertilizer equivalence values (based on CM readings and grain yield), an estimated additional 16 to 17 kg N ha–1 was needed if herbicide application was delayed until April. Producers can increase corn N uptake and grain yield for rainfed no‐till corn following soybeans in eastern Kansas by applying herbicides on WAWs before April.
Two‐Chamber, Two‐Gas and One‐Chamber, One‐Gas Methods for Measuring the Soil‐Gas Diffusion Coefficient: Validation and Inter‐calibration
Authors: Schjønning P. , Eden M. , Moldrup P. , de Jonge L.W.
Published: May 2013

We constructed a new two‐chamber device for gas diffusion measurements in the laboratory, where the diffusion process is followed by two counter‐diffusing gases. One of the two chambers of the new apparatus is flushed with Ar, and the diffusion process is started by removing a metal slide separating the chamber from the soil sample. The partial pressure of Ar as well as O2 is time‐lapse monitored in the flush chamber as well as in a passive chamber coupled to the other end of the soil sample. We measured the gas diffusion coefficient for undisturbed and remolded soil when the samples were drained to a matric potential of –300 hPa. Cores of autoclaved, aerated concrete (AAC) were prepared in the sizes fitting the new device as well as an existing one‐chamber apparatus. Gas diffusion was measured through the AAC cores and through simple tubes for both methods. The relative gas diffusivity of Ar and O2 for soil samples in the two‐chamber device closely followed a 1:1 relation, indicating no significant O2 consumption during measurements. The relative diffusivities for the cylindrical tubes were identical to their cross‐sectional area, providing a quantitative assessment of the absolute accuracy. The inter‐calibration of the two methods based on the AAC cores showed no significant difference, and also indicates that the error from not taking the storage aspect into account for the one‐chamber system is negligible for moist soil samples. We consider the new two‐chamber, two‐gas methodology as promising for detailed studies of gas diffusion in soil.
Soil Organic Carbon Assessment at High Vertical Resolution using Closed‐Tube Sampling and Vis‐NIR Spectroscopy
Authors: Doetterl Sebastian , Stevens Antoine , Van Oost Kristof , van Wesemael Bas
Published: May 2013

We provide an alternative to standard soil organic carbon (SOC) measurement methods combining percussion drilling with visible and near‐infrared (Vis‐NIR) reflectance spectroscopic analyses at a very high depth resolution on intact soil cores (151 soil profiles; 3‐cm vertical resolution). Using a small but representative subset of the soil cores that we analyzed for SOC content with dry combustion, we developed chemometric models to predict SOC content for the entire dataset. We show that our approach allows for accurate and repeatable measurements of SOC. It provides detailed SOC information at ∼83% lower costs and reduces labor time by ∼85% compared with a traditional approach at the same vertical resolution. The accuracy of spectroscopic predictions is comparable with standard soil analysis techniques, and hence our approach can represent an operational alternative to reference methods of SOC analysis. However, the method is limited to soils with a low gravel content (less than ∼5% gravel).
Replacing Fallow with Cover Crops in a Semiarid Soil: Effects on Soil Properties
Authors: Blanco-Canqui Humberto , Holman John D. , Schlegel Alan J. , Tatarko John , Shaver Tim M.
Published: May 2013

Replacement of fallow in crop–fallow systems with cover crops (CCs) may improve soil properties. We assessed whether replacing fallow in no‐till winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–fallow with winter and spring CCs for 5 yr reduced wind and water erosion, increased soil organic carbon (SOC), and improved soil physical properties on a Ulysses silt loam (fine‐silty, mixed, superactive, mesic Aridic Haplustolls) in the semiarid central Great Plains. Winter triticale (×Triticosecale Wittm.), winter lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.), spring lentil, spring pea (Pisum sativum L. ssp.), and spring triticale CCs were compared with wheat–fallow and continuous wheat under no‐till management. We also studied the effect of triticale haying on soil properties. Results indicate that spring triticale and spring lentil increased soil aggregate size distribution, while spring lentil reduced the wind erodible fraction by 1.6 times, indicating that CCs reduced the soil's susceptibility to wind erosion. Cover crops also increased wet aggregate stability and reduced runoff loss of sediment, total P, and NO3–N. After 5 yr, winter and spring triticale increased SOC pool by 2.8 Mg ha–1 and spring lentil increased SOC pool by 2.4 Mg ha–1 in the 0‐ to 7.5‐cm depth compared with fallow. Triticale haying compared with no haying for 5 yr did not affect soil properties. Nine months after termination, CCs had, however, no effects on soil properties, suggesting that CC benefits are short lived in this climate. Overall, CCs, grown in each fallow phase in no‐till, can reduce soil erosion and improve soil aggregation in this semiarid climate.
Influence of Carbonation on the Microstructure and Hydraulic Properties of a Basic Oxygen Furnace Slag
Authors: Yilmaz D. , Lassabatere L. , Deneele D. , Angulo-Jaramillo R. , Legret M.
Published: May 2013

Basic oxygen furnace (BOF) slag is considered as a potential alternative construction material and is used here on an experimental plot to accurately quantify the risk of pollutant release. Since pollutant release depends on flow, this initially requires characterizing BOF slag hydraulic properties. These were monitored and estimated at plot scale by carrying out water infiltration experiments and inverse numerical modeling. Monitoring the plot showed that the BOF slag studied crusted at the surface as a result of weathering processes. Numerical inversion proved that the crusted material differed from the unaltered slag in terms of water retention and hydraulic conductivity functions. Although all the data pointed to a decrease in saturated hydraulic conductivity with crusting, the trends depended on the infiltration devices used for the capillary length (tension disc vs. Beerkan). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) microanalysis of laboratory weathering cells and lysimeter measurements were monitored in parallel to study the microstructure more precisely and highlighted a reduction of porosity by clogging. On the basis of SEM observations, two conceptual models of pore reduction, based on two different pore clogging hypotheses, were applied to predict hydraulic properties. This step demonstrated that the effect on water retention and hydraulic conductivity strongly depended on the way precipitated phases form and coat grains and could explain the evolution of the transport properties observed. This study contributes to knowledge on the hydraulic properties of BOF slag and their evolution due to carbonation.
Empowering Clients through E-Health in Healthcare Services: Case Brunei
Authors: Anshari M. , Almunawar M. N. , Low P. K. C. , Al-Mudimigh A. S.
Published: May 2013

The adoption of Web 2.0 in many business sectors is increasing because it offers the ability for customers to have a greater control in generating contents to their personalized web. Customers are empowered in the sense of controlling the process of interaction(s) between a firm with its customers, and among customers themselves. However, providing empowerment in any state of interaction levels to customers (patients) in a healthcare organization is challenging. Many healthcare organizations have adopted empowerment in their e-health scenario; therefore, it needs a mechanism to measure at which level they have implemented empowerment within their organizations. This article proposes three layers of customers' empowerment in e-health systems based on a reference model called Personal Health Cycle (PHC). The layers of empowerment are personal, social, and medical layers respectively. The modular approach is used to simplify healthcare organizations identifying which modules to be adopted in implementing a strategy for customers' empowerment. The model is derived based on recent studies of empowerment in healthcare organizations. A survey also has been conducted in Brunei Darussalam (Brunei) to verify and improve our initial model and to understand the responses of people regarding empowerment in the e-health services. Questions for the survey are derived from the features of the PHC. The respondents reacted positively to the features of empowerment proposed. We use PHC to define and distinguish electronic health record (EHR) from electronic medical record (EMR).
Religion and Beliefs about Treating Medically Unexplained Symptoms: A Survey of Primary Care Physicians and Psychiatrists
Authors: Lawrence Ryan E. , Rasinski Kenneth A. , Yoon John D. , Curlin Farr A.
Published: May 2013

Objective:

Historical evidence and prior research suggest that psychiatry is biased against religion, and religious physicians are biased against the mental health professions. Here we examine whether religious and non-religious physicians differ in their treatment recommendations for a patient with medically unexplained symptoms.

Method:

We conducted a national survey of primary care physicians and psychiatrists. We presented a vignette of a patient with medically unexplained symptoms, and experimentally varied whether the patient was religiously observant. We asked whether physicians would recommend six interventions: antidepressant medication, in-office counseling, referral to a psychiatrist, referral to a psychologist or licensed counselor, participation in meaningful relationships and activities, and involvement in religious community. Predictors included the physician's specialty and the physician's attendance at religious services.

Results:

The response rate was 63% (896 of 1427) primary care physicians and 64% (312 of 487) psychiatrists. We did not find evidence that religious physicians were less likely to recommend mental health resources, nor did we find evidence that psychiatrists were less likely to recommend religious involvement. Primary care physicians (but not psychiatrists) were more likely to recommend that the patient get more involved in their religious community when the patient was more religiously observant, and when the physician more frequently attended services.

Conclusions:

We did not find evidence that mental health professionals are biased against religion, nor that religious physicians are biased against mental health professionals. Historical tensions are potentially being replaced by collaboration.
Diagnostic Criteria for Major Depressive Disorder in Cancer Patients: A Review
Authors: Guan Ng Chong , Sulaiman Ahmad Hatim , Zainal Nor Zuraida , Boks Marco P. M. , de Wit Niek J.
Published: May 2013

Objectives:

The lack of universal criteria makes diagnosing clinical depression in cancer patients a challenging task. We therefore review the current state of evidence regarding such diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder in cancer patients.

Methods:

We conducted a literature search for studies which compare two or more sets of diagnostic criteria for depression in cancer patients. The results were extracted and summarized.

Results:

Three original studies were included in this review. One study supported the use of substitutive (Endicott) criteria. Another study showed the potential of an increased threshold approach and one had no conclusive findings.

Conclusion:

There was no standard reference test and precise definition of alternative criteria in these studies. There are no recognized diagnostic criteria for depression in cancer patients despite an apparent need for such criteria.
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in CKD
Authors: Garg Neha , Thomas George , Jackson Gregory , Rickard John , Nally Joseph V. , Tang W.H. Wilson , Navaneethan Sankar D.
Published: May 2013

Background

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) confers morbidity and mortality benefits to selected patients with heart failure. This systematic review examined effects of CRT in CKD patients (estimated GFR [eGFR] <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2).

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

MEDLINE and Scopus (from 1990 to December 2012) and conference proceedings abstracts were searched for relevant observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Studies comparing the following outcomes were included: (1) CKD patients with and without CRT and (2) CKD patients with CRT to non-CKD patients with CRT. Mortality, eGFR, and left ventricular ejection fraction data were extracted and pooled when appropriate using a random-effects model.

Results

Eighteen studies (14 observational studies and 4 RCTs) were included. There was a modest improvement in eGFR with CRT among CKD patients (mean difference 2.30 ml/min per 1.73m2; 95% confidence interval, 0.33 to 4.27). Similarly, there was a significant improvement in left ventricular ejection with CRT in CKD patients (mean difference 6.24%; 95% confidence interval, 3.46 to 9.07). Subgroup analysis of three RCTs reported lower rates of death or hospitalization for heart failure with CRT (versus other therapy) in the CKD population. Survival outcomes of CKD patients (compared with the non-CKD population) with CRT differed among observational studies and RCTs.

Conclusions

CRT improves left ventricular and renal function in the CKD population with heart failure. Given the increasing use of cardiac devices, further studies examining the effects of CRT on mortality in CKD patients, particularly those with advanced kidney disease, are warranted.
Optical, structural and electrical properties of nanosized zinc oxide sintered films for photovoltaic applications
Authors: Kumar V. , Dwivedi D.K. , Agrawal P.
Published: May 2013

Zinc oxide films have been deposited on ultra-clean glass substrates by
screenprinting method followed by sintering process. Optimum conditions for
preparing good quality screen-printed films have been found. The optical band
gap of the films has been studied using reflection spectra in wavelength
range 325-600 nm by using double beam spectrophotometer. X-ray diffraction
studies revealed that the films are polycrystalline in nature, single phase
exhibiting wurtzite (hexagonal) structure with strong preferential
orientation of grains along the (101) direction. Surface morphology of films
has been studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique. The
electrical resistivity of the films was measured in vacuum by two probe
technique. PACS: 78.20.Ci; 78.50.Ge; 78.66.-w; 78.66.Hf.
Research on the influence of manganese content of physical and chemical characteristics iron-based sintered products
Authors: Ionici C. , Dobrota D.
Published: May 2013

In this paper are presented results obtained from the elaboration of
different types of sintered steels alloyed with manganese content of
manganese featuring up to 5% (Fe-0Mn, 1Mn Fe, Fe-2Mn, Fe-3Mn, Fe-4Mn,
Fe-5Mn). The main physico-chemical characteristics determined for sintered
steels alloyed with manganese in the paper refer to the apparent density and
fluidity mixtures, but also the dimensional changes, respectively the mass
variation in sintering. Also in this paper it is presented the
microstructure of sintered steels Fe-Mn, with contents of 1?5% Mn.
The influence of Zn containing components on the synthesis of Z-phase
Authors: Baltakys M. , Siauciunas R. , Jauberthie R. , Baltakys K.
Published: May 2013

The influence of Zn containing compounds on the formation of Z-phase during
hydrothermal treatment at 200?C temperature was investigated. The molar ratio
of primary mixtures was CaO/(SiO2 + ZnO) = 0.55 and ZnO/(SiO2 + ZnO) = 0;
0.025 (it corresponds 2.27 % ZnO in the mixture). Compounds containing Zn2+
ions were used: soluble in water Zn(NO3)2?6H2O and insoluble in water
5ZnO?2CO2?4H2O. It was determined that the formation of Z-phase increases
approximately twice due to influence of Zn2+ ions from the mixture. The high
crystalline compound formed after 4 hours, while in the mixtures without
additives - after 8 h of hydrothermal synthesis at 200?C temperature.
Moreover, Zn2+ ions penetrate into Z-phase crystal lattice by exchanging Ca2+
ions. It was observed that insoluble 5ZnO?2CO2?4H2O additive has no essential
influence on the begining of Z-phase formation, but it promotes Z-phase
recrystallization into gyrolite. The products were characterized using X-ray
powder diffraction, simultaneous thermal analysis, FT-IR spectra and scanning
electron microscopy.
Pore geometry of ceramic device: The key factor of drug release kinetics
Authors: Colovic B. , Milivojevic D. , Babic-Stojic B. , Jokanovic V.
Published: May 2013

Release kinetics of tigecycline, a potential antibiotic in treatment of
osteomyelitis, from calcium hydroxyapatite (CHA), as one of the most
important ceramic materials in bone tissue engineering, was investigated in
this study. Tigecycline, in solid state, was mixed with CHA powder and the
obtained mixture was compressed into tablets using two different pressures.
These tablets were immersed in a phosphate-buffered saline solution and
tigecycline release was measured by a UV-VIS spectrophotometer. The total
release time was 5 or 28 days, depending on the pressure applied during
compression. It was shown that there is a close relationship between pore
sizes and drug release rate. The drug release kinetics was interpreted on the
base of pore sizes and pore size distribution.
Effects of wobbling angle on the stability measures of orthodontic mini-implants during insertion and removal procedures
Authors: Cho Il-Sik , Baek Sang-Ho , Kim Young Ho
Published: May 2013

Objective:

To investigate the effects of wobbling angle on the stability measures of orthodontic mini-implants (OMIs) during insertion and removal procedures in artificial bone blocks.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 36 OMIs (self-drilling type, cylindrical shape, 7 mm in length, 1.45 mm in diameter) were allocated into three groups according to the amount of wobbling angle (W-0°, W-2°, and W-4° groups; N = 12 per group). The OMIs were installed and subsequently removed from artificial bone blocks (Sawbone) using a driving torque tester with a uniform speed of 28 rpm. Insertion peak time (IPT), maximum insertion torque (MIT), total insertion energy (TIE), near-peak insertion energy (NPIE), maximum removal torque (MRT), and near-peak removal energy (NPRE) were measured.

Results:

The W-4° group showed the longest IPT and highest TIE and NPIE, followed by the W-2° and W-0° groups (W-0° < W-2° < W-4°, all P < .001). The W-2° and W-4° groups showed significant increase in MIT compared with the W-0° group (W-0° < [W-4°,W-2°]; P < .001). Although there was no significant difference in NPRE among the three groups, the W-4° group showed a decrease in MRT compared with the W-0° and W-2° groups (W-4° < {W-2°,W-0°]; P < .05). Although the W-4° group showed a 14.5% (2.9 Ncm) increase in MIT compared with the W-0° group, there was only a 6% (1.3 Ncm) decrease in MRT from the W-0° group to the W-4° group.

Conclusion:

Slight wobbling during the OMI insertion procedure may be acceptable in terms of the stability measures of OMIs during insertion and removal procedures.
University Students' Exercise Behavioral Regulation, Motives, and Physical Fitness
Authors: Sibley Benjamin A. , Hancock Lee , Bergman Shawn M.
Published: May 2013

This study examined relationships between exercise motives, exercise behavioral regulations, and physical fitness in college students. It was hypothesized that more intrinsic motives and more self-determined regulations would be associated with better fitness. Exercise motives of students participating in physical activity classes ( N = 194) were assessed using the Motives for Physical Activity Measure–Revised (MPAM–R) and behavioral regulations were assessed with the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire 2 (BREQ–2). Aerobic fitness was assessed using the PACER run test, and body composition was assessed using hand-held, bio-electric impedance analyzers. MPAM–R and BREQ–2 subscales were regressed onto the two fitness measures. For the MPAM–R, stronger competence and fitness motives predicted better fitness and stronger appearance motives predicted worse fitness. For the BREQ–2, higher intrinsic motivation predicted better aerobic fitness, and stronger, introjected regulation predicted higher body fat composition. These findings have implications for fitness professionals and physical educators.
Sensory Processing and Motor Skill Performance in Elementary School Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Liu Ting
Published: May 2013

Research to examine both sensory processing and motor skill performance in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is limited. This study assessed whether children with ASD would show sensory and motor delays compared to typically developing children and examined the relationship between sensory processing and motor performance. 32 children diagnosed with ASD were assessed using the Short Sensory Profile (SSP) and the Movement ABC–2 (MABC–2). The SSP measures children's sensory processing in daily life and the MABC–2 measures children's fine and gross motor skill performance. Overall, the samples' scores on the SSP indicated atypical sensory processing and scores on the MABC–2 showed poorer fine and gross motor performance as compared to age-matched norms. Furthermore, the samples' scores for sensory processing were positively correlated with their motor performance. The results suggest that fine and gross motor difficulties of children with ASD may be related to their delayed sensory processing to visual, auditory, tactile, and movement stimuli, and that this hypothesis needs to be tested in future research.
Interaction of Pitch and Duration Processing by Non-Musicians in Reading Musical Notation
Authors: Lee Horng-Yih
Published: May 2013

To study the relation of pitch and duration processing in reading musical notation, a Stroop-like task was used by 20 non-musicians. A probe display was presented before each target note. Participants were required to process the tonal and metric information of the probe and then to make a match or mismatch decision between probe and target. The target's color informed participants which dimension (pitch or duration) required analysis. The congruity of the irrelevant dimension of the target was manipulated to examine the effect on the relevant dimension. The interference effect of the irrelevant dimension on the relevant dimension was obvious for number of errors and reaction times. This result is consistent with pitch and duration being processed interdependently and reconciles with the theory of dynamic attention.
Ability to Discriminate Movements at Multiple Joints around the Body: Global or Site-Specific
Authors: Han Jia , Adams Roger , Waddington Gordon , Anson Judith
Published: May 2013

This study tested whether proprioceptive discrimination of movement is a global, general ability, or an attribute that is specific to the joint tested. 40 right-handed, healthy, young adults (19 men, 21 women; M age = 20.4 yr., SD = 1.7) volunteered. A battery of versions of the Active Movement Extent Discrimination Apparatus (AMEDA) were employed to generate the stimuli for movements of different extents at the ankle, knee, spine, shoulder, and finger; discrimination accuracy scores were derived from participants' responses. No significant correlations were found between the discrimination scores from the five sites (all rs ≤ .21, all ps ≥ .20). This finding extends a previous report of non-significantly correlated proprioception test scores at two lower limb sites, and the findings taken together suggest that rather than proprioception being a global, general ability, sensitivity to the proprioception that underlies movement control is site-specific.
Difference in Children's Gross Motor Skills between Two Types of Preschools
Authors: Chow Bik C. , Louie Lobo H. T.
Published: May 2013

The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of preschool type (public vs private) on motor skill performance in 239 (121 boys, 118 girls) preschool children ages 3 to 6.5 yr. Preschoolers were tested on 12 fundamental motor skills from the Test of Gross Motor Development–Second Edition and 11 anthropometrics (body height, weight, Body Mass Index, waist and hip girths, and body segment lengths). Analysis of variance controlled for anthropometrics and age indicated that children from private preschools performed better on locomotor skills than those from public preschools. However, no difference was found in object control skills. The results suggest that performance of locomotor skills by preschool children is affected by their schools' physical environment.