bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
As universidades federais mineiras estão-se tornando mais desiguais?Análise da produção de pesquisa científica e conhecimento (2000-2008)
Authors: Chiarini Tulio , Vieira Karina Pereira
Published: November 2012

As instituições de ensino superior são importantes para a capacitação profissional, bem como para a geração de conhecimento científico, o que é fundamental para o avanço na fronteira de conhecimento. A liderança da UFMG e da UFV encontra respaldo em indicadores históricos que são apresentados no decorrer deste trabalho, tais como a participação de programas de mestrado e/ou doutorado, a participação de doutores permanentes, a proporção de pesquisadores registrados no Diretório do CNPq e a proporção de grupos de pesquisa registrados no Diretório do CNPq. Por essa razão, justificou-se a separação das instituições de ensino superior federais de Minas Gerais em dois grupos para efeitos de análise: um grupo classificado como relativamente mais expressivo na produção de conhecimento científico (constituído pela UFMG e pela UFV) e outro classificado como relativamente menos expressivo na produção de conhecimento científico (constituído pelas demais instituições de ensino superior federais de Minas Gerais, ou seja, CEFET/MG, UFJF, UFLA, UFOP, UFSJ, UFTM, UFU, UFVJM, UNIFAL e UNIFEI). A partir da concepção hipotética desses dois grupos, foi possível verificar a trajetória de estreitamento/afastamento entre os agentes que os compõem no que se refere a alguns indicadores básicos de produção de conhecimento: a) grupos de pesquisa por universidade; b) pesquisadores por universidade; e c) publicações por universidade. Utilizou-se o índice de desigualdade T de Theil para o período 2000-2008.
Potenciais dificuldades e facilidades na educação de alunos com deficiência intelectual
Authors: Santos Daísy Cléia Oliveira dos
Published: November 2012

Quando o assunto é o ensino escolar dos alunos com deficiência intelectual, não é raro o questionamento sobre o modo de trabalhar com tais alunos. Para tanto, este artigo procura apresentar uma descrição e uma compreensão acerca das características da deficiência intelectual em relação ao quadro principal de prejuízo cognitivo (as funções intelectuais) e adaptativo (as funções sociais, emocionais e práticas), para, então, definir as possibilidades da prática pedagógica no contexto escolar. O estudo foi construído a partir de uma pesquisa bibliográfica sobre a área da deficiência intelectual, dos transtornos da aprendizagem e do desenvolvimento, da inclusão escolar e do ensino especializado. Embora a deficiência intelectual seja um desafio no ensino escolar em face de seu objetivo curricular, tanto na sala de aula comum quanto no atendimento educacional especializado, é possível estabelecer um contexto pedagógico prolífico tendo em vista os objetivos educacionais de desenvolvimento pessoal e formação acadêmico-profissional, cultural e cidadã. Portanto, fato é que a didática no ensino do aluno com deficiência intelectual precisa ser específica não só em relação às peculiaridades do quadro da deficiência, como também em relação à individualidade de cada sujeito. De qualquer modo, mesmo que a deficiência intelectual não permita sua reversão completa, uma vez que consiste em um desenvolvimento neurológico deficitário, avanços escolares são possíveis.
La percepción social hacia las personas con síndrome de Down: la escala EPSD-1
Authors: Molina Saorín Jesús , Nunes Corredeira Rui Manuel , Vallejo Ruiz Mónica
Published: November 2012

En esta investigación, financiada por varias entidades, hemos diseñado un instrumento que permite conocer la percepción que tienen los estudiantes universitarios de Educación Física sobre las personas con síndrome de Down. Al instrumento lo hemos denominado escala de Pecepción Social hacia las personas con síndrome de Down EPSD-1, y en su diseño se recogen importantes variables psicosociales, al tiempo que se busca dar cuenta de sus propiedades para aplicarla a otros contextos. Tras un análisis factorial, ofrecemos diez grandes factores que abordan temas como la exclusión social de las personas con síndrome de Down, su autonomía e independencia, sus relaciones afectivo-sexuales, su aceptación social y educativa, su integración, la actitud familiar, la formación docente y el proteccionismo social hacia estas personas. La muestra inicial la componen 1.796 participantes y los resultados indican que se trata de un instrumento fiable y válido para su aplicación. Esta escala resulta de gran utilidad en el ámbito de las Ciencias Sociales, ofreciendo una relación latente con respecto a la formación inicial que, desde la universidad, se ofrece a los estudiantes universitarios. Mediante una metodología cuantitativa, los resultados muestran que sus propiedades psicométricas son altamente satisfactorias, motivo por el cual sugerimos realizar nuevos estudios longitudinales y transversales a partir de su uso aplicado a diferentes poblaciones, con objeto de profundizar sobre la percepción social hacia las personas con síndrome de Down, aportando datos sobre la tendencia y evolución al respecto en los últimos años.
Propriedades de pasta de amidos de arroz nativo e acetilados
Authors: Bartz Josiane , Madruga Karina Medeiros , Klein Bruna , Pinto Vânia Zanella , Dias Álvaro Renato Guerra
Published: November 2012

O amido de arroz apresenta características favoráveis a muitas aplicações industriais; no entanto, a natureza hidrofílica do amido na forma nativa pode apresentar algumas limitações para determinados tipos de processamento. Neste estudo, amido de arroz com médio teor de amilose foi acetilado sob catálise alcalina em duas condições reacionais para produzir acetatos de amido com diferentes graus de substituição (GS). A introdução de grupos acetila ao amido foi confirmada por espectroscopia de infravermelho com transformada de Fourier (FT-IV) e os acetatos de amido produzidos foram avaliados quanto às suas propriedades de pasta em viscoamilógrafo (RVA). A acetilação ocasionou reduções em todas as propriedades de pasta avaliadas (temperatura de pasta, viscosidade mínima, pico de viscosidade, viscosidade final e tendência à retrogradação), sendo a redução mais intensa no amido acetilado com maior GS.
Programa de boas práticas em domicílios da cidade de Santa Maria - RS
Authors: Deon Barbara Cecconi , Hecktheuer Luiza Helena , Etchepare Mariana Araújo , Naissinger Maritiele , Sacool Silvana
Published: November 2012

Os alimentos preparados nos domicílios têm grande influência na ocorrência de surtos de Doenças Transmitidas por Alimentos, como resultado de falhas higiênicas na manipulação dos alimentos. Dessa forma, este trabalho teve como objetivo desenvolver e aplicar um programa educativo sobre boas práticas na manipulação de alimentos nos domicílios. O estudo foi realizado em 615 domicílios da cidade de Santa Maria-RS, no ano de 2011, e foi dividido em três etapas: diagnóstico; elaboração e aplicação do programa educativo; avaliação do acesso ao programa. Verificou-se que 49% da amostra pesquisada teve acesso ao programa educativo e a região nordeste do município de Santa Maria-RS foi a que acompanhou o programa com mais frequência. A partir dos resultados, sugere-se a necessidade de continuidade de programas no processo de conscientização da população, visto que os domicílios são um elo fundamental na cadeia alimentar para prevenir as doenças de origem alimentar, buscando-se, assim, a melhoria da qualidade de vida da coletividade.
Polifenóis totais e avaliação sensorial de suco de uvas Isabel tratadas com ultrassom
Authors: Comarella Carine Glaucia , Sautter Claudia Kaehler , Ebert Leandro Correia , Penna Neidi Garcia
Published: November 2012

O suco de uva no Brasil é um produto amplamente consumido por suas características sensoriais e nutricionais; porém, tratamentos durante o seu processamento podem ocasionar perdas de compostos fenólicos importantes na definição dessas características. O ultrassom é apontado como um possível elicitor desses compostos, visto que o estresse mecânico provocado por cavitação acústica e microagitação estimula respostas de defesa na planta que levam à síntese dessas substâncias. Neste estudo, diferentes densidades de potência (53 e 113 W.cm-2) e tempos de exposição (1, 5 e 10 minutos) de ultrassom foram aplicados em uvas Isabel e seu efeito sobre o conteúdo de polifenóis totais e o aspecto sensorial dos sucos foi avaliado. O ultrassom causou um acréscimo de até 83% no teor de polifenóis totais, melhorando também as características sensoriais dos sucos, tendo sido estes os preferidos pelos provadores.
Impact of brackets on smile esthetics: laypersons and orthodontists perception
Authors: Oliveira Seandra Cordeiro de , Furquim Rachel D'Aurea , Ramos Adilson Luiz
Published: November 2012

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the influence of orthodontic appliances on smile esthetics assessed by lay adolescents, lay adults and orthodontists. METHODS: A facial photograph of a smiling young woman was used under the following conditions: With metal orthodontic brackets ligated by different elastic ligature colors (green, red and gray), with ceramic bracket brackets (transparent elastic ligature) and without brackets, totaling five 15 x 20 cm pictures. For the photograph assessment, 16 lay adolescents, 16 lay adults and 16 orthodontists were randomly selected. The photographs were randomly arranged in an album, followed by a visual analog scale (VAS) for the scores registration. Scores in both evaluations of each group of evaluators (adolescents, adults and orthodontists) were submitted to error analysis by WILCOXON test and multiple comparison among groups performed by Kruskal - Wallis at 5% significance. RESULTS: Orthodontists, adults and adolescents agreed in their opinions, although the orthodontists gave lower scores in their assessments. It could be observed that ceramic brackets were more acceptable concerning the smile esthetics, whereas the metal brackets received the lowest scores. CONCLUSION: Orthodontists, adults and even adolescents seem to prefer esthetic solutions during orthodontic treatment.
The ability of orthodontists and laypeople in the perception of gradual reduction of dentogingival exposure while smiling
Authors: Barros Elaine Cristina da Silva , Carvalho Marielly Damiana Oliveira de , Mello Karina Corrêa Flexa Ribeiro , Botelho Patrícia , Normando David
Published: November 2012

OBJECTIVE: To assess differences in how orthodontists and laypersons perceive a reduction in dentogingival display on smiling. METHODS: Sixty examiners from both genders (30 laypersons and 30 orthodontists) evaluated photographs of spontaneous smiles of two subjects , one male and one female. Based on the original images, smile height was modified by means of an image manipulation software program. The examiners assigned scores ranging from 0 to 10, according to the level of pleasantness. Method reproducibility was examined using the Wilcoxon test, while the Friedman and Wilcoxon tests (p < 0.05) were employed to observe intra- and interexaminer differences, respectively. RESULTS: No differences were found between the groups of examiners - in terms of esthetics - in response to changes in smile height of both genders . However,men smile had lower acceptability than the women smile. A mild reduction in dentogingival display on smiling (2 mm) was not perceived by either laypersons or orthodontists (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: women smiles achieved higher scores than men smiles however, samples involving a larger number of subjects in each group are required to ensure whether or not this finding is linked to the subjects gender.
Esthetic perception and economic value of orthodontic appliances by lay Brazilian adults
Authors: Feu Daniela , Catharino Fernanda , Duplat Candice Belchior , Capelli Junior Jonas
Published: November 2012

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the esthetic perception of different appliances by Brazilian lay adults and its influence in the attributed value of orthodontic treatment, considering evaluators' socioeconomic status, age and gender. METHODS: Eight different combinations of orthodontic appliances and clear tray aligners were placed in a consenting adult with pleasing smile. Standardized frontal photographs were captured and incorporated into a research album. A sample of adults (n = 252, median = 26 years old) were asked to rate each image for (1) its attractiveness on a visual analog scale and (2) the willingness to pay (WTP) for a cosmetic appliance when compared to a standard metalic appliance and a clear tray aligner. Comparisons between the appliances' attractiveness were performed using the Friedman's test and Dann's post-hoc test. Correlation between appliances' attributed value, socioeconomic status, age, gender, and esthetic perception was assessed using Spearman's correlation analysis. RESULTS: Attractiveness ratings of orthodontic appliances varied significantly in the following hierarchy: Clear aligners>sapphire brackets>self-ligating/conventional stainless steel brackets>and golden metal appliances. The correlation between WTP and esthetic perception was week. However, for individuals with better socioeconomic status and aged between 17-26 years old significantly, a significantly higher WTP was found. CONCLUSION: Clear aligners and sapphire brackets with esthetic archwire were considered better esthetic options in this sample. Nevertheless, patients were not willing to pay more money for appliances they deemed more esthetic, however, they were significantly influenced by their socioeconomic level and age.
Influence of buccal corridor dimension on smile esthetics
Authors: Nascimento Diana Cunha , Santos Êmeli Rodrigues dos , Machado Andre Wilson Lima , Bittencourt Marcos Alan Vieira
Published: November 2012

OBJECTIVE: To assess the influence of buccal corridor width on smile esthetics of male and female, Caucasian and Afro-descendant subjects by means of digitally manipulated photographs, as well as compare assessments of full-face view (FFV) and close-up view of the mouth (CUVM) images. METHODS: Facial photographs were taken of four adults' smile, two Caucasians and two Afro-descendants of both genders. The resulting images were digitally manipulated with the aim of rendering - from each original smile - three other smiles simulating three different buccal corridor widths, namely, narrow, medium width and wide. The rendered images, 12 of which portraying FFVs and 12 providing CUVMs, were assessed by 60 examiners who rated the attractiveness of each smile by means of a visual analog scale (VAS). The data were treated with ANOVA and Tukey's post test to compare the different buccal corridors, and Student's t test to compare the two image views (FFV and CUVM). RESULTS: Medium width buccal corridors were considered the most attractive in the four individuals investigated, both in the assessment of FFVs and CUVMs (p < 0.05). Comparison between the narrow and wide buccal corridors, in general, showed no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05). Furthermore, no statistically significant difference was found between the analyses of FFVs and CUVMs (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The buccal corridor exercised a remarkable influence on smile esthetics, with the medium width group being rated as the most attractive. No influence was exerted by the individuals' face, ethnicity or gender.
Capture, analysis and measurement of images of speech and smile dynamics
Authors: Cosendey Vera Lúcia , Drummond Stephanie , Capelli Junior Jonas
Published: November 2012

INTRODUCTION: Dynamic analysis of smile and speech makes it easier to identify the features that define facial esthetics while allowing researchers to study different variables and observe the effects of aging. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to present a method for capturing, analyzing and measuring video images to support the study of speech and smile dynamics. METHODS: Natural head positioning was standardized with the aid of a head holder (cephalostat). Image acquisition is performed with a video camera attached to a tripod, positioned at a fixed distance of 0.90 m. The subjects are trained to say out loud: "Tia Ema torcia pelo antigo time da Tchecoslováquia" and then to smile. The resulting images are fragmented and yielded four pictures that best represent a resting position, the least exposure of maxillary incisors, the greatest exposure of upper and lower incisors, and a posed smile. A freeware computer program called VIDEOMED was used to carry out measurements. CONCLUSION: The method presented in this study is an effective resource to record images captured during rest, speech and smile, thereby enabling a better understanding of changes in perioral soft tissues.
Flexural performance of fibrous concrete with cement additions
Authors: Kaur Gurbir , Singh Surinder Pal , Kaushik Surendra Kumar
Published: November 2012

The paper presents the ongoing experimental work on flexural behaviour of steel fibre reinforced concrete containing cement additions such as fly ash, limestone powder, silica fume and metakaolin, added in binary and ternary blends. The mechanical properties, namely, compressive strength, flexural strength and flexural toughness were evaluated for all mix combinations. The flexural toughness parameters were determined for comparative evaluation of different concrete mixes by different methods viz. ASTM C1018, Japanese Concrete Institute (JCI) method, ASTM C 1609/C 1609M, post crack strength method. The results have witnessed the enhanced toughness performance of metakaolin based concretes as compared to silica fume based concretes. Additionally, preliminary results examining the probability distributions of fatigue life of limestone powder based mixes have also been presented at the end.
The Ruby Bay bypass – the project that pushed the boundaries
Authors: Orr Joanna
Published: November 2012

The Ruby Bay bypass is a new highway at the top of the South Island, New Zealand. During construction a number of initiatives were put in place to challenge the design, push the boundaries and deliver beyond expectations. These initiatives involved ‘smart planning’ – a partnering group of key stakeholders; ‘smart performance’ to increase productivity; and ‘smart outcomes’ to complete ahead of time and below budget. The project team focused on community, especially local Māori (indigenous New Zealanders), relations and environmental outcomes owing to the sensitive working environment. The completed project has significantly improved levels of service and safety, and reduced traffic volumes on the bypassed highway.
Accessibility of urban spaces for visually impaired pedestrians
Authors: Norgate Sarah H.
Published: November 2012

An ageing demographic together with the predicted increase in visual impairment of older people calls for a renewed consideration of the accessibility and social inclusivity of urban spaces. This paper synthesises the evidence on this topic and highlights areas for future development relating to the accessibility of urban areas for older, blind and partially sighted pedestrians in the light of recommendations and statements by the World Health Organisation's ‘Age friendly’ cities initiative, Guide Dogs UK and the Department of Transport's shared spaces local transport note.
Briefing: Recent developments in pavement energy harvest systems
Authors: Ferreira Adelino Jorge Lopes
Published: November 2012

This briefing describes recent developments in pavement energy harvest systems and a research project, currently being undertaken by the University of Coimbra in Portugal, in which the aim is to test different systems for harvesting energy from pavements.
Fully three-dimensional vehicle dynamics over rough pavement
Authors: Oliva Javier , Goicolea José M. , Astiz Miguel Á. , Antolín Pablo
Published: November 2012

Simplified vehicle models are usually employed when studying the dynamic effects of road traffic: quarter-car, one-dimensional vertical and two-dimensional longitudinal models are the most common. Furthermore, when complete three-dimensional vehicles are modelled, the differences between the road roughness under the four wheels at each time instant that arise from the time lag between front and rear tyres and from the difference between the profiles under left and right tyres are frequently neglected. The influence of employing simplified models and neglecting those differences has been analysed by means of a three-dimensional truck model. If simple models are utilized or differences between the four wheels are not considered, accelerations in the vehicle body are overestimated, which may lead to an incorrect evaluation of the passengers' comfort. It has also been found that the vertical dynamic load applied by a tyre to the pavement depends not only on the profile under that wheel but also on the profile under the other wheels, mainly under the one on the same axle.
Getting the East London line railway project, UK, into passenger service
Authors: Stubbs Michael
Published: November 2012

The success of a large infrastructure project is primarily measured from the way it is brought into use. The Heathrow Terminal 5 construction was considered to be a very successful project in the way it was delivered; however, it is remembered unfortunately for the serious operational issues that occurred in the first few days of use by staff and passengers. The East London line railway project, UK was a £1 billion investment by Transport for London to add a fifth line to the already existing London Overground system that Transport for London created in 2007. This paper addresses how the TfL project team used system engineering principles drawn from international industry standards with the objective to plan, define, deliver, commission, assure and transfer into successful operations and maintenance. It concludes from the successful delivery of the resulting project that system engineering principles should be used throughout such a project to ensure there is proper control through the project life cycle and provide certainty of outcome.
East London line enabling works contracts
Authors: Place David , Huggard Richard , Ellis Simon
Published: November 2012

Construction of phase 1 of the new London Overground East London line was completed in 2010. Two enabling works contracts preceded the main contract for the construction of the railway. This paper gives the historical background of the old railway structures in east London that have been brought back into use for the new railway, and describes the many different forms of refurbishment or replacement that had to be undertaken to bring the old infrastructure up to modern standards.
Aligning ecology and markets in the forest carbon cycle
Authors: Hurteau Matthew D , Hungate Bruce A , Koch George W , North Malcolm P , Smith Gordon R
Published: November 2012

A forest carbon (C) offset is a quantifiable unit of C that is commonly developed at the local or regional project scale and is designed to counterbalance anthropogenic C emissions by sequestering C in trees. In cap‐and‐trade programs, forest offsets have market value if the sequestered C is additional (more than would have occurred in the absence of the project) and permanent (sequestered within the project boundary for a specified period of time). Local management and ecological context determine the rate of C sequestration, risk of loss, and hence the market value. An understanding of global C dynamics can inform policy but may not be able to effectively price an ecosystem service, such as C sequestration. Appropriate pricing requires the assistance of ecologists to assess C stock abundance and stability over spatial and temporal scales appropriate for the regional market. We use the risk that sequestered C will be emitted as a result of wildfire (reversal risk) to show how ecological context can influence market valuation in offset programs.
Parameterizing a Coupled Surface–Subsurface Three‐Dimensional Soil Hydrological Model to Evaluate the Efficiency of a Runoff Water Harvesting Technique
Authors: Verbist K.M.J. , Pierreux S. , Cornelis W.M. , McLaren R. , Gabriels D.
Published: November 2012

Tools are needed to quantitatively evaluate the efficiency of water harvesting techniques in dryland environments under a wide range of climatic and soil physical conditions. In a case study for the arid zone of Chile, a detailed water balance was calculated using a coupled surface–subsurface hydrological model (HydroGeoSphere). In a first step, the model was parameterized with detailed runoff and soil water content data collected during simulated rainfall to calibrate surface and subsurface flow processes simultaneously, using six responsive parameters identified by a global sensitivity analysis. The calibrated model accurately reproduced observed soil moisture contents (R2 = 0.92) and runoff amounts (R2 = 0.97), and represented the overflowing infiltration trench, which is a clear improvement over existing frameworks that do not consider surface‐subsurface flow interactions. A comparative analysis with a natural slope demonstrated that the trench was efficient in capturing runoff under high rainfall intensities, such as the one simulated, resulting in a significant decrease (46%) of runoff. In the final section, a detailed water balance of the trench was calculated for four characteristic years with increasing precipitation. Significant differences in the water balance components were only observed for the very wet year (with a return period of 67 yr), where 64% of the potential runoff was effectively harvested and stored in the soil profile. As such, this test case shows the ability of HydroGeoSphere to adequately represent the water balance components of a runoff water harvesting technique and shows its potential to become an effective tool for optimal water harvesting design, while taking both soil physical and climatic constraints into account.
Richards Equation–Based Modeling to Estimate Flow and Nitrate Transport in a Deep Alluvial Vadose Zone
Authors: Botros Farag E. , Onsoy Yuksel S. , Ginn Timothy R. , Harter Thomas
Published: November 2012

Heterogeneity in unsaturated soils and sediments is well known to exist at different scales, from microscopic scale to macroscopic scale. Characterization of different types of heterogeneity in deep vadose zones is challenging because of the usual lack of information at such sites. In this paper, we considered a site with detailed geological, chemical, and hydraulic properties measurements throughout an approximately 16‐m deep vadose zone consisting of unconsolidated, alluvial deposits typical for the alluvial fans of the eastern San Joaquin Valley, California. At the agricultural site, data were also available for a 7‐yr long field fertilization experiment that we used to independently estimate the amount of nitrate stored within the vadose zone at the end of the experiment. Simple mass balance calculations were performed and compared to six conceptually different two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional vadose zone numerical models that were implemented to represent varying degrees of hierarchical details of heterogeneity. Despite widely differing structure and heterogeneity of unsaturated flow, all models resulted in a narrow range of estimated nitrate storage in the deep vadose zone for near‐cyclically repeated water and nitrogen fertilizer applications. Simulated nitrate storage was found to be approximately six to eight times larger than the measured storage at the field. Simulated nitrate variability, while qualitatively similar in pattern, was considerably lower than measured, despite the large simulated hydraulic variability. This study underscores that physical heterogeneity of deep vadose zones may have limited effects on the transfer of conservative contaminants applied repeatedly to the land surface. It also raises questions about our understanding of the chemical fate of nitrate in the vadose zone; and suggests the presence of a significant immobile moisture domain within the deep vadose zone that is not explainable by heterogeneity of Richards equation parameters, yet needs to be considered for simulating nitrate transport under conditions of cyclical infiltration with gravity dominated convective flux.
Computed Tomography Associated Cancers and Cancer Deaths Following Visits to U.S. Emergency Departments
Authors: Zallman Leah , Woolhandler Steffie , Himmelstein David , Bor David H. , McCormick Danny
Published: November 2012

We estimated the number of future cancers and cancer deaths following computed tomography scans (CTs) performed in U.S. emergency departments annually and determined whether increases in the proportion of visits resulting in CTs over the past decade were accompanied by changes in markers of severity of illness or primary reason for visit. We applied national estimates of effective dose to adult emergency department visits in the 2008 National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey. We utilized the Biologic Effects of Ionizing Radiation Model VII to estimate the number of future cancers and cancer deaths caused by CTs performed in U.S. emergency departments. We calculated the proportion of visits resulting in CTs from 1998 to 2008. In 2008, 16,406,921 CTs were performed nationally on adults, which will cause an estimated 3,750 cancers and 1,994 cancer deaths. The increasing proportion of emergency department visits resulting in CTs was not accompanied by proportional increases in markers of severity of illness or primary reason for visit. The substantial number of future cancers and cancer deaths attributable to CTs and increases in CTs without accompanying increases in markers of severity or changes in primary reason for visit highlight the importance of examining the benefits of CTs.
Health, Behavior, and Health Care Disparities: Disentangling the Effects of Income and Race in the United States
Authors: Dubay Lisa C. , Lebrun Lydie A.
Published: November 2012

The literature on health disparities in the United States typically focuses on race/ethnicity or on socioeconomic status (SES) separately, but not often together. The purpose of the study was to assess the separate effects of race/ethnicity and SES on health status, health behaviors, and health care utilization. Cross-sectional analyses were conducted using the 2008 National Health Interview Survey (n = 17,337 non-elderly adults). SES disparities within specific racial groups were examined, as were race disparities within high and low SES groups. Within each racial/ethnic group, a greater proportion of low versus high SES individuals were in poor health, a lower proportion had healthy behaviors, and a lower proportion had access to care. In both SES groups, blacks and Hispanics had poorer health outcomes than whites. While whites were more likely to exercise than blacks and Hispanics, they are more likely to be smokers and less likely to have no or moderate alcohol consumption. Blacks had similar or better health care use than whites, especially for cancer screening; Hispanics had lower use within each SES group. Race/ethnicity disparities among adults of similar incomes, while important, were dwarfed by the disparities identified between high- and low-income populations within each racial/ethnic group.
Do Our Children Become Healthier and Wiser? A Study of the Effect of Medicaid Coverage on School Absenteeism
Authors: Zhang Shishu
Published: November 2012

Children make up nearly half of Medicaid enrollees. While the impact of Medicaid coverage on the use of medical care has been extensively examined, few studies have addressed the impact of Medicaid on children's health and schooling. This article reports estimates of the effect of Medicaid enrollment on children's school absenteeism. Schooling is a particularly important outcome because it influences children's productivity and earnings as adults. I use panel data from five years of the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey to estimate the impact of Medicaid enrollment on the number of school absences in reduced form and structural equation models. The structural model includes equations for children's medical care use, health status, and school absences. Econometric methods employed include instrumental variable techniques, fixed effects estimation, and coarsened exact matching. I find that children with Medicaid coverage have significantly more doctor visits, doctor visits are significantly associated with better health, and children in better health miss significantly fewer days of school. I conclude that Medicaid enrollment significantly reduces school absences.
Traumatic Death at Work: Consequences for Surviving Families
Authors: Matthews Lynda R. , Bohle Philip , Quinlan Michael , Rawlings-Way Olivia
Published: November 2012

Research and policy on occupational health and safety have understandably focused on workers as the direct victims of workplace hazards. However, serious illness, injury, or death at work also has cascading psychological, social, and economic effects on victims' families and close friends. These effects have been neglected by researchers and policymakers. The number of persons immediately affected by workplace death is significant, even in rich countries with relatively low rates of workplace fatality. Every year, more than 5,000 family members and close friends of Australian workers become survivors of traumatic work-related death (TWD). This study investigated the health, social, and financial consequences of TWD on surviving families. In-depth exploratory interviews were conducted with seven family members who had experienced TWD from one to 20 years before the interviews, with an average of three years. All reported serious health, social, and financial consequences, including prolonged grief and unresolved loss, physical health problems, family disruption and behavioral effects on children, immediate financial difficulties, and disturbance of longer term commitments such as retirement planning. Recommendations for policy development and improved practice are proposed to minimize the trauma and suffering experienced by families, mitigate consequences, and improve outcomes following a TWD.
Primary Care Provision by Volunteer Medical Brigades in Honduras: A Health Record Review of More Than 2,500 Patients Over Three Years
Authors: Martiniuk Alexandra L. C. , Adunuri Nikesh , Negin Joel , Tracey Patti , Fontecha Claudio , Caldwell Paul
Published: November 2012

The weak health system in Honduras contributes to poor health indicators. To improve population health, a number of volunteer medical brigades from developed countries provide health services in Honduras. To date, there is little information on the brigades' activities and impact. The primary objective of this article is to increase understanding of the type of health care provided by voluntary medical brigades by evaluating and presenting data on patients' presenting symptoms, diagnoses, and care outcomes. The article focuses on an ongoing medical brigade organized by Canadian health professionals in conjunction with Honduras' largest national non-governmental organization. This is a descriptive study of data that are routinely collected by volunteer Canadian health care professionals. Data on all patients presenting to temporary primary health care facilities across Honduras between 2006 and 2009 were analyzed. The data were used to analyze patient demographics, presenting symptoms, diagnoses, and treatments. We found that the brigades provide additional human resources to the relatively weak Honduran health care system. However, while brigades may increase solidarity between Hondurans and Canadians, concerns persist regarding cost-effectiveness and continuity of care for conditions treated by short-term brigade volunteers. Greater scrutiny is needed to increase brigades' effectiveness and ensure they are supportive of domestic health systems.
A Model of Compulsive Buying: Dysfunctional Beliefs and Self-Regulation of Compulsive Buyers
Authors: Sohn Sang-Hee , Choi Yun-Jung
Published: November 2012

In this study, we applied a qualitative approach in order to examine the beliefs of compulsive buyers and decipher the processes of compulsive buying. Participants were recruited via online postings, were classified as compulsive buyers using a screening questionnaire, and were asked
to complete individual in-depth interviews. Content analysis was performed in order to identify participants' concepts and subconcepts regarding compulsive buying. To develop a model of compulsive buying we identified 21 subconcepts, which were synthesized into 6 concepts: deprivation, stimulation,
response, compulsive spending, dysfunctional beliefs, and self-regulation. The results indicate that belief systems and self-regulation processes affect compulsive buying behaviors.
Social Support and Level of Survivors' Psychological Stress After the Wenchuan Earthquake
Authors: Xu Jiuping , Wang Peng
Published: November 2012

Our aim was to explore the effect of social support on the level of survivors' psychological stress after the Wenchuan earthquake in China on 12 May 2008. We collected data in a survey of a cross-sectional sample of 2,080 individuals living in Sichuan and Shanxi provinces 1 year after
the earthquake. The Social Support Rating Scale (Xiao, 1999) and psychological stress items were used in compiling the questionnaire. Results indicated that, compared with other groups, male survivors with a higher level of education, a higher level of income, and less serious exposure to
the earthquake suffered the least psychological stress. Level of social support was related to level of psychological stress in that greater social support had a positive effect on level of psychological stress and demographic characteristics were also related to level of psychological stress.
Individualism/Collectivism and Organizational Citizenship Behavior: An Integrative Framework
Authors: Finkelstein Marcia A.
Published: November 2012

In this study individualism and collectivism are, for the first time, incorporated into a conceptual model of organizational citizenship behavior (OCB). I asked whether individualism and collectivism show systematic differences in their relationships with OCB, its motives, and the development
of a citizen role identity. Collectivism most strongly correlated with OCB motivated by concern for coworkers. A concept of self as one who helps others at work was also associated with collectivism. Individualism was associated more with a commitment to the well-being of the institution per
se rather than to its employees. Individualism and collectivism were related positively, suggesting that these seemingly opposing attributes are complementary; which of these traits predominates may depend on which citizenship behavior is needed at a given time. Overall, the findings suggest
that it is not in amount of citizenship that individualists and collectivists differ, but in why they serve and how they perceive the experience.
The Four-Parameter Logistic Item Response Theory Model As a Robust Method of Estimating Ability Despite Aberrant Responses
Authors: Liao Wen-Wei , Ho Rong-Guey , Yen Yung-Chin , Cheng Hsu-Chen
Published: November 2012

In computerized adaptive testing (CAT), aberrant responses such as careless errors and lucky guesses may cause significant ability estimation biases in the dynamic administration of test items. We investigated the robustness of the 4-parameter logistic item response theory (4PL IRT;
Barton & Lord, 1981) model in comparison with the 3-parameter logistic (3PL) IRT model (Birnbaum, 1968). We applied additional precision and efficiency measures to evaluate the 4PL IRT model. We measured the precision of CAT with respect to the estimation bias and mean absolute differences
(MAD) between estimated and actual abilities. An improvement in administrative efficiency is reflected in fewer items being required for satisfying the stopping rule. Our results indicate that the 4PL IRT model provides a more efficient and robust ability estimation than the 3PL model.
Benchmarking the Research Productivity of Accounting Doctorates
Authors: Hasselback James R. , Reinstein Alan , Abdolmohammadi Mohammad
Published: November 2012

Increasing attention to faculty research productivity suggests a need for reliable benchmarks, which the literature has provided. We add to this literature by providing alternative benchmarks based on records of 5,607 accounting doctoral graduates from 1971–2005. We measure research productivity in four ways: (1) unadjusted number of published articles in the Best 3, Best 13, Best 24, and Best 40 journals, (2) published articles adjusted for journal quality scores, (3) published articles adjusted for coauthorship, and (4) published articles adjusted for both journal quality and coauthorship. We find evidence that average publication productivity of accounting faculty per year has steadily increased over the 35 years under study. We present benchmark measures based on faculty productivity in four sets of journals both from 1971–2005 and for each year of 2001–2005. The former shows that a significant proportion of doctoral graduates have never published in any of the 40 journals studied. The latter shows nine years of productivity in the most recent years. These data can be useful as a benchmark for promotion and tenure decisions. We also present productivity percentiles as another benchmark, followed by research productivity of the top 10 most productive faculty (based on the most conservative measure of published articles adjusted for both journal quality and coauthorship) from 1971–2005 as yet another benchmark.

Additional analysis indicates very high correlations between productivity measures. This evidence indicates that productive researchers rank high regardless of the productivity measure used to evaluate them. Finally, multivariate tests reveal effects for gender (male faculty generally scoring higher than female faculty), school of affiliation (faculty at doctoral granting institutions as significantly more productive than their counterparts at nondoctoral schools), professorial rank (professors scoring higher than those in administrative and other roles), and teaching years since doctorate (those with 10 years or less of service since doctoral year being more productive than those with 11 years or more).

The benchmarks identified in the study can help with tenure, promotion, merit pay, appointment and renewal of chaired professorships, and other resource allocation decisions.
Cloud Computing: Overview and Risk Analysis
Authors: Alali Fatima A. , Yeh Chia-Lun
Published: November 2012

We provide an overview of cloud computing: evolution, benefits, and challenges. Then we examine the risk characteristics identified in accounting and auditing literature by comparing a hand-collected sample of cloud computing companies with a matched sample of non-cloud computing companies. The study uses a comprehensive set of factors used in accounting and auditing literature to describe client business risk, audit risk, and auditor-related risk. Unsurprisingly, the findings show that large companies in the historically high-risk information technology industries provide cloud computing. More interestingly, the results show that cloud computing is more leveraged, and more likely to have a material weakness and longer audit tenure. Cloud computing companies are also more likely to restate their financial statement after providing cloud technologies. Some of the risk variables we used in the study are not statistically significant in capturing the risks of cloud providers (e.g., security, privacy, availability, confidentiality). The study contributes to the literature in IT outsourcing in general, and in cloud computing more specifically. The study also responds to the recent call for insightful research in cloud computing.
Generalized Whittaker Functions for Degenerate Principal Series of GL(4, $\mathbb R$)
Authors: Hiroe Kazuki
Published: November 2012

For degenerate principal series representations of

\operatorname{GL}(n, \mathbb R)

, we show that the spaces of corresponding class one generalized Whittaker functions are characterized by explicit systems of differential operators. By using this characterization, we give detailed calculations on

\operatorname{GL}(4, \mathbb R)

. We examine the dimensions of the spaces of generalized Whittaker functions and give their generators in terms of hypergeometric functions of one and two variables. We show that generalized Whittaker functions have multiplicity one by using the theory of hypergeometric functions.
Zariski Decompositions on Arithmetic Surfaces
Authors: Moriwaki Atsushi
Published: November 2012

In this paper, we establish the Zariski decompositions of arithmetic

\mathbb R

-Cartier divisors of continuous type on arithmetic surfaces and investigate their properties. We also develop a general theory of arithmetic

\mathbb R

-Cartier divisors on arithmetic varieties.
Existence and Uniqueness Theorem for a Class of Singular Nonlinear Partial Differential Equations
Authors: Bacani Dennis B. , Tahara Hidetoshi
Published: November 2012

This paper deals with singular nonlinear partial differential equations of the form

t\partial u/\partial t =F\left(t,x,u,\partial u/\partial x\right)

, with independent variables

(t,x)\in \mathbb{R}\times\mathbb{C}

, and where

F(t,x,u,v)

is a function continuous in

t

and holomorphic in the other variables. Using the Banach fixed point theorem (also known as the contraction mapping principle), we show that a unique solution

u(t,x)

exists under the condition that

F(0,x,0,0)=0

,

F_u(0,x,0,0)=0

and

F_v(0,x,0,0)=x \,\gamma(x)

with

\mathrm{Re}\, \gamma(0)<0

.
Some Inequalities of Kato Type for Sequences of Operators in Hilbert Spaces
Authors: Dragomir Sever S.
Published: November 2012

By the use of the celebrated Kato inequality we obtain some new inequalities for

n

-tuples of bounded linear operators on a complex Hilbert space

H

: Natural applications for functions defined by power series of normal operators as well as different inequalities concerning the Euclidean norm, the Euclidean radius, the

s

-1-norms and the

s

-1-radius of an n-tuple of operators are given as well.
Ideals of Homogeneous Polynomials
Authors: Aron Richard M. , Rueda Pilar
Published: November 2012

Given a surjective ideal of operators, we undertake a new general procedure to construct an ideal of polynomials. The relation with the ideal of polynomials obtained by the well-known method of composition is established.
Prehabilitation Improves Physical Function of Individuals with Severe Disability from Hip or Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Desmeules François , Hall Jayne , Woodhouse Linda June
Published: November 2012

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of prehabilitation (enhancing physical capacity before total hip or knee joint arthroplasty) on pain and physical function of adults with severe hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: Consecutive patients (n=650) from 2006 to 2008 with hip or knee OA awaiting total joint arthroplasty (TJA) attended a hospital outpatient clinic for a prehabilitation assessment. All participants completed self-report (Lower Extremity Functional Scale [LEFS] and visual analogue scale for pain [VAS]) and functional performance measures (self-paced walk [SPW], timed stair, and timed up-and-go [TUG] tests). A subset of 28 participants with severe disability participated in a structured outpatient prehabilitation programme. Between-group differences were assessed via independent t-tests; paired Student's t-tests and Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to compare changes in pain and function following the prehabilitation programme. Results: A total of 28 individuals (16 female) with mean age 67 (SD 10) years and BMI 33 (8) kg/m2 awaiting TJA (10 hips, 18 knees) participated in a prehabilitation programme of 9 (6) weeks' duration. Relative to baseline, there was significant improvement in LEFS score (mean change 7.6; 95% CI, 1.7–13.5; p=0.013), SPW (mean change 0.17 m/s; 95% CI, 0.07–0.26; p=0.001), TUG (mean change 4.2 s; 95% CI, 2.0–6.4; p<0.001), and stair test performance (mean change 3.8 s [SD 14.6]; p=0.005) following prehabilitation. Conclusion: This study presents preliminary evidence that prehabilitation improves physical function even in the most severely compromised patients with OA awaiting TJA.