bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Das Problem der Sicherstellung gesetzeskonformen Verhaltens: Auswirkungen auf die soziale Sicherheit in der Volksrepublik China
Authors: Ramia Gaby , Davies Gloria , Nyland Chris
Published: September 2010

Auszug  Die Erörterung gesetzeskonformen Verhaltens im Bereich der sozialen Sicherheit in Entwicklungsländern hat sich vorwiegend auf administrative und operative Systemprobleme konzentriert. Im vorliegenden Artikel vertreten wir die Position, dass die Analyse der Gesetzeskonformität auch Untersuchungsrahmen erfordert, mit denen Erkenntnisse aus landesspezifischen politischen Umständen und Vergleichen der unterschiedlichen Typen von Sozialschutzregimen gewonnen werden können. Unter Verwendung eines solchen Ansatzes untersuchen wir auch die Gesetzeskonformität im Bereich der sozialen Sicherheit in China. Vier Aspekte wurden als entscheidend für eine bessere Gesetzeskonformität ermittelt: die Dauerhaftigkeit des Wirtschaftswachstums, Vertrauen in die sozialen Institutionen und sozialpolitischen Regelungen, die unterschiedlichen Werte, die den Regimetypen zugrunde liegen, und die institutionelle Trägheit, die in der in China verfolgten Politik zum Ausdruck kommt.
Politische Reaktionen auf Alterung, Ungleichheit und Armut in Singapur: Eine Bewertung
Authors: Asher Mukul G. , Nandy Amarendu
Published: September 2010

Auszug  Singapur liefert ein aufschlussreiches Beispiel für Reaktionen auf rasche Alterung, zunehmende Ungleichheiten und beträchtliche relative Armut. Im Gegensatz zu anderen asiatischen Ländern mit hohem Einkommen hat sich der Staat zur Finanzierung von Alterssicherung, Wohnraum und — in geringerem Maß— Gesundheitsversorgung auf ein einsäuliges Pflichtsparsystem beschränkt. Um der niedrigen Fertilität Rechnung zu tragen, hat er zugelassen, dass sich der Ausländeranteil zwischen 1990 und 2005 verdreifacht hat und jetzt fast 30 Prozent beträgt. Diese Entwicklung führt zu einer subtilen Veränderung der soziopolitischen Dynamik in Singapur, trägt jedoch dazu bei, Wachstum und Wettbewerbsfähigkeit aufrechtzuerhalten. Wir vertreten hier den Standpunkt, dass Singapur über die fiskalischen, institutionellen und organisatorischen Kapazitäten für ein modernes mehrsäuliges System der sozialen Sicherheit verfügt. Singapur ist jedoch entschlossen, die derzeitigen unzureichenden und ungerechten Organisationsformen beizubehalten, die Erwerbspersonen und ihre Familien zwingen, unverhältnismäßig hohe Risiken bei der Finanzierung von Alterssicherung, Gesundheitsversorgung und kurzfristiger Einkommensunterstützung zu schultern. Dies ist eine Folge bewusster politischer Entscheidungen, denen eine darwinistische Vorstellung von der Gesellschaft und das Bedürfnis nach soziopolitischer Kontrolle zugrunde liegt.
Neue Überlegungen zum wohlfahrtsstaatlichen System der Republik Korea
Authors: Park Yong Soo
Published: September 2010

Auszug  Das Wohlfahrtssystem der Republik Korea hat seit den 1990er Jahren eine radikale institutionelle Ausweitung erfahren, weitgehend infolge der Finanzkrise von 1997. Trotz dieser Veränderungen sind die öffentlichen Sozialausgaben äußerst niedrig — insbesondere im Vergleich zu allen anderen OECD‐Ländern —, sodass das Sozialversicherungssystem und der Sektor der sozialen Wohlfahrtsdienste insgesamt unterentwickelt bleiben. So lässt sich das derzeitige Wohlfahrtssystem im besten Fall als residuelles Modell charakterisieren, in dem das staatliche Eingreifen bei der Bereitstellung von Wohlfahrt äußerst bescheiden ist und die Familie und die private Marktwirtschaft die zentralen Rollen beim Angebot eines sozialen Netzes spielen. Diese Situation geht weitgehend auf die sogenannte „Wachstum‐zuerst“‐Ideologie zurück, der die Mehrheit der Entscheidungsträger aus Politik und Wirtschaft des Landes seit der Zeit der autoritären Regierung (1961‐1993) anhängt. Auch die Entscheidung für eine neoliberale Umstrukturierung im westeuropäischen Stil, die nach der Finanzkrise von 1997 eingeleitet wurde, spielte eine Rolle.
Grenzüberschreitendes politisches Lernen bei Gesundheitsreformen: Der Fall der Diagnosis Related Groups
Authors: Schmid Achim , Götze Ralf
Published: September 2010

Auszug

Beobachtungen über die Konvergenz von Gesundheitssystemen und die Verbreitung von Ideen, Wissen und Strategien über die Landesgrenzen hinweg haben die Frage aufgeworfen, wie die Länder von den Erfahrungen anderer lernen. Dieser Artikel untersucht die Rolle des grenzüberschreitenden politischen Lernens im Hinblick auf die Diagnosis Related Groups (DRGs). Wir geben einen Überblick über die Verbreitung dieses Politikinstruments und analysieren die Umsetzung von DRGs in drei Ländern, die diese kürzlich eingeführt haben: Deutschland, die Schweiz und die Niederlande. Die drei Fälle zeigen, dass für die Umsetzung dieses Instruments ausführliche Studien, die Zusammenarbeit der Interessengruppen und die Anpassung auf landesspezifische Bedürfnisse nötig waren. Die Länder lernten aus den Erfahrungen im Ausland, aber erst mit der Einführung eines gesetzlichen Rahmens für den Wettbewerb zwischen Krankenkassen traten die DRGs wirklich auf die politische Agenda. Während Deutschland und die Schweiz auf ausländische DRG‐Modelle zurückgriffen, entwickelten die Niederlande ein eigenes Casemix‐System zur Klassifizierung von Patienten.
Leistungen für Kranke und Behinderte: Was steht hinter der Konvergenz der Politik?
Authors: Prinz Christopher , Tompson William
Published: September 2010

Auszug

Im vorliegenden Beitrag untersuchen wir die Gründe für die offensichtliche Konvergenz der Politik bei Kranken‐ und Behindertenleistungen in der OECD und befassen uns mit der Frage, ob und inwieweit die Konvergenz der Politik ein Produkt politischer Lernprozesse ist. Wir kommen zu dem Schluss, dass die Konvergenz eher ein Ergebnis der Nachahmung von Politik als des Lernens ist und dass (aus früheren Fehlern) mit höherer Wahrscheinlichkeit innerhalb von Ländern als grenzüberschreitend gelernt wird. Angesichts der begrenzten Datenlage in Bezug auf das, was funktioniert, wenn es um die Gestaltung von Maßnahmen geht, die sowohl eine angemessene Einkommenssicherheit gewährleisten als auch Anreize zur Teilnahme am Arbeitsmarkt bieten, richten die Regierungen ihren Blick auf das Ausland oder auf Einrichtungen wie die OECD, um mögliche Modelle oder Anregungen zur Abstützung einer Reform zu finden. Die Umsetzung solcher Ideen in durchführbare Maßnahmen erfordert jedoch eine hohe Sensibilität für den institutionellen und den volkswirtschaftlichen Kontext — insbesondere die Rolle der Sozialpartner und die Natur bereits bestehender Maßnahmen. Bei der Umsetzung der Maßnahmen kann solches kontextorientiertes Lernen entscheidend sein.
Von den politischen Erfahrungen anderer Länder mit der sozialen Langzeitpflegeversicherung lernen: Deutschland, Japan und die Republik Korea
Authors: Campbell John Creighton , Ikegami Naoki , Kwon Soonman
Published: September 2010

Auszug

In neuerer Zeit haben viele Industrieländer umfassende Systeme der Langzeitpflege (LP) eingeführt. Neben den herkömmlichen, auf inländischen Faktoren basierenden Begründungen für diese politischen Neuerungen gilt es auch, Lernerfahrungen aus dem Ausland zu berücksichtigen. Wir konzentrieren uns dabei auf das Sozialversicherungsmodell in der Langzeitpflege (LP) und insbesondere darauf, wie Japan von Deutschland und die Republik Korea von Japan lernten. Wir schlagen dabei Ansätze vor, wie politisches Lernen allgemein und über Landesgrenzen hinweg in die Wege geleitet werden kann.
A Half‐century of Community Water Fluoridation in the United States: Review and Commentary
Authors: Ripa Louis W.
Published: September 2010

The nearly 50‐year history of community water fluoridation is reviewed with the major emphasis on the benefits and safety of fluoridation. Other aspects of water fluoridation also described include the apparent reduction in measurable fluoridation benefits because of the abundance of other fluoride sources, the diffusion of fluoridation effects into fluoride‐deficient communities, preemptive and posteruptive effects, technical and cost aspects, sociopolitical and legal issues that affect the successful fluoridation of communities, and alternatives to community water fluoridation. The majority of studies have evaluated the effectiveness of water fluoridation on the permanent teeth of children, while there are fewer studies on deciduous teeth and in adults; the relationship between fluoride ingestion and bone health needs further clarification; the sociopolitical issues of fluoridation need to be better understood.
The IHS Dental Program–a Historical Perspective
Authors: Martin R. Frank
Published: September 2010

The federal government provides health services for American Indians and Alaska Natives based on treaties with tribes, legislation, and executive orders. These services began in the late 1700s, when they were the responsibility of the Department of War. This responsibility was later transferred to the Bureau of Indian Affairs and in 1955 the Indian Health Service was established within the United States Public Health Service. This paper describes the development and mission of the Indian Health Service dental program. During the 1950s, Public Health Service officers were assigned to the dental program, dental assistant training centers were established, and clinical prevention programs were implemented. Increased dentist recruitment, the implementation of four‐handed dentistry, and the development of an automated information system were the highlights of the 1960s. Considerable effort was placed on work force development during the 1970s, while expansions of both treatment and prevention services were the highlights of the 1980s. Unfortunately, decreases in administrative staffing and a decline in clinical services have been noted during the last decade. The main reasons for the decline were initiatives to reduce the size of federal government and inability to recruit and retain dentists in clinical positions. Also, many tribes have elected to manage their own programs and have requested and received their share of IHS administrative funds to use in their programs. Recent pay and budget legislation along with changes in program management should reverse this trend.
Estimating Dental Treatment Needs among American Indians and Alaska Natives
Authors: Broderick Eric B. , Niendorff William J.
Published: September 2010

Objective:This paper describes the treatment needs of the American Indian and Alaska Native (Native American) population estimated from the 1991 Indian Health Service Oral Health Status and Treatment Needs Survey (1991IHSpatient survey). Methods: The average per capita treatment need for the population is expressed both as the number of dental services and clinical time required to provide these services. Values for service minutes also are used to compare treatment needed with the treatment provided. Results: The need for dental care is greatest among adults aged 25–54 years. We anticipate that needs will increase with population growth and as teeth are retained longer. Large amounts of dental needs go unmet each year in the Native American population: because resources are not available to provide all needed care, dental services are prioritized and rationed. The basic premise upon which care is rationed is changing from basic care for all who have access, to more complex care for fewer individuals. This trend may be driven by the opportunity to generate third party revenue offered by more complex procedures. Conclusion: Evaluation is needed of the effects of new approaches on oral health and access to dental care.
Periodontal Disease in American Indians and Alaska Natives
Authors: Skrepcinski Fred B. , Niendorff William J.
Published: September 2010

Objective: The primary purpose of this paper is to provide information on the periodontal disease status of Native Americans using a variety of data sources. The impact of periodontal disease on the provision of dental care within the Indian Health Service (IHS) is also discussed. Methods: Four data sources were used to evaluate the periodontal disease status of Native Americans: IHS periodontal disease monitoring system (1962‐78), 1984 IHS Patient Oral Health Survey, 1990 WHO community‐based survey (ICS‐II), and the 1991 IHS Patient Oral Health Survey. Results: There appears to be a trend toward a higher prevalence of incipient and overt periodontal disease among Native Americans over time. The prevalence of overt periodontal disease (periodontal pockets >5.5 mm) is higher among Native American diabetic patients than nondiabetic patients (34% vs 19%). Conclusions: Due to the variety of indices used by the IHS during the last 20 years, it is difficult to make direct comparisons of the available periodontal disease data. However, it appears that the prevalence of periodontal disease among Native Americans is increasing. Type II diabetes accounts for significant increases in periodontal disease and tooth loss in Native American populations. Certain forms of early onset periodontal disease also may pose significant threats to the oral health of Native Americans.
Tooth Loss and Need for Extractions in American Indian and Alaska Native Dental Patients
Authors: Presson Scott M. , Niendorff William J. , Martin R. Frank
Published: September 2010

Objective:This article reports results of the 1991 Indian Health Service Patient Oral Health Survey in the areas of tooth loss and need for tooth extraction. Methods: The survey examined a sample of American Indian and Alaska Native dental patients. Tooth loss and need for tooth extraction are explored for a total of 12,349 individuals aged 18 years and older. Results: Complete tooth loss in patients aged 35 years and older was 11 percent; in patients aged 65 years and older, it was 42 percent. The mean number of remaining teeth in dentate patients aged 35 years and older was 20.7; the mean number of remaining teeth decreased in each older age group. Partial and complete tooth loss were more severe in diabetic patients. In 35‐ to 44‐year‐old patients, only 20 percent had not lost at least one permanent tooth. The prevalence of tooth loss differs by geographic region. The percentage of dental patients with 20 or more teeth increased between 1984 and 1991. Conclusion: Tooth loss remains a substantial problem in American Indian and Alaska Native adult dental patients. This article presents results of an Indian Health Service (IHS) oral health survey conducted in 1991 of the American Indian and Alaska Native (Native American) population with respect to tooth loss. Limited comparisons of tooth loss observed in the 1991 patient survey are made to the 1984 patient survey.
Measuring Parental Perceptions of Child Oral Health‐related Quality of Life
Authors: Jokovic Aleksandra , Locker David , Stephens Marlene , Kenny David , Tompson Bryan , Guyatt Gordon
Published: September 2010

Objectives: The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate the P‐CPQ, a measure of parental/caregiver perceptions of the oral health‐related quality of life of children. This forms one component of the Child Oral Health Quality of Life Questionnaire (COHQOL). Methods: An item pool was developed through a review of existing child health questionnaires and interviews with parents/caregivers of children with pedodontic, orthodontic, and orofacial conditions. The resulting 47 items were used in a study in which 208 parents/caregivers provided data on their frequency and importance. The 31 items rated the most frequent and important were selected for the final questionnaire (P‐CPQ). The P‐CPQ validity and reliability were assessed by a new sample of 231 parents, 79 of whom completed two copies for the assessment of test‐retest reliability. Results: The P‐CPQ discriminated among the three clinical groups included in the expected direction. Within‐group analyses using clinical data provided some evidence that scores were associated with the severity of the condition. The P‐CPQ also showed good construct validity. It had excellent internal consistency reliability with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.94 and demonstrated perfect test‐retest reliability (ICC=0.85). Conclusion: The study provides data to indicate that the P‐CPQ is valid and reliable.
Measuring the Impact of Oral Health on Quality of Life in Britain Using OHQoL‐UK©
Authors: McGrath Colman , Bedi Raman
Published: September 2010

Objectives: This study assessed the impact of oral health on quality of life (OHQoL) in Britain and identified disparities in OHQoL among subgroups of the population. Methods: A national survey involved a random probability sample of 2,667 households. Participants were interviewed about their oral health status and sociodemographic information was collected. The impact of oral health on life quality was measured utilizing the OHQoL‐UK©. Results: The response rate was 68 percent. Most people in Britain (73%) claimed their oral health did affect their life quality, most frequently through physical influences rather than social or psychological. Disparities in perceived influences of oral health on life quality among subgroups of the population were apparent by age, sex, and social class; OHQoL also was influenced by oral health status (self‐reported). Conclusion: Most Britons claim their oral health affects their life quality and OHQoL was associated with sociodemographic and oral health factors.
Perceived Oral Health Status, Unmet Needs, and Barriers to Dental Care Among HIV/AIDS Patients in a North Carolina Cohort: Impacts of Race
Authors: Patton Lauren L. , Strauss Ronald P. , McKaig Rosemary G. , Porter Dawn R. , Eron Joseph J.
Published: September 2010

Objective: This prospective observational study examined differences in perceived oral health status, treatment needs, dental care utilization patterns, and barriers to care between HIV‐infected non‐Hispanic blacks and whites in North Carolina. Methods: 632 adult HIV‐infected medical clinic attendees provided information on their oral health status and dental care history during face‐to‐face interviews with a trained interviewer. Results: Compared to whites, blacks were significantly more likely to be female, older, less educated, have lower income, and have acquired HIV by heterosexual sex or injecting drug use. Although two‐thirds of patients reported good oral health, blacks were significantly more likely to have loose teeth, need extractions, and be episodic dental care utilizers. Primary barriers to dental care were cost (30%), fear (19%), and low motivation (13%). Sixty‐five percent of patients had unmet dental needs in the last three years. Race, cost, fear, and immune competence were significantly associated with unmet dental need in a multivariate model. Conclusions: Disparities exist within this HIV‐infected population in oral symptoms, utilization patterns, and perceived unmet dental need. Targeted interventions that address barriers to care are needed to help establish preventive dental care patterns in this region, especially among blacks.
Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART): A Three‐year Clinical Study in Malawi–Comparison of Conventional Amalgam and ART Restorations
Authors: Kalf‐Schoite Sonja M. , van Amerongen Willem E. , Smith Albert J. E. , van Haastrecht Harry J. A.
Published: September 2010

Objective: This study compares the quality of class I restorations made with the atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) technique and conventional class I amalgam restorations. Methods: The study was carried out among secondary school students in Mzuzu, Malawi. First‐year students in 1987 who needed at least two class I restorations were selected. Based on a split‐mouth design, each participant received both ART and conventional restorations. The 89 pairs of class I cavities were divided randomly into two groups, since two different cermet ionomer cement (CIC) filling materials were used. Impressions of the restorations and subsequent models were made shortly after restoration, after six months, one year, two years, and three years. The quality of the restorations was determined on the models following the US Public Health Service criteria. Bulk fracture, contour, marginal integrity, and surface texture of the restorations were recorded and evaluated separately. Survival rates were determined by the resultant score of all criteria. Results: Though conventional amalgam restorations performed better on all criteria, this difference was significant only for the contour criterion. The survival rates of ART restorations after three years (81.0%) were lower than those of amalgam restorations (90.4%) (P=.067). Conclusions: The quality of ART class I restorations is competitive with that of conventional amalgam restorations.
Comparing Different Methods to Detect and Correct Nonresponse Bias in Postal Questionnaire Studies
Authors: Tickle Martin , Milsom Keith M. , Blinkhorn Anthony S. , Worthington Helen V.
Published: September 2010

Objectives: This study compares methods for detecting and correcting the bias associated with nonresponse to postal questionnaires. Methods: Questionnaires were sent out in three sequential stages to parents of all 5‐year‐old children examined in a clinical survey. Each stage progressively targeted nonresponders. Data on dmft and area measures of socioeconomic status were available for all children. Estimates for whole population dmft were produced by different methodologies comparing the relationship between dmft and stage of response and three area measures of socioeconomic status.Results: A total of 1,776 children were examined and 1,437 questionnaires were obtained, a response rate of 80.9 percent. The mean dmft of the total population (1.49) was 17.3 percent more than responders (1.27). The dmft of the nonresponders was 2.41, 89.7 percent more than responders. There were significant linear trends in dmft and socioeconomic status across the mailing stages. The methodology using mailing stage regressed against dmft produced the most accurate adjusted dmft value (1.42). The methods using area measures of socioeconomic status produced nearly identical adjusted dmft values ranging from 1.31 to 1.32.Conclusions: Even with an “acceptable” response rate, nonresponse bias can still be present. Researchers should report the outcomes of analyses to detect nonresponse bias when publishing questionnaire studies.
The Community Dental Facilitator Project: Reducing Barriers to Dental Care
Authors: Harrison Rosamund L. , Li Jin , Wyman Tana
Published: September 2010

Objectives: This report describes an initiative developed and implemented by a low‐income, urban, Canadian community to respond to their children's dental problems. Methods: The first strategy pursued by the community was the development of the Community Dental Facilitator Project. This project facilitated children's access to existing government funding for dental treatment, and subsequently facilitated access to treatment at local dental offices. Children in need of treatment were identified by a school dental screening. The facilitation work was done by three lay workers hired from within the community who represented the community's predominant ethnic groups. Results: Parents revealed that barriers to dental care in local dental offices were lack of information about funding programs, language, inflexible work situation, and mistrust of bureaucracy. By the project's end, with the assistance of the facilitators, a significantly increased number of children had been enrolled for government dental benefits (P<.001). In addition to the 123 children identified at the screening as needing treatment, another 30 children “self‐referred” to the program. At the end of the project's original funding period, dental appointments had been made for 68 children: 60 (48.8%) of the “screened” group, 8 (26.7%) of the “self‐referred” group. One‐year telephone follow‐up to parents of the screened children revealed that 42 of 59 (71.1%) had completed treatment. Conclusions: Barriers to dental care for low‐income children go beyond economics. A community facilitation model can improve low‐income children's access to existing dental services and may reduce the barriers to care for some children requiring treatment.
Twelve‐month Sealant Retention in a School‐based Program Using a Self‐etching Primer/Adhesive
Authors: Venker Daniel J. , Kuthy Raymond A. , Qian Fang , Kanellis Michael J.
Published: September 2010

Objectives: Very little independent research has been done on the new self‐etching primer/adhesives in dentistry. A recent clinical study compared two sealant application techniques involving self‐etching primer adhesives and the traditional phosphoric acid etch. The purpose of this study was to compare these two techniques in an Iowa school‐based sealant program. Methods: Twelvemonth sealant retention data on 208 students from the Des Moines, Iowa, school‐based sealant program were analyzed retrospectively. Results: Sealant retention reported at the person level showed that 60 percent of the students who received sealants at the five schools had to be recalled at one year to have one or more surfaces reseated. A logistic regression model at the person level demonstrated that the phosphoric acid technique was six times as likely to have retention of all the sealed tooth surfaces as those sealed with Prompt‐L‐Pop®. Conclusions: In this study, many students had to be recalled to the chair 12 months after sealant application due to incomplete retention. Though sealants were retained in larger numbers with phosphoric acid, overall sealant retention at the tooth level was lower than previously published for clinical studies and school‐based programs. Examining retention data at the person level, however, allows program administrators to plan resources more effectively and reevaluate sealant protocol to ensure as few children return for sealant reapplication.
Pediatricians' Perception about the Use of Antibiotics and Dental Caries—a Preliminary Study
Authors: Pierro Viviane Santos da Silva , Barcelos Roberta , Maia Lucianne Cople , da Silva Andrea Neiva
Published: September 2010

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate pediatricians' perception about the use of antibiotics and dental caries. Methods: One hundred pretested questionnaires containing open and closed questions were distributed to pediatricians from public hospitals in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Results: The response rate was 60 percent. Considering the respondents, 73.3 percent frequently prescribed antibiotics, oral administration being the chosen mode (93.3%). Antibiotics were pointed out as being very sweet substances by 53.3 percent of the pediatricians. However, the same percentage did not know what sweetener was responsible for the sweet flavor, and just 40.6 percent recommended oral hygiene after the medicine's intake. Among the pediatricians, 56.7 percent related the use of antibiotics to the occurrence of dental effects, and 40 percent thought that antibiotics could cause a defect of tooth structure. Only one pediatrician (3.2%) associated the presence of fermentable carbohydrates in the composition of these medicines with dental caries. Conclusions: Pediatricians in this study did not perceive the correct relationship between the presence of fermentable carbohydrates in antibiotics and dental caries. Many of them believed these medicines promoted a defect of tooth structure favoring the development of dental caries. Further studies with a larger sample are necessary.
Geographic Distribution and Evolution of Changxingian Ammonoid Faunas of South China
Authors: Fengqing Yang , Yijie Zhang
Published: September 2010

Abstract Changxingian ammonoids are well developed in South China, including 154 species, 33 genera and 11 families. They are mainly distributed in the southern and northern subprovinces of the South China province but are rare in the middle. According to the development of the ammonoid zone and lithologic characteristics, the two subprovinces are subdivided into six endemic areas. The above‐mentioned distribution is controlled by such factors as palaeogeographic environment and sedimentary facies.

The evolution of Changxingian ammonoids of South China is characterized by distinct evolutionary stages, and the whole evolutionary history of ammonites consists of alternate episodes of “explosive” radiation, slow and steady evolution and mass extinction. The alternation of mass extinction and “explosive” radiation usually occur at the boundaries of stages (or substages). “Explosive” radiation refers to rapid proliferation of new species (or genera) within a very short geologically negligeable period of time. The origin of species can be well explained by the concept of punctuated equilibria — a new concept of evolution. Mass extinction refers to rapid, large‐scale demise of taxa within a very short period of time. The cause of such an extinction might be due to the inevitable replacement of the old forms by rapidly developing new ones and the environmental changes, in addition to the global sea‐level changes, extraterrestrial impacts and geomagnetic reversal.
Study on Composition of Inclusions in Minerals and Simulation Experiment on Hydrothermal Metasomatic Process of the Bayan Obo Iron Deposit
Authors: Yishan Zeng , Fengzhen Wang , Zongli He , Guoping Liu , Chengqiang Wang , Jicheng Hao
Published: September 2010

Abstract On the basis of the mechanism of formation of mineral inclusions, it may be assumed that a certain relation exists between the compositions of fluid inclusions in various minerals formed at the same stage of hydrothermal activity. In order to study the genetic relationships between different minerals in the Bayan Obo iron deposit, the compositions (K+, Na +, Ca+, Mg+, F+, Cl+, CO2−2, ∑SO2−4 and pH) of inclusions in fluorite (23), hematite (13), magnetite (3), sodium pyroxene (2) and dolomite (5) from the main mine and the eastern mine were determined by using the vacuum decrepitation and leaching methods, and cluster analyses of the data on the compostions were made. The Q‐mode cluster analysis indicates that some iron oxide minerals in the deposit are related to dolomite of sedimentary origin, while others are related to fluorite and sodium pyroxene — products of hydrothermal activity. The R‐mode cluster analysis shows that the components of the leaching solution may be divided into two groups: one includes CO2−2, Mg2+ and H+ (pH), which are obviously associated with dolomite; the other comprises Na+, K+, Ca+, F+, Cl+ and SO2−4, which may possibly represent the composition of hydrothermal solutions.

The reaction of the Na‐F‐Cl solution (pH 4.72) with hematite dolomite at 300°C and 5 × 107 Pa and under alternately “static and dynamic” conditions produced large amounts of hematite and fluorite and small amounts of smectite and Na (Fe) silicates, and the hematite‐fluorite assemblage accords with the actual geological conditions in the deposit. From a comparison between the compositions of “static” and “dynamic” solution samples, it may be known that the flow reaction facilitates the migration of Fe, F, Ca and other components as well as Na‐metasomatism (Na and Si are fixed in a solid phase).

The study of the compositions of mineral inclusions and simulation experiments on hydrothermal metasomatism have provided new evidence for the hypothesis of metamorphosed‐sedimentary and hydrothermal‐remoulding origin of the Bayan Obo deposit, and pointed out emphatically that hydrothermal metasomatism plays an important role in the formation of the mineral deposit, particularly in the main and the east mine.
Biogeochemical Model and Simulation of the Effect of Precambrian Algae on the Formation Process of Certain Laminated Cherts
Authors: Qingyu Wu , Zhili Liu , Haoran Zhu
Published: September 2010

Abstract The source of silica in the formation of the Precambrian laminated cherts has long remained a problem to be solved. Through experiments on cherts and living blue‐green algae, the authors found that the collected chert samples probably come from primary deposits, and there is a great biomass of fossil algae in chert, among which the filamentous algae can be compared with the living blue‐green algae Oscillatoria; that a higher Pco2 of the gas would be favourable for the increase of the biomass of living blue‐green algae and consequently raises the pH value of the water body; and that lack of free oxygen and a higher concentration of SiO2 in the water have no apparent influence on the biomass of blue‐green algae. Based on the evidence above, a biogeochemical model concerning the origin of Precambrian laminated chert has been set up, in which the photosynthesis of algae under the presumed atmospheric conditions of the Precambrian might raise the pH value of the water body and promote the dissolution of silicate minerals, thus providing a source of colloid SiO2 for the formation of Precambrian laminated chert.

Furthermore, a simulation experiment device has been designed successfully, which can control the temperature (30 ± 0.5°), Pco2 (50662.5 Pa) and Po2 (about zero Pa) of the gas, the rate of photosynthesis of algae and the movement of the water carrying opal. In the simulation experiments, separate measurements have been made on the rate of photosynthesis of algae, pH value and concentration of SiO2 of the water body, with the results indicating that under the conditions similar to the presumed Precambrian atmosphere, the photosynthesis of algae can make the pH value of the water body go up steadily to over 9.7, leading to the dissolution of the silicate minerals, with the concentration of SiO2 measured reaching as high as 84 mg/l. Finally, through the vaporation of water, a phenomenon of colloid floccilation has been observed.

The simulation experiment has verified the proposed biogeochemical model illustrating the origin of Precambrian laminated chert. Moreover, the device and method of its kind may also be applied to the research on the relationship of the Precambrian algae with the formation of some other mineral deposits such as of Fe, Mn, U and carbonates.
Animals and Mineralization of Phosphorus: Ore‐Forming Mechanism of Insular Phosphorites1
Authors: Guozhong Wang , Bingquan Lu , Songqing Quan
Published: September 2010

Abstract

Phosphorite, or guano, or insular phosphorite, commonly containing 10‐35% P2O5, is one of the sources of phosphatic fertilizer. Taking the modern insular phosphorite on the Xisha Islands as an example, this paper discusses the ore‐forming mechanism of phosphate and the important contribution made by animals to this process.

The phosphorite occurs in the middle part of carbonate sand cays of coral reef surrounded by longshore sandbanks, which assumes a dish‐shape. The surface of the cays is covered by unconsolidated guano. The phosphorite, yellowish brown to dark brown, is made up of thick‐bedded sand and gravel cemented by collophanite; and partly replaced by carbonate apatite.

The mechanism of mineralization is as follows:

The average content of phosphorus in the sea water is only 0. 07 ppm, but through the sea food. chain concentration, phosphorus content may become higher. The phytoplanktons, as producers, suck up phosphorus out of sea water. The primary consumers, zooplanktons, obtain phosphorus by eating phytoplanktons, then they are followed by the second and third consumers. Sea birds living on fish, as the third consumers, concentrate and transport the phosphorus to the carbonate sand cays. Finally layers of guano are deposited under the arbores.

Under the tropical climatic conditions with high temperature and plentiful rainfall, soluble matters are leached out of the guano and infiltrated into deeper horizon. In alkaline groundwater with pH greater than 7. 0, the phosphoritization takes place, bioclastics are cemented and replaced by collophanite or carbonate apatite. Finally, the phosphorus is fixed and phosphate formed.
The Origin and Features of Late Sinian Phosphatic Stromatolites in Fuquan, Guizhou Province
Authors: Wenjie Xia , Jicheng Yin , Xiuhua Li
Published: September 2010

Abstract

The phosphatic stromatolite discussed in this paper is a columnar type, comprised chiefly of collophane and subordinately of microcrystalline apatite. The column is composed of alternations of dark, cryptocrystalline laminae formed by the biological processes of algae and bacteria, and light, microcrystalline laminae formed by chemical precipitation. The intercolumnar filler, showing a concave anti‐stromatolitic structure, is composed of alternations of loose laminae formed by mechanical deposition, and dense, crypto‐, microcrystalline laminae formed by chemical precipitation and algal bacterial organic process.

Under the SEM, the column differs clearly from the intercolumnar filler in ultramicro‐fabric. The three basic types of ultramicro‐laminae that can be distinguished in the column are: prismatic apatite laminae of chemical origin, clastic apatite laminae of mechanical origin and branched‐tubular apatite laminae of algal‐bacterial origin, of which the first and second categories constitute light laminae and the third, dark laminae. The dark and light laminae were formed during the alternation of flourishing and dormant periods of algae and bacteria.

Under the SEM, the clastic texture is obvious in the loose laminae of the intercolumnar filler. And four types of ultramicro‐apatite assemblages can be distinguished in the dense laminae, i. e., the. framboidal and the tubular apatite of algal‐bacterial origin, the framboidal‐prismatic and the framboidal‐tubular‐prismatic apatite of chemical organic origin. The alternation of the loose and the dense laminae depends upon the changes of the energy in the water.

In the stromatolites, no replacement phenomena have been found and there exists abundant prismatic apatite kept in the initial form of upward‐crystallization, and especially, in the forms of algae and bacteria (framboidal, tubular and branched). All these undoubtedly indicate that the stromatolites were originally formed by algae and bacteria.

The ultramicro‐fabric features indicate that the collophane is not a simple mineral, but a disorderly arranged aggregate of ultramicro‐granular apatite.
Summary of the Lithospheric Dynamics in China
Authors: Xingyuan Ma
Published: September 2010

Abstract This paper presents a summary of the explanatory notes for the 1 : 4, 000, 000 scale “Lithospheric Dynamics Map of China and Adjacent Seas”, which gives an outline of the geological and geophysical processes that are presently active or were once active during the Cenozoic. The focus is concentrated on intraplate phenomena and on explaining them in terms of fundamental plate tectonic processes.

The lithosphere in China is very heterogeneous. Its dynamics can be described in terms of the relative motions of 8 active subplates and related 17 tectonic blocks, and the characteristics of neotectonic deformation. The present‐day movement and deformation of the lithosphere in China, their relationship with the deep‐seated processes, and the lateral heterogeneity, mass difference and stress state within it that will tend to cause crustal movement in the future are illustrated.

The intraplate tectonics and stress field are mainly controlled by the heterogeneity of the lithosphere and the mode of interaction between subplates and their boundary conditions. The collision of the Indian plate with the Eurasian plate began and proceeded along the Tethys ocean side, which has produced a strong compressional stress in western China and brought about a high shear stress in the regions round the eastern and western corners of the Himalaya block. However, the eastern part of China is directly influenced by the western Pacific plate boundaries. The minimum principal stress here is tensional, which makes the shear stress high, it may be the cause of the high seismicity in North China and maritime region of southeastern China.
Mineralization and Evolution of the Early Proterozoic Copper Deposits in the Zhongtiao Mountains
Authors: Weixing Hu , Dazhong Sun
Published: September 2010

Abstract In the Zhongtiao Mountains, all of the most significant copper deposits occur in the early Proterozoic mobile belt. They are the meta‐sedimentary copper deposit in meta‐pelite semi‐pelite formation and the meta‐volcanic porphyry copper deposit in meta‐potassic volcano‐sedimentary formation, belonging respectively to the lower and middle‐upper Jiang‐xian Group (2, 500–2, 300 Ma) ; and the meta‐sedimentary‐remoulded copper deposit in metacarbonate‐black shale formation of the Zhongtiao Group (2, 300–1, 830 Ma). The Zhongtiao Movement (about 1, 800 Ma B. P.) had caused regional metamorphism and hydrothermal action added to the early Proterozoic mobile belt, thus reformed the original ore deposits of different genetic types to give similar hydrothermal and geochemical characters. However, primary features of the ore deposits as controlled by the original sedimentary or volcano‐sedimentary formation are basically unaltered.
A Sedimentological Study of Carboniferous Bauxitic Formations in North China
Authors: Xianghua Meng , Ming Ge , Zengqi Xiao
Published: September 2010

Abstract The authors have found in their studies many new genetic types of microtextures of bauxite. A sedimentological genetic classification of bauxites based on these features and a division of the microfacies types of bauxites formed in major microenvironments are proposed. Four kinds of sedimentary sequence of bauxitic sediments have also been recognized. On these bases, a generalized sedimentary model of Carboniferous bauxites in North China is presented, in which storm‐turbidite currents play an important role in the formation and enrichment of bauxite deposits.
Pressing the Flesh: A Tension in the Study of the Embodied, Embedded Mind?*
Authors: CLARK ANDY
Published: September 2010

Mind, it is increasingly fashionable to assert, is an intrinsically embodied and environmentally embedded phenomenon. But there is a potential tension between two strands of thought prominent in this recent literature. One of those strands depicts the body as special, and the fine details of a creature’s embodiment as a major constraint on the nature of its mind: a kind of new‐wave body‐centrism. The other depicts the body as just one element in a kind of equal‐partners dance between brain, body and world, with the nature of the mind fixed by the overall balance thus achieved: a kind of extended functionalism (now with an even broader canvas for multiple realizability than ever before). The present paper displays the tension, scouts the space of possible responses, and ends by attempting to specify what the body actually needs to be, given its complex role in these recent debates.
Property Dualism, Epistemic Normativity and the Limits of Naturalism*
Authors: ONOF CHRISTIAN
Published: September 2010

This paper examines some consequences of the (quasi‐)epiphenomenalism implied by a property dualistic view of phenomenal consciousness. The focus is upon the variation of phenomenal content over time. A thought‐experiment is constructed to support two claims. The weaker claim exhibits an incompatibility which arises in certain logically possible situations between a conscious subject’s epistemic norms and the requirement that one be aware of one’s conscious experience. This could be interpreted as providing some epistemic grounds for the postulation of bridging laws between the physical/functional and phenomenal domains. The stronger claim has it that the ontology of property dualism is not properly able to account for the certainty I have of being phenomenally conscious. The problem is viewed as resulting from the neglect of the intensional context involved in a proper representation of the argument for property dualism. It is argued that only a transcendental move can do justice to this certainty I have.
Expression for Expressivists
Authors: SCHROEDER MARK
Published: September 2010

Expressivism’s central idea is that normative sentences bear thesamerelation to non‐cognitive attitudes that ordinary descriptive sentences bear to beliefs: theexpressionrelation. Allan Gibbard tells us that “that words express judgments will be accepted by almost everyone”– the distinctive contribution of expressivism, his claim goes, is only a view about whatkindof judgments words express. But not every account of theexpressionrelation is equally suitable for the expressivist’s purposes. In fact, what I argue in this paper, considering four possible accounts ofexpression, is that how suitable each account is for the expressivist’s purpose varies in proportion to howcontroversialit is. So Gibbard is wrong – ifexpressionis to get expressivism off the ground, then it will be enormously controversial whether wordsdoexpress judgments. And thus expressivism is committed to strong claims about the semantics ofnon‐normative language.
Bad Luck Once Again
Authors: LEVY NEIL
Published: September 2010

In a recent article in this journal, Storrs McCall and E.J. Lowe sketch an account of indeterminist free will designed to avoid the luck objection that has been wielded to such effect against event‐causal libertarianism. They argue that if decision‐making is an indeterministic process and not an event or series of events, the luck objection will fail. I argue that they are wrong: the luck objection is equally successful against their account as against existing event‐causal libertarianisms. Like the event‐causal libertarianism their account is meant to supplant, the process view cannot offer a reasons explanation of the agent’s choice itself; that choice is explained by nothing except chance. The agent therefore fails to exercise freedom‐level control over it.
Imaging of Surface-Tension-Driven Convection Using Liquid Crystal Thermography
Authors: Dutton T. W. , Pate L. R. , Hollingsworth D. K.
Published: September 2010

Surface-tension forces can drive fluid motion within thin liquid layers with a free surface. Spatial variations in the temperature of the free surface create surface tractions that drive cellular motions. The cells are most commonly hexagonal in shape and they scale on the thickness of the fluid layer. This investigation documents the formation of cells in the liquid film in the presence of a uniform-heat-flux lower boundary condition. Liquid crystal thermography was used to image the cells and measure the temperature distribution on the lower surface of the liquid layer. A 1.1 mm deep pool of silicone oil was supported on a 50 μm thick electrically heated metal foil. The oil was retained inside an independently heated acrylic ring mounted on the top surface of the foil and a dry-ice cooling plate served as the low-temperature sink above the free surface of the oil. Color images of hexagonal convection cells were captured using liquid crystal thermography and a digital image acquisition and processing system. The temperature distribution inside a typical cell was measured using thermographic image analysis. Experimental issues, such as the use of an independently heated retaining ring to control the height of the liquid film and the utility of a flux-based Marangoni number are discussed.
A Computational Fluid Dynamics Study on the Effect of Carbon Particle Seeding for the Improvement of Solar Reactor Performance
Authors: Ozalp Nesrin , Kanjirakat Anoop
Published: September 2010

This study focuses on a technique, referred to as “solar cracking” of natural gas for the coproduction of hydrogen and carbon as byproduct with zero emission footprint. Seeding a solar reactor with micron-sized carbon particles increases the conversion efficiency drastically due to the radiation absorbed by the carbon particles and additional nucleation sites formed by carbon particles for heterogeneous decomposition reaction. The present study numerically tries to investigate the above fact by tracking carbon particles in a Lagrangian framework. The results on the effect of particle loading, particle emissivity, injection point location, and effect of using different window screening gases on a flow and temperature distribution inside a confined tornado flow reactor are presented.