bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perspectiva bioética do modelo de assistência suplementar no Brasil
Authors: Carvalho Regina R.P. , Fortes Paulo A.C. , Garrafa Volnei
Published: October 2013

Este artigo apresenta os resultados de estudo voltado aos planos e seguros privados de saúde, denominado de assistência suplementar, regulamentados no Brasil há mais de uma década para solucionar conflitos na prestação de serviços. A partir de metodologia qualitativa descreveu-se e analisou-se o modelo de assistência, as questões resolvidas, as que permanecem e as que emergiram nesse período. Resultados mostram que o setor suplementar pouco avançou do modelo baseado na lista de doenças e procedimentos, aprovado como plano referência, aumentando os conflitos relativos à incorporação de tecnologias e ao incremento da demanda e dos custos, diante do envelhecimento populacional. Consolidaram-se políticas na regulamentação que ferem princípios bioéticos do Sistema Único de Saúde, na assistência aos mais vulneráveis, às gestantes e idosos. Falta regulação, por parte do Estado, na adequação da área suplementar com outras políticas públicas, no sentido de aperfeiçoar a qualidade da atenção e ampliar equitativamente a cobertura assistencial.
Programa de Aquisição de Alimentos: a lente bioética na segurança alimentar
Authors: Carvalho Luciana Rodriguez Teixeira de , Rocha Dais Gonçalves
Published: October 2013

A bioética alcança questões públicas e busca a garantia dos direitos humanos, dentre os quais aqui se destaca o da alimentação, debate ético de uma situação persistente resultante da exclusão social. O Programa de Aquisição de Alimentos (PAA) busca a construção de proposta de segurança alimentar e nutricional centrada na comercialização da produção, nas pessoas, no social e na segurança alimentar dos mais vulneráveis. Este trabalho objetivou analisar os documentos oficiais do PAA, na modalidade Compra da Agricultura Familiar Com Doação Simultânea, como um programa de segurança alimentar na perspectiva de referenciais bioéticos. Utilizando metodologia de análise de conteúdo foram selecionadas as categorias: direito humano, equidade, proteção, participação e inclusão social. Verificou-se que possuem caráter estruturante para a segurança alimentar, delineando interfaces entre referenciais bioéticos e avanços na garantia dos direitos humanos. Porém, há limitações quanto à participação dos atores envolvidos.
Limitação do suporte de vida em unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica
Authors: Linhares Daniela Grignani , Siqueira José Eduardo de , Previdelli Isolde T.S.
Published: October 2013

O presente estudo resulta de revisão de prontuários de pacientes falecidos no período de quatro anos em UTI pediátrica de hospital universitário, tendo analisado variáveis como tempo de internação, diagnóstico da principal falência orgânica da criança, ocorrência de doenças crônicas prévias, tomada de decisões dos médicos referentes à introdução de medidas de suporte vital de vida, ordens de não reanimação e qualidade da relação dos profissionais com familiares dos pacientes. Os resultados sugerem que as condutas adotadas pelos médicos refletem majoritariamente a preocupação de se protegerem contra eventuais processos judiciais decorrentes da acusação de omissão de socorro. Embora os casos clínicos estudados refiram-se a pacientes portadores de enfermidades terminais, o que por si só envolve complexos conflitos morais, em nenhum momento foi oferecido aos familiares dos pacientes a possibilidade de participarem dos processos de decisões médicas e, tampouco, existem registros de consultas ao comitê de ética do hospital.
Responsabilidade civil do médico na prática da distanásia
Authors: Marreiro Cecília Lôbo
Published: October 2013

Hodiernamente, a responsabilidade civil médica se caracteriza pela conduta culposa do médico, do nexo de causalidade entre esta e o dano sofrido pela vítima. Tendo por fundamento o paternalismo médico desmedido, muitos pacientes terminais sofrem as consequências da obstinação terapêutica, o que resulta em uma morte sofrida e desumana. Com base nesses pressupostos, procurou-se no presente artigo analisar a responsabilidade civil do médico na prática da distanásia. Para a consecução desse objetivo, além de ter sido realizada uma pesquisa bibliográfica de matérias pertinentes à temática, formulou-se um caso clínico hipotético com o fulcro de melhor nortear a discussão. Disto concluiu-se que há responsabilidade civil do médico pela prática da distanásia, vez que é por meio desta que se instauram danos ao paciente terminal, o que por si só lhe subtrai o direito a uma morte digna e humana.
Argumentos morais sobre inclusão/exclusão de idosos na atenção à saúde
Authors: Freitas Edna Estelita Costa , Schramm Fermin Roland
Published: October 2013

O rápido envelhecimento populacional é a transformação demográfica mais significativa nos países em desenvolvimento. Grande parte dos pacientes internados nos centros hospitalares é de idosos, dispostos a se submeter a tratamento com a condição de retornar, após a alta, a um estado funcional de saúde semelhante ao prévio. Neste contexto, o atendimento às necessidades da população precisa de formação bioética adequada dos recursos humanos na área da saúde, voltada para a geriatria, inclusive no centro de tratamento intensivo (CTI). Mas na decisão da admissão do idoso nesses centros, os aspectos morais acabam sendo, sem justificativa cogente, subsumidos aos aspectos puramente técnicos, o que pode influenciar de maneira discriminatória a decisão, prejudicando, indevidamente, a população idosa. No presente trabalho serão abordados e criticados seis argumentos morais propostos contra a internação hospitalar do paciente geriátrico no CTI, à luz das ferramentas da bioética principialista e da bioética de proteção.
Bioterrorismo e a facilidade de acesso à biotecnologia e seus insumos
Authors: Grisolia Cesar Koppe
Published: October 2013

Os fundamentalismos surgiram no Ocidente a partir de questões religiosas e posteriormente difundiram-se para outras partes do mundo tomando outras conotações, principalmente políticas. As técnicas de manipulação genética difundiram-se pelas universidades, que formam mestres e doutores com os conhecimentos básicos sobre clonagem gênica, que se tornou de domínio público. Todos os insumos para clonagem gênica podem ser adquiridos por meio de catálogos via internet. Podem-se recrutar profissionais fanáticos e com a competência para a manipulação genética de organismos patogênicos, lado perverso da biotecnologia. Os conflitos étnicos, culturais e religiosos estão associados a um cenário de contrastes entre os países ricos e carentes de matéria-prima e aqueles pobres, mas detentores de insumos básicos e energia, e atingem a sua forma mais aguda nos fundamentalismos. Grupos de fanáticos têm pleno acesso a essa biotecnologia. Estariam assim as populações civis vulneráveis aos ataques do bioterrorismo com armas biológicas geneticamente modificadas?
Toughening of polymers by graphene
Authors: Wang Xiao , Song Mo
Published: October 2013

Graphene has been regarded as the next-generation carbon nanofiller for polymer nanocomposites. Owing to its superior physical properties, it produces a dramatic improvement in properties of polymers at very low filler loadings. In the past few years, toughening of polymers by graphene has been studied intensively. This article reviews the typical preparation methods of graphene and graphene/polymer nanocomposites. The authors summarize the enhancement effect, optimal filler loading and toughening mechanism for the polymer composites. Effects of some important factors including graphene content, thickness, sheet size, state and interfacial bonding with polymer chains have been addressed. Accordingly, the current challenges and future perspectives for the toughening of polymers by graphene are indicated.
The Birth of Joseph Gabriel
Authors: Cantine Anne Touhill
Published: October 2013

In this column, a mother shares the story of the birth of her first child. With confidence in the process of birth and in her ability to give birth, and with the support, confidence, and encouragement of her mother and sisters, Anne manages to cope with strong contractions through a busy day. Finally, her husband realizes how fast labor is progressing. Baby Joseph was born less than 2 hours after arrival at the hospital.
Vicarious Birth Experiences and Childbirth Fear: Does It Matter How Young Canadian Women Learn About Birth?
Authors: Stoll Kathrin , Hall Wendy
Published: October 2013

In our secondary analysis of a cross-sectional survey, we explored predictors of childbirth fear for young women (n = 2,676). Young women whose attitudes toward pregnancy and birth were shaped by the media were 1.5 times more likely to report childbirth fear. Three factors that were associated with reduced fear of birth were women’s confidence in reproductive knowledge, witnessing a birth, and learning about pregnancy and birth through friends. Offering age-appropriate birth education during primary and secondary education, as an alternative to mass-mediated information about birth, can be evaluated as an approach to reduce young women’s childbirth fear.
Influence of Sample Sizes on Analyzing Community Parameters of Periphytic Diatoms for Bioassessment Using an Artificial Substrate in Coastal Waters
Authors: Jiang Yong. , Zhu Mingzhuang. , Zhang Wei. , Al‐Rasheid Khaled A. S. , Xu Henglong.
Published: October 2013

Influence of sample sizes on analyzing community parameters of periphytic diatoms was studied in coastal waters of the Yellow Sea from May 2010 to June 2010. Samples were collected from two depths of 1 m and 3 m using an artificial substrate. Based on a 95% probability, 15, 8, and 5 replicate slides (∼260, 140, and ∼90 cm2) were sufficient for recovering the diatom communities with specified cumulative contributions of 99%, 95%, and 90% at two depths, respectively. To achieve less than 10% standard errors (coefficients of variation), six (105 cm2) replicate slides were required for biodiversity analysis of the microperiphyton communities with various colonization times at two depths. More replicate sides were required for the young diatom communities (less than 14 days) than the mature samples (greater than 14 days). These results suggest that six replicate slides at two depths may be sufficient to analyze community parameters of periphytic diatoms in costal waters.
Impact of Biosolids Recycling on Groundwater Resources
Authors: McFarland Michael J. , Kumarsamy Karthik , Brobst Robert B. , Hais Alan. , Schmitz Mark D.
Published: October 2013

Using the United States Environmental Protection Agency's (U.S. EPA) Multimedia, Multi‐pathway, Multi‐receptor Exposure and Risk Assessment (3MRA) technology, a computer‐based biosolids groundwater risk characterization screening tool (RCST) was developed. The objective of this study was to apply the RCST to characterize the potential human health risks associated with exposure to biosolid pollutants. RCST application to two Virginia biosolids land application sites predicted that pollutant concentrations as large as ten times the current regulatory limit could be safely applied to land with no apparent human health effects associated with groundwater consumption. Only under unrealistically high biosolids application rates and pollutant concentrations were the public health risks associated with groundwater impairment characterized as significant (hazard quotient >= 1.0). For example, when the biosolids land application rate was increased to 900 Mg/ha and the pollutant concentrations were increased to ten times the legal limit, the hazard quotient value ranged from 1.27 (zinc) to 248.19 (selenium).
Adsorption of 2,4‐D Herbicide from Water Environment on Modified Silica Gel Factory Waste
Authors: Koner Suman , Pal Anjali , Adak Asok
Published: October 2013

The solid waste collected from a local silica gel factory was utilized as an adsorbing media for the removal of the herbicide 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4‐D) after its surface modification with cationic surfactant. Characterization was carried out using thermogravimetric analysis of raw and modified waste. The experiments on the sorption process were conducted for kinetic analysis, effect of initial 2,4‐D concentration, adsorbent dose, dissolved salts, pH, surfactant surface coverage, temperature, and shaking speed to understand sorption behavior in batch mode. Presence of electrolyte, solution pH, and temperature were found to affect the performance of the adsorbent. The sorption was found to best follow the pseudo‐second order reaction kinetics model and the Redlich‐Peterson isotherm model. The studies revealed surfactant‐modified silica gel waste (SMSGW) to be an efficient adsorbing media for removal of 2,4‐D.
Removal of Estrogenic Compounds from Aqueous Solutions Using Zeolites
Authors: Liu Jin , Carr Steve A.
Published: October 2013

The adsorption capacities of 17β‐estradiol (E2) onto two Y type zeolites (CBV‐100 and CBV‐901), a ZSM zeolite (CBV‐28014), and a silicalite zeolite (HISIV‐3000) in water were investigated. The CBV‐901 extrudate, which has a lower ratio of silicon dioxide/aluminum oxide (SiO2/Al2O3) than CBV‐28014 and less surface area than CBV‐100, had the highest adsorption affinity for 17β‐estradiol. At an equilibrium concentration of 0.09 mg/L, the adsorption capacity of E2 by CBV‐901 extrudate was 8.24 mg/g, whereas the E2 adsorption capacities of CBV‐28014, HISIV‐3000, CBV‐100 were all <0.05 mg/g. CBV‐901 had adsorption affinities for other estrogens such as estrone (E1) and estriol (E3). In a mixture of E1, E2, and E3, CBV‐901 extrudate showed a greater affinity for E1 and E2 than for E3. The CBV‐901 extrudate was also studied for the adsorption of E1, E2, EE2 (17β‐ethynylestradiol), progesterone, 4‐nonylphenol, and 4‐tert‐octylphenol in a spiked effluent. Results showed a promising prospect of CBV‐901 for the removal of estrogenic compounds in aqueous solutions.
Monochloramine Decay for Two Chlorine to Ammonia Ratios in Bulk Water
Authors: Zhou Lingling , Zhang Yongji , Zeng Guo
Published: October 2013

Within the context of the treatment of tap water as a research objective, a bulk model has been developed to describe chloramines decay for chlorine to ammonia ratios of 3:1 and 4:1. The model is based on studies of isolated individual reactions and also concerning the chloramines decay as a whole. The experimental results were used to estimate and verify the model for use in actual drinking water distribution systems under various chloramines conditions. The overall model formulation works reasonably well in describing chloramines decay in bulk water containing natural organic matter (NOM) and nitrite over a variety of reaction conditions. The data show that the auto‐decomposition rate of chloramines is faster in the presence of NOM in bulk water for a chlorine to ammonia ratio (Cl:N) of 3:1 versus 4:1. In contrast, the decay rate caused by nitrite is independent of the Cl:N ratio. The decay rate increases with the NOM and nitrite concentrations and the temperature, but decreases with increasing pH. The effect of higher temperature on chloramines loss was more marked at the 3:1 Cl:N ratio.
Embodiment: A New Perspective for Evaluating Physicality in Learning
Authors: Han Insook
Published: October 2013

The purpose of this study is to provide a new perspective for evaluating physicality in learning with a preliminary experimental study based on embodied cognition. While there are studies showing no superiority of physical manipulation over virtual manipulation, there are also studies that seem to advocate adding more physicality in simulations for learning. Thus, this study addressed an alternative explanation for explaining the effects of physicality by focusing more on perceptual experiences and embodiment. The experimental study with 48 graduate students supported pre-existing results, which did not discover any differences between physical and virtual manipulations in learning physics. More importantly, the results of this study showed that the perceptual experience of driving a manual transmission car was critical for comprehending how gears work. This implies that the physicality added to a learning experience should be evaluated in terms of its potential to create embodiment rather than the mode of interaction—physical or virtual.
Enhancing Learning from Different Visualizations by Self-Explanation Prompts
Authors: Lin Lijia , Atkinson Robert K.
Published: October 2013

The purpose of the two experiments was to investigate the potential effects of different types of visualizations and self-explanation prompts on learning human cardiovascular system in a multimedia environment. In Experiments 1 and 2, 70 and 44 college students were randomly assigned to one of the four conditions in a 2 × 2 factorial design with visualization type (animated vs. static) and prompting self-explanations (prompts vs. none) as the between subjects factors. The results of Experiment 1 revealed a positive effect of prompts on learning outcomes. Experiment 2, in which the no-prompts conditions were re-designed, partially replicated the results of Experiment 1. In addition, it revealed a significant interaction between the two factors on learning time, learning outcomes, and goal-driven self-explanations. The results of both experiments suggest that instructional designers should pay attention to learners' cognitive aspects, and utilize the combination of animated visualizations and self-explanation prompts when designing multimedia environments.
Exploring Gender Differences on General and Specific Computer Self-Efficacy in Mobile Learning Adoption
Authors: Bao Yukun , Xiong Tao , Hu Zhongyi , Kibelloh Mboni
Published: October 2013

Reasons for contradictory findings regarding the gender moderate effect on computer self-efficacy in the adoption of e-learning/mobile learning are limited. Recognizing the multilevel nature of the computer self-efficacy (CSE), this study attempts to explore gender differences in the adoption of mobile learning, by extending the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) with general and specific CSE. Data collected from 137 university students were tested against the research model using the structural equation modeling approach. The results suggest that there are significant gender differences in perceptions of general CSE, perceived ease of use, and behavioral intention to use but no significant differences in specific CSE, perceived usefulness. Additionally, the findings reveal that specific CSE is more salient than general CSE in influencing perceived ease of use, while general CSE seems to be the salient factor on perceived usefulness for both female and male combined. Moreover, general CSE was salient to determine the behavioral intention to use indirectly for female despite lower perception of general CSE than male's, and specific CSE exhibited stronger indirect effect on behavioral intention to use than general CSE for female despite similar perception of specific CSE as males'. These findings provide important implications for mobile learning adoption and usage.
Finding Sites: An Analysis of Identification-Level Archaeological Surveys in Pennsylvania
Authors: Baker Joe , Jaillet-Wentling Angela S.
Published: October 2013

Data synthesized from seven Pennsylvania counties and two decades of Phase I archaeological surveys documents the efforts CRM archaeologists have made to identify sites in a typical Middle Atlantic state. That synthesis has produced some concrete information regarding the efficacy of some widely employed methodologies and sampling strategies employed to find sites, and the environmental settings in which we look for them. It also suggests some additional research that could help to better evaluate the results of CRM investigations, and better conduct future reconnaissance surveys. This article argues for the regular synthesis and assessment of the decades of work CRM archaeologists have done since the National Historic Preservation Act was passed.
Refining Paleo-Indian Lithic Technology at Shawnee-Minisink via an Artifact Refitting Study
Authors: Iceland Harry
Published: October 2013

A collection of lithic artifacts from the Shawnee-Minisink site in Pennsylvania, originally excavated, analyzed, and published by American University in the 1970-80s, was re-studied using primarily the methodology of refitting. The results of this new study strengthen many of the original conclusions, contradict others, and provide a more nuanced interpretation of Clovis-period activities at the site. It confirms the remarkable spatial integrity of the site and supports the extensive refurbishment of scrapers that entered the site as finished products, as well as on-site production exploiting local chert sources and the use of distinctive hafting techniques. Refitting further confirms the predominance of endscrapers in the assemblage, including fragments that have been interpreted otherwise; suggests that many were made on blades and blade-like flakes, rather than flakes; and provides some evidence for core-blade reduction at the site. This re-analysis strengthens the view that the excavated portion of the site represents an area of intensive specialized economic activity.
Linking Ethical Leadership to Employee Creativity: Knowledge Sharing and Self-Efficacy as Mediators
Authors: Ma Yueru , Cheng Weibo , Ribbens Barbara A. , Zhou Juanmei
Published: October 2013

Using social exchange theory and social learning theory, we examined the influence of ethical leadership on employee creativity through the mediation of knowledge sharing and self-efficacy. We tested our hypotheses with a sample of 309 employees and their supervisors from 4 Chinese
companies, using a multiple mediation model. The results showed that ethical leadership was positively related to employee creativity and that this relationship was mediated by knowledge sharing and self-efficacy.
Fulfillment of Sport Spectator Motives: The Mediation Effect of Well-Being
Authors: Wang TzuShuo Ryan , Min Sophia D. , Kim Suk Kyu
Published: October 2013

Spectator motives have been conventionally used to explain sport spectator behavior, such as word-of-mouth recommendations and revisit intention. A review of the literature suggests that the predictability of spectator motives is both inconsistent and context dependent. We proposed
that these factors can be reconciled by directly examining the role of spectator well-being in the relationship between spectator motives and repatronage behavior. Our findings revealed that spectator well-being significantly mediates the effects of 5 motives, that is, achievement, aesthetics,
knowledge, family, and escape, on sport spectator revisit intention and word-of-mouth recommendations. Future research directions are also discussed.
Third-Person Effects of Internet Stock Recommendations
Authors: Jung Jaemin , Jo Samsup
Published: October 2013

In this study we empirically tested the effects of the use of third-person perceptions in the context of the stock market using a sample of 109 professional stock traders and 130 members of the lay public. Findings show that people perceived anonymous information recommending stocks
on the Internet as having a greater influence on others than on themselves. Additionally, participants demonstrated a third-person perception when “others” were novice investors with little knowledge or experience in stock trading than when “others” were presumed to
be experienced investors. Professional stock traders perceived a greater influence on others than did the lay public. We also found support for the relationship between third-person perceptions and attitudes toward support for warnings about anonymous information.
Effect of Belief in a Just World on Daily Living Activities of Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Nasser Ramzi , Doumit Jacqueline , Al-Attiyah Asma , Fokhroo Hessa
Published: October 2013

Among people who are living in community homes for the aged, a psychological strategy to cope with daily living is belief in a just world. In this study our aim was to determine the relationship between old people's belief in a just world (BJW) and the activities of daily living (ADL).
We selected a sample of 253 cognitively able people aged 60 years and over who were living in a nursing home. We collected data through surveys using a translated and validated Arabic Self-Belief in a Just World Scale and an ADL instrument. No main or interaction effects were found for BJW
and length of period of residence in the home on ADL. When using age as a covariate no significant difference was found. There was a pattern of an increased level of ADL for a longer period of residence and BJW.
Assessing Chinese Managerial Competencies from Different Perspectives
Authors: Shang Huping , Yu Wenxuan
Published: October 2013

In this study we investigated assessments of managerial competency in the context of Chinese local government public officials. Based on data collected from a 2008 survey conducted in China's Jiangsu Province and drawing on the competing values framework developed by Quinn and Rohrbaugh
(1981, 1983), we examined discrepancies in the assessment of managerial competencies through the supervisors' self-assessments of their own competencies, subordinates' self-assessments of their own competencies, supervisors assessments of their subordinates' competencies, and subordinates'
assessments of their supervisors' competencies. We found that, significant differences existed between the managerial competency assessments of public officials with leadership positions and the assessments of their subordinates. This calls into question the validity and effectiveness of supervisors'
assessments and peer assessments of managerial competencies in Chinese government. We offer both general and specific policy suggestions for improving the measurement of managerial competencies in China.
Caregivers' Self-Efficacy and Burden of Managing Behavioral Problems in Taiwanese Aged 65 and Over with Dementia
Authors: Uei Shu-Lin , Sung Huei-Chuan , Yang Mei-Sang
Published: October 2013

In this study we explored caregivers' self-efficacy for managing people aged 65 and over with dementia behavior disturbance (DBD) and examined factors associated with the perception of care burden. A purposive sample of 162 community-dwelling people aged 65 and over with dementia and
162 primary family caregivers in Taiwan participated. The results revealed that frequency of DBD, caregivers' female gender, caregivers' level of education, relationship with care recipient, hours of care, and caregiver's self-efficacy in managing DBD were significantly correlated to the care
burden, and explained up to 36.1% of the variance. Moreover, self-efficacy of DBD management in relation to inappropriate sexual behaviors, aggressive behaviors, general aimlessness, and lack of cooperation significantly contributed to the caregivers' perception of care burden. Healthcare
professionals could use these results to design appropriate interventions to alleviate the care burden.
Effects of Parental Favoritism on Depression and Aggression in Saudi Arabian Adolescents
Authors: Moharib Nasser I.
Published: October 2013

I examined the relationships among parental favoritism, gender of the parent exhibiting favoritism, gender of children who were the favored/disfavored ones, and symptoms of depression and aggression in a nationally representative sample of 25,607 Saudi Arabian adolescents (11,411 boys
and 14,196 girls; aged between 13 and 18 years). Being a child who was singled out for negative treatment (disfavoritism) was positively related to depression (r = .39, p < .001) and aggression symptoms (r = .32, p < .001). Sons perceived themselves as being
singled out for negative treatment by fathers more than daughters did, and daughters perceived themselves as being singled out for negative treatment by mothers more than sons did. The influence of parental favoritism/disfavoritism on children's behavior was gender specific. The findings in
this study, therefore, validate some results reported in previous studies conducted by researchers in Western cultures.
The Reciprocal Longitudinal Relationship Between the Parent-Adolescent Relationship and Academic Stress in Korea
Authors: Kim Eunkyung , Lee Mijin
Published: October 2013

We explored the direction of causation and the longitudinal significance of the relationship between the parent-adolescent relationship and adolescent academic stress. We analyzed responses from the Korean Youth Panel Survey (KYPS), a longitudinal survey that has taken place over 5
years. Just over 2,400 valid responses were analyzed using autoregressive cross-lagged modeling. The results revealed that the parent-adolescent relationship and academic stress experienced by students during 1 year were significant predictors of the levels of stress felt in subsequent years.
The central finding in this study was that the closer the parent-adolescent relationship, the greater was the intensity of the adolescents' academic stress. We posited possible explanations for these findings in the context of Korean culture.
The Relationships Among Workaholism, Proactivity, and Locomotion in a Work Setting
Authors: Falvo Rossella , Visintin Emilio Paolo , Capozza Dora , Falco Alessandra , De Carlo Alessandro
Published: October 2013

We evaluated the relationship between workaholism and 2 individual difference variables relevant to an organizational context, namely: proactive personality and locomotion orientation. Specifically, we examined working excessively (WE), working compulsively (WC), and perceived self-efficacy,
proactivity, and locomotion in a sample of nurses working in an Italian public hospital. Data were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling. Because WE and WC were not distinct factors, a unitary workaholism factor was used when applying regression analysis.
As expected, workaholism was related negatively to proactivity, and positively to locomotion. In contrast, its relationship with self-efficacy was nonsignificant. The practical implications of our findings and future research directions are discussed.
Leadership Effectiveness in China: The Moderating Role of Change Climate
Authors: Du Jing , Choi Jin Nam
Published: October 2013

Owing to the rapid and unpredictable changes in emerging markets, it has become critical for managerial agendas to understand leadership effectiveness in a climate of change. We examined change climate as a potential contingency in effectiveness of authoritarian and visionary styles
of leadership. A multilevel analysis of the data collected from 235 Chinese employees and their supervisors revealed that change climate had significant cross-level moderation effects. In a context of a climate of a low level of change, authoritarian leadership style was positively related,
and visionary leadership style was negatively related, to follower outcomes. We offer insights into follower and organizational contingencies that affect leadership effectiveness in Chinese business organizations.
Effects of polybrominated diphenyl ethers on thyroid hormone, neurodevelopment and fertility in rodents and humans
Authors: Czerska Marta , Zieliński Marek , Kamińska Joanna , Ligocka Danuta
Published: October 2013

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are used as flame retardants. Due to their widespread use in many consumer products, PBDEs can be found in food as well as in the environment. Their presence has also been found in the human serum, human adipose tissue and human breast milk. Results of experimental studies suggest that the presence of PBDE in the environment is not neutral to our health. In rats and mice exposed to PBDE disturbances in thyroid hormone homeostasis and reproductive system such as changes in reproductive organs weight and disorders in sperm motility and motion were found. In rodents, pre- and postnatal exposure to PBDE can cause neurobehavioral effects. Also in humans disturbances in thyroid hormone system, weight of reproductive organs and concentrations of sex hormones associated with PBDEs serum concentrations were found. Exposure to PBDEs during pregnancy may lead to slower mental and psychomotor development in infants. In this paper the results of previous animal and human studies are reviewed.
Control, Resistance, and Racism in the Contemporary Prison
Authors: Demers Jason
Published: October 2013

Abstract:

By 2009, more than 2 million Americans were in prison and an additional 5 million were in jail, on probation, or on parole. Statistics such as these have resulted in a general unease with the way that the United States punishes its citizens, but the causes of America’s prison binge are specific, and the pains prison generates are not experienced uniformly across racial and gender lines. This essay reviews three books on contemporary trends in American prisons and imprisonment: Sharon Shalev’s Supermax: Controlling Risk through Solitary Confinement, Victoria Law’s Resistance behind Bars: The Struggles of Incarcerated Women, and Michelle Alexander’s The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness. Each of these three books identifies major structural problems within the current paradigm of mass imprisonment.
“Mortality as the Life Story of a People”: Frederick L. Hoffman and Actuarial Narratives of African American Extinction, 1896–1915
Authors: Lawrie Paul R.D.
Published: October 2013

Abstract:

This paper examines the efforts of Frederick L. Hoffman—a statistician and actuary with Prudential Life Insurance—to chart African American proletarianization through actuarial narratives of race suicide in turn-of-the-century America. Drawing on works such as “Vital Statistics of the Negro” (1892), Race Traits and Tendencies of the American Negro (1896), and Hoffman’s voluminous personal correspondence, this paper details how the young actuary used the metrics of crime, race mixing, and the broadly defined “vital capacity” (a measure of respiratory health) to quantify the respective social, physical, and economic effects of African Americans’ transition from bonded to contract labour. With the rise of corporate industrial insurance, health—or more specifically death—became a key commodity in racial labour division. Positing mortality as the primary marker of racial health, actuaries such as Hoffman drew on the narrative discourses of evolutionary theory to quantify and monetize shifts in political economy through the rhetoric of race suicide. Paired with the narrative structures of scientific management, these actuarial narratives of racial health told stories of development and decline, efficiency and inefficiency, and the constant tension between civilization and savagery. Rapid industrialization, urbanization, and the desire to maintain the hierarchies of white supremacy made the figure of the “vanishing Negro” an imperative of turn-of-the-century American political economy and a cautionary tale of the perils of racial decline in a rapidly modernizing world.
Present Status on the Use of Anabolic Steroids and Feed Additives in Small Scale Cattle Fattening in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam MH , Hashem MA , Hossain MM , Islam MS , Rana MS , Habibullah M
Published: October 2013

This study was conducted to find out the relationship among different aspects of cattle fattening and use of anabolic steroids and feed additives. The data were collected through an interview schedule from 150 respondents of 6 upazila of 3 districts who were involved in small scale cattle fattening. Parameters were studied in relation to socio-economic conditions of farmers and use of anabolic steroids and feed additives and their effects on animals and environment. In this study 72% farmers' were involved in agriculture, followed by 23.3% in livestock business. About 46% farmers had primary education, 10.7% had higher secondary school certificates, 5% obtained above higher secondary education and the rest of them were illiterate. Irrespective of literacy only 9.3% of the farmer had training. About 89.3% respondents used their own labors, 7.3% dependent on hired labor and the rest 3.3% get labour from both sources. Results showed that about 58% respondents used anabolic steroids for the duration of 3 to 6 months long cattle fattening (P<0.001) program. The chi-square (14.09) value of annual income indicates that with increase of annual income, use of anabolic steroids have decreased. The significant (P<0.01) association was observed in case of anabolic steroids and source of money, annual income, number of cattle fattening, breeds, fattening period, starting and finishing age. The rs value of annual income, source of money, starting and finishing age were positively correlated with feed additives. About 78% respondents used feed additives for cattle fattening from own resources (P<0.001) and most of cattle fattened for 3 to 6 months (P<0.01). The result demonstrated that respondents of low annual income used more anabolic steroid and feed additives as a growth promoter for cattle fattening and they prefer in powder form.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v23i1-2.16553Progress. Agric. 23(1 & 2): 1  13, 2012
Effect of Salt and Storage Temperature on Beef Sausage Quality
Authors: Luna R , Hashem MA , Ali MS , Hossain MM , Talukder MAK , Islam MS
Published: October 2013

The experiment was conducted to find out the effect of salt and storage temperature on the quality of sausage. For this purpose sausage samples were divided into two portions. One is called fresh sausage and another is preserved sausage at different temperature. Then the fresh samples as well as the preserved samples were divided into four subdivisions, treated with different salt levels and e.g. control group-0% and the others are 1.5%, 3% and 5% of salt concentration. The preserved samples were stored at 4°C and -20°C. Samples preserved at 4°C were stored in the refrigerator for 21 days and were analyzed on 7th, 14th and 21th day and on the other hand samples preserved at -20°C were stored in the freezer for 60 days and were analyzed on 15th, 30th, 45th and 60th day. Dry matter and Ash content of all the samples increased with the advancement of storage time and salt concentration level. Dry matter in fresh sample was less compared to preserved samples. Crude protein (CP) percent of fresh samples were 23.13, 22.63, 22.48 and 22.44 at different salt concentration level. The values of CP, DM, Ash & Fat also varied among the samples significantly (P<0.01). Sausage can be preserved for 60 days in different techniques with different changes in the quality. Highly significant difference was observed in preserved samples than in fresh samples at different salt levels. Fresh sausage treated with 1.5% salt found to be more acceptable in terms of sensory evaluation.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v23i1-2.16561Progress. Agric. 23(1 & 2): 15  24, 2012
Effects of Fish Population Densities on Growth and Production of Fishes
Authors: Apu JK , Rahman MS , Rashid H
Published: October 2013

The experiment was carried out under three treatments each with two replications. Fish population density was 80 fish per decimal (silver carp 32, tilapia 32 and mrigal 16) under treatment-1, 120 fish per decimal (silver carp 48, tilapia 48 and mrigal 24) under treatment-2 and 160 fish per decimal (silver carp 64, tilapia 64 and mrigal 32) under treatment-3. The average initial length and weight of the fingerlings of silver carp, tilapia and mrigal were 7.49, 5.12, and 5.56 cm and 8.00, 2.00 and 1.50 g respectively. The ponds were fertilized fortnightly with cowdung, urea and TSP (triple super phosphate) at the rates of 5 kg, 60 g, and 90 g per decimal, respectively. During the experimental period, the range of water temperature (30.20 to 32.90°C), transparency (28 to 38 cm), dissolved oxygen (8.20 to 10.60 mg/L), pH (6.90 to 7.90), total alkalinity (92.00 to 127.00 mg/L), free CO2 (1.00 to 1.60 mg/L), phosphate-phosphorus (1.00 to 1.90 mg/L), and nitrate-nitrogen (1.90 to 3.90 mg/L) were within the productive range and more or less similar in all the ponds under three treatments. There were 25 genera of phytoplankton under five major groups and 10 genera of zooplankton under three major groups in the experimental ponds. The calculated net fish production of the ponds under treatment-1 was 2.62 ton/ha/yr and that of the ponds under treatment-2 was 4.42 ton/ha/yr and that of the ponds under treatment-3 was 5.18 ton/ha/yr. The net fish production under treatment-2 and treatment -3 were 195.58% and 229.20% higher than that of treatment-1, taking net fish production under treatment-1 for 100%. According to profit-cost analysis the ratios of net profit and total cost under treatments 1, 2, and 3 were 1:0.25, 1:0.45, and 1:0.44. According to growth and production treatment-3 is the best, and according to the profit-cost analysis, treatment-2 (ratio 1:0.45) is the best but it is almost same to that of treatment-3. So, the population density of 160 fish per decimal (under treatment-3) might be considered best. It seems that proper determination of stocking density of different fishes in polyculture is very important to increase fish production.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v23i1-2.16566Progress. Agric. 23(1 & 2): 63  73, 2012
Utilization Pattern of Crop Residues at Farm Level: Evidence from Diversified Rice-Based Cropping Systems in Bangladesh
Authors: Akteruzzaman M , Zaman M
Published: October 2013

The study aims to examine the utilization of crop residues of 458 farm households covering four districts in Bangladesh. Primary data were collected during October to December 2012 through field survey following purposive sampling. The evidence showed that the average age of the respondents were 40.23 years with an average family size of 4.84. About 37.12% respondents had above primary level of education and 81% respondents were engaged primarily in agriculture. The average farm size was found to be 2.61 acre. The annual household income was found BDT 215,584 of which 75 and 25% came from agriculture and non-agriculture sources, respectively. The study areas were mostly dominated by rice based cropping systems. Among the crop, rice alone contributed 83.14% of the total cultivated land followed by vegetables (41.76%), pulses (39.08%) and jute with cropping intensities ranges from 153.16 to 282.12%. The whole retention of boro rice was found higher than aman rice and oilseeds and maize were found higher than all crops. No retention of crop residues was found in case of jute and pulses. It was indicated that the retention rate varied crop to crop as well as location to location. The distance had also another major factor on the retention of crop residues. The households were benefited from retention of crop residues by improving soil health, add soil nutrients, improving soil structure and increasing water conservation to the field. The crop residues were mostly used for animal feed followed by cooking fuel and add organic matter to the field. The used cooking fuel come from their own fuel wood (about 14-53%), own crop residues (about 10-25%) and from cowdung (about 4-22%), respectively. The sources of animal feed was found from own crops (about 3- 52%), own crop residues (about 16-18%) and from green grass (about 6-24%), respectively. The constraints to retention crop residues and uses were the lack of proper method of harvesting, transporting them to the house, deficit labor and uneconomic. Finally, the study suggests for conducting training on appropriate methods of harvesting, processing of retention crop residues and improvement of transportation of harvested crop at home properly.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v23i1-2.16575Progress. Agric. 23(1 & 2): 111  122, 2012
A Comparative Economic Study on BARI GOM-24 and BARI GOM-23 Production in a Selected Area of Dinajpur District
Authors: Islam MT , Uddin MT , Sattar MN
Published: October 2013

This study was designed to determine the costs, returns and relative profitability of BARI GOM-24 and BARI GOM-23 production in Dinajpur district. In total 60 farmers were selected of whom 30 produced BARI GOM-23 and 30 produced BARI GOM-24 from two villages of Khanshama Upazila of Dinajpur district. Cost-return and functional analyses were done to achieve the objectives of the study. It was revealed that the cultivation of both BARI GOM-24 and BARI GOM-23 were profitable for the farmers. Per hectare gross cost of production of BARI GOM-23 and BARI GOM-24 were Tk. 49898.54 and Tk. 54104.15, respectively and the corresponding gross returns were Tk. 77715.02 and Tk. 65608.44. The per hectare net returns of producing of BARI GOM-23 and BARI GOM-24 were Tk. 27816.48 and Tk. 11504.29, respectively. The results indicated that BARI GOM-24 was more profitable than BARI GOM-23. Cobb-Douglas production function was applied to address the effects of individual inputs on gross return of BARI GOM-24 and BARI GOM-23. It was observed that most of the included variables had significant impact on gross return from BARI GOM-24 and BARI GOM-23 production and gross return could be increased further by increasing the use of some inputs like human labour, seed and fertilizer. The study also identified some problems faced by the producers in producing BARI GOM-24 and BARI GOM-23. Based on the findings of the study, some recommendations were made to improve the cultivation and management practices for BARI GOM-24 and BARI GOM-23 farming in order to increase the income of the farmers.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v23i1-2.16576Progress. Agric. 23(1 & 2): 123  132, 2012
Factors Affecting Farm and Non-Farm Income of Haor Inhabitants of Bangladesh
Authors: Parvin MT , Akteruzzaman M
Published: October 2013

The study has been conducted to examine the factors influencing farm and nonfarm income of Haor economy in Bangladesh. Dingaputa Haor area of Netrokona district was selected for the present study and a sample of 60 farmers had been taken randomly. The log linear form of Cobb-Douglas production function was chosen to determine the effects of socioeconomic variables on farm income and non-farm income. Apart from this, some descriptive statistical analysis were done to examine the socioeconomic characteristics of sampled households. The estimated results of the regression models revealed that family size and farm size had a significant positive effect on farm income and non-farm income had a significant negative effect on farm income. On the other hand, family size had a positive and significant effect on non-farm income and farm income had a negative and significant effect on non-farm income. To promote the farm and non-farm sector income and strengthening its potential linkages between them, the study mainly recommends increasing efforts on two fronts: first, reforming the institutions responsible for rural development and second, development activities and projects that would enhance farm and non-farm income and the linkages between them.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v23i1-2.16578Progress. Agric. 23(1 & 2): 143  150, 2012
Battery Operated USG Applicator
Authors: Ahmed MR , Billah MM , Ziauddin ATM
Published: October 2013

Nowadays USG application in paddy field is an innovative technology to reduce the nitrogen fertilizer losses in the field. Manual application of USG in the field by hand between four seedlings is very much time consuming, costly and back breaking task. As a result different models of USG applicator were developed in home and abroad. Most of the applicators are manually pushed or pull type. An applicator was designed and developed to operate by a DC electric motor. In this machine 12 Volt 9 AH rechargeable battery was used. Power was transmitted by pulley and v-belt from the motor to the driven wheel. The average missing rate was found 4.84% and the average applicator capacity was found 19.37 kg/hr and the average field capacity was found 0.0924 ha/hr. When the machine operated in the unpuddled land, distance between two dropped guti was found averagely 38.76 cm. By selecting more powerful motor, the machine performance can be improved.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v23i1-2.16618Progress. Agric. 23(1 & 2): 75  80, 2012