bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Urease Inhibitors for Use in Rice Production on a Silt‐Loam Soil
Authors: Rogers Christopher W. , Norman Richard J. , Brye Kristofor R. , Slaton Nathan A. , Smartt Alden D.
Published: January 2015

In drill‐seeded, delayed‐flood rice (Oryza sativa L.), the large preflood application of nitrogen (N) is typically supplied as urea. Urea is susceptible to ammonia (NH3) volatilization loss if the flood is not established in a timely manner. Research studies investigated the effectiveness of two sources (Agrotain‐Ultra [AGR] and Arborite AG‐NT [ARB]) of the urease inhibitor N‐(n‐butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) with different adhering technologies. The two sources were compared to untreated urea, in terms of preventing rice grain yield reduction attributed to N loss when urea‐N was applied at an optimal and suboptimal rate 10, 5, and 1 day prior to flooding (DPF). Sources were also compared to untreated urea in terms of urea‐N loss via NH3 volatilization. Grain yield, averaged across N source and application time, differed among N rates, where the yield from optimally N‐fertilized rice was 8208 lb/acre, suboptimal was 6692 lb/acre, and no N was 4996 lb/acre. Averaged across N sources and rates, rice fertilized 10 DPF produced a lower yield (7227 lb/acre) than urea applied 5 DPF (7673 lb/acre) or 1 DPF (7494 lb/acre), which did not differ. Yield from the two NBPT sources did not differ (7494 lb/acre and 7584 lb/acre) and were greater than untreated urea yield (7316 lb/acre). Results indicated that NH3 volatilization from urea (15%) was greater than from urea treated with either NBPT source (3%). Both sources of NBPT were similar in effectiveness and resulted in greater yields and decreased NH3 volatilization as compared to untreated urea.
Preparation of nanosized Fluticasone Propionate nasal spray with improved stability and uniformity
Authors: Dai Jiajia , Ruan Benfang , Zhu Ying , Liang Xianrui , Su Feng , Su Weike
Published: January 2015

Transmucosal nasal delivery has been recognized as up-and-coming option for
delivery of therapeutic compounds. However, the short residence time of the
formulation within the nasal cavity coupled to its low permeability is
regarded as the barrier to good bioavailability. To overcome those
limitations, we developed a new formulation - nanosized Fluticasone
Propionate (FP) nasal spray. High pressure homogenization (HPH) was employed
to achieve effective particle size reduction. Latin square experimental
design (LSED) was implemented for high pressure homogenization process. With
optimized process conditions, the resulting particles were less than 250 nm
in size. The aging effect in FP nanosuspensions after 30-day refrigerated
storage was not considerable. However, for long-term storage, a combination
of homogenization and lyophilization (HL) was required to acquire stable FP
nanocystals. The crystallinity of FP was examined by differential scanning
calorimetry (DSC) and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and no alternation
was observed before or after homogenization and lyophilization process. The
finished nasal spray offered a more uniform drug content compared to
marketed formulation, which ensure the consistency and reproducibility of
dose delivery. The study confirmed the effectiveness of homogenization, the
usefulness of Latin square design and the feasibility of nano nasal spray.
Accounting Errors in Nonprofit Organizations
Authors: Burks Jeffrey J.
Published: January 2015

SYNOPSIS

This study examines the accounting errors committed by public charities as revealed by searching for disclosures of their corrections in auditor reports, financial statements, and footnotes. A sample of 5,511 audited financial statements, predominantly from the years 2006 to 2010, was obtained from GuideStar, a data provider for nonprofits. Public charities report errors at a rate that is 60 percent higher than that of publicly traded corporations, and almost twice as high as that of similar-sized corporations. The errors are commonly errors of omission (i.e., failing to recognize items). The error rate has a strong positive association with internal control deficiencies and a strong negative association with Big 4 and second-tier auditors. Regressions are unable to detect a significant association between the error rate and organization size, type, or portion of the budget devoted to administrative activities. The error corrections often have low visibility in the financial reports issued by public charities; although they are reported in the footnotes of the audited financial statements, they often are not mentioned in auditor reports and in IRS Form 990s. The study improves our understanding of the accounting challenges faced by nonprofits, and may enhance nonprofit financial reporting by helping nonprofit managers and auditors understand the common circumstances and types of errors, and thus what activities to monitor more closely. The study also contributes to the academic literature by comparing the errors of nonprofits to those of corporations, by examining the outcomes of audits conducted by large as well as small auditors, and by advancing our understanding of discrepancies between audited and unaudited financial reports.

Data Availability: Data are available from sources identified in the paper.
Does Disclosure of Conflict of Interest Increase or Decrease Bias?
Authors: Jamal Karim , Marshall Erin , Tan Hun-Tong
Published: January 2015

Corporate governance reforms and the threat-safeguard approach to auditor independence regulations are motivated by the assumption that disclosure by an agent (e.g., auditor) of a potential conflict of interest reduces bias in professional judgment. In this study, we conduct an experiment using experienced professional valuators to investigate the validity of this assumption. We find that where the nature of the conflict is aligned with the interests of the current client, disclosure of a conflict of interest actually increases bias in participants' valuation estimates in favor of the current client. However, when there is an incentive to act against the interest of the current client, the valuator signals his/her duty to the current client by moving valuations in favor of (and not against) the current client. In this case, disclosure has no incremental effect in reducing or exacerbating bias.
Thoughts on Competency Integration in Accounting Education
Authors: Lawson Raef A. , Blocher Edward J. , Brewer Peter C. , Morris Jan Taylor , Stocks Kevin D. , Sorensen James E. , Stout David E. , Wouters Marc J. F.
Published: January 2015

The paper follows up on Lawson et al. (2014), which reported on the work of a joint task force sponsored by the Management Accounting Section (MAS) of the American Accounting Association (AAA) and the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) charged with the responsibility of developing curricular recommendations for accounting education. The current paper extends the discussion by examining possibilities for integrating foundational competencies and broad management competencies into the accounting curriculum, and for integrating across various accounting competencies. The paper provides a detailed example to illustrate its recommendations. The paper also discusses two implementation challenges related to curriculum integration and offers some thoughts for productively responding to them. Finally, the paper includes three appendices that contain an additional example and list additional resources for instructors to support curricular-integration initiatives in accounting.
Multinationality, Tax Havens, Intangible Assets, and Transfer Pricing Aggressiveness: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Taylor Grantley , Richardson Grant , Lanis Roman
Published: January 2015

This study examines the individual and joint effects of multinationality, tax havens, and intangible assets on transfer pricing aggressiveness. Based on a hand-collected sample of 286 publicly listed U.S. multinational firms over the 2006–2012 period (2,002 firm-year observations), the regression results indicate that multinationality, tax haven utilization, and intangible assets are significantly positively associated with transfer pricing aggressiveness. The regression results also show that firms magnify their international transfer pricing aggressiveness through the joint effects of intangible assets, multinationality, and tax havens. Overall, the empirical findings demonstrate that the utilization of tax havens and the level of intangible assets are economically important factors that assist firms in obtaining tax benefits through transfer pricing aggressiveness.

Data Availability: All data are available from public sources identified in the paper.
Related-Party Transactions and Audit Fees: Evidence from China
Authors: Habib Ahsan , Jiang Haiyan , Zhou Donghua
Published: January 2015

This paper investigates the effect of related-party transactions (RPTs) on audit fees in China. RPTs may violate the arm's-length assumption of regular market-based transactions, impairing the representational faithfulness and verifiability of accounting data and, as a consequence, increase clients' auditor-assessed business risk. The presence and magnitude of such transactions are therefore likely to increase audit fees. On the other hand, audit fees could be lower for firms with RPTs because auditors face less difficulty in verifying them, as opposed to third-party transactions. We first consider the effect of RPTs on audit fees, and document relatively high audit fees associated with RPTs. This lends support to the conjecture that RPTs are seen as increasing audit risk. We then extend this baseline case by considering the effects on audit fees of different classes of RPTs, of the different parties involved in RPTs and, finally, of the interaction between product-market competition and RPTs. We first document a negative (positive) association between RPTs involving sales and purchase of goods and services (RPTs related to intercorporate loans). We also find that audit fees are relatively high for RPTs involving loans and capital transfers when listed parents transact with their subsidiaries. Finally, we find that audit fees are relatively low for RPTs within competitive industries.
It's All about All of Us: The Rise of Narcissism and Its Implications for Management Control System Research
Authors: Young S. Mark , Du Fei , Dworkis Kelsey Kay , Olsen Kari Joseph
Published: January 2015

While the construct of narcissism has existed for well over 100 years, it has become the most discussed personality disorder of recent times and has the potential to influence organizational culture and control systems. Although systematic research on narcissism has been conducted at the individual level, research on its effects within organizations is still in its nascent stages. Our objectives in this paper are threefold: (1) to present an overview of the narcissism construct and its causes, (2) to review how narcissistic employees behave differently in work settings compared to less narcissistic employees, and (3) to develop a framework for research from which we develop testable hypotheses about how increased levels of employee narcissism can affect the design and performance of management control systems.
Determinants of Adherence to Diabetes Medications: Findings From a Large Pharmacy Claims Database
Authors: Kirkman M. Sue , Rowan-Martin Megan T. , Levin Rebecca , Fonseca Vivian A. , Schmittdiel Julie A. , Herman William H. , Aubert Ronald E.
Published: January 2015

OBJECTIVE

Adults with diabetes typically take multiple medications for hyperglycemia, diabetes-associated conditions, and other comorbidities. Medication adherence is associated with improved outcomes, including reduced health care costs, hospitalization, and mortality. We conducted a retrospective analysis of a large pharmacy claims database to examine patient, medication, and prescriber factors associated with adherence to antidiabetic medications.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We extracted data on a cohort of >200,000 patients who were treated for diabetes with noninsulin medications in the second half of 2010 and had continuous prescription benefits eligibility through 2011. Adherence was defined as a medication possession ratio ≥0.8. We used a modified adherence measure that accounted for switching therapies. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine factors independently associated with adherence.

RESULTS

Sixty-nine percent of patients were adherent. Adherence was independently associated with older age, male sex, higher education, higher income, use of mail order versus retail pharmacies, primary care versus nonendocrinology specialist prescribers, higher daily total pill burden, and lower out-of-pocket costs. Patients who were new to diabetes therapy were significantly less likely to be adherent.

CONCLUSIONS

Several demographic, clinical, and potentially modifiable system-level factors were associated with adherence to antidiabetic medications. Patients typically perceived to be healthy (those who are younger, new to diabetes, and on few other medications) may be at risk for nonadherence. For all patients, efforts to reduce out-of-pocket costs and encourage use of mail order pharmacies may result in higher adherence.
Corneal Confocal Microscopy Predicts 4-Year Incident Peripheral Neuropathy in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Pritchard Nicola , Edwards Katie , Russell Anthony W. , Perkins Bruce A. , Malik Rayaz A. , Efron Nathan
Published: January 2015

OBJECTIVE

This study determined if deficits in corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL) assessed using corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) can predict future onset of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

CNFL and a range of other baseline measures were compared between 90 nonneuropathic patients with type 1 diabetes who did or did not develop DPN after 4 years. The receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the capability of single and combined measures of neuropathy to predict DPN.

RESULTS

DPN developed in 16 participants (18%) after 4 years. Factors predictive of 4-year incident DPN were lower CNFL (P = 0.041); longer duration of diabetes (P = 0.002); higher triglycerides (P = 0.023); retinopathy (higher on the Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study scale) (P = 0.008); nephropathy (higher albumin-to-creatinine ratio) (P = 0.001); higher neuropathy disability score (P = 0.037); lower cold sensation (P = 0.001) and cold pain (P = 0.027) thresholds; higher warm sensation (P = 0.008), warm pain (P = 0.024), and vibration (P = 0.003) thresholds; impaired monofilament response (P = 0.003); and slower peroneal (P = 0.013) and sural (P = 0.002) nerve conduction velocity. CCM could predict the 4-year incident DPN with 63% sensitivity and 74% specificity for a CNFL threshold cutoff of 14.1 mm/mm2 (area under ROC curve = 0.66, P = 0.041). Combining neuropathy measures did not improve predictive capability.

CONCLUSIONS

DPN can be predicted by various demographic, metabolic, and conventional neuropathy measures. The ability of CCM to predict DPN broadens the already impressive diagnostic capabilities of this novel ophthalmic marker.
Effectiveness of Different Mechanical Methods on Dentin Caries Removal: Micro-CT and Digital Image Evaluation
Authors: Ferraz C , Freire AR , Mendonça JS , Fernandes CAO , Cardona JC , Yamauti M
Published: January 2015

Purpose

To determine the caries removal effectiveness (CRE) and minimal invasive potential (MIP) of caries excavation methods using digital imaging and microtomography analyses.

Methods

Twelve human molars with occlusal caries lesions in dentin were randomly divided into three groups (carbide bur, exacavator, and polymer bur). They were sectioned mesiodistally, and standardized digital and computed microtomography x-ray (micro-CT) images were taken from each section before and after caries excavation. On each image, initial carious dentin (IC), prepared cavity (PC), and residual caries (RC) were defined according to visual criteria using ImageJ software. CRE was determined based on the RC/IC ratio, whereas MIP was determined by the PC/IC ratio. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and Student t-test or with Kruskal-Wallis and Student-Newman-Keuls test. The level of significance was set at 0.05.

Results

For both digital image and micro-CT analysis, the carbide bur showed higher CRE values than the excavator (p=0.0063 and p=0.0263, respectively) and the polymer bur (p=0.0028 and p=0.0005, respectively). The latter two presented similar results (p>0.05). Regarding MIP, for the digital image analysis, the polymer bur was different from the carbide bur (p=0.0030) but was not different from that of the excavator (p=0.1240). For micro-CT analysis, the MIP values of all the groups were significantly different, and the polymer bur was the most conservative method (p<0.05).

Conclusions

The carbide bur was the most effective method for caries removal but was not completely conservative. The polymer bur and excavator presented low invasive potential but were not able to remove all of the carious dentin.
Evaluation of Cytotoxicity of Dentin Desensitizing Products
Authors: Eyüboğlu GB , Yeşilyurt C , Ertürk M
Published: January 2015

Objectives

To evaluate the cytotoxic effects of the dentin desensitizing products (DDPs) used in the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity on cultured human gingival and pulpal fibroblast cells.

Methods and Materials

The cytotoxic effects of DDPs (Smart Protect, Systemp Desensitizer, Seal & Protect, Aqua-Prep F, Isodan, Gluma, BisBlock, D/Sense Crystal, UltraEZ, Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief, Topex, and Clinpro White Varnish) on cultured human gingival- and pulp-derived fibroblast cells were evaluated using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) test (Serva, Heidelberg, Germany) under two different conditions. In the first test, different dilutions of the DDPs were directly applied onto cultured gingival fibroblast cells, and in the second test, the products were applied onto different-thickness dentin discs (0.5 and 1 mm) placed above cell culture medium, which contained pulp fibroblast cells.

Results

According to the cytotoxicity evaluations of gingival fibroblast cells, the cytotoxicity of all of the DDPs was very high at 50% concentrations (p<0.05). Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief, Clinpro White Varnish, and Topex showed higher cytotoxicity than did the other products (p<0.05), decreasing with further dilutions, and these products were found to be less cytotoxic to both types of cells (p<0.05) than were the other products with further dilutions. The cytotoxicity to human gingival and pulpal fibroblast cells of Systemp Desensitizer, Aqua-Prep F, Isodan, and Gluma did not show any decrease with further dilutions, and these products were found to be more cytotoxic than the other products (p<0.05).

Conclusions

According to the findings of this study, Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief, Topex, and Clinpro White Varnish were less cytotoxic than the other DDPs used in this study.
Conservative Restoration of Worn Mandibular Anterior Teeth Combining Gingival Repositioning and a Template Matricing Technique
Authors: St Germain HA , Jenkins JF
Published: January 2015

Conservative resin composite restoration of worn mandibular anterior teeth may offer an alternative option to full-coverage restorations for the patient. Assessment of the occlusal condition is critical because alterations in occlusal vertical dimension may not always be possible. By exposing additional coronal tooth structure, periodontal crown-lengthening procedures can serve to increase clinical crown height when adequate attached gingival tissue is present and supra-eruption has likely occurred. Fabrication of a custom template made from a diagnostic mock-up with proximal stainless steel matrices helps contribute to a predictable restorative result and improves chairside efficiency for the dental practice. By combining gingival crown lengthening, bonding of resin composite material, and selective occlusal adjustment; a short to medium-term, conservative option can be made available for the patient.
Experimental Demonstration Of The Fixed-Point Sparse Coding Performance
Authors: Jiang Jingfei , Hu Rongdong , Zhang Fei , Dou Yong
Published: January 2015

The Sparse Coding (SC) model has been proved to be among the best neural networks which are mainly used in unsupervised feature learning for many applications. Running a sparse coding algorithm is a time-consuming task due to its large scale and processing characteristics, which naturally leads to investigating FPGA acceleration. Fixed-point arithmetic can be used when implementing SC in FPGAs to reduce the execution time, but the implications for accuracy are not clear. Previous studies have focused only on accelerators using some fixed bitwidths on other neural networks models. Our work gives a comprehensive evaluation to demonstrate the bit-width effect on SCs, achieving the best performance and area efficiency. The method of data format conversion and the matrix blocking are the main factors considered according to the situation of hardware implementation. The simulation method of the simple truncation, the representation of the domain constraint and the matrix blocking with different parallelism were evaluated in this paper. The results have shown that the fixedpoint bit-width did have effect on the performance of SC. We must limit the representation domain of the data carefully and select an available bit-width according to the computation parallelism. The result has also shown that using a fixed-point arithmetic can guarantee the precision of the SC algorithm and get acceptable convergence speed.
Underwater Acoustic Sensor Networks Deployment Using Improved Self-Organize Map Algorithm
Authors: Hua Cheng Bing , Wei Zhao , Zi Nan Chang
Published: January 2015

The traditional Self-Organize Map (SOM) method is used for the arrangement of seabed nodes in this paper. If the distance between the nodes and the events is long, these nodes cannot be victory nodes and they will be abandoned, because they cannot move to the direction of events, and as a result they are not being fully utilized and are destroying the balance of energy consumption in the network. Aiming at this problem, this paper proposes an improved self-organize map algorithm with the introduction of the probability-selection mechanism in Gibbs sampling to select victory nodes, thus optimizing the selection strategy for victory nodes. The simulation results show that the Improved Self-Organize Map (ISOM) algorithm can balance the energy consumption in the network and prolong the network lifetime. Compared with the traditional self-organize map algorithm, the adopting of the improved self-organize map algorithm can make the event driven coverage rate increase about 3%.
A Unified Modeling Language-Based Design And Application For A Library Management Information System
Authors: Zheng Jianhu , Feng Yunqing , Zhao Yun
Published: January 2015

This paper firstly introduces the main content of the Unified Modeling Language (UML) and proves that it can transmit information among the users, the developers, the designers and the managers efficiently, which improves their collaboration capabilities and greatly increases the degree of industrialization in software development projects. Secondly, a library management system development and design is carried out, based on UML modeling mechanism to analyze a simple library management system. Thirdly, a demand analysis mode of the management system is built with the help of a case diagram and an analysis diagram after analysis of a simple library management system, using UML modeling mechanism. Then a book lending management subsystem has been designed in the library management system by a design class diagram and a sequence diagram. The design process indicates that as a modeling language of software engineering, UML has a very good application prospect.
Research On A Cotton Storage Platform And Security Strategy Based On Iot
Authors: Xiaodong Zhao , Yajing Li
Published: January 2015

Establishing cotton storage IoT can realize real-time, unified management of the national cotton storage, which has an important strategic significance. This paper describes the application system of cotton storage IoT and proposes an application platform architecture mixed with C/S and B/S. IoT development is still in its infancy, lacking a unified IoT system standard. Its system has some flaws, especially in its system security. This paper analyzes the security problems of the IoT system and offers some strategies for its research.
Grafted vegetables – the influence of rootstock and scion on postharvest quality
Authors: Fallik Elazar , Ilic Zoran
Published: January 2015

Grafting of vegetable seedlings is a unique horticultural technology, practised for more than 50 years, to overcome problems associated with intensive cultivation on limited arable land. Grafting vegetables can protect against soil-borne diseases and nematodes, against abiotic stresses such as high/low temperatures, salinity, drought or excessive soil-water content, and against elevated soil concentrations of heavy metals and organic pollutants. In addition, the grafted plant takes up water and nutrients from the soil more efficiently and retains its vitality for longer periods during the growing season. However, rootstock/scion combinations may affect and alter the final size, yield, and quality of fruits from grafted plants, both immediately postharvest and during prolonged storage. These alterations may be attributed in part to differing production environments and methods, the type of rootstock/scion combinations used, and harvest date. The aim of this paper is to review the most recent literature on the effects of grafting on postharvest quality of fruits/vegetables: tomato, watermelon, melon, eggplant, cucumber and pepper. The review will conclude by identifying several prospects for future research aimed at improving the quality of grafted fruit/vegetable products.
Heavy Metal Contamination of Landscape Componets in Surroundings of Closed Mercury Deposit in Malachov (Slovakia) / Kontamince Krajinných Složek Ťěžkými Kovy V Okolí Uzavřeného Dolu Na Rtuť V Malachově (Slovensko)
Authors: Dadová Jana , Kupka Jiří , Barto Peter , Remešicová Erika , Štrba Tomáš
Published: January 2015

The present study investigates mercury contamination of soil, groundwater, surface water, vegetation and food commodities (fruit, vegetable, mushroom, and fish) close to the abandoned Hg deposit in Malachov, Central Slovakia. The soil was classified as cambi-soil (rendzina). Maximum concentrations of Hg (44.24 ppm) were found in the soil from the area nearby old mining activities in the Veľká Studňa locality. In the groundwater, 0.84 μg.L-1, and in the surface water, even 394 μg.L-1 of Hg content was found. Also plant tissues and mushrooms are Hg-contaminated (in the root of Salix fragilis, the Hg content was 22 mg.kg-1). The Hg concentration decreases in general in the following order: root, branch/stem, and leaf/needle. In the food commodities, the Hg content does not exceed the Slovak law limits. The Hg content in trout muscle (from the local Malachovský brook) is 252 μg.kg-1 and in liver 402 μg.kg-1.

The calculation of an AMD formation potential (neutralisation potential, total acidity production, net neutralisation potential) is discussed as well. The value of the total acidity production potential (sensu Sobek et al., 1978) is low (1.562 - 3.125; with exception of a single sample, in which it increased to 9.375). On the other hand, the abundant presence of dolomite rocks causes a high neutralization potential value (up to 812.84). This result suggests that the assumption of the AMD production is excluded and the environmental risk from this viewpoint might be neglected
The Evaluation of Selected Air Pollutants in Košice for the Period 2008-2010 / Analýza Znečisťujúcich Látok Vo Vybraných Monitorovacích Staniciach Mesta Košice Za Obdobie 2008 - 2010
Authors: Gergeľová Marcela , Kuzevičová Žofia , Kuzevič Štefan
Published: January 2015

In general, air quality is determined from the concentrations of pollutants in ambient air. Air quality criteria (limit and target values, margin of tolerances, upper and lower assessment thresholds) are based on the current legislative framework. In Slovakia, the air quality criteria are imposed by Decree No 360/2010 Coll, on air quality, of the Ministry of Environment [1]. In relation to the implemented measurements, it is necessary to choose effective tools needed for the pre-processing and post-processing of overall air quality assessment. The article aims at applying suitable GIS tools in the assessment process of air quality in the Košice agglomeration for the selected period 2008-2010. In the overall assessment of the area in question, the processing of information on emissions declared as particulate matter (PM) was considered in terms of a conservative approach to the assessment of air quality for PM10. For the assessment, the yearbooks and reports on air quality in Slovakia in 2008-2010 of the Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute (SHMI) and professional publications were used
Analysis Of Geodetic Network Established Inside The Dobšinská Ice Cave Space / Analýza Geodetickej Siete Zriadenej V Priestoroch Dobšinskej Ľadovej Jaskyne
Authors: Gašinec Juraj , Gašincová Silvia , Zelizňaková Vladislava , Palková Jana , Kuzevičová Žofia
Published: January 2015

The present article summarizes the progress and results of geodetic works during the construction of a geodetic network inside the Dobšinská Ice Cave underground space to monitor temporal and spatial changes in its ice filling. In order to objectively evaluate the changes, parameter estimations of the first- and second-order of the geodetic network from the set of field geodetic measurements were provided, and a robust analysis of the network was applied in terms of the assessment of impacts of potential outlier measurements on the network geometry
The Application Of Open-Source And Free Photogrammetric Software For The Purposes Of Cultural Heritage Documentation
Authors: Bartoš Karol , Pukanská Katarína , Sabová Janka
Published: January 2015

The documentation of cultural heritage is an essential part of appropriate care of historical monuments, representing a part of our history. At present, it represents the current issue, for which considerable funds are being spent, as well as for the documentation of immovable historical monuments in a form of castle ruins, among the others. Non-contact surveying technologies - terrestrial laser scanning and digital photogrammetry belong to the most commonly used technologies, by which suitable documentation can be obtained, however their use may be very costly. In recent years, various types of software products and web services based on the SfM (or MVS) method and developed as open-source software, or as a freely available and free service, relying on the basic principles of photogrammetry and computer vision, have started to get into the spotlight. By using the services and software, acquired digital images of a given object can be processed into a point cloud, serving directly as a final output or as a basis for further processing. The aim of this paper, based on images of various objects of the Slanec castle ruins obtained by the DSLR Pentax K5, is to assess the suitability of different types of open-source and free software and free web services and their reliability in terms of surface reconstruction and photo-texture quality for the purposes of castle ruins documentation.
Gamma Radioactivity Of The January 2013 Rainfall In Ostrava / Gama Radioaktivita Deště V Lednu 2013 V Ostravě
Authors: Alexa Petr , Količová Petra , Uhlář Radim
Published: January 2015

Gamma radioactivity of an 8 mm thick ice layer formed after a modest rain on 21 January 2013 in the VŠB-Technical University of Ostrava campus was analyzed and gamma-ray emissions from primordial 40K have been found. Cosmogenic 7Be produced mainly in galactic cosmic-ray spallation processes on atmospheric nitrogen and oxygen and 226Ra, 235U and 137Cs have been also observed.
The Foggara: A Traditional System Of Irrigation In Arid Regions
Authors: Boualem Remini , Bachir Achour , Rabah Kechad
Published: January 2015

This article discusses the traditional irrigation system in the oases of Touat, Gourara and Tidikelt. Since centuries, farmers use the system of foggaras for irrigation of palm groves and gardens.

The results obtained following the inquiries and investigations carried out on the sites of foggaras, showed that since the eighties, drilling works multiplied in the oases of Touat, Gourara and Tidikelt. However, despite the application of these new techniques of water catchment, farmers still irrigate their gardens by traditional methods. For social, economic and environmental problems, foggaras degrade more and more; 50% of the foggaras decayed. Currently, the discharge of foggaras in service greatly diminished. The adoption of modern catchment techniques entails to the lowering of the water table.
Usage of Lidar Data for Leaf Area Index Estimation
Authors: Sabol Jan , Patočka Zdeněk , Mikita Tomáš
Published: January 2015

Leaf area index (LAI) can be measured either directly, using destructive methods, or indirectly using optical methods that are based on the tight relationship between LAI and canopy light transmittance. Third, innovative approach for LAI measuring is usage of remote sensing data, especially airborne laser scanning (ALS) data shows itself as a advisable source for purposes of LAI modelling in large areas. Until now there has been very little research to compare LAI estimated by the two different approaches. Indirect measurements of LAI using hemispherical photography are based on the transmission of solar radiation through the vegetation. It can thus be assumed that the same is true for the penetration of LiDAR laser beams through the vegetation canopy. In this study we use ALS based LiDAR penetration index (LPI) and ground based measurement of LAI obtained from hemispherical photographs as a reference in-situ method. Several regression models describing the corellation LAI and LPI were developed with various coefficients of determination ranging up to 0,81. All models were validated and based on the tests performed, no errors were drawn that would affect their credibility.
Switching Between Noun and Verb Agreement Rules Comes at a Cost: Cross-Sectional and Interventional Studies in a Developmental Sample
Authors: Van Reybroeck Marie , Schelstraete Marie-Anne , Hupet Michel , Szmalec Arnaud
Published: January 2015

This study clarifies the impact of switching context between noun and verb number agreement rules in written language production. In Experiment 1, children from grade 3 to 6 were asked to fill in sentences with nouns and verbs in either a switching condition (noun followed by verb) or a repeating condition (noun followed by noun). The results showed that third- and fourth-grade children produced more erroneous agreements in the switching condition than in the repeating condition, showing that switching between rules comes at a cost, whereas fifth- and sixth-grade participants’ performance was not affected by the switching context. Based on these findings, Experiment 2 aimed to assess whether a switching treatment offers a greater opportunity to improve the acquisition of grammatical agreement production, as compared to a simple treatment. Teachers from grade 3 gave either a switching treatment (mixed noun and verb exercises) or a simple treatment (noun exercises followed by verb exercises). The results show that children learned better from the switching treatment than from the simple treatment. These findings highlight the cost of switching between noun and verb agreement rules during the acquisition of grammatical number agreement and also how grammatical spelling acquisition can be improved at school.
Narrative Identity of Adolescents and Family Functioning
Authors: Cierpka Anna
Published: January 2015

The paper presents research conducted within the narrative psychology paradigm. Its main purpose was to explore the relationships between features of adolescents’ identity narratives and their assessments of family functioning and themselves as family members. The choice of subject was motivated by current reports on identity formation difficulties in adolescence. Adolescents’ narratives were subjected to quantitative and qualitative analysis. Associations between specific aspects of self-narratives and participants’ perceptions of how their families functioned and how they functioned in the family system were evaluated. The results confirm the hypothesized relationships between the features of adolescents’ narratives and evaluations of their families and self-assessments of their own functioning in those families. Multi-thematic, content-rich and positively evaluated self-narratives are associated with positive assessments of selected aspects of family functioning and adolescents’ own functioning within the family. The following aspects of family assessment are significant: affective expression, level of emotional involvement in the family, level of control, family role performance and communication. Important factors in the self-assessment were: sense of competence in family role performance, assessment of one’s communication, behavior control and affective expression.
Bases of measurability in Boolean algebras
Authors: Repický Miroslav
Published: January 2015

In the paper we find characterizations of some notions studied by Kułaga [5] and we generalize his results. In particular, we characterize regularity and completeness of factor subalgebras via stability of the decidability operator and we discuss some possibilities in defining the notions of first category and Baire property in Boolean algebras.
Reconciliation of approaches to the construction of canonical extensions of bounded lattices
Authors: Craig Andrew , Haviar Miroslav
Published: January 2015

We provide new insights into the relationship between different constructions of the canonical extension of a bounded lattice. This follows on from the recent construction of the canonical extension using Ploščica’s maximal partial maps into the two-element set by Craig, Haviar and Priestley (2012). We show how this complete lattice of maps is isomorphic to the stable sets of Urquhart’s representation and to the concept lattice of a specific context, and how to translate our construction to the original construction of Gehrke and Harding (2001). In addition, we identify the completely join- and completely meet-irreducible elements of the complete lattice of maximal partial maps.
Ordered left PP monoids
Authors: Shi Xiaoping
Published: January 2015

An ordered monoid S in which every principal left ideal, regarded as an S-poset, is projective is called an ordered left PP monoid, for short, an ordered lpp monoid. In this paper, we introduce a new kind of ordered relations instead of Green relations adopted by J. B. Fountain, ordered lpp monoids are described by these ordered relations. Some similar results of c-rpp semigroups are duduced and proved, in particular, Fountain’s results about C-lpp monoids are generalized to ordered monoids.
Polynomials with coefficients from a finite set
Authors: Baradaran Javad , Taghavi Mohsen
Published: January 2015

This paper focuses on the problem concerning the location and the number of zeros of those polynomials when their coefficients are restricted with special conditions. The problem of the number of the zeros of reciprocal Littlewood polynomials on the unit circle $\mathbb{T}$ is discussed, the interest on bounds for the number of the zeros of reciprocal polynomials on the unit circle arose after 1950 when Erdös began introducing problems on zeros of various types of polynomials. Our main result is the problem of finding the number of zeros of complex polynomials in an open disk.
Neighbourhoods of two new classes of harmonic univalent functions with varying arguments
Authors: Yaşar Elif , Yalçin Sibel
Published: January 2015

In this paper, two new classes of harmonic univalent functions with varying arguments are defined by using planar harmonic convolution operator involving hypergeometric functions. Those classes are of special interest because they contain various classes of well-known harmonic univalent functions such as the classes of k-starlike and k-uniformly convex harmonic univalent functions. The main purpose of this paper is to investigate neighbourhoods of the classes in question.
Uniform summability of double Walsh-Fourier series of functions of bounded partial Λ-variation
Authors: Goginava Ushangi
Published: January 2015

The sufficient and necessary conditions on the sequence Λ = {λn} are found for the uniformly convergence of Cesàro means of negative order of cubic partial sums of double Walsh-Fourier series of functions of bounded partial Λ-variation.
Generalized Orlicz-Lorentz sequence spaces and corresponding operator ideals
Authors: Gupta Manjul , Bhar Antara
Published: January 2015

In this paper we introduce generalized or vector-valued Orlicz-Lorentz sequence spaces l
p,q,M(X) on Banach space X with the help of an Orlicz function M and for different positive indices p and q. We study their structural properties and investigate cross and topological duals of these spaces. Moreover these spaces are generalizations of vector-valued Orlicz sequence spaces l
M(X) for p = q and also Lorentz sequence spaces for M(x) = x
q for q ≥ 1. Lastly we prove that the operator ideals defined with the help of scalar valued sequence spaces l
p,q,M and additive s-numbers are quasi-Banach operator ideals for p < q and Banach operator ideals for p ≥ q. The results of this paper are more general than the work of earlier mathematicians, say A. Pietsch, M. Kato, L. R. Acharya, etc.
The L
p primitive integral
Authors: Talvila Erik
Published: January 2015

For each 1 ≤ p < ∞, a space of integrable Schwartz distributions L′p, is defined by taking the distributional derivative of all functions in L
p. Here, L
p is with respect to Lebesgue measure on the real line. If f ∈ L′p such that f is the distributional derivative of F ∈ L
p, then the integral is defined as $\int\limits_{ - \infty }^\infty {fG} = - \int\limits_{ - \infty }^\infty {F(x)g(x)dx} $, where g ∈ L
q, $G(x) = \int\limits_0^x {g(t)dt} $ and 1/p + 1/q =1. A norm is ‖f‖p′ = ‖F‖p. The spaces L′p and L
p are isometrically isomorphic. Distributions in L′p share many properties with functions in L
p. Hence, L′p is reflexive, its dual space is identified with L
q, there is a type of Hölder inequality, continuity in norm, convergence theorems, Gateaux derivative. It is a Banach lattice and abstract L-space. Convolutions and Fourier transforms are defined. Convolution with the Poisson kernel is well defined and provides a solution to the half plane Dirichlet problem, boundary values being taken on in the new norm. A product is defined that makes L′1 into a Banach algebra isometrically isomorphic to the convolution algebra on L
1. Spaces of higher order derivatives of L
p functions are defined. These are also Banach spaces isometrically isomorphic to L
p.
Note on the characteristic rank of vector bundles
Authors: Naolekar Aniruddha , Thakur Ajay
Published: January 2015

We define the notion of characteristic rank, charrankX(ξ), of a real vector bundle ξ over a connected finite CW-complex X. This is a bundle-dependent version of the notion of characteristic rank introduced by Július Korbaš in 2010. We obtain bounds for the cup length of manifolds in terms of the characteristic rank of vector bundles generalizing a theorem of Korbaš and compute the characteristic rank of vector bundles over the Dold manifolds, the Moore spaces and the stunted projective spaces amongst others.
Olga Kirsch: ’n Vreemde boom op hierdie aarde / Olga Kirsch: A Strange Tree on This Earth
Authors: Venter Eben
Published: January 2015

The article traces the lasting alienation of Olga Kirsch (1927-1994), a Jewish-born South African poet, as represented in her seven volumes of Afrikaans poetry published between 1944 and 1983. Growing up in a devoutly Christian, Afrikaans-speaking rural community, she found herself an outsider. The conditions at home brought little comfort, while the awareness of the racial discrimination which permeated society further contributed to her isolation. Seeking for a heimat, she emigrated to Israel at the age of 24. Reading her poetry, it becomes clear that here, too, she remained a stranger, continuing to write and publish in Afrikaans.
Diagnostic Clinical Prediction Rules for Specific Subtypes of Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review
Authors: Haskins Robin , Osmotherly Peter G. , Rivett Darren A.
Published: January 2015

Study Design

Systematic review.

Objectives

To identify diagnostic clinical prediction rules (CPRs) for low back pain (LBP) and to assess their readiness for clinical application.

Background

Significant research has been invested into the development of CPRs that may assist in the meaningful subgrouping of patients with LBP. To date, very little is known about diagnostic forms of CPRs for LBP, which relate to the present status or classification of an individual, and whether they have been developed sufficiently to enable their application in clinical practice.

Methods

A sensitive electronic search strategy using 7 databases was combined with hand searching and citation tracking to identify eligible studies. Two independent reviewers identified relevant studies for inclusion using a 2-stage selection process. The quality appraisal of included studies was conducted by 2 independent raters using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 and checklists composed of accepted methodological standards for the development of CPRs.

Results

Of 10 014 studies screened for eligibility, the search identified that 13 diagnostic CPRs for LBP have been derived. Among those, 1 tool for identifying lumbar spinal stenosis and 2 tools for identifying inflammatory back pain have undergone validation. No impact analysis studies were identified.

Conclusion

Most diagnostic CPRs for LBP are in their initial development phase and cannot be recommended for use in clinical practice at this time. Validation and impact analysis of the diagnostic CPRs identified in this review are warranted, particularly for those tools that meet an identified unmet need of clinicians who manage patients with LBP.

Level of Evidence

Diagnosis, level 2a-. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2015;45(2):61–76. Epub 8 Jan 2015. doi:10.2519/jospt.2015.5723
Implementing Treatment Frequency and Duration Guidelines in a Hospital-Based Pediatric Outpatient Setting: Administrative Case Report
Authors: Hanson Heather , Harrington Ann Tokay , Nixon-Cave Kim
Published: January 2015

Background and Purpose

Determining treatment frequency and duration of physical therapist services is an important component of outpatient pediatric physical therapist practice, yet there is little research available to inform these decisions. Treatment frequency guidelines (TFG) can assist decision making in guiding pediatric physical therapy. The purpose of this project was to examine the feasibility and application of implementing TFG in hospital-based pediatric outpatient physical therapy.

Project Description

Previously developed TFG were modified for use in our pediatric outpatient physical therapy department to include duration and were referred to as treatment frequency and duration guidelines (TFDG). In order to successfully implement the TFDG, there were 2 phases to the project. In phase 1, the staff were provided the guidelines and procedures in a staff meeting and via email using a PowerPoint presentation. Phase 2 was initiated due to the poor response of the staff in implementing the guidelines in their practice after phase 1. The format was changed to include formal re-education via small-group and one-on-one education sessions (phase 2). Chart reviews were completed to assess therapists' adherence to using TFDG.

Outcomes

Therapists' adherence to use of TFDG increased following re-education: phase 1 (n=225 charts, 31% adherence) and phase 2 (n=197 charts, 90% adherence).

Discussion

Treatment frequency and duration guidelines may assist in guiding frequency and duration decisions in pediatric physical therapy. Education via in-person meetings may improve adherence among staff.