bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nitrogen Fertilizer Effects on Irrigated Conventional Tillage Corn Yields and Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Pools
Authors: Jantalia Claudia Pozzi , Halvorson Ardell D.
Published: May 2011

Conventional plow tillage (CT) is a common soil management practice under irrigated continuous corn (Zea mays L.) in the semiarid central Great Plains that requires a relatively high N fertilizer rate to optimize grain yield and economic returns. This study investigated how four rates of N input (0, 67, 101, and 224 kg N ha−1) under irrigated CT management affects aboveground corn production, stover characteristics, and crop biomass. We also examined soil quality parameters under these treatments, including total soil carbon (TSC) and soil particulate organic matter (POM), soil organic carbon (SOC) and total soil nitrogen (TSN) stocks in the 0‐ to 7.6‐, 0‐ to 15.2‐, and 0‐ to 30.4‐cm soil depths of a clay loam soil. Nitrogen fertilization significantly increased corn grain, stalks, cob and stover yields as well as C and N content of the biomass. The C/N ratios of stalks and stover decreased with increasing N rate, but cob C/N ratios did not change. Increasing N rate increased TSN concentration in 0‐ to 7.6‐ and 7.6‐ to 15.2‐cm depths and decreased C/N ratio in all soil layers between 1999 and 2008. We found no significant change in SOC and POM‐C stocks under increasing N fertilizer addition after 10 yr of irrigated, CT continuous corn despite higher stover yields, and the stover C and N returned to the soil after harvest with increasing N rate. The lack of increased SOC storage with increasing residue C inputs suggests that decomposition processes controlled the SOC stocks.
Incorporation of Municipal Biosolids Affects Organic Nitrogen Mineralization and Elephantgrass Biomass Production
Authors: Castillo Miguel S. , Sollenberger Lynn E. , Vendramini João M. B. , Woodard Kenneth R. , O'Connor George A. , Silveira Maria L. , Sartain Jerry B.
Published: May 2011

Municipal biosolids (MBS) represents an alternative source of nutrients for the production of bioenergy crops like elephantgrass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.). Two experiments were conducted during 2 yr in Florida to evaluate the effect of soil incorporation vs. surface application of MBS on: (i) elephantgrass dry matter (DM) yield, tissue N and P concentration and removal, and soil C and P (Exp. 1); and (ii) organic N mineralization and DM decomposition rates of MBS measured in the field using a litter bag incubation technique (Exp. 2). In Exp. 1, three treatments supplied 350 kg total N ha−1 yr−1 from surface‐applied municipal biosolids (MBS‐SA), soil‐incorporated municipal biosolids (MBS‐INC), and surface‐applied ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3). A fourth treatment provided 700 kg total N ha−1 yr−1 from MBS‐SA (double rate of municipal biosolids, 2x‐MBS). In Exp. 2, MBS was field incubated in litter bags placed on the soil surface or at a 5‐cm soil depth. Elephantgrass DM yield, and N and P removal were greater for MBS‐INC than MBS‐SA. Dry matter yield for MBS‐INC was not different than for NH4NO3 fertilizer (22.5 vs. 24.3 Mg ha−1). Removal of N and P increased 39 and 10 kg ha−1 yr−1, respectively, for MBS‐INC and MBS‐SA. Total organic N mineralized was greater for MBS‐INC (386 g kg−1) than MBS‐SA (308 g kg−1). Incorporation of MBS increases elephantgrass DM yield and nutrient removal compared to surface application and allows MBS to replace a greater proportion of inorganic N fertilizer.
Disequilibrium Coefficient: A Bayesian Perspective
Authors: Brentani Helena , Nakano Eduardo Y , Martins Camila B , Izbicki Rafael , Pereira Carlos Alberto
Published: May 2011

Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE) is an important genetic property that populations should have whenever they are not observing adverse situations as complete lack of panmixia, excess of mutations, excess of selection pressure, etc. HWE for decades has been evaluated; both frequentist and Bayesian methods are in use today. While historically the HWE formula was developed to examine the transmission of alleles in a population from one generation to the next, use of HWE concepts has expanded in human diseases studies to detect genotyping error and disease susceptibility (association); Ryckman and Williams (2008). Most analyses focus on trying to answer the question of whether a population is in HWE. They do not try to quantify how far from the equilibrium the population is. In this paper, we propose the use of a simple disequilibrium coefficient to a locus with two alleles. Based on the posterior density of this disequilibrium coefficient, we show how one can conduct a Bayesian analysis to verify how far from HWE a population is. There are other coefficients introduced in the literature and the advantage of the one introduced in this paper is the fact that, just like the standard correlation coefficients, its range is bounded and it is symmetric around zero (equilibrium) when comparing the positive and the negative values. To test the hypothesis of equilibrium, we use a simple Bayesian significance test, the Full Bayesian Significance Test (FBST); see Pereira, Stern and Wechsler (2008) for a complete review. The disequilibrium coefficient proposed provides an easy and efficient way to make the analyses, especially if one uses Bayesian statistics. A routine in R programs (R Development Core Team, 2009) that implements the calculations is provided for the readers.
Principals' Perceptions of Multicultural Education and School Climate
Authors: McCray Carlos R. , Alston Judy A. , Beachum Floyd D.
Published: May 2011

Scholars of multicultural education urge school administrators to produce curricula in which the heterogeneity found in our public schools becomes an asset and not a barrier. In this survey research, we examined the extent to which secondary school principals in a southeastern state positively viewed the values and principles of multicultural education with regard to shaping their school climate to make certain it reflects the ideals of respect, trust, and high morale for all students. We found that secondary school principals perceptions as to whether multicultural education can have a positive effect on the school climate were significantly influenced by the socioeconomic status ofthe administrators community. These findings suggest that when it comes to issues of diversity and multicultural education, outside influences that exist in public education can play a major role in principals perceptions as to whether or not multiculturalism is seen as something of value.
Understanding Test Anxiety and the Multicultural Learner
Authors: Scholze Steffanie , Sapp Marty
Published: May 2011

With the increasing enrollment of multicultural students in public schools, it is necessary to understand how to provide appropriate services to students from diverse backgrounds. Testing situations are also increasing with the addition of the No Child Left Behind Act. In order to accurately assess whether students are performing poorly due to not understanding the material or whether their poor performance is due to test anxiety, three different assessments show promise: The Test Anxiety Scale for Children (TASC), the Lie Scale for Children (LSC), and the Defensiveness Scale for Children (DSC). These assessments will help to determine the level of test anxiety and whether or not children are being defensive or lying when they take the TASC. If test anxiety exists in the classroom, the classroom teacher can provide treatment in conjunction with the school counselor. In this article, we discuss how to assess test anxiety and how to apply several cognitive-behavioral techniques for addressing it for more effective multicultural learning and teaching.
Oppositional Culture Theory and the Delusion of Colorblindness
Authors: Berlowitz Marvin J. , Hutchins Brandi N. , Jenkins Derrick J. , Mussman Mark P. , Schneider Carri A.
Published: May 2011

Oppositional culture theory is a widely accepted explanation for disparities in academic performance between middle class Whites and middle class African Americans. The authors make the case that oppositional culture theory has its roots in cultural deficit theory popularized in the early 1960s and present a significant body of evidence to refute it. They express concern that oppositional culture theory is a form of victim blaming that distracts attention from numerous forms of racism that remain as virulent and ubiquitous barriers to academic achievement among African Americans.
Preservice Special Education Service Providers' Attitudes on Diversity
Authors: Santistevan Matthews Patricia D. , Hawken Leanne S. , Burrow-Sánchez Jason J. , Peterson Patricia J. , Fields Matthew K.
Published: May 2011

This survey design study involved preservice special education service providers who were in degree seeking programs in the departments of special education, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. Participants provided views and belief structures on diversity issues identified through a review of literature, including (a) English language issues, (b) ability to have success with diverse groups, (c) service provider roles with diverse populations, and (d) the role of institutions of higher education in preparing service providers to work with diverse populations. One of the groups of participants was part of the Service Learning Mexico Project (SLMP) course and the other was a matched group of on-campus traditional students who did not participate in service learning. Our results suggest differences between the two groups which may link to future practices with students from diverse backgrounds.
A First Grade Chinese Student's Self-Efficacy Beliefs about Learning English in American Classrooms and a Chinese Community
Authors: Wang Chuang
Published: May 2011

Through a single case study and from the interpretive paradigm, the author described a first-grade students self-efficacy beliefs about learning English in various English language learning tasks and across school-based and home-based contexts. The student came from China and had been living in a Chinese community in the United States for one year when this study started. Data were collected from interviews, observations, reading and writing think-aloud protocols, and student documents over eight months. Constant comparison method was used to analyze the data during the iterative process of comparing and contrasting themes and concepts. The participants self-efficacy beliefs were found to be malleable and task-specific. He reported higher self- efficacy to complete listening and speaking language activities than reading and writing activities. His self- efficacy beliefs were associated with his familiarly with the content area, self-perceptions of English proficiency level, the task difficulty level, interests, attitude toward the English language and the English speaking community, and the social and cultural context. This descriptive study provided some insight into how to understand a young language learners perceived self-efficacy.
Promoting Personal and Career Development Among At-Risk Hawaiian Youth: Effects of the Hawaiian Studies Program on Program Graduates
Authors: Yamauchi Lois A. , Brown Linda R.
Published: May 2011

Like many other culturally and linguistically diverse students, Native Hawaiians are over-represented among those in special education, score lower on standardized achievement tests, and are at greater risk for dropping-out. The Hawaiian Studies Program (HSP) was a culturally relevant academic program that incorporated learning about Hawaiian culture with high school curriculum in science, social studies, and English. Students spent one full day each week participating in community service-learning. This study examined HSP graduates perceptions of their high school experiences and the effects of the program on the personal and career development of these young adults. Methods included a survey of 22 former HSP students and semi-structured interviews with 12 of the respondents. Data suggested that HSP graduates recalled high school as interesting and motivating. Many were working toward careers in medicine, education and environmental science because of the programs emphasis on these disciplines. Graduates also reported effects on self-confidence and knowledge of Hawaiian culture. They reported a strong sense of connection to and responsibility for the community and volunteered widely in community affairs.
Analysis of the Inventory of College Students' Recent Life Experiences
Authors: Bodenhorn Nancy , Miyazaki Yasuo , Ng Kok-Mun , Zalaquett Carlos
Published: May 2011

International undergraduate students attending U.S. colleges completed a common hassles assessment, the Inventory of College Students Recent Life Experiences (ICSRLE). Previous structure and validation studies with this measure have been limited to North American students. Using exploratory and confirmatory analyses, a distinct structure of 6 factors using 35 items presented a better fit for the international student population than the original factor structure. The dimensions include relationship problems, social alienation, system negotiation, time demands, disappointment, and academic discord. We discuss implications for future use of the ICSRLE for both research and counseling with international students.
Issues Affecting Cross-Cultural Adaptation of International Graduate Students
Authors: Hartshorne Richard , Baucom Jennifer
Published: May 2011

The purpose of this study was to identify and analyze the adjustment problems encountered by international graduate students enrolled in American universities. Issues of interest included motives for attending graduate school, factors involved in facilitating and constraining the graduate school experience, personality traits that contribute to successful performance in a graduate program, and suggestions for future international graduate students. Semi-structured interviews of two international students were conducted with four major themes emerging. These were (a) student needs for a successful graduate program experience, (b) initial barriers to the graduate school experience, (c) consistent barriers to the graduate school experience, and (d) factors that facilitate a successful graduate school experience. These themes were further broken down into internal, external, and combined factors in an effort to better understand the graduate experience of international students. The importance of overcoming initial barriers, such as communication problems and culture shock; addressing consistent barriers to adaptation, such as becoming comfortable in a new learning environment and culture; and focusing on the development and enhancement of factors that facilitate adaptation, such as organizational skills, intrinsic motivation, social interaction, balancing time, and others are addressed. This article concludes with a series of recommendations to facilitate a better graduate school experience for international students.
The "U" Curve Hypothesis: A Framework for Making Sense of Learning to Teach in Diverse Settings
Authors: Birrell James R. , Tinney Mari Vawn
Published: May 2011

Experiences in this research study started in 1991 before many teacher educators were aware of the U curve hypothesis or predictable stages of culture shock and the recognizable stages used on the path to gaining intercultural competence. This study of student teachers is used here as an illustration of what happens when teachers are operating from various stages of ignorance or of cultural awareness and culturally responsive teaching. Because these stages are predictable, now in the 21st Century they can be taught to teachers as a guide in preparing and supporting all teachers or students anywhere in the country to recognize what stage they are at themselves during their experiences. Having multiple viewpoints of the same event, for example, aids educators in responding more effectively when they find themselves in culturally or educationally diverse situations or classrooms. We offer recommendations for new generations of teachers and older generation teachers (who may not realize where they are stuck) to identify the stages of intercultural competence in which they and others near them communicate and operate. Our approach for the some steps to the solution involves teaching educators an easy-toremember 4-H phased view to the U curve stages: the honeymoon phase, hostility phase, humor phase, and the home phase.
Multicultural Implications of the Influence of Ethnicity and Self-Efficacy for Students and Counselor Educators
Authors: Maldonado José M.
Published: May 2011

Master and doctoral students attending CACREP accredited counselor education programs participated in this research study. Of the 189 CACREP accredited programs invited to participate, 21% of the programs had students responding Each participant completed the Multicultural Counseling Inventory and The Counselor Self-Efficacy Scale. Significant differences were evident for ethnicity and self-efficacy and four sub-scales of multicultural counseling competency.
African American Students and No Child Left Behind Legislation: Progression or Digression in Educational Attainment
Authors: Lewis Chance W. , Hancock Stephen , James Marlon , Larke Patricia
Published: May 2011

The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) federal legislation has dramatically changed the way schools and school districts measure educational attainment for all students. In this article, the researchers examine whether African Americans have progressed or digressed in their educational attainment five years after the implementation of NCLB. To provide a clear picture on the status of educational attainment for African American K?12 public school students across the United States, an analysis of data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) was utilized. This analysis was grounded in the theory of structural inequality. Finally, recommendations to K?12 educational practitioners along with education policy makers and funding agencies are discussed.
Unheard Voices: A Qualitative Analysis of Attitudes and Perceptions of Low?Income Urban High School Students Related to Counseling Needs
Authors: Ockerman Melissa S. , Moore James L.
Published: May 2011

This research investigation, was utilizes data from a larger qualitative study (Ockerman, 2006). This study explored the influence of a Midwestern school counseling and wellness center on the lives of the urban high school students. The purposeful sample was comprised of 16 urban high school seniors (i.e., 12 females and 4 males). The qualitative methodology included in?depth focus groups, individual interviews, and biographical questionnaires. Two themes emerged from the data: (a) the need for meaningful relationships, and (b) the need for acquisition of information and skills. Recommendations for practical applications and future research are included.
Leadership in the Eye of the Storm: Challenges at the Intersection of Urban Schools and Cultural Collusion
Authors: Beachum Floyd D. , McCray Carlos R.
Published: May 2011

The practical reality for far too many urban schools is one that reflects the despair, dire socioeconomic situations, and a complex cultural ethos of numerous neighborhoods and countless youth. Thus, a more rigorous analysis and critical appreciation of youth is necessary because their issues are complex, multifaceted, and delve deeper than what we might see on television or hear in trite superficial conversation. This context creates quite a daunting situation for educational leadership in urban schools. This article has three purposes: (1) to provide insight into urban youth culture, specifically examining Black popular culture; (2) to propose a framework for analysis of youth culture (i.e., cultural collusion); and (3) to present considerations and implications for educational leaders in an era of high?stakes testing, accountability, and No Child Left Behind.
Differences in the Prevalence of Autism among Black, Hispanic, and White Students
Authors: Becker Heather , Seay Penny , Morrison Janet
Published: May 2011

While many researchers have studied the etiology of autism, possible racial/ethnic differences in prevalence of the autism diagnosis have received much less attention. Using the Texas Education Agency Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS) data set for 2006, we examined the prevalence of an educational diagnosis of autism among Black, White, and Hispanic students. The percentage of all Texas children served under the autism label in 2006 was .43% (n=19, 813). White and Black children were more likely than Hispanic children to receive an autism educational diagnosis (.62%, .44%, and .27% respectively). The percentage of students diagnosed with autism varied by geographic area and income level, as well. Possible reasons for the disparity in prevalence of autism diagnoses are discussed.
Cultural Competence: Developing and Assessing Multicultural Proficiency for Teachers and School Personnel in Hawaii
Authors: Hitchcock Caryl H. , Prater Mary Anne , Chang Chuan
Published: May 2011

Teachers were recruited from the mainland of the United States to work in rural areas in the State of Hawaii to meet the high demand for personnel. But often there is a mismatch between the culture of the island residents and that of the new teachers. To alleviate this mismatch, a workshop was developed to promote multicultural proficiency of school personnel focusing on Asian/Pacific cultures. One hundred teachers, administrators and staff (including custodians and cafeteria workers) from four rural elementary schools participated in a three hour workshop. The workshop consisted of three activities: (a) self-awareness, (b) awareness of Asian/Pacific Island cultures, and (c) instructional strategies and resources to support culturally diverse students. A mixed repeated measures design was used to make comparisons between the workshop participants responses on pre/post administrations of the Multicultural Assessment of Proficiency (MAP) scale, a questionnaire designed and developed to measure the effects of the workshop. Results indicated that all participants improved significantly and that three factors accounted for the majority of the variance: knowledge of strategies and resources, awareness of self/others (beliefs), and willingness to take future action. Limitations, suggestions for future research, and implications for practice are discussed.
A Foreign-Born African American in America's Teacher Education Programs: My Voice
Authors: Grant Patrick A.
Published: May 2011

Peoples personal experiences shape their views based on lifelong behaviors and contributions to the society in which they find themselves. Foreign-born African American educators are no exceptions. In this article I share my voice as a foreign-born African American teacher educator.
The Unattainable Mirage of Equality in American Teacher Education Programs: My Experience
Authors: Mukuria Gathogo M.
Published: May 2011

I came to this country with an open mind to pursue the American dream. It did not take me a long to recognize racial disparity as a student and even more so when I became a faculty member in various teacher preparation programs. While I try to evade discussion on race, it is inevitable to talk about it because it seems to be the criteria upon which faculty are recruited, hired, retained and promoted. While at personal levels many people recognize overt discrimination and other unfair treatments, institutional racism has continued to be prevalent in many teacher preparation programs. This is because it is perpetuated in stealthy manner by those in power. In this article, I discuss my personal experiences in these programs.
Educating Urban Learners: The Special Issue
Authors: Williams Gary L.
Published: May 2011

Challenges encountered by urban learners are multifaceted and formidable. Common among these are lower income, poverty, and the lack of achievement at the secondary level. In this Special Issue of Multicultural Learning and Teaching (MLT), the focus is on how to foster success of urban learners using different voices and different techniques.
Educational Strategies for Children of Milwaukee: A Critical Race Theory Analysis
Authors: Chapman Thandeka K. , Lamborn Susie D. , Epps Edgar
Published: May 2011

The educational dilemmas faced in Milwaukee are mirrored in other large, urban cities across the country. Thus, Milwaukee presents an example that reflects a national crisis in addressing race and education. This article examines educational options for Milwaukee students through the lens of Critical Race Theory.
Late Vinca culture settlement at Crkvine in Stubline: Household organization and urbanization in the Late Vinca culture period
Authors: Crnobrnja Adam , Simic Zoran , Jankovic Marko
Published: May 2011

The site Crkvine is situated in the vicinity of the village Stubline in the
borough of Obrenovac around 40 km to the southwest of Belgrade (Serbia). In
the first section of this work we present the comprehensive report about the
investigations carried out so far. The geomagnetic prospection undertaken
from 2006 to 2008 covered an area of 32,400 square meters and the obtained
results indicate the existence of around 100 houses built in rows around the
rather large open areas as well as the trenches surrounding the settlement.
The investigations of the house 1/2008 dating from the Vinca culture D-2
period yielded in addition to the data concerning its interior organization
also a unique find of the group of 46 figurines with 11 models of miniature
tools. In the second section of this work we discuss the prospects, which
future investigations of this site and its environment could provide
concerning the study of the social organization in the very end of the Vinca
culture.
Roman capitals from Sirmium (Sremska Mitrovica, Serbia)
Authors: Maver Andreja , Müller Harald , Riznar Igor
Published: May 2011

The article brings a detailed formal analysis of the Roman capitals from
Sirmium, in the light of the stone analysis conducted on the material at the
Museum of Srem and elsewhere in Sremska Mitrovica. The capitals dot the
historical development of the town from the first half of the 2nd century
until the 4th century. First made of regional limestone, they were later
joined by those of limestone and marbles of distant source, whereby different
stones in capitals coexisted almost throughout the town?s development. This
was certainly the situation during the flourishing times of the late 3rd and
the 4th century, when Sirmium, as one of the four capitals of the Roman
Empire, stood within several formal circles of capitals. The plain-leaved
capitals tie it to the rest of Pannonia, the Corinthianizing capitals to the
provinces to the east and south, while part of the Asiatic capitals, the
largest group, tie it to the wider area of the Mediterranean.
A newly-discovered roman altar from Surcin
Authors: Vujovic Miroslav
Published: May 2011

The paper publishes the recent discovery of a Roman altar built into the
Church of St Petka at Surcin, Greater Belgrade. From the palaeographic
features of the inscription and the dedicant?s gentile name, the altar has
been dated to the second half of the second century. Examination of the
published epigraphic corpuses reveals the existence of yet another,
fragmented, altar from Surcin, and the author draws attention to an error in
its publication. The paper offers an overview of the portable archaeological
finds from Surcin which suggest an early Roman settlement (first century) in
the ager of Bassianae.
A Pregnancy and Postpartum Lifestyle Intervention in Women With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Reduces Diabetes Risk Factors
Authors: Ferrara Assiamira , Hedderson Monique M. , Albright Cheryl L. , Ehrlich Samantha F. , Quesenberry Charles P. , Peng Tiffany , Feng Juanran , Ching Jenny , Crites Yvonne
Published: May 2011

OBJECTIVE

To pilot, among women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), the feasibility of a prenatal/postpartum intervention to modify diet and physical activity similar to the Diabetes Prevention Program. The intervention was delivered by telephone, and support for breastfeeding was addressed.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The goal was to help women return to their prepregnancy weight, if it was normal, or achieve a 5% reduction from prepregnancy weight if overweight. Eligible participants were identified shortly after a GDM diagnosis; 83.8% consented to be randomly assigned to intervention or usual medical care (96 and 101 women, respectively). The retention was 85.2% at 12 months postpartum.

RESULTS

The proportion of women who reached the postpartum weight goal was higher, although not statistically significant, in the intervention condition than among usual care (37.5 vs. 21.4%, absolute difference 16.1%, P = 0.07). The intervention was more effective among women who did not exceed the recommended gestational weight gain (difference in the proportion of women meeting the weight goals: 22.5%, P = 0.04). The intervention condition decreased dietary fat intake more than the usual care (condition difference in the mean change in percent of calories from fat: −3.6%, P = 0.002) and increased breastfeeding, although not significantly (condition difference in proportion: 15.0%, P = 0.09). No differences in postpartum physical activity were observed between conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that a lifestyle intervention that starts during pregnancy and continues postpartum is feasible and may prevent pregnancy weight retention and help overweight women lose weight. Strategies to help postpartum women overcome barriers to increasing physical activity are needed.
Time-Dependent Impact of Diabetes on Mortality in Patients After Major Lower Extremity Amputation
Authors: Icks Andrea , Scheer Marsel , Morbach Stephan , Genz Jutta , Haastert Burkhard , Giani Guido , Glaeske Gerd , Hoffmann Falk
Published: May 2011

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the impact of diabetes on mortality in patients after first major lower extremity amputation (LEA).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Using claims data of a nationwide statutory health insurance, we assessed all deaths in a cohort of all 444 patients with a first major LEA since 2005 (71.8% male; mean age 69.1 years; 58.3% diabetic; 43% with amputation above the knee) up to 2009. Using Cox regression, we estimated the time-dependent hazard ratios to compare patients with and without diabetes.

RESULTS

The cumulative 5-year mortality was 68% in diabetic and 59% in nondiabetic individuals. In the first course, mortality was lower in diabetic compared with nondiabetic patients. Later, the diabetes risk increased yielding crossed survival curves after 2 to 3 years (time dependency of diabetes; P = 0.003). Age- and sex-adjusted hazard ratios for diabetes were as follows: 0–30 days: 0.50 [95% CI 0.31–0.84]; 31–60 days: 0.60 [0.25–1.41]; 61 days to 6 months: 0.75 [0.38–1.48]; >6–12 months: 1.27 [0.63–2.53]; >12–24 months: 1.65 [0.88–3.08]; >24–36 months: 2.02 [0.80–5.09]; and >36–60 months: 1.91 [0.70–5.21]. The pattern was similar in both sexes. In the full model, significant risk factors for mortality were age (1.05; 1.03–1.06), amputation above the knee (1.50; 1.16–1.94), and quartile category 3 or 4 of the number of prescribed medications (1.64; 1.12–2.40 and 1.76; 1.20–2.59). Further adjustment for comorbidity did not alter the results.

CONCLUSIONS

In this population-based study, we found a time-dependent mortality risk of diabetes following first major LEA, which may be in part a result of a healthier lifestyle in diabetic patients or the access to specific treatment structures in diabetic individuals.
Large time behavior of the solution to an initial-boundary value problem with mixed boundary conditions for a nonlinear integro-differential equation
Authors: Jangveladze Temur , Kiguradze Zurab
Published: May 2011

Large time behavior of the solution to the nonlinear integro-differential equation associated with the penetration of a magnetic field into a substance is studied. Furthermore, the rate of convergence is given. Initial-boundary value problem with mixed boundary conditions is considered.
Extremely non-complex Banach spaces
Authors: Martín Miguel , Merí Javier
Published: May 2011

A Banach space X is said to be an extremely non-complex space if the norm equality ∥Id +T
2∥ = 1+∥T
2∥ holds for every bounded linear operator T on X. We show that every extremely non-complex Banach space has positive numerical index, it does not have an unconditional basis and that the infimum of diameters of the slices of its unit ball is positive.
Nonlinear dispersion of a pollutant ejected into a channel flow
Authors: Gorder Robert , Vajravelu Kuppalapalle
Published: May 2011

In this paper, we study the nonlinear coupled boundary value problem arising from the nonlinear dispersion of a pollutant ejected by an external source into a channel flow. We obtain exact solutions for the steady flow for some special cases and an implicit exact solution for the unsteady flow. Additionally, we obtain analytical solutions for the transient flow. From the obtained solutions, we are able to deduce the qualitative influence of the model parameters on the solutions. Furthermore, we are able to give both exact and analytical expressions for the skin friction and wall mass transfer rate as functions of the model parameters. The model considered can be useful for understanding the polluting situations of an improper discharge incident and evaluating the effects of decontaminating measures for the water bodies.
Surgical treatment of gastrointestinal autonomic nerve tumors (GANT) in children-2 case reports
Authors: Marjanovic Zoran , Slavkovic Andjelka , Krstic Marijana , Djodjevic Ivona , Dimov Dragan
Published: May 2011

Gastrointestinal autonomic nerve tumors form an uncommon subcategory of stromal tumors of the intestinal tract although their histologic appearance is similar to other gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Our aim was to evaluate our experience in the diagnosis and therapy of these kinds of tumors. Two patients were admitted to the Pediatric Surgery Clinic in Niš with abdominal pain and a palpable mass in the abdomen. After excision, the tumor tissue was sampled, sent for histopathological diagnosis, and examined by light microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy. Postoperatively, both patients recovered without complications. The patient with the tumor bulk in the mesentery of the small bowel had no evidence of tumor progression 6 years after surgery. In the second case, a giant tumor was present along the greater curvature of gaster. Even with a tumor of this size, there were no signs of progression 10 years after surgery. Radical surgical resection of gastrointestinal autonomic nerve tumors seems to be the curative approach to date, and long-term survival is possible even with large tumors.
Predictive values of metabolic syndrome in children
Authors: Vorgučin Ivana , Naumović Nada , Vlaški Jovan , Katanić Dragan , Konstantinidis Georgios
Published: May 2011

Metabolic syndrome is a clinical term encompassing risk factors (obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and hypertension), which yield an increased risk for the development of diabetes mellitus type 2 and cardiovascular disorders in adolescence. Two sets of criteria for diagnosing metabolic syndrome were applied, the criteria for adults, specifically adapted for children, and the criteria defined by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). A reliability analysis was conducted; sensitivity (SE), specificity (SP), positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of applying certain criteria of both definitions of metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome in adolescents was diagnosed much more frequently using the specific criteria (41%) in comparison to the IDF criteria (22%). Using the specific criteria for children and adolescents, it was established that the HDL cholesterol was the most specific and had the largest PPV. Using the IDF criteria for diagnosing metabolic syndrome, the reliability analysis established that the highest PPV was recorded with the elevated level of triglycerides. The specific criteria have been found to be more efficient in diagnosing metabolic syndrome in adolescents. The highest predictive value was displayed by dyslipidemic disorders, hypertriglyceridemia and hypo HDL cholesterolemia.
In Spite of Challenges …
Authors: Awasthi Jai Raj , Phyak Prem Bahadur , Sharma Bal Krishna , Sharma Ghanashyam
Published: May 2011

Journal of NELTA Vol. 15 No. 1-2 December 2010 Page: II-IV Uploaded date: 3 May, 2011DOI: 10.3126/nelta.v15i1-2.4600
Teaching Speaking in the Nepalese Context: Problems and Ways of Overcoming them
Authors: Adhikari Bal Ram
Published: May 2011

Fluency-first approaches such as Communicative Language Teaching and Task-based Language Teaching aim at the development of communicative competence in students by engaging them in meaningful interaction. Ability to speak accurate, appropriate and effective English is vital for meaningful interaction that ensures students' communicative competence in English. Unfortunately, in the Nepalese context, especially in government-aided schools and constituent colleges of Tribhuvan University (TU), speaking skill lies on the periphery of English Language Teaching (ELT) owing to several factors. This article attempts to explore those factors that have been a hindrance in developing speaking skill in Nepalese students in general and the students from the above-mentioned institutions in particular. This article draws on the author's experience as a supervisor of student teachers from B.Ed. and M.Ed. programmes and his teaching experience at a constituent campus of TU. Moreover, the article presents some suggestions that can help English teachers to overcome the hindrances.Key words: Speaking skill; Interaction; Teacher-fronted teaching; Learner-centered activitiesJournal of NELTA Vol. 15 No. 1-2 December 2010Page: 1-9Uploaded date: 3 May, 2011DOI: 10.3126/nelta.v15i1-2.4602
Teaching English for Sustainability
Authors: Bowden Rachel
Published: May 2011

In this article I begin by exploring ideas of sustainability and the emergence and prevalence of this term into international discourse. I then outline the connection between learning and sustainability and the emerging field of Education for Sustainability (EfS). I go on to draw parallels between EfS and English Language Teaching (ELT) suggesting that what, how, who and where we teach, gives us an exciting role to play in this emerging paradigm of education and wider societal changes- why we teach. I finish by making suggestions for strengthening this connection.Key words: Sustainability; English for sustainability; Teaching EnglishJournal of NELTAVol. 15 No. 1-2 December 2010Page: 16-21Uploaded date: 4 May, 2011DOI: 10.3126/nelta.v15i1-2.4605
Analysis of Spoken Discourse Pattern in Nepali ELT Classes
Authors: Dahal Basudev
Published: May 2011

Among a multitude of study areas, discourse analysis has emerged as a fast-growing discipline because of growing interest of linguists in studying language in natural setting, as opposed to making analyses of artificially created sentences. A concentrated amount of work on discourse analysis in the past few decades has demonstrated that discourse in classrooms is highly organized and amenable to analysis. This paper is an attempt to make an analysis of such a naturally occurring classroom discourse based on Sinclair-Coulthard analysis model developed in 1975.This model has come as a significant contribution for those who are interested in the field of discourse analysis. The study suggests that there is use of a simple discourse pattern in Nepali higher secondary classes of English.Key words: Discourse analysis; Spoken discourse; Discourse structure; Exchange;MoveJournal of NELTA Vol. 15 No. 1-2 December 2010Page: 22-27Uploaded date: 4 May, 2011DOI: 10.3126/nelta.v15i1-2.4606
English Language Teachers' Resource Centre: A Model for Developing Contexts
Authors: Giri Ram Ashish
Published: May 2011

It is an irony that when the importance and demand of the English language in the developed as well as developing countries have increased several folds in the last five decades, the standards of its teaching and learning have decreased considerably. The deterioration of standards has been attributed to inadequate English language teaching (ELT) policy, poor teaching environment, inadequate infrastructure, or to ELT practitioners who in most countries are largely untrained. In order to address the problem, the respective countries have been engaged in modernising and improving their curricular practices and teacher preparation programmes for some time now. What is rarely considered is the fact that a good teaching programme requires adequate teaching resources. Central to the amelioration of English language teaching process is unarguably the resource that is available to support the teaching and learning processes. While it is necessary that the teachers are adequately trained, establishment of an English language teachers” resource centre to cater to the developing needs of the teachers (and learners)is essential. This article provides a rationale for the establishment of a teachers' resource centre, and, based on the experience in Nepal, suggests a model for its development and operation in other developing contexts. It discusses features as well as constraints of such a centre, and outlines ways in which it can, despite the constraints, be sustainable.Key words: English language teaching; ELT resource centre; Resource centre facility; Resource centre management; English language teachersJournal of NELTA Vol. 15 No. 1-2 December 2010Page: 64-76Uploaded date: 4 May, 2011DOI: 10.3126/nelta.v15i1-2.4611
Approaches to Writing in EFL/ESL Context: Balancing Product and Process in Writing Class at Tertiary Level
Authors: Hasan Md. Kamrul , Akhand Mohd Moniruzzaman
Published: May 2011

This article presents the findings of an interventionist study designed to examine the effects of product and process approach to writing on learners' performance. Two ESL classes of United International University in Bangladesh participated in the study; initially one class was instructed to follow the method of writing of product approach, and the other received instruction on the process approach. Later a collaborative approach was adopted in both classes. Data were collected from the learners' performance in group works, discussions, observations of learners' strategy use, and from the end products. The findings indicate that the combination of product and process outperformed the presentation of the learners. There was corroborating evidence to support the view that the blend of both approaches tends to facilitate the learners to undertake a writing task to be developed. Finally, the advantages of using a product-process approach to gauging the effects of writing tasks are appraised.Key words: Teaching English writing; The process approach; The product approach; Incorporation of product process approach; Guided brainstorming; Top down approachJournal of NELTA Vol. 15 No. 1-2 December 2010Page: 77-88Uploaded date: 4 May, 2011DOI: 10.3126/nelta.v15i1-2.4612
Exploring Common Expectations from Students in Large Multilevel Secondary Level English Classes
Authors: Khati Ashok Raj
Published: May 2011

English has been used in diverse contexts around the globe. Teaching English in large multilevel classes is one of the major challenges in ELT setting. The majority of classrooms consist of multilevel groups where students have different needs and learning styles. This type of heterogeneity may enrich the variety of social interaction, more life experiences and knowledge, more opinions, interests and ideas but it also creates situations that challenge teachers’ resourcefulness while trying to give each student an opportunity to learn English language. The situation is more challenging in under-resourced situations of Nepal. Moreover, in this type of classes teacher may not be familiar with different needs and prospects of students. Thus, this study attempts to find out the very common expectations of students in a large English class where students have different levels.Key words: Large class; Multilevel; Heterogeneous; Homogeneous; Mixed ability classesJournal of NELTAVol. 15 No. 1-2 December 2010Page: 98-105Uploaded date: 4 May, 2011DOI: 10.3126/nelta.v15i1-2.4614
Encounter in English as a Second or Foreign Language Classroom
Authors: Khatri Man Bahadur
Published: May 2011

This article discusses how mother-tongue interference can influence second or forreign language learning, specifically learning English. In Nepal not only does the mother tongue interfere with English learning, but also the methods used in the schools, specifically the grammar translation method and the deductive approach to teaching grammar, influence student learning as well.Key words: Tertiary level; Inductive approach; Deductive approach; Fossilization; Language transferJournal of NELTAVol. 15 No. 1-2 December 2010Page: 109-109Uploaded date: 4 May, 2011DOI: 10.3126/nelta.v15i1-2.4615
Selecting Literary Texts for Language Learning
Authors: Lima Chris
Published: May 2011

In many English language learning and teaching contexts the absence of literary texts, such as graded readers, short stories and poems, still seems to be the norm. This article looks briefly at the some more recent historical positions regarding the use of literature in ELT, and then discusses how the inclusion of creative reading material may foster the development of reading and critical thinking skills.Key words: Literature; Language input; Poetic language; Web 2.0Journal of NELTA Vol. 15 No. 1-2 December 2010Page: 110-113Uploaded date: 4 May, 2011DOI: 10.3126/nelta.v15i1-2.4616
Teaching English in Multilingual Classrooms of Higher Education: The Present Scenario
Authors: Poudel Prem Prasad
Published: May 2011

This article aims to discuss some of the major challenges emerged recently in the muItilingual classes in higher education of Nepal. For this, I sampled 20 teachers from four campuses of Kathmandu valley. Similarly, 30 students were selected from those campuses. A set of separate questionnaires was distributed for both teachers and students and at the same time the classes of the teachers were observed. I conducted focus group discussions to elicit the real information from the informants. Major findings show that in the classes of higher education, neither the teachers nor the students are satisfied with the use of medium of instruction. There are communication problems, content delivery problems, comprehension related problems because of language gaps. Finally, in this article, some suggestions are made to make English language teaching in the multilingual settings more effective.Key words: Multilingual classroom; Multiculturalism; Medium of instruction; Multilingual educationJournal of NELTA Vol. 15 No. 1-2 December 2010Page: 121-133Uploaded date: 4 May, 2011DOI: 10.3126/nelta.v15i1-2.4618
Strategies for Pre-service Secondary English Teacher Development in the UK
Authors: Maski Rana Karna Bahadur
Published: May 2011

The pre-service secondary English teacher development programmes in a university in the UK were selected for the analysis. The efficiency of Post-Graduate Certificate Examination (PGCE), School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) and Graduate Teacher Programme (GTP) was analysed using the experiential and reflective knowledge of prospective teachers. The professional knowledge categories were 'learning theories in ITT', 'subject knowledge' and 'vocational practice in ITT'. Qualitatively significant coherence is found between the categories. The study suggests that an appreciation of learning theories is essential for English language teaching and provide a framework for application of teaching strategies. Indeed, subject knowledge and teaching strategies were viewed as core parts of ITT courses for secondary English teacher development. The link between theoretical learning and pedagogical application of those theories in vocational training is identified.Key words: Teacher development; Pre-service teachers; Profession; PersonalityJournal of NELTAVol. 15 No. 1-2 December 2010Page: 134-145Uploaded date: 4 May, 2011DOI: 10.3126/nelta.v15i1-2.4619