bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Relationship between the Number of Nodes and Pods in Soybean Communities
Authors: Egli D. B.
Published: April 2013

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] yield is often associated with the number of pods per unit area, which can be construed to suggest that the number of pod bearing structures (nodes) plays a role in determining yield. This hypothesis was tested in a 2‐yr field experiment at Lexington, KY (38° N latitude). Four cultivars that varied in relative maturity (0.7 to 5.3) and high and low populations (one cultivar) were used to create variation in nodes per square meter. The experiments were planted on 25 May 2010 and 31 May 2011 in 38‐cm rows (19 cm for the high population) and the target populations were approximately 43 (four cultivars), 26 (low population), and 78 (high) plants m−2. Irrigation was used to minimize water stress. There were four replications of each treatment in a randomized complete block design. A 30‐cm section of bordered row was harvested at maturity to determine flower scars, pods, and nodes. The photosynthetically active radiation interception was roughly 90% or above at R1 for all treatments and there was little difference in incident solar radiation or temperature among treatments during flowering and pod set. There was a two‐fold variation in nodes per square meter in both years. Pods per square meter increased in concert with nodes per square meter up to approximately 70% of the maximum node number; above that level there was no change in pods per square meter. At low node levels, pods per square meter seems to be limited by the number of nodes, but at higher node levels there was no relationship between nodes and pods.
Soybean Aphid Biotype 4 Identified
Authors: Alt Jessie , Ryan‐Mahmutagic Molly
Published: April 2013

The soybean aphid [Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae)] is an invasive pest of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Since the first report in the United States in 2000 it has become one of the most damaging soybean pests. Three soybean aphid biotypes have been reported to date. The objective of this research was to determine whether an A. glycines field isolate collected near Lomira, WI, was unique from those previously reported. The response of the Lomira isolate was compared to existing soybean aphid Biotypes 1, 2, and 3 by conducting caged and noncaged assays using 10 soybean genotypes. In both the caged and noncaged assays, there were significant effects (P < 0.0001) of soybean aphid isolate, genotype, and soybean aphid isolate × genotype interaction. The Lomira isolate reaction profile was different than those of previously reported biotypes, therefore identifying a new biotype to use in characterization of soybean aphid resistant germplasm.
Significance of Exchanging SSURGO and STATSGO Data When Modeling Hydrology in Diverse Physiographic Terranes
Authors: Williamson Tanja N. , Taylor Charles J. , Newson Jeremy K.
Published: April 2013

The Water Availability Tool for Environmental Resources (WATER) is a TOPMODEL‐based hydrologic model that depends on spatially accurate soils data to function in diverse terranes. In Kentucky, this includes mountainous regions, karstic plateau, and alluvial plains. Soils data are critical because they quantify the space to store water, as well as how water moves through the soil to the stream during storm events. We compared how the model performs using two different sources of soils data—Soil Survey Geographic Database (SSURGO) and State Soil Geographic Database laboratory data (STATSGO)—for 21 basins ranging in size from 17 to 1564 km2. Model results were consistently better when SSURGO data were used, likely due to the higher field capacity, porosity, and available‐water holding capacity, which cause the model to store more soil‐water in the landscape and improve streamflow estimates for both low‐ and high‐flow conditions. In addition, there were significant differences in the conductivity multiplier and scaling parameter values that describe how water moves vertically and laterally, respectively, as quantified by TOPMODEL. We also evaluated whether partitioning areas that drain to streams via sinkholes in karstic basins as separate hydrologic modeling units (HMUs) improved model performance. There were significant differences between HMUs in properties that control soil‐water storage in the model, although the effect of partitioning these HMUs on streamflow simulation was inconclusive.
A New Electromagnetic Induction Calibration Model for Estimating Low Range Salinity in Calcareous Soils
Authors: Amakor Xystus N. , Cardon Grant E. , Symanzik Jürgen , Jacobson Astrid R.
Published: April 2013

In arid and semiarid regions, calibrating bulk soil salinity sensing technologies such as electromagnetic induction (EMI) relies on the assumption of uniformity of all soil factors influencing the reading, except soil salinity, to create a calibration model. When potentially perturbing factors are non‐homogeneous or interact in a non‐systematic way, conditional mean calibration models based on the least squares method fail to completely describe the entire salinity distribution due to the violation of model assumptions (i.e., homogeneity of perturbing factors). Therefore a new approach is needed. The main objective of this study is to produce a salinity calibration model capable of reasonably predicting salinity directly from the EMI signal readings irrespective of the heterogeneity of perturbing factors. Toward this end we collected ground‐truth samples and corresponding EMI measurements in 35 agricultural fields covering 495 ha of the Irrigated Middle Bear (IMB) subbasin of Cache County in Utah. Using quantile regression (QR), which makes no assumption about the distribution of error, we estimated a subset of conditional quantiles of salinity as a function of EMI reading. We found that the mean effects estimated by previous models are misleading because they model behavior around the 0.9th quantile of the distribution, and thus grossly underestimate salinities in the lower quantiles. We developed a new EMI weighting procedure to account for the high heterogeneity that may have caused the upper‐tailed distributional behavior. Variability was effectively captured and well modeled at specified quantiles of the salinity distribution using the QR technique. Independent validation of selected multiple QR models indicates that at low salinity ranges corresponding to conditional quantile (τ) ≤ 0.25, the QR models may be applied to any soil with low range salinity.
Changes in Natural15N Abundance in Pastoral Soils Receiving Differing Amounts of Superphosphate Fertilizer and Irrigation for 50 Years
Authors: Mudge P.L. , Schipper L.A. , Ghani A. , Upsdell M. , Baisden W. T.
Published: April 2013

Intensification of pastoral agriculture has led to increased N losses to the wider environment. This has led to an emphasis on improving our understanding of soil N dynamics, and development of management practices which mitigate N losses. The natural abundance of the stable isotope δ15N relative to14N (δ15N) in soils can provide an integrated measure of past N cycle processes, and in particular soil δ15N can reflect past N losses, because during most N transformation processes14N is preferentially lost. We therefore hypothesized that pastoral soils under intensive management regimes (with high N inputs, cycling, and loss) would become progressively enriched with15N relative to soils under less intensive management. To test this hypothesis we analyzed archived surface soils from two long‐term grazed field trials in New Zealand, where different rates of irrigation and superphosphate fertilizer had been applied for ∼50 yr. In all treatments except one (a control treatment receiving no fertilizer), δ15N increased with time and the increase was greater in treatments receiving more superphosphate or irrigation (average increases ranged from ∼0.015–0.034 ‰ yr–1). Pasture production and grazing intensity also increased with increasing fertilizer rate and irrigation frequency, and we found positive correlations between the average rate of change in soil δ15N, and total pasture production (r2= 0.77, p = 0.02), clover production (r2= 0.95, p < 0.001), and calculated N losses (r2= 0.98,p< 0.001) over ∼50 yr. We suggest that most of the difference in δ15N observed between treatments was due to the influence fertilizer and irrigation had on pasture production, and the resulting effects this had on isotope fractionating N loss processes. Soil δ15N could therefore be a useful indicator of past management intensity and N cycling and loss from pastoral systems.
Characteristics of Soil Phosphorus in Tree Island Hardwood Hammocks of the Southern Florida Everglades
Authors: Irick Daniel L. , C. Li Yuncong , Inglett Patrick W. , Harris Willie G. , Gu Binhe , Ross Michael S. , Wright Alan L. , Migliaccio Kati W.
Published: April 2013

The Florida Everglades is a P limited, freshwater wetland ecosystem. In many cases, soil P concentrations in tree islands in the Everglades greatly exceed concentrations in the surrounding marsh; however, little information is available regarding the characteristics of P in tree island soil. Surface soil samples from 26 tree islands were analyzed for total elements, distribution of soil P forms, and soil mineralogy. Total phosphorus (TP) concentrations of soil ranged from 0.764 to 88.1 g kg–1. Most (>80%) of the TP in high P hammock soils was bound in an inorganic form (HCl‐extractable), while organic P accounted for a relatively small (∼10%) proportion. Total P was positively correlated with non‐carbonate inorganic soil matter (i.e., non‐carbon matter, r = 0.98, p < 0.001), non‐carbonate calcium (NCCa, r = 0.98, p < 0.001), and HCl‐extractable phosphorus (HCl–P, r = 0.997, p < 0.001). Apatite was identified by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) in soils with elevated P concentration. These soils also contained bone fragments. The high proportion of HCl–P observed in tree island soil coupled with a positive relationship between NCCa and P concentration is evidence for an exogenous P source. The presence of apatite and bone fragments in tree island soils indicates that deposition of biogenic apatite contributes to the soil P pool.
Nitrification kinetics and modified model for the Rideau River, Canada
Authors: Zhao Lianmiao , Delatolla Robert , Mohammadian Abdolmajid
Published: April 2013

Improving kinetic modeling of nitrification in rivers is of growing importance due to yearly increases in the anthropogenic release of nitrogen into rivers around the world. The use of water quality models can abate the expense of water quality monitoring while enabling the user to predict trends of variation. Data collected from a series of laboratory kinetic experiments were used to calculate the rate of nitrification in the Rideau River, Canada, and modify nitrification algorithms used in the traditional water quality model Qual2E. The modified model relates the reaction rate coefficients with a simple biomass concentration measurement of volatile suspended solids (VSS) in the river and subsequently introduces biomass growth functions directly into the kinetic algorithm. Furthermore, this modified model includes a nitrate-nitrogen assimilation pathway. The modified model demonstrates an improved correlation to nitrogen parameters observed in river water samples compared with the classical water quality model Qual2E. The inclusion of bacterial concentrations based upon the simple measurement of VSS plays a critical role in the reactions of the nitrification system and nitrate-nitrogen assimilation is an important pathway at low ammonia-nitrogen concentrations.
Characterization and anaerobic treatability study of pre-hydrolysis liquor (PHL) from dissolving pulp mill
Authors: Debnath Dibyendu , Kale Mayur M. , S. Singh Kripa
Published: April 2013

Anaerobic degradation showed potential as the disposal solution for pre-hydrolysis liquor (PHL) from the dissolving pulp industries. This PHL contained pentose and hexose carbohydrates as monomeric (14.5 g/L) and oligomeric (39.7 g/L) forms along with acetic acid (10.38 g/L), furfural (1.14 g/L) and lignin (11.08 g/L). The average chemical oxygen demand (COD) value of the PHL was around 100 g/L with a biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) value of 55 g/L. Respirometric studies at 35 °C showed a decrease in methane production with increasing concentration of PHL in the feed. Presence of slowly biodegradable substrates (furfural and lignin) in the feed was suspected to cause such behavior. Therefore, PHL was introduced to a master culture reactor to acclimatize the seed sludge to PHL as substrate. The seed microbes were able to adapt to furfural, but not to the entire lignin present in PHL feed. Lignin concentration going over a threshold value (approximately 7 g/L) was suspected to cause reactor failure. This anaerobic treatability study reflects on the potential of applying anaerobic digestion for PHL waste stream disposal and biogas production.
Benthic diatom communities in streams from zinc mining areas in continental (Canada) and Mediterranean climates (Portugal)
Authors: Luís Ana T. , Alexander Alexa C. , Almeida Salomé F. P. , Ferreira da Silva Eduardo , Culp Joseph M.
Published: April 2013

This study compares regional differences in benthic diatom communities exposed to similar stresses in Canada and Portugal. Diatoms were sampled in the Água Forte Stream, Aljustrel (SW Portugal) and in the Little River, New Brunswick (SE Canada), both streams surround the respective zinc mine and are subject to similar metal (e.g. Cd, Cu, Fe, Zn) and acidic (Água Forte pH = 1.9–2.9 vs. Little River pH = 2.2–5.5) stresses. In this kind of extreme environment, diatoms are frequently the main algae group in the streams, widely used as bioindicators. Diatom communities in the Água Forte Stream were dominated mostly by Pinnularia aljustrelica and Eunotia exigua (5% teratological forms), whereas communities in the Little River were more diverse (e.g. Achnanthidium minutissimum, Nitzschia palea, Eunotia sp.). Shannon-Wiener Index (H′) and percentage of taxa relative abundance were used to characterize the diversity and species composition of the diatom communities. Using canonical correspondence analysis (CCA), it was found that regional variation in acceptable in-stream concentrations of metals, conductivity and pH were the primary drivers of benthic diatom community. Mine remediation to decrease metal concentrations and increase pH in streams will increase diatom diversity even in highly impacted streams such as Água Forte.
Coagulation–flocculation pre-treatment of surface water used on dairy farms and evaluation of bacterial viability and gene transfer in treatment sludge
Authors: Pariseau Éric , Massé Daniel I. , Masse Lucie , Topp Ed , Burrus Vincent , Malouin François
Published: April 2013

On many dairy farms, the water used to wash milking equipment is contaminated with bacteria and has to be disinfected. Often, the water requires a coagulation–flocculation (CF) pre-treatment to reduce turbidity and remove dissolved organics prior to disinfection. This paper examines the effect of temperature and water characteristics on the efficiency of an on-farm CF treatment using polyaluminum chloride (PACl) as coagulant. Since the CF process concentrates suspended solids and bacteria in a sludge that will be land-applied, Escherichia coli survival and gene transfer occurrences in the sludge were also determined. Coagulant dose was highly correlated to water UVA254 nm, but not turbidity. For water with variable UVA254 nm, exceeding 0.85 cm−1, the coagulant dose could be adjusted using a simple online UVA254 nm sensor, while settling time should be increased when water temperature drops below 10 °C. E. coli survived a 2-h PACl exposure at a dose of 0.05 mL ClearPAC/L. There was no difference in conjugative transfer of a multi-drug resistance conferring plasmid in water without PACl and in the PACl-derived sludge over a 2-day period. However, since bacteria remained viable in sludge and genetic conjugation may occur, sludge residues should be stored in the manure tank prior to land application.
Transient Cystoid Macular Oedema in Multiple Choroidal Naevi
Authors: Ziahosseini Kimia , Kamal Ahmed
Published: April 2013

Choroidal Naevi are generally thought to be trivial. However, sometimes they cause visual loss, visual filed defect and rarely transform into malignant melanoma. We report the first case of unilateral numerous choroidal naevi in a healthy female associated with transient cystoid macular oedema and postulate about its pathogenesis.
Influence of Social Support on Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment, Depressive Symptoms, or Both Coexisting
Authors: Millán-Calenti José C. , Sánchez Alba , Lorenzo-López Laura , Cao Ricardo , Maseda Ana
Published: April 2013

The influence of social support dimensions (the extent of contact with others, the satisfaction with contacts, and the availability of help if sick or disabled) in elderly people with cognitive impairment (COG), depressive symptoms (DEP), or the co-occurrence of these symptoms (COG-DEP) was assessed in a cross-sectional analysis of a representative sample of 579 individuals aged 65 years and older. A lower extent of contact was related to COG ( OR: 2.26). Fair satisfaction with contacts was related to DEP ( OR: 2.88) and COG-DEP (OR: 4.22). A low level of satisfaction with contacts was an important predictor for DEP ( OR: 7.99) and COG-DEP ( OR: 7.88). Therefore, different dimensions of social support were independently correlated with different aspects of mental health. Quantitative aspects of social support were significantly linked to the presence of cognitive impairment. Satisfaction with social support affected depressive symptoms both alone and when they co-occurred with cognitive impairment.
Prevalence and Predictors of Change in Adult-Child Primary Caregivers
Authors: Szinovacz Maximiliane E. , Davey Adam
Published: April 2013

Family caregiving research is increasingly contextual and dynamic, but few studies have examined prevalence and predictors of change in primary caregivers, those with the most frequent contact with healthcare professionals. We identified prevalence and predictors of 2-year change in primary adult-child caregivers. Data pooled from the 1992–2000 waves of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) represent 1,068 parent-level care occasions and 3,616 child-level occasions. There is considerable 2-year stability in primary adult-child caregivers. Parents are more prone to experience a change in adult-child primary caregivers if they live by themselves and if they have more sons and daughters. As far as the adult children are concerned, daughters and children living closer to parents are more likely to remain primary caregivers. Results suggest that change in primary caregivers is more strongly associated with available alternatives and gender norms than burden and competing obligations.
Associations between Imagined Interactions and the “Big Five” Personality Traits
Authors: Honeycutt James M. , Pence Michelle E. , Gearhart Christopher C.
Published: April 2013

This research examined the correlation between imagined interactions (IIs), a type of social cognition and intrapersonal communication, and the various personality traits that constitute “The Big 5.” A canonical correlation analysis revealing the association between attributes and functions of imagined interactions and Big 5 personality traits in an attempt to further define the experience of having imagined interactions as a personality trait is presented. Frequency and neuroticism were found to have a relationship, in addition to frequency and openness. Additional linkages revealed include: non-discrepant II's and conscientiousness and extraversion; catharsis and relational maintenance and conscientiousness and neuroticism; and relational maintenance and neuroticism/lack of conscientiousness. Results are discussed in terms of a heritability model of traits and Freudian personality theory in terms of poetic imagination.
Does Negative Mood Confer an Advantage in the Recall of Negative Life Events?
Authors: Krackow Elisa , Kania Kristina , Travers Ria M.
Published: April 2013

Models of depression suggest that depression, which is characterized by sad mood, should confer a recall advantage for negative stimuli, including stressful life events. The current study examined the effects of mood congruent recall on the quantity and accuracy of recall of negative life events. Forty-two college students received a negative or positive mood induction and then listened to narratives of 11 negative life events which mapped onto a well-known life events checklist measure. One week later, participants returned to the lab, received the same mood induction, and were asked to recall the narratives in open-ended recall and when using the life events checklist as a memory measure. There were no significant group differences on numerous measures of quantity and accuracy of recall including false memories. These results suggest that negative mood does not confer a recall advantage nor disadvantage for narratives of negative life events. Possible implications for depression and recall of negative life events are discussed.
Randomized Controlled Open-Label Trial of Vitamin E-Bonded Polysulfone Dialyzer and Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agent Response
Authors: Sanaka Tsutomu , Mochizuki Takahiro , Kinugasa Eriko , Kusano Eiji , Ohwada Shigeru , Kuno Tsutomu , Kojima Kenichiro , Kobayashi Shuzo , Satoh Minoru , Shimada Noriaki , Nakao Kazushi , Nakazawa Ryoichi , Nishimura Hideki , Noiri Eisei , Shigematsu Takashi , Tomo Tadashi , Maeda Teiryo
Published: April 2013

Background and objectives

A 1-year multicenter prospective randomized controlled study was conducted on the effects of vitamin E-bonded polysulfone dialyzers on erythropoiesis-stimulating agent response in hemodialysis patients.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Major inclusion criteria were use of high-flux polysulfone dialyzers with 50–70 ml/min β
2-microglobulin clearance over 3 months, transferrin saturation over 20%, same erythropoiesis-stimulating agent for over 3 months, and hemoglobin at 10–12 g/dl. Hemodialysis patients were placed in four interventional groups: two hemoglobin ranges (10.0–10.9 or 11.0–11.9 g/dl) and two dialyzers. Patients were randomly assigned by central registration to a vitamin E-bonded polysulfone dialyzers or polysulfone control group. Primary end point was relative erythropoiesis resistance index at baseline between groups at 12 months. Erythropoiesis resistance index was defined as total weekly erythropoiesis-stimulating agent dose divided by hemoglobin.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences in age or sex. There was no significant difference in relative erythropoiesis resistance index between vitamin E-bonded polysulfone dialyzers and control groups at 12 months (vitamin E-bonded polysulfone dialyzers: 1.1, control: 1.3). The vitamin E-bonded polysulfone dialyzers group showed better relative erythropoiesis resistance index than the control group at 11.0–11.9 g/dl hemoglobin (vitamin E-bonded polysulfone dialyzers: 1.0, control: 1.4 at 12 months, significant difference) but no difference at 10.0–10.9 g/dl hemoglobin.

Conclusions

The overall relative erythropoiesis resistance index showed no difference between the vitamin E-bonded polysulfone dialyzers and control groups, although the change in relative erythropoiesis resistance index differed according to hemoglobin level.
Performance of Kidney Injury Molecule-1 and Liver Fatty Acid-Binding Protein and Combined Biomarkers of AKI after Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Parikh Chirag R. , Thiessen-Philbrook Heather , Garg Amit X. , Kadiyala Deepak , Shlipak Michael G. , Koyner Jay L. , Edelstein Charles L. , Devarajan Prasad , Patel Uptal D. , Zappitelli Michael , Krawczeski Catherine D. , Passik Cary S. , Coca Steven G.
Published: April 2013

Background and objectives

AKI is common and novel biomarkers may help provide earlier diagnosis and prognosis of AKI in the postoperative period.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

This was a prospective, multicenter cohort study involving 1219 adults and 311 children consecutively enrolled at eight academic medical centers. Performance of two urine biomarkers, kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) and liver fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP), alone or in combination with other injury biomarkers during the perioperative period was evaluated. AKI was defined as doubling of serum creatinine or need for acute dialysis.

Results

KIM-1 peaked 2 days after surgery in adults and 1 day after surgery in children, whereas L-FABP peaked within 6 hours after surgery in both age groups. In multivariable analyses, the highest quintile of the first postoperative KIM-1 level was associated with AKI compared with the lowest quintile in adults, whereas the first postoperative L-FABP was not associated with AKI. Both KIM-1 and L-FABP were not significantly associated with AKI in adults or children after adjusting for other kidney injury biomarkers (neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and IL-18). The highest area under the curves achievable for discrimination for AKI were 0.78 in adults using urine KIM-1 from 6 to 12 hours, urine IL-18 from day 2, and plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin from day 2 and 0.78 in children using urine IL-18 from 0 to 6 hours and urine L-FABP from day 2.

Conclusions

Postoperative elevations of KIM-1 associate with AKI and adverse outcmes in adults but were not independent of other AKI biomarkers. A panel of multiple biomarkers provided moderate discrimination for AKI.
Orals in the Bundle
Authors: Feldman Rachel L. , Desmarais Mark P. , Muller James S.
Published: April 2013

Oral prescription drugs for treatment of bone and mineral disorders (phosphate binders and calcimimetics) in patients undergoing dialysis (i.e., those with ESRD) will be integrated into the Medicare Part B ESRD bundled payment system in 2016. Payment will be denied under Medicare Part D. Integrating Part D drugs into Part B payment at this level of scale lacks any policy precedent. Providers and patients have serious concerns about the potential for inadequate funding, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has been silent about the methods and other critical policy used to guide its decisions. We believe an adequate policy framework to support valuation of the targeted oral drugs depends on use of the most recent available Medicare Part D data, measurement of mean utilization for all target drugs based on a minimum of 6 months of complete data for prescriptions and dialysis treatments, use of appropriate price proxies to monetize drug volume to dialysis provider acquisition cost, adjustment to account for change in adherence due to change in patient out-of-pocket expenses, inclusion of valuation for dispensing and administrative cost, and a mechanism for adjusting payment to future changes in adherence.
Design of complete denture reinforced with metal base
Authors: Postic Srdjan
Published: April 2013

Introduction. Complete denture reinforced with metal bases is fabricated in
cases of fracture risk as well as in selected patients with neuromuscular
disorders. The aim of this report was to present different designs of metal
framework for complete denture and their advantages in the treatment of
edentulous patients. Material and Methods. The study included 116 edentulous
patients who received complete dentures. The respondents were divided into
two groups according to the type of denture used. Thirty one patients were
rehabilitated with complete dentures reinforced with metal base, whereas 85
patients received conventional complete acrylic dentures. Metal bases were
fabricated using Co-Cr-Mo alloy. Two designs different in regards to the
vibrating line were fabricated: metal frame extended to the vibrating line
and acrylic resin extended to the vibrating line. After investing and
casting, metal bases were electropolished. Subsequent processes of arranging
artificial teeth, waxing, flasking and finishing completed the fabrication
process of dentures. Results. Denture base fractures were prevented in
majority of patients. The design of upper denture where metal frame was
extended to the vibrating line and metal base with elongation over the convex
edentulous ridge in lower jaw were the most favored and successful in
prosthetic rehabilitation of experimental group of edentulous patients. There
was no need for rebasing of complete dentures reinforced with metal base.
Conclusion. Complete denture reinforced with metal base presents a favorable
design for rehabilitation of edentulous patients with well pronounced
edentulous ridges and low tendency to resorption.
Prevalence and risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders in dentists
Authors: Vuletic Jelena , Potran Michal , Kalem Dijana , Panic Zorica , Puskar Tatjana
Published: April 2013

Introduction. Working in dental practice requires clear working field and
easy access to all parts of oral cavity. For this reason, dentists often take
non-physiological positions during treatment increasing the risk for
musculoskeletal disorders. The aim of this study was to determine the
prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in dentists with different work
experience in Novi Sad. Material and Methods. The study included 89 dentists.
Data related to musculoskeletal disorders was collected using a
questionnaire. Potential risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders were
detected and analyzed. Results. Out of 89 dentists, 32 (36%) were male and 57
(64%) were female. Musculoskeletal disorders were detected in 62 dentists
(69.7%). 50% of dentists reported pain during first three years of work in
the office, while others noted these problems later. 49 dentists (77.8%)
reported increasing pain during the day. Of the total respondents, 76.2% had
pain in neck, 71.4% reported discomfort in the upper part of their back,
68.3% in the region of shoulder, and 65.1% complained for pain in lower back.
Lower prevalence of pain was found in the region of wrists and hands, hips,
knees, ankles and elbows. Statistical analysis did not show significant
difference between observed risk factors. Conclusion. The prevalence of
musculoskeletal disorders in examined dentists in Novi Sad was 69.7%. It was
higher in male compared to female respondents. Most dentists had
musculoskeletal disturbances in the region of neck, shoulders and upper back.
Chemism of networking and biological functions of different types of phosphate cements
Authors: Jokanovic Vukoman , Zivkovic Slavoljub
Published: April 2013

This article provides an overview of calcium phosphate systems used in
different formulations of cement mixtures. Chemism of reactions that occur in
contact of these systems with water medium shows diversity and specificity of
each of selected types of mixtures. As it can be clearly seen from reactions
that occur between components of cement mixtures, highly active calcium
deficient hydroxyapatite is always an end product in all reactions. This
makes these systems extremely biocompatible and suitable for use in dentistry
from the standpoint of chemical and biological degradability.
Social aspects of ethnic conflicts in Temerin
Authors: Markovic Aleksandra
Published: April 2013

Ethnic tensions and conflicts in Temerin, a town located close to the capital
of Vojvodina, Novi Sad, have attracted the attention of both the Serbian
public and the public of Hungarian national minority in Vojvodina. The paper
relates ethnic conflicts in Temerin with non-ethnic social dimensions.
Generally, the author tests modernisation theory, as an example of
developmentalist theory, as well as interactionist and instrumentalist
theories of ethnicity. Particularly, the paper provides corroboration test of
the ethnic competition hypothesis, posed by Sarah Belanger and Maurice
Pinard, which specifies conditions that transform ethnic competition into
ethnic conflict. Finally, the study has revealed that material status has no
influence on national intolerance. However, at the level of ethnic groups,
the issues of public usage of language and positioning in the labour market
are related to the ethnic conflicts in Temerin.
Fear of crime in the capital cities of the former Yugoslav Republics
Authors: Djuric Sladjana , Popovic-Citic Branislava
Published: April 2013

Although the fear of crime has been the subject of intensive study carried
out by criminologists and sociologists in other countries for more than four
decades, domestic theoretical and empirical examination of this complex
phenomenon is almost nonexistent. The main objectives of this study are
determining the prevalence and possible differences in the fear of crime
among the residents of major cities of the former Yugoslav republics. The
analysis uses data collected as part of the regional research project ?The
Fear of Crime in Large Cities?. The method of interviewing in households
using a specially created questionnaire is applied on a multi-stage random
sample of 1977 adult respondents living in urban areas of the cities. By
choosing the appropriate questionnaire items, three scales to measure
affective, cognitive and behavioral dimensions of the fear of crime and a
unified scale of the general construct were made for the purpose of this
study. All scales have high internal consistency reliability. The results
show that a significant percentage of people who exhibit a high level of the
fear of crime are present in all cities, regardless of the size of the
dimension tested. Higher prevalence of the fear of crime is determined by
measuring the extent of affective and up to a point behavioral dimension,
while the prevalence of fear of crime is slightly lower on the level of the
cognitive dimension. Statistically significant differences in the level of
fear of crime among residents of cities studied are identified on all
scales.
Language, gender, and sexual orientation: Gender-specific features of discursive styles of homosexual users of an internet forum
Authors: Stankovic Biljana
Published: April 2013

This study seeks to determine whether and in which way homosexual people rely
on gender-specific style characteristics when communicating in the internet
environment. It is assumed that the basis of differences in language
practices is not some identity category (either gender or sexual), that uses
these practices only as a means of expression. Instead, language is seen as a
resource that allows us to respond to a variety of communication situations.
The methodological framework for collecting and analyzing the samples of
verbal interaction is content analysis (relative frequencies of linguistic
parameters are first calculated and then compared by using statistical
techniques), and the results are then supplemented with a qualitative
analysis of communication flow which further examines the mediating effect of
conversational context in the selection of gender-related discursive
features. The findings suggest that homosexual men and women differ when it
comes to the expression of gender-specific discursive style. In conclusion, I
argue in favor of the interpretation of these differences with respect to the
specificity of the communication context and existence of certain norms that
model the interaction among the participants in the discussion.
Women in the penal system according to the Bangkok rules
Authors: Kovacevic Milica
Published: April 2013

In the introduction of the paper the author refers to the position of women
in the criminal justice system, which implies that special rules should be
applied with respect to the specific needs of girls and women. In the central
part of the paper, the author analyzes the Bangkok Rules (UN Rules for the
Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders),
that were adopted in 2010. This is the first international document that
identifies, in a comprehensive and systematic manner, specific factors of
female crime and special needs of women and mothers, which implies that it
has a pivotal role in the system composed of other United Nations documents.
Finally, the author concludes that the real improvement of the position of
women in the penal system will take a lot more effort and resources and that
the adoption of the rules is not sufficient.
The integration of women and the effects of the “glass ceiling” in the police profession
Authors: Tomic Marta
Published: April 2013

This paper considers the position of women in the police profession in terms
of domination of masculinity and the effects of the ?glass ceiling?.
Generally, these mechanisms create unequal opportunities and unequal
treatment of women in the police and other predominantly male professions,
and overall create adverse conditions for their integration and slower career
advancement. The aim of this paper is to show that women who are employed in
the police, who have an affinity for the profession and wish to advance
professionally are socially conditioned in a predominantly male environment,
particularly in professions that have a historically bounded rule of
masculinity, and that, as such, the mechanisms of the ?glass ceiling? prevent
them to reach the highest step in their career. Women in the police
profession still are still a minority and have to deal with well integrated
social and professional structural barriers as well as cultural barriers.
Note on inventory models with a permissible delay in payments
Authors: Tung Cheng-Tan , Deng Peter , Chuang Jones
Published: April 2013

This note tries to provide a patch work for the paper of Chang Dye and Chuang
(published in Yugoslav Journal of Operational Research 2002, number 1,
73-84). Their paper contains an important finding of smoothly connected
property that can very dramatically simplify the solution procedure of many
inventory models with ramp type demand and trapezoidal type demand. Our
improvement will arouse attention of the researchers and help them apply
their important findings in the pending research projects.
GEOM/GEOM[a]/1/ queue with late arrival system with delayed access and delayed multiple working vacations
Authors: Cheng Jiang , Tang Yinghui , Yu Miaomiao
Published: April 2013

This paper considers a discrete-time bulk-service queue with infinite buffer
space and delay multiple working vacations. Considering a late arrival system
with delayed access (LAS-AD), it is assumed that the inter-arrival times,
service times, vacation times are all geometrically distributed. The server
does not take a vacation immediately at service complete epoch but keeps idle
period. According to a bulk-service rule, at least one customer is needed to
start a service with a maximum serving capacity 'a'. Using probability
analysis method and displacement operator method, the queue length and the
probability generating function of waiting time at pre-arrival epochs are
obtained. Furthermore, the outside observer?s observation epoch queue length
distributions are given. Finally, computational examples with numerical
results in the form of graphs and tables are discussed.
A predictor-corrector path-following algorithm for symmetric optimization based on Darvay's technique
Authors: Kheirfam Behrouz
Published: April 2013

In this paper, we present a predictor-corrector path-following interior-point
algorithm for symmetric cone optimization based on Darvay's technique. Each
iteration of the algorithm contains a predictor step and a corrector step
based on a modification of the Nesterov and Todd directions. Moreover, we
show that the algorithm is well defined and that the obtained iteration bound
is o(?rlogr?/?), where r is the rank of Euclidean Jordan algebra.
One Size Does Not Fit All: Conceptual Concerns and Moral Imperatives Surrounding Gender-Inclusive Financial Literacy Education
Authors: Pinto Laura Elizabeth
Published: April 2013

In the wake of the 2008 global economic crisis, financial literacy education received increased political attention worldwide as an important policy solution to achieve a variety of ends. Cloaked in the neoliberal language of value-neutrality, financial literacy education takes on a gender-blind character, presuming a level playing field. Through its naivety, financial literacy education perpetuates the false impression that men and women experience economic participation, decisions and outcomes in the same ways. This article explores how attention to gender justice is an important moral obligation if we are to achieve inclusive financial literacy education and recommends feminist pedagogies to counter dominant and uncritical approaches to financial literacy in classrooms.
Ten Hypotheses about Tolerance toward Minorities among Latin American Adolescents
Authors: Caro Daniel H. , Schulz Wolfram
Published: April 2013

Discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, race, mental and/or physical disability, religious background, HIV/AIDS status, and ethnic origin affects the well-being of minorities and society in general. Recent research in North America underscores the importance of contact with diverse networks, intergroup discussions, a social dominance orientation, religious beliefs, and the school climate, among other factors, to explain tolerance for minorities. Theoretical and empirical work in Latin America is less extensive and has been limited by the lack of quantitative data. This article evaluates 10 different hypotheses about tolerance, using data from eighth-grade students in six Latin American countries that participated in the International Civic and Citizenship Education Study in 2009. Overall, the results provide support for most hypotheses. Notably, countries with relatively more positive views of minorities tend to exhibit very small differences in tolerance attitudes among students of varying socio-demographic characteristics and, apparently, also more effective mechanisms for promoting tolerance through schools.
What Should Students Know about Money? Report of a Pilot Study of Proposed Research
Authors: Läänemets Urve
Published: April 2013

As in all developed and developing countries, the current financial constraints have had an impact on Estonian students' financial circumstances and it is valuable to consider what curricular developments might realistically be introduced to provide support. This article is a report on a pilot study intended to inform future research into curriculum development in the area of financial literacy.
A Review of Academic Research on the Reporting of Cash Flows from Operations
Authors: Hales Jeffrey , Orpurt Steven F.
Published: April 2013

SYNOPSIS:

We provide a comprehensive review of academic research related to direct method cash flow presentation. While many financial statement users have stated a preference for the direct method, few accounting standard setters around the world have required it and, given a choice, most entities present operating cash flows using the indirect method. Our review indicates that academic research has generally found direct method cash flow information to be decision useful. Also, research finds that direct method information is reflected in stock prices indicating that users appear to utilize this information when available. However, there are, as of yet, no studies detailing how this information makes its way into stock prices. Finally, the evidence we review suggests that direct method information is economically significant and that the recurring benefits that many firms derive from providing direct method information likely exceed recurring costs. Our review should be of interest to academics researching cash flow reporting and also to policy makers as they continue debating the merits of the direct method presentation of operating cash flows.
Tax-Motivated Loss Shifting
Authors: Erickson Merle M. , Heitzman Shane M. , Zhang X. Frank
Published: April 2013

This paper examines the implications of tax loss carryback incentives for corporate reporting decisions and capital market behavior. During the 1981 through 2010 sample period, we find that firms increase losses in order to claim a cash refund of recent tax payments before the option to do so expires, and we estimate that firms with tax refund-based incentives accelerate about $64.7 billion in losses. Tax-motivated loss shifting is reflected in both recurring and nonrecurring items and is more evident for financially constrained firms. Analysts do not generally incorporate tax-motivated loss shifting into their earnings forecasts, resulting in more negative analyst forecast errors for firms with tax-based incentives than for firms without. Holding earnings surprises constant, however, investors react less negatively to losses reported by firms with tax loss carryback incentives.

Data Availability: Data are available from sources identified in the paper.
Second Round Electronics: A Case for Critical Thinking
Authors: Johnstone Nathalie , Mackintosh Brandy , Phillips Fred
Published: April 2013

This instructional case requires students to provide advice to a client who is currently the sole owner of a for-profit company that reconditions and sells used electronics. The client is considering purchasing a similar company with the vision of expanding into the sales and service of emerging technologies. The target company's unaudited financial statements contain questionable accounting choices and judgments that appear to enable the company to meet external financial reporting constraints. In their role as financial advisers, students are expected to use critical thinking skills to identify and evaluate questionable choices in the target company's financial statements. This case is suitable for use in introductory and intermediate financial accounting as well as introductory auditing and assurance courses, and can be used as a context for in-class discussion, as a basis for exam questions, and/or as a writing assignment. Assessment rubrics and Teaching Notes accompany the case for use by instructors.
Vitamin D Deficiency and Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy and Childhood: A Cohort Study
Authors: Cohen Marta C. , Offiah Amaka , Sprigg Alan , Al-Adnani Mudher
Published: April 2013

We sought to (1) determine if there is an increased prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) in cases of sudden death in infancy and childhood; (2) establish whether there is a link between VDD and infection; and (3) assess if the level of vitamin D can be related to abnormalities in the skeletal survey and rib histology in our cohort. The postmortem reports of cases in which vitamin D levels were measured in 2009 and 2010 were retrieved. When parental consent for audit had been granted, rib histology and skeletal surveys were reviewed. Plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were measured in 41 postmortem cases. Ten (24.5%) had adequate levels, 5 (12%) had suboptimal levels, 16 (39%) had moderate deficiency, and 10 (24.5%) had severe deficiency. We had only 4 cases with VDD and infection. There were 25 cases of unexplained death in our cohort, and 76% of these had inadequate vitamin D levels. The rib histology was abnormal in 69% of cases that had inadequate vitamin D levels, while the radiology was abnormal in 19% of cases. A significant proportion of infants and children who died suddenly and unexpectedly had inadequate levels of vitamin D. We were unable to confirm or exclude an association between VDD and infection due to the small number of cases with confirmed infection. Further multicenter studies are needed to confirm our findings and explore possible associations between VDD and other known risk factors for sudden unexplaineddeath in infancy and childhood.