bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Características produtivas e qualitativas do capim-elefante pastejado em intervalo fixo ou variável de acordo com a interceptação da radiação fotossinteticamente ativa
Authors: Voltolini Tadeu Vinhas , Santos Flávio Augusto Portela , Martinez Junio Cesar , Clarindo Rafael Luis , Penati Marco Antonio , Imaizumi Hugo
Published: June 2010

Objetivou-se avaliar dois intervalos de pastejo de pastos de capim-elefante (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.): um intervalo variável, quando o dossel atingisse 95% de interceptação da radiação fotossinteticamente ativa, e um intervalo de pastejo fixo, de 26 dias. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado com medidas repetidas no tempo. O intervalo de pastejo, a altura do dossel no pré e pós-pastejo, a interceptação da radiação fotossinteticamente ativa e o índice de área foliar foram maiores quando aplicado o intervalo de pastejo fixo. Não houve efeito dos intervalos de pastejo sobre as massas de forragem, de folhas e de colmos no pré e pós-pastejo nem sobre a densidade volumétrica do dossel no pré-pastejo. A massa de material morto foi menor no intervalo de pastejo variável em comparação ao intervalo fixo, tanto no pré quanto no pós-pastejo. Os teores de fibra em detergente neutro e fibra em detergente ácido nos pastos manejados em intervalo variável foram menores que naquela com intervalo fixo. A aplicação de intervalo de pastejo variável, por permitir redução do tempo de descanso do pasto, tem efeitos positivos na qualidade da forragem.
Estimativas de parâmetros genéticos para os escores visuais e suas associações com peso corporal em bovinos de corte
Authors: Koury Filho William , Albuquerque Lucia Galvão de , Forni Selma , Silva Josineudson Augusto II de Vasconcelos , Yokoo Marcos Juniti , Alencar Maurício Mello de
Published: June 2010

Foram avaliados 27.523 e 21.746 registros das características conformação, precocidade e musculatura à desmana e ao sobreano, respectivamente, para estimar os componentes de covariância entre estas características e entre estas e os pesos corporais medidos nas mesmas idades. Para as análises dos dados, foram empregados modelos animais com efeitos genéticos direto e materno e efeito de ambiente permanente materno. Máxima verossimilhança restrita foi empregada para estimar os parâmetros genéticos. As estimativas de herdabilidade dos escores à desmama foram 0,13; 0,25 e 0,23 para conformação, precocidade e musculatura, respectivamente. As estimativas de herdabilidade dos escores visuais avaliados ao sobreano foram de maiores magnitudes (0,24; 0,32 e 0,27 para conformação, precocidade e musculatura, respectivamente). As estimativas das correlações genéticas entre escores medidos às mesmas idades, considerando desmana e sobreano, foram 0,67 e 0,75 entre conformação e precocidade; 0,61 e 0,71 entre conformação e musculatura; 0,95 e 0,95 entre precocidade e musculatura. As correlações genéticas estimadas entre o peso corporal à desmama e conformação, precocidade e musculatura, respectivamente, foram 0,97; 0,67 e 0, 62. As estimativas entre conformação, precocidade, musculatura ao sobreano e o peso corporal foram 0,83; 0,59 e 0,58, respectivamente. Os resultados indicam que os escores visuais podem ser utilizados como critérios de seleção. Aumento nos pesos corporais deve ser esperado como resposta correlacionada à seleção para essas características.
Differential expression of genes in follicular cells of swines
Authors: Miranda-Furtado Cristiana Libardi , Silva Priscila Vendramini , Guimarães Marta Fonseca Martins , Serão Nicola Vergara Lopes , Guimarães José Domingos , Guimarães Simone Eliza Facioni
Published: June 2010

The main purpose of the present study was to identify for candidate genes related to ovulation in swines. To do so, it was investigated in ovarian follicular cells through quantitative real-time PCR the differential expression of the following genes: steroidogenic acute regulator (STAR), GATA-binding protein 4 (GATA), prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), progesterone receptor (P4R), follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR), and cytochrome P450 aromatase (CYP19). These genes encode hormone receptors (FSHR and P4R), hormone (PGF2α), steroidogenic proteins (STAR and CYP19) and transcription factor (GATA). Folicular cells were collected from sows with high and low number of piglets/litters during the follicular phase of the estrus cycle. There was difference in transcript abundance among low and high prolific sows for the STAR, GATA, PGF2α, P4R and CYP19 genes. For the FSHR gene, the fold change was not considered to be significantly different. Because in the present study only the transcript level of the above mentioned genes was analyzed, no inference can be made regarded to protein translation or activity. Therefore, gene sequence trials and other functional studies will be necessary to complement the present results, allowing a better understanding on biological complexity of these genes and their use as markers for prolificity in swines.
Genetic evaluation of partial growth trajectory of Santa Inês breed using random regression models
Authors: Oliveira Kassiana Adriano Pinto de , Lôbo Raimundo Nonato Braga , Facó Olivardo
Published: June 2010

It was evaluated data set of 19,303 weight records of Santa Inês sheep in order to evaluate distinct polynomial functions with different order for better adjustements of fixed and random regressions of growth trajectory and to estimate (co)variances components and genetic parameters of this trajectory. Fixed effects used in analysis were contemporary group, sex and birth type. Ordinary and Legendre polynomials, ranging from two to four orders, were evaluated for fixed regression of average growth trajectory. Legendre and quadratic b-spline functions, ranging from three to four orders, were evaluated for random regressions. Legendre polynomials of order fourth were suitable to fit random regression, while ordinary polynomials of third order were the best for fixed trajectory. Direct heritabilities on days 1, 50, 150, 250 and 411 were 0.24, 0.12, 0.44, 0.84, and 0.96, respectively, while maternal heritabilities for the same ages were 0.24, 0.19, 0.09, 0.02, and 0.01, respectively. Genetic correlations among weights in subsequent ages were high, tending to unity, and there were negative correlations between weights at early ages and weights at late ages. It is possible to modify the growth trajectory by selection with the observed genetic variability. Genetic control of weights at initial ages is not the same in late ages. So, selection of animals for slaughter in early age must be different from that of replacement animals.
Farelo de gérmen de milho desengordurado na dieta de poedeiras comerciais de 28 a 44 semanas de idade
Authors: Brunelli Sandra Regina , Pinheiro João Waine , Fonseca Nilva Aparecida Nicolao , Oba Alexandre , Silva Caio Abércio da
Published: June 2010

Um experimento foi conduzido para avaliar os efeitos da inclusão de farelo de gérmen de milho desengordurado na dieta de galinhas de 28 a 44 semanas de idade. Foram utilizadas 240 poedeiras Hy-Line W36 distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com seis níveis de farelo de germen de milho desengordurado (0, 6, 12, 18, 24 e 30%),cada um com cinco repetições de oito aves. No período experimental, que durou quatro ciclos de 28 dias, foram avaliados os parâmetros de desempenho das aves (consumo de ração, produção de ovos, peso médio do ovo, massa de ovo e conversão alimentar) e de qualidade dos ovos (gravidade específica, índice de pigmentação da gema, porcentagem de gema e albúmen, porcentagem e espessura da casca e unidade haugh). Os níveis de farelo de gérmen de milho desengordurado tiveram efeito linear negativo sobre o consumo de ração e o índice de pigmentação da gema e efeito quadrático sobre a conversão alimentar. A inclusão de farelo de gérmen de milho desengordurado na dieta não influenciou as outras variáveis estudadas. O farelo de gérmen de milho desengordurado pode ser incluído em níveis de até 21,2% em rações para galinhas poedeiras.
Crescimento e deposição de nutrientes nos órgãos de frangos de corte de duas linhagens comerciais
Authors: Marcato Simara Márcia , Sakomura Nilva Kazue , Fernandes João Batista Kochenborger , Siqueira Jefferson Costa de , Dourado Leilane Rocha Barros , Freitas Ednardo Rodrigues
Published: June 2010

O objetivo neste trabalho foi estudar o perfil de crescimento e a deposição de nutrientes nos órgãos (coração, fígado, moela, intestino e proventrículo) de frangos de corte das linhagens Ross e Cobb de ambos os sexos. Foram utilizados 1.920 pintos de 1 dia alojados em boxes de galpão experimental em piso. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 2 × 2, composto de dois sexos (machos e fêmeas) e duas linhagens (Ross e Cobb), com quatro repetições de 120 aves. As aves foram alimentadas com rações formuladas de acordo com suas exigências nutricionais em cada fase de criação. Os pesos dos órgãos e de seus componentes (água, cinzas, proteína e gordura) foram obtidos semanalmente, com os parâmetros estimados pela equação de Gompertz e as taxas de crescimento determinadas por meio das derivadas das equações. Não houve influência da linhagem nas taxas de crescimento e deposição de nutrientes no coração. As aves Ross foram mais precoces no crescimento e na deposição de água e cinzas no fígado, portanto apresenta maior atividade metabólica na digestão e síntese de nutrientes. A linhagem Cobb foi mais precoce no desenvolvimento do intestino e crescimento e na deposição de nutrientes no proventrículo. Os machos são mais precoces que as fêmeas na taxa de crescimento e deposição de proteína, gordura e água na moela.
Redução do nível de proteína bruta em rações para frangos de corte em ambiente de estresse por calor
Authors: Oliveira Will Pereira de , Oliveira Rita Flávia Miranda de , Donzele Juarez Lopes , Gomes Paulo Cezar , Martins Mariana dos Santos , Assis Ana Paula de
Published: June 2010

Este estudo foi realizado para avaliar os efeitos da redução do nível de proteína bruta (PB) da ração com suplementação de aminoácidos sintéticos sobre o desempenho e o rendimento de carcaça de frangos de corte de 22 a 42 dias de idade mantidos sob estresse por calor. Utilizaram-se 280 frangos de corte machos da linhagem Cobb 500 com peso inicial de 856 ± 7,41 g, distribuídos em delineamentointeiramente casualizado, com cinco níveis de PB (21,6; 20,6; 19,6; 18,6 ou 17,6%), oito repetições e sete aves por unidade experimental. A temperatura no interior da sala foi mantida em 32,2 ± 0,6ºC, com umidade relativa de 66 ± 3,2% e temperatura de globo negro de 33,0 ± 0,7ºC. O índice de temperatura de globo e umidade (ITGU) calculado no período foi de 83 ± 0,9. Não houve efeito dos níveis de PB da ração sobre o ganho de peso, o consumo de ração e a conversão alimentar das aves. A redução dos níveis de PB da ração influenciou os pesos absolutos da carcaça e do peito, que foram maiores no nível de 19,6% de PB em relação ao de 21,6%. Entretanto, não houve efeito da redução dos níveis de PB sobre os pesos absolutos de coxa e de sobrecoxa nem sobre os rendimentos de peito, coxa e sobrecoxa. O nível de proteína bruta da ração, formulada utilizando-se o conceito de proteína ideal, pode ser reduzido de 21,6 até 17,6%, pois essa redução não prejudica as características de desempenho, nem o peso absoluto e o rendimento de cortes nobres de frangos de corte submetidos a estresse por calor.
Acurácia, precisão e robustez das estimativas da digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca determinada com o uso de indicadores em ovinos
Authors: Rodrigues Paulo Henrique Mazza , Gomes Rodrigo da Costa , Siqueira Renata Farinelli de , Meyer Paula Marques , Rodrigues Renato Ranzini
Published: June 2010

O objetivo foi avaliar a acurácia, precisão e robustez das estimativas da digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca obtidas utilizando-se como indicadores fibra em detergente ácido indigestível (FDAi), fibra em detergente neutro (FDNi) indigestível, lignina em detergente ácido (LDA), LDA indigestível (LDAi) e óxido crômico em comparação ao método de coleta total de fezes. Dezoito ovinos (56,5 ± 4,6 kg PV) foram designados aleatoriamente a dietas compostas de 25, 50 ou 75% de concentrado e feno de Coast cross por 25 dias. As fezes foram coletadas por cinco dias para determinação da digestibilidade aparente da MS. As amostras de alimentos e fezes foram incubadas no rúmen de três bovinos por 144 horas, para obtenção das frações indigestíveis. Óxido crômico foi administrado a 4,0 g/animal/dia. A acurácia foi avaliada pela comparação do viés médio (DAMS predito - DAMS observado) entre os indicadores; a precisão, por meio da raiz quadrada do erro de predição e do erro residual; e a robustez, pelo estudo da regressão entre o viés e o consumo de matéria seca, o nível de concentrado e o peso vivo. A recuperação fecal e a acurácia das estimativas da digestibilidade aparente da MS foram maiores para FDAi, seguida pela FDNi, LDAi, pelo óxido crômico e depois pela lignina em detergente ácido. O viés linear foi significativo apenas para FDAi, FDNi e LDAi. O uso de óxido crômico permitiu estimativas mais precisas da digestibilidade aparente da MS. Todos os indicadores foram robustos quanto à variação no consumo de matéria seca e apenas LDAi e óxido crômico foram robustos quanto aos níveis de concentrado na dieta. O óxido crômico não foi robusto quando houve variação no peso vivo animal. Assim, a FDAi é o indicador mais recomendado na estimativa da digestibilidade aparente da MS em ovinos quando o objetivo é comparar aos dados da literatura, enquanto o óxido crômico é mais recomendado quando o objetivo é comparar tratamentos dentro de um mesmo experimento.
Coffee hull in the diet of dairy heifers: nitrogen balance and microbial protein synthesis
Authors: Souza Alexandre Lima de , Garcia Rasmo , Cabral Luciano da Silva , Pereira Mara Lúcia Albuquerque , Valadares Rilene Ferreira Diniz
Published: June 2010

It was evaluated nitrogen compounds and microbial protein synthesis in heifers fed diets containing coffee hulls (0.0; 8.75; 17.25; and 26.25% of dry matter) replacing ground corn concentrate at the following levels of coffee hulls in the total diet dry matter: 0.0, 3.5, 7.0 or 10.5%. It was used 24 crossbreed heifers (7/8, 15/16 and 31/32 Holstein-Zebu), which were distributed in a random block design made up accordingly to the weight of the animals. Spot samples of urine were colleted aproximatelly four hours after morning feeding and were used to estimate microbial protein synthesis by using urine purine derivatives. It was not observed effect of coffee hull levels in the diet on total nitrogen intake (160 g/day) and nitrogen excretion in the urine (87.4 g/day). The inclusion of coffee hull in the diet linearly increased nitrogen excretion in feces, as well as nitrogen balance. There was linear reduction in urinary excretion of allantoin, in total purine derivative and absorbed purine, which reduced 0.715, 0.873, and 0.954 mmol/day to each coffee hull unity added to the concentrate, respectively. Coffee hull altered microbial protein synthesis, which reduced in 0.687 g/day to each coffee hull unity added to the concentrate. Reduction in microbial protein synthesis can reduce weight gain in heifers fed coffee hulls.
Diretrizes brasileiras para o diagnóstico de narcolepsia
Authors: Alóe Flávio , Alves Rosana Cardoso , Araújo John F. , Azevedo Alexandre , Bacelar Andrea , Bezerra Márcio , Bittencourt Lia Rita Azeredo , Bustamante Guilherme , Cardoso Tânia Aparecida Marchiori de Oliveira , Eckeli Alan L. , Fernandes Regina Maria França , Goulart Leonardo , Pradella-Hallinan Márcia , Hasan Rosa , Sander Heidi Haueisen , Pinto Jr. Luciano Ribeiro , Lopes Maria Cecília , Minhoto Gisele Richter , Moraes Walter , Moreira Gustavo Antônio , Pachito Daniela , Pedrazolli Mário , Poyares Dalva , Prado Lucila , Rizzo Geraldo , Rodrigues R. Nonato , Roitman Israel , Silva Ademir Baptista , Tavares Stella Márcia Azevedo
Published: June 2010

Este artigo relata as conclusões da reunião de consenso com médicos especialistas sobre diagnóstico de narcolepsia baseada na revisão dos artigos sobre narcolepsia listados no Medline entre 1980 e 2010. A narcolepsia é uma doença crônica de início entre a primeira e segunda décadas de vida do indivíduo. Os sintomas essenciais são cataplexia e sonolência excessiva. A cataplexia é definida como episódios súbitos, recorrentes e reversíveis de fraqueza da musculatura esquelética desencadeados por situações de conteúdo emocional. Os sintomas acessórios são alucinações hipnagógicas, paralisia do sono e sono fragmentado. Critérios de diagnóstico clínico de acordo com a Classificação Internacional dos Transtornos do Sono são de sonolência excessiva e cataplexia. Recomenda-se a realização de polissonografia seguida do teste de latência múltipla do sono em um laboratório de sono para confirmação e diagnóstico de comorbidades. Quando não houver cataplexia, deve haver duas ou mais sonecas com sono REM no teste de latência múltipla do sono. Tipagem HLA-DQB1*0602 positiva com níveis de hipocretina-1 abaixo de 110pg/mL devem estar presentes para o diagnóstico de narcolepsia sem cataplexia e sem sonecas com sono REM.
Avaliação da condutividade térmica de concretos leves com argila expandida
Authors: Sacht H.M. , Rossignolo J.A. , Santos W.N.
Published: June 2010

Este trabalho se enquadra em um projeto de pesquisa mais amplo de desenvolvimento de concreto leve para aplicação no sistema construtivo de painéis monolíticos de concreto moldados in loco, tendo como referencial, além dos requisitos técnicos de trabalhabilidade, resistência mecânica e durabilidade, a influência do concreto no desempenho do conforto térmico da edificação. Especificamente neste trabalho, será apresentada a avaliação da influência do teor de argila expandida no valor da condutividade térmica do concreto leve destinado a este sistema construtivo. Foram avaliados os valores da condutividade térmica de concretos leves com massa específica variando entre 1216 a 2364 Kg/m³, produzidos com argila expandida em substituição ao agregado graúdo natural (basalto). A condutividade térmica dos concretos foi determinada utilizando o "Método do Fio Quente Paralelo" e variou entre 0,54 e 1,80 W/mK.
Crise financeira, estado e regularização jurídica
Authors: Viana Nildo
Published: June 2010

O Presente artigo discute a questão da crise financeira e seus efeitos na esfera estatal e jurídica, a partir do artigo de josé eduardo faria (2009). para este autor, a crise financeira coloca questões a serem discutidas que possuem ressonância na esfera estatal e jurídica e isto produz uma situação de "poucas certezas e muitas dúvidas", sendo que existiriam cinco possibilidades apontadas por alguns analistas. A análise exposta parte de outra interpretação da crise financeira e, por conseguinte, de suas consequências sociais, bem como apresenta outras tendências e efeitos destas sobre o direito, apresentando uma concepção alternativa ao que este autor apresenta.
A interpretação conforme a constituição e as sentenças manipulativas
Authors: Brust Leo
Published: June 2010

Este artigo se situa no campo do direito constitucional, mais especificamente na parte relativa às técnicas utilizadas pelo supremo tribunal federal (stf) e pelos demais órgãos do poder judiciário em suas sentenças. O objetivo é demonstrar que o contraponto da interpretação conforme a constituição (sentença interpretativa de constitucionalidade) deve ser a sentença interpretativa de inconstitucionalidade em sentido estrito e não a sentença de inconstitucionalidade parcial sem redução de texto. Tendo por base doutrina e jurisprudência do STF e de tribunais constitucionais europeus, são analisados os fundamentos de dois acórdãos emitidos no âmbito do controle difuso, constatando-se que essas decisões não são de inconstitucionalidade parcial sem redução de texto, mas manipulativas aditivas, ainda que uma delas apenas parcialmente. Conclui-se que os limites entre a função judicial e a legislativa poderão ser melhor avaliados, se a escolha entre interpretações alternativas (interpretação conforme a constituição) deixar de ser confundida com redução, adição ou substituição do conteúdo normativo (sentenças manipulativas).
Spatial distribution of reference evapotranspiration considering topography in the Taoer river basin of Northeast China
Authors: Liang LiQiao , Li LiJuan , Liu Qiang
Published: June 2010

Spatial distribution of reference evapotranspiration (ET0) is essential in water resources planning and management, especially in semi-arid areas. In this paper, a digital elevation model is used in an ‘interpolate-then-calculate’ approach to calculating the spatially distributed ET0 using the physically based Penman–Monteith equation in the Taoer river basin in China. The results show the following. (1) Of 11 interpolation methods, the Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) method was found to be best for interpolating wind speed and a tri-variate secondary trend surface method was found most suitable for interpolating mean air temperature and relative humidity. Spatial modelling of the radiation environment considered the effects of elevation, slope and aspect. (2) Monthly values in January for the three meteorological variables showed larger spatial variations than in July, and just the reverse of net surface radiation. (3) The resulting ET0 calculated at each grid cell with 200 m resolution and its spatial variation showed strong seasonal variation. Lower ET0 was found in high-elevation southern Great Xingan mountains in the northwest basin, while higher values were located in the plains adjacent to the lower reach. (4) The ET0 distribution by the ‘interpolate-then-calculate’ approach better reflected the effects of topography than that of the ‘calculate-then-interpolate’ approach.
Système Hydrologique Europeén (SHE): review and perspectives after 30 years development in distributed physically-based hydrological modelling
Authors: Christian Refsgaard Jens , Storm Børge , Clausen Thomas
Published: June 2010

The European Hydrological System (or Système Hydrologique Europeén, SHE) was initiated as a collaborative venture in 1976 between the Danish Hydraulic Institute (Denmark), Institute of Hydrology (UK) and SOGREAH (France). The present paper reviews the development history of the SHE and discusses the practical and scientific difficulties encountered during the different stages of the development. Comparison is made with eight other well-known model codes with respect to development stage and code dissemination among researchers and practitioners. Finally, the scientific developments and disputes on physically-based distributed modelling are discussed and the future perspectives outlined. The SHE venture has resulted in significant contributions to hydrological science, both in terms of model codes and new scientific insight. The fundamental scientific problems related to the inability to incorporate local scale spatial heterogeneity, scaling and uncertainty that were formulated are fundamentally still unresolved. Thus, in spite of the original visions, the hydrological community has not yet witnessed a model that in a universal sense (i.e. at all scales and for all internal variables) simulates accurate results for the right reasons. Instead, much of the scientific progress achieved during the recent years has dealt with how to live with these recognized problems.
Modelling the impact of urbanization on flood frequency relationships in the UK
Authors: Kjeldsen Thomas R.
Published: June 2010

This paper investigates the effect of urbanization on the three key statistics used to establish flood frequency curves when combining the index flood method with the method of L-moments for estimating distribution parameters, i.e. the median annual maximum peak flow (the index flood), and the high-order L-moment ratios L-CV and L-SKEW. An existing procedure employing catchment descriptors was used to estimate the three statistics at ungauged sites in the UK. As-rural estimates of the three statistics were obtained in 200 urban catchments and compared to the corresponding values obtained from observed data. The (log) differences of these estimates were related to catchment descriptors relevant to the urbanization process using linear regression. The results show that urbanization leads to a reduction in L-CV but an increase in L-SKEW. A jack-knife leave-one-out experiment showed that the adjustment factors developed were generally better at predicting the effect of urbanization on the flood frequency curve than the existing adjustment factor currently used in the UK.
Relationships between pH, colour and heavy metal concentrations in the Tinto and Odiel rivers (southwest Spain)
Authors: de la Torre M. L. , Sánchez-Rodas D. , Grande J. A. , Gomez T.
Published: June 2010

The relationships between pH, colour, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Cd and sulphates in surface water samples collected from the Tinto and Odiel Rivers (southwest Spain) have been studied. These rivers are adversely affected by the inputs of acid and heavy metals due to Acid Mine Drainage (AMD). Samples were collected from both rivers on a monthly sampling basis from 1995 to 2001. The analytical results showed that pH (mean pH 3.1) in the water samples of the Odiel River presented a greater correlation with heavy metals, colour and sulphates than in the Tinto River (mean pH 2.5). The tidal effect at the sampling point at the Odiel River appears to cause a greater variation of the pH values (2.5–4.4), resulting in the precipitation of iron hydroxide and the co-precipitation of other metals when the pH increased. This phenomenon was not observed in the samples collected from the more acidic Tinto River (pH 2.1–3.2). A similar relationship was observed for the heavy metals and the colour of the surface water of both rivers.
Making Sense of Disparities in Mathematics Remediation: What is the Role of Student Retention?
Authors: Bahr Peter Riley
Published: June 2010

Recent research on mathematics remediation in community colleges indicates that there are large differences in the rate of successful remediation between students of differing levels of initial math deficiency. One might presume that these “skill gaps” in successful remediation are a result of differing rates of student retention. That is, presumably poorer math skills are associated with a shorter duration of college attendance (lower persistence) and, in turn, a shorter duration of college attendance is associated with a lower likelihood of successful remediation. However, the limited prior evidence does not appear to support this explanation for the “skill gaps” in successful remediation. In an effort to make sense of this incongruity, I executed a detailed analysis of the relationship between level of math deficiency at college entry, persistence, and successful remediation in math. In contrast to the conclusions of prior work, I find that differences in persistence contribute strongly to the “skill gaps” in successful remediation, although this contribution is masked by the fact that the relationship between persistence and the likelihood successful remediation is neither proportional nor equal across levels of initial math deficiency, both of which were implicit analytical assumptions of prior work on this topic.
Autobiographical Timeline: A Narrative and Life Story Approach in Understanding Meaning-Making in Cancer Patients
Authors: Leung Pamela Pui Yu
Published: June 2010

Coping with cancer presents a formidable challenge. Finding meaning, or making sense of the disease, has been shown to have positive benefits for the individual. This article introduces an innovative qualitative method—the autobiographical timeline interview—in research on the illness experience, as demonstrated in a study to understand the meaning-making process for Chinese women with breast cancer. This method integrates narrative technique and life story approach in facilitating research participants to explore and articulate the meaning they constructed of their cancer experience. It allows in-depth understanding into a phenomenon with adherence to methodological and scientific rigor. The emphasis of this article is on the discussion of the research method and how it elucidates participants' subjective realities in light of their cultural, temporal, and social contexts. The research process not only promotes evidence-based reflective practice but is also an empowering experience for the participants.
Women, Poverty, and the Epidemic in China: Case Studies on Rural People Living with HIV/AIDS
Authors: Wang Xiying , Zhang Xiulan , Xu Yuebin , Zhang Yurong
Published: June 2010

Based on in-depth interviews with 110 People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), this qualitative study is a preliminary endeavor to delineate the socio-cultural scripts of rural PLWHA in China including their illness experience, everyday lives, and strategies of coping with stigma, poverty, and social barriers. This study documents the new wave of the “feminization of HIV/AIDS” in China. There is a gender difference of infection routes. Women were infected through heterosexual contact much more frequently than men. This study also discusses power struggles and gender asymmetries between rural couples living with HIV/AIDS, especially on the issues of “disclosure of the illness” and “condom negotiation.” Even when the disease has changed the family structure and women become the main financial supporters, gender inequality within a family is not changed in that women remain not the main decision makers and continue to suffer most from poverty. In conclusion, this article locates women's HIV-related experience within the social ecology of HIV/AIDS, and explores how gender inequality intersects with traditional customs and ethics, economic and political policy, medical system, and patriarchal values to heighten women's vulnerability to both the illness and poverty.
Somatization of Loss of Fatherhood: A Case Study of a Chinese Man with Major Depression
Authors: Lai Yu-Ming , Chen Yu-Ting , Hsiao Fei-Hsiu
Published: June 2010

This case study reports on a 52-year-old man suffering from depression which was largely precipitated by loss of fatherhood after divorce when his ex-wife took their son and migrated to Canada. In the presentation of his distress to the therapist, he mainly complained of “heart ache,” which could not be confirmed by a number of physicians as having any kind of physical disorder. The sense of psychological pain due to the loss of the love relationship with his son was hidden and was expressed in physical form. His self-identify as a strong man and as a manager of a pharmacy company were main barriers for him to reveal his psychological pain. His feelings of anger toward his ex-wife and grief from the separation from his son began to occur during an 8-week body-mind-spirit group therapy. Biological, psychological, and social aspects of pain were integrated into the healing process.
Correlates of Risky Sexual Behaviors in Recently Traditionally Circumcised Men from Initiation Lodges in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
Authors: Nyembezi Anam , Sifunda Sibusiso , Funani Itumeleng , Ruiter Robert A. C. , Van Den Borne Bart , Reddy Priscilla S.
Published: June 2010

This exploratory quantitative study examines past risky sexual behaviors among young men who were circumcised as part of a rite of passage to adulthood embedded within a cultural and traditional belief system in the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. Following permission from the Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders (ECHOTL), individual face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire were conducted among 114 initiates. The mean age of the participants was 18.9 years, ranging from 15 to 32 years old. About 79.8% reported already having had sex with a woman prior to initiation. Of those, 89% reported that they ever used condoms when having sex, and 61% reported consistent use. Logistic regression analysis showed that consistent condom use increased with higher educational levels. Those involved in other risky health behaviors (specifically, smoking) were also more likely to report inconsistent condom use. Most participants had positive beliefs about male circumcision and STI/HIV transmission. This study provides a first look at the sexual behaviors of young men at the time of their initiation in adulthood, a process that is intended to make it socially acceptable to initiate sexual relations and highlights a major public health challenge in integrating the protective health benefits of circumcision with indigenous cultural practices.
Discovering Expectant Mothers' Beliefs about Oral Health: An Application of the Centering Pregnancy Smiles® Program
Authors: Anderson Christina , Harris Melissa S. , Kovarik Robert , Skelton Judith
Published: June 2010

Research shows expectant mothers with oral infections may have an increased risk for delivering preterm, low birth weight babies. Difficulty accessing dental services, limited resources, and beliefs about dental care put expectant mothers from rural communities at a greater risk for oral health problems, which can have adverse health consequences for themselves and their unborn children. There is a need to better educate these women on proper oral health practices to decrease oral infections and increase the likelihood of delivering healthy babies. Using the Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM) [1], this study examines the impact of a prenatal program, Centering Pregnancy Smiles® (CPS), on changing rural expectant mothers' attitudes and beliefs about maintaining good oral health during pregnancy. Results showed the CPS program had a primarily positive impact on changing expectant mothers' attitudes and beliefs regarding oral health. Implications for educational prenatal programs on oral health in rural areas are discussed.
Gender Differences in Perceptions of Weight and Body Image and Comparison to Recommended Weight among Adult Bermudians
Authors: Raynor Kyla J. , Modeste Naomi , Marshak Helen Hopp , Santos Hildemar Dos
Published: June 2010

The objective of this study was to determine adult Bermudians' perceptions of ideal weight, overweight, and body image and to decide if a discrepancy exists between their perceptions and World Health Organization standards. A cross-sectional survey of body weight perceptions was administered to 462 men ( n = 207) and women ( n = 255), 18–65 years of age and various body weights, living on the Island of Bermuda. Additionally, measurement of height, and weight was collected. There was a significant difference in mean current body mass index (BMI) between men ( M = 28.6, SD = 5.82), and women ( M = 30.1, SD = 6.80) ( p < .05). Significant gender differences were evident in mean self-perceived BMI, ideal BMI, and perceived body image. The data presented have important implications for understanding perceptions, knowledge, and beliefs concerning body weight and body image. Public health programs must stress to adults the correct definition of overweight and obesity acceptable by medical standards.
Evaluation of a Community Approach to Address Substance Abuse in Appalachia
Authors: Dunn Michael S. , Behringer Bruce , Bowers Kristine H. , Jessee Randall E.
Published: June 2010

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a conference based program designed to enable 26 Appalachian teams to create intervention plans to address substance abuse in their communities. In March 2006, 26 Appalachian teams attended a conference to address substance abuse in their region. Teams of four to seven stakeholders generated community plans. The teams were evaluated 8 months later using a framework based on an adaptation of the Health Belief Model. Team leaders participated in structured telephone interviews. Results of this study found that the most common benefit to promulgating plans was community support. The most indicated barrier was time. The majority of teams believed that their community was susceptible to substance abuse problems. The cues that were most responsible for action were public awareness campaigns that emphasized the problems associated with substance abuse. The common denominator for team success was the ability to recruit key stakeholders and the ability to integrate with other organizations. The results of this study suggest that substance abuse is a threat to the health of the region. More effort on the part of communities will be needed to solve this problem. It will not be solved by a single agency, philosophy or program strategy, but must include multiple stakeholder participation.
Economic Management of Late Blight (Phytophthora infestans L.) of Potato in Eastern Tarai of Nepal
Authors: Chaurasia Prem CP
Published: June 2010

Field experiments were carried out at Regional Agriculture Research Station, Tarahara in threeconsecutive years (1997-2000) during winter season to know the economic sprays of differentfungicides to manage late blight disease of potato. Late blight susceptible cultivar of potatoKufri Sindhuri was used for the experiment. Krinoxyl gold (metalaxyl 8% and mancozeb 64%)at the rate of 1.5 g/l, Dithane M- 45 (mancozeb 75%) @ 0.3% and Bordeaux mixture @ 10 gcopper sulfate and 10 g lime/l of water and their different combinations were tested inrandomized complete block design with three replications. Terminal disease severity was thehighest (7.9) on 0-9 scale disease rating in unsprayed check and it was significantly higher thanthose of other fungicides sprays. Plots with three sprays of Dithane M- 45 @ 0.3% recorded thelowest (2.4) terminal disease severity. Disease development was the fastest in the unsprayed plotcompared to all other treatments. Similarly apparent infection rate was the highest in unsprayedtreatment. Area Under the Disease Progress Curve was also the highest in unsprayed plot and itwas significantly higher than those of other treatments. Tuber yield was the lowest (3.93 kg/4.5m2 plot in unsprayed and the highest (6.08 kg), in the plot receiving four sprays of Dithane M-45@ 0.3 % and this was at par with the tuber yield of plots receiving two and three sprays ofDithane M-45. Benefit cost ratio was the highest (1.54) in case of two sprays of Dithane M-45@ 0.3% at 10 days intervals. All others fungicide spays were uneconomical under Eastern Taraicondition.Key words: Eastern Tarai; economic spray; Dithane M-45; late blight management; potatoDOI: 10.3126/narj.v6i0.3365Nepal Agriculture Research Journal Vol.6 2005 pp.57-61
Role of weather on Alternaria Leaf Blight Disease and its effect on Yield and Yield Components of Mustard
Authors: Shrestha Sundar K , Munk Lisa , Mathur Suresh B
Published: June 2010

Alternaria leaf blight disease caused by Alternaria brassicae in mustard (Brassica juncea (L)Czern and Coss) was studied in two crop seasons, 1992 and 1993 in Nepal at Nawalpur, Sarlahi(Tarai) and Khumaltar, Lalitpur (mid hill). At Nawalpur, epidemics of the disease was recorded forboth seasons. Weather conditions like humidity, temperature and frequent rainfall played key rolefor the epidemics. In experimental fields, the disease appeared first in mid-December when therelative humidity was more than 80% with maximum temperature ranging between 18-25°C andminimum between 10-14°C. At Khumaltar, incidence of the disease was low in both seasons due tolow average temperature from December to February. Among cultivars, Krishna and Pusabold wereless susceptible than Varuna. Both mancozeb and iprodione had effectively reduced disease in thesprayed plots and increased seed yield by 48% and 130% respectively. The correlation betweendisease severity and yield, and yield components was negative and highly significant. Average yieldloss was estimated to be in the range of 32 to 57%. Seed infection was also significantly higher innon sprayed treatment than sprayed one. The disease showed a negative effect on oil content causinglosses on oil between 4.2 to 4.5%.Key words: Alternaria brassicae; epidemics; iprodione; mancozeb; mustard; oil contentDOI: 10.3126/narj.v6i0.3366Nepal Agriculture Research Journal Vol.6 2005 pp.62-72
Yield Loss and Economic Threshold Level of Soybean due to Leaf Roller (Apoderus cyaneus Hope) in Nepal
Authors: Gyawali Bishnu K
Published: June 2010

Yield loss in soybean due to leaf roller (Apoderus cyaneus Hope) was studied at Khumaltarduring 1985 and 1986 seasons. Field experiments were conducted during vegetative as well asreproductive stages of soybean. Rolled leaves of soybean with eggs, grubs and pupae werecollected from the field and reared in the laboratory for adults. Adults were introduced intonylon cages installed at the central rows of each plot just after germination of soybean. Insectswere maintained at population density of 25, 50 and 100 per m2density, the potential grain yield loss of cultivar, Ransom soybean in its vegetative andreproductive stages were 103 and 48 mg per day respectively from each adult of A. cyaneus.Percentages of yield losses were 36.2, 45.2, and 58.0 during vegetative and 37.5, 48.5 and 66.0during reproductive stages from the insect population of 25, 50 and 100, respectively which, wasnot in accordance with the level of two and four fold increased population density of insect.Yield reduction was higher (260 and 108 mg per day) from each adult beetle at lower populationlevel (25) in both vegetative and reproductive stages of soybean.Key words: Economic threshold level; leaf roller; physiological growth stages; yield lossDOI: 10.3126/narj.v6i0.3367Nepal Agriculture Research Journal Vol.6 2005 pp.73-77
Socioeconomic and Agroecological Determinants of Conserving Diversity On-farm: The Case of Rice Genetic Resources in Nepal
Authors: Gauchan Devendra , Smale Melinda , Maxted Nigel , Cole Mathew , Sthapit Bhuwon R , Jarvis Devra , Upadhyay Madhusudan P
Published: June 2010

Conservation of crop genetic resources presents a challenge of identifying specific determinantsdriving maintenance of diversity at farm and agroecosystems. The objectives of this study were toidentify socioeconomic, market and agroecological determinants of farmers’ maintenance of ricediversity at the household level and derive implications for policies in designing on-farmconservation programs. We assess spatial rice diversity at farm level using household surveydata. A household decision making model is conceptualised using microeconomic theory to assessand identify factors influencing on-farm rice diversity. The model is then tested econometrically byusing various factors affecting farmers’ variety choice and diversity decisions. The findings showthat household-specific socioeconomic, agroecological and market factors are important indetermining on-farm rice diversity. The significant variables in explaining richness and evenness ofrice diversity include distance to the nearest market, subsistence ratio, modern variety sold, landtypes and adult labour working in agriculture. The statistical signs of the factors determining ricediversity are consistent in explaining the richness, dominance and evenness among rice varieties.Finally, the study implies that the cost-effective means of promoting and sustaining on-farmconservation programmes is to target them in market isolated geographic locations of high cropdiversity where farm households have more heterogeneity of agroecological conditions and moreactive family adult labour working on-farm.Key words: Diversity indices; dominance; evenness; on-farm conservation; rice diversity; richnessDOI: 10.3126/narj.v6i0.3370Nepal Agriculture Research Journal Vol.6 2005 pp.49-5
Data analysis methods adopted under in situ global project in Nepal
Authors: Joshi Bal K , Upadhyay Madhusudan P , Bimb Hari P , Gauchan D , Baniya BK
Published: June 2010

Synthesizing data analysis methods adopted under in situ global project in Nepal along withvariables and nature of study could be guiding reference for researchers especially to those involvedin on farm research. The review work was conducted with the objective to help in utilizing andmanaging in situ database system. The objectives of the experiment, the structure of the treatmentsand the experimental design used primarily determine the type of analysis. There were 60 papers ofthis project published in Nepal. All these papers are grouped under 8 thematic groups namely 1.Agroecosystem (3 papers), 2. Agromorphological and farmers’ perception (7 papers), 3. Croppopulation structure (5 papers), 4. Gender, policy and general (15 papers), 5. Isozyme andmolecular (6 papers), 6. Seed systems and farmers’ networks (5 papers), 7. Social, cultural andeconomical (11 papers) and 8. Value addition (8 papers). All these papers were reviewed basicallyfor data type, sample size, sampling methods, statistical methods and tools, varieties and purposes.Descriptive and inferential statistics along with multivariate methods were commonly used in onfarm research. Experimental design, the most common in on station trial was least used. Study overspace and time was not adopted. There were 5 kinds of data generated, 45 statistical tools adoptedin eight different crop species. Among the 5 kinds of data under these eight subject areas,categorical type was highest followed by discrete numerical. Binary type was least in frequency.Most of the papers were related to rice followed by taro and finger millet. Cucumber and pigeonpea were studied least. Descriptive statistics along with Χ2, multivariate analysis and regressionapproaches would be appropriate tools. Similarly SPSS and MINITAB may be good software. Thebest one among a number of statistical tools should be selected and utmost care must be exercisedwhile collecting data.Key words: Data analysis methods; on farm research; on station research; subject areasDOI: 10.3126/narj.v6i0.3371Nepal Agriculture Research Journal Vol.6 2005 pp.98-108
Ontologies and Database Management System Technology for The National Map
Authors: Wiegand Nancy
Published: June 2010

Given new semantic technologies and the US Geological Survey's vision to enhance the National Map (TNM), this article explores potential uses of ontologies in TNM. Examples are given for data organization, query expansion, feature-based modelling, and a linked knowledge base with explicit spatial relations. Query examples using enhanced SQL and SPARQL over TNM data illustrate emerging database management support for ontologies. As a first step in the vision for TNM 3.0, the author develops use cases and shows implementation.
On the Integration of Regional Classification and Delineation Systems into The National Map
Authors: Bittner Thomas
Published: June 2010

Many of the qualities that characterize geographic regions are vague and granular in their nature. In many quality-based classification and delineation systems for geographic regions, therefore, there is a trade-off between the possible precision of the quality-based delineation and the scientific sophistication of the quality-based classification of geographic regions. This poses a dilemma for the US Geological Survey's National Map, whose purpose is to provide various integrated classification and delineation systems that can serve a wide range of users. Some users need precise delineation systems, while others need sophisticated classification systems. Many users are required to use and to produce data that are not affected by the above trade-off and that can be integrated in consistent ways. This article discusses an ontology-based solution to this problem, presented in the specific context of systems for classifying and delineating eco-regions and eco-zones.