bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of additives and pre-wilting in Tifton 85 bermudagrass silage production
Authors: Neres Marcela Abbado , Hermes Paula Regina , Ames João Paulo , Zambom Maximilliane Alavarse , Castagnara Deise Dalazen , Souza Leiliane Cristine de
Published: April 2014

The use of tropical grasses silage has become common in ruminant feed. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the fermentation characteristics, nutritional value, pH, fermentative capacity, ammonia nitrogen / total nitrogen (NH3N/total N) of Tifton 85 bermudagrass grass silage with different additives and wilting. The treatments were: pre-drying in the sun for two hours before silage, use of inoculant-enzymatic addition of soybean hulls, corn grits addition and use of salt in the surface layer of the silo. The experimental design was completely randomized with 6 treatments and 4 replications. Plants of Tifton 85 bermudagrass with 38 days of growth were ensiled in experimental silos with Bunsen valve type with packing densities of 236 kg of silage per m³ for Tifton 85 bermudagrass pre-dried in the sun and 294 kg of silage per m³ for the other treatments. The proportions of soybean hulls and corn grits added to the silage were calculated based on the initial DM content of Tifton 85 bermudagrass order to obtain MS 320 g kg-1 for the material to be ensiled. The buffering capacity did not differ between treatments in getting 29.56 (meqHCl/100gMS). It was found that the concentration of ammonia nitrogen did not differ between silages and remained low (3.22 g kg-1), the pH after silo opening was also similar with an average of 4.09 getting above 4.2 only in Tifton 85 bermudagrass silage without pre-treatment. The crude protein was higher in silages Tifton 85 bermudagrass and Tifton 85 bermudagrass with soybean hulls (17.48 g kg-1). The use corn grits caused a reduction in the values of NDF. The use of salt on the surface the layer reduced the production of latic and acetic acid.
Por um sangue bandeirante: Pacheco e Silva, um entusiasta da teoria eugenista em São Paulo
Authors: Serra Lia Novaes , Scarcelli Ianni Régia
Published: April 2014

O intuito deste artigo foi o de analisar as contribuições do médico Antônio Carlos Pacheco e Silva para a consolidação de uma psiquiatria de cunho eugenista, nas primeiras décadas do século XX, em São Paulo. Buscamos salientar também a influência do médico, e de outros integrantes da Liga Paulista de Higiene Mental (LPHM), na divulgação de teorias racistas para a exclusão social de menores denominados de "anormais". Para tanto, utilizamos parte do material do acervo do Museu Histórico Prof. Carlos da Silva Lacaz, da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo - USP. Como conclusão, percebemos que a ciência eugênica, adaptada para as condições locais, serviu para a psiquiatria paulista, desse período, justificar as desigualdades sociais pelo discurso da biologia e legitimar práticas de internação de crianças, que por sua constituição genética obstruiriam a formação de uma "raça paulista".
Superando a falsa dicotomia entre natureza e construção social: o caso dos transtornos mentais
Authors: Banzato Cláudio E. M. , Zorzanelli Rafaela
Published: April 2014

As revisões periódicas das classificações diagnósticas em psiquiatria sempre provocam intensos questionamentos que interrogam sobre a própria natureza dos objetos classificados. A pergunta recorrente é: os transtornos psiquiátricos existem de fato ou são apenas construções sociais? Neste artigo, procuramos esclarecer os pressupostos da posição essencialista e a do construtivismo social, e defender que existem alternativas conceituais, como o modelo dos tipos práticos, que nos permitem retirar o eixo central do debate nosológico da disputa natureza versus construção social.
Histórico, relevância e explorações ontológicas da questão ambiental
Authors: Almeida Jalcione , Premebida Adriano
Published: April 2014

De forma breve, é traçado um panorama histórico e discutidas as explorações ontológicas e abordagens teóricas da "questão ambiental" nas Ciências Sociais, situando as principais correntes, temas e possibilidades investigativas que fundamentam o ambiente como um todo, como entidade em si. Buscando estabelecer relações com essa trajetória da questão ambiental, o texto também apresenta os artigos que integram este dossiê. Estes visam garantir a diversidade teórico-metodológica de pesquisas sociais no tema ambiental e abarcar a maior variedade de abordagens, com um diapasão que busca intercalar teoria e empírico acerca de questões que tratam dos problemas ambientais vivenciados pelas sociedades contemporâneas.
La reinvención de la autenticidad en el contexto de la mercantilización neoliberal
Authors: Rodríguez Victoriano José Manuel , Mora Marina Requena I
Published: April 2014

Desde las últimas décadas del siglo pasado, la constatación empírica de que los límites naturales al crecimiento estaban siendo traspasados (García, 2004) supuso un incremento de la conciencia medioambiental y dio lugar a la búsqueda de respuestas de distinto tipo. El concepto de 'Parque Natural', como un intento de preservar determinados espacios, se inscribe en este contexto. En su versión neoliberal dicha preservación no implica ninguna modificación sustantiva de las reglas que impone el desarrollo económico capitalista. De este modo, se convierte en una aplicación del binomio "desarrollo sostenible", un oxímoron (Latouche, 2006) donde se yuxtaponen dos significados contrapuestos, a saber, desarrollo económico capitalista y sostenibilidad medioambiental. En el presente artículo analizamos, en primer lugar, las implicaciones teóricas del concepto 'Parque Natural'. Posteriormente, a partir de las investigaciones realizadas en el parque natural de 'La Albufera de Valencia' (España) reflexionamos sobre los límites y posibilidades de dichos espacios. Tras un análisis somero de la imagen publicitaria del área de reserva natural del 'Tancat de la Pipa' situado en La Albufera, presentamos, posteriormente, las representaciones sociales sobre dicho hábitat producidas mediante entrevistas abiertas y grupos de discusión en cada uno de los sectores sociales implicados. Así vemos, como en los sectores tradicionales el área de reserva natural del Tancat es percibida como una expropiación de su propio espacio; por su parte, los técnicos medioambientales la perciben como un objeto de consumo educativo y científico y, los movimientos ecologistas, como una zona "re-naturalizada" que va acorde con la lógica "desarrollista". Y por último, para el sector caracterizado como 'consumidores de la modernización' el Tancat se concibe como un espacio de consumo 'natural' que a modo de parque temático' se vincula con el ocio familiar.
A formação de um sindicalismo de agricultores familiares no Sul do Brasil
Authors: Picolotto Everton Lazzaretti
Published: April 2014

Este trabalho objetiva analisar como ocorreu o processo de formação de um sindicalismo específico de agricultores familiares na região Sul do Brasil. Por meio de análise documental e de entrevistas com lideranças e assessores sindicais busca-se resgatar a trajetória do novo sindicalismo rural no Sul. Parte-se de um debate no setor rural da CUT nos anos de 1980 e início dos 1990 sobre a possibilidade de formação de sindicatos específicos de pequenos produtores e de assalariados rurais, analisa-se como esse debate foi levado para dentro da CONTAG no processo de unificação formal do sindicalismo dos trabalhadores rurais em meados da década de 1990, os conflitos de posições gerados nesta nova condição e a formação de uma dissidência no Sul que levou a construção de um sindicalismo de agricultores familiares por meio da fundação da FETRAF-Sul em 2001. Da análise do campo de forças no sindicalismo, procura-se compreender como foi sendo gestada a possibilidade de formação, primeiramente, de um movimento pela afirmação social e política da agricultura familiar na região Sul e, posteriormente, de uma estrutura sindical específica de agricultores familiares no país, oportunizando a criação de novos canais de manifestação de demandas e identidades e de reconhecimento social.
Vidas móveis
Authors: Freitas João
Published: April 2014

O sociólogo britânico John Urry dedicou sua vida acadêmica à reflexão de como os constantes avanços tecnológicos - nos transportes e na comunicação, principalmente - têm transformado a sociedade. Em 2010, com a colaboração de Anthony Elliott, Urry lança o livro Mobile Lives, no qual objetiva analisar sociologicamente como os já referidos avanços influenciam as múltiplas e novas maneiras que as identidades são constituídas e organizadas, através de vários espaços e no decorrer do tempo. Esse texto tem como objetivo destacar os principais pontos do referido livro, cotejando-o com as obras anteriores de Urry por considerar que constituem o mesmo esforço de consolidar o chamado paradigma das mobilidades.
Mudanças florísticas e estruturais no cerrado sensu stricto ao longo de 27 anos (1985-2012) na Fazenda Água Limpa, Brasília, DF
Authors: Almeida Raphael Ferreira , Fagg Christopher William , Oliveira Maria Cristina de , Munhoz Cássia Beatriz Rodrigues , Lima Aldeni Silva de , Oliveira Lamartine Soares Bezerra de
Published: April 2014

Os estudos das comunidades vegetais ao longo do tempo são fundamentais para a predição de suas trajetórias frente a distúrbios, portanto, para sua conservação. Dessa forma, este estudo objetivou avaliar a composição florística, riqueza, diversidade e estrutura da comunidade lenhosa em uma área de cerrado sensu stricto na Fazenda Água Limpa, Brasília, DF num período de 27 anos. Inventários contínuos foram conduzidos a cada três anos em 19 parcelas permanentes de 1.000 m² (20 × 50 m) e, neste período, quatro eventos de fogo ocorreram no local. Os episódios de queimada não contribuíram com mudanças significativas em níveis de riqueza e diversidade na comunidade lenhosa ao longo de todo o período de estudo. Ao contrário, têm contribuído para a estabilidade florística e estrutural da comunidade, uma vez que a abundância e a densidade da comunidade se modificaram consideravelmente após período longo de exclusão do fogo. A supressão do fogo por períodos mais longos do que os ocorridos poderá conduzir a mudanças florísticas e estruturais importantes na comunidade estudada.
Composição e estrutura de uma restinga arbustiva aberta no norte do Espírito Santo e relações florísticas com formações similares no sudeste do Brasil
Authors: Monteiro Mariana Maciel , Giaretta Augusto , Pereira Oberdan José , Menezes Luis Fernando Tavares de
Published: April 2014

Foram analisadas a estrutura e a composição florística de uma formação de restinga arbustiva aberta no Parque Estadual de Itaúnas, ES, e verificada a similaridade entre a flora das formações de restinga arbustiva da Região Sudeste do Brasil. Para o levantamento, foi utilizado o método de intercepto de linha, contemplando indivíduos com altura igual ou superior a 50 cm. Os parâmetros fitossociológicos de frequência e valor de importância (VI) foram calculados. A similaridade da flora das restingas arbustivas da Região Sudeste foi verificada utilizando o índice de Sørensen. Foram encontradas 42 espécies em 28 famílias, sendo Fabaceae e Bromeliaceae as mais ricas (quatro espécies cada). As 10 espécies mais importantes representaram 65,6% do VI total, evidenciando forte estrutura oligárquica, principalmente no estrato herbáceo. Assim, puderam ser apontadas espécies que caracterizam esta formação, a qual é associada com fatores ambientais que condicionam a composição e abundância florística. A análise de similaridade evidenciou que as restingas do sudeste formam dois blocos florísticos distintos, um ao norte (litoral do Espírito Santo) e outro mais ao sul (litoral do Rio de Janeiro). Foram comuns a todas as restingas analisadas Manilkara subsericea,Pilosocereus arrabidae e Byrsonima sericea, podendo ser consideradas de ampla distribuição na costa sudeste.
Leguminosae-Caesalpinioideae do Parque Estadual Paulo César Vinha, Espírito Santo, Brasil
Authors: Chagas Aline Pitol , Peterle Pollyana Lima , Thomaz Luciana Dias , Dutra Valquíria Ferreira , Valadares Rodrigo Theófilo
Published: April 2014

Leguminosae é uma das famílias de maior riqueza específica nas restingas do Espírito Santo e Caesalpinioideae a segunda maior subfamília. O Parque Estadual Paulo César Vinha (PEPCV) representa um dos remanescentes de restinga mais preservados do estado e uma das áreas protegidas mais bem estudadas, porém estudos taxonômicos ainda são escassos. Este estudo consiste no levantamento florístico-taxonômico de Caesalpinioideae do PEPCV. Foram realizadas coletas quinzenais entre agosto/2008 a junho/2009 para obtenção de materiais férteis. Caesalpinioideae está representada por 13 táxons, reunidos em três gêneros: Chamaecrista, Hymenaea e Senna. O gênero mais representativo em número de espécies foi Chamaecrista. Três táxons são novas citações para o estado do Espírito Santo. Foram elaboradas chave de identificação dos táxons, descrições, ilustrações, comentários sobre a morfologia e a fenologia, bem como a distribuição geográfica das mesmas.
Notas sobre a distribuição e registro de ampliação de áreas de ocorrência de quatro espécies de Begonia da floresta atlântica brasileira
Authors: Kollmann Ludovic Jean Charles , Peixoto Ariane Luna
Published: April 2014

Durante trabalhos de campo nos estados do Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais e Bahia, quatro espécies de Begonia foram coletadas e consistam em novos registros. Foram encontrados novos registros de Begoniadietrichiana, B. glabra e B. platanifolia para o estado do Espírito Santo e Begoniaadmirabilis para os estados da Bahia e Minas Gerais. São apresentados descrições, ilustrações, distribuição geográfica, mapas, habitat, fenologia, seções e diferenças vegetativas.
O gênero Stylosanthes (Leguminosae) em Roraima, Brasil
Authors: Medeiros Elayne Cristina da Silva de , Flores Andréia Silva
Published: April 2014

Stylosanthes faz parte do clado Pterocarpus, tribo Dalbergiae. Possui 50 espécies distribuídas mundialmente e é principalmente diverso em áreas savânicas do Brasil. Este trabalho apresenta o estudo taxonômico do gênero Stylosanthes para o Estado de Roraima. Foram analisados materiais provenientes de trabalho de campo e de materiais depositados em herbário. Sete espécies foram encontradas em todas as fitofisionomias de savanas do estado: S.capitata, S.angustifolia, S. gracilis, S. viscosa, S. humilis, S. guianensis e S. scabra. São apresentadas chave de identificação, descrições e ilustrações, bem como informações sobre distribuição geográfica, ambientes preferenciais e usos econômicos das espécies.
Avaliação do risco de extinção das Urticineae das restingas do estado do Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Pederneiras Leandro Cardoso , Costa Andrea Ferreira da , Carauta Jorge Pedro Pereira , Romaniuc Neto Sergio
Published: April 2014

Foram realizados o georreferenciamento e as análises de avaliação de risco de extinção seguindo os critérios e categorias da IUCN para 32 espécies de Urticineae (Cannabaceae, Ulmaceae, Urticaceae e Moraceae) ocorrentes nas restingas do estado do Rio de Janeiro. Materiais correspondentes a essas espécies foram examinados nos principais herbários brasileiros, sendo selecionados 2524 registros para a avaliação. Dentre as 32 espécies, Ampelocera glabra, Celtis spinosa, Ficus cyclophylla, F.nevesiae, Maclura brasiliensis e Phyllostylon brasiliense encontraram-se ameaçadas de extinção, já Brosimum guianense, Dorstenia arifolia, Ficus castellviana, F.pulchella, Sorocea guilleminiana e S. hilarii deixaram de ser consideradas ameaçadas de extinção pelo recente estudo. Os resultados apontaram, como localidades de importância conservacionista, os municípios de Armação de Búzios, Cabo Frio, Rio de Janeiro e Saquarema.
Nanoheterostructures containing boron and nitrogen
Authors: Patel Rajen B. , Chou Tsengming , Iqbal Zafar
Published: April 2014

A method to grow boron nitrogen nanoheterostructures has been developed. This method is based on an alteration to a process that has been shown to be suitable for the growth of pure boron nanostructures. The technique uses the solid precursors MCM-41, nickel boride and magnesium diboride or magnesium tetrahydroborate in combination with flowing ammonia gas. Two boron nitrogen nanoheterostructures were found. One boron nitrogen heterostructure is a nanowire with alternating pure boron and boron nitride sections, creating an axial heterostructure. This material is reported for the first time in the literature. The other is a boron nitride nanotube filled with magnesium oxide, a radial nanoheterostructure. Additional modifications to the process resulted in novel methods of synthesizing boron nitride nanowires, boron nanowires and boron nitride nanotubes. The boron nitrogen nanoheterostructures found in this study have the potential for applications in electronics or optics due to the wide band gap of boron nitride. These materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy.
Empirical tests of within‐ and across‐species energetics in a diverse plant community
Authors: Newman Erica A. , Harte Mary Ellen , Lowell Natalie , Wilber Mark , Harte John
Published: April 2014

Many fundamental properties of ecological systems and interactions are tied to body size and a related metric, the metabolic rate distribution, both within and across species. A previously proposed maximum entropy theory of ecology (METE) predicts numerous interrelated macroecological patterns, including spatial distributions of individuals within species, abundance distributions across species, species area relationships, and distributions of metabolic rates of all individuals within a community. Extensive tests of METE's macroecological predictions generally support the theory, but two related predictions have not been evaluated against full community census data: the distribution of metabolic rates of individuals within species as a function of the abundance of the species and the distribution of average individual metabolic rates across species. We test the metabolic predictions of METE for herbaceous plants in a subalpine meadow and show that while this theory realistically predicts the distribution of individual metabolic rates across the entire community, the within‐ and across‐species predictions generally fail. We also test the energy‐equivalence type prediction that arises as a consequence of the prediction for the distribution of average individual metabolic rates across species. We suggest several possible explanations for the empirical deviations from theory, and distinguish between the expected deviations caused by ecological disturbance and those deviations that might be corrected within the theory.
Breaking the enzymatic latch: impacts of reducing conditions on hydrolytic enzyme activity in tropical forest soils
Authors: Hall Steven J. , Treffkorn Jonathan , Silver Whendee L.
Published: April 2014

The enzymatic latch hypothesis proposes that oxygen (O2) limitation promotes wetland carbon (C) storage by indirectly decreasing the activities of hydrolytic enzymes that decompose organic matter. Humid tropical forest soils are often characterized by low and fluctuating redox conditions and harbor a large pool of organic matter, yet they also have the fastest decomposition rates globally. We tested the enzymatic latch hypothesis across a soil O2 gradient in the Luquillo Experimental Forest, Puerto Rico, USA. Enzyme activities expressed on a soil mass basis did not systematically decline across a landscape O2 gradient, nor did phenolics accumulate, the proposed mechanism of the enzymatic latch. Normalizing enzyme activities by C concentrations did suggest a decline in several enzymes as mean soil O2 decreased. However, relationships between hydrolytic enzymes and reducing conditions were scale‐dependent: enzymes displayed neutral to strongly positive relationships with reducing conditions and phenolics when comparing samples within sites, and enzyme activities in 18‐d anaerobic incubations generally exceeded those in aerobic soils despite a fourfold increase in phenolics. In summary, although O2 availability and the activities of some enzymes appeared to be related at landscape scales after accounting for differences in organic matter, reducing conditions and phenolic compounds did not appear to constrain soil hydrolytic enzyme activity at the scale of soil microsites, challenging the enzymatic latch hypothesis. Hydrolytic enzymes can be resilient to periodic anaerobiosis and may actually stimulate O2 consumption at the microsite scale. We suggest a critical re‐examination of mechanisms and the scale dependence of couplings between O2 and decomposition in terrestrial soils.
Balancing anti‐herbivore benefits and anti‐pollinator costs of defensive mutualists
Authors: Ohm Johanna R. , Miller Tom E. X.
Published: April 2014

Quantifying costs and benefits of ostensibly mutualistic interactions is an important step toward understanding their evolutionary trajectories. In food‐for‐protection interactions between ants and extrafloral nectar (EFN)‐bearing plants, tending by aggressive ants may deter herbivores, but it may also deter pollinators. The fitness costs of pollinator deterrence are not straightforward for long‐lived iteroparous plants, because reproductive vital rates often contribute weakly to fitness relative to growth and survival (vital rates that may be enhanced by ant defense). We used field manipulations of ant and pollinator activity and demographic modeling to examine how pollination costs of ant defense translate to plant fitness, given the benefits of ant defense elsewhere in the plant life cycle. We contrasted the net fitness effects of alternative ant partner species. Our work focused on the tree cholla cactus, Opuntia imbricata, an EFN‐bearing plant associated with two ant species (Crematogaster opuntiae and Liometopum apiculatum) that differ in quality of defense against insect herbivores. We found that ant defense imposed pollination costs, despite evidence for ant‐repellent floral volatiles and temporal partitioning of ant and pollinator activity. The two partner species similarly reduced pollinator visitation and seed mass, and one (C. opuntiae) additionally reduced seed number. We used the experimental data and other long‐term demographic data to parameterize an integral projection model that integrated costs and benefits of ant defense over the complete plant life cycle. Model results indicated that the pollination costs of L. apiculatum were balanced by beneficial effects on growth, leading to a net fitness effect that was neutral to positive. By contrast, pollination costs outweighed benefits for C. opuntiae, the weaker defender, rendering this species a reproductive parasite. Thus, we infer that pollination costs destabilize mutualism with one partner species, but are offset by strong defensive benefits provided by the other, leading to contrasting selective pressures imposed by alternative associations. Accounting for ontogenetic turnover in ant partner identity indicated that most plants avoid the parasitic effects of C. opuntiae by associating nonrandomly with L. apiculatum at reproductive life stages. Our results highlight the value of a demographic approach to quantifying the costs and benefits of mutualism.
Coping With Grief Responses Among African American Family Members of Homicide Victims
Authors: Sharpe Tanya L. , Osteen Philip , Frey Jodi Jacobson , Michalopoulos Lynn Murphy
Published: April 2014

Research relevant to coping with grief for African American family members of homicide victims is limited. This retrospective study was conducted to determine the effects of gender, length of time since death, the traumatic impact of experiencing the homicide of a loved one, and the use of coping strategies to current grief reactions of African American family members of homicide victims (N = 44). Multiple regression analysis results suggest that gender and level of traumatic stress, related to posttraumatic stress symptomatology, predict current symptoms of grief. Women reported higher levels of current grief symptoms than men. Family members of homicide victims who reported higher levels of posttraumatic stress symptomology reported higher levels of current grief. Implications for research and recommendations for practitioners are discussed.
Child Maltreatment, Personality Pathology, and Stalking Victimization Among Male and Female College Students
Authors: Ménard Kim S. , Pincus Aaron L.
Published: April 2014

Self-report college student surveys on childhood maltreatment, and borderline and narcissistic personality features are examined to determine their influence on stalking victimization vulnerability. Stalking victimization was measured using Spitzberg and Cupach’s (2008) Obsessive Relational Intrusion scale. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression models were run separately for men(N= 677) and women (N= 1,017). Results indicated childhood sexual maltreatment and borderline traits were associated with stalking victimization among both men and women. These were the only significant relationships for men (R2= .10). For women, stalking victimization was also associated with narcissistic grandiosity and vulnerability and with a child sexual abuse by borderline features interaction (R2= .13), demonstrating women reporting prior sexual abuse and borderline personality pathology are especially vulnerable. Methodological and policy implications are discussed.
Use of the Response-Latency Paradigm for Eliciting and Evaluating Women’s Responses to the Threat of Date Rape
Authors: Anderson RaeAnn E. , Cahill Shawn P.
Published: April 2014

This study evaluates the novel use of the response-latency paradigm to elicit women’s hypothetical behavioral responses to the threat of acquaintance rape. There were 146 college women recruited and randomly assigned to 4 study conditions. In 3 of the conditions, the threat to which participants responded was experimentally controlled; in the fourth control condition, participants selected the level of threat themselves, following standard procedure of the response-latency paradigm. Results indicated that participant’s responses became more intense as threat levels increased; this relationship was not moderated by whether the threat was controlled by the experimenter or the participant. These results indicate the response-latency paradigm is useful for eliciting and evaluating women’s hypothetical responses to the threat of acquaintance rape to learn more about this process.
The Impact of Parental and Peer Social Support on Dating Violence Perpetration and Victimization Among Female Adolescents: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Richards Tara N. , Branch Kathryn A. , Ray Katherine
Published: April 2014

Little is known about the role social support may play in reducing the risk of adolescent dating violence perpetration and victimization. This study is a longitudinal analysis of the independent impact of social support from friends and parents on the risk of emotional and physical dating violence perpetration and victimization among a large sample of female youth (n = 346). Findings indicate that 22% of the sample indicated perpetrating physical dating violence against a partner, whereas almost 16% revealed being the victim of physical dating violence; 34% of the sample indicated perpetrating emotional dating violence against a partner, whereas almost 39% revealed being the victim of emotional dating violence. Negative binomial regression models indicated that increased levels of support from friends at Time 1 was associated with significantly less physical and emotional dating violence perpetration and emotional (but not physical) dating violence victimization at Time 2. Parental support was not significantly related to dating violence in any model. Implications for dating violence curriculum and future research are addressed.
Development and Testing of the Clinical Research Appraisal Inventory-Short Form
Authors: Eller Lucille Sanzero , Lev Elise L. , Bakken Lori L.
Published: April 2014

Background and Purpose: The National Academy of Sciences stressed the need for a doctorally prepared workforce and earlier entry into doctoral study in nursing and the behavioral, social, and basic sciences. Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) suggests that self-efficacy for career related skills informs career choices. Thus, increasing clinical research self-efficacy early in students’ studies could increase their choice of a research career. To test interventions, a psychometrically sound measure of clinical research self-efficacy is needed. Methods: We examined the psychometrics of the Clinical Research Appraisal Inventory-Short Form (CRAI-SF) in undergraduate and first-year graduate students (N = 268). This scale is a modification of the Clinical Research Appraisal Inventory, which measures physician–scientists’ clinical research self-efficacy. Results: Content validity was supported by external review. Factor analysis revealed six factors explaining 75% of scale variance. Internal consistency of subscales and total scale ranged from .84 to .98. Differences in scores by gender (p = .016) and discipline of study (p = .000) supported construct validity. Conclusions: The CRAI-SF is a useful measure of undergraduate and first-year graduate students’ perceived clinical research self-efficacy.
Development and Validation of a Survey to Assess Patient-Perceived Medication Knowledge and Confidence in Medication Use
Authors: Okere Arinze Nkemdirim , Renier Colleen M. , Morse Jacqueline
Published: April 2014

Background and Purpose: The primary objective of this study is to establish the validity and reliability of a perceived medication knowledge and confidence survey instrument (Okere–Renier Survey). Methods: Two-stage psychometric analyses were conducted to assess reliability (Cronbach’s α >.70) of the associated knowledge scale. To evaluate the construct validity, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed. Results: Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) revealed three subscale measures and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) indicated an acceptable fit to the data (goodness-of-fit index [GFI = 0.962], adjusted goodness-of-fit index [AGFI = 0.919], root mean square residual [RMR = 0.065], root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.073). A high internal consistency with Cronbach’s α of .833 and .744 were observed in study Stages 1 and 2, respectively. Conclusions: The Okere–Renier Survey is a reliable instrument for predicting patient-perceived level of medication knowledge and confidence.
Development and Psychometric Testing of the Mariani Nursing Career Satisfaction Scale
Authors: Mariani Bette , Allen Lois Ryan
Published: April 2014

Background and Purpose: The Mariani Nursing Career Satisfaction Scale© (MNCSS) was developed to explore the influence of mentoring on career satisfaction of registered nurses (RNs). A review of the literature revealed no contemporary valid and reliable measure of career satisfaction. Methods: The MNCSS is a semantic differential of 16 opposite adjective pairs on which participants rate feelings about their nursing career. The MNCSS was used in a pilot study and three major studies exploring career satisfaction of RNs. Validity, reliability, and exploratory factor analysis (FA) were computed to explore the internal structure of the instrument. Results: The newly developed instrument had a content validity index (CVI) of .84 and Cronbach’s alpha internal consistency reliabilities of .93–.96 across three major studies. Exploratory FA (N = 496) revealed a univocal instrument with one factor that explains 57.8% of the variance in career satisfaction scores. Conclusions: The MNCSS is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring career satisfaction. FA of the combined data from three studies yielded one factor that measures the concept of career satisfaction.
Precision of the Conceptual Research Utilization Scale
Authors: Squires Janet E. , Estabrooks Carole A. , Hayduk Leslie , Gierl Mark , Newburn-Cook Christine V.
Published: April 2014

Background and Purpose: Conceptual research utilization (CRU) is one indicator of an optimum practice environment that leads to improved patient and organizational outcomes. Yet, its measurement has not been adequately addressed. In this study, we investigated precision of scores obtained with a new CRU scale using item response theory (IRT) methods. Methods: We analyzed the responses from 1,349 health care aides from 30 Canadian nursing homes using Samejima’s (1969, 1996) graded response model (GRM). Results: Findings suggest that the CRU scale is most precise at low to average trait levels with significantly less precision at higher trait levels. Conclusions: The scale showed acceptable precision at low to average trait levels. New items and/or different response options that capture higher trait levels are needed. Future development of the scale is discussed.
Geography Should Not Be Destiny: Focusing HIV/AIDS Implementation Research and Programs on Microepidemics in US Neighborhoods
Authors: Nunn Amy , Yolken Annajane , Cutler Blayne , Trooskin Stacey , Wilson Phill , Little Susan , Mayer Kenneth
Published: April 2014

African Americans and Hispanics are disproportionately affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Within the most heavily affected cities, a few neighborhoods account for a large share of new HIV infections.

Addressing racial and economic disparities in HIV infection requires an implementation program and research agenda that assess the impact of HIV prevention interventions focused on increasing HIV testing, treatment, and retention in care in the most heavily affected neighborhoods in urban areas of the United States.

Neighborhood-based implementation research should evaluate programs that focus on community mobilization, media campaigns, routine testing, linkage to and retention in care, and block-by-block outreach strategies.
Hydraulic Conductance of Maize Hybrids Differing in Transpiration Response to Vapor Pressure Deficit
Authors: Choudhary Sunita , Sinclair Thomas R. , Messina Carlos D. , Cooper Mark
Published: April 2014

Limited transpiration rate (TR) under high vapor pressure deficit (VPD) conditions has been proposed as a desirable trait for crop yield improvement. The limited‐TR trait has been identified in several single‐cross maize hybrids, and among these hybrids, a range in the VPD breakpoint for limited TR was identified. It was hypothesized that the variation in the VPD breakpoint was due to differences in hydraulic conductance in their roots or leaves, or both. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare relative hydraulic conductance in the roots and leaves across the maize hybrids expressing the VPD breakpoint. It was found that the VPD of the breakpoint was correlated with each of three indices of hydraulic conductance. That is, low VPD breakpoint was associated with low hydraulic conductance in both leaves and roots indicating a common, underlying limiting mechanism in these two tissues. It was hypothesized that expression of similar aquaporin populations influencing hydraulic flow across membranes in the roots and leaves may account for the consistency in results across the indices of hydraulic conductance.
Regional Distribution of Protein and Oil Compositions of Soybean Cultivars in China
Authors: Qin Peiyou , Song Wenwen , Yang Xiushi , Sun Shi , Zhou Xianrong , Yang Ruping , Li Nan , Hou Wensheng , Wu Cunxiang , Han Tianfu , Ren Guixing
Published: April 2014

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] seed, which contains high levels of oil and protein, is one of China's most important native crops. The aim of this study was to investigate how regional and environmental factors affect the compositions of protein, amino acids, oil, and fatty acids. A total of 127 soybean cultivars from four main regions of China were analyzed. The levels of total protein and most of amino acids showed a trend of increasing from Northern to Southern China, while the levels of total oil, stearic acid, linolenic acid, and proline showed a trend of decreasing. The variation of protein, oil, palmitic acid, and linoleic acid content of soybean grown in the four regions was low, while variation of other constituents remained high. Most amino acids contents were positively correlated with protein content. The total oil content showed a negative correlation with protein content. The content of linolenic acid was positively correlated with the content of palmitic acid and stearic acid but negatively correlated with the oleic acid content. The southern regions have the potential for high‐protein soybean production, while the northern regions of China have the potential for high‐oil soybean production.
Adaptation Patterns and Yield Stability of Durum Wheat Landraces to Highland Cold Rainfed Areas of Iran
Authors: Mohammadi Reza , Haghparast Reza , Sadeghzadeh Behzad , Ahmadi Hasan , Solimani Kazem , Amri Ahmed
Published: April 2014

Because of unpredictable conditions in Mediterranean environments, successful crop production requires improved adaptation and yield stability to mitigate major abiotic stresses such as drought and cold. In this study 380 durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L.) landraces with worldwide origins and four checks were evaluated in four rainfed research stations for 3 yr (2008–2011). The main objective was to investigate yield stability and adaptation patterns of the landraces to highland rainfed cold regions of Iran, where drought and cold are limiting factors. The experimental design was an unreplicated trial at each environment. Best linear unbiased predictions (BLUPs) data were used to analyze landrace × environment interactions using multivariate statistical methods. Considerable variability in yield, adaptation, and stability was observed for the landraces, which could be exploited for crop improvement. The landrace and environment groups allowed characterization of origins on the basis of similar performance of landrace within particular environments. Grouping of environments was not repeatable among the years. Many of the durum landraces exhibited a high combination of yield and stability for both drought and cold stresses, comparable to cold‐ and/or drought‐tolerant checks. Most landraces originating from Europe and the United States could be considered as a genetic resource for specific adaptation, while the landraces from Asia may enhance genetic potential of yield stability. In conclusion, current durum wheat selection may lead to yield stability and specific adaptation, which provides opportunities for this collection to be useful for genetic improvement of both drought and cold tolerance in durum wheat.
Narrow‐Leaf Plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) Selection for Increased Freezing Tolerance
Authors: Skinner R. Howard , Stewart Alan V.
Published: April 2014

Studies in the northeastern United States have shown that the improved cultivars of narrow‐leaf plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) do not have sufficient winter hardiness to persist under wintertime conditions typical of that region. However, an experimental line, PG700, developed from productive plants collected from the southern, mid‐Atlantic, and midwestern United States had significantly greater survival after freezing than the commercially available cultivars. A field study was initiated in 2006 to select for additional freezing tolerance in PG700. Superior materials collected after two‐years of selection pressure were evaluated in growth chambers for survival after exposure to −11 and −14°C or after exposure to drought that was severe enough to kill all visible leaves. The cultivar Tonic was included as a freezing‐susceptible control. Survival of spaced plants of PG700 in the field was high, with mortality rates of 9% following the first winter after transplanting, 26% of the remaining plants after the following summer, and 11% after the second winter. Even with the low selection pressure, progeny of plants selected after the first winter had more than twice the survival rate of the original population when exposed to −14°C. No Tonic plants survived at −14°C. PG700 did not have greater drought resistance than Tonic, nor was its drought resistance improved by the selection process. Increased freezing tolerance will increase the suitability of plantain as a component of perennial pasture mixtures in temperate regions of the United States.
Maize–Soybean Intercropping Interactions Above and Below Ground
Authors: Lv Yue , Francis Charles , Wu Pute , Chen Xiaoli , Zhao Xining
Published: April 2014

Above‐ground and below‐ground interactions of the maize–soybean intercrop were studied in a 2‐yr field experiment with measurements of grain and total biological yield; N, P, and K uptake; and photosynthesis. Four intercrop treatments included no shoot or root separation (T1), shoot and root separation (T2), root separation (T3), and shoot separation (T4); two controls were solo maize (T5) and solo soybean (T6). Results indicated that competition between above‐ground and/or below‐ground plant parts is a key factor in describing intercropping advantage, and that intercropping is not advantageous in the absence of competition. Specific results showed significant intercrop advantages when roots and shoots were not separated, the differences between component species in above‐ground and below‐ground competition, and a greater contribution to intercrop advantages from below‐ground interactions than above‐ground interactions. Although competition for nutrients, water, and sunlight is the primary explanation often used to explain intercrop advantages, our results indicate that competition for nutrients was of more importance than competition for sunlight. Differences in nutrient uptake data were closely related to those of yields, confirming the importance of below‐ground competition. Relatively less competition above ground was confirmed by minimal differences in photosynthesis among treatments. More refined studies of resource competition could further confirm the different contributions of above‐ground and below‐ground interactions. One potential application of results could be their use in intercrop systems modeling.
Genetic and Phenotypic Correlations of Quantitative Traits in Two Long‐Term, Randomly Mated Soybean Populations
Authors: Recker Jill R. , Burton Joseph W. , Cardinal Andrea , Miranda Lilian
Published: April 2014

The genetic effects of long‐term random mating and natural selection aided by genetic male sterility were evaluated in two soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] populations designated RSII and RSIII. These populations were evaluated in the field at three locations, each with two replications. Genotypic and phenotypic correlations were estimated to determine the effects of 26 generations of random mating. Data was collected on flowering date (R2), maturity date (R8), plant height, lodging, yield, seed weight, protein concentration, and oil concentration. The genotypic correlation between yield and protein was not significant and small (<|0.2|) in both populations, however negative in RSII. The genotypic correlation between yield and oil was not significant but positive in both populations. In contrast, for both populations the genotypic correlations between protein and oil were significantly negative and large (>|0.5|). As these populations were randomly mated for many generations, linkage phase disequilibrium is likely close to zero; therefore, it was concluded that pleiotropic effects, probably caused by interrelated physiological processes, maintain the negative association between oil and protein. The genetic correlations between yield and protein or oil in these populations, however, do suggest that with the right breeding scheme, the negative associations can be reduced and allow for improvement in more than one trait simultaneously.
Photoperiod and Temperature Effects on Rhizome Production and Tillering Rate in Tall Fescue [Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darby.]
Authors: Saxena Priti , Huang Bingru , Bonos Stacy A. , Meyer William A.
Published: April 2014

Temperature and photoperiod are key factors regulating plant growth and development. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of temperature and photoperiod on tillering and rhizome formation in tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darby.]. Different genotypes were selected based on tillering ability and/or rhizome production. Plants were grown in growth chambers with a combination of different photoperiods and day/night temperatures: short photoperiod (9 h) and low temperature (day/night at 15/10°C) (SL), long photoperiod (18 h) and low temperature (LL), short photoperiod and high temperature (day/night at 25/15°C) (SH), and long photoperiod and high temperature (LH). The SL treatment resulted in significant increases in the number of tillers in the experiment and Genotype 1109 produced the maximum number of tillers. The number of rhizomes was increased under LL and LH conditions in three clonal lines. Our results suggested that the responses of tiller and rhizome development to temperature and photoperiod varied with genotypes; in addition, longer photoperiod appeared to promote rhizome formation, regardless of temperature, whereas lower temperature stimulated rapid tiller production in some genotypes of tall fescue. This study will help to determine the performance of tall fescue under the longer/shorter photoperiod and variable temperature conditions in different parts of United States.
Combining Ability of Certain Agronomic Traits in Quality Protein Maize under Stress and Nonstress Environments in Eastern and Southern Africa
Authors: Wegary Dagne , Vivek Bindiganavile S. , Labuschagne Maryke T.
Published: April 2014

Growing maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids tolerant to drought and low‐nitrogen (N) stress would significantly reduce yield losses occurring in Africa. This study evaluated the performance of quality protein maize (QPM) F1 hybrids, and general (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) of QPM inbred lines for grain yield and other agronomic traits under stress and nonstress environments. A diallel cross of 15 QPM inbred lines was evaluated under drought and low‐N stresses and optimal conditions in a total of 17 environments in Eastern and Southern Africa. Significant variations were observed among the hybrids for all measured traits. TZMI703 × (6207QB/6207QA), GQL5 × (6207QB/6207QA), and CML511 × (6207QB/6207QA) were identified as the best single crosses across environments. The GCA and SCA mean squares were significant for all measured traits, indicating that additive and nonadditive genetic effects were important in this set of genotypes under all test environments. The GCA effects were more important under drought stress, and SCA effects were more important under low‐N and optimal conditions for grain yield. There was preponderance of GCA effects for most agronomic traits tested in all environmental conditions. Inbred lines CML159SR, GQL5, CML159, and CML312SRQ exhibited favorable GCA effects for grain yield under stress and optimal conditions, indicating that the genetic systems controlling a given trait under different conditions are at least partially similar. Cross combinations with favorable SCA effects for grain yield and other traits were also identified. Generally, this study provided evidence that good performance can be achieved under stress and nonstress conditions in QPM germplasm.