bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Duplex real-time PCR assay targeting insertion elements IS1081 and IS6110 for detection of Mycobacterium bovis in lymph nodes of cattle
Authors: Selim A. , El-Haig M. , Gaede W.
Published: April 2014

The development of a reliable and rapid screening test for detection of
Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) helps in control of bovine tuberculosis. The
aim of this study was evaluate a sensitive and specific assay for detecting
M. bovis DNA in lymph nodes with lesions suggestive to tuberculosis taken
from slaughtered cattle. A duplex real-time PCR assay was developed for the
identification of M. bovis targeting insertion elements (IS) IS1081 and
IS6110 in one internally controlled reaction. M. bovis DNA extraction
protocols from tissue samples were evaluated. The specificity and sensitivity
of the assay were evaluated for detecting serial dilutions of reference
Mycobacteria strains as well as from spiked lymph node homogenate. Results
revealed that microscopical examination of 600 lymph nodes with
tuberculous-like lesion for detection of Acid-fast bacilli (AFB) showed a
detection rate of 96.6%, compared to 98% M. bovis with duplex real-time PCR.
The reproducible detection limit of the IS1081-PCR was 10 M. bovis cells/ml
and the IS6110-PCR was 100 M. bovis cells/ml. Besides, both primer set of PCR
protocol could detect 20 M. bovis cells/ml in spiked lymph node tissue. The
assay was evaluated on 19 bacterial strains and was determined to be 100%
specific for M. bovis. We suggest that the IS1081-PCR is a good candidate
assay for routine screening of cattle lymph nodes and other tissue for M.
bovis infection.
Hypolipidemic effects of carvacrol in relation with sex hormones in broiler chicken
Authors: Khosravinia H.
Published: April 2014

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of high and low doses
of carvacrol on blood lipid constituents and sex hormones in broiler chicks.
Inclusion of carvacrol into the drinking water at 0.5 and 0.3 g/ L in
Experiments 1 and 2, respectively, modulated serum cholesterol and high
density lipoproteins (HDL) levels, albeit the differences were not
significant when compared to the corresponding control groups (P> 0.05).
Carvacrol at 0.5 g/ L significantly decrease (16%) abdominal fat percentage
of the birds at 28 d (Trial 1; P<0.05). In trail 2, concentration of
estradiol in serum significantly reduced in all carvacrol-receiving birds
compared with the control- birds (P> 0.05). Serum testosterone, however,
increased in the birds received carvacrol at doses greater than 0.2 g/ L in
comparison with the control birds (P<0.05). The results propose the
possibility of testosterone-coupled hypolipidemic properties for carvacrol in
broiler chicken.
Estimation of heterosis, direct and maternal additive effects from crossbreeding experiment involving two white plymouth rock lines of chickens
Authors: Lalev M. , Mincheva N. , Oblakova M. , Hristakieva P. , Ivanova I.
Published: April 2014

Eight hundred one-day-old female chickens from two White Plymouth Rock lines
(line L and line K) and their reciprocal crosses obtained from 40 male and
480 females were used to form four genetic groups (LxL, KxK, LxK and KxL).
Differences among genotypes, the direct and maternal additive effects, and
the heterosis were investigated with regard to the following traits: body
weight from 2 to 10 weeks of age and at 18, 26 and 30 weeks of age, age at
sexual maturity, egg production per hen-day until 46 weeks of age, average
egg weight (between 32 and 46 weeks of age), liveability during the
production period, egg fertility, hatchability of set and fertile eggs. The
results demonstrated a statistically significant effect of the genotype on
body weight during the different age periods (p<0.001), age at sexual
maturity (p<0.001), egg production (p<0.01) and livability (p<0.05). On the
basis of analysis of direct additive effects, it could be concluded that line
L was superior for obtaining combinations with more intensive growth rate.
Although the lack of direct additive effect with respect to the other traits
studied, there was a positive tendency favouring line K. Maternal additive
effects had a substantial effect on body weight in most studied periods and
livability, favouring line L. The heterosis was important for body weights at
different periods of life (3.76-22.33 %), age at sexual maturity (-8.32 %)
and egg production (8.25 %) with positive effects on these traits. The
results pointed at a mutual complementary effect between both lines as a
result of crossbreeding.
The effect of raw soybeans in mixtures for laying hens on production performance and the relative weight of the pancreas
Authors: Petricevic V. , Lukic M. , Pavlovski Z. , Skrbic Z. , Jokic Z. , Vitorovic D. , Petricevic M.
Published: April 2014

The study was conducted on Isa Brown hybrid hens at the age of 49-57 weeks.
The effect of using different levels of share of raw soybean of two varieties
in mixtures for feeding hens on egg production, body weight, food
consumption, the occurrence of defective eggs, mortality and the relative
weight of the pancreas was studied. The possibility of replacing the
heat-treated soybean grains, varieties Lana, with reduced trypsin inhibitor
(TI) and Lydia with a standard level of TI, with raw soybean grains was
examined. The research was conducted on the principle of two factorial
experiment 2 x 4 (2 varieties x 4 levels of share of raw grain in the
mixture) with a total of 8 diet treatments and 4 replicates per each
treatment. In the first 5 weeks of the study, the differences in the number
of eggs produced under the influence of tested factors were not significant.
Under the influence of soybean varieties, the level of share of raw soybean
and interaction of the studied factors showed significant differences
(p<0.01) after 53 week of age. The use of soy with lower TI in the diet for
laying hens resulted in a significantly greater capacity compared to standard
variety. The share of raw soybean grains of 8 % in the mixtures significantly
reduced the number of eggs laid. The differences in body weights, food
consumption, occurrence of defective eggs and the relative weight of the
pancreas were not significantly influenced by the studied factors or by their
interaction effect.
Axial dispersion model in predictive mass transfer correlation for random pulsed packed column
Authors: Teflanab R. , Ghoreishi S.M. , Safdari J. , Torab-Mostaedi M.
Published: April 2014

The continuous phase volumetric overall mass transfer coefficient in a
ceramic intalox saddle pulsed packed extraction column using axial dispersion
model was studied for two different liquid-liquid systems containing
water/acetone/toluene and water/acetone/n-butyl acetate. The effects of
pulsation intensity, continuous and dispersed phase flow rates on mass
transfer coefficient were investigated. The experimental results indicated
that the mass transfer coefficient was enhanced by increasing pulsation
intensity and dispersed and continuous phase flow rates. The utilization of
nonlinear least square method provided a new predictive correlation for the
continuous phase overall mass transfer coefficient. The developed mass
transfer model was validated via the comparison of the modeling data with
experimental results with 18.7% average absolute relative error (AARE).
Furthermore, one empirical correlation was developed for prediction of the
continuous phase overall mass transfer coefficient as the function of the
aforementioned operating variables.
Preparation and characterization of quercetin-loaded silica microspheres stabilized by combined multiple emulsion and sol-gel processes
Authors: Kim Young , Lee Dong , Jung Eun , Bae Jun , Lee Sang , Pyo Hyeong , Kang Kuk , Lee Dong
Published: April 2014

Despite exhibiting a wide spectrum of cosmeceutical properties, flavonoids
and related compounds have some limitations related to their stability and
solubility in distilledwater. In this project, we prepared silica
microspheres using a novel method that uses polyol-in-oil-in-water (P/O/W)
emulsion and sol-gel methods as techniques for stabilizing quercetin. A
stable microsphere suspension was successfully preparedusing a mixed solvent
system comprising a polyol-phase medium for performing the sol-gel processing
of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) as an inorganic precursor with outer water
phase. The morphology of the microsphere was evaluated using a scanning
electron microscope (SEM), which showed a characteristic spherical particle
shape with a smooth surface. Furthermore, SEM/EDSanalysis of a representative
microsphere demonstrated that the inner structure of the silica microspheres
was filled with quercetin. The mean diameter of the microsphere was in the
range 20.6-35.0 ?m, and the encapsulation efficiency ranged from 17.8% to
27.5%. The free and encapsulated quercetin samples were incubated in
separateaqueous solutions at 25 and 42?C for 28 days. The residualcontent of
the quercetin encapsulated by silica microspheres was 82% at 42?C. In
contrast, that of the free quercetin stored at 42?C decreased to ~24%.
Univalence criteria for a general integral operator
Authors: Deniz Erhan
Published: April 2014

In this paper the author introduces a general integral operator and
determines conditions for the univalence of this integral operator. Also, the
significant relationships and relevance with other results are also given.
A new note on almost increasing and quasi monotone sequences
Authors: Bor Hüseyin
Published: April 2014

In [22], we proved a main theorem dealing an application of almost increasing
and quasi monotone sequences. In this paper, we prove that theorem under
weaker conditions. We also obtained some new and known results.
Application of fixed point theorems for multivalued maps to anti-periodic problems of fractional differential inclusions
Authors: Alsulami Hamed
Published: April 2014

This paper deals with the existence and dimension of the solution set for an
anti-periodic boundary value problem of fractional differential inclusions.
Our results rely on Wegrzyk?s fixed point theorem and a result on the
topological dimension of the set of fixed points for multivalued maps.
New Cartan’s tensors and pseudotensors in a generalized Finsler space
Authors: Cvetkovic Milica , Zlatanovic Milan
Published: April 2014

In this work we defined a generalized Finsler space (GFN) as 2N-dimensional
differentiable manifold with a non-symmetric basic tensor gij(x,x?), which
applies that gij_?|m(x,x?)=0; ?=1,2. Based on non-symmetry of basic
tensor, we obtained ten Ricci type identities, comparing to two kinds of
covariant derivative of a tensor in Rund?s sense. There appear two new
curvature tensors and fifteen magnitudes, we called ?curvature
pseudotensors?.
Partial group (co)actions of Hopf group coalgebras
Authors: Chen Quan-Guo , Wang Ding-Guo
Published: April 2014

We will develop partial group (co)actions of a Hopf group coalgebra on a
family of algebras by introducing partial group entwining structure. Then we
give necessary and sufficient conditions for a family of functors from the
category of partial group entwining modules to the category of modules over
a suitable algebra to be separable. Also, the applications of our results
are considered.
Generalized quasi power increasing sequences and their some new applications
Authors: Bora Hüseyin
Published: April 2014

In this paper, we generalize a known theorem by using a general class of
power increasing sequences instead of a quasi-?-power increasing sequence.
This theorem also includes some known and new results.
On polynomially Riesz operators
Authors: Zivkovic-Zlatanovic Snezana , Djordjevic Dragan , Harte Robin , Duggal Bhagwati
Published: April 2014

A bounded linear operator A on a Banach space X is said to be ?polynomially
Riesz?, if there exists a nonzero complex polynomial p such that the image
p(A) is Riesz. In this paper we give some characterizations of these
operators.
On statistical lacunary summability of double sequences
Authors: Mursaleen Mohammad , Belen Cemal
Published: April 2014

In this paper, we study the notions of statistical lacunary summability and
strongly ?qconvergence for double sequences. By using four dimensional
conservative matrices, we also prove an inequality related to the concept of
statistical lacunary limit superior (inferior) of real bounded double
sequences.
Integer index in trees of diameter 4
Authors: Patuzzi Laura , de Freitas , Del-Vecchio Renata
Published: April 2014

We characterize when a tree of diameter 4 has integer index and we provide
examples of infinite families of non-integral trees with integer index. We
also determine a tight upper bound for the index of any tree of diameter 4
based on its maximum degree. Moreover, we present a new infinite family of
integral trees of diameter 4.
A new common fixed point theorem for Suzuki-Meir-Keeler contractions
Authors: Singh Shyam , Chugh Renu , Kamal Raj , Kumar Ashish
Published: April 2014

In this paper, we extend a recent Meir-Keeler type fixed point theorem of
Suzuki (2008) to a pair of maps on a metric space.
Tetravalent one-regular graphs of order 4p2
Authors: Feng Yan-Quan , Kutnar Klavdija , Marusic Dragan , Zhang Cui
Published: April 2014

A graph is one-regular if its automorphism group acts regularly on the set of
its arcs. In this paper tetravalent one-regular graphs of order 4p2, where p
is a prime, are classified.
Q-extensions of some results involving the Luo-Srivastava generalizations of the Apostol-Bernoulli and Apostol-Euler polynomials
Authors: Luoa Qiu-Ming
Published: April 2014

Carlitz firstly defined the q-Bernoulli and q-Euler polynomials [Duke Math.
J., 15 (1948), 987- 1000]. Recently, M. Cenkci and M. Can [Adv. Stud.
Contemp. Math., 12 (2006), 213-223], J. Choi, P. J. Anderson and H. M.
Srivastava [ Appl. Math. Comput., 199 (2008), 723-737] further defined the
q-Apostol-Bernoulli and q-Apostol-Euler polynomials. In this paper, we show
the generating functions and basic properties of the q-Apostol-Bernoulli and
q-Apostol-Euler polynomials, and obtain some relationships between the
q-Apostol-Bernoulli and q-Apostol-Euler polynomials which are the
corresponding q-extensions of some known results. Some formulas in series of
q-Stirling numbers of the second kind are also considered.
New transformation formulae of quadratic 7F6-series
Authors: Wang Chenying , Wang Xiaoyuan
Published: April 2014

The modified Abel lemma on summation by parts with the "remainder term" is
employed to investigate the partial sums of a quadratic 7H7-series. Several
unusual transformation formulae for these sums are established. As
consequences, some new transformations of quadratic 7F6-series are deduced,
especially two of which respectively generalize two known 3F2(1)-series
summation formulae due to Watson and Whipple (1925).
The influence of the addition of polymers on the physico-chemical properties of bentonite suspensions
Authors: Stojiljkovic S. , Miljkovic V. , Nikolic G. , Kostic D. , Arsic B. , Barber J. , Savic I. , Savic I.
Published: April 2014

Bentonite clays have many applications in industries ranging from
construction to cosmetics. Addition of polymers can profoundly influence the
properties of bentonite suspensions and we now describe the influence of a
range of different polymers. Whereas polyvinyl pyrolidone and soy isolate
only slightly influenced the pH and the electrical conductivity of bentonite
polymers in suspension, Carbopol solution caused decreases in both pH and
electrical conductivity. As expected, strong electrolytes like sodium
chloride caused big changes in the electrical conductivity of the
suspensions. When the temperature of the bentonite suspensions was increased,
the pH was almost unchanged, but the electrical conductivity increased.
Bentonite treated with polymer suspensions can be used in purifying polluted
water; for example, our results suggest that high pH caused by phosphorous
salts can be addressed using bentonite modified with Carbopol.
Y3Al5O12:Re3+ (Re=Ce, Eu, and Sm) nanocrystalline powders prepared by modified glycine combustion method
Authors: Lojpur V. , Egelja A. , Pantic J. , Djordjevic V. , Matovic B. , Dramicanin M.D.
Published: April 2014

Yttrium aluminum garnet doped with rare earth ions (Ce3+, Eu3+ and Sm3+) was
prepared by modified glycine method. Ce3+ as a dopant was used in four
different concentrations (Y3-xCexAl5O12; x(%) = 1, 2, 3, 5), while doping
concentration of Eu3+ and Sm3+ was Y3-xEuxAl5O12; x(%) = 3 and Y3-xSmxAl5O12;
x(%) = 1, respectively. Phase composition of powders was investigated using
XRD technique and expected target phase was confirmed. Photoluminescent
characterization included measurements of excitation and emission spectra, as
well as determination of emission decays. Y3-xCexAl5O12 shows intense
broad-band emission, with maximum in green spectral region, at about 524 nm
under ultraviolet or blue excitation. The origin of the luminescence is the
5d1?4f1 transition which is both parity and spin allowed. Ultraviolet and
blue excitations of Eu3+ and Sm3+ doped Y3Al5O12 produce intense orange and
red emissions. These emissions are phosphorescent in character and come from
spin forbidden f-f electron transitions in Eu3+ and Sm3+ ions. For the case
of Eu3+ doping emission comes mainly from 5D0?7F1 transitions with Stark
components peaking at 590 nm and 590.75 nm, and with emission decay of 4.15
ms. In the case of Sm3+ doping, the emission spectrum, shows 4G5/2?6H5/2,
4G5/2?6H7/2, and 4G5/2?6H9/2 transitions, with the most intense stark
components positioned at 567.5 nm, 617 nm, and 650 nm, respectively and for
transition centered at 617 nm, emission decay is 3.12 ms.
Kinetic reduction of mill scale via hydrogen
Authors: Gaballah N.M. , Zikry A.F. , Khalifa M.G. , Farag A.B. , El-Hussiny N.A. , Shalabi M.E.H.
Published: April 2014

Mill scale is very attractive industrial waste since it is rich in iron
(about = 72 % Fe) and it is suiTab. for direct recycling to the blast furnace
via sintering plant. In this paper the characterizations of raw materials
were studied by different methods of analyses. The produced briquettes were
reduced with different amounts of hydrogen at varying temperatures, and the
reduction kinetics was determined. Two models were applied and the energy of
activation was calculated.
Effect of electrodeposition current density on the microstructure and magnetic properties of nickel-cobalt-molybdenum alloy powders
Authors: Pesic O. , Spasojevic M. , Jordovic B. , Spasojevic P. , Maricic A.
Published: April 2014

Nanostructured nickel-cobalt-molybdenum alloy powders were electrodeposited
from an ammonium sulfate bath. The powders mostly consist of an amorphous
phase and a very small amount of nanocrystals with an mean size of less than
3 nm. An increase in deposition current density increases the amorphous phase
percentage, the density of chaotically distributed dislocations and internal
microstrains in the powders, while decreasing the mean nanocrystal size. The
temperature range over which the structural relaxation of the powders
deposited at higher current densities occurs is shifted towards lower
temperatures. A change in relative magnetic permeability during structural
relaxation is higher in powders deposited at higher current densities. Powder
crystallization takes place at temperatures above 700?C. The formation of the
stable crystal structure causes a decrease in relative magnetic permeability.
Enhancing the Auditor's Report: To What Extent is There Support for the IAASB's Proposed Changes?
Authors: Simnett Roger , Huggins Anna
Published: April 2014

SYNOPSIS

This article outlines proposed reforms to auditor reporting currently being considered by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB), and other key national and transnational standard-setters and regulatory bodies. It adds to recent academic contributions on reforming the auditor's report by analyzing the 165 stakeholder responses to the IAASB's 2012 Invitation to Comment: Improving the Auditor's Report to determine levels of support for the IAASB's proposed reforms, and the differences, if any, between the views of various respondents based on stakeholder groups (e.g., audit and assurance firms, users, preparers, regulators, etc.) and regional classifications. Guided by insights from communication theory, our results show the levels of stakeholder support for the IAASB's proposed reforms addressing auditors' expectations, information, and communication gaps are mixed. The strongest overall support was for enhanced auditor reporting on other information attached to, or intended to be read with, the financial statements, and the least supported initiative was including additional information in the auditor's report about the auditor's judgments and processes. While overall there is generally consensus across both stakeholder groups and regions concerning the various questions investigated, we highlight where statistically significant differences between groups do exist. Notably, North American respondents were less likely to support a number of the IAASB's proposed reforms than their counterparts from other regions.

Data Availability: The data used in this study are referred to on the IAASB's website.
Do Big 4 Auditors Provide Higher Audit Quality after Controlling for the Endogenous Choice of Auditor?
Authors: Eshleman John Daniel , Guo Peng
Published: April 2014

Recent research suggests that Big 4 auditors do not provide higher audit quality than other auditors, after controlling for the endogenous choice of auditor. We re-examine this issue using the incidence of accounting restatements as a measure of audit quality. Using a propensity-score matching procedure similar to that used by recent research to control for clients' endogenous choice of auditor, we find that clients of Big 4 audit firms are less likely to subsequently issue an accounting restatement than are clients of other auditors. In additional tests, we find weak evidence that clients of Big 4 auditors are less likely to issue accounting restatements than are clients of Mid-tier auditors (Grant Thornton and BDO Seidman). Taken together, the evidence suggests that Big 4 auditors do perform higher quality audits.

JEL Classifications: M41, M42

Data Availability: All data are publicly available from sources identified in the text.
Bender–Gradual Scoring System: Performance of Brazilian and Peruvian Children
Authors: dos Santos Acácia Aparecida Angeli , Noronha Ana Paula Porto , Rueda Fabián Javier Marín , Segovia José Livia
Published: April 2014

This is a transcultural study of a sample of Peruvian and Brazilian children using the Bender–Gradual Scoring System (B–SPG), which considers shape distortion as the only aspect to be analyzed, assuming that perceptual-motor maturity is independent of cultural context. The study verified that the scoring system has psychometric qualities such that it may be applied in another country. The sample consisted of 231 children, ages 6 to 10 yr., 108 from different districts of the province Lima in Peru, and 123 children from three states in Brazil. During test application, the figures were projected to children in groups. Scoring the protocols for errors was conducted by psychologists experienced in interpreting and correcting the Bender–SPG, who rigorously followed instructions in Portuguese and Spanish. The results obtained with Differential Item Functioning (DIF) analysis indicated that Figures 1 and 4 presented DIF, one favoring Brazilian children and the other Peruvian children. Thus, it was concluded that the overall scores did not favor either population and the Bender–SPG could be used to evaluate perceptual-motor maturity in both countries.
Adolescents' Physical Activity in Physical Education, School Recess, and Extra-Curricular Sport by Motivational Profiles
Authors: Mayorga-Vega Daniel , Viciana Jesús
Published: April 2014

The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the differences in adolescents' objective physical activity levels and perceived effort in physical education, school recess, and extra-curricular organized sport by motivational profiles in physical education. A sample of 102 students 11–16 yr. old completed a self-report questionnaire assessing self-determined motivation toward physical education. Subsequently, students' objective physical activity levels (steps/min., METs, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity) and perceived effort were evaluated for each situation. Cluster analysis identified a two-cluster structure: “Moderate motivation toward physical education profile” and “High motivation toward physical education profile.” Adolescents in the second cluster had higher physical activity and perceived effort values than adolescents in the first cluster, except for METs and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in extra-curricular sport. These results support the importance of physical education teachers who should promote self-determined motivation toward physical education so that students can reach the recommended physical activity levels.
The Bad Apple Effect and Social Value Orientation in Public-Goods Dilemmas: Replication and Extension of Research Findings
Authors: Wu Song , Sun Jiaqing , Cai Wei , Jin Shenghua
Published: April 2014

Two studies were conducted to replicate and extend previous findings on the effect of uncooperative behavior on group cooperation (the “bad apple” effect). Study 1 (56 women, 40 men; M age = 23.5 yr.) manipulated information about contributions from the bad apple, controlling for overall contributions to a group account. Study 2 (50 women, 34 men; M age = 20.4 yr.) compared the effects of a bad apple and a good apple on cooperation. The social value orientation of participants was measured to explore individual differences in the bad apple effect. The results revealed a bad apple (a) decreased cooperation among individuals with proself and prosocial orientations in Study 1, and (b) had a greater effect than a good apple on those who were proself compared to prosocial in Study 2.
An Exploratory Study on the Relationship between Parents' Passion for Sport/Exercise and Children's Self- and Task-Perceptions in Sport/Exercise
Authors: Chen Chen-Yueh
Published: April 2014

This study investigated the relationship between parents' passion fo r sport/exercise and children's self- and task-perceptions in sport and exercise. Paired samples of 312 children, 312 fathers, and 312 mothers were collected using two-stage sampling; parents were classified based on their passion for sport and exercise as high concordance if both parents had a high passion for sport and exercise, low concordance if neither parent had a passion for sport and exercise, or discordant. Intrinsic interest value, attainment value/importance, extrinsic utility value, ability/expectancy, task difficulty, and required effort were measured, as well as harmonious and obsessive passion. Children's self- and task-perceptions in sport and exercise were examined with respect to parents' passion for sport and exercise. The results of the study indicated that children of parents with high concordance in harmonious passion for sport and exercise scored higher on intrinsic interest value, attainment value/importance, extrinsic utility value, ability / expectancy, task difficulty, and required effort in sport and exercise than counterparts with discordant and low concordance parents. Similar patterns were found for obsessive passion in parents.
Promoting English Oral Communication and Higher-Order Thinking in Taiwanese ESL Students through the Use of Knowledge Visualization Techniques
Authors: Wang Ya-Huei , Liao Hung-Chang
Published: April 2014

The study examined whether the students using concept mapping in a Freshman English course would improve English oral communication proficiency, higher-order thinking, and perception of abilities. A quasi-experimental design, lasting for 12 weeks, was administered to an experimental group (21 students) and a control group (20 students). The experimental group had significantly better performance on all measures. Concept mapping was effective in improving college students' English oral communication, higher-order thinking, and perception of abilities development.
Throwing Speed and Accuracy in Baseball and Cricket Players
Authors: Freeston Jonathan , Rooney Kieron
Published: April 2014

Throwing speed and accuracy are both critical to sports performance but cannot be optimized simultaneously. This speed-accuracy trade-off (SATO) is evident across a number of throwing groups but remains poorly understood. The goal was to describe the SATO in baseball and cricket players and determine the speed that optimizes accuracy. 20 grade-level baseball and cricket players performed 10 throws at 80% and 100% of maximal throwing speed (MTS) toward a cricket stump. Baseball players then performed a further 10 throws at 70%, 80%, 90%, and 100% of MTS toward a circular target. Baseball players threw faster with greater accuracy than cricket players at both speeds. Both groups demonstrated a significant SATO as vertical error increased with increases in speed; the trade-off was worse for cricketers than baseball players. Accuracy was optimized at 70% of MTS for baseballers. Throwing athletes should decrease speed when accuracy is critical. Cricket players could adopt baseball-training practices to improve throwing performance.
Ultrasound Imaging: Intraexaminer and Interexaminer Reliability for Multifidus Muscle Thickness Assessment in Adults Aged 60 to 85 Years Versus Younger Adults
Authors: Sions J. Megan , Velasco Teonette O. , Teyhen Deydre S. , Hicks Gregory E.
Published: April 2014

Study Design

Intraexaminer and interexaminer, within- and between-day reliability study.

Objectives

To compare the intraexaminer and interexaminer procedural reliability of ultrasound imaging (USI) thickness measurements of the lumbar multifidus muscle at rest and during a contralateral lower-limb lift (CLL) between older (60–85 years of age) and younger (18–40 years of age) adults.

Background

Among younger adults, USI has been shown to be reliable and valid for assessing multifidus thickness. Older adults present with age-related changes that may impact assessment. To our knowledge, no USI studies have focused on establishing reliability for multifidus thickness assessments in older adults.

Methods

Two examiners performed assessments of lumbar multifidus thickness at rest and during a CLL in 30 older and 31 younger adults. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) with 95% confidence interval, standard error of measurement, 95% minimal detectable change for resting and during the CLL, and percent thickness change were calculated.

Results

Within-day interexaminer procedural reliability for multifidus thickness measurements was similar among younger (ICC = 0.90–0.92) and older adults (ICC = 0.86–0.90), as was between-day intraexaminer and interexaminer reliability (younger adults, ICC = 0.84–0.94; older adults, ICC = 0.86–0.93). Throughout, estimates of percent thickness change were inconsistent (ICC = 0.31–0.86), and standard errors of measurement and minimal detectable changes were larger for older adults.

Conclusion

Ultrasound imaging reliability for measurements of multifidus thickness at rest and during a CLL among older adults is consistent with previously published findings for younger adults. Among older adults, it may be preferable to have a single examiner conduct USI assessments. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2014;44(6):425–434. Epub 25 April 2014. doi:10.2519/jospt.2014.4584
Identifying Barriers to Remaining Physically Active After Rehabilitation: Differences in Perception Between Physical Therapists and Older Adult Patients
Authors: Zalewski Kathryn , Alt Carlynn , Arvinen-Barrow Monna
Published: April 2014

Study Design

Cross-sectional study.

Objective

To describe readiness for change and barriers to physical activity in older adults and to contrast perceptions of physical therapists and patients using the Barriers to Being Active Quiz.

Background

Regular physical activity is vital to recovery after discharge from physical therapy. Physical therapists are positioned to support change in physical activity habits for those transitioning to home care. Understanding of readiness for change and barriers to physical activity could optimize recovery.

Methods

Thirteen physical therapists enrolled in the study and invited patients who met the inclusion criteria to enroll (79 patients enrolled). The physical therapists provided the ICD-9 code, the physical therapist diagnosis, and completed the Barriers to Being Active Quiz as they perceived their patients would. The enrolled patients provided demographics and filled out the Satisfaction With Life Scale, the stages-of-change scale for physical activity, and the Barriers to Being Active Quiz.

Results

Patients were predominantly in the early stages of readiness for change. Both patients and physical therapists identified lack of willpower as the primary barrier to physical activity. Patients identified lack of willpower and social influence as critical barriers more often than physical therapists, whereas physical therapists identified fear of injury and lack of time more often than their patients did. Differences between physical therapists and their patients were noted for fear of injury (z = 2.66, P = .008) and lack of time (z = 3.46, P = .001). The stage of change for physical activity impacted perception of social influence (χ2 = 9.64, P<.05), lack of willpower (χ2 = 21.91, P<.01), and lack of skill (χ2 = 12.46, P<.05). Women ranked fear of injury higher than men did (χ2 = 6.76, P<.01).

Conclusion

Understanding readiness for change in and barriers to physical activity may allow physical therapists to better tailor intervention strategies to impact physical activity behavior change. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2014;44(6):415–424. Epub 25 April 2014. doi:10.2519/jospt.2014.5171
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in dromedary camels, Oman, 2013
Authors: Nowotny N , Kolodziejek J
Published: April 2014

A countrywide survey in Oman revealed Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) nucleic acid in five of 76 dromedary camels. Camel-derived MERS-CoV sequences (3,754 nucleotides assembled from partial sequences of the open reading frame (ORF)1a, spike, and ORF4b genes) from Oman and Qatar were slightly different from each other, but closely related to human MERS-CoV sequences from the same geographical areas, suggesting local zoonotic transmission. High viral loads in nasal and conjunctival swabs suggest possible transmission by the respiratory route.
A Survey of Mathematics Education Technology Dissertation Scope and Quality
Authors: Ronau Robert N. , Rakes Christopher R. , Bush Sarah B. , Driskell Shannon O. , Niess Margaret L. , Pugalee David K.
Published: April 2014

We examined 480 dissertations on the use of technology in mathematics education and developed a Quality Framework (QF) that provided structure to consistently define and measure quality. Dissertation studies earned an average of 64.4% of the possible quality points across all methodology types, compared to studies in journals that averaged 47.2%. Doctoral students as well as their mentors can play a pivotal role in increasing the quality of research in this area by attending to the QF categories as they plan, design, implement, and complete their dissertation studies. These results imply that mathematics education technology researchers should demand greater clarity in published papers through the preparation of their own manuscripts and how they review the works of others.
Effects of Academic Vocabulary Instruction for Linguistically Diverse Adolescents
Authors: Lesaux Nonie K. , Kieffer Michael J. , Kelley Joan G. , Harris Julie Russ
Published: April 2014

We conducted a randomized field trial to test an academic vocabulary intervention designed to bolster the language and literacy skills of linguistically diverse sixth-grade students ( N = 2,082; n = 1,469 from a home where English is not the primary language), many demonstrating low achievement, enrolled in 14 urban middle schools. The 20-week classroom-based intervention improved students’ vocabulary knowledge, morphological awareness skills, and comprehension of expository texts that included academic words taught, as well as their performance on a standardized measure of written language skills. The effects were generally larger for students whose primary home language is not English and for those students who began the intervention with underdeveloped vocabulary knowledge.
A novel device for hands-free positioning and adjustment of the surgical microscope
Authors: Pitskhelauri David I. , Konovalov Alexander N. , Shekutev Georgy A. , Rojnin Nikolay B. , Kachkov Igor A. , Samborskiy Dmitry Y. , Sanikidze Alexander Z. , Kopachev Dmitry N.
Published: April 2014

The authors have developed a novel device, which they have named Mari, that allows hands-free utilization of the surgical microscope. The device is attached to the eyepieces of a multifunction counterweight-balanced surgical microscope and consists of a metallic holder with supportive plates that facilitate interaction between the device and surgeon's head. On the holder are installed 1) an electric switch, which allows the surgeon to release the microscope's magnetic clutches, allowing movement of the microscope along the x, y, and z axes as well as the rotational and diagonal ones, and 2) a joystick at the level of the surgeon's mouth for adjustment of focus and zoom. The authors report on the initial experience with the use of the device at the Burdenko Neurosurgery Institute, where the senior author used it in approximately 600 procedures between 2006 and 2012. The surgeries ranged in difficulty and in duration (from 20 minutes to 7 hours, median 2.5 hours). Use of the Mari device resulted in increased accuracy of the surgical manipulations and a reduction in the duration of surgery.
Cortical bone trajectory for lumbosacral fixation: penetrating S-1 endplate screw technique
Authors: Matsukawa Keitaro , Yato Yoshiyuki , Kato Takashi , Imabayashi Hideaki , Asazuma Takashi , Nemoto Koichi
Published: April 2014

Object

A cortical bone trajectory (CBT) is a new pedicle screw trajectory that maximizes the thread contact with cortical bone surface, providing enhanced screw purchase. Despite the increased use of the CBT in the lumbar spine, little is known about the insertion technique for the sacral CBT. The aim of this study was to introduce a novel sacral pedicle screw trajectory. This trajectory engages with denser bone maximally by the screw penetrating the S-1 superior endplate through a more medial entry point than the traditional technique, and also has safety advantages, with the protrusion of the screw tip into the intervertebral disc space carrying no risk of neurovascular injury.

Methods

In this study, the CT scans of 50 adults were studied for morphometric measurement of the new trajectory. The entry point was supposed to be the junction of the center of the superior articular process of S-1 and approximately 3 mm inferior to the most inferior border of the inferior articular process of L-5. The direction was straight forward in the axial plane without convergence, angulated cranially in the sagittal plane penetrating the middle of the sacral endplate. The cephalad angle to the sacral endplate, length of trajectory, and safety of the trajectory were investigated. Next, the insertional torque of pedicle screws using this technique was measured intraoperatively in 19 patients and compared with the traditional technique.

Results

The mean cephalad angle in these 50 patients was 30.7° ± 5.1°, and the mean length of trajectory was 31.5 ± 3.5 mm. The CT analysis revealed that the penetrating S-1 endplate technique did not cause any neurovascular injury anteriorly in any case. The new technique demonstrated an average of 141% higher insertional torque than the traditional monocortical technique.

Conclusions

The penetrating S-1 endplate technique through the medial entry point is suitable for the connection of lumbar CBT, has revealed favorable stability for lumbosacral fixation, and has reduced the potential risk of neurovascular injuries.
Le souterrain médiéval du Colombié (commune de Rosières, Tarn)
Authors: Le Noheh Christine , Grimbert Laurent , Salgues Thierry
Published: April 2014

La réalisation du contournement routier de Carmaux a permis la fouille d’un site médiéval comprenant un souterrain aménagé ainsi qu’une dizaine de structures fossoyées situées en périphérie. La morphologie de la structure la rattache à la famille des monuments de type «ségala » dont l’aire de répartition occupe le nord-est du Tarn ainsi que le sud de l’Aveyron dans sa frontière avec le Tarn. Les datations obtenues par l’analyse radiocarbone indiquent une occupation du site comprise entre la fin du XIe siècle et la fin du XIIIe siècle.
Des maisons en terre médiévales sur un îlot du quartier Saint-Mathieu, à Perpignan (Pyrénées-Orientales). Premiers éléments de réflexion
Authors: De Chazelles Claire-Anne , Remy Isabelle , Catafau Aymat , Alessandri Patrice
Published: April 2014

The study of a complete block of buildings, in the Saint-Mathieu suburb on the outskirts of the medieval city of Perpignan, offered one of the first opportunities to gather information on earth architecture in the XIIIth century. The patrimonial interest of medieval suburbs, already revealed a little earlier by an emergency archaeological operation in the Saint-Jacques district, lies in the excellent preservation of their medieval land parcels and of their XIIIth and XIVth century architecture. Houses, some of which are preserved to the top of the roof, offer the particularity of being exclusively built in raw earth. They delivered major information concerning the implementation of pisé, mainly represented and already well-known in the suburbs of the cities of the region, and also of bauge. This district fills a documentary vacuum on a still little-documented technique.
Réponse des bassin-versants du Roussillon entre le XIIe et le XIXe siècle : un impact du Petit Age Glaciaire ?
Authors: Carozza Jean-Michel , Odiot Thierry , Valette Philippe , Puig Carole , Pequinot Claire , Alessandri Patrice , Passarrius Olivier
Published: April 2014

During the second millennium, the hydrosystems of the Roussillon plain were dramatically transformed by human interventions on one hand and by climatic-controlled evolutions on the other (equilibrium OM/ LIA). Geoarchaeological researches carried out since the beginning of the 2000s also revealed the importance of the topographical modifications of the plain by sedimentary deposits and showed that the configuration of its current river system was profoundly modified during the second millennium. The relation between anthropological and climatic forcing of the evolution of plain is discussed in the light of recent data.
Vulnérabilité des sociétés médiévales aux aléas météorologiques et climatiques
Authors: Burnouf Joëlle
Published: April 2014

Le bassin versant de la Loire, au travers de la mise en place de la Zone Atelier Loire (ZAL) constitue un espace privilégié pour documenter l’histoire des relations entre sociétés et environnements fluviaux. Une analyse systémique développée à plusieurs échelles spatio-temporelle permet d’éclairer l’évolution de l’aléa inondation et plus généralement le rôle de composantes sociales et naturelles dans la co-construction de l’hydrosystème Loire depuis le XIVe siècle.
Évaluation de la mise en place d’un système d’allocation universelle en présence de qualifications hétérogènes : le rôle institutionnel du salaire minimum
Authors: Lehmann Etienne
Published: April 2014

Cet article étudie si la mise en place d’une allocation universelle pourrait réduire à la fois le chômage et les inégalités. La présence d’allocation universelle se traduit par davantage de progressivité dans le système fiscal, ce qui réduit la pression salariale exprimée par les salariés lors des négociations salariales. Les effets quantitatifs dépendent toutefois de la manière dont l’allocation universelle se substitue au salaire minimum.
Investissement corporel et coût du financement externe : identification de différents régimes et rôle du crédit-bail
Authors: Teurlai Jean-Christophe
Published: April 2014

L’objet de cet article est de tester l’hypothèse de complémentarité du crédit-bail au crédit «classique » à partir de l’estimation d’une équation d’Euler de l’investissement incorporant une prime d’agence, mesurée pour des entreprises faisant usage du crédit-bail deux années consécutives et pour celles n’en faisant pas usage. La segmentation de l’échantillon en deux groupes d’entreprises, suivant le critère d’autofinancement, permet de discriminer entre les firmes potentiellement rationnées sur le marché du crédit et celles faisant face à un coût d’agence. Pour le premier groupe, caractérisé par un faible ratio d’autofinancement, l’hypothèse d’absence de rationnement du crédit est acceptée, de même que l’hypothèse de complémentarité du crédit-bail. Pour l’autre groupe, la situation est inverse : les coûts d’agence sont non significativement différents de zéro (que les entreprises fassent ou non usage du crédit-bail), alors que l’hypothèse d’absence de rationnement du crédit est fortement rejetée.
La structure financière des entreprises en Europe : une investigation empirique de la neutralité du bilan
Authors: Paulet Elisabeth
Published: April 2014

La libéralisation financière a permis la multiplication des sources de financement aux entreprises. La question est de savoir si toutes les sociétés ont accès à ces différents outils. Cet article se propose d’en donner les caractéristiques en fonction de leur taille pour les pays européens. Après un survey de la littérature, nous examinerons les déterminants de la structure financière des entreprises européennes (première partie). Al’aide du modèle de Biais, Hillion et Malécot (1995) nous étudierons dans une deuxième partie le partage entre ces différents modes de financement de 1989 à 1998. Enfin, nous nous interrogerons sur la complémentarité ou la substituabilité de ces derniers en fonction de la taille des entreprises (troisième partie). La dernière partie conclut.
Choix d’éducation et composition par sexe de la fratrie
Authors: Wolff François-Charles , Barnet-Verzat Christine
Published: April 2014

Cet article étudie l’effet de la composition par sexe des fratries sur les dépenses d’investissement en capital humain réalisées par les parents, une variable susceptible d’engendrer des conflits familiaux non-désirés entre les enfants quant à l’allocation des ressources parentales. L’analyse de deux sources statistiques où l’on s’intéresse à la fois aux déterminants du niveau scolaire et des dépenses d’éducation en France révèle que les filles avec des frères reçoivent moins de ressources que celles avec des soeurs dans les familles riches, alors qu’il est équivalent pour les garçons d’avoir des frères ou des soeurs.
Externalités de connaissance, équilibres spatiaux et bien-être
Authors: Darrigues Fabrice
Published: April 2014

La mondialisation et l’avènement des nouvelles technologies de transmission de l’information placent la connaissance au coeur de la régulation de l’économie. L’existence d’externalités de proximité et de mécanismes cumulatifs sous-jacents constituent un puissant vecteur de structuration du paysage productif. Notre ambition est d’étudier l’incidence de ces externalités sur les équilibres de localisation des firmes. Nous montrons que les spillovers technologiques constituent une force centripète particulièrement perturbatrice. En outre, l’intensité technologique s’avère avoir un impact décisif sur le bien-être des populations. Cette influence s’exerce par le biais de plusieurs canaux et joue dans des sens opposés selon le niveau de qualification des agents. L’examen des différents seuils de coûts à l’échange légitime l’idée d’une institution légale supra-nationale régulatrice.