bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sending Vietnamese Rice Farmers Back to School: Further Evidence on the Impacts of Farmer Field Schools
Authors: Rejesus Roderick M. , Mutuc Maria Erlinda M. , Yasar Mahmut , Lapitan Aileen V. , Palis Florencia G. , Chi Truong Thi Ngoc 
Published: February 2012

This study evaluates the impact of farmer field schools (FFS) on knowledge, insecticide use, and yield using a nonconsecutive, two‐year panel data that allows one to control for nonrandom selection. Regression analysis using a difference‐in‐difference approach indicates FFS training did not result in statistically significant impacts on insecticide use and yield over the period of time examined. However, there is some evidence that FFS had an “initial” knowledge impact, but it was not sustained over time. Retraining FFS graduates may be an attractive option to help maintain knowledge and improve performance over time, but we do not find empirical evidence on the effectiveness of this strategy based on a small sample of retrained farmers.La présente étude examine l’impact du programme Champ‐École‐Paysan (CEP) (Farmer Field Schools – FFS) sur l’acquisition des connaissances, l’utilisation d’insecticides et le rendement, à l’aide de données de panel non consécutives recueillies sur une période de deux ans et permettant de maîtriser la sélection non aléatoire. Une analyse de régression utilisant la méthode de différence de différences a révélé que la formation offerte dans le cadre du programme CEP n’a pas eu d’impact statistiquement significatif sur l’utilisation d’insecticides ni sur le rendement au cours de la période visée par l’étude. Toutefois, il semble que le programme CEP a eu un impact sur l’acquisition des connaissances au début, mais que cet impact n’a pas été soutenu au fil du temps. Le recyclage des participants au programme CEP peut constituer une option intéressante pour le maintien des connaissances et l’amélioration du rendement au fil du temps. Par contre, l’étude d’un petit échantillon de producteurs recyclés n’a pas fourni de preuve empirique permettant de croire à l’efficacité de cette stratégie.
The Effectiveness of Alternative Marketing Strategies for Ontario Corn and Soybean Producers
Authors: Vyn Richard J. 
Published: February 2012

Marketing decisions can be some of the most difficult decisions facing grain and oilseed producers. There is a lack of information about the marketing strategies that are most effective, and there is also a lack of consensus in the literature about whether some types of marketing strategies can consistently perform better than others. This paper uses a simulation model based on daily cash and futures prices to compare returns and risk over time from specific marketing strategies for corn and soybean producers in Ontario. This paper also examines whether there are differences in the relative effectiveness of strategies between higher‐price years and lower‐price years. The results indicate that preharvest marketing strategies for both corn and soybeans tend to generate prices that are much higher than selling everything at harvest (the baseline strategy), particularly for the higher‐price years; however, these differences are not always statistically significant. Preharvest strategies are also found to reduce downside risk relative to the baseline.Les décisions commerciales peuvent représenter certaines des décisions les plus difficiles auxquelles les producteurs de céréales et d’oléagineux sont confrontés. Il existe un manque d’information sur les stratégies commerciales les plus efficaces et un manque de consensus dans la littérature quant à l’existence ou non de stratégies commerciales capables de donner régulièrement de meilleurs résultats que d’autres. Dans le présent article, nous avons utilisé un modèle de simulation fondé sur les prix au comptant et les prix à terme quotidiens afin de comparer, au fil du temps, les rendements et les risques des stratégies commerciales qui sont spécifiques aux producteurs de maïs et de soja de l’Ontario. Nous avons aussi tenté de déterminer s’il existe ou non des écarts d’efficacité relative des stratégies entre les années où les prix sont élevés et les années où les prix sont faibles. Nos résultats indiquent que, dans le cas du maïs et du soja, la stratégie commerciale qui consiste à vendre la production avant la récolte tend à dégager des prix plus élevés que la stratégie commerciale qui consiste à vendre toute la production au moment de la récolte (stratégie de base), particulièrement dans le cas des années où les prix sont élevés. Cependant, ces écarts ne sont pas toujours statistiquement significatifs. Les stratégies de vente avant récolte contribueraient également à réduire le risque de perte en cas de baisse comparativement à la stratégie de base.
Description of a new Homidia species (Collembola, Entomobryidae) from Korea
Authors: KANG Sangkyu , PARK Kyung‐Hwa 
Published: February 2012

AbstractA new species, Homidia pseudoformosana from Korea is described in the present paper. The new species is characterized by labral papillae, ciliated labial seta L1 and dorsal chaetotaxy of abdominal segment IV. The detailed differences between similar Homidia species are provided.
Applying “Children Defined Daily Dose” to assess appropriate dose in pediatrics
Authors: Zhang Lingli , Li Youping , Zeng Linan , Wang Zheng 
Published: February 2012

Abstract Objective: Inappropriate drug dosage is a serious problem in pediatrics, mainly due to the lack of clinical evidence in children, suitable preparation formulation, and standardized methods for dose adjustment. A method for evaluating and monitoring appropriate dosage in pediatrics is urgently needed. The drug utilization index (DUI) based on the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical/Defined Daily Dose (ATC/DDD) has been widely used in the assessment of appropriate dosage in adults. We explored possible methods for assessing appropriate dosage in children.Methods: Based on our previous studies, we discuss cDUI in the assessment of appropriate dosage in children as follows: the meaning of cDDD, the establishment of a standardized system, and the classified evaluation of dosage in pediatrics.Results: Although the definition of cDDD draws on the concept of defined daily dose (DDD), the meaning of cDDD is different from that of the latter. Specifically, the purpose of cDDD is to evaluate appropriate pediatric dose, while DDD is a unit of measurement. cDDD could be used to assess dose rationality for common and serious pediatric diseases, and would be refined over time. A single cDDD should be assigned per drug and indication and given per drug and route of administration. The influence of age, weight, diagnosis, and administration route on the dosage should be considered. Classified evaluation should be used and weight should be given to the above mentioned factors in order to evaluate the appropriate dose objectively and comprehensively.Conclusions: Dosage regulation in pediatrics has an important role in improving medical quality and protecting the safety, effectiveness, and economy of medical therapy in children. The establishment of a cDUI system is a good try in pediatric dosage evaluation. Although there are still defects within this proposed system and methodology, the principle seems feasible.
Efficacy and safety of human urinary kallidinogenase injection for acute ischemic stroke: A systematic review
Authors: Zhang Canfei , Tao Wendan , Liu Ming , Wang Deren 
Published: February 2012

Abstract Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of human urinary kallidinogenase injection (HUK) in treating patients with acute ischemic stroke.Methods: We searched the Chinese Stroke Trials Register, the Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register, CENTRAL, Medline, EMBASE, the China Biological Medicine Database(CBM), and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), which were all last searched October 2010.Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about HUK for patients with acute ischemic stroke were included. The quality of each trial was assessed using the Cochrane Reviewers’ Handbook 5.0.2.Results: Twenty‐four trials involving 2433 patients were included. Only two trials reported death or dependence at the end of three months follow up. In those trials, HUK reduced death or dependency comparing to the control group (relative ratio (RR) = 0.69, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.86). Twenty trials (2117 patients) reported the proportion of patients with marked neurological improvement after treatment. Meta analysis showed the HUK‐treated group had more neurological improvement than did the control group (RR = 1.56, 95% CI 1.44 to 1.70). Fifteen trials reported adverse events, of which transient hypotension was most common (1.5%–5.1%). Non‐fatal intracerebral hemorrhage was detected in seven patients, but the difference between the treatment and control groups was not significant (RR = 1.82, 95% CI 0.34 to 9.61). Deaths occurred in both the HUK group (0.4%) and the control group (1.1%), with no significant difference for this outcome (RR = 0.6, 95% CI 0.09 to 3.92). No trial assessed quality of life.Conclusions: Available evidence suggests that HUK injection reduces neurological impairment after acute ischemic stroke and improves long‐term outcomes, though a few patients suffered from transient hypotension. Further high‐quality, large scale randomized trials are needed to confirm these results.
Depersonalised doctors: a cross-sectional study of 564 doctors, 760 consultations and 1876 patient reports in UK general practice
Authors: Orton Peter , Orton Christopher , Pereira Gray Denis 
Published: February 2012

ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to assess burnout in a sample of general practitioners (GPs), to determine factors associated with depersonalisation and to investigate its impact on doctors' consultations with patients.DesignCross-sectional, postal survey of GPs using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Patient survey and tape-recording of consultations for a subsample of respondents stratified by their MBI scores, gender and duration of General Medical Council registration.SettingUK general practice.ParticipantsGPs within NHS Essex.Primary and secondary outcome measuresScores on MBI subscales (depersonalisation, emotional exhaustion, personal accomplishment); scores on Doctors' Interpersonal Skills Questionnaire and patient-centredness scores attributed to tape-recorded consultations by independent observers.ResultsIn the postal survey, 564/789 (71%) GPs completed the MBI. High levels of emotional exhaustion (261/564 doctors, 46%) and depersonalisation (237 doctors, 42%) and low levels of personal accomplishment (190 doctors, 34%) were reported. Depersonalisation scores were related to characteristics of the doctor and the practice. Male doctors reported significantly higher (p<0.001) depersonalisation than female doctors. Doctors registered with the General Medical Council under 20 years had significantly higher (p=0.005) depersonalisation scores than those registered for longer. Doctors in group practices had significantly higher (p=0.001) depersonalisation scores than single-handed practitioners. Thirty-eight doctors agreed to complete the patient survey (n=1876 patients) and audio-record consultations (n=760 consultations). Depersonalised doctors were significantly more likely (p=0.03) to consult with patients who reported seeing their ‘usual doctor’. There were no significant associations between doctors' depersonalisation and their patient-rated interpersonal skills or observed patient-centredness.ConclusionsThis is the largest number of doctors completing the MBI with the highest levels of depersonalisation reported. Despite experiencing substantial depersonalisation, doctors' feelings of burnout were not detected by patients or independent observers. Such levels of burnout are, however, worrying and imply a need for action by doctors themselves, their medical colleagues, professional bodies, healthcare organisations and the Department of Health.
Multiple factors limit use of local sites by Elliot’s short-tailed shrews (Blarina hylophaga) in tallgrass prairie
Authors: Kaufman G.A. , Matlack R.S. , Kaufman D.W. , Higgins J.J. 
Published: February 2012

Spatial variation in abundance has been attributed to habitat heterogeneity and patchiness. Our goal in this research was to understand what factors were associated with spatial patterns of habitat use by Elliot’s short-tailed shrews ( Blarina hylophaga Elliot, 1899) in tallgrass prairie. Our modeling efforts were based on 20 years (1981–2000) of presence–absence data for shrews at each of 20 stations (local site) along 14 permanent traplines on Konza Prairie Biological Station, Kansas, USA. A logistic model accurately predicted the presence of short-tailed shrews at a local site. Probability of shrew occurrence decreased as amount of precipitation decreased, slope steepness increased, grazing increased, or burned area within 500 m of a local site increased. However, when amount of precipitation was low, area burned was high, or grazing occurred, shrews were uncommon and responded little to the other variables. Numbers of shrews were negatively related only to numbers of deer mice ( Peromyscus maniculatus (Wagner, 1845)), a mouse that selects burned and grazed habitats that shrews avoid. Our observations suggest that multiple environmental factors limit use of local sites, whereas competition with other species does not. Our results can inform decisions related to conservation of biodiversity given management practices in this endangered ecosystem.
Proportional underwater call type usage by Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii) in breeding and nonbreeding situations
Authors: Doiron Elyse E. , Rouget Philippe A. , Terhune John M. 
Published: February 2012

Proportional underwater call type usage by Weddell seals ( Leptonychotes weddellii (Lesson, 1826)) near Mawson, Antarctica, investigated the hypothesis that certain call types function specifically in breeding behaviour. Recordings were collected at various sites in 2000 and 2002 from June to December. Twenty-four hour recordings were collected in 2002 at two sites. One hundred consecutive calls from each of 248 recordings were classified into one of ten common call types. Time to 100 calls provided the calling rate. The study period was divided into four periods representing initial sea-ice formation, pre-pupping, pupping, and mating. Calling rate and light–dark differences were also examined. No presence–absence differences were observed for any of the call types with season. The largest difference between nonbreeding and breeding situations was an increase from 32.2% to 38.1% for descending whistles (F[3,244] = 4.483, p = 0.004). Trills gradually increased from 1.8% to 7.3% toward the mating period (F[3,244] = 30.932, p < 0.001). The proportion of trills, chugs, descending whistles, and other call types also varied with calling rate and light–dark conditions. Some pre-reproductive behaviours may occur in winter, but no call types of Weddell seals function solely in the breeding season.
Incubation patterns of a shorebird with rapid multiple clutches, the Mountain Plover (Charadrius montanus)
Authors: Skrade P.D.B. , Dinsmore S.J. 
Published: February 2012

The rapid multiclutch parental care system of the Mountain Plover ( Charadrius montanus J.K. Townsend, 1837) presents a rare opportunity to examine sex-specific differences in avian uniparental care. We monitored incubation activity for this species using a combination of video (857 h at 25 nests during 2007) and temperature data-recording (>10 000 h at 124 nests during 2006–2008) at breeding areas in Montana. We modeled possible differences in nocturnal activity using the duration of off-bouts of incubating adults and included the effects of nest age, day of season, ambient temperature, precipitation, and time of departure. Males, on average, made 1.48 departures·h–1over a 24 h period (SE = 0.35 departures·h–1, n = 6 days) and females made 1.41 departures·h–1(SE = 0.11 departures·h–1, n = 26 days). The mean duration of nocturnal off-bouts for males was 0.38 h (SE = 0.01 h, n = 1925), while the mean duration of female off-bouts was 0.36 h (SE = 0.01 h, n = 2716). Plovers had longer off-bouts from their nests in the middle of the night and early in the breeding season. This study furthers an understanding of incubation patterns in an uncommon avian parental care system and provides important behavioral information about a species of conservation concern.
BOOLEAN DELAY EQUATIONS ON NETWORKS IN ECONOMICS AND THE GEOSCIENCES
Authors: COLUZZI BARBARA , GHIL MICHAEL , HALLEGATTE STÉPHANE , WEISBUCH GÉRARD 
Published: February 2012

We study damage propagation in networks, with an emphasis on production-chain models. The models are formulated as systems of Boolean delay equations. This formalism helps take into account the complexity of the interactions between firms; it turns out to be well adapted to investigating propagation of an initial damage due to a climatic or other natural disaster.We consider in detail the effects of distinct delays and forcing, which represent external intervention to prevent economic collapse. We also account for the possible presence of randomness in the links and the delays. The paper concentrates on two different network structures, periodic and random, respectively; their study allows one to understand the effects of multiple, concurrent production paths, and the role played by the network topology in damage propagation. Applications to the recent network modeling of climate variability are discussed.
Phospho-specific Flow: Fixating on the Target
Authors: Levis Mark 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Targeted therapies are all the rage in oncology research these days. The problem remains as to how to confirm that the target is actually being hit in vivo. This report describes the application of phospho-specific flow cytometry to establish in vivo target inhibition in real time. Clin Cancer Res; 18(6); 1493–5. ©2012 AACR.
Notes from the Field: “Green” Chemoprevention as Frugal Medicine
Authors: Fahey Jed W. , Talalay Paul , Kensler Thomas W. 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Prevention trials of whole foods or simple extracts offer prospects for reducing an expanding global burden of cancer effectively, and in contrast to promising isolated phytochemicals or pharmaceuticals, frugally. We use the term “green” chemoprevention to differentiate a food-centered approach that is sustainable in underserved populations. It can be applied to personalized medicine just as well as a pharmaceutical approach, but only green chemoprevention can be applied in both rich and poor settings. This MiniReview discusses some of the challenges of conducting food-based trials in developing countries, with particular emphasis on moving the limited number of promising phase II trials forward as placebo-controlled randomized trials, the gold standard for prevention studies. How does one define a placebo for a food? What is the regulatory context of such a food-based product? How can such products be produced and standardized to the benefit of a larger, individual trial, and importantly, the research community at large? What are the challenges and opportunities of conducting such trials in the international setting? Finally, how does one make the science practical? Cancer Prev Res; 5(2); 179–88. ©2012 AACR.
Cognitive and Graded Activity Training Can Alleviate Persistent Fatigue After Stroke
Authors: Zedlitz Aglaia M.E.E. , Rietveld Toni C.M. , Geurts Alexander C. , Fasotti Luciano 
Published: February 2012

Background and Purpose—
Fatigue is a common, persistent consequence of stroke, and no evidence-based treatments are currently available to alleviate fatigue. A new treatment combining cognitive therapy (CO) with graded activity training (GRAT), called COGRAT, was developed to alleviate fatigue and fatigue-related symptoms. This study compared the effectiveness of the COGRAT intervention with a CO-only intervention after a 3-month qualification period without intervention.

Methods—
This randomized, controlled, assessor-blind clinical trial was conducted in 8 rehabilitation centers. Eighty-three stroke patients (>4 months after stroke) were randomly assigned to 12 weeks of CO or COGRAT after qualification. Seventy-three patients completed treatment and 68 were available at follow-up. Primary outcomes (Checklist Individual Strength–subscale Fatigue (CIS-f); self-observation list–fatigue (SOL-f)) and secondary outcomes (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Stroke-Adapted Sickness Impact Profile, SOL-pain, SOL-sleep-D, 6-minute walk test) were collected at baseline (before and after qualification period) and after treatment (immediate and 6-month follow-up).

Results—

The qualification period showed stable outcome measures. Both treatments showed significant beneficial effects on fatigue (CIS-f: η
p
2
=0.48,
P
<0.001) and other outcomes (except pain and anxiety) with intention-to-treat analyses. Gains for the COGRAT group exceeded those in the CO group on number of individuals showing clinical improvement on the CIS-f (≥8 points: 58% versus 24%) and on physical endurance (η
p
2
=0.20,
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—
A 12-week cognitive therapy program can alleviate persistent fatigue after stroke. The best results are obtained when cognitive therapy is augmented with graded activity training.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.trialregister.nl
. Unique identifier: NTR2704.
Standardizing the Structure of Stroke Clinical and Epidemiologic Research Data
Authors: Saver Jeffrey L. , Warach Steven , Janis Scott , Odenkirchen Joanne , Becker Kyra , Benavente Oscar , Broderick Joseph , Dromerick Alexander W. , Duncan Pamela , Elkind Mitchell S.V. , Johnston Karen , Kidwell Chelsea S. , Meschia James F. , Schwamm Lee ,   for the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) Stroke Common Data Element Working Group
Published: February 2012

Background and Purpose—
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke initiated development of stroke-specific Common Data Elements (CDEs) as part of a project to develop data standards for funded clinical research in all fields of neuroscience. Standardizing data elements in translational, clinical, and population research in cerebrovascular disease could decrease study start-up time, facilitate data sharing, and promote well-informed clinical practice guidelines.

Methods—
A working group of diverse experts in cerebrovascular clinical trials, epidemiology, and biostatistics met regularly to develop a set of stroke CDEs, selecting among, refining, and adding to existing, field-tested data elements from national registries and funded trials and studies. Candidate elements were revised on the basis of comments from leading national and international neurovascular research organizations and the public.

Results—
The first iteration of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) stroke-specific CDEs comprises 980 data elements spanning 9 content areas: (1) biospecimens and biomarkers; (2) hospital course and acute therapies; (3) imaging; (4) laboratory tests and vital signs; (5) long-term therapies; (6) medical history and prior health status; (7) outcomes and end points; (8) stroke presentation; and (9) stroke types and subtypes. A CDE website provides uniform names and structures for each element, a data dictionary, and template case report forms, using the CDEs.

Conclusions—
Stroke-specific CDEs are now available as standardized, scientifically vetted, variable structures to facilitate data collection and data sharing in cerebrovascular patient-oriented research. The CDEs are an evolving resource that will be iteratively improved based on investigator use, new technologies, and emerging concepts and research findings.