USING DATA MINING TO DETECT ANOMALOUS PRODUCER BEHAVIOR: AN ANALYSIS OF SOYBEAN PRODUCTION AND THE FEDERAL CROP INSURANCE PROGRAM

The analysis was conducted on the USDA's Risk Management Agency insurance data and NRCS Land Resource Regions from 1994 - 2001 to assist RMA in improving program integrity. The objective is to develop a data-mining algorithm that identifies anomalous producers and counties within LRRs based upon the percentage of acres harvested.Risk and Uncertainty,

Teratogenic and Embryocidal Effects of Zidovudine (AZT) in Sprague-Dawley Rats

Objective: The purpose of the present investigation was to analyze the effets of zidovudine on the postimplantation embryo and fetus

Abdominal Wound Problems After Hysterectomy With Electrocautery vs. Scalpel Subcutaneous Incision

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between postoperative abdominal incision problems and opening subcutaneous tissues with electrocautery or scalpel. Women scheduled for elective abdominal hysterectomy who gave informed consent were randomly assigned to subcutaneous abdominal wall tissue incision by electrocautery or scalpel. Postoperative abdominal wound problem diagnoses included seroma, hematoma, infection, or dehiscence without identifiable etiology. Fifteen of 380 women (3.9%) developed a wound problem; six had scalpel and nine had electrosurgical subcutaneous incisions (P = 0.4). Thicker subcutaneous tissues (P = 0.04) and concurrent pelvic infection (P < 0.001) were significant risk factors for postoperative wound problems. Only two women (0.5%) developed an infection. We conclude that the method of subcutaneous tissue incision was unrelated to the development of postoperative abdominal incision problems in 380 women undergoing elective abdominal hysterectomy

Subcutaneous Tissue: To Suture or Not to Suture at Cesarean Section

Objective: The null hypothesis for this investigation was that there was no difference in the frequency of wound disruption between women who had their subcutaneous tissues approximated with suture and those who did not during cesarean section

Inbreeding Avoidance in an Isolated Indigenous Zapotec Community in the Valley of Oaxaca, Southern Mexico

We analyzed inbreeding using surname isonymy in an indigenous genetic isolate. The subjects were residents of a rural Zapotec-speaking community in the valley of Oaxaca, southern Mexico. The community can be classified as a genetic isolate with an average gene flow of 3% per generation. Surnames were collected for individuals in each household in pedigree form using the culturally traditional patronym-matronym naming. Estimation of inbreeding from surname isonymy is facilitated by the traditional patronym-matronym name assignment among indigenous Mexican populations. A total of 2,149 individuals had valid surname patronymmatronym pairings, including 484 deceased ancestors. Surname isonymy analysis methods were used to estimate total inbreeding and to segregate it into random and nonrandom components. The surname isonymy coefficient computed from 119 isonymous surname pairings (119/2,149) was 0.0554. The estimated inbreeding coefficient from surname isonymy was 0.0138 (0.0554/4). The random and nonrandom components of inbreeding were Fr 0.0221 and Fn 0.0091, respectively. The results suggest that consanguinity is culturally avoided. Nonrandom inbreeding decreased total inbreeding by about 41%. Total estimated inbreeding by surname isonymy was 0.0138, which is similar to inbreeding estimated from a sample of pedigrees, 0.01. Socially prescribed inbreeding avoidance substantially lowered total F through negative nonrandom inbreeding. Even in the situation of genetic isolation and small effective population size (Ne), estimated inbreeding is lower than may have otherwise occurred if inbreeding were only random. However, among the poorest individuals, socially prescribed jural rules for inbreeding avoidance failed to operate. Thus the preponderance of inbreeding appears to occur among the poor, economically disadvantaged in the community

Wzrastanie i środowisko

Many factors in the natural, man-made and social environments can influence the physical growth and maturation and behavioral development of children and adolescents. Improved environmental conditions over the past century or so have contributed to positive secular changes in growth and maturation. More recently, however, technological advances have increased opportunities for sedentary behaviors and contributed to reductions in physical activity, both of which have potentially negative implications for the health of youth. Pollutants associa-ted with some industries also have implications for health. Children with elevated lead levels are at increased risk for impaired growth and maturation and for impairments in fine motor coordination. The impact of elevated lead on gross motor coordination in several tests of physical fitness is mediated through the influence of lead on growth in body size. Similarly, emissions from coal-fired power plants and other industries are associated with asthma, which has implications for the physical activity and fitness of youth.Wiele czynników środowiskowych naturalnych, wytworzonych przez człowieka oraz społecznych może wpływać na na rozwój fizyczny, dojrzewanie i rozwój behawioralny, tj. zachowania się dzieci i młodzieży. Polepszenie warunków środowiskowych w ostatnim stuleciu przyczyniło się do pozytywnych sekularnych zmian we wzroście i dojrzewaniu. Ostatnio jednak postęp technologiczny wzmógł łatwość zachowań sedentarnych i przyczynił się do zmniejszenia aktywności fizycznej, co potencjalnie niesie negatywne skutki dla zdrowia młodzieży. Zanieczyszczenia przemysłowe mają również wpływ na zdrowie. Dzieci z podwyższonym poziomem ołowiu w krwi mają podwyższone ryzyko zaburzenia wzrostu i dojrzewania, a także uszkodzenia koordynacji motorycznej. Wpływ podwyższonego poziomu ołowiu we krwi na powstawanie zaburzeń motorycznych jest badany za pomocą wielu testów sprawności fizycznej, jest wyrażony przez wpływ ołowiu na wzrost i wielkość ciała. Podobnie emisje zanieczyszczeń z elektrowni węglowych i innych zakładów przemysłowych są związane z astmą, co ma również wpływ na aktywność fizyczną i sprawność młodzieży

Natural Selection Is Not Related to Reduced Body Size in a Rural Subsistence Agricultural Community in Southern Mexico

Adult Zapotecs are among the shortest Indians in Mexico. This study investigated whether reduced body size was an effect of genetic selection or a developmental effect of very poor nutrition and health. Fertility, offspring survival, and offspring prereproductive mortality were regressed on stature and weight of 205 multiparous adults (ages 20 to 72). The statistical analyses suggest that the exceptionally short stature of Zapotec Indians in this community is due to poor environmental conditions and not to genetic selection or adaptation

Prediction of Weather Event Associated Crop Yield Losses in Kansas

The Environmental Policy Integrated Climate (EPIC) model was modified to include hail weather events, completing modification needed to simulate the four most frequent causes of crop yield loss (hail, too wet, too cold, too dry) in the Kansas crop insurance program. Yields were simulated for corn, wheat, soybeans, and sorghum

USING DATA MINING TO DETECT ANOMALOUS PRODUCER BEHAVIOR: AN ANALYSIS OF SOYBEAN PRODUCTION AND THE FEDERAL CROP INSURANCE PROGRAM

The analysis was conducted on the USDA's Risk Management Agency insurance data and NRCS Land Resource Regions from 1994 - 2001 to assist RMA in improving program integrity. The objective is to develop a data-mining algorithm that identifies anomalous producers and counties within LRRs based upon the percentage of acres harvested