Since 1.9.8, db schema has been modified to have two new fields to manage these attributes instead of using the Custom fields.
Reports have been modified and do not use naymore the Custom fields.
Due to this fact you need to use SQL script provided on 1.9.8 distribution (look for file copy_values_cfields_for_computing_time.sql) , to move values from Custom fields to new columns.
ATTENTION/CRITIC: BACKUP your DB before running the script
ATTENTION: the script can need some changes according DBMS you are using (right now has been tested on MySQL)