bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceptions of Liberal Education of Two Types of Nursing Graduates:
Authors: Kayler DeBrew Jacqueline
Published: March 2016

This study examined how bachelor of science in nursing (bsn) graduates perceive the relationship between liberal education in college and nursing practice and how registered nurses/bsn graduates and prelicensure bsn graduates differ in these perceptions. Analysis indicates that both groups perceived their liberal educations as useful to nursing practice.
An Exploratory Investigation of the Assessment Practices of Selected Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business—Accredited Business Programs and Linkages with General Education Outcomes
Authors: Vitullo Elizabeth , Jones Elizabeth A.
Published: March 2016

This research study investigated the assessment practices of five different undergraduate business programs. It examines the learning outcomes required for the business programs and their linkages with general education outcomes. Specific assessment methods, the results from assessments, and how business program faculty use assessment findings to make changes are highlighted.
Can Downsizing College Class Sizes Augment Student Outcomes? An Investigation of the Effects of Class Size on Student Learning
Authors: Chapman Lauren , Ludlow Larry
Published: March 2016

This investigation uses student course evaluations to examine the relationship between class size and perceived student learning, after student effort and instructor quality have been taken into account. This study found that despite the efforts by students and instructors, class size had a significant negative relationship with perceived student learning.
In Quest of Meaningful Assessment of International Learning:
Authors: Dietrich Jill Wisniewski , Olson Christa
Published: March 2016

The article features an analysis of Lessons Learned in Assessing International Learning, the goals of which were to advance the assessment of international learning in order to improve it at U.S. higher education institutions. The project was conducted from 2003 to 2007 and utilized a mixed-methods approach using student surveys and ePortfolios.
Assessing International Learning:
Authors: Cooper Garth , Niu Rui
Published: March 2016

This essay is anchored on the challenges institutions face in attempting to assess international learning outcomes. It documents Michigan State University’s efforts to seek and pilot new measurement tools to confront this challenge. Based on Michigan’s assessment experience, it provides lessons others might consider for the success of their efforts.
Through a New Lens:
Authors: Carter Duncan , Latz Gil , Thornton Patricia M.
Published: March 2016

Portland State University participated in Lessons Learned in Assessing International Learning hoping to generate new knowledge about how international learning might be assessed. Though attention was focused on developing and testing particular instruments for assessment, several highly tentative inferences about international learning itself, many of them counterintuitive, were reached.
Taking a Stand as a Student-Centered Research University: Active and Collaborative Learning Meets Scholarship of Teaching at the University of Alabama
Authors: Bonner Judy
Published: March 2016

This article introduces the University of Alabama, outlines efforts in the scholarship of teaching and active and collaborative learning, and describes plans for continuing the instructional focus as a student-centered research university, where teaching is viewed as a scholarly activity and students are actively engaged in their learning.
Active Learning in Large Classes: Can Small Interventions Produce Greater Results Than Are Statistically Predictable?
Authors: Adrian Lynne M.
Published: March 2016

Six online postings and six one-minute papers were added to an introductory first-year class, forming 5 percent of the final grade, but represented significant intervention in class functioning and amount of active learning. Active learning produced results in student performance beyond the percentage of the final grade it constituted.
Diversity and Collegiate Experiences Affecting Self-Perceived Gains in Critical Thinking
Authors: Cole Darnell , Zhou Ji
Published: March 2016

This study is grounded in the theoretical and conceptual frameworks that postulate diversity and collegiate experiences as triggers for the cognitive disequilibrium that fosters critical thinking (CT). With the assumption that CT is both a general and a discipline-specific facility, this longitudinal, single-institution study of 447 students examines the effects of both diversity and collegiate experiences on self-perceived gains in critical thinking among white and ethnic minority students. Implications for institutional policy and further empirical research are discussed.
Practice Makes Perfect
Authors: Stanton Timothy K.
Published: March 2016

I propose an approach to service-learning that encourages and enables students to engage with human rights and social justice in ways that are democratic and effective. I describe a teaching process in which civic action can be critically reflected on not just to promote engagement and build knowledge but ultimately to encourage and equip students with the commitment and ability to undertake this work as engaged citizens after graduation. This democratic approach to service-learning closes the divide between critical thinking and social action, helping to develop students who are aware of the world's problems and more committed to solving them.
Beyond Bricks and Mortar Creating Knowledge Through Student–Faculty Partnerships
Authors: Mitchell Jocelyn Sage
Published: March 2016

Who benefits from the rapid development of transnational education institutions? Despite concerns of academic capitalism or neocolonial imperialism, both the sending institutions and the host countries can benefit from these educational initiatives. I suggest that American liberal education is uniquely placed to combine local and foreign expertise in educational partnerships. Using the example of undergraduate research grant funding, I demonstrate that the international branch campuses of Qatar's Education City have engaged in research and knowledge creation that mutually benefits the local and foreign academic communities. The sending institutions should institutionalize incentives that prioritize student learning and local expertise and needs.
Bury My Heart in Doha Reflections on Performing Western Academia Overseas
Authors: Wright Zachary
Published: March 2016

Critical reflection on the course of the Western university system has never been more important than at the juncture of its exportation around the world. The importation of Western academic institutions in the modernizing states of the Muslim world is fraught with contradictions, responding to the desire to craft a citizenship recognizable to the nation-state. Despite the relationship of Western universities to modernization as a disciplining project, these institutions also carry promise. Western universities overseas can hope to revive, in dialogue with their host societies, an alternative person-centered vision of learning shared by Western humanists and classical Islamic pedagogies alike.
Exporting Acting Curricula from the Midwest to the Mideast Seriously?
Authors: Woodworth Ann E.
Published: March 2016

Qatar can afford to purchase pretty much anything—including top-quality American university education. However, given the vast differences in culture, dress, religion, and social mores, along with youth's global unemployment rates and their hankering for all things technological, does it make sense for Qatar to import a course in acting? Many academics debate whether bringing Western liberal curricula to Middle Eastern classrooms is a good idea at all, but learning to see and experience the world from other people's perspectives can be a lesson worth learning.
Are MOOCs the Future of General Education?
Authors: Head Karen
Published: March 2016

General education is at the forefront of the challenges facing faculty and administrators as they develop initiatives to address the nationwide trend focused on college completion programs. Attempts to trim core requirements and shift courses to online environments could be one answer for providing greater course access, for improving enrollments, and for increasing completion rates; however, choosing appropriate online environments needs careful planning and implementation. Massive open online courses have been promoted as one possible online model. Based on the author’s experience of teaching first-year writing as a massive open online course, this article offers observations, reflections, and suggestions for considering the application of innovative technologies in general education courses.
Simple Solutions to Complex Problems—MOOCs as a Panacea?
Authors: Bass Scott A.
Published: March 2016

This article is critical of the implementation of massive open online courses (moocs) by institutions seeking the deep student learning often found in general education learning outcomes. Customized student interaction with an expert in the field is rendered impossible by the scale of mooc enrollment. Concerns are also raised about the economic model of moocs. Nevertheless, the article explores the importance of technology-aided instruction in the classroom and the appropriate use of lectures drawn from moocs and other sources.
Valuable Knowledge
Authors: Jensen Jane McEldowney , Worth Benjamin
Published: March 2016

This ethnographic study examines the negotiation of the value of critical thinking by a group of community college students and their instructor in a required general education literature course. Using a sociological analysis, the authors explore how the students situated themselves as both learners and consumers in the classroom, a social field that contrasts marketplace realities and academic expectations.
The New Interface for Writing
Authors: Hadi-Tabassum Samina
Published: March 2016

Schools are scrambling to prepare their students for the writing assessments in correlation with the Common Core tests. In some states, writing has not been assessed for more than a decade. Yet, with the use of computerized grading of the students' writing, many teachers are wondering how to best prepare students for the writing assessments, which will be evaluated through an algorithm. Will form now matter more than function?
Academic Rigor in General Education, Introductory Astronomy Courses for Nonscience Majors
Authors: Brogt Erik , Draeger John D.
Published: March 2016

We discuss a model of academic rigor and apply this to a general education introductory astronomy course. We argue that even without central tenets of professional astronomy—the use of mathematics—the course can still be considered academically rigorous when expectations, goals, assessments, and curriculum are properly aligned.
Decline and Renewal in the Liberal Arts as Themes for First-Year Writing
Authors: Aitchison David Carlyle
Published: March 2016

Educators have long lamented the critical condition of the liberal arts in the United States, arguing that the ever- increasing pressure placed on schools to serve the marketplace has undermined the true meaning and value of liberal education. At present, while there is no shortage of solutions calling for sweeping changes in attitudes and structures, relatively few look at how we might respond at the level of instruction. In this article, I make a case for asking students formally, and in partial fulfillment of general education requirements, to confront the legacy of the liberal arts in the first-year writing classroom. I argue that liberal arts students need to learn about the liberal arts in substantive terms; otherwise they risk mistaking breadth requirements for mere diversions from their declared majors and fall into the habit of dismissing certain disciplinary and interdisciplinary principles as somehow superfluous to their degrees. Reporting on my own experiences teaching liberal arts themes, and offering evaluative summaries of possible course readings, I argue that introducing themes of decline and renewal in the liberal arts into the first-year writing curriculum will positively influence our students to make more thoughtful decisions before and after graduating.
Researching Student Learning in a Two-Tiered General Education Program
Authors: Csomay Eniko , Pollard Elizabeth , Bordelon Suzanne , Beck Audrey
Published: March 2016

Despite the desire of employers to hire those with the critical-thinking and communication skills a general education (GE) program can offer, the value of GE programs is often questioned due to concerns about four-year graduation rates, perceived low immediate economic payoff, and a dearth of evidence to support their efficacy. This article describes the two phases of a recent GE project at San Diego State University, a large urban university in California, that was undertaken to address these challenges. In Phase 1, spring 2013, we brought together twenty faculty (one from each of our programs in the College of Arts and Letters) to create and pilot rubrics for three of the five areas of our GE program. Phase 2, in Academic Year 2013–14, included an extensive collection of high-stakes student work (nearly two thousand samples), and each sample was double-read by trained faculty raters. Preliminary results—including the effectiveness of the collaborative process and the rubrics it produced, the improved interrater reliability achieved, and the distribution of proficiency levels in meeting the GE goals in the lower- to upper-level GE courses—demonstrate the success and efficacy of the project's process and product.
Faculty Views on Developing and Assessing Learning Outcomes at the Tertiary Level
Authors: Bahous Rima , Nabhani Mona
Published: March 2016

Assessing students' learning outcomes is on the agenda of higher education institutions seeking improvement of student learning. Faculty members should be well versed in developing and assessing learning outcomes and involved in ensuring success in the assessment process; however, many claim that the process interferes with academic freedom, refuse to listen, and resist change. In this article, we examine faculty views on assessing students' learning outcomes in English-medium universities in Arab countries. Online e-mail interviews were conducted with twenty-four faculty from universities in the Arab world to explore their views on the development and assessment of student learning outcomes. Results show that although some are eager to implement new processes, others are confused. Recommendations include following a gradual process beginning with a shared vision for identifying student learning outcomes and key indicators for achieving these outcomes as well as ongoing professional development for faculty. Evidence-based decisions for how to improve the process will enhance teaching and learning and lead to a culture of assessment.
Caracterización agrícola del Municipio de La Virtud, Departamento de Lempira
Authors: Villatoro Escobar Jessica Gabriela
Published: March 2016

El presente trabajo tuvo el objetivo de caracterizar los tipos de agricultura y cultivos predominantes en el Municipio de La Virtud. Este se encuentra ubicado en el sur de Lempira con una superficie de 6822.1452 Ha y cuenta con afluentes que se unen a la Subcuenca de río Mocal.Los pasos metodológicos realizados fueron: identificación de comunidades de estudio pertenecientes al Municipio de La Virtud, determinación de muestra, realización de encuesta a 40 productores de las comunidades de Tixila, la Trinidad y Solicor, caracterización y análisis de datos obtenidos de fuentes bibliográficas y encuestas. De los principales resultados obtenidos y analizados se determinó que la población rural del Municipio de la Virtud, siembra en mayor cantidad cultivos de maíz, frijol y sorgo. Por otro lado entre el año 1986 y 2009 se dio un aumento de la cobertura agrícola de la zona, sin embargo en la actualidad aún existen comunidades del Municipio de La Virtud que practican la agricultura tradicional, aunque perciben la agricultura Agroforestal como una buena práctica de cultivos. Se concluye que la metodología empleada permitió conocer como ha sido la situación pasada y actual de los tipos de agricultura empleadas por los productores del Municipio de La Virtud, misma que puede causar problemas en la cobertura de la tierra y en todo el medio ambiente. Con la caracterización obtenida del Municipio de La Virtud se procederá a una segunda etapa del estudio acerca de un análisis más exhaustivo que indique los cambios de cobertura agrícola vrs. Los tipos de agricultura empleadas.Revista Ciencias Espaciales, Volumen 6, Número 2 Otoño, 2013; 21-33
Variabilidad climática en las ciudades urbanas de Tegucigalpa y Comayagüela, Francisco Morazán, Honduras en el periodo comprendido entre los años 1975 – 2011
Authors: Carias Antonio
Published: March 2016

En este trabajo se estudia la variabilidad climática urbana del Distrito Central en Honduras lo cual comprende a Tegucigalpa la capital y a Comayagüela como ciudad vecina, el espacio temporal del análisis abarca las fechas de 1975, 1987, 2000 y 2011. En la primera etapa se estudia el patrón de crecimiento urbano lo que nos muestra que han ocurrido varios cambios en los primeros años de estudio, esta etapa del análisis se elaboró mediante imágenes satelitales del sensor LandSat, a estas imágenes se les calculo el índice de vegetación (NDVI) el cual separa las zonas vegetales de las desprovistas de vegetación lo cual nos hace un extracto de las zonas urbanas y así extraerlas con mayor facilidad, luego se evaluó los resultados de los análisis de la banda 6 del satélite LandSat que corresponde a la banda térmica con la cual podemos sacar temperatura del suelo en el momento en que fue tomada la imagen, es importante mencionar que las imágenes corresponden al primer trimestre del año y en este análisis no contamos con el año 1975 ya que el sensor no tenía instalada esa capacidad en esos momentos; sumado a estos procesos se analizó ciertas estaciones de monitoreo atmosférico y se procesaron mediante geoestadística lo cual arrojo un dato no tan local ya que las estaciones estaban muy separadas para arrojar un análisis un poco más particular. La suma de todas estas variables es el principal aporte a este estudio para guiar de alguna manera estudios de la temática de variabilidad climática y crecimiento urbano.Revista Ciencias Espaciales, Volumen 6, Número 2 Otoño, 2013; 34-47
Análisis del comportamiento temporal de la biomasa en Pastos del Departamento de Olancho en el contexto del cambio global – Fase I
Authors: Cáceres José David
Published: March 2016

Según la guía de buenas prácticas del Panel Intergubernamental de Expertos en Cambio Climático (IPCC), las técnicas de teledetección son adecuadas para la estimación de los sumideros de carbono a partir de la estimación de la biomasa. En este trabajo, concebido en dos fases, se utilizará una serie temporal de imágenes Landsat para estimar la cantidad de biomasa del pasto en el Departamento de Olancho. En la fase I, se ha delimitado la zona de estudio derivada del análisis de información territorial suministrada por el Sistema Nacional de Información Territorial (SINIT), así como análisis visual de imágenes Landsat e imágenes de alta resolución. Se obtuvo un área de cobertura de pastos de 670,749.79 ha lo que representa aproximadamente un 28% de la extensión total del Departamento. Se elaboraron protocolos de radiometría de campo para la estandarización y fiabilidad de la información recopilada por personal del Laboratorio de Radiometría del Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnologías de la Información Geográfica.Revista Ciencias Espaciales, Volumen 6, Número 2 Otoño, 2013; 48-60
Impact of water stress and nutrition on Vitis vinifera cv. ‘Albariño’: Soil-plant water relationships, cumulative effects and productivity
Authors: Martínez Emma M. , Rey Benjamin J. , Fandiño María , Cancela Javier J.
Published: March 2016

The objective of the present study is to apply different systems of fertigation (rainfed, R; surface drip irrigation, DI, and subsurface drip irrigation, SDI) in Vitis vinifera (L.) cv. ‘Albariño’ to evaluate the cumulative effect of water stress (water stress integral) on yield parameters and to establish the relationship between indices and production. The study was conducted over four years (2010-2013) in a commercial vineyard (Galicia, NW Spain). The volumetric soil water content (θ) (with TDR) and predawn (ψp), midday (ψm) and stem (ψstem) leaf-water potential were determined with a water activity meter during the growing stages (flowering-harvest) from 2010-2013. The number of clusters, their weight and yield/vine were determined at harvest. Must composition was studied to evaluate nutrition treatments. Ψp is presented as the best indicator of the water status of the plant, and the sole use of θ is not recommended as a reference. The soil-plant water status variables were strongly correlated, especially between foliar variables (0.91<R2<0.98), with θ presenting the lowest reliability (0.28<R2<0.81). SDI was the treatment with the highest hydric comfort and greater yield/vine (6.1 kg) and weight per cluster (95.0 g), but lower elements concentration in must. The water stress integral showed that the veraison and harvest stages were very sensitive to water stress in vines. Linear relationships were established between Sψp and W (R2=0.65) and Y (R2=0.56) at veraison. The water stress integral is presented as a useful working tool for vine growers because it allows the prediction of future yield at early phenological states.
Culinary and sensory traits diversity in the Spanish Core Collection of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Authors: Rivera Ana , Casquero Pedro A. , Mayo Sara , Almirall Antonio , Plans Marçal , Simó Joan , Romero-del-Castillo Roser , Casañas Francesc
Published: March 2016

The Spanish National Plant Genetic Resource Center’s core collection of bean germplasm includes 202 accessions selected from more than 3000 accessions in function of passport data, seed phenotype, genetic background, and agronomic traits. To acquire more useful information about these accessions, we cultivated and characterized them for sensory and culinary traits. We found considerable variation for culinary and sensory traits of the cooked beans (mean coefficients of variation: 41% for the sensory traits and 40% for the culinary traits). The large dataset enabled us to study correlations between sensory and culinary traits and among these traits and geographic origin, seed color, and growth habit. Greater proportion of white in the seed coat correlated positively with brightness and negatively with mealiness (r=0.60, r=-0.60, p<0.001, respectively). Mealiness correlated negatively with seed-coat roughness and rate of water absorption (r=-0.60, r=-0.53, p<0.001, respectively). Materials of Andean origin had lower seed-coat brightness (p<0.01) and seed-coat roughness, and greater seed-coat perceptibility, mealiness, flavor, and aroma (p<0.001) than materials of Mesoamerican origin. Growth habit failed to correlate with culinary or sensory traits. Breeders can benefit from the information about this core collection available at www.crf.inia.es/crfesp/paginaprincipaljudia.asp.
Short Communication: Soil carbon pools in different pasture systems
Authors: Cardozo Francisco M. Jr. , Carneiro Romero F. V. , Leite Luiz F. C. , Araujo Ademir S. F.
Published: March 2016

The aim of this study was to assess the carbon pools of a tropical soil where the native forest was replaced with different pasture systems. We studied five pasture production systems, including four monoculture systems with forage grasses such as Andropogon, Brachiaria, Panicum, and Cynodon, and an agroforestry system as well as a native vegetation plot. Greater availability of fulvic acid was detected in the agroforestry system as compared with that in the other systems. Higher lability of C was detected in the Andropogon system during the dry and rainy seasons and during the dry season in Cynodon. During the dry season, all pastures systems showed deficits in the net removal of atmospheric CO2. The structure and practices of the agroforestry system enables more carbon to be sequestered in the soil as compared with the monoculture pasture, suggesting that it is an important practice to mitigate climatic change and to improve soil quality.
Mechanical weed control on small-size dry bean and its response to cross-flaming
Authors: Martelloni Luisa , Frasconi Christian , Fontanelli Marco , Raffaelli Michele , Peruzzi Andrea
Published: March 2016

Dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) can be a profitable crop for farmers; however controlling weeds effectively without a decrease in yield remains a problem. An example where mechanical weed control is difficult to conduct is dry bean ‘Toscanello’, which is a small sized high-income niche product growing low to the ground. Concerning intra-row weed control, also flame weeding could be an opportunity but the dry bean heat tolerance needs to be studied. The aims of this research were to study the weed control efficacy of a spring-tine harrow and an inter-row cultivator in this bean variety, and to test the tolerance of dry bean cultivated under weed-free conditions to cross-flaming applied with different liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) doses. Flame weeding was applied at BBCH 13 and BBCH 14 bean growth stages by pairs of burners producing direct double flame acting into the intra-row space, with bean plants placed in the middle. The results suggest that the spring-tine harrow used two times at BBCH 13 and 14, respectively, lead to a yield similar to that of the weedy control. The inter-row cultivator could be an opportunity for small-sized dry bean crops producers, enabling them to obtain a similar yield compared to the hand-weeded control. Concerning the bean tolerance to cross-flaming the results showed that bean flamed at BBCH 13 stage had little tolerance to cross-flaming. Bean flamed at BBCH 14 stage was tolerant until an LPG dose of 39 kg/ha, giving yield responses similar to those observed in the non-flamed control.
Comparison between sprinkler irrigation and natural rainfall based on droplet diameter
Authors: Ge MaoSheng , Wu Pute , Zhu Delan , Ames Daniel P.
Published: March 2016

An indoor experiment was conducted to analyze the movement characteristics of different sized droplets and their influence on water application rate distribution and kinetic energy distribution. Radial droplets emitted from a Nelson D3000 sprinkler nozzle under 66.3, 84.8, and 103.3 kPa were measured in terms of droplet velocity, landing angle, and droplet kinetic energy and results were compared to natural rainfall characteristics. Results indicate that sprinkler irrigation droplet landing velocity for all sizes of droplets is not related to nozzle pressure and the values of landing velocity are very close to that of natural rainfall. The velocity horizontal component increases with radial distance while the velocity vertical component decreases with radial distance. Additionally, landing angle of all droplet sizes decreases with radial distance. The kinetic energy is decomposed into vertical component and horizontal component due to the oblique angles of droplet impact on the surface soil, and this may aggravate soil erosion. Therefore the actual oblique angle of impact should be considered in actual field conditions and measures should be taken for remediation of soil erosion if necessary.
Inhibitory effects of salicylic acid on Meloidogyne javanica reproduction in tomato plants
Authors: Moslemi Fatemeh , Fatemy Seddigheh , Bernard Françoise
Published: March 2016

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.), play a major role in loss of agricultural production. Natural substances, such as salicylic acid (SA) could possibly be involved in inducing host plant resistance against nematodes. The present study is concerned with exploring the effects of varying concentrations of SA as seed priming and soil drench on tomato growth parameters and the reproduction of the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica. SA at 50 μM concentration caused only 2% of juvenile mortality under in vitro conditions. SA applied as 50 μM seed treatment caused 95% and, as a soil drench, 78% reduction in the number of egg masses that formed on tomato plants. The numbers of galls were reduced to a lesser extent. Final nematode density per gram of soil was reduced to less than 1 by the 50 μM SA seed treatment, and in other treatments decreased by between 70 and 88% compared with control plants. Our results indicate SA has potential to lower root knot nematode reproduction in tomato, and seed priming is a fairly easy method to work with.
Effects of a tannin-rich legume (Onobrychis viciifolia) on in vitro ruminal biohydrogenation and fermentation
Authors: Toral Pablo G. , Hervás Gonzalo , Missaoui Hajer , Andrés Sonia , Giráldez Francisco J. , Jellali Saida , Frutos Pilar
Published: March 2016

There is still controversy surrounding the ability of tannins to modulate the ruminal biohydrogenation (BH) of fatty acids (FA) and improve the lipid profile of milk or meat without conferring a negative response in the digestive utilization of the diet. Based on this, an in vitro trial using batch cultures of rumen microorganisms was performed to compare the effects of two legume hays with similar chemical composition but different tannin content, alfalfa and sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia), on the BH of dietary unsaturated FA and on the ruminal fermentation. The first incubation substrate, alfalfa, was practically free of tannins, while the second, sainfoin, contained 3.5% (expressed as tannic acid equivalents). Both hays were enriched with sunflower oil as a source of unsaturated FA. Most results of the lipid composition analysis (e.g., greater concentrations of 18:2n-6, cis-9 18:1 or total polyunsaturated FA in sainfoin incubations) showed the ability of this tannin-containing legume to inhibit the BH process. However, no significant differences were detected in the accumulation of cis-9 trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid, and variations in trans-11 18:1 and trans-11 cis-15 18:2 did not follow a regular pattern. Regarding the rumen fermentation, gas production, ammonia concentration and volatile FA production were lower in the incubations with sainfoin (‒17, ‒23 and ‒11%, respectively). Thus, although this legume was able to modify the ruminal BH, which might result in improvements in the meat or milk lipid profile, the present results were not as promising as expected or as obtained before with other nutritional strategies.
Investment Impact of Microfinance Credit in Ghana
Authors: Quaye Frederick Murdoch , Hartarska Valentina
Published: March 2016

This research paper examines the impact of the microfinance sector on small/micro enterprises in Ghana. The study uses 2007 BEEPS data and employs the financing constraints approach used by several other researchers in the study area to study if the presence of microfinance institutions has been successful in alleviating financing constraints associated with small enterprises. This is done by comparing investment sensitivity to internally generated funds (cash flow) in enterprises with and without access to microfinance institutions. The study also uses a Propensity Score Matching method to reinforce/support the results obtained from the financing constraints approach. The results obtained from the analyses indicate that small/micro enterprises in areas with adequate MFIs have investment less sensitive to the availability of internal funds due to the fact that they have better access to external funds. This result thus shows that the microfinance sector is alleviating financing constraints in the country.
Analysis on the Factors Influencing the International Technology Transfer Based on ISM Model
Authors: Shouwu Jing , Yong Xia , Zheng Li
Published: March 2016

The technology is not only an indispensable element involved in international trade, but also an important factor affecting the comparative advantage and trade patterns in international trade. Based on predecessors’ research and practice experience, this dissertation selects 20 factors to study the influencing factors, such as international technology transfer, the construction of infrastructure, the complexity of technological progress, economic development level and so on. By using the ISM model, the paper studies the correlation and gradation of influencing factors of international technology transfer. The analysis indicates there are 4 direct factors on surface and. 6 factors on path: the applicability and negotiability of the technology, international technology transfer intermediary. 3 direct factors: the construction of infrastructure. 5 indirect factors: environment changes of international economy, the complexity of technological progress. 2 factors in deep roots: economic development level and changes of industrial structure. Based on this, the paper puts forward corresponding countermeasures and suggestions from five aspects. Meanwhile, it provides certain references to improve the international technology transfer level, promote using international technology transfer to improve technology level, and upgrade the industrial structure.
Empirical Studies on the Relationship between Households’ Trust in Government and Agricultural Land Tenancy-Based on the Households Survey in Four Provinces
Authors: Wei Yuan , Guanjun Xu , Yingzi Li , Jingjing Jin
Published: March 2016

In the premise of the separation of ownership and use right of land in China’s rural areas, agricultural land tenancy will be inevitably subject to the influence from the grass-roots government. In order to analyze the role of the trust in government from farmers in land tenancy, we have made a field research on 1305 households in 36 villages randomly selected in Shandong, Hubei, Gansu and Guangxi Provinces and got first-hand data in the year of 2010.In this thesis, we made statistical descriptions of households’ trust in government and agricultural land tenancy in field survey areas firstly, and then found that the formers have significant effect on the latter from the empirical analysis. Furthermore, as with the increase of the degree of farmers’ trust in government, the ratio of the land tenancy net of final use of the land will become less and less, which means a greater possibility of land leasing. In another word, the more the households’ trust in government is, the more inclined the land tenancy will be. In this paper, we have explained the conclusions above and given the relevant policy recommendations from the conclusions.
The Role of Social Media on Establishing Brand Value: A Content Analysis on Banks in Turkey
Authors: Ergor Zeynep Birce , Ergin Elif Akagun
Published: March 2016

There is an increasing use of social media on a global scale and it has been forcing organizations to restructure and adjust their marketing activities. In a relationship-driven economy, the goal of achieving a sustainable competitive advantage makes it crucial to adapt to the ever-changing trends in the market. Social media contributes to this goal since it has a considerable impact on creating and shaping brand value for organizations. The social networks help organizations enhance the development of strong brands not only through promoting their products and services but also providing them the platform to build strong and reliable relationships with their customers. This paper aims to investigate the role of social media on brands by examining the active role of banks on social networks. For this purpose, the “tweets” of the five Turkish banks with the highest brand values in the banking sector have been analyzed by content analysis method. The sample banks are drawn from the Banker’s annual Top 500 Banking Brands 2014 report. Brand value is used as the selection criteria of the sample banks and “Twitter” social network is considered as the primary social media outlet. The data is composed of the “tweets” and gathered from the official Twitter accounts of the banks with the highest brand values in Turkey. The “retweets” and the texts sent by other Twitter users are excluded. The findings indicate that the sample banks are active users of social media. These banks do not only use Twitter but also other social networks as well as their official websites. In addition, the paper displays specific purposes the banks have for using social media sites.
Dynamics of the predator-prey models on the two-patch fragmented habitat with dispersal
Authors: Yang Ting-Hui , Cheng Kaijen , Yu Jin-Wei
Published: March 2016

In this work, we consider the population-dispersal dynamics for predator-prey interactions in a two-patch environment. On each fragmented patch, there is a two-species predator-prey ecological system. It is assumed that the predator species are mobile. The existence and local dynamics of boundary equilibria and interior equilibria with respect to parameters are completely classified. Moreover, global extinction results are established analytically. In particular, the phenomenon of over-exploitation is also found in these discrete patches models. Finally, some biological interpretations are discussed.
ТАЙШИРЫН УСАН ЦАХИЛГААН СТАНЦТАЙ ХОСЛОН АЖИЛЛАХ НАРНЫ ЦАХИЛГААН СТАНЦЫН СУДАЛГАА
Authors: Чадраа Баатар , Гантөмөр Г , Сайнболд С , Баасандорж Ч , Мэндбаяр Б , Пүрэвдалай Э
Published: March 2016

This paper presents study and results of 10 MW Solar PV plant that will be work with Taishir hydropower plant (as a hybrid system) in Mongolian West region.
Análise do efeito do método Pilates no perfil postural de idosas
Authors: Muniz Joseane Do Nascimento , Nunes Fernanda De Sousa , Sousa Felipe Aurélio Nunes de , Oliveira Jany Aline Alencar de , Oliveira Luciane Marta Neiva de , Torres Michelle Vicente
Published: March 2016

O processo de envelhecimento é caracterizado por diversas alterações morfológicas, fisiológicas, funcionais e bioquímicas. Objetivos: Investigar o efeito da aplicação de exercícios do método Pilates sobre ângulos e distâncias dos segmentos corporais de idosas. Métodos: Realizou-se um estudo quantitativo, de intervenção, com aplicação de 20 sessões de exercícios do método Pilates, duas vezes por semana, em uma população de 20 idosas, as quais passaram por uma avaliação postural biofotogramétrica pré
e pós-intervenção. Resultados: Foram observadas diferenças posturais, constatando-se redução da distância do ângulo inferior da escápula, distância dos epicôndilos, distância do processo estiloide; distância entre T1 e os ângulos inferiores da escápula, diminuição do ângulo manúbrio do esterno e epicôndilos e alinhamento horizontal da cabeça. Conclusões: A prática de exercícios do método Pilates foi suficiente para promover melhora em algumas variáveis posturais. Recomenda-se a realização de novos estudos com população e frequência maiores para obter-se efeito positivo nas demais variáveis do perfil postural.
Eating disorders and body image dissatisfaction among college students
Authors: Lofrano-Prado Mara Cristina , Prado Wagner Luiz , Barros Mauro Virgílio Gomes , Souza Sandra Lopes de
Published: March 2016

Introduction: Body image dissatisfaction and disordered eating behavior increase during college. Objectives: To identify symptoms of eating disorders and body image dissatisfaction in college students and to verify the relationship between eating disorders and body image dissatisfaction. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 408 college students (283 females), aged 18-23y, enrolled in the first semester of health science in public universities from Recife-PE. Symptoms of eating disorders and body image dissatisfaction were assessed by self-report questionnaires (EAT-26, BITE, BES, BSQ). Results: Body image dissatisfaction was independently associated with a 22-fold increased risk for anorexia nervosa, 18-fold for bulimia nervosa and 25-fold for binge eating. Female college students (32.5%; CI95%=27.2-38.1%) have higher symptoms of eating disorders than males (18.4%; CI95%=12.3-25.9%). Specifically for bulimia, both females (26.1%; CI95%=21.3-31.5%) and males (21.6%; CI95%=15.1-29.5%) are at greater risk of developing this illness. Conclusion: The current findings provide preliminary evidence about risks of college health sciences students with body image dissatisfaction to develop eating disorders.
Desempenho de repetições máximas adotando diferentes ordens de exercícios em uma sessão de treinamento de força para o membro superior
Authors: Oliveira Sirlene Leal de , Jerônimo Diego Pereira , Simão Roberto , Farias Déborah De Araújo , Paz Gabriel Andrade , Maia Marianna De Freitas , Miranda Humberto
Published: March 2016

Introdução: A ordem dos exercícios interfere diretamente no desempenho de força. Objetivo: Investigar a influência de diferentes ordens de execução de exercícios em uma sessão de treinamento de força sobre o desempenho de repetições. Métodos: Dezoito homens treinados realizaram dois protocolos experimentais randomizados: SEQA – supino reto (SR), supino inclinado (SI), desenvolvimento na máquina (DM), abdução de ombros (AO), tríceps pulley (TP) e tríceps francês (TF); SEQB – ordem inversa. Três séries com cargas de dez repetições máximas foram realizadas para todos os exercícios. Resultados: Observaram-se diferenças significativas no trabalho total (repetições x séries) para os exercícios SR, SI, DM, AO, e TF entre SEQA e SEQB, exceto no TP. Não houve diferenças significativas entre as sequências (p = 0,07), considerando o somatório de repetições para SEQA (2225 ± 2,44) e SEQB (2337 ± 3,02). Conclusão: Sugere-se que os exercícios prioritários sejam realizados no início da sessão de treinamento, independente do tamanho do grupo muscular.
Efeitos imediatos e tardios da mobilização neural sobre força de preensão palmar e complacência neural de membro superior: um ensaio clínico randomizado
Authors: Machado Aryane Flauzino , Silva Jaqueline Santos , Ferreira André Sinício Alves , Micheletti Jéssica Kirsch , Martini Fábio Antônio Néia
Published: March 2016

Introdução: A mobilização neural tem sido utilizada clinicamente a fim de restaurar e otimizar a função dos tecidos. Objetivos: Analisar o efeito imediato e tardio de técnicas de mobilização neural sobre a força de preensão palmar e complacência neural. Métodos: Vinte e sete participantes foram randomizadas em três grupos (G1: mobilização do nervo mediano, G2: mobilização do nervo radial e G3: mobilização do nervo ulnar). Valores de preensão palmar e complacência neural foram registrados nos momentos basal, 24 e 48 horas após a técnica. Resultados: O G1 apresentou diferença com relação ao basal (p
Níveis de ansiedade e depressão em gestantes submetidas a um programa de hidroterapia
Authors: Pacagnelli Francis Lopes , Freire Ana Paula Coelho Figueira , Rocha Ana Paula Rodrigues , Gomes Patricia Rodrigues Lourenço , Fregonesi Cristina Elena Prado Teles , Carmo Edna Maria do
Published: March 2016

Introdução: Poucos estudos demonstram a ação da hidroterapia no comportamento da ansiedade e depressão em gestantes. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito da hidroterapia sobre o nível de depressão e ansiedade, além de investigar possíveis associações destes sintomas com perfil sociodemográfico de gestantes. Métodos: Realizou-se avaliação inicial em 19 gestantes, com média de idade de 28,37±4,56 anos, e aplicou-se questionário sobre os níveis de ansiedade e depressão antes e após protocolo de hidroterapia de oito semanas. Resultados: Constatou-se predominância de mulheres casadas (63,15%), no terceiro trimestre gestacional (97,7%), com nível educacional elevado (52,63%). Não houve alterações nos níveis de ansiedade e depressão após intervenção de hidroterapia. Não foram encontradas associações entre perfil sociodemográfico e níveis de ansiedade e depressão. Conclusões: Não houve alterações nos sintomas de ansiedade e depressão das gestantes submetidas à hidroterapia. Além disso, não foram observadas associações entre características sociodemográficas e sintomas de ansiedade e depressão nessa população.
Avaliação educacional em larga escala: performatividade e perversão da experiência educacional
Authors: Dametto Jarbas , Esquinsani Rosimar Serena Siqueira
Published: March 2016

O texto propõe um debate crítico sobre as avaliações educacionais em larga escala e suas implicações junto à experiência pedagógica cotidiana. Por meio de revisão teórica e de uma compilação de estudos recentes sobre o tema, analisa-se a questão, concebendo a avaliação externa padronizada como um instrumento cujos meios e resultados alimentam ideais performáticos, tomando-se a performance como um princípio de legitimação típico da atualidade, perpassado pela concorrência e pela perspectiva produtivista extraída do âmbito privado. Debatem-se também subprodutos das avaliações, como a emergência dos rankings educacionais, da responsabilização docente, a apropriação midiática dos resultados, e as possíveis implicações de tais fenômenos. Por fim, exploram-se alguns dos efeitos da quantificação e da classificação voltada à educação, apontando prejuízos que um olhar baseado na performatividade pode acarretar à prática educacional.
Juventude e ensino médio: os processos de afastamento da escola
Authors: Salva Sueli , Ramos Ethiana Sarachin , Ramos Nara Vieira
Published: March 2016

Este artigo discute alguns dados da pesquisa “Culturas Juvenis e Formação Educacional: um estudo com jovens estudantes das escolas públicas de Santa Maria que se afastam dos processos formativos” a qual teve como objetivo compreender o processo de afastamento de jovens estudantes da escola. A pesquisa quantitativa e qualitativa de caráter etnográfico utilizou diferentes técnicas para a produção dos dados: questionário, observação, entrevista, grupos de discussão e análise documental. Os fatores que colaboram para o afastamento dos/as jovens são inúmeros, neste artigo vamos nos deter em alguns: falta de diálogo entre a escola e as culturas juvenis; negligencia da importância da atividade intelectual para os estudantes produzindo mais uma forma de exclusão; conteúdos que não atendem as necessidades desses/as jovens estudantes.
A significação da pedagogia: discursos de professores formadores e epistemologias em fluxo
Authors: Severo José Leonardo Rolim de Lima
Published: March 2016

Trata-se de um artigo que apresenta reflexões em torno dos resultados de uma pesquisa de campo cujo objetivo consistiu em compreender como professores que atuam como formadores de pedagogos em uma Universidade Pública brasileira atribuem significados epistemológicos à Pedagogia. O processo metodológico se definiu pela realização de entrevistas semi-estruturadas com 10 (dez) professores formadores que ministravam disciplinas de Fundamentação da Educação no curso de Pedagogia e pela análise dialógica do discurso (abordagem bakhtiniana) em interação com aportes analíticos providos pela Teoria das Representações Sociais. Aborda-se que a Pedagogia está inserida no campo de significações acerca do conhecimento pedagógico, do próprio curso e da identidade profissional do pedagogo, bem como representações resultantes do processo de significação que foram identificadas no discurso dos professores formadores os modos de incidência das mesmas na construção das perspectivas de ensino que orientam a sua ação docente.
As dimensões da Educação do Campo
Authors: Chamon Edna Maria Querido de Oliveira
Published: March 2016

A Educação do Campo, como parte de um projeto contra-hegemônico de sociedade, vai além de sua versão escolarizada, colocando-se na contramão da lógica capitalista. Sua proposta incorpora as dimensões política, social e cultural, além da própria dimensão pedagógica. Este artigo discute três dessas dimensões: epistemológica, sociológica e formativa, e as articulações entre elas. Em sua dimensão epistemológica, a Educação do Campo contesta a instrumentalização capitalista da ciência; no plano sociológico, opõe-se à exclusão da cultura e do conhecimento dos sujeitos do campo imposta dissimuladamente pela classe dominante; e, do ponto de vista da formação, afirma o trabalho como princípio educativo. Ela sustenta o direito dos povos do campo a pensar e a definir a educação a partir de seu lugar, de sua cultura e de suas necessidades.