bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Problem of teaching philosophy with regard for the needs of students in today’s society
Authors: Плужникова Наталья , Pluzhnikova Natalya , Падурец Сергей , Padurets Sergey
Published: March 2016

The article examines modern problems of teaching philosophy in high school. The attention is paid on issues such as reducing the demand for philosophical knowledge in students, especially students of technical specialties. This problem is considered in the context of social-cultural transformations of modern society and its priorities – innovative development, information of the social relations, the relevance of technological skills and applied knowledge among the younger generation. We studied the relation of philosophical knowledge to the needs and value orientations of the modern generation. The authors study the main myths of social consciousness of generation Y: lazy, need to serve instantly the needs, malevolence toward others, selfishness and spoiled. For the analysis of values of modern generation there was used the concept of an American coach-coach B. Hobart about the generation Y. There are the results of regional studies on issues of vital resources of modern man. There is updated the main problem of the young generation – the problem of shortage of vital resources, which are expressed in three dimensions: lack of knowledge, lack of communication and lack of time. The authors analyze the core values of generation Y – the resource knowledge and the resource of freedom of personal choice. Taking into account the transformation of the needs of the students they describe technology lectures on philosophy. They present such contemporary methods of training as brainstorming, method and method criteria. There is an example of the structure and key concepts of the lecture to University students on the topic “Consciousness as a philosophical category”. As necessary components of philosophy education, the authors today highlight the practical orientation, the technological component of practical training, as well as the increasing demands for the preparation of the contemporary teacher in philosophy.
Application features of case study method in teaching a foreign language at high school
Authors: Логинова Наталия , Loginova Nataliya , Чудайкина Галина , Chudaykina Galina , Костоварова Валентина , Kostovarova Valentina
Published: March 2016

The article is devoted to the application of one of the most modern and actively used interactive methods of teaching foreign languages at non-linguistic University – a case study. Method of case study is focused on students teaching methodology and develops critical thinking and communication skills of interpersonal communication. This method can be used to motivate students to use foreign language more in class. The authors believe that the method of case study is interdisciplinary by its nature and provides an opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in practice. The article emphasizes that working with cases requires students’ active development of research skills and skills in using multiple data sources. The authors believe that the types of case study can be different, it depends on the difficulty level and language skills of the students, so it’s necessary to choose the right kind of problem of the lesson appropriate to the level of knowledge of this group. Method of case study contributes to the development of skills in written and oral communication, as well as improves skills of cooperation and teamwork. The authors pay attention to the fact that classes using techniques of case study put students in a real situation, teaching them organizational skills such as the ability to hold a business meeting, to negotiate, to prepare and deliver presentations. The article describes the stages of the work, showing the advantages and difficulties of applying case study in the foreign language. When using this method of teaching it is necessary to equip classrooms with modern teaching technical facilities. The aim of this article is to determine the value of case study method as one of interactive methods of teaching foreign languages at the University, to familiarize the reader with the experience of using this method in teaching foreign languages at the Russian state University of tourism and service.
Audioguide as a means of accessible design for the visually impaired (blind) people
Authors: Ходякова Наталия , Khodyakova Nataliya , Ходяков Дмитрий , Khodyakov Dmitriy
Published: March 2016

The article describes the problem of social and cultural adaptation and pedagogical support of continuous personal development of visually impaired (blind) people. There is a brief overview of the various aspects of this problem. The article emphasizes the urgency of creating an accessible environment for these groups of people with disabilities. It describes the psychological and pedagogical regularities underlying the design environment of personal development and important components of the environment (stimuli, procedure opportunities, developing content and communication activities), providing a process of continuously increasing the subjective status of a person in the course of its life. The article characterizes special feature of adaptation and rehabilitation of persons with disabilities who lost their sight in the later stages of ontogenesis. Authors identify the features of perception of its surroundings, typical of this group of disabled people emotional distress and special needs. They determine the need for psychological support and aid the visually impaired (blind) people with different subjective status. The authors find the solution of the stated problem of expansion of borders available for the visually impaired (blind) people environment the authors are looking for in tourism. They propose to develop for the visually impaired special kind of tour – audio tours, allowing you to recreate the sound atmosphere of the knowledge of new places and cultural attractions. The article discusses quality differences of the audio guide and audio guide. The authors provide recommendations for the design of audio tours for the visually impaired (blind) people. In addition, they propose the algorithm of the technology of creation of the audio guide consisting of five steps. They list the necessary conditions for the design of audio tours: composition required for the project implementation specialists and logistics support. The article emphasizes the social importance of the activities on the creation of audio tours for healthy people.
On the Effectiveness of Uniform Subsidies in Increasing Market Consumption
Authors: Levi Retsef , Perakis Georgia , Romero Gonzalo
Published: March 2016

We study the problem faced by a central planner trying to increase the consumption of a good, such as new malaria drugs in Africa. The central planner allocates subsidies to its producers, subject to a budget constraint and endogenous market response. The policy most commonly implemented in practical applications of this problem is uniform, in the sense that it allocates the same per-unit subsidy to every firm, primarily because of its simplicity and perceived fairness. Surprisingly, we identify sufficient conditions of the firms’ marginal costs such that uniform subsidies are optimal, even if the firms’ efficiency levels are arbitrarily different. Moreover, this insight is usually preserved even if the central planner is uncertain about the specific market conditions. Further in many cases, uniform subsidies simultaneously attain the best social welfare solution. Additionally, simulation results in relevant settings where uniform subsidies are not optimal suggest that they induce a nearly optimal market consumption. On the other hand, if the firms face a fixed cost of entry to the market, then the performance of uniform subsidies can be significantly worse, suggesting the need for an alternative policy in this setup.

This paper was accepted by Yossi Aviv, operations management.
Preventing malpractice
Authors: Chima Jugjit
Published: March 2016

Every year there are incidents of examination malpractice by both students and school staff. Jugjit Chima looks at how schools can avoid any problems and also advises on having an effective examinations policy
Editorial
Authors: Henshaw Pete
Published: March 2016

The on-going battle to protect young people's mental health would be bolstered by the DfE making PSHE and SRE statutory subjects, argues Pete Henshaw
Is it a senior leader?
Authors: Harris Sean
Published: March 2016

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's a newly appointed member of the senior leadership team! Drawing on the world of superheroes, Sean Harris offers his advice to new leaders
Regional Schools Commissioners ‘must become more transparent’
Authors: Henshaw Pete
Published: March 2016

Education Select Committee urges ministers to improve transparency and accountability of England's eight government-appointed RSCs
Personalised learning checklists
Authors: Cranna Mary
Published: March 2016

A project to raise standards through a ‘diagnosis, therapy, testing’ approach and by using ‘personalised learning checklists’ is proving successful. Mary Cranna explains more
Hands up!
Authors: Sullivan Karen
Published: March 2016

A raft of research shows the benefits to students of volunteering to help their local communities and others. Karen Sullivan takes a look and offers some ideas
Sexting: A growing issue
Authors: Sullivan Karen
Published: March 2016

Plans to stop children being prosecuted for ‘sexting’ will not make life any easier for schools trying to tackle this modern phenomenon. Karen Sullivan offers some practical advice
Mental health – what about the teachers?
Authors: Stanley Julian
Published: March 2016

The focus on young people's mental health is important, says Julian Stanley, but we must not forget school staff – who are just as vulnerable to problems
Life after levels for SEN students
Authors: Sobel Daniel
Published: March 2016

A recent day of discussions between school leaders from across England focused on the impact that the move to assessment without levels might have on vulnerable pupils, especially those with SEN. Daniel Sobel reports on some of the challenges, solutions and conclusions
Tackling coastal challenges
Authors: Whigham Susie
Published: March 2016

The challenges facing coastal schools have become a key focus for the government. Susie Whigham explains how effective parental engagement can help to tackle many of the issues that isolated schools face
Fenofibrate-Induced Immune Thrombocytopenia; Topical Pramoxine-Induced Anaphylaxis; Nexplanon Delayed Hypersensitivity; Cyclosporine-Induced Cutaneous Pseudolymphoma; Severe Acute Hepatitis with Intravenous Amiodarone; Herpes-like Skin Eruption Due to Fluconazole
Authors: Mancano Michael A.
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this feature is to heighten awareness of specific adverse drug reactions (ADRs), discuss methods of prevention, and promote reporting of ADRs to the US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) MedWatch program (800–FDA-1088). If you have reported an interesting, preventable ADR to MedWatch, please consider sharing the account with our readers.
Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis Compliance before and after Electronic Health Record Implementation
Authors: Saum Lindsay , Reeves David
Published: March 2016

Background

Adherence to American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis helps avoid thromboembolic complications during hospitalization. Electronic health records (EHR) have the potential to make an impact on guideline adherence, but data are lacking.

Objectives

To determine compliance with VTE prophylaxis guidelines in internal medicine and oncology populations and to determine whether EHR implementation had any effect on the rate and appropriateness of prophylaxis practices.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted on medical and oncology patients admitted to the hospital for a 2-month period pre-EHR and post-EHR implementation. Risk assessment tools were available pre and post, however they were not mandatory. The rate of VTE prophylaxis was compared between the 2 time periods, with appropriateness assessed in a subgroup of participants without prophylaxis.

Results

A total of 2,423 patients on the oncology and internal medicine floors were identified during the pre-EHR ( n = 1,171) and post-EHR ( n = 1,252) time periods. Patients in the post-EHR group were less likely to be prescribed prophylaxis as compared to those in the pre-EHR group (43% vs 50%; P = .001). In the patients audited for proper prophylaxis use ( n = 750), significantly more patients in the post-EHR group had risk factors (84% vs 53%; P <.001) and contraindications (23% vs 8%; P = .001) than in the pre-EHR group. Noncompliance to prophylaxis in patients who were candidates (positive risk factors without contraindications) occurred more often in the post-EHR group (51% vs 39%; P <.001).

Conclusion

Implementation of an EHR was associated with an increase in the documentation of risk factors and contraindications; however, there was a significant decrease in VTE prophylaxis utilization after EHR implementation.
Antimicrobial Stewardship Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices among Health Care Professionals at Small Community Hospitals
Authors: Buckel Whitney R. , Hersh Adam L. , Pavia Andy T. , Jones Peter S. , Owen-Smith Ashli A. , Stenehjem Edward
Published: March 2016

Background

Very little is known about antimicrobial stewardship knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among health care practitioners in small, community hospitals (SCHs) compared to large community hospitals (LCHs).

Objective

To compare infectious diseases (ID) clinical resources and describe KAP pertaining to antimicrobial stewardship among prescribers, pharmacists, and administrators from a large hospital network including a comparison between SCHs and LCHs.

Methods

An anonymous 48-item antimicrobial stewardship KAP survey was administered to pharmacists, prescribers, and administrators at 15 SCH (<200 beds) and 5 LCHs (>200 beds) within an integrated health care network.

Results

In total, 588 (14%) completed the survey: 198 from SCHs and 390 from LCHs. Most respondents were familiar or very familiar with the term antimicrobial stewardship and felt that antimicrobial stewardship was necessary. Most pharmacists and prescribers agreed that antimicrobials were overused at their hospital. However, SCH pharmacists and prescribers were more likely to disagree that antibiotic resistance is a significant problem locally. Pharmacists saw restrictions as a reasonable method of controlling antibiotic use more than prescribers. SCH practitioners were less familiar with IDSA guidelines and less likely to rely on ID specialists to a greater extent than LCH practitioners. Most respondents strongly agreed they would like more antimicrobial education.

Conclusion

SCH and LCH pharmacists, prescribers, and administrators are aware of antimicrobial resistance and overuse and agree that antimicrobial stewardship programs are necessary. SCHs are less likely to contact ID for information. These results support the development of antimicrobial stewardship programs at SCHs, while recognizing the significant differences in availability and utilization of resources.
Western Women and Islam: Embracing and Negotiating Muslim Identity
Authors: Rahat Raja
Published: March 2016

Today, women-related questions are considered to be one of the most controversial questions regarding Islam in Europe. The resurgent interest in Women, as well as the gender questions emanating, and spreading from the West is due to an increasing, more assertive and visible Muslim population, and the ensuing issues focusing on women such as the hijaab and niqaab (veil). As a corollary to this, gender issues are central in the discussions of conversion to Islam, whereby female conversion to Islam has become a focal point of Western efforts to understand Islam. This paper aims to provide an overall analysis of the phenomenon of the appeal, and embracing of Islam by Western women in the context of how they view the status given to them by Western society, the pull and push factors; their attempt to create a niche of identity, dignity and equity for Muslim women both within the discourse among Muslims on the role of women in Islam, as well as a space within the overall narrative of ‘Islam in the West;’ all of this being despite the polemics centering on the rights of women where the portrayal of Islam is that of a patriarchal, sexist religion that subjugates and demeans women.
China and SAARC: Connectivity — Need for an Enabling Environment
Authors: Khalid Rahman
Published: March 2016

Connectivity with others is among the basic requirements of human beings, societies and nations. It has been present, and continues to expand, in form and substance. Things are being shaped up quite rapidly with the advancement in information and communication technologies. In the particular context of China and South Asian countries, while physical connectivity and the development of related infrastructure — roads and railways, bridges, pipelines, and communication lines etc. — remain the important element in improving the relationship, more vital is to focus on soft i.e. non-physical aspects of connectivity; policies, procedures and rules. Thus, a favorable regulatory mechanism with regard to the movement of people, goods, finances as well as information is required. On a greater level, mental, political and social connectivity between the people, is a prerequisite. This, in turn, would provide a lasting and sustainable foundation for good relations.

Revised version of the Paper presented in the China-South Asia Think-Tank Forum held in Kunming, China, on June 6–7, 2013, under the auspices of Institute of South Asian Studies, Yunnan Academy of Social Sciences.
The Evolution in Global Power Balance and Pak-China Relations
Authors: M. Akram Zaki
Published: March 2016

The global power paradigm is witnessing a major shift, from the West to the East, and China is emerging as a key player at the world scene. While Pak-China relations have always remained coordinal, new opportunities of enhanced cooperation at bilateral and beyond bilateral level are opening up with this global power shift. China can help Pakistan attain the latter's due role at forums such as SCO, can also play a role in normalizing Pak-India relations, and may offer substantial cooperation Vis-à-vis regional stability particularly with reference to Afghanistan. Pakistan, on its part, provides a secure and feasible corridor for China's momentous production sector and to meet its growing energy needs. The two time-tested partners can also cooperate closely at global forums.

The article is a revised version of the concluding speech made at the last session of the three day conference “Pakistan China Relations: Bilateral and Beyond Bilateral Exchanges” organized by the Institute of Policy Studies in collaboration with Chinese and Pakistani academic institutions, on April 28–30, 2014. The session took place at the University of Management and Technology, Lahore on April 30.
Towards Responsible Citizenry: Conceptual Framework and the Way Forward
Authors: Khalid Rahman
Published: March 2016

Islamic teachings and beliefs present the conceptual framework for preparing responsible and concerned citizens, while the acts of worship provide the training and upbringing of individuals and society for the purpose. A Muslim cannot stand indifferent to the needs and requirements of fellow human beings as well as towards the protection and judicious utilization of the nature and natural resources — aimed at comprehensive and all-round development of individual, society and the planet. With 97 percent population being Muslim, the sense of civic responsibility and obligations towards society finds solid ideological footings in Pakistan. It may be cemented further with spread of Islamic teachings, strengthening and channelizing the role of mosque, sensitization through media and synergizing the educational system, particularly the curriculum, for this grand purpose. The government's role Vis-à-vis providing an enabling environment, remains pivotal.

An earlier version of the paper was presented in the seminar titled Promoting Civic Responsibility in Technical Universities of Pakistan, organized by Centre for Policy Studies, COMSATS Institute of Information and Technology, Islamabad on November 26, 2013.
The Transformation of Turkish Foreign Policy Towards the Middle East
Authors: M. Sheharyar Khan
Published: March 2016

Turkey has traditionally looked at the Middle East with caution ever since it's declaration of secular republic and tilted towards the West in its foreign policy formulation. However, the onset of 21st century brought Justice and Development Party (AKP) to rule the country straddling the two continents. The party, internally, has turned around the country putting it on the path of progress and development. On the international front, it has taken an active approach towards the Middle East, especially its neighboring countries in recent years. Ankara's approach towards Iran, Iraq and Syria – the three countries with which it shares land borders – as well as Israel has seen many ups and downs in the post 2000 period. Factors like Iraq War and the resultant autonomy of the Kurds; Israel's belligerent posture; the Arab Spring and more recently the emergence of the Islamic State have all played significant role in this transformation. The overall impact of this transformation and the future course of action, however, remain yet to be seen.
Hindu Marriage Law: Need, Impediments and Policy Guidelines
Authors: Syed Nadeem Farhat
Published: March 2016

Pakistan does not have a marriage law for Hindus. Customary law has been practiced to address issues among the community members. Law is needed to provide necessary documentation, standardization and provision of rights to every individual. Successive efforts for legislating upon Hindu marriages have been marred by intra-community differences on issues like divorce. An enduring change in mindset and recognition of the law among Hindu community asks for a comprehensive intra-community dialogue but mechanism for marriage registration needs to be devised through legislation without further delay.
The Slum Film Festival in Nairobi: Exploring cinematic representation from the urban margins
Authors: Olivieri Federico , Wong Joshua Michael
Published: March 2016

Since the introduction of digital film-making in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya, there has been an unprecedented growth of audio-visual production by individuals within these communities despite the fact that venues for local exhibition were virtually non-existent. In 2011, a specific film event called the Slum Film Festival (SFF) was created to both recognize these unique, self-mediated representations from the slums and to screen these films for their own internal audiences. In this article, we will question how mainstream media relegates slum communities to the margins of formal urban life by documenting some of the aspects that led to the creation of this particular film festival and commenting on some of its selected films. By using qualitative information from literature review, first-hand professional experience of the authors in Nairobi and interviews with SFF participants, we will analyse external and internal perceptions of the slums through its films, which compose a ‘slum filmography’ resulting in a more diverse understanding of Kenya’s main urban slums and more complex definitions of identity.
Cinematographic techniques in three Kenyan films
Authors: Diang’a Rachael
Published: March 2016

This study investigates cinematography in Kenyan feature films from 1980 to 2010. Informed by Michael Rabiger’s (2008) view of film form as the manner in which content is presented, it is grounded on the assumption that the formal trajectories of the Kenyan feature films in the industry’s first three decades have been shaped, to a large extent by certain historical, economic or sociopolitical dynamics that characterized the country in that period. Three films, Kolormask (Gamba, 1986), Saikati (Mungai, 1992) and Unseen, Unsung, Unforgotten (Ombogo-Scott and Mbuthia, 2008) are analysed to form a basis for this discussion. Each of the three films represents a decade in the history of feature film making in post-independent Kenya. A film represents a decade because the rate of film production per year was extremely low as the industry began. This continues to change today. Text analysis and interviews with film-makers form the larger sources of primary data for this study.
Desenvolvimento e qualidade do azevém no sub-bosque de angico-vermelho em sistema silvipastoril
Authors: Pilau Janine , Elli Elvis Felipe , Nardino Maicon , Korcelski Cleiton , Schmidt Denise , Caron Braulio Otomar
Published: March 2016

The aim of this study was to evaluate the development and quality of ryegrass in an understorey of angico-vermelho in a silvopastoral system. The experimental design was a complete randomized block, with a 2x6 factorial, being two systems of production (full sunlight and silvopastoral) and six times of harvest (15, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 days after ryegrass emergence), with three replications. The interception of the photosynthetically active solar radiation, average air temperature, dry matter, leaf area and protein content were evaluated. According to the analysis of variance, the interaction between production system and time of harvest resulted in significant differences for dry matter and the protein content and leaf area resulted in differences only according to the harvest time. The development of ryegrass is influenced by shading, when grown in this study conditions. The shade provided by angico-vermelho reduces the amount of ryegrass dry matter of ryegrass, but this reduction does not limit the use of the specie to compose a silvopastoral system. The total protein content and leaf area of ryegrass are not influenced by the light restriction.
Fisiologia da percepção do estresse salino em híbridos de tangerineira “Sunki Comum” sob solução hidropônica salinizada
Authors: Sá Francisco Vanies da Silva , Brito Marcos Eric Barbosa , Silva Luderlândio de Andrade , Moreira Romulo Carantino Lucena , Fernandes Pedro Dantas , Figueiredo Lizaiane Cardoso de
Published: March 2016

In order to study the physiology of perception of saline stress in ‘Common Sunki’ mandarin hybrids, an experiment was realized in a greenhouse at the CCTA - UFCG, Pombal, PB, Brazil,using using a randomized block design with a 2x4 factorial , with two levels of salinity (0.3 and 4.0 dS m-1) and four ‘Common Sunki’ mandarin hybrids (1 - TSKC x CTARG–019; 2 - TSKC x CTSW–028; 3 - TSKC x CTSW–033 and 4 - TSKC x CTSW-041), with three replications and four plants per plot. The plants were grown hydroponically and 90 days after sowing, a saline water solution was applied on rootstocks and evaluations of gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence were carried out 24 and 48 hours after saline stress. Changes on physiologic conditions were observed in the hybrids TSKC x CTSW - 028, TSKC x CTSW - 033 and TSKC x CTSW - 041 during the first 24 hours of saline stress. Fot the hybrid TSKC x CTARG – 019, changes were observed after 48 hours od salinity stress. According to salinity tolerance, the hybrids could be classified as follows: TSKC x CTARG - 019 > TSKC x CTSW - 028 = TSKC x CTSW – 041 > TSKC x CTSW - 033.
Does Sourgrass leaf anatomy influence glyphosate resistance?
Authors: Barroso Arthur Arrobas Martins , Galeano Esteban , Albrecht Alfredo Junior Paiola , Dos Reis Fabrícia Cristina , Victoria Filho Ricardo
Published: March 2016

Sourgrass(Digitaria insularis, L. Mez ex Ekman)is a weed that requires high rates of glyphosate ((N-[phosphonomethyl]-glycine) forcontrol, verylittle of the herbicide applied isabsorbed by theleaves. Morphological and histological differences in leaves of glyphosate-resistant and glyphosate-susceptible plantsshould explain the contrast of variance between herbicide susceptibility. Leaves of different growth andphenological stages were collected and submitted to histological andelectron microscopy scanning analysis. Those plants were also submitted to a glyphosate dose-response curve analysis. The results suggest thatbiotypes exhibits differences infoliar structures that can influence the uptake and translocation of glyphosate. A thinparenchyma, lesser distance amongvascular bundles, and higher phloem sizewere found in resistant biotypes (differences close to 10%). Minor stomata number and higher epicuticular waxy deposition in stomata and leaf surface were found in resistant plants when leaves came from regrowth, leading to a possiblelesser herbicide absorption. Resistant plants showed absence of trichomes in late stages of development (64% less trichomes than susceptible plants). The higher concentration of trichomes in susceptible plants can be an absorption pathfor glyphosate getthrough the cuticle.
Qualidade do maracujá amarelo fertirrigado com nitrogênio e substâncias húmicas
Authors: Silva Roberto Lustosa , Lucena Cavalcante Ítalo Herbert , Melo de Sousa Karla Dos Santos , Galhardo Cristiane Xavier , Santana Elisson Alves , Lima Deisiele Diniz
Published: March 2016

The quality of yellow passion fruits is affected by genetic and exogenous factors like climate, soil and agricultural practices such as fertilizing and irrigation. Thus, an experiment was developed from February to December 2013 to evaluate the effect of nitrogen fertigation and humic substances on physical and chemical quality of yellow passion fruits. The experimental design used was in complete blocks design with subdivided plots with N rates (180, 200, 260, 330 and 350 kg ha-1 year-1) in parcels and application of humic substances (with and without) in sub-parcels, with five repetitions of six plants. At 210 days after transplanting all fruits were harvested and conducted to the laboratory for evaluation of fruit mass, longitudinal and transversal fruit diameter, skin thickness, pulp percentage, pulp pH, vitamin C, soluble solids, titratable acidity, and soluble solids/titratable acidity ratio. Fruits produced, independently of the treatment, are adequate for consumption as in natura or processed fruit. It is possible to recommend a dose of 260 kg ha-1 of N without humic substances for production of good quality yellow passion fruits.
Desinfestação e estabelecimento in vitro de explantes de bananeira ‘Thap maeo’ (sub grupo AAB) submetidos a concentrações de cloro ativo
Authors: Pereira Gustavo Alves , Boliani Aparecida Conceição , Correa Luiz Souza
Published: March 2016

Most of banana plantations are still carried out using traditional seedlings types, named in Brazil as ‘chifrinho’, ‘chifre’, ‘chifrão’ (with a literal translation of little horn, horn and big horn, respectivelly) and also using rizoma pieces. Other propagation methods, such as micropropagation, have been developed and improved in order to increase the multiplication rate in a short period of time and improve the seedlings phytossanitary canditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ‘in vitro’ disinfection using active chlorine concentrations in explants of ‘Thap maeo’ bananas , which is a viriety resistant to black and yellow Sigatokas, as well as Panama disease. The treatments were: T1 – control without active chlorine , T2 - 0.5% of active chlorine, T3 - 1.0% of active chlorine, T4 - 1.5% of active chlorine and T5 - 2% of active chlorine. The percentage of contamination by bacteria and fungi as well as the percentage of oxidation of the explants were evaluated. It was concluded that the highest efficiency among treatments was the T5 – immersion of the explants in 2% of active chlorine, whichresullted in 82% and 88% of reduction, respectively, for bacteria and fungi.
Crescimento vegetativo e teores de nutrientes em mudas de oliveira em competição com plantas daninhas
Authors: Martins Larissa Madureira , Cruz Maria do Céu Monteiro , De Oliveira Adelson Francisco , Dos Santos José Barbosa , Fagundes Miriã Cristina Pereira
Published: March 2016

Olive tree has improved yield and production area in Brazil. However, little is known about the weeds impact on olive tree growth and nutrition. The study was carried out to evaluate the vegetative growth and nutrient contents in olive tree seedlings in competition with different weed species. The 2x5 factorial scheme was used, being the factors a combination of two olive cultivars (‘Arbequina’ and ‘Ascolano’) and four competing plant species, Brachiaria brizantha, Amaranthus retroflexus, Bidens pilosa, Cenchrus echinatus and one control treatment (without competition), distributed in a completely randomized design with four replications and the evaluations were carried out at 45 and 90 days after weed emergence. For each specie, the density of one competing plant per pot was established and the thinning was done immediately after weed emergence. The period of coexistence between olive cultivars and competing plants was 90 days after weed emergence. Weed competiton affectedolive seedlings growth, dry mass and nutrient accumulation.. ‘Ascolano’ was more tolerant to weed competition and A. retroflexus and B. pilosa were the species with the greater potential to competition with olive seedlings.
Central composite rotatable design approach to optimize ‘Italia’ raisin drying conditions
Authors: Rybka Ana Cecília Poloni , De Freitas Sérgio Tonetto , Netto Acácio Figueiredo , Biasoto Aline Camarão Telles
Published: March 2016

Considering its high demand and limited production, raisin represents an important alternative to diversify grape processed products around the world. The aim of this study was to determine the best combination between drying temperature and time required to reach the highest consumer acceptance of ‘Italia’ raisin produced in the semi-arid climate in Brazil. The drying conditions were combinations between drying temperatures of 50, 56, 70, 84 and 90°C and drying times of 16, 22, 35, 48 and 54 hours, following a central composite rotational design (CCRD). The best combination between drying temperature and time was estimated to be 70°C for 35 hours (h), based on overall consumer acceptance. According to the statistical analysis used, drying at 70 °C for 35h and at 59 °C for 28h results in equal overall consumer acceptance, being the second option the more economical. Taste and texture, raisin chroma values and pH were more positively correlated to overall acceptance. The results indicate that drying at 59ºC for 28 h is the most efficient drying condition for raisins from ‘Italia’ grapes grown in Brazilian semi-arid condition. This study uses a new approach based on the central composite rotatable design to determine the most efficient drying temperature and time for ‘Italia’ raisins.
The Use of Social Media Services at Scottish Universities
Authors: Rennie Frank
Published: March 2016

The opportunities for Scottish universities to engage with their staff, students and the general public using social media services is examined. The presence of public-facing social media links on university homepages was noted to be common to all institutions. Although the specific social media services identified varied considerably, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube were the most prevalent. Using a web-based survey, policies, practices and attitudes towards the use of social media in education by staff and students were explored. The results indicate that while the use of social media by Scottish universities is widespread, there is no consensus on who can use these services or for what purpose these services are encouraged. Neither are there clear official guidelines on the use of social media services for engaging with education and research. All the universities were consistent in their use of third-party social media services rather than using internal, bespoke applications. This paper documents a baseline for the emerging use of social media by universities and notes that the current situation is embryonic, inconsistent, and at times contradictory. A longitudinal study is recommended.
Cut It Up and Put It Back Together: Cut-up and Collage as Tools to Overcome Academic Deadlock
Authors: Bager-Elsborg Anna , Loads Daphne
Published: March 2016

This ‘On the Horizon’ paper concerns creativity in the research process as a way to overcome unhelpful pre-understandings and ‘false clarity’. This paper gives an idea of how we can allow research to be as complex and messy as reality. Cut-up and collage are introduced and suggested as a way of letting go of rational analysis and allowing subconscious observations to come forward. The research example is from a project examining the disciplinary characteristics of academic law in a research intensive university.
Vocabulary Learning with the Moodle Glossary Tool: A Case Study
Authors: Ratz Sibylle
Published: March 2016

Vocabulary learning is a vital part of mastering a language and experience has shown that students often neglect to routinely work on this aspect leading to problems with listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. This case study describes and evaluates the use of the Moodle glossary to support vocabulary learning in the modern language classroom. First-year students of German added 30 vocabulary items to the glossary each week. All students were encouraged to learn the new contributions on a weekly basis and classroom activities were used to reinforce the new vocabulary. Contributions were expected to follow a certain format, and students received a small percentage of their mark for their contributions. A mixed-method approach using surveys, statistics from Moodle, feedback notes, observation notes, email exchanges, and a focus group with students served to analyse the effectiveness of the Moodle glossary. Results showed that all students contributed to building the tool, though technological support from the instructor was sometimes necessary. Students less regularly read the contributions of others. A comparison of the Moodle activity report and the weekly quiz results suggested that engaging with the tool led to improved quiz results. The tool was successful in promoting independent learning, however extrinsic motivators (such as assessment and quizzes) proved necessary for some students. In general, the Moodle glossary was a useful tool for vocabulary learning and recommendations for a successful implementation are given. This case study will be of interest to language instructors, but also to learners and instructors dealing with specialised terminology.
Enhancing Students’ Tertiary Blended Learning Experience Through Embedding Digital Information Literacy
Authors: Schwenger Bettina Kathrin
Published: March 2016

This article argues that integrating practices of digital information literacy can support a learner-centred, developmental blended learning experience. It considers the consequences of blended learning delivery for teachers and students and how the affordances of such delivery might benefit digital information literacy development. Additionally, the article aims to contribute to a discussion about the design of blended learning for digital information literacy development in tertiary institutions.
Developing a Guiding Protocol for the Moderation of Summative Assessments
Authors: McGuire Willie , Raaper Rille
Published: March 2016

According to literature, assessment moderation is a process for assuring ‘valid, fair and reliable’ assessment outcomes but also consistency of applied marking criteria. While being an important area in assessment, moderation is often referred as an ‘under researched area of higher education’. The School of Education in the University of Glasgow, like many other academic units in the UK and internationally, adopts a range of approaches to moderating assessment within any one programme and across programmes. By drawing on a small-scale study carried out in academic year 2014/2015, this article introduces the ways course leaders and markers from the School of Education experience moderation practices and their own roles within this process. The paper argues that both groups experience assessment moderation as being a diverse and often problematic part of assessment that requires time and collegial support. Furthermore, their detailed suggestions for institutional and practice level improvements will be highlighted. When exploring and analysing the research findings, the paper draws on recent scholarly work on social moderation and the development of communities of practice in assessment.
Proofs of some conjectures on monotonicity of ratios of Kummer, Gauss and generalized hypergeometric functions
Authors: Sitnik Sergei M. , Mehrez Khaled
Published: March 2016

In 1993 one of the authors formulated some conjectures on monotonicity of ratios for exponential series sections. These lead to a more general conjecture on monotonicity of ratios of Kummer hypergeometric functions, which remained open ever since. In this paper we prove some conjectures for Kummer hypergeometric functions and its further generalizations for Gauss and generalized hypergeometric functions. The results are also closely connected with Turán-type inequalities.
2. Beneficial Aspects of Inulin Supplementation as a Fructooligosaccharide Prebiotic in Monogastric Animal Nutrition – A Review
Authors: Kozłowska Izabela , Marć-Pieńkowska Joanna , Bednarczyk Marek
Published: March 2016

Inulin is widely used as a prebiotic additive in the nutrition of farm animals and pets. This fructooligosaccharide demonstrates a beneficial effect on host health by stimulating the growth and development of commensal bacterial species inhabiting the large intestine. Used for example in the feeding of piglets, inulin greatly enhances their daily body weight gains and also reduces the risk of anemia (Tako et al., 2008). In poultry, in the case of meat breeds, inulin provides better feed utilization, increases the daily gains and the final carcass weight (Ammerman et al., 1988). In laying hens, it positively stimulates the production of eggs (Chen et al., 2005). The addition of prebiotics in the diet of dogs has a positive effect on the concentration of the end products of sugar and protein fermentation in the colon, thus contributing to the health status and good condition of the animal (Flickinger et al., 2003 b; Middelbos et al., 2007). Moreover, inulin beneficially affects the efficiency of the immune system of the organism (including the anticarcinogenic properties) (Kelly-Quagliana et al., 1998), as well as lipids and the cholesterol metabolism by effectively reducing their concentrations in the blood serum (Grela et al., 2014 a). This paper characterizes inulin as a prebiotic additive in the diet of selected species of monogastric animals. In addition, data about the hypolipidemic and immunostimulatory properties of inulin are presented.
Molecular Cytogenetics in the Diagnostics of Balanced Chromosome Mutations in the Pig (Sus scrofa) – A Review
Authors: Danielak-Czech Barbara , Kozubska-Sobocińska Anna , Rejduch Barbara
Published: March 2016

Continually improved cytogenetic techniques (differential staining and high resolution banding techniques), complemented with the molecular genetics methods (FISH and PRINS), enable chromosomal mutations to be accurately identified in the karyotype of the pig (Sus scrofa). The major breeding problem are balanced mutations because of their hidden nature, as they affect the animals with normal body conformation (and normal semen parameters in boars), which transfer these aberrations to the next generations and disseminate in the population. This refers to the structural rearrangements (translocations and inversions), causing developmental abnormalities and considerably reducing fertility and productivity parameters in breeding herds, which results in substantial financial losses. Routine karyotype screening using modern cytomolecular diagnostic methods is necessary due to the potential emergence of new mutations and the rapid spread of these genetic defects in the population, especially under artificial insemination conditions.
Is depth information and optical flow helpful for visual control?
Authors: Hansen Johannes , Ebner Marc
Published: March 2016

The human visual system was shaped through natural evolution. We have used artificial evolution to investigate whether depth information and optical flow are helpful for visual control. Our experiments were carried out in simulation. The task was controlling a simulated racing car. We have used The Open Racing Car Simulator for our experiments. Genetic programming was used to evolve visual algorithms that transform input images (color, optical flow, or depth information) to control commands for a simulated racing car. We found that significantly better solutions were found when color, depth, and optical flow were available as input together compared with color, depth, or optical flow alone.
Modelling of the Quality Management of the Human Resource Training
Authors: Bucur Amelia
Published: March 2016

It is known that for the scientific substantiation of quality management have been applied models that pertain to mathematical statistics, the probability theory, the information theory, fuzzy systems, graphic methods, time series, and algebraic and numerical methods.

The models are designed to identify certain flaws and to prevent failures, but also to develop goals based on the implementation of the proposed solutions.

The models are recommendations for the identification of opportunities to improve the quality management of human resource training and to make changes in the attitudes and actions performed by the management of organizations.

This paper sets forth a new result that use the concept of global indicator.
Organizational Trust Between Institutional and Interpersonal Trust
Authors: Rusu Raluca , Baboş Alexandru
Published: March 2016

This paper presents organizational trust as antecedent for organizational effectiveness. The main discussed problem, after trust perspectives interpretation presentation (rational and identification), is linked to the way in which trust can be built in organizations by managers, starting from managing the interpersonal trust.
Threats and Risks Generated by Illegal Migration Flows and Their Control
Authors: Tarnu Lucian Ioan
Published: March 2016

Migration has existed since the beginning of mankind. The phenomenon has not been ceased in time, but it has changed and acquired new forms. Migration processes are conducted simultaneously and they are increasing in many countries. One of the long term results of this development could be the emergence of multicultural societies, tending towards new concepts of citizenship or national state. Most of the developed countries have become diversified and multiethnic societies, and those who have not reached this level yet, have turned decisively in this direction.

The social consequences of migration are as important as its influence on the economy. The regulation of the migration processes supposes the application of legal, administrative and socio-economic measures that are aimed to stimulate or limit the migration of population in or from the country, to ensure the respect of the migrants’ rights, to fight against both the illegal migration and illicit trafficking in human beings.