bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE EFFECT OF TIMING OF TEACHING RELEVANT MATHEMATICS PRINCIPLES ON ACHIEVEMENT IN CHEMISTRY
Authors: Offiah Franca , Samuel Naomi
Published: June 2016

This study is on the influence of a prior knowledge of mathematics principles on achievement in chemistry. The researcher investigated whether or not students’ achievement in chemistry could be improved by teaching them selected mathematical principles before teaching chemistry or teaching them selected mathematical principles simultaneously with chemistry. The study was carried out in Anambra State Nigeria. The design is quasi-experimental involving 300 secondary 2 students from six secondary schools distributed into three groups. Group one was taught mathematics before chemistry, group two, was taught mathematics simultaneously with chemistry, while group three received no special mathematics lesson. The groups were pre-tested with an instrument comprised of 50 multiple choice questions in chemistry and post-tested with a reshuffled edition of the pre-test after experiment. The researchers used ANCOVA to analyze the results, which revealed that the students taught mathematics before chemistry outperformed other groups.
CHALLENGES IN THE APPLICATIONS OF E-LEARNING BY SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS IN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Nwana Sabina
Published: June 2016

This is an empirical research study which investigated the challenges in the application of e-learning in secondary schools in Onitsha North LGA, Anambra State, Nigeria. Two hundred and twenty-five (225) teachers in public secondary schools were used as the sample for the study. A self-developed instrument (TIUELM) on the availability and use of e-learning materials was used for data collection. The instrument contained 25 items. The reliability co-efficient of the instrument stood at 0.88. The data collected were analyzed using frequency distribution and mean. The findings revealed: acute shortage of e-learning materials such as on-line/internet-connected computers, e-mail facilities, multimedia television, multimedia computer and digital library. It was also revealed that the few available ones such as off-line/ordinary computers, scanner, printer and ready-made courseware are not utilized because the teachers lack the knowledge and skills of computer application. The only material identified as available and in use is the telephone. It was recommended among other things that, the government should embark on a massive computer training program for teachers. Teachers should be trained and retrained through in–service training, seminars, workshops and conferences for acquisition of the knowledge and skills needed for e-learning application in secondary schools in Nigeria.
MATHEMATICS TEACHERS' WORKLOADS AS A CORRELATION OF QUALITY ASSURANCE IN UPPER BASIC EDUCATION
Authors: Olaoye Adetunji Abiola
Published: June 2016

This study was designed to examine mathematics teachers’ workload vis-à-vis the students’ performance in Mathematics and as a correlation to quality assurance in upper basic education. As a descriptive study it consisted of four research questions and hypotheses at 5% level of significance. The study sample was comprised of twenty public secondary schools from which thirty-two mathematics teachers and one thousand and two hundred upper basic level 2 students were purposively selected for the study. Two instruments, a Mathematics Achievement Test (r = 0.78) and a “Questionnaire for Mathematics Teachers’ Workloads in Upper Basic Education Level 2” (r = 0.83) were used for the study. Data were analysed through simple percentages, Pearson moment correlation, t-test and one way ANOVA. Findings revealed that there was a significant relationship between mathematics teachers’ gender and students’ performance in Mathematics (t-cal>t-ratio, df = 1198; P<0.05) but there was no significant relationship between mathematics teachers’ qualification and students’ performance in Mathematics (F-cal0.05). However, it was found that there was a significant relationship between mathematics teachers’ subject(s) taught and students’ performance in Mathematics (t-cal>t-ratio, df = 1198; P<0.05). Furthermore, study revealed that there was a significant relationship between mathematics teachers’ workload and students’ performance in Mathematics (F-cal>F-ratio, df = {7, 1191}; P<0.05). The implications of the findings were discussed and recommendation suggested towards ensuring better quality assurance for Mathematics in upper basic education.
"To think so as to speak" The developmental consequences of languages use in teaching and learning in a primary school in Zimbabwe
Authors: NDLOVU SIBONOKUHLE NIL
Published: June 2016

This article is based upon research that was carried in a rural school in Zimbabwe during the period 2010. The research problem in this study was the relationship in teaching, learning and cognitive development as elaborated by Vygotsky’s socio-cultural framework. Vygotsky argues that the socio-cultural context impacts significantly on the learner’s cognitive development. This study investigated specifically the aspect of the use of the Language of Teaching and Learning (LOTL) as an aspect that significantly influences teaching, learning and consequently cognitive development. This study was a response to Vygotsky’s (1978) cautioning against neglecting to consider the underlying causes that can be influential factors in the socio-cultural context and considering only surface and obvious ones.   Thus, the study particularly examined the impact of the use of language in teaching and learning on learners’ cognitive development, using the Vygotskian theoretical conception of language and thought, in a cultural context of rural Zimbabwe schooling. A case study of one rural primary school has been used and data collection involved observation of classroom teaching and learning to find out how language is used and how learners respond during the learning process.  The findings of the study were that teachers simultaneously use two language codes of English and native language of Ndebele as the mixed language code. Use of language this way is so as to help learners who are not the first speakers of English to understand concepts being taught in different subjects. However this has been found to have limitations in the development of both languages consequently impacting negatively on concept development and failure by learners to participate fully in learning activities. The article contributes to an understanding of the effects of the use of language on learners learning and cognitive development specifically and suggests ways in which teachers could effectively use language to assist their learners’ learning, cognitive development and understanding of concepts during learning.
A Comparative Analysis of the Image Status of Nigerian Teachers: 1960-1985 and 1986-2010
Authors: Oyeleke Oluniyi
Published: June 2016

The paper examines the activities of teachers in two different historical epochs of Nigerian history. Relevant literatures were reviewed which borders on the commitment and official roles of teachers from the time of missionary sole control of education to post-independent era. Comparative analysis of the two epochs were examined in terms of teachers commitment, degree of motivation and training, tendency to engage in other paid work outside teaching and the degree of communal involvement. The study adopted a survey design. One hundred and fifty teachers from Ayedaade Local Government Area of Osun State were used as the study sample. Questionnaire was designed, validated and administered. Data collected were analyzed using simple percentage. The teachers in the first epoch, 1960 – 1985, were rated higher based on their positive impacts on teaching-learning than the second epoch group, 1986 - 2010.
Educating Marginalized Girls: Examining the Concept of Tuseme
Authors: Ongaga Kennedy O. , Ombonga Mary
Published: June 2016

This article examines the concept of Tuseme, a Swahili word, meaning Let’s Speak Out and how it is used to empower girls in a Center of Excellence in Kenya. The Center serves as a school and home to girls rescued from female genital mutilation and child marriages. Data were collected from students, teachers and the Center’s principal. Findings indicated that Tuseme, through its creative activities, empowers students with life skills, including how to speak out, build self-confidence, decision making, negotiation and leadership skills. It also helps teachers to acquire and use gender-responsive instructional strategies, which boost girls’ academic success, self-efficacy and a consciousness to identify, understand, and articulate problems that affect them and take action to solve them.
Computer Literacy and Secondary School Teachers’ Job Effectiveness in Kwara State
Authors: Ogundele Michael Olarewaju , Etejere Patricia Agnes Ovigueraye
Published: June 2016

This study investigated the relationship between computer literacy and teacher’s job effectiveness of secondary schools in Kwara State, Nigeria. The study was a correlation survey. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select 1800 respondents. The respondents were comprised of 40 principals, 80 vice principals, 120 heads of departments, 120 teachers, and 200 prefects totaling 600 respondents from each of the three senatorial districts in Kwara State.  Five research hypotheses were generated for the study. Computer Literacy Questionnaire (CLQ) and Teacher’s Job Effectiveness Questionnaire (TJEQ) were used to collect relevant data. The instruments were validated and the reliability index of .63 and .69 was obtained for the (CLQ) and (TJEQ) respectively. The data obtained were analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation statistic and t-test statistics and tested at .05 significance level. The findings revealed that computer literacy encourages appreciation and utilization of computers during teaching learning processes which invariably aid teachers’ job effectiveness, such as job performance, record keeping, school discipline, and supports students’ academic performance. It also revealed that computer literate teachers perform better in the schools than non-computer literate teachers in the schools by making use of computers during their teaching, the use of computers arouse students’ interest in the teachings which supports effective student academic performance. Those schools with non-computer literate teachers were never exposed to computers’ usage which detracted from effective teaching and learning in the schools. It was recommended that computer systems be supplied to every school for the teachers and students use by the government, nongovernmental agencies, and philanthropists.  Also all teachers should be encouraged by the government through provision of in service computer training opportunities. In doing so, teachers’ job effectiveness in Kwara State secondary schools will improve.
An Implicit Analysis of the Prevalence of Test Anxiety among Preservice Teachers
Authors: Anane Eric
Published: June 2016

This unique study, which was carried out in an area that seemed under researched, collected data from 100 female preservice teachers in a college of education in Ghana on the actual sources and protest-march of test anxiety among trainee teachers, considering the peculiar position teachers occupy in the learning chain. Data were collected by using an adapted version of the Test Anxiety Inventory (TAI) developed by Spielberger and Vagg. A key finding is that, external agents such as future job security tend to be the major source of trainees’ test anxiety, which is at variance with what literature seems to suggest that students who experience test anxiety tend to be the type of people who put a lot of pressure on themselves to perform well. The findings seem to suggest that, tests in themselves do not stimulate anxiety but the premium and how high the stakes are for the test, tend to kindle anxious moments for preservice teachers.
Assessing final year undergraduate student teacher on school based teaching practice at the Polytechnic of the University Malawi: a dual assessment process
Authors: Kaphesi Elias
Published: June 2016

The present study was an evaluation of assessment of fourth year undergraduate student teachers on teaching practice in secondary schools. The study was carried out in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the Malawi Polytechnic of the University of Malawi. A total number of 18 (14 males, 4 females) mathematical sciences education students of the Polytechnic of the University of Malawi were included in the study. The assessment grades and supervision comments were taken by using instruments designed and approved by the department. All the measurements were taken by observing a student teacher planning and delivering a lesson as part of a requirement of the degree of bachelor of education in mathematical sciences education of the University of Malawi. Obtained data was analysed and attempt was made to find out correlation between assessment grade and the supervision comments based on the observed lesson. A positive correlation of grades was observed with the comments made and that the grade given to each individual student was lower than what the comments suggests regarding the quality of the student.  The results raise the question of the validity and authenticity of assessment and supervision conducted by teacher educators. The results of the present study would be useful for teacher trainers/educators involved in assessing and supervising students during teaching practices.
ACADEMIC STRESS: ITS CAUSES AND RESULTS AT A UGANDAN UNIVERSITY
Authors: Nakalema Gladys , Ssenyonga Joseph
Published: June 2016

The study examined academic stress, study habits and academic performance of 196 (113 males and 83 females) undergraduates of Mbarara University of Science and Technology in Uganda using a cross-sectional survey research design. Findings showed that daily academic hassles were found to be the most stressful (M = 3.11; SD = 0.96) while personal problems were reported as the least stressful (M = 2.27; SD = 0.86). First year students experienced greater academic stress from financial hardships (χ2 = 10.71; p = .03), academic overload/time (χ2 = 10.23; p = .04) and social expectations (χ2 = 10.79; p = .01) than the continuing students. Motivation was the most used study habit (M = 6.52; SD = 1.18) among the respondent, while studying a chapter was the least common study habit (M = 3.86; SD = 1.35) among the students. Faculty of Development Studies students had better study habits (χ2 = 8.75; p = .03) than other faculties/institute based on grade performance. The GPA/CGPA 4.40 - 5.00 category had superior study habits (χ2 = 11.47; p = .01) than the other GPA/CGPA categories. Age (OR =. 88) was a significant predictor of having supplementary exams. Our results highlight the need for strategic interventions focusing on reducing academic stressors and improving the study habits of the undergraduates considering the uniqueness of the different faculties and year of study for improved academic performance.
TEACHER EDUCATION IN ETHIOPIA: GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Ahmad Shoeb
Published: June 2016

The main focus of this study is on teacher education in Ethiopia, with particular reference to its reforms and policies. In Ethiopia, with the emergence of various education reforms and policies, and with the discourse of Teacher Education System Overhaul (TESO) the complete infrastructure of the educational system shows signs of development. Teacher education in Ethiopia is directed towards developing both the students and teachers equally, to stand on par with the educational systems of other societies. This article highlights various aspects of teacher education in Ethiopia and focuses upon its various reforms and policies established to develop teacher education in the country. We explore the changes in the teacher education system and approaches that have emerged since 1900 to the present time in Ethiopia. We also provide examples of institutions and programs that are particularly successful in implementing some of the key policies. The concluding part of the study reflects on a new paradigm in teacher education highlighting the ICT and plasma teacher phenomenon.
ADEQUACY OF MATERIAL RESOURCES REQUIRED FOR EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF UPPER BASIC EDUCATION BUSINESS STUDIES CURRICULUM IN EBONYI STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Ekwutosi Okoli Benedette , Ogbonnaya Okorie Ogbonnaya
Published: June 2016

This work is a descriptive survey of the adequacy of the material resources required for effective implementation of upper basic education business studies curriculum in Ebonyi State. Two research questions and two hypotheses guided this study. Two hundred and forty-one (241) business studies teachers participated in this study. A four point structured questionnaire, with reliability coefficient of 0.81 was administered to the 241 respondents. The research question responses were sorted to find the mean and standard deviation with a t-test run to test the hypotheses. The two null hypotheses were accepted at 0.05 significance. The results showed that business studies facilities are of low adequacy and business studies curriculum textbook provisions are of low adequacy. There was no significant difference between the adequacy of business studies facilities in public and private junior secondary schools; and there is no significant difference between the adequacy of business studies curriculum textbook provision in urban and rural junior secondary schools. The study recommended that government and other stakeholders pool their resources to ensure that business studies facilities and textbooks are adequately provided since education for all is the responsibility of all.
IMPROVING STUDENT TEACHING FOR QUALITY TEACHER PREPARATION: A KENYAN UNIVERSITY CASE
Authors: Ochanji Moses Keya , Ayot Henry O. , Kamina Penina A. , Ondigi Samson , Kimemia John Njenga
Published: June 2016

This study on teaching practice experience was conducted at a Kenyan University by researchers from both the USA and Kenya through a partnership project to build capacity through quality teacher preparation. The portion of this study presented here used survey techniques and specifically addressed the student teachers’ perspectives on the preparation processes, and ability to plan, instruct and use feedback to improve instruction in teaching practice. Stratified sampling of student teachers (n=360) and supervisor (n=240) was used. The student teacher questionnaire covered several educational components such, as professionalism, lesson material preparation, content knowledge, teaching performance skills, and reflection based on classroom observation feedback. The major findings were student teachers inability to integrate Information Communication Technology (ICT) in teaching, a gap in the teacher education curriculum on the role of ICT in teacher education, and lack of supportive supervisory feedback to the teacher candidates during teaching practice. The study recommends mapping of teacher education courses to ensure that ICT and expert feedback are covered before teaching practice by offering coursework on modern accessible ICT and facilitating rigorous microteaching experiences. Also, programs should train enough teaching practice supervisors, strategically plan school placements, and ensure timely posting of student teachers.
El compás y la plomada: poética espacial y metáfora literaria en derecho y arquitectura
Authors: Calvo González José
Published: June 2016

El texto organiza las relaciones entre Derecho y Arquitectura en dos vertientes: indagando sobre lo jurídico en lo arquitectónico, y analizando lo arquitectónico en lo jurídico. Para la primera de ellas recupera antecedentes históricos de la evolución que conducirá a la actual configuración de los edificios judiciales, subrayando un proceso de transformación que va desde la existencia de construcciones multiuso (Basilicae romanas, Taverns inglesas, Townhouses estadounidenses y suecas) a una funcionalidad específica y exclusiva (Courthouses. Palais de Justice). El punto de inflexión se localiza en el aumento de la importancia económica de los procesos, la solemnidad del rito procesal y el creciente auge del prestigio profesional del abogado. El texto subraya también la innovación arquitectónica de los Tribunales apoyada, como soporte, en una arquitectura del castigo. Los nuevos edificios judiciales se cimientan sobre antiguas prisiones. Se ofrecen sugestivas referencias literarias y de historia del arte. Se examinan asimismo la disposición del ornato y la decoración de los interiores en relación a garantías procesales, derecho de defensa y publicidad. La segunda trayectoria presenta las metáforas arquitectónicas utilizadas en la filosofía jurídica estatal, la teoría del derecho, el derecho constitucional y la teoría de la argumentación.
Un’indagine nella retorica: dalla vulnerabilità sociale di Zola alla deumanizzazione di Kafka
Authors: Zambrano Virginia
Published: June 2016

Per i giuristi, mettere in relazione diritto e letteratura è importante. La congiunzione dei due elementi permette di corrodere la dogmatica giuridica, desacralizzare e restituire il diritto alla propria misura e alla misura dell’etica. Ciò che, infatti, la letteratura insegna, rispetto all’assetto astrattamente codificato del diritto, è l’inesistenza di leggi generali nell’esperienza vissuta. Ne consegue che le condanne, come le assoluzioni, sono inevitabilmente imperfette: siamo tutti in qualche modo colpevoli, ma anche, secondo diverso angolo di lettura, tutti innocenti. E se i decreti di colpevolezza assoluta appaiono inadeguati nelle opere di Proust, Musil e Hofmannsthal, non diversa è la situazione che si respira nell’universo di Kafka e di Zola. A questa prima decostruzione del diritto se ne aggiunge una seconda, ancor più radicale, relativa non più ai suoi limiti, ma alla stessa essenza del diritto. Non solo il sistema normativo non riesce ad incasellare nelle proprie griglie una realtà umana sfuggente ad un ordine prefissato, ma, tutt’altro che situarsi al polo opposto della violenza criminale, confina ambiguamente con essa. In questo senso, l’intersezione fra diritto e letteratura insegna che le situazioni individuali vanno sempre calate in quel caleidoscopio sociale, culturale, storico, economico,  che condiziona i nostri atti non meno della nostra volontà.
Parallel Multiscale Linear Solver for Highly Detailed Reservoir Models
Authors: Manea A. M. , Sewall J.. , Tchelepi H. A.
Published: June 2016

To realize the potential of the latest high-performance computing (HPC) architectures for reservoir simulation, scalable linear solvers are necessary. We describe a parallel algebraic multiscale solver (AMS) for the pressure equation of heterogeneous reservoir models. AMS is a two-level algorithm that uses domain decomposition with a localization assumption. In AMS, basis functions, which are local (subdomain) solutions computed during the setup phase, are used to construct the coarse-scale system and grid-transfer operators between the fine and coarse levels. The solution phase is composed of two stages: global and local. The global stage involves solving the coarse-scale system and interpolating the solution to the fine grid. The local stage involves application of a smoother on the fine-scale approximation.

The design and implementation of a scalable AMS on multicore and many-core architectures, including the decomposition, memory allocation, data flow, and compute kernels, are described in detail. These adaptations are necessary to obtain good scalability on state-of-the-art HPC systems. The specific methods and parameters, such as the coarsening ratio (Cr), basis-function solver, and relaxation scheme, have significant effects on the asymptotic convergence rate and parallel computational efficiency.

The balance between convergence rate and parallel efficiency as a function of Cr and the local stage parameters is analyzed in detail. The performance of AMS is demonstrated using heterogeneous 3D reservoir models, including geostatistically generated fields and models derived from SPE10 (Christie and Blunt 2001). The problems range in size from several million to 128 million cells. AMS shows excellent behavior for handling fixed-size problems as a function of the number of cores (so-called strong scaling). Specifically, for a 128-million-cell problem, a ninefold speedup is obtained on a single-node 12-core shared-memory architecture (dual-socket multicore Intel Xeon E5-2620-v2), and more than 12-fold on a single-node 20-core shared-memory architecture (dual-socket multicore Intel Xeon E5-2690-v2). These are encouraging results given the limited memory bandwidth that cores can share within a single node, which tends to be the major bottleneck for truly scalable solvers. We also compare the robustness and performance of our method with the parallel system algebraic mutligrid (SAMG) solver (Stüben 2012) from Fraunhofer SCAI.
Analisis Perbandingan Reksa Dana Saham Syariah dengan Reksa Dana Saham Konvensional Periode 2009–2012
Authors: Esha Mulya Riyady , Heykal Mohamad , Indrawati Titik
Published: June 2016

The purpose of this study is to measure performance of sharia equity fund compared conventional equity fund and to find out whether the performance of sharia equity fund and conventional equity fund could outperform the market. The research method is annual return, risk adjusted return, and snail trail. The research object is equity fund that has been stated effective by Bapepam – LK before the research period. Result from this study is sharia equity fund has a better performance, a few of equity fund can outperform from the market, and the result of statistic test declares that there is not any different average performance of sharia equity fund and conventional equity fund with Significance level (0.05). Conclusion of the study is sharia equity fund have better performance and it could be compared with conventional equity fund.
Effect of Social Media Marketing on Customer Engagement and its Impact on Brand Loyalty in Caring Colours Cosmetics, Martha Tilaar
Authors: Muchardie Brian Garda , Yudiana Nabila Hanindya , Gunawan Annetta
Published: June 2016

The purpose of this research was to determine the influence of social media marketing against customer engagement and its impact on brand loyalty. Methods applied is a quantitative method by distributing questionnaire to 100 customers. Data analysis was applied path analysis. The results of this study shows that social media marketing has a positive and significant impact on customer engagement, on brand loyalty, and on customer engagement, and its impact on brand loyalty where customer engagement has a greater influence on brand loyalty than social media marketing.
REVITALISASI NILAI-NILAI KEARIFAN LOKAL BAGI UPAYA RESOLUSI KONFLIK
Authors: Suprapto Suprapto
Published: June 2016

The involvement of local wisdom in conflict resolution and peace building is not the only way to resolve conflict. Some level of conflict resolution should be there along the path of conflict resolution. The stressing on the patterns of conflict resolution is still limited on conflict settlement and need to develop toward peace building involving local wisdom which ic proven to be able to maintain social harmony. Considering to the norms had been long internalized among society, the society members strongly held the society order. The most important in this context is the need in the side of the elites to discuss the patters of local wisdom based peace building.

***
Keterlibatan kearifan lokal dalam upaya resolusi konflik dan pembangunan per­damaian bukan satu-satunya jalam untuk menangani konflik. Harus ada beberapa tingkatan resolusi konflik. Penekanan pada pola resolusi konflik masih terbatas pada penghentian konflik dan perlu dikembangkan ke arah pem­bangunan per­damaian yang melibatkan kearifan lokal yang terbukti mampu mem­per­tahankan harmoni sosial. Dengan mempertimbangkan pada norma-norma yang telah lama terinternalisir di kalangan masyarakat, maka anggota masyarakat akan mem­pertahankan norma yang dimilikinya secara kuat. Hal yang paling penting dalam konteks ini adalah perlunya para elite untuk membicarakan tentang pola kearifan lokal yang didasarkan pada pembangunan perdamaian.
Variation in water density related to pollutants removal in wastewater treatment processes and its use in explaining the working principles of the Unifed SBR
Authors: Xiang Liancheng , Wu Junqi , Song Yonghui , Liu Ruixia , Yu Huibin , Gao Qiong , Yang Yingjie , Dai Yunrong
Published: June 2016

The wastewater quality of several municipal wastewater treatment plants (MWTPs) in Beijing was studied, and the water densities of different processing units were also measured during the wastewater treatment process. The results clearly showed that the water density declined from influent to effluent of the wastewater treatment process. Meanwhile, the variation in water density had good statistical correlation with the concentrations of total organic carbon, total phosphorus, suspended solids and total solids. Furthermore, the variation in water density could be used to explain the working principles of the Unifed sequencing batch reactor (SBR). Tracer tests were conducted in the Unifed SBR to investigate the hydraulic characteristics of the reactor. The experimental results showed that the variable values of water density from influent to effluent in the Fangzhuang MWTPs were greater than those caused by the temperature difference of >3 °C between the influent and the liquid in the reactor at 13 °C. Moreover, the flow regime of wastewater in the Unifed SBR was affected by the variation in water density, which may lead to stratification or a density current. Ascribed to the appearance of stratification in the Unifed SBR reactor, the water quality of the effluent could not be affected by that of the influent.
El Método de Casos en las Ciencias Administrativas
Authors: Llorca Carlos B. Díaz
Published: June 2016

El Método de casos en las Ciencias Administrativas es un artículo derivado del trabajo investigativo del autor tanto en la realización de intervenciones empresariales, como en la elaboración de casos para su uso en clases, así como del despliegue metodológico requerido en la solución del caso. De igual forma, forman parte de las experiencias el análisis de casos en el colectivo de la asignatura y en la validación de los casos por los participantes en un programa determinado. El objetivo del trabajo es reforzar el conocimiento de qué son los casos, cómo se elaboran y cómo utilizarlos en el proceso docente.Palavras chave: Método del Caso, Trabajo Metodológico, Ingeniería.
A Educação Ambiental e a Formação de Professores
Authors: Assis Aiany Ruth Silva de , Chaves Manoel Rodrigues
Published: June 2016

A questão ambiental impõe às sociedades buscar novas formas de pensar e agir, encontrar novos caminhos que garantam a sustentabilidade ecológica. O trabalho conjunto entre as pessoas dentro e fora do ambiente escolar permite desenvolver relações solidárias de respeito e comprometimento com o ambiente em sua totalidade, bem como modificar o modo de gerenciar os recursos disponíveis no planeta, pois os conflitos naturais de diversas percepções a respeito do ambiente exigem uma maior compreensão acerca dos interesses socioeconômicos, considerando-se a oscilação das desigualdades sociais. Os conhecimentos em Geografia e Biologia referente à Educação Ambiental (EA) propõem o desenvolvimento de posturas e valores pertinentes às relações entre os seres humanos entre estes e o meio. Possibilitam que o processo pedagógico desenvolva a construção de conceitos científicos e verificar a contribuição dos professores das áreas de Geografia e Biologia à Educação Ambiental...Palavras-chave: Educação Ambiental; Formação de Professores; Escolas.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Repurposing Opportunities for Cognition and Biobehavioral Disturbances in MCI and Dementia
Authors: Knöchel Christian , Voss Martin , Gruter Florian , Alves Gilberto S. , Matura Silke , Sepanski Beate , Stablein Michael , Kraft Dominik , Prvulovic David , Carvalho Andre F. , Reif Andreas , Oertel-Knochel Viola
Published: June 2016

Neurodegenerative diseases may directly affect memory performance, thus leading to functional
impairments. An increasing body of evidence suggests an association between dietary intake of omega-3 fatty
acids and memory functioning in animal models as well as in human studies. Recent evidence supports a potential
beneficial role of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on psychopathological and cognitive symptoms,
beside their established positive effects on cardiovascular health.

Objective: We summarize relevant and recent evidence from epidemiological, interventional and experimental
studies investigating dietary consumption of omega-3 fatty acids and emphazing mechanisms of memory disorders,
with a focus on mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. Omega-3 fatty acid could represent an
affordable and accessible adjunctive treatment option to improve cognitive and non-cognitive function with a
focus on MCI or dementia. However, apart from its translational promise, which is based on mechanistic models
and evidence from animal studies, evidence for clinical benefits in humans is lacking.

Method: To follow this research question, a search through electronic databases for the following search terms
to identify relevant studies was conducted: ‘omega 3 fatty acids’, ‘cognition’, ‘memory’, ´Alzheimer´s Disease
´, ´dementia´, ´MCI`. Studies were included if they presented original data and were published in English
between 1990 and 2015.

Results: To our the best of our knowledge, there are only 8 interventional studies that investigated the effects
of n3-PUFAs in dementia patients, while 6 studies were conducted in healthy individuals, which in combination
show equivocal results.

Conclusion: This verifies the need for larger and (more) well designed clinical trials.
Biological and Immunogenicity Property of IgY Anti S. mutans ComD
Authors: Bachtiar E.W. , Bachtiar B.M. , Soejoedono R.D. , Wibawan I.W. , Afdhal A.
Published: June 2016

Objective:

This study aims to elucidate the effect of IgY anti ComD on the biological properties ofStreptococcus mutans. (S. mutans)ComD is an interspecies quorum-sensing signaling receptor that plays an important role in biofilm formation byS. mutans.

Materials and Methodology:

Egg yolk IgY was produced by the immunization of chickens with a DNA vaccine containing the ComD DNA coding region. We evaluated the effect of the antibody on biofilm formation byS. mutansisolated from subjects with or without dental caries. We also assessed the immunoreactivity of the antibody against all isolates, and analyzed the protein profile ofS. mutansby SDS-PAGE.

Results:

The ComD antibody was successfully induced in the hens’ eggs. It inhibited biofilm formation by allS. mutansisolates. In addition, the expression of some protein bands was affected after exposure to the antibody.

Conclusion:

IgYanti-S. mutansComD reduces biofilm formation by this bacterium and alters the protein profile ofS. mutans.
HIV Infection Care and Viral Suppression Among People Who Inject Drugs, 28 U.S. Jurisdictions, 2012-2013
Authors: Karch Debra L. , Gray Kristen Mahle , Shi Jing , Hall H. Irene
Published: June 2016

Objectives:

Assess outcomes along the care continuum for HIV-infected people who inject drugs (PWID), by type of facility and stage of infection at diagnosis.

Methods:

Data reported by 28 jurisdictions to the National HIV Surveillance System by December 2014 were used to identify PWID aged ≥13 years, diagnosed with HIV infection before December 31, 2013. Analyses used the CDC definition of linkage to care (LTC), retention in care (RIC), and viral suppression (VS), and are stratified by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and type of facility and stage of HIV infection at diagnosis.

Results:

Of 1,409 PWID diagnosed with HIV in 2013, 1,116 (79.2%) were LTC with the lowest percentages among males (78.4%); blacks (77.5%) ages 13-24 years (69.0%); those diagnosed in early stage infection (71.6%); and at screening, diagnostic, or referral agencies (60.0%). Of 80,958 PWID living with HIV in 2012, 40,234 (49.7%) were RIC and 34,665 (42.8%) achieved VS. The lowest percentages for RIC and VS were among males (47.1% and 41.3% respectively); those diagnosed with late stage disease (47.1% and 42.4%); and young people. Whites had the lowest RIC (47.0%) while blacks had the lowest VS (41.1%).

Conclusion:

Enhanced LTC activities are needed for PWID diagnosed at screening, diagnostic or referral agencies versus those diagnosed at inpatient or outpatient settings, especially among young people and blacks diagnosed in early stage infection. Less than half of PWID are retained in care or reach viral suppression indicating the need for continued engagement and return to care activities over the long term.
Private Information, Performance Measurement Bias, and Leading by Example
Authors: Rothenberg Naomi R.
Published: June 2016

This paper studies the effect of performance measurement error and bias on the principal's preference for a leader, who signals private information about a favorable common shock to a follower. Without a leader, both agents are privately informed and relative performance evaluation is optimal due to its ability to remove the common shock. An increase in the conservative bias can increase or decrease compensation, depending on the likelihood of the common shock. With leading by example, joint performance evaluation can be optimal for the leader, reducing the leader's incentives to free ride on the follower and an increase in the conservative bias reduces compensation. The principal prefers a leader if the likelihood of the common shock is low, or if agents' outputs are more likely to be independent. Further, the more accurate the performance measure, the principal's preference for a leader decreases, but the effect of conservatism is mixed.

JEL Classifications: D23; D82; J33; M41.
Sweet Dopamine: Sucrose Preferences Relate Differentially to Striatal D2 Receptor Binding and Age in Obesity
Authors: Pepino Marta Y. , Eisenstein Sarah A. , Bischoff Allison N. , Klein Samuel , Moerlein Stephen M. , Perlmutter Joel S. , Black Kevin J. , Hershey Tamara
Published: June 2016

Alterations in dopaminergic circuitry play a critical role in food reward and may contribute to susceptibility to obesity. Ingestion of sweets releases dopamine in striatum, and both sweet preferences and striatal D2 receptors (D2R) decline with age and may be altered in obesity. Understanding the relationships between these variables and the impact of obesity on these relationships may reveal insight into the neurobiological basis of sweet preferences. We evaluated sucrose preferences, perception of sweetness intensity, and striatal D2R binding potential (D2R BPND) using positron emission tomography with a D2R-selective radioligand insensitive to endogenous dopamine, (N-[11C] methyl)benperidol, in 20 subjects without obesity (BMI 22.5 ± 2.4 kg/m2; age 28.3 ± 5.4 years) and 24 subjects with obesity (BMI 40.3 ± 5.0 kg/m2; age 31.2 ± 6.3 years). The groups had similar sucrose preferences, sweetness intensity perception, striatal D2R BPND, and age-related D2R BPND declines. However, both striatal D2R BPND and age correlated with sucrose preferences in subjects without obesity, explaining 52% of their variance in sucrose preference. In contrast, these associations were absent in the obese group. In conclusion, the age-related decline in D2R was not linked to the age-related decline in sweetness preferences, suggesting that other, as-yet-unknown mechanisms play a role and that these mechanisms are disrupted in obesity.
Sedation and mechanical hypoalgesia after sublingual administration of detomidine hydrochloride gel to donkeys
Authors: Lizarraga Ignacio , Castillo-Alcala Fernanda , Varner Kelley M. , Robinson Lauren S.
Published: June 2016

OBJECTIVE To compare sedative and mechanical hypoalgesic effects of sublingual administration of 2 doses of detomidine gel to donkeys.

DESIGN Randomized blinded controlled trial.

ANIMALS 6 healthy castrated male donkeys.

PROCEDURES In a crossover study design, donkeys received each of the following sublingual treatments 1 week apart in a randomly assigned order: 1 mL of molasses (D0) or detomidine hydrochloride gel at 20 μg/kg (9 μg/lb; D20) or 40 μg/kg (18 μg/lb; D40). Sedation score (SS), head height above the ground (HHAG), and mechanical nociceptive threshold (MNT) were assessed before and for 180 minutes after treatment. Areas under the effect change-versus-time curves (AUCs) from 0 to 30, 30 to 60, 60 to 120, and 120 to 180 minutes after administration were computed for SS, HHAG, and MNT and compared among treatments.

RESULTS D20 and D40 resulted in greater SS AUCs from 60 to 120 minutes and smaller HHAG AUCs from 30 through 180 minutes than did D0. The D40 resulted in smaller HHAG AUCs from 60 to 120 minutes than did D20. Compared with D0 values, MNT AUCs from 60 to 120 minutes were higher for D20, whereas MNT AUCs from 30 through 180 minutes were higher for D40.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE D20 and D40 induced sedation and mechanical hypoalgesia in donkeys by > 30 minutes after administration, but only sedation was dose dependent. Sublingual administration of detomidine gel at 40 μg/kg may be useful for sedation of standing donkeys prior to potentially painful minor procedures.
Detection and DNA quantification of Enterococcus casseliflavus in a foal with septic meningitis
Authors: Stefanetti Valentina , Beccati Francesca , Passamonti Fabrizio , Sgariglia Elisa , Coletti Mauro , Vuerich Matteo , Marenzoni Maria Luisa
Published: June 2016

CASE DESCRIPTION A 3-month-old 180-kg (396-lb) Hanoverian colt was examined because of fever, lethargy, inappetence, drooping of the left ear, and stiff neck posture. Initial treatment included empirical antimicrobial treatment and NSAIDs.

CLINICAL FINDINGS Initial findings were consistent with CNS anomalies. Endoscopy revealed hyperemia, ecchymosis, and some mucopurulent exudate in the right guttural pouch. Hematologic findings were consistent with neutrophilic inflammation. On the third day of hospitalization, severe neurologic signs were observed. Computed tomography of the skull revealed a comminuted fracture of the axial aspect of the right mandibular condyle. Examination of CSF revealed turbidity, xanthochromia, and intracellular and extracellular cocci, consistent with septic meningitis. After DNA extraction from blood and CSF, sequenced products from a PCR assay for the bacterial 16S rRNA gene were 99% identical to Enterococcus casseliflavus. Microbial culture of CSF and blood samples yielded bacteria with Enterococcus spp morphology; antimicrobials were selected on the basis of susceptibility testing that identified the isolate as vancomycin resistant. A quantitative PCR assay was used to estimate Enterococcus DNA concentrations in CSF and blood.

TREATMENT AND OUTCOME Treatment for E casseliflavus meningitis, including trimethoprim-sulfadiazine and ampicillin sodium administration, resulted in resolution of clinical signs. Culture of CSF and blood samples after 12 days of the targeted treatment yielded no growth.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE To the authors' knowledge, this was the first report of E casseliflavus meningitis in a horse. Treatment was successful; vancomycin-resistant enterococci can be a clinical problem and may potentially be zoonotic.
Beyond Integrativeness: A Validation of the L2 Self Model among Francophone Learners of ESL
Authors: Davidson Troy , Guénette Danielle , Simard Daphnée
Published: June 2016

According to Dörnyei’s model of second language (L2) motivation, the motivated learner aims to incorporate the L2 into his or her self-concept, known as the ideal L2 self. This study examined the internal consistency of Dörnyei’s model among ESL Francophone students in Quebec (n = 68) by means of a questionnaire. Correlations were calculated between factors measuring Gardner’s motivation construct, integrativeness, and Dörnyei’s ideal L2 self; both of these factors were then correlated with the criterion measure of intended learning effort. Findings from the present study revealed not only a strong relationship between Gardner’s integrativeness and Dörnyei’s ideal L2 self, but also that the L2 self construct was a more reliable indicator of intended learning effort. These results support calls to reframe L2 motivation within the psychological concept of the self.
Inter-Rectus Distance Measurement Using Ultrasound Imaging: Does the Rater Matter?
Authors: Keshwani Nadia , Hills Nicole , McLean Linda
Published: June 2016

Purpose: To investigate the interrater reliability of inter-rectus distance (IRD) measured from ultrasound images acquired at rest and during a head-lift task in parous women and to establish the standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC) between two raters. Methods: Two physiotherapists independently acquired ultrasound images of the anterior abdominal wall from 17 parous women and measured IRD at four locations along the linea alba: at the superior border of the umbilicus, at 3 cm and 5 cm above the superior border of the umbilicus, and at 3 cm below the inferior border of the umbilicus. The interrater reliability of the IRD measurements was determined using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs). Bland-Altman analyses were used to detect bias between the raters, and SEM and MDC values were established for each measurement site. Results: When the two raters performed their own image acquisition and processing, ICCs(3,5) ranged from 0.72 to 0.91 at rest and from 0.63 to 0.96 during head lift, depending on the anatomical measurement site. Bland-Altman analyses revealed no systematic bias between the raters. SEM values ranged from 0.23 cm to 0.71 cm, and MDC values ranged from 0.64 cm to 1.97 cm. Conclusion: When using ultrasound imaging to measure IRD in women, it is acceptable for different therapists to compare IRDs between patients and within patients over time if IRD is measured above or below the umbilicus. Interrater reliability of IRD measurement is poorest at the level of the superior border of the umbilicus.
Development of a Telephone Interview Version of the Chedoke-McMaster Stroke Assessment Activity Inventory
Authors: Barclay Ruth , Miller Patricia A. , Pooyania Sepideh , Stratford Paul
Published: June 2016

Purpose: To develop a telephone version of the Chedoke-McMaster Stroke Assessment Activity Inventory (CMSA–AI) and estimate the test–retest reliability, interrater reliability (between participant and proxy), and construct validity of the scores for individuals with stroke. Methods: Adults with stroke and their caregivers or proxies were included. Participants were assessed with the CMSA–AI at discharge from a stroke rehabilitation unit and interviewed using the telephone version (TCMSA–AI). Two months after discharge, participants were evaluated with the CMSA–AI and interviewed over the phone using the TCMSA–AI on two occasions 2–3 days apart. Proxies were interviewed with the TCMSA–AI within another 2–3 days. Results: The mean age of the 53 participants with stroke was 62 years; 59% were male; 43% had right-side hemiparesis; 42 completed follow-up interviews; and 18 had proxies who also participated. Test–retest reliability showed an intra-class correlation coefficient of 0.98 (95% CI: 0.96, 0.99) for the total score, 0.96 (95% CI: 0.91, 0.98) for the Gross Motor Function Index, and 0.96 (95% CI: 0.91, 0.98) for the Walking Index, and an interrater reliability (between participant and proxy) of 0.75 (95% CI: 0.28, 0.90) for total score. Spearman's rho correlation between CMSA–AI and TCMSA–AI total scores was 0.62 (lower-sided 95% CI: 0.42) at discharge and 0.90 (lower-sided 95% CI: 0.82) at 2 months after discharge. Correlations between the change scores of the CMSA–AI and TCMSA–AI were 0.50 or lower. Conclusion: There is potential for remote evaluation of the functional mobility of individuals with stroke in research and clinical settings.