bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Teachers Should Be Paid. Commentary to Gita Steiner-Khamsi’s Manuscript “Teach or Perish: The Stavka System and its Impact on the Quality of Instruction References”
Authors: Klyachko Tatyana
Published: September 2016

Gita Steiner-Khamsi’s opposition of two teacher salary systems, the “teaching load” (stavka) system and the weekly workload system, does not seem very productive. The author’s analysis of the teacher salary reform in Kyrgyzstan and of the overcrowding of schools appears to make much more sense. Gita Steiner-Khamsi’s article is also surprisingly interesting in that it gives the idea of how researchers analyze the processes in foreign education systems. teacher salary systems, teaching load, weekly workload system, teacher salary reforms, overcrowding of schools.
Leading Online Education from Participation to Success
Authors: Kelly Paula , Koates Hamish , Naylor Ryan
Published: September 2016

Online education has grown exponentially over the last few decades, churning through a swarm of acronyms, ambiguities and potentialities. Substantial energy has been invested in producing technology, building academic capability, and understanding learners and markets. Though it feels pervasive, online education is comparatively new in the scheme of higher education, and key education and business models remain in formation. To spur advancement, this paper argues that as online education matures increasing energy must shift from admissions and provision to ensuring each learner’s success. We argue that online education presents new opportunities not just for the mechanics of higher education, but for improving each student’s experience and outcomes. Central to such advancement is a clear picture of study success, cogent perspectives for understanding students, effective strategies for analysing and interpreting huge volumes of data, and more evidence-based academic leadership. The paper investigates each of these areas, provoking what institutions could seek to achieve. higher education, online education, quality of education, student’s experience, evidence-based academic leadership.
The Paradox of “Practical Liberal Arts”. Lessons from the Wagner College Case for Liberal (Arts) Education in Eastern Europe
Authors: Kontowski Daniel
Published: September 2016

The article presents the case study of Wagner College curriculum as an example of paradoxical transformation within contemporary liberal education. The Wagner Plan for Practical Liberal Arts is an important example of overcoming the traditional liberal/vocational distinction in higher education, that has been increasingly challenged by both the economic condition of colleges and wider changes in skills required by the workforce of developed countries. The Wagner College case is not widely acknowledged, yet it may be important for European liberal education institutions. Even though they are mostly public colleges/programs, they operate in a context that has become increasingly similar to that which Wagner College was facing in the early 1990s. Calls for more liberal education go against governmental expectations, study choices and disciplinary traditions of institutions. Wagner buildson the triple assumption that learning is really practical, that higher education can have a practical impact on a local community and that broad interdisciplinary knowledge is even more useful preparation for a future career. Such claims, even though controversial, fit well with the pragmatic consensus in American “pragmatic consensus” that strengthened around liberal arts in last three decades. For Eastern European liberal education, which is a growing field, Wagner provides an interesting example of holistic educational vision that was implemented with relatively limited resources. Apart from administrators, this study may also be of interest to teachers and students who consider the traditional academic setting due to be revamped, even in liberal education programs. Any strategy of development of liberal education in Eastern Europe require scaling up and making it more relevant for major stakeholders (as happened in the Netherlands and is now taking place in the UK), as well as overcoming the neoliberal pressures and academic reluctance. The Wagner case example may spark much needed discussionon how to accomplish it without losing our soul. Eastern Europe, civic engagement, liberal education, liberal arts education, pragmatism, higher education, practical liberal arts.
Cognición sobre infecciones respiratorias agudas de madres con niños preescolares: una intervención de enfermería
Authors: Alan-Mamani Helibio , Abarca-Fernández Denices S. , Flores-de-Quispe Tita
Published: September 2016

La investigación se realizó con el objetivo de determinar el impacto de la intervención enfermería en la cognición sobre prevención de infecciones respiratorias agudas en madres con niños pre escolares y el diseño de un programa de intervención, que propicia el aprendizaje significativo en las madres. El estudio fue de tipo pre experimental con diseño pre y post test. La población estuvo conformada por 50 madres de niños pre-escolares, y la muestra por 33 madres de estudiantes de la Institución Educativa Inicial N° 1357 “Señor de los Milagros” – Juliaca-2015. La recolección de datos se realizó con la encuesta, mediante la aplicación de un cuestionario en el pretest y el postest, 15 días después de concluir con las intervenciones. El análisis de datos se realizó en forma porcentual y la contrastación de la hipótesis con la prueba Z calculada. Los resultados del estudio demuestran que antes de la intervención de enfermería, la cognición de las madres sobre las infecciones respiratorias agudas, el 64% fue deficiente, 27% regular y 9% bueno mientras que, después de la intervención la cognición prospera a bueno al 70% y 30% a regular. Por tanto, la intervención de enfermería con el modelo Andragógico es efectiva para optimizar la cognición, confirmada, con un nivel de significancia de p<0.05.

 

ABSTRACT
The research was conducted in order to determine the impact of nursing interventions on cognition on acute respiratory infections in mothers with pre school children. The study was pre experimental, with pre and post test design; The population for the study was composed of 50 mothers with pre school children, the sample consisting 0f 33 mothers  from students of initial educational institution  1357 “Señor de los Milagros”  Juliaca-2015. Data collection was performed with the survey, by applying a questionnaire in the pretest and posttest, 15 days after concluding interventions. Data analysis was performed on a percentage basis and the testing of the hypothesis test with the Z calculated. The study results show that before the nursing intervention, cognition of mothers on acute respiratory infections, 64% was poor, 27% regularly and 9% good while after intervention cognition thrives well at 70% and 30% regulate. Therefore, the nursing intervention with Andragogic model is effective to optimize cognition, confirmed, with a significance level of p = 0.05.Keywords: Nursing care, educational intervention, cognition, acute respiratory infections, children
 
Gd and Eu Co-Doped Nanoscale Metal–Organic Framework as a T1–T2 Dual-Modal Contrast Agent for Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Wang Geoffrey D. , Chen Hongmin , Tang Wei , Lee Daye , Xie Jin
Published: September 2016

Recently, a growing interest has been seen in the development of T1–T2 dual-mode probes that can simultaneously enhance contrast on T1- and T2-weighted images. A common strategy is to integrate T1 and T2 components in a decoupled manner into a nanoscale particle. This approach, however, often requires a multi-step synthesis and delicate nanoengineering, which may potentially affect the production and wide application of the probes. We herein report the facile synthesis of a 50-nm nanoscale metal–organic framework (NMOF) comprising gadolinium (Gd3+) and europium (Eu3+) as metallic nodes. These nanoparticles can be prepared in large quantities and can be easily coated with a layer of silica. The yielded Eu,Gd-NMOF@SiO2 nanoparticles are less toxic, highly fluorescent, and afford high longitudinal (38 mM−1s−1) and transversal (222 mM−1s−1) relaxivities on a 7 T magnet. The nanoparticles were conjugated with c(RGDyK), a tumor-targeting peptide sequence, which has a high binding affinity toward integrin αvβ3. Eu,Gd-NMOF@SiO2 nanoparticles, when intratumorally or intravenously injected, induce simultaneous signal enhancement and signal attenuation on T1-and T2-weighted images, respectively. These results suggest great potential of the NMOFs as a novel T1–T2 dual-mode contrast agent.
Noninvasive Electric Current Induction for Low-Frequency Tissue Conductivity Reconstruction: Is It Feasible with a TMS-MRI Setup?
Authors: Mandija Stefano , Petrov Petar I. , Neggers Sebastian F. W. , Luijten Peter R. , van Den Berg Cornelis A. T.
Published: September 2016

Noninvasive quantification of subject-specific low-frequency brain tissue conductivity (σLF) will be valuable in different fields, for example, neuroscience. Magnetic resonance (MR)-electrical impedance tomography allows measurements of σLF. However, the required high level of direct current injection leads to an undesirable pain sensation. Following the same principles, but avoiding pain sensation, we evaluate the feasibility of inductively inducing currents using a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) device and recording the magnetic field variations arising from the induced tissue eddy currents using a standard 3 T MR scanner. Using simulations, we characterize the strength of the incident TMS magnetic field arising from the current running in the TMS coil, the strength of the induced magnetic field arising from the induced currents in tissues by TMS pulses, and the MR phase accuracy required to measure this latter magnetic field containing information about σLF. Then, using TMS-MRI measurements, we evaluate the achievable phase accuracy for a typical TMS-MRI setup. From measurements and simulations, it is crucial to discriminate the incident from the induced magnetic field. The incident TMS magnetic field range is ±10−4 T, measurable with standard MR scanners. In contrast, the induced TMS magnetic field is much weaker (±10−8 T), leading to an MR phase contribution of ∼10−4 rad. This phase range is too small to be measured, as the phase accuracy for TMS-MRI experiments is ∼10−2 rads. Thus, although highly attractive, noninvasive measurements of the induced TMS magnetic field, and therefore estimations of σLF, are experimentally not feasible.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Based Radiomic Profiles Predict Patient Prognosis in Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma Before Therapy
Authors: McGarry Sean D. , Hurrell Sarah L. , Kaczmarowski Amy L. , Cochran Elizabeth J. , Connelly Jennifer , Rand Scott D. , Schmainda Kathleen M. , LaViolette Peter S.
Published: September 2016

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to diagnose and monitor brain tumors. Extracting additional information from medical imaging and relating it to a clinical variable of interest is broadly defined as radiomics. Here, multiparametric MRI radiomic profiles (RPs) of de novo glioblastoma (GBM) brain tumors is related with patient prognosis. Clinical imaging from 81 patients with GBM before surgery was analyzed. Four MRI contrasts were aligned, masked by margins defined by gadolinium contrast enhancement and T2/fluid attenuated inversion recovery hyperintensity, and contoured based on image intensity. These segmentations were combined for visualization and quantification by assigning a 4-digit numerical code to each voxel to indicate the segmented RP. Each RP volume was then compared with overall survival. A combined classifier was then generated on the basis of significant RPs and optimized volume thresholds. Five RPs were predictive of overall survival before therapy. Combining the RP classifiers into a single prognostic score predicted patient survival better than each alone (P < .005). Voxels coded with 1 RP associated with poor prognosis were pathologically confirmed to contain hypercellular tumor. This study applies radiomic profiling to de novo patients with GBM to determine imaging signatures associated with poor prognosis at tumor diagnosis. This tool may be useful for planning surgical resection or radiation treatment margins.
Student-centredness in urban schools in China
Authors: Tang Shaobing , Adamson Bob
Published: September 2016

This study investigates how teachers understand and implement the emphasis on studentcentredness in the new English curriculum in secondary classrooms in urban areas of China and the factors affecting implementation. It focuses on whether the advantages (greater access to resources,
better trained teachers, and so on) of the urban context make implementation easier than in rural areas. Data from lesson observations and reflective statements by teachers in urban schools show that their understanding of the notion of student-centredness is superficial and that the well-resourced
urban schools find reform as challenging as rural schools.
Prison education across Europe: policy, practice, politics
Authors: Costelloe Anne , Warner Kevin
Published: September 2016

The nature of the education offered in prisons varies greatly. Provision can be focused narrowly on limited objectives, such as training for employment or seeking to 'address offending behaviour'. On the other hand, where prison education follows the policies of the Council of Europe
or the European Union, which are drawn from the traditions of adult education and life-long learning, it becomes a more comprehensive and transformative experience for men and women held in prison. Underpinning these different approaches are two very different perceptions of those held in
prison: one sees merely 'an offender', while the other recognizes 'the whole person' and his or her membership of society. Where narrow and negative concepts of the men and women held in prison prevail, one tends to find severe limitations on the quality and quantity of the education offered.
Four such 'curtailments' are discussed.
Project-based learning in Scottish prisons
Authors: Sams Kirsten
Published: September 2016

The article describes the development of a project-based approach to learning in seven Scottish prisons. It argues that the project-based approach is ideally suited to prison education due to its flexibility and ability to enrich the relatively narrow prison curriculum and create meaningful
links with wider society, reducing the isolation of prisoners. The approach also empowers staff and encourages interdisciplinary working. The project-based approach is well placed to support and reinforce desistance-based practice in education and fits well with both the new Scottish Prison
Service strategy, Unlocking Potential, Transforming Lives and with Scottish Government's education policy, Curriculum for Excellence.
Corrections education and employment assistance 'Down Under': Current and emerging practices and paradigms
Authors: Graffam Joe , Shinkfield Alison J. , Lavelle Barbara
Published: September 2016

This article provides a view of contemporary Australia in terms of patterns of offending and incarceration, the characteristics of its correctional systems, vocational education and training (VET) within correctional settings, and post-release employment of prisoners and offenders serving
community-based orders (CBOs). A two-year case study of employment assistance for 2,458 Australian prisoners and offenders serving CBOs was evaluated. The voluntary 12-month programme targeted participants at moderate to high risk of reoffending. Overall, employment outcomes were positive
with more than one-third of registrations resulting in employment. Employment outcomes varied for gender and participant status (prisoner/offender). Recidivism outcomes were analysed for the whole programme and for a random sample of 600 prisoner participants. Results indicated a very low
overall recidivism rate (7.46 per cent) for programme participants, and comparison of pre-programme and post-release recidivism showed reduced recidivism on three recidivism measures. The findings are contextualized in terms of current thinking and emerging practices in offender treatment,
with a focus on reintegration as ecological system engagement and integrated systems of support as central to promoting positive lifestyle change.
Maximizing vocational teachers' learning: The feedback discussion in the observation of teaching for initial teacher training in further education
Authors: Lahiff Ann
Published: September 2016

This paper draws on case-study research that focused on teaching observations conducted as part of vocational teachers' initial teacher training (ITT) in further education (FE) colleges in England. It analyses the post-observation feedback discussion, drawing on a rich sociocultural
tradition within work-based learning literature. It argues that the feedback discussion provides a learning space that is particularly important for vocational teachers who cross boundaries from vocational contexts to learn to become teachers. To maximize learning from observation,
vocational teachers need time and opportunity to develop their practice with others who mediate their learning and development.
“Too many actors and too few jobs”: A case for curriculum extension in UK vocational actor training
Authors: Wilkie Ian
Published: September 2016

This article questions the current situation for vocational acting training (VAT) in the UK. It aims to provide an update on the report into burgeoning provision of acting training (and the attempt to address subsequent high rates of actor unemployment) that was originally undertaken
by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (CGF, 1975) in their publication entitled Going on the Stage. The article will suggest that the continued proliferation of VAT offered at tertiary level, allied to the dearth of career opportunities for graduates, means that the current training
offer is not entirely fit for purpose. It will further propose that VAT requires a widening of the curriculum offer in order to provide meaningful vocational workplace readiness for course graduates at a time when, as Malcolm Sinclair, president of the British actors' union, Equity, acknowledges,
'there are too many actors and too few jobs' (in Clark, 2014a: 17). To address the question of VAT and employability in the UK, this article will reconsider the three questions initially posed in Going on the Stage (CGF, 1975: 7). These were: why is drama training necessary, to what
extent do the present arrangements fall short of the ideal, and what should VAT entail? By re-posing these questions, this article will present the contemporary context of VAT, review the status of progression rates into employment, and propose a case for curriculum extension in light of the
findings.
British values and British identity: Muddles, mixtures, and ways ahead
Authors: Richardson Robin
Published: September 2016

In the final eleven months of its five-year term, the Coalition Government placed much emphasis in the education system on what it called fundamental British values (FBV). The phrase had its origins in counter-terrorism strategies that were of dubious validity both conceptually and
operationally, and the trigger for its introduction into the education system (the so-called Trojan Horse letter in Birmingham) was a malicious forgery. Nevertheless the active promotion of FBV became a legal or quasi-legal requirement, was zealously inspected by Ofsted under instructions
from the secretary of state, and was complemented and reinforced by new requirements under counter-terrorism and security legislation. Much damage appears to have been done already in schools and universities and more damage is likely. Much critical, corrective, and restorative work therefore
needs now to be done. For restorative work to be effective a range of measures is needed: substantial discussion and clarification through dialogue; greater respect for the professional experience and insights of teachers and subject communities, particularly in the fields of citizenship
education, history teaching, religious education, and spiritual, moral, social, and cultural (SMSC) development; greater trust and cooperation, both nationally and at local levels, between Muslim and nonMuslim organizations and communities; greater attention to Islamic values, wisdom, and
pedagogy in the field of education; renewed emphasis on the role of Her Majesty's Inspectorate as a critical friend who identifies, commends, and promotes good practice; and much higher levels of due regard for the values enshrined in equalities legislation.
Fees, fairness and the National Scholarship Programme: Higher education policy in England and the Coalition Government
Authors: Carasso Helen , Gunn Andrew
Published: September 2016

Conservative and Liberal Democrat policies for higher education funding in the 2010 general election campaign offered voters a stark choice – with one party willing to consider raising the cap on undergraduate fees, while the other publicly committed to removing any student contribution.
It is not surprising therefore that this was an area in which they found it impossible to agree a firm position as part of their coalition agreement (Cabinet Office, 2010). When parliament later voted on higher education funding, the view of the larger party prevailed and the cap on fees
almost trebled to £9,000. The Liberal Democrat Deputy Prime Minister took responsibility for launching a National Scholarship Programme (NSP), providing financial support to undergraduates from lower-income backgrounds, to be introduced at the same time as the increase in fees. While
this may have offered limited political credibility to his party, the structure of the scheme was criticized from the outset, and it ceased to operate after just three cohorts of students. This paper identifies the political and policy drivers behind the NSP. It explores the need for compromise
in the context of the Coalition Government and the drive to embed a dimension of 'fairness' into policy change. From an analysis of the NSP's implementation, evolution, and ultimate closure, we consider the extent to which fairness can, and cannot, successfully be promoted through the design
of undergraduate fees and financial support, an objective that was espoused by politicians responsible for the introduction of £1,000, £3,000 and, ultimately, £9,000 fees.
The politics of education revisited: Anthony Crosland and Michael Gove in historical perspective
Authors: Finn Mike
Published: September 2016

This article traces continuity and change in the governance of British education through the comparison of two ministers, Anthony Crosland and Michael Gove. Taking Maurice Kogan's seminal The Politics of Education as the point of departure, the article highlights the role of
political ideology in large-scale educational change, taking school reorganization as a case study. The article argues that the recent tenure of Michael Gove indicates that large-scale change within the British education system still requires a (more or less) coherent ideological framework
and considerable commitment on the part of the individual minister.
The impact of accountability reforms on the Key Stage 4 curriculum: How have changes to school and college Performance Tables affected pupil access to qualifications and subjects in secondary schools in England?
Authors: Parameshwaran Meenakshi , Thomson Dave
Published: September 2016

The Conservative–Liberal Democrat Coalition Government's reforms to secondary school Performance Tables have changed how schools make decisions about the subjects and qualifications entered by their pupils. The National Pupil Database is used to explore these changes between 2005
and 2014. We find that schools are responding to accountability reforms by changing access to subjects and qualifications for pupils: entry rates for English Baccalaureate qualifications have increased, while those for qualifications no longer counted as a result of the Coalition's response
to the Wolf Review have decreased. However, reforms have not yet led to equal access to subjects and qualifications for all pupils.
Supporting the development of assessment literacy of staff through institutional process change
Authors: Forsyth Rachel , Cullen Rod , Ringan Neil , Stubbs Mark
Published: September 2016

This paper reflects on the work done at a large UK university to redesign assessment procedures in a way that was intended to contribute to an improvement in assessment literacy for staff. Existing practice was reviewed and showed that changes in assessment processes were needed to
make the organization of assessment more consistent and more transparent across the institution and to develop staff assessment literacy. Revised procedures were designed and implemented in order to make a clear distinction between institutional requirements for ensuring standards and recording
outcomes, and academic decisions that ensured that assessment was designed to be appropriate for disciplinary requirements.
Expanding the English medical schools: The politics of knowledge control
Authors: Salter Brian , Filippakou Ourania , Tapper Ted
Published: September 2016

Since 1997 there have been two concerted attempts to expand the number of medical school students in England: by increasing the size of existing medical schools, and by creating new medical schools. These initiatives have been a direct result of government policy, although policy implementation
was delegated to the state apparatus. They also led to a struggle between higher education interests and the General Medical Council for knowledge control. The aim of this article is to offer an analytical framework for this conflict, and to draw attention to consequent shifts in university
governance and the epistemological framing of higher education.
David Watson 1949–2015: A life in higher education
Authors: Temple Paul
Published: September 2016

A seminar to reflect on David Watson's many and varied contributions to higher education policy, scholarship, and practice was held at the UCL Institute of Education, University College London on 12 November 2015. The principal speakers were Paul Ashwin, Bahram Bekhradnia, Mike Boxall,
Rob Cuthbert, Brenda Gourley, Alison Kennell, and Peter Scott. This paper offers a summary of their talks and also attempts to reflect contributions from other participants. Given the extent of editorial licence needed to bring these varied contributions together in what I hope is a reasonably
concise and consistent form, responsibility for what follows must rest with me.
Alternative educational provision in an area of deprivation in London
Authors: Cajic-Seigneur Magdalena , Hodgson Ann
Published: September 2016

The attainment in national examinations and progress of pupils to the age of 16 in London is the highest in England. Nevertheless, there is still a significant number of 16- to 19-year-olds who are not in employment, education, or training (NEET). Those who are the most vulnerable to
becoming NEET are the young people who have disengaged from mainstream education. This article draws on a comprehensive examination of the effectiveness of an alternative education provision (AEP) for pupils who were disengaged from mainstream schools in one London local authority. Through
the application of Bronfenbrenner's ecosystems theory, the study explored the impact of different ecosystems on young people's disengagement. The findings in evaluation studies of other AEPs and the findings in this study indicate that AEPs – and the curriculum, pedagogy, and pastoral
care that they offer – can, and do, make a considerable difference to the educational outcomes of disadvantaged children, as well as offering insights for mainstream education. Thus, the study contributes to the current debate on the organization and structure of the 14–19 education
system in England under raising the participation age (RPA) to 18, the new legislation that came into force this academic year.
Social justice in the mathematics classroom
Authors: Wright Pete
Published: September 2016

Despite increases in educational attainment in London, too many mathematics lessons remain focused on factual recall and procedural understanding, resulting in disaffection among learners. This study reports on the establishment of a research group, comprising five teacher researchers
and myself, which aimed to challenge this situation through adopting a participatory action research methodology. By planning, teaching, and evaluating innovative classroom activities, the group demonstrated how making mathematics more relevant and meaningful can enhance students' engagement
and agency. The collaborative and mutually supportive nature of the group developed teacher researchers' self-efficacy in addressing issues of social justice in their mathematics classrooms.
EVOLUCIÓN DE FASES MAGNÉTICAS PRESENTES EN ARCILLAS DE BOYACÁ SOMETIDAS A ALTAS TEMPERATURAS
Authors: Ruge Guerrero Oscar Orlando , Martínez Ovalle Segundo Agustín , Díaz Lagos Mercedes
Published: September 2016

En este trabajo analizamos muestras de arcilla obtenidas de la región de Tunja – Boyacá, con el objetivo de estudiar el efecto de la temperatura de calentamiento en el color de estos materiales y a la vez como indicativo de la naturaleza y la distribución de sus constituyentes de óxidos de hierro Fe2O3. Estos colores son de relevancia estética en la fabricación de cubiertas y ladrillos en construcción de viviendas. Para evaluar la evolución de las fases, su composición y microestructura en las muestras se utilizó Fluorescencia de rayos X (XRF), Difracción de rayos X (DRX), Espectroscopia Mössbauer (EM)y Microscopia electrónica de barrido (SEM) para muestras sometidas a tratamiento térmico entre (400-1200 ⁰C). Los resultados indican que las propiedades espectrales de las muestras están influenciadas principalmente por la mineralogía del Fe. Se identificaron fases de goetita y hematita en todas las muestras. Los análisis Mössbauer indicaron que con el incremento de la temperatura, la arcilla natural presenta un aumento en la fase de hematita que se refleja también en un incremento del tono rojo del cuerpo de la misma, en contraste con muestras de tono amarillo de la arcilla natural. La formaciónde hematita y el aumento en su ordenamiento magnético se debe en gran parte a la desaparición de la materia orgánica y la transformación de iones de hierro dispuestos en las fases mineralógicas de la arcilla natural.
Effects of Plant Density on Plant Growth before and after Recurrent Selection in Maize
Authors: Stein Michael , Miguez Fernando , Edwards Jode
Published: September 2016

Breeding for higher grain yield in maize (Zea mays L.) using increased selection densities has produced varieties that are adapted to grow at higher population densities. While the effects of density on final grain yield and plant phenotypes are well known, how density affects the early‐season growth of the plant has been less studied. The objective of this experiment was to examine the effects of high planting density on the growth of stalk, tassel, and ear shoots in unselected Iowa Stiff Stalk Synthetic (BSSS) and Iowa Synthetic Corn Borer No. 1 (BSCB1) and in populations that have been selected for high grain yield via a reciprocal recurrent selection program. The selected and unselected populations were planted at four densities ranging from 3.23 to 12.92 plant m−2 in six environments near Ames, IA, over 3 yr. Increased planting density affected plant organ growth timing differently in BSSS and BSCB1. High‐density delayed stalk biomass accumulation in BSCB1 but not BSSS and delayed ear shoot and tassel biomass accumulation in BSSS but not BSCB1. Differences in biomass accumulation and partitioning between unselected populations were generally not observed between selected populations, suggesting that selection caused a convergence in growth patterns between the populations. Increased density lowered maximum growth rates for all plant organs, but reduction in growth rate as a result of density occurred at higher density in selected populations than unselected populations.
Quantitative Trait Loci of Plant Attributes Related to Sorghum Grain Number Determination
Authors: Spagnolli Florencia C. , Mace Emma , Jordan David , Borrás Lucas , Gambin Brenda L.
Published: September 2016

The genetic basis of grain number determination in sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] was studied based on canopy growth traits. Traits were crop growth rate (CGR) around flowering, plant reproductive biomass partitioning (PR) to the panicle, and grain‐set efficiency (EG) per unit of accumulated panicle biomass. Previous evidence has shown that these traits vary across commercial germplasm and that PR and EG are genotype‐specific traits with low environmental effects. Our hypothesis was that PR and EG are highly heritable traits correlated to grain number (and yield) for which environmentally consistent quantitative trait loci (QTL) could be detected. Studied recombinant inbred lines (RILs) showed important variation in yield, grain number per square meter, time to anthesis, plant height, CGR, PR and EG, and growth environments created significant genotype × environment interactions for most. Variability in grain number per square meter was significantly correlated with PR (p < 0.001) and EG (p < 0.001) but not with CGR (p > 0.05). Heritability estimates for PR and EG were larger than estimates for CGR, grain number per square meter, or yield. A multitrait, multienvironment approach over CGR, PR, and EG identified 12 QTL (LOD ≥ 2.5), explaining 21 to 36% of observed trait variability. No QTL were detected for CGR, while two and one environmentally consistent QTL were found for PR and EG, respectively. Results highlighted relevant information that could be potentially exploited in breeding programs.
Swelling Behavior of Montmorillonites Noncolloidally Crosslinked with ε‐Al13
Authors: Yao Hailin , Liu Liang , Sun Shiyong , Fang Ran
Published: September 2016

Core Ideas

The expansion properties of montmorillonites treated with PHA steeply decreased.

A mixture of montmorillonites and PHA solution is not a colloidal system.

Al13 groups are the main intercalator and factor influencing swelling behavior.

The treatment may be applied in expansive soil research.

Studies concerning noncolloidally crosslinked montmorillonites (NCMs) are significant for the chemical treatment of expansive soil. In this study, NCMs with OH/Al molar ratios of 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 and Al/montmorillonite ratios of 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.8, and 1.0 mmol g−1 were prepared via AlCl3–NaOH reactions and subsequent Al13–montmorillonite interactions. The resulting NCMs exhibited the characteristics of silt as well as significant expansion and mechanical property changes. The expansion properties of the NCM samples, including the free swelling ratio, swelling force, free expansion ratio, and expansion ratio under 50 kPa all decreased significantly. According to the X‐ray diffraction data, the basal spacing of the NCM samples became relatively stable and slightly expanded after the drying and rewetting processes. Additionally, the cohesive force and shear strength of the NCM samples increased significantly after the crosslinking process. Furthermore, the X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry results confirmed that the Al oxide content of the NCMs increased as the swelling properties decreased, indicating that primarily the Al13 groups influenced the swelling behavior of the NCMs.
Effects of Artificial Soil Aeration Volume and Frequency on Soil Enzyme Activity and Microbial Abundance when Cultivating Greenhouse Tomato
Authors: Li Yuan , Niu Wenquan , Wang Jingwei , Liu Lu , Zhang Mingzhi , Xu Jian
Published: September 2016

Core Ideas

Rhizosphere soil enzymes activity showed an initial increase followed by a decrease.

Soil aeration can enhance the activities of three rhizosphere soil enzymes.

Aeration frequency and volume can significantly affect rhizosphere enzyme activities.

Aeration can enhance the activities of non‐rhizosphere soil enzymes.

Soil aeration can increase tomato yield.

Artificial soil aeration can enhance soil enzyme activity, improve soil nutrient cycling, and increase crop growth and yield. We studied the response of soil microorganisms and soil enzyme activity to two levels of burial depths of subsurface tubing in combination with four levels of aeration volume and three frequency levels of supplemental soil aeration. The aeration volumes (V) were 0, 0.5, 1, and 1.5 times (CK, V1, V2, and V3, respectively) the estimated porosity of the plot rhizosphere. Burial depths (D) of subsurface tubing were 15 and 40 cm (D15 and D40). Aeration frequencies (F) levels were none and at 2‐ and 4‐d intervals (CK, F2, and F4). The results demonstrated that aeration frequency and volume positively affected soil urease, phosphatase, and catalase activity and soil microbial abundance. The impact of aeration treatment on rhizosphere soil enzyme activity was greater than its impact on non‐rhizosphere activity. When the drip irrigation tube depth was 15 cm, V2 volume with 2‐d aeration intervals led to an increase in the mean yield of first picking fruit of 75.1% compared with the unaerated control. When V3 volume with 2‐d aeration intervals was performed with a 40‐cm irrigation tube, the mean yields of the first picking fruit increased by 135.5% compared with the unaerated control. These results suggest that artificial soil aeration can improve the plant root zone environment, increase microbial abundance and soil enzyme activity, and promote nutrient uptake, thus promoting plant growth and fruit output.
Preferential Transport in Macropores is Reduced by Soil Organic Carbon
Authors: Larsbo Mats , Koestel John , Kätterer Thomas , Jarvis Nick
Published: September 2016

Core Ideas

Soils of larger SOC content showed weaker preferential transport.

These soils also had larger volumes of pores <600 μm in size.

Results suggest a threshold SOC content above which effects were negligible.

It has been suggested that some management practices and farming systems that promote C sequestration may exacerbate the risk of groundwater pollution due to fast preferential transport in soil macropores. However, soil organic C (SOC) may also impact the soil pore structure at scales smaller than the macropore scale, where complexes of SOC and clay form microaggregates that may increase pore volumes in the micrometer size range. These effects of SOC per se on pore network architecture, water flow, and solute transport have hardly been investigated. Therefore, to investigate this question, we measured tracer transport through soil cores sampled along a transect on a field under grass–clover ley with a natural gradient in SOC content. The strength of preferential transport was characterized at two flow rates (2 and 5 mm h−1) and related to the volume, size distribution, heterogeneity, and connectivity of pore networks quantified by X‐ray tomography. The results showed that soils with a larger SOC content had larger volumes of pores in the smallest imaged size range (200–600 μm) that were also more uniformly distributed. These effects of SOC on the imaged pore networks were only apparent up to a threshold value of the ratio between clay and SOC of 10:1, which is assumed to correspond with the amount of SOC needed for C saturation of the clay fraction. The increased flow capacity of these smaller macropores in soil columns with larger SOC contents prevented flow from being activated in larger pores, which significantly reduced the strength of preferential transport.
Large scale tertiary filtration – results and experiences from the discfilter plant at the Rya WWTP in Sweden
Authors: Wilén B.-M. , Cimbritz M. , Pettersson T. , Mattsson A.
Published: September 2016

This paper summarizes the results and experiences from the full-scale discfilter plant at the Rya WWTP. In 2010 the WWTP was extended with post-denitrification and a discfilter plant for tertiary filtration of the effluent in order to meet the new discharge limits of 10 mg total nitrogen and 0.3 mg/l of total phosphorus. The disc filters receive effluent from both the moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) and the secondary settlers. The disc filters are equipped with filter cloths with 15 µm pore openings. The concentration of suspended solids was generally kept below 5 mg/l and total phosphorus was <0.2 mg/l for approximately 60% of the days during the experimental period, with generally lower concentration of particles in the effluent from the disc filters during the summer. The mass load of suspended solids from the MBBR was higher compared to the load from the secondary settlers but this did not influence the concentration of suspended solids in the effluent from the disc filters. The particles in the MBBR effluent are larger and easier to filter compared to the secondary settler effluent which contain a larger number of small particles. During passage through the disc filters, some particles break-up leaving a larger number of particles (1–5 µm) in the effluent. Due to their small mass, this does not affect the effluent suspended solids concentration significantly. The removal of indicator and pathogenic microorganisms was only marginal. Since the discfilter plant has been placed in operation, the operational strategies have improved (e.g. more frequent cleaning of the filter cloths) which has increased the treatment capacity. The study demonstrates successful operation of a large discfilter plant with large variation in flow and particle loading.
Blue buildings: decentralized and integrated management of water from ‘Source-To-Source, At Source’
Authors: Samuel S. , Lim M. , Hsien C. , Ho A. , Schraudolph U. , White S.
Published: September 2016

The high upfront investments, inadequate funding, technical challenges and major gaps in implementing centralized water systems necessitate the exploration of more viable, environment friendly and economically sustainable options. At the same time, the increasing scarcity of water requires an ‘end-to-end’ or ‘source-to-source’ management approach.

This paper provides the framework for an alternative decentralized solution that can both complement the conventional centralized solution to water and wastewater management. It provides the vital building blocks for the development of SMART Cities by making homes, buildings and communities water sustainable through a new Blue Building Standard that uses economically and technically viable technologies. In such a framework, the end users become active partners and collaborators with service providers and utilities in the management of water from source to source, at source. Only with the development and adoption of new standards can decentralized solution realize its potential of becoming a mainstream solution in urban water management.
Feminism Study on Marginalized Women in the Effort of Empowerment
Authors: Nasution Siti Norma
Published: September 2016

This study was conducted to address the problems faced by groups of women in the domestic and public sphere. This research was completed in several villages in two regencies of North Sumatra, i.e.Langkat and Serdang Bedagai. Focus Group Discussion, in-depth interviews and documentation by recording and writing methods were applied to obtain the data. The result was expected to become a reference for the empowerment of women, socially and economically and it will be a valuable asset to the nation in the development of Indonesia. The theory used was the theory of social culture and feminism. The method used was a qualitative, descriptive and hermeneutic interpretation. Then the data were being analyzed with the circle to get a full understanding. The research team got some information from the women's groups that they received financial assistance and workshops and the training of non-governmental organizations. They were given training to farming, small trade and home industries. They also received training to manage the credit union which can be a solution to the problem of capital in the public sector. To solve the problem in the domestic domain the women acquired counseling on gender equality of non-governmental organizations for both the husband and the wife on same gender issues and the result was a significant change in family life, the condition produces communications that is more democratic now.
Effect of organizational justice on work engagement with psychological safety as a mediator: Evidence from China
Authors: Lyu Xiaojun
Published: September 2016

I explored the impact of organizational justice on work engagement, which is a positive organizational behavior construct, and the underlying psychological mechanism. I hypothesized on the basis of a literature review that organizational justice would have a positive effect on work
engagement and that psychological safety would act as a mediator. Participants comprised 254 teachers working in compulsory schools in eastern China. The survey was conducted using organizational justice, psychological safety, and work engagement scales. Data analysis showed that the 3 dimensions
of organizational justice, namely, distributive, procedural, and interactional, had a positive effect on teachers' work engagement. In addition, psychological safety played a partial mediating role in the association between organizational justice and work engagement. Theoretical and practical
implications are discussed, and directions for future research are suggested.
Government Reporting Timeliness and Municipal Credit Market Implications
Authors: Henke Trent S. , Maher John J.
Published: September 2016

Municipal governments are often very slow in producing and disclosing financial statements, with the average time for filing compulsory statements taking over twice as long as the SEC-mandated time for publicly traded corporations. There are typically no governmental rules or explicit penalties connected with extended financial reporting. We propose this delay in reporting is likely to have negative capital market effects for the municipality and we investigate the credit market consequences of delayed reporting. Our empirical results are consistent with delayed reporting resulting in lower bond ratings for municipalities indicating a negative interpretation by bond rating analysts. Furthermore, we also find a higher yield for the government's bonds consistent with bond market investors also viewing this delay as a negative signal with respect to the particular government entity. Our results add to the literature on government reporting as well as the literature regarding the determinants of government bond pricing.

JEL Classifications: G12; G18; H11; H74; H83.

Data Availability: Data are available from sources identified in the article.