bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Survey of thrips in Sri Lanka: A checklist of thrips species, their distribution and host plants
Authors: Tillekaratne Kalpana , Edirisinghe JP , Gunatilleke CVS , Karunaratne WAIP
Published: January 2012

Thrips of Sri Lanka have been poorly studied despite their significance to agriculture and horticulture of the country. A survey of thrips and their host plants was conducted in several parts of Sri Lanka during 2005-2008, with a view to record the species present, their distribution, host plant relationships and damage caused. Over 1,000 plant species comprising crops, ornamental plants, weeds, shrubs, and trees were examined for thrips in 22 study sites, representing a range of habitats in nine districts covering 12 agrochemical regions of the country. Damage in plants due to thrips infestations was documented. This paper presents a list of 72 thrips species in 45 genera recorded during the survey from 324 host plant species in 83 plant families. Megalurothrips usitatus, Thrips palmi, and Haplothrips gowdeyi were the most widely distributed species. The grass infesting Haplothrips spp., several species of Thrips, Microcephalothrips abdominalis, M. usitatus and Scirtothrips dorsalis are some of the species with a large number of host records. Thrips simplex in particular was confined to the Upcountry Wet zone, while Thrips flavus was most widespread in this region and was present on almost all the vegetation. The survey identified 24 species of thrips represented in 20 genera that were not recorded previously from Sri Lanka. Majority of the thrips recorded are pest species, cosmopolitan in distribution. The most common damage due to thrips infestations was discolouration, scarring and browning of leaves and flowers, most pronounced in cut flowers. The survey updates the information on the Thysanoptera of Sri Lanka and highlights their importance in agriculture and floriculture. Key words: agriculture; floriculture; damage; pest species; new records DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/cjsbs.v40i2.3926 CJSBS 2011; 40(2): 89-108
Morphology and ecology of tadpoles of Ramanella obscura (Anura: Microhylidae)
Authors: Bowatte Gayan , Meegaskumbura Madhava
Published: January 2012

External, buccal and chondrocranial morphology, bone development and ecology of the tadpoles of Ramanella obscura, a narrow-mouthed frog species endemic to Sri Lanka is described. The tadpoles have a dorsoventrally flattend body, keratinous ridge on lower lip, a postnarial ridge that extends anteriorly between narial papillae and an expanded fenestrated sheet of cartilage associated with the larval otic process and processus lateralis posterior. But they do not possess a medial preglottal papilla in ventral buccal floor as in Microhyla. At Gosner stage 25, there is no bone development; but by stage 35, exoccipitals, parasphenoid, frontoparietals and prootics are developed. By stage 40, in addition to the bones at stage 35, nasals are formed. The tadpoles are tree-hole or small-ground-pool dwellers that feed on particulate matter and infusoria both in the substratum and the water column, for which they have morphological adaptations. No other anuran tadpoles were observed in syntopy with R. obscura tadpoles.   Key words: Chondrocranium; buccal morphology; tadpole ecology; endemic; Sri Lanka DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/cjsbs.v40i2.3927 CJSBS 2011; 40(2): 109-120
Effect of mosquito larvicide Abate® on the developmental stages of the Asian common toad, Bufo melanostictus
Authors: Harischandra HKSP , Karunaratne SHPP , Rajakaruna RS
Published: January 2012

Exposure to chemical contaminants has been identified as a key factor causing widespread mortalities and malformations in amphibians world over. We examined the effect of exposure to commonly used mosquito larvicide, Abate® which has temephos as the active ingredient, on the Asian common toad, Bufo melanostictus, under laboratory conditions. The LC50 values of 16.56 ppm and 17.03 ppm were obtained when one-day old tadpoles (Gosner stage 21-24) and one-week old tadpoles (Gosner stage 25) were exposed to Abate for two weeks, respectively. Chronic exposure to Abate at effective field concentrations used in mosquito control programmes (WHO recommended doses) had a significant effect on the survival of egg stage (Gosner stages 12-14), and one day old tadpoles but not on one week old tadpoles. Tadpoles exposed to Abate grew larger and had a longer larval period and the difference in the duration of larval period was statistically significant. Exposed tadpoles also developed malformations such as rotation of bones, micromelia of the limb bones, hemimelia of femur, skin webbing in the hind limbs and ectrodactyly. Edemas were also observed in the exposed tadpoles. Exposure to all concentrations of Abate had a significant effect on the survival, growth and development of malformations in the early tadpole stages compared to the control group. The reduction in survival was not significant when older tadpoles of one week post-hatch were exposed, although they developed malformations and their larval period was prolonged significantly compared to the control group. Thus, the study shows that Abate is lethal to the early stages of the Asian common toad but the toxicity decreased as the tadpoles grow older.   Key words: temephos; amphibians; survival; growth; malformations   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/cjsbs.v40i2.3929 CJSBS 2011; 40(2): 133-140
Anti Reverse Transcriptase and Anticancer activity of stem ethanol extracts of Excoecaria agallocha (Euphorbiaceae)
Authors: Patil RC , Manohar Sonal M , Upadhye Madhav V , Katchi VI , Rao Asha J , Mule Abhishek , Moghe Alpana S
Published: January 2012

Excoecaria agallocha L. (Euphorbiaceae) is a mangrove plant widely used in folklore medicine for the treatment of several diseases. In the present study anti HIV and anticancer properties of active fraction of stem ethanol extracts of the plant were investigated. The fraction showed significant anti-reverse transcriptase activity in the enzyme-based direct binding assay which was as good as that of the standard synthetic inhibitor. Anticancer activity of the same fraction was determined using MTS in vitro assay. It showed potent cytotoxicity against pancreatic cancer cell lines Capan-1 and Miapaca-2 with IC50 values of 4 μg/ml and 7 μg/ml respectively. These results clearly indicate strong anti HIV and anticancer properties in stem extracts of E. agallocha.   Key words: mangrove; pancreatic cancer; activity guided fractionation; anti HIV properties DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/cjsbs.v40i2.3931 CJSBS 2011; 40(2): 147-155
Effect of Benzylaminopurine, Gibberellic Acid, Silver Nitrate and Silver Thiosulphate, on postharvest longevity of cut leaves of Dracaena
Authors: Subhashini RMB , Amarathunga NLK , Krishnarajah SA , Eeswara JP
Published: January 2012

Leaf yellowing associated with early senescence is a major problem associated with cut decorative leaves and flowers of many tropical plant species. Effect of postharvest application of benzylaminopurine (BAP), gibberellic acid (GA3), silver-thiosulphate (STS) and silver nitrate (AgNO3) on vase life of cut leaves of three Dracaena species Dracaena marginata ‘bi colour’, Dracaena sanderiana ‘white’ and Dracaena deremensis were investigated. Deionized water (DIW) was used as the control. All the BAP treatments (25, 50 and 100 μM) applied either as 10 minutes immersion or as 24 h pulse improved the vase life of all three species examined. Application of STS (2 mM) and AgNO3 ( 10 mM Ag ions) did not increase the vase life of D. marginata ‘bi colour’ and D. sanderiana ‘white’ significantly while GA3 (50, 100 and 250 μM) either as a pulse or immersion, significantly reduced the postharvest life of D. deremensis compared to untreated leaves. Results suggest that the application of 25 μM BAP as a pulse treatment for 24 h can be recommended to prolong the postharvest life through delayed leaf senescence and thus enhance the marketability of cut leaves of Dracaena marginata ‘bi colour’, Dracaena sanderiana ‘white’ and Dracaena deremensis.   Key words: postharvest life; Dracaena marginata ‘bi colour’; Dracaena sanderiana ‘white’; Dracaena deremensis; marketability DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/cjsbs.v40i2.3932 CJSBS 2011; 40(2): 157-162
Invasion by Austroeupatorium inulifolium (Asteraceae) arrests succession following tea cultivation in the highlands of Sri Lanka
Authors: Pethiyagoda Rohan S , Nanayakkara Sudath
Published: January 2012

An understanding of floral succession is vital in planning the restoration of native vegetation in abandoned agricultural landscapes. Although such restoration is essential for the establishment of habitat corridors between the fragments of tropical montane cloud forest in the Sri Lankan highlands, in which > 90% of the land has been converted to tea plantations, no studies of succession have hitherto been possible because of the near-total absence of secondary forest in this region. In a pioneering restoration initiative in 1998, however, tea cultivation was abandoned on a 25 ha site (elevation 1540–1780 m) at Agrapatana, ~500 m from a natural forest. Succession was allowed to proceed without intervention, except that tea was removed from 10 ha. By 2009, the invasive Neotropical shrub Austroeupatorium inulifolium and Australian tree Acacia decurrens dominated the vegetation (0.43±0.14 and 0.03±0.04 stems m-2, respectively), to the total exclusion of native woody species. There was no significant difference in the density of Austroeupatorium (82±12%) and Acacia (14±9%) between quadrats with and without tea. Methods to suppress these two aggressive invasive species are urgently needed, especially given that Austroeupatorium has recently become established within pristine montane forests such as Horton Plains National Park (2,100 m elevation).   Key words: Acacia decurrens; Eupatorium; montane cloud forest; invasive species DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/cjsbs.v40i2.3934 CJSBS 2011; 40(2): 175-181
Serological examination of Philippine bats for Histoplasma capsulatum
Authors: Arayan Lauren T , Reyes Alisha Wehdnesday B , Masangkay Joseph S , Yoshikawa Yasuhiro , Baticados Waren N , Rovira Hope G
Published: January 2012

Histoplasmosis is a disease of medical and veterinary concern. Bats are considered as reservoir hosts of the etiologic agent Histoplasma capsulatum, and are therefore used as animal subjects in experimental studies. Thirty six bats, consisiting of nine bats (Microchiroptera: Vespertilionidae) from Aklan, 22 bats (Megachiroptera: Pterodidae) from Quezon City and another five bats (Microchiroptera: Vespertilionidae) from Quezon City, Philippines were tested for the presence of precipitating antibodies to H. capsulatum using immunodiffusion assay. Results revealed that none of the bats tested were positive for H. capsulatum in agar gel precipitation assay. This may be due to no previous exposure of the bats to the pathogen, exposure to the pathogen with insufficient time for seroconversion (infection time < 3 - 5 weeks) prior to capture or the bats were resistant to infection. Any one of the aforementioned factors may have contributed to the absence of antibodies or low undetectable levels of circulating antibodies for H. capsulatum in the tested bats. This is the very first attempt at field collecting and monitoring for precipitating antibodies for H. capsulatum in Philippine wildlife, particularly in Philippine bats.   Key words: Immunodiffusion assay; wildlife; antibodies; Aklan; Quezon City DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/cjsbs.v40i2.3935 CJSBS 2011; 40(2): 183-186
IL-2 Upregulates CD86 Expression on Human CD4+ and CD8+ T Cells
Authors: Paine Ananta , Kirchner Hartmut , Immenschuh Stephan , Oelke Mathias , Blasczyk Rainer , Eiz-Vesper Britta
Published: January 2012

The glycoprotein CD86 is an important costimulatory molecule that has been shown to be predominantly expressed on APCs, such as dendritic cells, macrophages, and B cells. More recently, CD86 was also detected on T cells in specific pathological conditions. The mechanisms of how CD86 might be induced and its functional role in T cells are not well understood. In the present study, we showed that treatment with IL-2 markedly upregulated CD86, but not CD80, in human CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. This upregulation occurred in the absence of bystander cells, and isolated naive CD4+ or CD8+ T cells exhibited different time-dependent CD86-expression patterns in response to IL-2. Upregulation of CD86 on activated T cells was reduced by Abs that block IL-2 and IL-2Rα (CD25), indicating a receptor-mediated mechanism. IL-2–dependent CD86 upregulation was blocked by pharmacological inhibitors of the NFAT and mammalian target of rapamycin pathways and was largely reduced by simultaneous exposure to IFN-α. Importantly, a marked increase in CD86 on T cells was also observed in vivo in IL-2–treated patients. In conclusion, IL-2 upregulates CD86 expression on human CD4+ and CD8+ T cells via a receptor-dependent mechanism that involves the NFAT and mammalian target of rapamycin pathways.
Defective CD8 T Cell Responses in Aged Mice Are Due to Quantitative and Qualitative Changes in Virus-Specific Precursors
Authors: Decman Vilma , Laidlaw Brian J. , Doering Travis A. , Leng Jin , Ertl Hildegund C. J. , Goldstein Daniel R. , Wherry E. John
Published: January 2012

Aging is associated with suboptimal CD8 T cell responses to viral infections. It is not clear whether these poor responses are due to environmental influences or quantitative and qualitative changes in the pool of responding CD8 T cells. Our studies demonstrated several deleterious age-related changes in the pool of Ag-specific CD8 T cells that respond to infection. The majority of CD8 T cells from uninfected aged mice was CD44Hi and had increased expression of inhibitory receptors including PD1, LAG3, 2B4, and CD160. These aged CD44Hi CD8 T cells were transcriptionally similar to exhausted CD8 T cells found during chronic infections. In addition, the number of virus-specific precursors in aged mice prior to infection was decreased up to 10-fold, and many of these Ag-specific precursors had high expression of CD44 and PD1. Finally, TCR transgenic studies demonstrated that the CD44Hi Ag-specific CD8 T cells from unimmunized aged and young mice were qualitatively inferior compared with CD44Lo CD8 T cells from aged or young donors. Thus, a decrease in precursor frequency as well as qualitative changes of CD8 T cells during aging are directly related to impaired immunity.
STAT1-Independent Control of a Neurotropic Measles Virus Challenge in Primary Neurons and Infected Mice
Authors: O’Donnell Lauren A. , Conway Stephen , Rose R. Wesley , Nicolas Emmanuelle , Slifker Michael , Balachandran Siddharth , Rall Glenn F.
Published: January 2012

Neurons are chiefly nonrenewable; thus, cytolytic immune strategies to clear or control neurotropic viral infections could have lasting neurologic consequences. IFN-γ is a potent antiviral cytokine that is critical for noncytolytic clearance of multiple neurotropic viral infections, including measles virus (MV); however, the downstream pathways through which IFN-γ functions in neurons have not been defined. Unlike most cell types studied to date in which IFN-γ affects gene expression via rapid and robust activation of STAT1, basal STAT1 levels in primary hippocampal neurons are constitutively low, resulting in attenuated STAT1 activation and consequently slower kinetics of IFN-γ–driven STAT1-dependent gene expression. Given this altered expression and activation of STAT1 in neurons, we sought to determine whether STAT1 was required for IFN-γ–mediated protection from infection in neurons. To do so, we evaluated the consequences of MV challenge of STAT1-deficient mice and primary hippocampal neurons explanted from these mice. Surprisingly, the absence of STAT1 did not restrict the ability of IFN-γ to control viral infection either in vivo or ex vivo. Moreover, the canonical IFN-γ–triggered STAT1 gene expression profile was not induced in STAT1-deficient neurons, suggesting that IFN-γ regulates neuronal STAT1-independent pathways to control viral replication.
Characterization of the Promoter and the Transcriptional Regulation of theLipoxin A4 Receptor(FPR2/ALX) Gene in Human Monocytes and Macrophages
Authors: Waechter Vanessa , Schmid Mattia , Herova Magdalena , Weber Angelika , Günther Viola , Marti-Jaun Jacqueline , Wüst Sophia , Rösinger Marian , Gemperle Claudio , Hersberger Martin
Published: January 2012

The lipoxin A4 receptor FPR2/ALX plays an important part in host defense and inflammation. The receptor binds structurally diverse agonistic ligands, which mainly regulate chemotaxis and activation of leukocytes. However, little is known about the promoter region of the FPR2/ALX gene and its transcriptional regulation in leukocytes. We identified two TATA-less promoter regions, separated by 224 bp, that drive the expression of FPR2/ALX in macrophages. Both promoter regions increased transcription in a reporter assay, and the basal transcription factors OCT1 and SP1 were shown to bind the first and the second promoter, respectively, and to transactivate transcription. Although monocytes expressed high levels of FPR2/ALX mRNA from the second promoter region, differentiation into macrophages abrogated FPR2/ALX expression. Stimulation of macrophages with a set of cytokines revealed that only IFN-γ and LPS increased FPR2/ALX expression from the first promoter to levels similar to those detected in monocytes. The upregulation by IFN-γ is in part mediated by the interaction of IFN regulatory factor 1 with an IFN-responsive sequence element transcription factor binding site located in the first promoter region of the FPR2/ALX gene. However, this upregulation on the mRNA level did not translate into FPR2/ALX protein expression in macrophages owing to reduced translation of the longer mRNA from the first promoter. In contrast, FPR2/ALX mRNA transcribed from the second promoter was translated into surface expression of FPR2/ALX in monocytes. These data support a model in which FPR2/ALX plays a role in chemotaxis and activation of monocytes; however, they also suggest that its function in resident tissue macrophages is limited.
Single-Cell Network Profiling of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells from Healthy Donors Reveals Age- and Race-Associated Differences in Immune Signaling Pathway Activation
Authors: Longo Diane M. , Louie Brent , Putta Santosh , Evensen Erik , Ptacek Jason , Cordeiro James , Wang Ena , Pos Zoltan , Hawtin Rachael E. , Marincola Francesco M. , Cesano Alessandra
Published: January 2012

A greater understanding of the function of the human immune system at the single-cell level in healthy individuals is critical for discerning aberrant cellular behavior that occurs in settings such as autoimmunity, immunosenescence, and cancer. To achieve this goal, a systems-level approach capable of capturing the response of the interdependent immune cell types to external stimuli is required. In this study, an extensive characterization of signaling responses in multiple immune cell subpopulations within PBMCs from a cohort of 60 healthy donors was performed using single-cell network profiling (SCNP). SCNP is a multiparametric flow cytometry-based approach that enables the simultaneous measurement of basal and evoked signaling in multiple cell subsets within heterogeneous populations. In addition to establishing the interindividual degree of variation within a broad panel of immune signaling responses, the possible association of any observed variation with demographic variables including age and race was investigated. Using half of the donors as a training set, multiple age- and race-associated variations in signaling responses in discrete cell subsets were identified, and several were subsequently confirmed in the remaining samples (test set). Such associations may provide insight into age-related immune alterations associated with high infection rates and diminished protection following vaccination and into the basis for ethnic differences in autoimmune disease incidence and treatment response. SCNP allowed for the generation of a functional map of healthy immune cell signaling responses that can provide clinically relevant information regarding both the mechanisms underlying immune pathological conditions and the selection and effect of therapeutics.
Diverse Functions of Distal Regulatory Elements at the IFNG Locus
Authors: Collins Patrick L. , Henderson Melodie A. , Aune Thomas M.
Published: January 2012

Previous studies have identified multiple conserved noncoding sequences (CNS) at the mouse Ifng locus sufficient for enhancer activity in cell-based assays. These studies do not directly address biology of the human IFNG locus in a genomic setting. IFNG enhancers may be functionally redundant or each may be functionally unique. We test the hypothesis that each IFNG enhancer has a unique necessary function using a bacterial artificial chromosome transgenic model. We find that CNS−30, CNS−4, and CNS+20 are required at distinct stages of Th1 differentiation, whereas CNS−16 has a repressive role in Th1 and Th2 cells. CNS+20 is required for IFN-γ expression by memory Th1 cells and NKT cells. CNS−4 is required for IFN-γ expression by effector Th1 cells. In contrast, CNS−16, CNS−4, and CNS+20 are each partially required for human IFN-γ expression by NK cells. Thus, IFNG CNS enhancers have redundant necessary functions in NK cells but unique necessary functions in Th cells. These results also demonstrate that distinct CNSs are required to transcribe IFNG at each stage of the Th1 differentiation pathway.
Challenges Facing Women Micro Entrepreneurs in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Jagero Nelson , Kushoka Ikandilo
Published: January 2012

AbstractThis study analyzes the challenges facing women micro entrepreneurs in Ilala Municipal Dar es Salaam. The author’s choice of this topic is derived from the public outcry concerning the treatment of micro entrepreneurs by the municipal officials in Ilala, Dar es Salaam. The author interviewed 120 women micro entrepreneurs in Ilala Municipality to answer the research question: What are the challenges facing Women Micro Entrepreneurs in Ilala Municipality emanating from an ongoing campaign to “Clean the City”. Results indicate that major challenges facing women micro entrepreneurs are poor infrastructure, lack of business premise, decline in business and lack of prime space. Key words: Entrepreneurs, Micro entrepreneurs, Entrepreneurship, Women
The Effect of Gender Base Materials on Reading Comprehension
Authors: Shahmohammadi Nayereh
Published: January 2012

As it is true for other three language skills, reading is a process involving the activation of relevant knowledge and related language skills to accomplish an exchange of information from one person to another .Reading requires that the reader focus attention on the reading materials and integrate previously acquired knowledge and skills to comprehend what someone else has written. There have been a lot of researches on reading and reading comprehension. One of the most interesting areas in reading comprehension is related to schemata theory. This interesting line of research in the second language area concerns the effect on reading performance of readers' own internalized models or emotions and beliefs, consequently different internalized models or schemata, males will have greater comprehension achievement if they read the text which sound masculine and females will have greater comprehension achievement provided that they read text which are about feminine topics. Having a look at the revised pre-university English course book, we can truly recognize that nearly all of the text in this book with the topics such as sports and exercise (with a picture of man in running), global warming and man and space (with a picture of man in the space) are male oriented .Based on the result of previous researches on reading comprehension, this paper suggests: Including balance of reading material ,one half male oriented and one half female oriented; including topics such as space ,war ,competition ,sports for males ;including topics such as house chores ,humanities and baby sittings for females in high school levels of English course book; That both male and female have the equal chance to activate their pre-existent knowledge to comprehend the text.
Challenges in Teaching and Learning of English at Secondary Level Class X
Authors: Teevno Roshan Ali
Published: January 2012

This paper describes the challenges faced by teachers and students in teaching and learning of English at secondary level. The study was limited to class x. It has been observed that in recent times the governments of Sindh and Pakistan have been providing a lot of facilities including free books and training programs for the teachers at secondary level but the teaching and learning of English is not up to mark. The participants of the study were 11 English teachers including 7 male and 4 female, 70 students including 40 male and 30 female and also; 6 English experts which include 4 male and 2 female. Teachers and students were administered questionnaires and involved in focus group discussion and experts were interviewed. It was found that teachers had no proper training of teaching English, proper facilities were not provided and curriculum was not according to the needs of students. These reasons hindered the teaching and learning process of English. This study was carried out at one of the taluka of district Naushahro Feroze Sindh Pakistan. Key words:  English teacher, Learners, Challenges, Secondary level, Existing practices
Islam Hadhari’s Principles and Reward Management Practices: A Conceptual Study in Malaysian Private Organizations
Authors: Noor Wan Shakizah  Noor Wan Mohd , Daud Zulkiflee , Isa Mohd Faizal Mohd
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACT Many best practice models exist that describe successful approaches to reward management which influence by the cultural, legal, organizational and administrative challenges in Islamic world. Thus, the decision in setting and designing reward programs in raising productivity through human effort has always been controversial. Studies that were undertaken in numerous countries have shown varying degrees of success of such practices. Even though there is a substantial amount of foreign literature on this subject, there is a paucity of information concerning the extent of such application in Malaysia. As Malaysia is a predominantly Muslim country, Islam, through national culture influences organizations. This paper is an attempt to provide further insights into the theory and practice of reward management in the local context as Malaysia is implementing Islam Hadhari’s principles in the country. The study adopts a qualitative approach. A tentative research model is developed first, based on an extensive literature review. The qualitative field study then is carried out to explore the perceptions of reward management in the Malaysian private organizations from the Islamic perspective.  Twelve Malaysian private organizations of various sizes are studied via interviews with key personnel. The paper will also contribute theoretically and practically by providing direction and suggestions in designing and implementing the reward programs for the private organizations in the Malaysian environment. KEYWORDS:                        Reward management, Islam Hadhari, Culture
The Extent of Application of the Principles of the Organizational Justice and Its Relationship to the Organizational Commitment of the Faculty Members at the University of Jordan
Authors: Arabiyat Bashir , Balqaa Al. , Issa  Al-Saleem Basma Tlelan
Published: January 2012

Abstract This study aimed at identifying the extent of application of  principles of the organizational justice and its relation to the organizational commitment of the faculty instructors of the University  of Jordan. To achieve the objective of the study, a questionnaire was designed to collect data from the study sample. The study sample consisted of (183) faculty instructors of the University of Jordan. The study found that the extent of application of the principles of the organizational justice was medium, and the organizational commitment of the faculty instructors was high. It was found that there was a significant statistical relation to the application of the principles of the organizational justice for the faculty Instructors who had a commitment their organization. Finally, the researchers recommend the need to work on further studies on different variables related to this study. Key Words: Organizational Justice, Organizational Commitment.
Impact of Teacher’s Background and Behavior on Students Learning
Authors: Khalid Abida , Yasmin Shabana , Azeem Muhammad
Published: January 2012

Abstract The major purpose of the study was to identify the impact of teacher’s background and teacher’s behavior on students learning. The present study is descriptive in nature. The data were collected from the wide verity of sources. Due to the financial constraint, it was delimited to two districts of Sahiwal division, i.e., Pakpattan and Sahiwal. The population of the study comprised of 4746 teachers, 164876 students and 237 secondary and higher secondary schools in public sector in the division of Sahiwal. The present study aimed to explore the data about the teachers’ background and their behavior on students learning. In order to determine these variables, the researcher developed a questionnaire on the five point Likert scale. Supervisor and other educational experts were consulted during the development of instrument before the finalization and validation of questionnaire. Questionnaires were distributed among the students of two districts of Sahiwal division. The instrument of study revised through piloting the items the data were collected by researcher personally and with the help of brothers and friends. The data were analyzed by using SPSS version 16. Finally 850 questionnaires were returned back to the respondents representing the sample of the study. It was survey type study. This is an in-depth study of students learning in English subjects regarding the teacher’s background and teacher’s behavior. The study generated following major findings that majority of teachers follow text books while teaching; provide information other than text book, they regular and punctual, their style of teaching help the students in learning. These teachers are co-operative with students but they did not ignore the mistakes of their students. However, they care about the emotions of students and give them moral training. Moreover the overall impact of teachers’ behavior on students learning was not significant. Keywords: Teachers' Behavior, Behavior and Learning
The Relationship of Internal Motivation Components and Academic Achievement among High School Students
Authors: Ghamari Mohammad
Published: January 2012

Abstract The aim of this research was to determine the relationship between internal motivation and academic achievement among high school students. Using multi-stage cluster sampling 307 high school students were selected. Then internal motivation questionnaire administrated. To measure the academic achievement, their academic grade average was used. Using the Pearson correlation coefficient, stepwise regression analysis, and Z test Collected data were analyzed. Results showed that there is positive and significant relationship between internal motivation and academic achievement. There is positive and significant relationship between interest, competence, effort, lack of stress, selection, value and academic achievement. Between components of the internal motivation, competence, lack of stress and value explained about 24 percent of student academic achievement variance. The relationship of internal motivation and academic achievement among male and female students is no different.
Retention and Employee Satisfaction: A Case Study in Long Term Care
Authors: Fuqua Ronald M.
Published: January 2012

Abstract This case study presents comparisons between employee satisfaction and retention data in two long term care companies.  Strategic and operational management decisions and differences in race, sex, age, length of service and hourly pay rates are examined and indicate that management and organizational differences contribute to variations in employee satisfaction and retention. This case allows analysis of the possible causes for the variations and what actions would best respond to these differences.
Organizational Climate Prevailing in Al-Balqa Applied University / Faculty of Princess Alia University from the Viewpoint of the Faculty Members: Case Study
Authors: Arabiyat Bashir
Published: January 2012

Abstract This study aimed at investigating the prevailing organizational climate at Al-Balqa Applied University \ faculty of princess Alia University from the viewpoint of the faculty members. The study population consisted of all faculty members at the faculty of princess Alia University whom count (80) individual. In order to collect the study data, a questionnaire was designed based on previous studies. The study showed that the overall mean for the organizational climate prevailing in Al-Balqa Applied University / Faculty of Princess Alia University from the Viewpoint of the Faculty Members has reached (3.32) and standard deviation (1.00), with a degree of importance of moderate. Results also showed that the field of personal relationships came in the first rank; while the field of affiliation ranked last. The study recommended creating an effective system of incentives in the university, in order to improve the satisfaction of faculty members for their jobs, which contribute to a organizational climate, which facilitates work processes, achieving the objectives of the university. Key Words: Organizational Climate, Al-Balqa Applied University, Faculty of Princess Alia University, Faculty Members
Changing Power of Union in India: A Study of Actors’ Perception
Authors: Dhal Manoranjan
Published: January 2012

Abstract — With the growing globalization of market, out sourcing of production, and downsizing of manpower trade unions are losing their power across the globe. This paper tries to explore the perception of actors, i.e. workers, trade union leaders and managers about the changing power structure of union. Attempt was made to study the perception of actors about the function of union, industrial relations climate and its impact on power of union. This study is based on 640 structured interviews conducted in manufacturing industries across different sectors in India. Keywords: Actors; Trade Union; Union Power
Analysis of Employee Engagement and its Predictors
Authors: Mani Vijaya
Published: January 2012

Employee Engagement has emerged as a critical driver of Business Success today. Engagement has the potential to significantly affect Employee Retention, Productivity, and loyalty. The study attempts to investigate the level of Employee Engagement and its predictors among the Executive level employees of a reputed Banking and Insurance Software Company in Tamil Nadu, India. The research is based on the primary data collected from 200 executives on a number of parameters related to Employee Engagement and its potential predictors. The research concluded that the level of employee engagement in the organization is quite satisfactory. Four Factors namely Employee Welfare, Empowerment, Employee Growth and Interpersonal Relationships were found to be the predictors of Employee Engagements.   Key Words: Employee Engagement, Empowerment, Interpersonal relations, Employee Growth, Employee Welfare, Retention
Socio-Culturalism and Knowledge Sharing in Multicultural Virtual Learning Communities: Mapping a Conceptual Framework using a Case-based ‘Quanto-Phenomenography’ Approach
Authors: Mughal Farooq , Zafar Aneesa
Published: January 2012

Abstract The aim of this paper is to investigate the impact of socio-cultural values on the process of knowledge sharing in a multicultural virtual (online) learning community. The study was conducted on a community of place consisting of a mix of students (n = 50) from different parts of the world using a virtual learning environment designed to support learning within and outside the classroom. Pertinent to this, the paper explores three significant areas: a). what societal and cultural values influence the process of knowledge sharing; b) which values are considered important by the community members; and c). do these socio-cultural values limit the utility of a virtual learning environment. The theoretical basis of this study is strongly related to Vygotsky’s (1983) theory of ‘mediated mind’ and Thorne’s (1999) theory on ‘internet-mediation’. The authors conduct a theoretical discourse of the literature to develop a framework consistent upon the VLC model proposed by Schwier (2007) and the three-phased integrative model of virtual communities as societies developed by Romm et al. (1997). The authors use an integrative ‘quanto-phenomenographic’ approach by employing a mix of descriptive and phenomenographic research. The analysis revealed that the socio-cultural values influenced the knowledge sharing process at two-levels i.e. the user level and the environment level yielding altogether 12 socio-cultural values which including nationality, integrity, trust, gender etc. which might inhibit the utility of a virtual learning environment. Keywords: knowledge sharing, virtual learning community, socio-culturalism, culture, multiculturalism, virtual learning environment, phenomenography
Understanding Role of Private Sector in the Development of School Education in Pakistan
Authors: Qaisrani Nasim , Mughal Shahid Hussain , Solangi Ghulam Mohuyuddin , Faiz Sumaira , Soomro Abdul Qadeer
Published: January 2012

AbstractSuccessive governments in Pakistan responded differently to the role of private sector in the educational development of this country. From 1947 till 1971, private sector was very much active in the promotion of education in the country. But it was also criticized on several grounds, some of these allegations include:Low status  of TeachersLow academic standardsUnequal distribution of educational facilities among various sections of the society i.e. between male and female and urban and rural areas;More emphasis on liberal arts subjects as compared to scientific and technical programsKeeping in view of these factors, Educational Policy of 1972 recommended the nationalization of private schools and a complete ban was imposed on the establishment of new schools in the private sector. After a period of seven years, the educational policy of 1979 again recommended the establishment of new schools in the private sector. At present, a large number of institutions from primary to university level are working in this country in the private sector.
The Study of Indicators of Effective Lecturers from the Viewpoint of Students (Case Study: University of Payame Noor of Kurdistan)
Authors: Shahmohammadi Anwar , Ahmadi Yaaghob , Mahdiaraghi Maryam
Published: January 2012

The high education state need to determine the indicators to evaluating their trainers function that one of the basic problems in universities is lack of indicators of effective lecturers. One of the most important methods to determine these indicators is public poll students. This study is done due to determining the indicators of effective lecturers in student’s viewpoint of Payame Noor University in Kurdistan province at 20010-2011 academic years. This study is done in the measuring method and it is statistical society for all of Payame Noor University students in Kordestan province that 360 people among Sanandaj, Saghez and Ghorveh College are collected as sample using of cluster–sampling method. Data collecting tools was inquiries that were made by researcher. The various methods such as descriptive statistic were used to analyze the data. In student’s opinion the indicators of teaching methods, communication, knowledge-seeking, personal characteristic have allocated the most important indicators’ of effective lecturers to itself. Regarding to achieve results, it seems necessary that country’s directors notice to the planning of workshops for lecturers and available indicators at the time of evaluation of lecturers.   Kay words: Effective lecturer's, Effective Teaching, Payame Noor University, Qualities lecturer, Effectiveness Method.
Potential Benefits from the Adoption of New Groundnut Varieties in Northern Vietnam
Authors: Birthal Pratap S. , Minh Truong Thi , Chinh Nguyen Thi , Anh Đào Thế , Nigam Shyam N. , Vuong Pham Thi , Luong Nguyen Thien , Tham Dong Hong
Published: January 2012

Enabled by land reforms and fuelled by technological change, agricultural production in Vietnam grew tremendously after the mid-1980s. Focusing on groundnut, an export-oriented cash and food crop, this paper provides estimates of potential benefits from the adoption of improved varieties in northern Vietnam. At farm level, switching over to improved varieties generates additional revenue of VND1.8 to 3.9 million per hectare (US$1 is equivalent to about VND15,969). The aggregate benefits for northern Vietnam are huge. With the groundnut area remaining unchanged, the annual value of benefits from the adoption of improved varieties in 80% of the area by 2020 will be VND571,691 million (US$35.8 million) at a real discount rate of 5%. These benefits will be 14% larger if the groundnut area continues to expand at the rate achieved in the recent past.
Impact of Support Centres for Social Farming on Benefits from Livestock in Northern Europe
Authors: Schuessler J. , Siegmund-Schultze M. , van Elsen T. , Zárate A. Valle
Published: January 2012

Social farming uses farm activities as a means of promoting human mental and physical health. As organized social farming became more professional, some European countries introduced support centres to assist in its development. This paper reports on a study that examined the experience of such support centres in the Netherlands, Norway and Flanders to assess their current activities and their impact on social farmers who kept livestock. Information was gathered through interviews and online questionnaires. The Dutch farmers had generally restructured their livestock activities to meet some of the demands of social farming, whereas the Flemish farmers had not adapted their system, as they derived their main income from farming rather than from social care.
The Need for Agro-Allied Industries to Promote Food Security by Value Addition to Indigenous African Food Crops
Authors: Raheem Dele
Published: January 2012

Food security is a major concern in developing countries and requires urgent attention and collaborative effort from all stakeholders. As the human population continues to increase, the demand for food becomes far greater than the supply can meet. There is a need to cultivate more indigenous food crops and to diversify into new products by using processing and preservation techniques to ensure that more people have access to good quality, nutritious foods. It is therefore essential that agro-allied industries in African countries receive encouragement to improve the application of technology for processing raw food crops, increasing their shelf life, improving nutritional values and packaging, and maintaining high quality standards. This paper emphasizes the potential benefits for three staple African foods – maize, cassava and sorghum. The application of science to transform the properties of these foods and relevant technologies, such as extrusion cooking, can add value to their use in the immediate future and will help in meeting the Millennium Development Goals.
Knowledge about and Attitudes to GMOs among Students from Various Specializations
Authors: Wnuk Agnieszka , Kozak Marcin
Published: January 2012

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are a hot topic for debate among researchers from a wide range of scientific disciplines – in particular, agriculture, biotechnology and environmental protection. The debate, however, is not limited to science. GMOs are also discussed in the mass media, giving rise to extreme emotions, both positive and negative. Without entering the argument between the supporters and opponents of GMOs, this paper addresses the following questions. How do future experts in agriculture, biotechnology and environmental protection approach the topic of GMOs? Do they have similar or dramatically different views on this subject? What do they know about GMOs? Is their knowledge related to their attitudes? University students specializing in those three disciplines can be considered as future experts in the field, and so a questionnaire survey was conducted among them to answer the above questions. The results show that agricultural, biotechnology and environmental protection students differ in their attitudes to and knowledge about GMOs.
Cattle as Live Stock: A Concept for Understanding and Valuing the Asset Function of LiveStock
Authors: Siegmund-Schultze Marianna , Rischkowsky Barbara , King John M.
Published: January 2012

Where the main purpose of cattle keeping is not for meat and milk production, their valuation should be based on other functions, which may be deduced from the origin and meaning of the term ‘live stock’. By way of example, the monetary value was calculated of the market and non-market functions of cattle kept on Amazonian smallholdings. These cows were kept primarily for savings and financing.
Typifying Guinea Pig (Cavia Porcellus) Farmers in Urban and Peri-Urban Areas in Central and Southern Côte d'lvoire
Authors: Kouakou N'Goran David Vincent , Speybroeck Niko , Assidjo Nogbou Emmanuel , Grongnet Jean-François , Thys Eric
Published: January 2012

Guinea pig production is practised by all strata of society in Côte d'Ivoire, without regard to gender, age, religion, instruction level or community. It is essentially a source of income, but socioeconomic and cultural background significantly influence the approach to guinea pig production. Adult owners use animals as a source of income. Children eat a significant part of the production themselves. Adolescents progress from consumption to marketing. This preliminary study opens the way for future work that could measure changes over time in the socioeconomic profile of guinea pig farmers and the attitude of the population towards guinea pig breeding.
Practices of Greek Farmers in the Application of Insecticides and other Crop Protection Chemicals
Authors: Papadopoulou Sm Ch
Published: January 2012

The application of crop protection chemicals (CPCs) may involve hazardous techniques or processes which can lead to various occupational injuries and environmentally undesirable side effects. This paper reports on the actions and attitudes of 300 Greek farmers who used spraying equipment in an area of northern Greece. All the farmers were interviewed, and attempts were made to ascertain their knowledge of CPCs, and the practices they used with regard to them. Also described is the methodology used for identifying erroneous behaviour and malpractice among the farmers. The main objective was to identify the particular characteristics of those farmers who had appropriate knowledge about CPCs and were applying them properly and to compare these with the characteristics of the farmers who neither had knowledge about CPCs nor used proper application practices. The profiles of members of the two groups are outlined. Over 80% of the respondents reported taking the necessary safety precautions in applying CPCs, but, when questioned, up to 20% provided incorrect answers. Better regard to safety rules was seen among part-time farmers, those who had been spraying for more than 10 years, and those with larger farms. Spraying equipment was used correctly by farmers who had been spraying for more than 10 years and those cultivating less than 6 ha of land. These farmers were unlikely to be involved with European Union Agricultural Development Programmes, and there was no consistent relationship between farmers' education and age and protective and technical behaviour.