bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role Of Motivational Factors In The Development Of Profession As A Teacher
Authors: Hussain Ishtiaq , Inamullah Hafiz , Naseer-Ud-Din Muhammad , Naz Falak , Butt Muhammad Naeem
Published: March 2016

The main objective of this study was to identify the motivational factors in selecting a teaching profession by the teachers.  A random sampling technique was used for the selection of the sample consisting of 27 girls’ schools of District Kohat as the sample. A structured questionnaire was developed in closed format on the basis of factors identified through observation by the teachers. The data collected through the questionnaires about various aspects of the study were presented in percentages in tabular form and applied to a Chi-square test.
Business Ethics: A View From The Classroom
Authors: Galbraith Diane D. , Webb Fred L.
Published: March 2016

The global economy has been devastated in the last year and according to Federal Reserve Chairman, Ben Bernanke, America's economy was threatened, reminiscent of the Great Depression. Our nation is also in a serious ethical and moral decline, as evidenced by steroid use in baseball, corporate scandals, accounting fraud, religious immorality within churches, human trafficking and the rise of cheating and plagiarism in our school systems. The lines between right and wrong have been blurred, relegating moral and ethical boundaries to outdated standards. This paper will seek to establish some answers regarding university students in the classroom such as, what is the perceived attitudes of today’s college students toward ethical behavior, are they naïve, etc? Also, this paper will explore ways in which professors can reinforce appropriate ethical behavior as an essential element in our society.
Classroom Learning Environments As A Correlate Of Scientific Literacy
Authors: Oluwatelure T. A.
Published: March 2016

This study was aimed at investigating the relationship between science learning environments and scientific literacy level of learners. Descriptive research design of the survey type was employed. The population for the study was made up of both secondary school students and science teachers, stratified into types A, B, and C. Four hundred and forty-nine respondents offering sciences were randomly selected, while 81 respondents were drawn from among science teachers from types A, B, and C schools. Two self-constructed and validated research instruments - Science Teachers’ Questionnaire (STQ) and Literacy Level Rating Scale (LLRS) - were used to collect data for the study. Six research questions and two research hypotheses were raised to guide the study.  Results indicated the following:  1) that teachers in the different school types rated their own school learning environments differently, 2) teachers’ knowledge about optimum, average and poor learning environments was influenced by the type of school in which they are domiciled, 3) the extent to which teachers made use of locally made materials varied with school type, 4)  hindrance to the teaching of science subjects was most serious in type C schools, 5) there is a significant relationship between classroom leaning environments and the respondents’ scientific literacy level, and 6) there is a significant difference in the scientific literacy level of respondents based on  school types. It is recommended that irrespective of the school type, science teachers ought to be able to develop science learning communities, teacher and student questions, seek information, and validate explanations in various thoughtful creative and cooperative ways. Teachers should shift from design of instruction to design of learning environments.
Utilizing The Internet To Facilitate Classroom Learning
Authors: Tucker Jan , Courts Bari
Published: March 2016

Traditional theories on classroom learning focus on fixed curriculum, static learning tools and believe learning is achieved through repetition and rote memorization. The instructor’s role in a traditional learning environment focuses on providing direction to the student versus facilitating learning. As the technology age becomes more prevalent in educational institutions, it is time to approach teaching and learning from a technological point of view.  Due to the extensive and diverse technologies available to higher education institutions, many are considering and implementing initiatives to take advantage of the coverage and the return on investment features of these technologies. This adaptation often involves the use of multimedia and the transfer of course content over the Internet.  A detailed look at applications on the Internet can identify multimedia items, such as animation, slideshows, announcements, blogging and even instant messaging, which can be implemented successfully in the college classroom. Multimedia, which uses the Internet as its transfer mechanism, should be a consideration when designing an effective and dynamic college classroom experience.
Effect Of Direct Teaching Method On The Academic Achievement Of High And Low Achievers In The Subject Of English At The Secondary Level
Authors: Hussain Ishtiaq , Hamdani Syed Nisar Hussain , Quraishi Uzma , Zeeshan Muhammad
Published: March 2016

The major objective of the study was to determine the role of the direct teaching method in the academic achievement of students in English at the secondary level. To achieve the said objective, the Solomon Four-Design pre-test/post-test equivalent group design was considered to be the most useful design for this study. The pre-test was used to measure the achievement. The pre-test was used only to equate the control and experimental groups. Thus, the Solomon four-group design was applied for treatment of the data. The experimental group was taught by the direct method, while the control group was taught by the traditional method for a period of six weeks. At the end of the treatment, a post-test was administered and scores of pre-test and post-test were served as data for the study. Applying t-test and analysis of variance tested to know the significance of difference between the scores of groups at 0.05 levels. After analyzing the secured data it was concluded that the direct teaching method was more effective as a teaching-learning technique for English compared to the traditional teaching method. Students in the direct teaching method outscored the students working in the traditional learning situation. Low achievers in the direct teaching showed significant superiority over low achievers learning English by the traditional method. Thus, direct teaching was found to be a more effective method for quality teaching of English to the low achievers as compared to the traditional method of teaching. High achievers, whether they were taught English by the direct or traditional method, retained learned material at the same rate. Low achievers who were taught English by the direct method retained more material as compared to low achievers taught by traditional method of teaching.
Resilience And Academic Achievement Of Male And Female Secondary Level Students In Pakistan
Authors: Sarwar Muhammad , Inamullah Hafiz , Khan Naeemullah , Anwar Nadeem
Published: March 2016

Resilience is the ability to succeed despite barriers that make it difficult for the students to succeed. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between resilience and academic achievement of secondary level students of Gujranwala, Pakistan. A Resilience scale was used to collect data. The sample consisted of 127 secondary students, including 52 boys and 75 girls. The data revealed that there was no association between resilience and achievement as measured through marks obtained in 10th grade. The boys are more resilient than girls at the secondary level in Pakistan.
How To Use The Pop-Screen In Literary Studies
Authors: Reuber Alexandra
Published: March 2016

Teaching literary theory is fascinating for those who love the application of theory to a literary text, difficult for those who are of the opinion that theory destroys the actual beauty and value of the fictional source, and unfortunately often boring for those who are taught.  This article, however, provides a popular approach to the introduction to classical Freudian literary criticism by choosing David Koepp’s cinematographic adaptation of Stephen King’s novella Secret Window. David Koepp’s film Secret Window (2004) is a valuable teaching tool, as it invites the viewer to observe Mort Rainey’s—the film’s main character—psychologically unstable mind and emotional distress processed in his dream states, hallucinations, and anxiety attacks. Moreover, the film illustrates well the Freudian concept of repression, of the uncanny, of dream work, and of the interplay of the three psychological entities—ego, Id, super-ego. This differentiated introduction to important Freudian concepts and his understanding of dream-analysis is student centered, motivating, interactive, and helps students to develop their critical and media literacy.
Investigating The Jack The Ripper Case: Engaging Students In A Criminal Investigations Class Through Active Learning
Authors: Gutierrez Daniel , Kazmi Syed
Published: March 2016

The present study examines the utilization of a class project involving the Jack the Ripper murders. Students enrolled in a criminal investigations class were required to investigate the five canonical murders associated with the infamous serial killer known as Jack the Ripper and the murders that occurred in London during 1888. This paper explains the project and how students perceived the project. A brief survey of student perceptions regarding the project indicate that overall students thought the project was an excellent active learning experience. The project has excellent potential for active learning applications in others courses as well such as criminology, a special topics course about violent offenders or perhaps a forensic psychology class.
The Effect Of Viewing Subtitled Videos On Vocabulary Learning
Authors: Harji Madhubala Bava , Woods Peter Charles , Alavi Zhinoos Kamal
Published: March 2016

Second language development could be achieved through various teaching or learning processes; however, employing multimedia has recently intruded the process in easing or complicating manners. This study has focused on the effectiveness of English subtitles on the EFL learner’s vocabulary learning. The participants were 92 Iranian degree university students studying Translation at Islamic Azad University of Mashhad, Iran. Having set two homogenized groups on the basis of their English language proficiency level, each was randomly assigned to be control and treatment groups. They were given two different instructions, one practicing instructional video episodes with subtitles and the other without subtitles. Their vocabulary learning was tested by a Content Specific Test (CST). The mean scores of the two groups were compared through a t-test. The findings illustrated that participants viewing the videos with subtitles could obtain a significantly higher mean score of the CST vocabulary tests than that of the ones who viewed the videos without subtitles. The findings of this research can get educators well informed of the effectiveness of subtitles on EFL learners’ better vocabulary learning.
What They Want And How They Want It: Students Expectations Of ESL Curriculum At The Classroom Level
Authors: Tucker Thomas
Published: March 2016

The foundation of education is the curriculum which is used in the teaching/learning process. People have varying views in the field of curriculum. The question of what and how to teach has been around as long as education. This paper takes a closer look at how a sample of university students studying English in South Korea feel about the curriculum they are presented. The goal was to ascertain the expectations of the students when it came to the curriculum they were presented with in class. Another aim was to determine whether they preferred a subject-centered or a learner-centered curriculum design method. The final objective was to see the benefits of their suggestions with regards to the materials and methods of presentation used in class. After reviewing the responses, a clear theme came to light among both English major students and the students of other majors taking their required course. That theme is a more learner-centered classroom. The research led to looking at curriculum-transmitting, curriculum-developing, and curriculum-making at the classroom level. Research suggests that aligning the class to the expectations of the students with regard to curriculum benefits the learning experience. This paper shows that students prefer that curriculum be based on a learner-centered design at the classroom level.
Intentions And Feedback From Participants In A Leadership Training Program
Authors: White Eleanor D. , Hilliard Ann , Jackson Barbara T.
Published: March 2016

The shortage of school leaders has led several universities to offer training programs to increase the number of qualified and certified individuals prepared to assume future leadership positions in public schools, such as assistant principals and principals. The purpose of this study was to develop, deliver and evaluate a participatory leadership training program so that more qualified individuals would take positions as leaders in the public schools. Armed with data regarding the shortage of leaders being ready to assume leadership positions in schools, a proposal was written and approved for the leadership training program that was established through grant support funding for a small university on the east coast of the United States of America. This study took place in a small suburban university with a student population of less than ten thousand students. The training university collaborated with a large county school system with which it has had partnership programs for more than 15 years. Working in collaboration with the county school system, 16 individuals were chosen in spring 2008 to participant in an educational leadership training program for 18 months. The program ended in spring 2010. The financial aspect of the leadership training program was sponsored by a federal agency. The leadership training program met its objectives satisfactorily. The 15 program participants met the states standards for certification as LeveI I, School Administrators (as assistant principals). This also suggests that the leadership training program adequately prepared participants to assume the roles of school leaders. However, there were areas that needed improvement based on feedback from the participants.
Empowering Students Through Project-Based Learning: Perceptions Of Instructors And Students In Vocational Education Institutes In Thailand
Authors: Tongsakul Anuvat , Jitgarun Kalayanee , Chaokumnerd Weerachai
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this study was to identify and compare instructors and students perceptions of factors that contribute to the effective use of Project-Based Learning (PBL) in Thailand. The sample for the study consisted of 247 electrical technology instructors from Thai vocational education institutes and 161 students who were electrical power graduates from these institutes. The data was analyzed using factor analysis and structural equation modeling with LISRELTM. The results of the study indicated that both instructors and students agreed on the importance of two factors: Motivation to Learn and use of the Scientific Process. Students were significantly more likely to value Sharing Ideas and Thinking Skills. The role of instructors and students in the PBL classroom is discussed.
Effective Strategies For Engaging Adult Learners
Authors: Karge Belinda Dunnick , Phillips Kathleen M. , Jessee Tammy , McCabe Marjorie
Published: March 2016

Innovative methods in teaching should be used in every college classroom to enhance student engagement, support any teaching environment and encourage inquiry among learners. Adults learn best by participation in relevant experiences and utilization of practical information. When adult students are active in their learning they are able to develop critical thinking skills, receive social support systems for the learning, and gain knowledge in an efficient way. The authors highlight several exemplary strategies for adult learners including, Think-Pair-Share, Tell -Help-Check, Give One, Get One, and the Immediate Feedback Assessment Test.
A Comprehensive Analysis Of The Efficacy Of Non-Cognitive Measures: Predicting Academic Success In A Historically Black University In South Texas
Authors: Lanham B. Dean , Schauer Edward J. , Osho G. Solomon
Published: March 2016

Universities have long used standardized American College Tests (ACT), Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT), and high school Grade Point Averages (HS GPA) for academic admission requirements. The current study of 127 minority college students in a Historically Black University in South Texas assesses an alternative measure, the Non-Cognitive Questionnaire developed by William Sedlacek. It is also important to test the validity of these standards for graduation success. As part of the process for residence hall placement at the Historically Black University, each participant completed a Non-Cognitive Questionnaire (NCQ) (Schauer, 2007). Preliminary indications provide neither a clear cut distinction nor a strong probability of success based on ACT or SAT scores among minority college students. High school GPA appears to be the best predictor of college graduation success among academic admission requirements in a Historically Black University. The NCQ appears to be a weak predictive tool in the success rates of minority students in the current study. Further study is required in the child developmental years of educational training.
School Traits: A Report On Rural Schools New And Aspiring Teachers Choose First
Authors: Kono Craig D.
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this research was to survey new and aspiring teachers from Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota, and ask them to identify a set of school traits that they believe are most important when they first seek employment in new schools as teachers upon graduating from college. The participants were forty-three new and aspiring teachers participating in the Northern State University Teacher Induction Program who are ready to begin their teaching careers in elementary and secondary education. The new teachers were asked to identify a specific set of environmental, professional, school location, and career longevity factors that they consider important when choosing a new school. The NSU Teacher Induction Program is a follow-up support and data collection program for new teachers who are entering education after they graduate from Northern State University and starting their first year of teaching. The data collected documents trends and issues and is reported to Northern State University School of Education.
Producing Intellectual Labor In The Classroom: The Utilization Of A Critical Thinking Model To Help Students Take Command Of Their Thinking
Authors: Crenshaw Phillip , Hale Enoch , Harper Sallie L.
Published: March 2016

A review of the literature reveals that although the teaching of critical thinking skills is a significant aim of post-secondary pedagogy, much ambiguity exists regarding the topic. In fact, due to the lack of faculty familiarity with the concept compounded by student resistance to put forth the intellectual labor to take charge of their own thinking, matriculates are mainly exposed to didactic instruction that does not prepare them with real-world problem solving skills. This manuscript addresses these problems in the following way. First, it outlines a foundational conception of critical thinking as articulated by the Foundation for Critical Thinking. In doing so, it comments on the importance of student-centered instruction as key to fostering critical thinking skills and dispositions in the classroom. Second, it canvasses an example of what critical thinking instruction and learning can look like.
What New And Adjunct Faculty Need To Know About Exams, Grades, And Cheating
Authors: Berschback Rick
Published: March 2016

College professors often regard their time in the classroom fulfilling and rewarding; the chance to affect the academic and professional development of their students is most likely a key reason why they chose to be professional educators. Unfortunately, with college courses come college credits, which necessitate a course grade for each student, which necessitates student assessment vehicles, such as exams. More unfortunately, those exams lead to the potential for student cheating.Some professors, particularly new and/or adjunct professors, underestimate the importance of exams and the resulting determination of student grades. Unless proper attention is paid to exam construction and the possibility of academic misconduct by students taking exams, course grades can be a misrepresentation of student abilities and competencies.This paper is the second of a two-part series. Both papers are user-friendly manuals designed to minimize the growing pains associated with college-level teaching, especially those experienced by adjunct instructors. With this information, instructors can better anticipate the challenges involved in assigning appropriate grades and meet the course objectives. Specific topics of this segment include exam development and administration, options for timing and scheduling exams, student cheating and methods to prevent cheating, and the overall strategies for course grading.The first part of the two-part series, "Everything That New And Adjunct Business Faculty Members Should Ask About Teaching, But Dont Know Enough To Ask," was published in the May 2010 Journal of College Teaching and Learning. Topics include syllabus development, classroom teaching methods, efficient use of classroom time, and general classroom management.
Minding Our Business: Longitudinal Effects Of A Service-Learning Experience On Alumni
Authors: Newman Cynthia M. , Hernandez Sigfredo A.
Published: March 2016

The mission of Minding Our Business (MOB), a service-learning course started in 1997 to meet community needs, is to advance the personal and vocational development of urban youth through entrepreneurship education and mentoring. This paper evaluates the long-term impact of MOB on the personal and vocational development of the alumni mentors participating in the program from 1997 to 2005. No scholarly research has been conducted to date on the long-term effect of MOB on mentors and little research has been conducted on the effects of service-learning participation on alumni service-related attitudes and behaviors in general. Consequently, the current study extends the existing research stream on the long-term effects of service-learning participation on alumni service-related attitudes and behaviors. Furthermore, the unique nature of MOB as a mentoring program in entrepreneurship also allows the researchers to study possible long-term effects on interest in community service and interest in entrepreneurship as a vocational option.
Comprehensive Teacher Induction: Meeting The Dual Needs Of Principals And New Teachers In Rural Schools
Authors: Kono Craig D.
Published: March 2016

This research project is the third in a series of research projects conducted for the purpose of assisting rural school principals create comprehensive first-year teacher induction programs. This project promotes the use of comprehensive teacher induction programs that meet both the needs of school principals, but also the social, personal, and family needs of new teachers starting their education careers in rural schools in South Dakota. The data was collected from previous teacher skills and school traits studies involving school principals and first-year teachers from across South Dakota. This report was created through the Northern State University Teacher Induction Program, a follow-up support and data collection program intended for new teachers entering education upon graduation from Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota. The data collected documents trends and issues and is reported annually to Northern State University School of Education.
Gender-choice behavior linkages: an investigation in the hospitality industry
Authors: Yavas Ugur , Karatepe Osman M. , Babakus Emin
Published: March 2016

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to investigate whether males and females differ on the emphases they place on core service and relational service in choosing a hotel. Design/Methodology – Data were gathered from the residents of a metro area in the United States. Three hundred and forty-one residents participated in the study. The Del statistic, an undertapped technique, was used. Findings – The results reveal that male and female guests are essentially the same in the importance they place on core and relational services in choosing a hotel. Originality of the research – Empirical research about the hotel choice behavior of female guests is scarce. Therefore, this study addresses this underresearched issue.
The Utilization of ALOS PALSAR Image to Estimate Natural Forest Biomass: Case Study at Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park
Authors: Wahyuni Nurlita Indah
Published: March 2016

The development of remote sensing technology makes it possible to utilize its data in many sectors including forestry. Remote sensing image has been used to map land cover and monitor deforestation. This paper presents utilization of ALOS PALSAR image to estimate and map aboveground biomass at natural forest of Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park especially SPTN II Doloduo and SPTN III Maelang. We used modeling method between biomass value from direct measurement and digital number of satellite image. There are two maps which present the distribution of biomass and carbon from ALOS PALSAR image with 50 m spatial resolution. These maps were built based on backscatter polarization of HH and HV bands. The maps indicate most research area dominated with biomass stock 0-5.000 ton/ha.
Alstonia Angustiloba Progeny Trial to Support the Provision of Improved Seed
Authors: Mashudi Mashudi , Adinugraha Hamdan Adma
Published: March 2016

The aim of this experiment was to identify of survival percentage, height plant and stem diameter of Alstonia angustiloba progeny trial at 2 year old to support the provision of improved seed. This experiment was arranged in randomized complete block design. The research used 2 factors, i.e. population sources (Carita-Banten, Pendopo-Muara Enim, Lubuk Linggau-Musi Rawas and Solok-West Sumatera) and parent trees (43 parent trees). In this experiment, parent trees factor was nested in the population sources. The result shodwed that survival percentage, height plant and stem diameter of Alstonia angustiloba progeny trial at 2 years old in Wonogiri were 82.07 %, 2.43 m and 2.85 cm, respectively.
Identification of Causes of Red Leaf Spot on Red Jabon (Anthocephalus macrophyllus (Roxb.) Havil) Seeds in Kima Atas Permanent Nursery, Manado Forestry Research Institute
Authors: Hidayah Hanif Nurul , Anggraeni Illa
Published: March 2016

Fulfillment the needs of Red Jabon (Anthocephalus macrophyllus (Roxb.) Havil) seeds on the other hand can create an unbalanced ecosystem. The availability of red Jabon seed was becoming a source of food for pests, then it causes an explosion of pests and pathogens. The disease that most often affect red Jabon seeds, both in the nursery and in the field was red leaf spot (antraknose). The initial step to control red leaf spot disease is the identification of causing. Identification method performed by observation of the symptoms in the field, followed by microscopic observation in a laboratory. Based on the identification result, it was known that the disease caused by the fungus Cercospora sp., Colletotrichum sp. and Pestalotia sp. The effect caused by those fungal pathogens was the disruption of the photosynthetic process that ultimately inhibits the growth of red Jabon seeds. The controls which have been done are arranged the watering intensity, isolated the infected seed,and  applied the chemical fungicide.
Promoting Nature-Based Activity for People With Mental Illness Through the US “Exercise Is Medicine” Initiative
Authors: Maier Julie , Jette Shannon
Published: March 2016

Nature-based physical activity programming (e.g., countryside walks, hiking, horseback riding) has been found to be an effective way to help improve the health of people with mental illness.

Exercise referral initiatives, whereby health practitioners prescribe exercise in an attempt to prevent or treat chronic illnesses, have helped make such nature-based activities accessible to this population in the United Kingdom and Australia; however, there is a dearth of research related to the most prominent exercise referral program in the United States: Exercise is Medicine.

Taking into account the barriers to physical activity faced by people with mental illness, we explore how nature-based programming for this population might be mobilized in the United States through the growing Exercise is Medicine initiative.
Sexual Orientation Disparities in Preventable Disease: A Fundamental Cause Perspective
Authors: Bränström Richard , Hatzenbuehler Mark L. , Pachankis John E. , Link Bruce G.
Published: March 2016

Objectives. To determine whether fundamental cause theory (which posits that, in societal conditions of unequal power and resources, members of higher-status groups experience better health than members of lower-status groups because of their disproportionate access to health-protective factors) might be relevant in explaining health disparities related to sexual orientation.

Methods. We used 2001 to 2011 morbidity data from the Stockholm Public Health Cohort, a representative general population–based study in Sweden. A total of 66 604 (92.0%) individuals identified as heterosexual, 848 (1.2%) as homosexual, and 806 (1.1%) as bisexual. To test fundamental cause theory, we classified diseases in terms of preventability potential (low vs high).

Results. There were no sexual orientation differences in morbidity from low-preventable diseases. By contrast, gay or bisexual men (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.48; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.13, 1.93) and lesbian or bisexual women (adjusted OR = 1.64; 95% CI = 1.28, 2.10) had a greater risk of high-preventable morbidity than heterosexual men and women, respectively. These differences were sustained in analyses adjusted for covariates.

Conclusions. Our findings support fundamental cause theory and suggest that unequal distribution of health-protective resources, including knowledge, prestige, power, and supportive social connections, might explain sexual orientation health disparities.
Impacts of Urban Water Conservation Strategies on Energy, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, and Health: Southern California as a Case Study
Authors: Sokolow Sharona , Godwin Hilary , Cole Brian L.
Published: March 2016

Objectives. To determine how urban water conservation strategies in California cities can affect water and energy conservation efforts, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and benefit public health.

Methods. We expanded upon our 2014 health impact assessment of California's urban water conservation strategies by comparing the status quo to 2 options with the greatest potential impact on the interrelated issues of water and energy in California: (1) banning landscape irrigation and (2) expanding alternative water sources (e.g., desalination, recycled water).

Results. Among the water conservation strategies evaluated, expanded use of recycled water stood out as the water conservation strategy with potential to reduce water use, energy use, and greenhouse gas emissions, with relatively small negative impacts for the public’s health.

Conclusions. Although the suitability of recycled water for urban uses depends on local climate, geography, current infrastructure, and finances, analyses similar to that presented here can help guide water policy decisions in cities across the globe facing challenges of supplying clean, sustainable water to urban populations.
Reducing Sexual Assault on Campus: Lessons From the Movement to Prevent Drunk Driving
Authors: Potter Sharyn J.
Published: March 2016

I examined similarities and differences between the movement to prevent drunk driving of the 1980s, and current efforts to prevent and address campus sexual assault. As college and university administrators design policies and initiatives to reduce campus sexual assault in response to new federal legislation and regulation, they can apply lessons from successful public health initiatives to reduce drunk driving initiated more than 3 decades ago. I illustrate how interventions at the 5 levels of the social–ecological model, and messages that address entrenched cultural attitudes condoning sexual assault and blaming its victims can be used to combat campus sexual assault as a crime and a public health problem. I also show how efforts to promote community engagement can change behavioral norms and reduce offenses.
Neighborhood Walkability and Body Mass Index Trajectories: Longitudinal Study of Canadians
Authors: Wasfi Rania A. , Dasgupta Kaberi , Orpana Heather , Ross Nancy A.
Published: March 2016

Objectives. To assess the impact of neighborhood walkability on body mass index (BMI) trajectories of urban Canadians.

Methods. Data are from Canada’s National Population Health Survey (n = 2935; biannual assessments 1994–2006). We measured walkability with the Walk Score. We modeled body mass index (BMI, defined as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters [kg/m2]) trajectories as a function of Walk Score and sociodemographic and behavioral covariates with growth curve models and fixed-effects regression models.

Results. In men, BMI increased annually by an average of 0.13 kg/m2 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.11, 0.14) over the 12 years of follow-up. Moving to a high-walkable neighborhood (2 or more Walk Score quartiles higher) decreased BMI trajectories for men by approximately 1 kg/m2 (95% CI = −1.16, −0.17). Moving to a low-walkable neighborhood increased BMI for men by approximately 0.45 kg/m2 (95% CI = 0.01, 0.89). There was no detectable influence of neighborhood walkability on body weight for women.

Conclusions. Our study of a large sample of urban Canadians followed for 12 years confirms that neighborhood walkability influences BMI trajectories for men, and may be influential in curtailing male age-related weight gain.
Educational Interventions to Promote Healthy Nutrition and Physical Activity Among Older Chinese Americans: A Cluster-Randomized Trial
Authors: Jih Jane , Le Gem , Woo Kent , Tsoh Janice Y. , Stewart Susan , Gildengorin Ginny , Burke Adam , Wong Ching , Chan Elaine , Fung Lei-Chun , Yu Filmer , Pasick Rena , McPhee Stephen J. , Nguyen Tung T.
Published: March 2016

Objectives. To evaluate the efficacy of an in-language intervention of 2 lectures plus printed materials versus printed materials alone on knowledge and adherence to nutrition and physical activity guidelines among older Chinese Americans in San Francisco, California.

Methods. From August 2010 to September 2013, we randomized 756 Chinese Americans aged 50 to 75 years to either lectures plus print (n = 361) or print (n = 357). Clusters were the participants recruited by each lay health worker. Intervention outcomes were changes in knowledge of recommended vegetable intake, fruit intake, and physical activity level and adherence to those recommendations from pre- to 6 months postintervention.

Results. The retention rate was 99%. At baseline, knowledge and adherence to recommendations were low. Print yielded increases in knowledge of recommended vegetable intake and physical activity level and adherence to fruit intake and physical activity recommendations. Lectures plus print had significant increases in all 6 outcomes. In multivariable models, lectures plus print was superior to print for knowledge of vegetable (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 12.61; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 6.50, 24.45) and fruit (AOR = 16.16; 95% CI = 5.61, 46.51) intake recommendations and adherence to vegetable intake recommendations (AOR = 5.53; 95% CI = 1.96, 15.58).

Conclusions. In-language print materials, alone and combined with lectures, increased nutrition and physical activity knowledge and behaviors among older Chinese Americans.
The antihemostatic profile of vitamin C: Mechanisms that underlie the technical application of a physiological molecule
Authors: Sathler Plínio , Lourenço André , Saito Max , Arêas Ana , Rodrigues Carlos , Cabral Lúcio , Castro Helena , Kang Hye
Published: March 2016

The potential of antioxidants as tools for lowering the incidence of
diseases, including cardiovascular events, is of growing interest. Some
antioxidants (e.g. vitamin E and acetyl-salicylic acid) have been described
as effective on cardiovascular diseases with mechanisms that differ from
other scavenging agents. Currently, vitamin C is used to open occluded
long-term central venous catheters, which avoids the process of reinserting
a new one and injuring the patient. In this work, we investigated the
vitamin C antihemostatic profile by evaluating its effects on the
coagulation process. We used different assays, including prothrombin time
(PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), thrombin time (TT) and
ancrod time tests. We also examined the overall pH disturbance caused by
vitamin C at different concentrations and its effect on the
thrombin-initiated fibrin polymerization assay. Our results revealed a
significant anticoagulant activity of vitamin C at high plasma
concentrations (surpassing the normal 100 ?mol/L ratio) in a
cell-independent mechanism. Our results suggest that vitamin C may affect
blood coagulation by a direct impairment of fibrin assembly and further
formation of a cohesive clot microstructure. This study supports the
literature that points to the antihemostatic ability of antioxidant agents,
and clarifies the mechanism of vitamin C in opening occluded long-term
central venous catheters.
The Newtonian and MOND dynamical models of NGC 5128: Investigation of the dark matter contribution
Authors: Samurovic S.
Published: March 2016

We study the well-known nearby early-type galaxy NGC 5128 (Centaurus A) and
use the sample of its globular clusters to analyze its dynamics. We study
both Newtonian and MOND models assuming three cases of orbital anisotropies:
isotropic case, mildly tangentially anisotropic case and the radially
anisotropic case based on the literature. We find that there are two regions
with different values of the velocity dispersion: interior to ~ 3 effective
radii the value of the velocity dispersion is approximately 150 km s?1 ,
whereas beyond ~ 3 effective radii its value increases to approximately 190
km s?1 , thus implying the increase of the total cumulative mass which is
indicative of the existence of dark matter there in the Newtonian approach:
the mass-to-light increases from M/LB = 7 in the inner regions to M/LB = 26
in the outer regions. We found that the Navarro-Frenk-White (NFW) model
with dark halo provides good description of the dynamics of NGC 5128. Using
three MOND models (standard, simple and toy), we find that they all provide
good fits to the velocity dispersion of NGC 5128 and that no additional dark
component is needed in MOND.
A modelling approach to reconstruct Little Ice Age climate from remote-sensing glacier observations in southeastern Tibet
Authors: Huintjes Eva , Loibl David , Lehmkuhl Frank , Schneider Christoph
Published: March 2016

We use numerical modelling of glacier mass balance combined with recent and past glacier extents to obtain information on Little Ice Age (LIA) climate in southeastern Tibet. We choose two glaciers that have been analysed in a previous study of equilibrium-line altitudes (ELA) and LIA glacier advances with remote-sensing approaches. We apply a physically based surface energy- and mass-balance model that is forced by dynamically downscaled global analysis data. The model is applied to two glacier stages mapped from satellite imagery, modern (1999) and LIA. Precipitation scaling factors (PSF) and air temperature offsets (ATO) are applied to reproduce recent ELA and glacier mass balance (MB) during the LIA. A sensitivity analysis is performed by applying seasonally varying gradients of precipitation and air temperature. The calculated glacier-wide MB estimate for the period 2000–12 is negative for both glaciers (–992±366 kgm–2 a–1 and –1053±258 kgm–2 a–1). Relating recent and LIA PSF/ATO sets suggests a LIA climate with ~8–25% increased precipitation and ~1–2.5°C lower mean air temperature than in the period 2000–12. The results only provide an order of magnitude because deviations in other input parameters are not considered.
Changes in glaciation of the Balkhash–Alakol basin, central Asia, over recent decades
Authors: Severskiy I. , Vilesov E. , Armstrong R. , Kokarev A. , Kogutenko L. , Usmanova Z. , Morozova V. , Raup B.
Published: March 2016

We describe changes in glaciers of the Balkhash-Alakol basin, central Asia, and analyse unified glacier inventories of the Zailiyskiy-Kungei and Jungar glacier systems and the Chinese part of the Ili river basin, as well as mass-balance monitoring data from Tsentralniy Tuyuksu glacier for the period 1957-2014. In spite of significant inter-basin differences, glaciation of the three glacial systems in the Ili river basin within Kazakhstan as well as within Chinese territory is changing simultaneously and similarly. Differences in the rates of glacier degradation are small and are affected primarily by the orientation of the flanks of the mountain ridges. Since the mid-1950s, glaciation of the region has remained degraded and, on average over the period examined, glaciers shrank at a rate of about 0.8% a-1 in area and about 1 % a-1 in ice volume. Glacial systems in large basins such as Balkhash-Alakol change simultaneously, linearly and at similar rates. The average rates of glacier reduction of the Zailiyskiy-Kungei, Jungar and upper Ili glacier systems for the period 1955/56-2008 amounted to 0.76%, 0.75% and 0.73% a-1 respectively.
Synthesis, characterization, and anti-plasmodial activity of 2,6-substituted benzothiazole derivatives
Authors: Sadhasivam Gnanavel , Kulanthai Kannan , Rajamani Sowmiya , Perumal Pachiappan
Published: March 2016

Six compounds of benzothiazole derivatives were synthesized, and structures were confirmed by FT-IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and LC-MS. The resulting compounds were evaluated for anti-plasmodial activity against Plasmodium falciparum by Giemsa stain. Among them the compounds 3b and 4 showed potent anti-plasmodial activity against P. falciparum. The com-pounds 3a, 5a, 5b also showed moderate anti-plasmodial activity. The structure-activity relationships of benzothiazole derivatives also discussed which were useful for exploring and developing benzothiazole derivatives as novel anti-malarial drugs.

 
Intermittent Suckling Causes a Transient Increase in Cortisol That Does Not Appear to Compromise Selected Measures of Piglet Welfare and Stress
Authors: Turpin Diana , Langendijk Pieter , Chen Tai-Yuan , Lines David , Pluske John
Published: March 2016

This study tested the hypothesis that piglets subjected to intermittent suckling (IS) would show changes in physiological and behavioral indices indicative of compromised welfare in the peri-weaning period. A total of 21 primiparous sows and their litters were allocated to either a control treatment (n = 10) where piglets were weaned conventionally, or an IS treatment (n = 11) where piglets were separated daily from their sows for 8 h starting the week before weaning. Performance, physiological and behavioral measures were taken at various time points during the week before and after weaning. Plasma cortisol levels were higher (p = 0.01) in IS piglets 7 d before weaning. Regardless of treatment, the N:L ratio at 3 d and 7 d after weaning was higher (p < 0.05) than that at 1 d before weaning. The IS piglets ate more creep feed during lactation (p < 0.05), and there was a tendency for the IS piglets to gain more weight between 3 d and 7 d after weaning (p < 0.1). This study showed that, aside from an increase in cortisol at the start of IS, piglets subjected to IS did not display physiological or behavioral changes indicative of compromised welfare.
Exergy Flows inside a One Phase Ejector for Refrigeration Systems
Authors: Khennich Mohammed , Sorin Mikhail , Galanis Nicolas
Published: March 2016

The evaluation of the thermodynamic performance of the mutual transformation of different kinds of exergy linked to the intensive thermodynamic parameters of the flow inside the ejector of a refrigeration system is undertaken. Two thermodynamic metrics, exergy produced and exergy consumed, are introduced to assess these transformations. Their calculation is based on the evaluation of the transiting exergy within different ejector sections taking into account the temperature, pressure and velocity variations. The analysis based on these metrics has allowed pinpointing the most important factors affecting the ejector’s performance. A new result, namely the temperature rise in the sub-environmental region of the mixing section is detected as an important factor responsible for the ejector’s thermodynamic irreversibility. The overall exergy efficiency of the ejector as well as the efficiencies of its sections are evaluated based on the proposed thermodynamic metrics.
The Urban Environment Can Modify Drought Stress of Small-Leaved Lime (Tilia cordata Mill.) and Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.)
Authors: Moser Astrid , Rötzer Thomas , Pauleit Stephan , Pretzsch Hans
Published: March 2016

The urban environment characterized by various stresses poses challenges to trees. In particular, water deficits and high temperatures can cause immense drought stress to urban trees, resulting in reduced growth and die-off. Drought-tolerant species are expected to be resilient to these conditions and are therefore advantageous over other, more susceptible species. However, the drought tolerance of urban trees in relation to the specific growth conditions in urban areas remains poorly researched. This study aimed to analyze the annual growth and drought tolerance of two common urban tree species, namely small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata Mill. (T. cordata)) and black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L. (R. pseudoacacia)), in two cities in southern Germany in relation to their urban growing conditions. Marked growth reductions during drought periods and subsequent fast recovery were found for R. pseudoacacia, whereas T. cordata exhibited continued reduced growth after a drought event, although these results were highly specific to the analyzed city. We further show that individual tree characteristics and environmental conditions significantly influence the growth of urban trees. Canopy openness and other aspects of the surrounding environment (water supply and open surface area of the tree pit), tree size, and tree species significantly affect urban tree growth and can modify the ability of trees to tolerate the drought stress in urban areas. Sustainable tree planting of well adapted tree species to their urban environment ensures healthy trees providing ecosystem services for a high quality of life in cities.