bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Establishment of glyphosate selective concentrations for winter rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) transgenic tissues efficient selection in vitro
Authors: Hnatiuk I. S. , Varchenko O. I. , Parii M. F. , Symonenko Yu. V.
Published: November 2019

Aim. To establish the optimal concentration of glyphosate for efficient selection of transgenic tissue culture in biotechnology of rapeseed by in vitro selection of glyphosate-resistant and non-resistant winter rape. Methods. As an explants 7–10 mm fragments of 6-day rapeseed hypocotyls were used to cultivate on the medium, supplemented with 1 mg/L of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) for 12 days at 24°C under dark conditions for the initiation of callusogenesis. For regeneration of plants, the MS nutrient medium was supplemented with 3 mg/L of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), 2 mg/L of zeatin, 0.1, 0.5 and 1 mM of glyphosate, respectively. As a control, glyphosate-free regenerative nutrient medium was used. The results were statistically processed using Microsoft Excel. Results. It has been shown that glyphosate-susceptible rape explants form leaves and shoots with a frequency up to 8.3 % ± 0.8 % on the medium supplemented with 0.1 mM glyphosate compared to 57.2 % ± 0.6 % in the control. However, the morphogenic structures did not pass selection after transferring shoots to the elongation medium supplemented with 0.1 mM glyphosate. Conclusions. For the in vitro selection of rapeseed 0.1 mM glyphosate can be used in a nutrient medium at the stage of adventitious buds formation. But at the regeneration stage, the amount of herbicide should be increased to avoid false-positive results.
Keywords: winter rapeseed, Brassica napus L., in vitro culture, selective marker, herbicide, glyphosate.
Role of chelated fertilizers` and nano-particles application for formation of elements of productivity аt artificial infected with phytoplasmas and virus
Authors: Huliaieva H. B. , Bohdan M. M. , Tokovenko I. P. , Patyka V. P.
Published: November 2019

Aim. Investigation of the role of chelated fertilizer and nanoparticles in the formation of elements of productivity for artificial infection of phytoplasmas and wheat streak mosaic virus. Methods. Microbiological, serological, biophysical, biometric, statistical. Results. In the field conditions, the effect of leaf treatment of wheat plants with chelated fertilizers and nanoparticles of copper and silver for artificial infection of phytoplasmas and WSMV on the magnitude of the quantum efficiency of photosystem II for controlling replication of the virus by the method of immunoassay analysis and the study of the influence of nanoparticles on the development of phytoplasmas, as well as the weight of 1000 grains of wheat was investigated. Conclusions. Foliar treatment with chelated fertilizer can activate the plant’s phytoimmunity of wheat plants, thus preventing the active replication of the virus in the plant organism, thereby reducing somewhat the loss of productivity for the damage to the WSMV. The use of foliar treatment of wheat plants with 1% solution nanoparticles of silver and copper citrates can stop the development of phytoplasma infection, which allows maintaining a level of productivity close to the intact plants.

Keywords: Triticum aestivum L., WSMV, phytoplasma, chlorophyll a fluorescence induction, productivity.
Adaptive reactions of corn plants to acute ultraviolet radiation
Authors: Zhuk V. V. , Mikheyev A. N. , Ovsyannikova L. G.
Published: November 2019

Aim. The goal of this work was to study the adaptive reaction of young corn plants (Zea mays L.) to the action of acute ultraviolet B (UV-B) radiation in the vegetative growth period. Methods. Corn plants hybrid Dostatok 300 MV in the phase of two leaves were irradiated by UV-B at doses of 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 kJ/m2 with a power of 6 W/m2 and were grown in a long day conditions. After irradiation, the growth of shoots in length, the growth of the mass of plants, the content of photosynthetic pigments and endogenous hydrogen peroxide (HP) in the leaves were determined. Results. It is shown that after irradiation of corn plants UV-B at doses of 4, 8, 16 kJ/m2 the growth of shoots in length decreased, after the irradiation of UV-B at doses of 1, 2 kJ/m2 mass of plants increased. UV-B irradiation in all doses, except for a dose of 16 kJ/m2, stimulated the accumulation of photosynthetic pigments in the leaves. Increasing HP content in the leaves was determined in corn leaves after irradiation of UV-B in all doses. Conclusions. It is shown that irradiation of young corn plants by acute UV-B at doses from 1 to 16 kJ/m2 induced adaptive reactions, that included inhibition of shoot growth with simultaneous stimulation of plants mass growth, accumulation of photosynthetic pigments, increased endogenous content of HP. The adaptive period lasted about 10 days, after that processes of growth, formation of a photosynthetic apparatus and content of HP were stabilized. UV-B belongs to the necessary components of sunlight components for corn growth. Keywords: UV-B radiation, Zea mays L., photosynthetic pigments, adaptation.
Callus induction from shoot apical meristem in Triticum spelta L. and T. aestivum L.
Authors: Kyriienko A. V. , Parii M. F. , Symonenko Yu. V. , Kuchuk M. V. , Shcherbak N. L.
Published: November 2019

Aim. To develop an effective protocol for callus induction from shoot apical meristem in Triticum spelta L. and T. aestivum L. Methods. Plant material: spelt “Europe” and common wheat “Bunchuk”. For this research we used shoot apical meristems from 3-days plants. For callus induction we proposed 4 media with different concentration of 2,4-D, picloram, NAA and AgNO3. Explants were growing in dark during 21 day at + 25 C. Results. Calli were transparent and mild, less than 8 mm. For callus induction positive effect were shown on media with 2,4-D and picloram. At the same time, NAA was not such effective. Conclusions. In our research was shown, that the best media for spelt callus induction should have 2 mg/l 2,4-D and 10 mg/l AgNO3.

Keywords: callusogenesis, spelt (Triticum spelta L.), common wheat, callus, shoot apical meristem.
Extraction of biologically active compounds from the residues of pericarps of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L. ssp. vulgaris)
Authors: Klyachenko O. L. , Janse L. A. , Likhanov A. F.
Published: November 2019

Aim. In the regulation of germination of seeds and of growth and development of seedlings, an important role belongs to biologically active substances that are found in the root of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L. ssp. vulgaris), mainly in the pericarp. Extraction of secondary metabolites and study of the influence of a multicomponent system of endometabolites (phenolic compounds) of sugar beet pericarps on germination of plant seeds. Methods. The chemical composition of the metabolites of fruits and pericarps of sugar beet was determined by thin-layer chromatography; their differentiated isolation was carried out using column chromatography and gel filtration; The total content of phenolic compounds in fruits and pericarps was determined spectrophotometrically. Results. It was found that sugar beet pericarps contain a considerable amount of phenolic compounds (5-10 %). Four groups of phenolic compounds with different molecular masses were detected. By studying the influence of aquatic extracts on radish seeds, it was found that the eluents of the first volumes of water (3-5 ml) showed a pronounced stimulating effect, whereas further volumes of eluents (8-9 ml) were characterized by inhibitory action. Conclusions. Phenols, flavonoids and their glycosides were detected in extracts of sugar beet pericarps, which can be characterized as highly active inhibitors and growth promoters, therefore they could be used as natural biologically active substances.

Keywords: sugar beet, pericarp, biologically active compounds, phenols, flavonoids.
The creating of intergenetic hybrids of festulolium of Festuca arundinacea morphotipe with the use of post-genomic technologies and DNA-marking
Authors: Kondratskaya I. P. , Yukhimuk A. N. , Stolepchenko V. A. , Chizhik O. V. , Kozlovskaya Z. G. , Vasko P. P. , Reshetnikov V. N.
Published: November 2019

Aim. To form the varietal population of festulolium intergeneric hybrids of Festuca arundinacea morphotype. To carry out DNA-labeling of created festulolium hybrid plants and parental forms. Methods. The festulolium intergeneric hybrid’s creation was carried out by embryo culture method from an immature caryopsis by growing on a nutrient medium. For the plant genotypes labeling the multilocus primers associated with coding DNA regions (Start Codon Targeted (SCoT) Polymorphism), SRAP (Sequence-related amplified polymorphism) have been selected. Results. The viable plants of intergeneric festulolium hybrids of Festuca arundinacea morphotype have been obtained. To select the best festulolium biotypes for variety populations with high feed and seed productivity formation. A system for hybrid plants genotypes and their parental forms registration in the form of molecular genetic passports have been elaborated. The genetic passports reflects the allele’s composition in loci associated with DNA coding sequences. Conclusions. The best biotypes with economically valuable traits were selected and included in the further selection process. The molecular genetic passports of hybrid festulolium plants and parental forms were composed.

Keywords: festulolium, immature caryopsis, biotypes, DNA, PCR, molecular genetic passports.
Efficiency of using different types induction culture medium for hexaploid triticale anther cultivation
Authors: Lagunovskaya E. V. , Zaitseva O. I. , Lemesh V. A.
Published: November 2019

Aim. Triticale is one of the main grain crops of the Republic of Belarus. Further progress in the selection of this culture involves the accelerated creation of highly productive early ripening varieties resistant to abiotic and biotic factors. The method of induced androgenesis in vitro makes it possible to obtain stable homozygous lines in a short period of time and to eliminate the lengthy process of inbreeding used in classical breeding to fix the desired traits. Methods. The tissue and cell culture methods for plants was used in the study. Results. The influence of the induction medium composition on the efficiency of in vitro induced androgenesis in varieties and lines of hexaploid triticale is assessed. The influence of three types of induction culture medium, the type of phytohormones and the presence or absence of cefotaxime in the medium are analyzed. Results. It has been shown that using the C-17 culture medium supplemented with 2.0 mg/l 2,4-D and 0.5 mg/l kinetin without adding cefotaxime is most effective for the anther triticale cultivation. Keywords: triticale, anther culture, induction nutrient medium, embryoids, calli, regenerant plants, cefotaxime.
Evaluation of some physiological and biochemical parameters of Camelina sativa seedlings under osmotic stress
Authors: Nishchenko L. V. , Sakhno L. O.
Published: November 2019

Aim. To find the most drought resistant spring camelina (Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz) genotype for further involvement in genetic transformation experiments, the some physiological and biochemical parameters of seedlings have been investigated under normal conditions and osmotic stress in vitro. Methods. Sterile seeds were planted on Murashige and Skoog agarized medium without hormones or the same media supplemented with mannitol as an osmotic stress inductor. Germination, fresh weight, total soluble protein content, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity have been investigated in 7-day-old seedlings. Results. The analyzed camelina genotypes were differed in their reactions on water deficit in vitro. It has been revealed that higher SOD activity of FEORZhYaF-1 seedlings was accompanied by higher germination and higher ability to fresh weight accumulation under osmotic stress as compared to other varieties. Conclusions. FEORZhYaF-1 breeding form could be involved in genetic transformation experiments to improve drought resistance. SOD activity should be used as a parameter for selection of osmotic stress resistant plant material.

Keywords: Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz  drought resistance, superoxide dismutase, total soluble protein.
Influence of the dose of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells on acute inflammation on the peritonitis model in mice
Authors: Pikus P. A. , Rymar S. E. , Shuvalova N. S. , Kordium V. A.
Published: November 2019

Aim. Study the effect of the dose of human umbilical cord MSCs on acute inflammation on the peritonitis model in mice with intraperitoneal induction of a 3% solution of proteose peptone. Human umbilical cord MSCs can be used in the cell therapy as allogeneic since their properties provide a minimal risk of an immune response with the transplantation MSCs into body. The inflammation follows all diseases and it is base target for MSCs. Methods. The study is used methods of cell biology. Results. Research has shown that 4 hours after the injection of MSCs, the number of macrophages in the peritoneal cavity of mice immediately decreased. The introduction of 5x103 cells per mouse resulted in 78% decrease the number of macrophages in the exudate. Complete return to a normal has been observed with the injection 70–100 x 103 of cells per mouse. In parallel with the decrease in the number of macrophages, their phagocytic activity has decreased, and these changes also depend on the dose of transplanted MSCs. Conclusions. A dose-dependent decrease of acute inflammation of the abdominal cavity in mice was shown with the introduction of MSCs from the human umbilical cord. The number of macrophages into peritoneal exudate has decreased by 78% in 4 hours after the injection 5x103 cells per mouse. Complete suppression of inflammation has observed with the introduction of 70–100 x 103 cells. Inhibition of inflammation is accompanied by a decrease in the phagocytic activity of macrophages, which indicates a change in their polarization.

Keywords: human umbilical cord MSCs, inflammation, macrophages, phagocytic activity.
Evaluation of the influence of different doses of pre-sowing irradiation of seeds on the content of flavonoids in Hypericum perforatum L. medicinal raw material
Authors: Salivon A. G. , Lystvan K. V. , Litvinov S. V. , Pchelovska S. A. , Shylina Yu. V. , Zhuk V. V. , Tonkal L. V.
Published: November 2019

Aim. The purpose of this work was to determine the dose of g- and X-ray pre-sowing irradiation of seeds of Hypericum perforatum L., causing an increase in biomass and the accumulation of flavonoids in medicinal raw materials. Methods. X-ray and g-irradiation of seeds, biometric methods, flavonoids extraction, quantification of flavonoid content in extracts using spectrophotometry, qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis of extracts using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), common statistical methods for processing and analysis of data. Results. It was shown that acute X-ray pre-sowing irradiation of H. perforatum seeds at a dose of 20 Gy leads to an increase in the crop of medicinal raw material without losing its pharmaceutical value. Irradiation also increases concentration of quercetin, routine, hyperoside in herbal medicines, grown from seeds, that was chronically irradiated with g-radiation in a total dose of 1 Gy. The HPLC analysis of extracts confirmed that the qualitative composition of ethanol extracts of H. perforatum did not change due to the effect of irradiation on the seeds. Conclusions. The obtained results confirm the possibility of application of pre-sowing irradiation of seeds of H. perforatum in the range of 1–35 Gy in order to increase its productivity and increase the pharmaceutical value of the medicinal raw material.

Keywords: Hypericum perforatum L., ionizing irradiation, productivity, flavonoids.
Some aspects of in vitro wheat biotechnology
Authors: Sergeeva L. E. , Bronnikova L. I.
Published: November 2019

Aim. Drastic climate changes lead to decrease of the appropriate agricultural plants and stimulate the elaboration of new biotechnologies. The preferences of in vitro system are used for providing the acceleration of the plant selection. The cultivating in vitro is a procedure combined common approaches and special adaptation to plant species. This ideology is essential for all cereals and for wheat in particular. There are several aspects of this ideology: the optimization of cultural conditions; the obtaining wheat cultures and studying distinctive features of their proliferation; the detection parameters of viability, realized on the entire plant level; the comparison of those reactions with cells characteristics. Methods. The standard manipulations of primary explants dissection and several protocols of callus induction and raise are used. Results. Cell cultures of new wheat genotypes were obtained. Those forms were selected in the Institute of Plant Physiology and Genetics NAS of Ukraine. The peculiar features of wheat cell cultures were revealed and investigated. Conclusions. Cell cultures obtained from new genotypes of winter wheat demonstrated common reactions with young plants. Parallel investigations of some biochemical parameters realized on cellular level in cell cultures and plant cells is a possible way to acceleration the genotypes with better characteristics selection.

Keywords: winter wheat, in vitro system, cell culture.
Obtaining of the recombinant rhIL7-BAPmut fusion protein and its functional characterization
Authors: Usenko M. O. , Okunev O. V. , Bentsionova K. I. , Gorbatiuk O. B. , Irodov D. M. , Kordium V. A.
Published: November 2019

Aim. The purpose was to obtain a functionally active form of the recombinant fusion protein based on the human interleukin-7 (rhIL7) and bacterial alkaline phosphatase (BAPmut). Methods. The DNA sequences encoding rhIL-7 and BAPmut were subcloned into the pET24a(+) plasmid vector containing the 6His-tag sequence for further chromatographic purification of the target protein. The cells of E. coli strain BL21(DE3) were transformed with pET24-rhIL7-BAPmut plasmid vector. Protein synthesis was induced by IPTG and by autoinduction. Bifunctional activity of rhIL7-BAPmut after refolding via dilution is confirmed immunochemically by binding to specific antibodies. Results. RhIL7-BAPmut protein has been designed. It was shown that autoinduction protocol provides a significantly higher level of protein synthesis in E. coli compared with IPTG induction. In vitro method of purification and renaturation of rhIL7-BAPmut from inclusion bodies has been worked out. It has been shown that rhIL7-BAPmut has a specific biological activity after renaturation. Conclusions. The obtained rhIL7-BAPmut protein can be used for screening of immune combinatorial cDNA libraries of immunoglobulins variable genes, that are the sources of specific single chain antibodies. The protein also can be used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of IL-7 receptors.

Keywords: IL-7, BAPmut, inclusion bodies, renaturation.
140 years from the academic V.Ya. Yuriev birthday. Pages of biography in special historical disciplines
Authors: Blume Ya. B. , Barshteyn V. Yu.
Published: November 2019

Aim. To study and introduce into scientific circulation the material historical sources that are studied by special historical disciplines and relate to the biography of Academician V. Ya. Yuriev. Methods. The paper used both general scientific (historical, logical) and special (subject-chronological, retrospective) methods. Results. One of the reasons for the choice by V. Ya. Yuriev the future specialty, history and authority of the educational institutions in which Yuriev studied have been analyzed. The role of the Kharkiv Society of Agriculture and Agricultural Industry in the development of agricultural science, organization of the Kharkiv breeding station has been highlighted. Briefly analyzed scientific and pedagogical activity of V. Ya. Yuriev. Conclusions. The analysis of material historical sources, objects of faleristics, numismatics (including medallic art), philately of the Russian Empire, USSR, Poland and Ukraine allowed us to find new colors to tell about some of the biography facts of Academician V. Ya. Yuriev

Keywords: V. Ya. Yuriev, history of biology, faleristics, numismatics, philately.
Cloud technologies as a way to form and develop evolutionary concepts in future teachers of biology
Authors: Borodina K. I. , Kmets A. M. , Lutsenko O. I.
Published: November 2019

Aim. The article is devoted to the substantiation of theoretical and methodical principles of professional training of teachers of biology in the conditions of the informational and educational environment; multilevel and differentiated approaches in training with the possibility of continuous receipt of online and off-line assistance. Methods. Analysis of psychological and pedagogical, methodical literature; synthesis, a generalization; psycho-pedagogical observation, questionnaire, pedagogical experiment. Results. The authors proposed a methodology for involving information technologies, in particular cloud services, the inclusion of their varieties in all activities of the teacher in order to facilitate interaction between the subjects of the educational process, improve the content, forms and ways of interaction of the teacher and students in the process of formation and development of evolutionary concepts. Conclusions. Teaching and methodological support, developed in conditions of cloud-oriented environment, will be open and dynamic, elementarily variable and perceptible for the formation and development of scientific concepts, in particular, evolutionary ones.

Keywords: "cloud technologies", formation, development, evolutionary concepts, means of training.
Charles Darwin, an evolutionary scientist
Authors: Humeniuk H. B. , Chen I. B. , Voloshyn O. S.
Published: November 2019

Charles Robert Darwin is an English naturalist, geologist and biologist. He was one of the first to realize and clearly demonstrated that all living organisms evolved over time from common ancestors. The main driving force of evolution was called natural selection and uncertain variability. The existence of evolution was recognized by most scientists during the life of Charles Darwin, while his theory of natural selection, as the main explanation of evolution, became universally recognized only in the 30’s of the XX century. The ideas and discoveries of Charles Darwin, in a revised form, form the foundation of a modern synthetic theory of evolution and form the basis of biology, providing a logical explanation for biodiversity. Orthodox followers of Darwin’s teachings develop the direction of the evolutionary thought bearing his name Darwinism.

Keywords: evolution, natural selection, uncertain variability, theory, biodiversity.
Assessment of environmental threats to the park’s forest ecosystems
Authors: Miroshnyk N. V. , Tertychna O. V. , Teslenko I. K.
Published: November 2019

Aim. The aim is to assess the environmental threats to Park forest ecosystems and to study the possible links and the long-term consequences of their actions. Methods. Methods use of comparative analysis, classification, ranking of impacts, mathematical processing of data. Results. The main threats to Park forest ecosystems are formulated and evaluated. Deepened some of the methodological effects on criteria for assessment of threats. The classes of danger are defined, the General danger index of threats and correlation communications between groups and criteria of their assessment is calculated. The factors that have the most negative impact on the biodiversity of parks. Conclusions. In the conditions of urban ecosystems there is a strengthening and lengthening of the action of some threats and leveling of other types of impacts. The characteristics of the intensity of action, the time factor and the spatial spread of threats do not have a clear synchronization. The overall hazard index showed the dominance of the intensity and time of the impact of specific threats to the urban ecosystem. Keywords: anthropogenic impact, General hazard index, urban ecosystem, biodiversity.
The modern concept of teaching genetics at a medical higher educational institution
Authors: Piskun R. P. , Shkarupa V. M. , Grynchak N. M. , Sprut O. V. , Klimchuk I. M.
Published: November 2019

Aim. To study and evaluate the peculiarities of teaching genetics in the system of higher medical education of Ukraine. Methods. Studying typical and working programs of educational disciplines of medical universities, analysis of their interconnections with the volume and depth of knowledge and achievements of genetics. Results. The worldwide rapid development of genetic technologies, that open up new possibilities for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of many hereditary and non-hereditary diseases, requires the unification of the disparate efforts of scientists and practitioners. A significant role in solving this task should be played by higher medical school. Compact information about general genetics and the basics of anthropogenetics is received by medical students in the first year of study. This creates an appropriate basis for understanding the basic laws of the emergence of various forms of human pathologies, but does not ensure the assimilation of the genetic methodology of clinical disciplines and sections related to the organization of health protection and social medicine. Conclusions. An urgent need as of today is an inter-departmental and multi-level program on general genetics, human genetics, medical and clinical genetics, which would be compiled in accordance with the achievements of modern biology, medicine and genetics, and would penetrate all the stages of undergraduate and postgraduate education of doctors.

Keywords: genetics, teaching in higher medical school.
La imagen gigapixel
Authors: Gálvez Gabarda Jorge
Published: November 2019

Una gigapixel image es una imagen digital de mapa de bits que se compone de más de un gigapixel. La creación de estas imágenes tan grandes implica la unión a modo de mosaico de un gran número de capturas fotográficas de alta resolución en una sola que las combina todas. Actualmente tienen especial interés en numerosas disciplinas.
Use of Movies in Human Rights and Democracy Teaching
Authors: Utku Özensoy Ahmet
Published: November 2019

The aim of this study is to determine how cinema movies contribute to students’ learning of human rights and democracy in the 2017-2018 Academic Year Fall Semester. The research was modelled according to the pattern of action research from qualitative research methods. Research was conducted for 13 weeks in a public university in Turkey. In the Human Rights and Democracy course, 13 movies about human rights were watched, interpreted and evaluated. Structured interview form was applied to 13 students. Data was analyzed by content analysis. The findings revealed that in general movies can be useful in teaching human rights and democracy issues. In this way, it has been found that both cognitive and affective subjects can be learned permanently. It has been concluded that movies can be used effectively in value teaching and movies based on real events should be used.
Cooperative Learning as a Window of Opportunity to Transact Mathematics Instruction in Alamata and Korem Secondary Schools of Tigray, Ethiopia
Authors: Demie Seleshi , Seyoum Yilfashewa , Tsehayu Weldekiros
Published: November 2019

Mathematics instruction would be more effective if students were able to help each other and exchange information actively. This can effectively be done when students are engaged in cooperative learning. The study was intended to analyse the extent to which mathematics education is supplemented with cooperative learning in Grade 9 of Secondary Schools in Alamata and Korem, Tigray. In order to address the research objectives, mixed methods design was employed. Questionnaires, interview and classroom observation were used to collect quantitative and qualitative data from a sample of 15 teachers and 322 students. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics. The results of the study revealed that the extent of practicing cooperative learning methods was not up to the expected level. The attitude of teachers toward using cooperative learning methods was favourable and yet, teachers’ action in dealing with the basic components of cooperative learning was not promising. The findings showed that the major factors that inhibit the implementation of cooperative learning were lack of adequate training, lack of classroom facilities, lack of administrative support, lack of time, dependency of slow learners on more able learners, and traditional teaching methods. It is suggested that teachers should take basic training about the use and deliberation of cooperative learning as one of innovative teaching methods of mathematics education and as a means to realize their commitment.
L2 Learners’ Receptive and Productive Knowledge of Phrasal Verbs
Authors: Kamarudin Rafidah , Abd Majid Faizah , Mohd Zamin Ainul Azmin , Mat Daud Nor Shidrah
Published: November 2019

Phrasal verbs (PVs) are very common in English, indicating their usefulness in everyday settings. However, it was reported that language learners generally have great difficulties in understanding and using this linguistic form. This study investigated Malaysian learners’ receptive and productive knowledge of PVs, and some possible factors which may contribute to their difficulties in understanding and using this language feature. A set of PVs test was developed and distributed to 480 secondary school learners in Malaysia to identify their receptive and productive knowledge with respect to PVs. Real data from the English of Malaysian School Students (EMAS) Corpus was used to examine the actual use of PVs by Malaysian learners. Results of the PVs test indicated that in general, Malaysian learners had an average level of knowledge of PVs. Analysis of the EMAS corpus revealed that they faced a lot of problems in the production of PVs. Some possible factors are highlighted which may contribute to such difficulties.
The Predictive Validity of Standardized Tests and English Proficiency for Saudi Medical Students’ Performance in Biology
Authors: Althewini Abdulaziz
Published: November 2019

The study is designed to examine the predictive power of Saudi-admission criteria for student performance in an introductory biology course. It focuses on the second semester at King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences. The study addresses whether the General Aptitude test (GAT), the Scholastic Achievement Admission Test (SAAT), and the students’ English proficiency, taken together can accurately predict student performance in the biology course. Their English proficiency was measured by using the average grade in the intensive English courses taken in the first semester, in addition to the average grade in the reading and communication proficiency tests. The research involved the results of 250 male students in the admission criteria and biology-course grades. Simple linear and multivariate regression models are used to determine the predictive variance of each admission criterion for student success in the biology course. The results demonstrate that the admission criteria are significant predictors, but with a variance of 26.6%. The results also show that individually, GAT and SAAT are the poorest predictors, whereas the reading and communication proficiency tests were the best. The findings reveal that the predictive power of these admission criteria as a combined model is low. Additionally, more investigation is necessary to ascertain whether these criteria are also low predictors in other subjects and in overall college learning.
Students’ Conceptions of Role of Guidance and Counselling in Discipline Management in Secondary Schools in K1rinyaga County, Kenya
Authors: Magdalene Wamugunda , Michael Gachahi , Maurice Kimosop
Published: November 2019

Discipline is vital in the success of educational processes. Guidance and Counselling (GC) have been adopted as strategy to manage student discipline the world over including Kenyan schools. Though students form the major clientele of services provided in schools, studies regarding provision of counselling and guidance in relation to management of learners’ behaviour have largely ignored students’ conceptions. This study sought to establish students’ conceptions of the role of GC in managing discipline among learners in public secondary’ schools in Kirinyaga County, Kenya. The descriptive survey research design was used and a sample of 167 students was randomly taken from 13 secondary schools and questionnaires used to collect data. Results indicated that though students knew of availability of counselling services, they rarely sought them. The study further noted that students experienced punitive forms of punishment, including corporal punishment, despite availability of GC departments and government policies guiding the handling of learners’ discipline in Kenyan schools. The study concluded that secondary school students sampled have not fully embraced GC services. Therefore, the practice of GC as currently structured, may fail as a discipline management strategy. The recommendations based on findings are that the Education Ministry and School Boards of Management should not only enforce government policies on discipline management and explore ways of winning students’ confidence in the GC services.
Exploring Teacher Perceptions of Using E-portfolios in Public Schools in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Abdel Ghany Samaa , Alzouebi Khadeegha
Published: November 2019

This study explores e-portfolio practices among K-12 teachers and investigates their perceptions, attitudes and skills towards the potentials of e-portfolios to enhance the required 21st century competencies. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to investigate teachers’ perceptions of the use of e-portfolios in both public and private sectors in the seven Emirates of the UAE. In addition, 10 school leaders were interviewed to explore how willing and able they were in supporting a hypothetical change in the practice of documentation by using e-portfolios. A survey was conducted with over 400 teachers responding to 54 questions via an online questionnaire supported by the Survey Monkey web service tool. Data analysis results revealed that a substantial proportion of participants felt positively towards the possibility of using e-portfolios. However, the survey also revealed that the majority of teachers in the field need to acquire knowledge, associated skills, and competencies, through professional developmental training programs to cultivate and improve reflective, selective, organizational, constructive feedback skills, along with familiarity and proficiency in using online collaborative and professional networking tools. The study concludes with implications for policy-makers and stakeholders to consider before introducing requirements and regulations on e-portfolios.
Assessment of Psychological Counseling Service for Higher Education Institution Students
Authors: Getachew Abera
Published: November 2019

Guidance and counseling programs are effective in assisting young students in various aspects like academic achievement, study habits and choosing appropriate careers. A study was conducted in a public university in Ethiopia among 605 regular undergraduate students. Its objective was to investigate the students’ awareness and use of Psychological Counseling Service at Higher Education Institutions. The study results show that demographic variables were strongly accounted for the variances in awareness of psychological counseling and use of the service. Majority of the male students (67.8%) had not heard about the presence of psychological counseling service while 24.3% of female students did not know about such a service. More than 60% of the study participants gave top priority for psychological counseling service in higher education institutions. Students’ year of study and place of residence were significantly associated with the students rating of crisis intervention and emergency services, χ2 (9)=23.40, p<.01. The importance given to psychological counseling services also varied based on the place of origin and academic year of the students. Students believed psychological counseling service contributed to their academic success. Implications are discussed.
Investigation of Market Women’s Environmental Knowledge, Attitude and Behaviour in Nigerian City of Ibadan
Authors: A. Itasanmi Sunday , Tosin E. Jegede
Published: November 2019

This study assessed the environmental knowledge, attitude and behaviour among market women in the Nigerian city of Ibadan, Oyo State. A quantitative research design was adopted and 403 market women were randomly selected from different markets in Ibadan. Questionnaire items adapted from Fah and Sirisena (2014) and Abdullahi and Tuna (2014) were pilot-tested among female artisans in Ibadan. Data collected from the study were analyzed using frequency counts, simple percentages, ANOVA, and regression analysis. Results of the analysis revealed that market women have good knowledge about erosion, water pollution, amongst others but lack knowledge in the area of soil degradation. Market women also have pro-environmental attitude based on their responses and they exhibit environmentally responsible behaviours in the area of tree planting, refuse disposal etc. but display irresponsible environmental behaviour by not switching off electricity gadgets when not in use. The findings also showed that there is a significant effect of environmental knowledge on environmental attitude, environmental attitude on environmental behaviour and the joint effects of environmental knowledge and attitude on environmental behaviour among market women.
Deliverology in Ethiopian Higher Education as a Quality Management Tool: Critical Review and the Insider’s Reflection
Authors: Olkaba Teklu Tafase , Tamene Ewnetu Hailu
Published: November 2019

The concept of deliverology as a systematic process for driving progress and delivering results in government and the public sector, was endorsed in Ethiopia in 2017 for the purpose of quality management in Ethiopian public universities. The impetus of this reflective review article is to examine the essence of deliverology as a quality management tool in Ethiopian higher learning institutions as a response to graduate unemployment. In Ethiopia, different reform strategies were endorsed in higher learning institutions such as: program diversification, modularization governance reform strategies and currently deliverology as a quality management tool. This paper critically reviewed the Ethiopian higher learning institutions experiences and the essence of deliverology from its inceptions to the current implementation in Ethiopian public universities. The findings portray that deliverology as strategy for quality management is not conceived in Ethiopian higher education community at large and reality on the ground is different from the literature developed on the science of deliverology.
Thai School Teachers’ Preparedness and Perceptions of More-English-in-schools (MEIS) Policy
Authors: Thadphoothon Janpha
Published: November 2019

As far as English language ability is concerned, Thailand has a lot of room for improvement. Efforts to boost Thailand’s language skills abound. In this study, Thai school teachers in two primary schools were asked to answer questionnaires on their English language use in their schools, their preparedness, and their perceptions of the policy to add more English into the schools. Twenty-three school teachers from two schools participated in the study. The data collection was done in March 2018. Those school teachers participated in the English Plus Program (EPP) workshops, aiming to equip them with concepts and techniques to add more English elements in their classes and their schools. The teachers underwent six hours of training. At the end of the workshops, they were asked to reflect on the lessons and answer the questionnaires. It was found that the majority of the school teachers perceived themselves to be moderately prepared for the MEIS policy. They believed it was a useful policy and recognized the role of support from the students’ parents, the community, as well as the school administrators.
Impact of Hydration Status on Electromyography and Ratings of Perceived Exertion During the Vertical Jump
Authors: Donahue Paul T , Wilson Samuel J , Williams Charles C , Valliant Melinda , Garner John C
Published: November 2019

Background: The vertical jumping task is commonly used to assess lower-body power output in athletic populations, in addition to being commonly used to during investigations of hydration and anaerobic performance. Changes in neuromuscular function during a hypohydrated state have been proposed as a potential mechanism to decreases in anaerobic performance. Objectives: The primary purpose of this investigation was to examine the impact of hydration state on electromyography during the vertical jumping task. Methods: Twenty recreationally trained males were tested in three hydration conditions (hypohydrated, euhydrated, and control). Testing included maximal voluntary contractions of the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, semitendinosus and medial gastrocnemius. Participants performed three maximal countermovement and squat jumps respectively for a total of six jumps in each condition. Both mean muscle activity and percentage of maximal voluntary contraction were calculated across the propulsive phase of each jump. Additionally, measures of RPE and the use of a mood rating scale were used as subjective measures. Results: No differences were seen in mean muscle activity and percentage of MVC in either of the jumping conditions (p > 0.05). Significant differences were seen with higher ratings of perceived exertion as well as lower levels of mood ratings after the hypohydrated condition (p = 0.02 and p = 0.048 respectively). Conclusions: Decrements seen in vertical jump performance during a hypohydrated state appear to be caused from changes other than neuromuscular function and muscle activity. Differences in subjective measures may provide insight into changes in motivational levels and potentially impacting performance.
Effects of Attentional Focus and Dual-tasking on Conventional Deadlift Performance in Experienced Lifters
Authors: Chan Alan , Robertson Gordon E. , Lajoie Yves
Published: November 2019

Background: Previous attentional focus literature suggests that adopting an external focus (EF) results in greater force production through a variety of mechanisms. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of attentional focus and dual-tasking when performing heavily loaded barbell movements that are specific to strength-based sports. Method: Fifteen resistance-trained males (age = 23.3 ± 3.4 years) reported to the laboratory for three visits. The first visit consisted of a five-repetition maximum (5RM) test on the conventional deadlift. During the subsequent sessions, the participants performed a total of twelve single conventional deadlift repetitions while adopting an internal focus (IF), an external focus (EF), or while performing the cognitive task (COG). The IF and EF consisted of focusing on activating the quadriceps and maintaining a straight bar path, respectively. The COG consisted of counting the total occurrence of two single-digits in a sequence of three-digit numbers, separately. Three-dimensional motion capture and force platforms were used to collect kinematic and kinetic data. Results: No significant differences were found between the IF, the EF and the COG for lift duration, peak barbell velocity, peak vertical ground reaction force, area of 95% confidence ellipse, peak hip moments and peak hip powers. Adopting an EF significantly reduced variability of the barbell trajectory and centre of pressure (COP) in the anterior-posterior direction. Mean velocity of COP was also significantly lower for the EF. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that adopting an EF may lead to greater postural stability when performing heavily loaded barbell movements.
Praksislærerens utfordringer, dilemmaer og muligheter
Authors: Herudsløkken Karin , Schaug Rosaline Mary , Schwencke Eva
Published: November 2019

Artikkelen undersøker utfordringer som praksislæreren står overfor i sine studenters praksisperioder ved Praktisk-pedagogisk utdannelse for yrkesfag (PPU-y). Forskning viser pedagogiske utfordringer innen yrkesfaglige studieretninger, særlig ved Helse- og oppvekstfag i videregående skole (HO) (Schaug & Herudsløkken, 2019). Det drøftes hvordan utdanningen på HO kan bli mer yrkesrelevant og meningsfull og gi en større helhet og sammenheng. Praksislærere og elever ved HO deltok i studien.Problemstillingen er: Hvilke utfordringer, dilemmaer og muligheter møter praksislærerne i tilretteleggingen av PPU-y- studentenes praksisperioder?Det drøftes fem hovedutfordringer: Integrering av teori og praksis i praksisperioden, hvordan praksislæreren kan bidra til yrkesforankring og yrkesretting i utdanningen av yrkesfaglærere og hvordan praksislæreren kan bidra til å utvikle likeverdig dialog med studentene diskuteres. Videre drøftes hvordan praksislæreren kan møte den doble og tredoble yrkesrollen. Avslutningsvis diskuteres mulighetene for å utvikle samarbeidet mellom praksisfeltet og universitetet.Datamaterialet for artikkelen bygger på dybdeintervjuer og gruppeintervju (2017-2018), og analyse av styringsdokumenter.Studiens funn: Studentenes og praksislærernes ulike syn på sammenhengen mellom teori og praksis førte til frustrasjon for begge parter og at studentene opplevde lite meningsfull utdanning. En utydelig yrkesforankring og yrkesretting av undervisningen gjennomsyret også praksisperioden. Det var en tydelig forskjell mellom studentenes og praksislærernes oppfatning av dialogen i praksisperioden. Praksislærernes forhold til sin egen komplekse tredoble yrkesrolle, var overraskende uklar og kom til syne ved praksislærernes prioritering mellom elever og studenter. Praksislærerne ønsker å styrke samarbeidet med lærerne på PPU-y-studiet ved universitet.Artikkelen konkluderer med at styrking av samarbeidet mellom lærerne på universitetet og praksislærerne i videregående skole kan bidra til å øke bevisstheten om det gjensidige og felles ansvaret som lærerutdannere for det helhetlige PPU-y-studiet og bedret yrkesrelevans i undervisningen inne på campus og i praksisperiodene.
Ultrasound Assisted Sonochemical Decomposition of Methyl Orange in the Presence of H2O2 and CCl4
Authors: Ara J. , Ashifuzzaman M. , Hossain M. J. , Razzak S. M. A. , Monira S. , Alauddin J. , Mashud M. A. A. , Uddin M. H.
Published: November 2019

Methyl orange (MO) is an orange azoic dye; which has transition range from 3.1 to 4.4. Sonochemical decomposition of methyl orange in the presence of H2O2 and CCl4 has given effective result to reclaim water from the effluents released by the industries. The aim of this research was to investigate the effective condition for the decomposition of MO in the presence or absence of additives. For this, 50 mg/L solution of MO was sonicated in the presence and absence of different additives. It was clearly confirmed that the rates of sonochemical decomposition of MO increased with increasing the concentration in both cases of H2O2 and CCl4. The combination of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) namely hydrogen per-oxide and carbon tetra-chloride with sonolysis harvests the decomposition of wide spectrum of organic contaminants. The combination of sonolysis with H2O2 and CCl4 enhances the production of non-selective radicals to improve the decomposition process. The AOPs is technically feasible and also economic. Based on the results, it was suggested that the rate of MO decomposition can be effectively enhanced by the sonolysis of CCl4 and also for H2O2. It was possible to include order- MO+200 µL H2O2 > MO+100 µL H2O2 > MO+20 µL H2O2 > MO; MO+200 µL CCl4 > MO+100 µL CCl4 > MO+20 µL CCl4 > MO.