bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Internet Usage and Academic Achievement of Adolescents of West Bengal: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Maiti Bikram
Published: July 2017

Present study is a process to find out the effect of internet usage on the academic achievement of adolescents of West Bengal, specifically on the students of Higher Secondary level under the West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education. To study the impact thoroughly the investigator divided internet usage into three categories- Educational usage, Communicational usage and Recreational usage. Intending to fetch out the relationship of different types of internet usage with students’ academic achievement as well as the gender difference regarding the internet usage, the researcher formulated some null hypotheses. To go through this study the investigator administered an internet usage questionnaire on 138 class XI students, selected by purposive sampling method from different schools under WBCHSE. Percentage of marks obtained by the adolescents in Madhyamik examination was treated as the academic achievement by them. The investigator used Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient and Independent Sample‘t’ test for testing the hypotheses. By the end of the study it was seen that Educational usage and Communicational usage of internet had no effect on their academic achievements, but there was negative effect of Recreational internet usage on their academic achievement. Also, boys and girls differed significantly in respect to their different internet usage.
Chronic Health Conditions and Key Health Indicators Among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Older US Adults, 2013–2014
Authors: Fredriksen-Goldsen Karen I. , Kim Hyun-Jun , Shui Chengshi , Bryan Amanda E. B.
Published: July 2017

Objectives. To examine disparities in chronic conditions and health indicators among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adults aged 50 years or older in the United States.

Methods. We used data from the 2013 and 2014 National Health Interview Survey to compare disparities in chronic conditions, health outcomes and behaviors, health care access, and preventive health care by sexual orientation and gender.

Results. LGB older adults were significantly more likely than heterosexual older adults to have a weakened immune system and low back or neck pain. In addition, sexual minority older women were more likely than their heterosexual counterparts to report having arthritis, asthma, a heart attack, a stroke, a higher number of chronic conditions, and poor general health. Sexual minority older men were more likely to report having angina pectoris or cancer. Rates of disability and mental distress were higher among LGB older adults.

Conclusions. At substantial cost to society, many disparities in chronic conditions, disability, and mental distress observed in younger LGB adults persist, whereas others, such as cardiovascular disease risks, present in later life. Interventions are needed to maximize LGB health.
Designing and using informal learning spaces to enhance student engagement with mathematical sciences.
Authors: Waldock Jeff
Published: July 2017

By helping create a shared, supportive, learning community, the creative use of custom designed spaces outside the classroom has a major impact on student engagement. The intention is to create spaces that promote peer interaction within and across year groups, encourage closer working relationships between staff and students and support specific coursework activities - particularly group work.  Such spaces make better use of time since students are motivated to stay and work during long gaps in their timetable, provide a sense of 'home' within the institution and can lead to a cohesive community of practice.  We describe how this has been achieved and currently delivered in Mathematics at Sheffield Hallam University and provide evidence for its success.
Maths Sparks: Developing Community and Widening Participation
Authors: Ni Shuilleabhain Aoibhinn , Cronin Anthony
Published: July 2017

Improving the engagement of university students in wider issues of teaching and learning is now an important driver in higher education. Additionally, widening the participation of those who access higher education is a matter of increasing prominence. In this paper we report on a case study initiative addressing both of these issues in a university mathematics department. Staff and university students collaborated in developing a series of mathematics workshops, called Maths Sparks, for secondary school pupils from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds. We report on the development of student-staff community as a result of establishing this programme and discuss the increased engagement and motivation of both university students and secondary pupils participating in the series of activity-based workshops.
Playing Games: A Case Study in Active Learning Applied to Game Theory
Authors: Knight Vincent
Published: July 2017

This paper describes two active learning activities which aims to introduce

students to the game theoretic concepts of best response dynamics and

repeated game analysis.

An overview of some literature on active learning and the benefits therein

is provided. This highlights that activities such as the one described

in this manuscript, not only help engage students but more importantly

improve their learning and understanding.

The final section of this work describes how these activities fit in the

pedagogic framework of a particular undergraduate mathematics class.

Students generate data that can be used as context for the understanding of

theoretic concepts. It is suggested that this framework is not restricted to

the subject of game theory.
Front page
Authors: Wilson Robert
Published: July 2017

Front Page
IMA Business Game at University of Greenwich
Authors: Wolfin Sarah
Published: July 2017

This article, written by a second year maths student from the Univeirsty of Greenwich, describes a workshop designed to increase maths students’ awareness of how businesses operate.  The motivation for this activity came from a collaboration between the University of Greenwich and the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications.
ENISTEM: Using Emotional Nerve Intelligence in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Authors: Chadwick Edmund , Singh Makhan
Published: July 2017

An Emotional Nerve Intelligence module for second year mathematics undergraduates is presented. This is a new concept that extends Emotional Intelligence by including psychotherapy practices used to control nerves (anxiety and stress). This is delivered within a mathematics STEM setting with the aim of releasing the undergraduates' potential. Results show development in self-awareness of the students by capturing pre- and post-comments, and anecdotal observations indicating the success in students developing their ability to think for themselves are also given.
When will I ever use that? Giving students opportunity to see the direct application of modelling techniques in the real world.
Authors: Porter Ros , Bartholomew Hannah
Published: July 2017

Mathematical modelling is unfamiliar to many young mathematicians and can be a source of anxiety for many. Although many first year mathematics undergraduates will have used mathematical models throughout GCSE and A Level most are unaware of this. Very few understand what a mathematical model is, fewer still the concept of building a model. In our experience students are reluctant to try and build their own models and fail to see the value of modelling skills in the real world. We invited 3 speakers to attend a first year modelling lecture to talk about the models they use in their jobs with the intention that this would help students see that modelling skills and analytical thought processes are valuable tools for a maths graduate. The speakers had different employment backgrounds being from banking, research (chemistry) and transport engineering. Each spoke for approximately 10 mins. giving an outline of their field. The lecture was followed by tutorials in which students were asked to reflect on what the speakers had said and how this related to their own learning. Two of the speakers also attended the tutorials and were able to have more informal conversations with the students.
Editorial
Authors: Bradshaw Noel-Ann
Published: July 2017

Editorial
Clinical and radiological assessment of the use of Bio-Gen Mix xenografts in jaw bone defects
Authors: Rahnama Mansur , Łobacz Michał , Czupkałło Łukasz
Published: July 2017

Wstęp: Tradycyjne metody postępowania i wykonywania zabiegów z zakresu chirurgii stomatologicznej zazwyczaj prowadzą do bezpowrotnej utraty uzębienia i powstania typowego ubytku wysokości i szerokości kości grzbietu wyrostka zębodołowego. Celem niniejszego badania była ocena gojenia się ubytków kostnych po zastosowaniu materiału kościozastępczego Bio-Gen Mix.Materiały i metody: Grupę badaną stanowiło 42 pacjentów leczonych z powodu obecności torbieli zębopochodnych, zmian okołowierzchołkowych przy zębach wymagających przeprowadzenia zabiegu resekcji wierzchołka korzenia oraz pacjentów wymagających poekstrakcyjnych zabiegów augmentacyjnych, jak również zabiegów sterowanej regeneracji kości przed planowanymi zabiegami implantacji z użyciem ksenogennego materiału kościozastępczego Bio-Gen Mix.Wyniki: Wyniki oceny radiologicznej i klinicznej podsumowano za pomocą 3-stopniowej skali oceniającej proces gojenia ubytków śródkostnych, zaproponowanej przez Gutmanna i Harrison, a zmodyfikowanej przez Taschieri i wsp.Wnioski: W przypadku niewielkich deficytów tkanki kostnej wystarczające jest wykorzystanie substytutów kości, chociażby preparatów pochodzenia wołowego, takich jak Bio-Gen Mix. Uzyskuje się w ten sposób dobry rezultat, dość szybką przebudowę tkanki kostnej, której jakość w dużej mierze wystarcza do prowadzenia dalszego leczenia implantoprotetycznego.
Preferencje pracowników ochrony zdrowia w zakresie form zatrudnienia
Authors: Kolwitz Marcin , Pierzak-Sominka Joanna , Radlińska Iwona , Kemicer-Chmielewska Ewa
Published: July 2017

Wstęp: Pracownicy ochrony zdrowia: pielęgniarki, położne oraz ratownicy medyczni wykonują swą pracę na podstawie rożnych form zatrudnienia (umowy opracę, praktyki prywatnej, umowy cywilnoprawnej).Celem pracy było poznanie preferencji przedstawicieli tych zawodów w zakresie najbardziej pożądanych przez siebie form zatrudnienia oraz zbadanie, czy pracownicy wykonują pracę w preferowanej przez siebie formie, a także poznanie czynników wpływających na te preferencje.Materiały metody: Badaniem objęto 202 osoby wykonujące pracę w zawodach medycznych (128 pielęgniarek, 42 położne, 32 ratowników medycznych). Wbadaniach wykorzystano autorski kwestionariusz ankiety pozwalający na realizację celów badań.Wyniki: Zarówno wśród pracowników medycznych zatrudnionych w podmiotach leczniczych na umowę o pracę, jak i prowadzących własną praktykę oraz zatrudnionych na podstawie tzw. kontraktu odnotowano istotną statystycznie zależność pomiędzy wykonywaną a deklarowaną formą zatrudnienia. W obu grupach większość pracowników deklarowała chęć kontynuowania dotychczasowej formy zatrudnienia, przy czym znacznie większy odsetek takich osób zanotowano wśród zatrudnionych na podstawie umowy o pracę (p < 0,000001).Wnioski: Większość badanych preferuje jako formę zatrudnienia umowę o pracę. Wpływ na tę preferencję mają takie czynniki jak „ochrona zatrudnienia” i„ochrona socjalna”. Wśród osób preferujących samozatrudnienie czynnikiem motywującym jest możliwość uzyskania wyższych dochodów. Pracownikom ochrony zdrowia należy zapewnić rzeczywistą swobodę wyboru formy zatrudnienia zgodnie z ich preferencjami.
The Information Content and Integration of Distributed-Temperature-Sensing Data for Near-Wellbore-Reservoir Characterization
Authors: Xu Bohan , Forouzanfar Fahim
Published: July 2017

Downhole-temperature measurements provide valuable data for characterizing the flow between the reservoir and wellbore, which in turn is a function of the individual-reservoir-layer properties. In this paper, we investigate the use of downhole-temperature-profile data, provided from distributed-temperature-sensing (DTS) systems, as a cost-effective and robust alternative to other common approaches, such as use of data from production-logging tools, for estimating the formation properties and production profile along the wellbore. Previous applications of history-matching techniques by use of downhole-temperature-profile data have been mostly limited to simple reservoirs, and the quality of their results was unacceptable for more-complex cases. In this work, we present the evaluation and application of temperature-profile data from DTS systems for uncertainty reduction in the reservoir description. We focus on the characterization of multilayer multiphase reservoir cases with a high degree of vertical heterogeneity. First, by use of the principles of information theory, we investigate the information content of the temperature-profile data regarding various reservoir properties. By computing the mutual information between the reservoir parameters and the temperature-profile data, the reservoir properties with higher influence on the reservoir- and wellbore-temperature-profile data are identified. The associated uncertainty in these reservoir properties can be reduced by assimilating the downhole-temperature-profile data. Through these analyses, we also present an estimation for the expected reduction of uncertainty in the reservoir properties by assimilating the temperature data. Then, we apply the ensemble-smoother-with-multiple-data-assimilation (ES-MDA) algorithm to estimate the reservoir properties selected by use of our previous analysis. The set of observed data contains the wellbore-temperature profile, the temperature profile of the reservoir adjacent to the wellbore, and the flowing bottomhole pressure (BHP) of the well at a reference depth. We investigate the performance of the history-matching algorithm by use of various combinations of these observed data for estimating the properties of a synthetic layered reservoir. In addition, the implementation of a doubly stochastic model is also investigated to account for possible uncertainties in the prior mean of the reservoir properties. Our results show that the downhole-temperature-profile data contain a significant amount of information regarding the permeability and porosity of the reservoir layers. Moreover, the use of temperature-profile data within the ES-MDA history-matching algorithm is able to provide a good estimation of these properties and significantly reduce the uncertainty in the reservoir description.
Coir Fiber and Bamboo Vinegar Improve the Quality of Composted Green Waste as a Growing Medium for Peacock Arrowroot
Authors: Zhang Lu , Sun Xiangyang
Published: July 2017

Composting is considered an environmentally sound and economically viable alternative for the management of organic residues. Although compost product may be used as a peat substitute in soilless culture, it generally has poor physical structure, low nutrient content, high pH, and high salt content. This study chose the coir fiber (CF) produced from coconut (Cocos nucifera) and bamboo vinegar (BV) produced from mottled bamboo (Phyllostachys bambusoides) as the media amendments, and evaluated the effects of CF (at 0%, 15%, and 25%) and/or BV (at 0%, 0.5%, and 1.0%) on the physical, chemical, and microbiological properties of composted green waste (CGW) and on the growth of peacock arrowroot (Calathea makoyana). The highest quality growing medium and the best growth of peacock arrowroot were obtained when CGW was amended with the combination of 15% CF and 0.5% BV; the lowest quality medium and the least plant growth were obtained with nonamended CGW. The optimal combination not only improved particle-size distribution and adjusted bulk density (BD), porosity, and water-holding capacity (WHC) into ideal ranges, but it also decreased pH and electrical conductivity (EC) and increased microbial numbers, enzyme activities, and macro- and micronutrient contents in the CGW. Relative to the nonamended CGW, the optimal CGW reduced the BD from 0.58 g·cm−3 to 0.34 g·cm−3 and the pH from 8.05 to 5.61, and increased the total porosity (TPS) from 48.1% to 77.0% and the WHC from 57.4% to 75.5%; the optimal CGW increased shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, root fresh weight, root dry weight, plant height, crown breadth, number of leaves, and total root length by 83.9%, 77.8%, 66.1%, 65.1%, 63.6%, 73.8%, 55.6%, and 65.2%, respectively.
Green Period Characteristics and Foliar Cold Tolerance in 12 Iris Species and Cultivars in the Yangtze Delta, China
Authors: Li Danqing , Zhang Jiao , Zhang Jiaping , Li Kang , Xia Yiping
Published: July 2017

Iris (Iris sp.) is a popular and widely planted herbaceous perennial. However, most iris species go dormant without any aesthetic quality for 5–6 months in the transition zone between the temperate and subtropical climates. To investigate the effects of species/cultivars, leaf shape, and air temperature conditions on the ability to stay green, 12 popular species and cultivars in the transition zone were evaluated. Iris tested included the following species: roof iris (I. tectorum), japanese iris (I. japonica), long leafed flag (I. halophila), yellow flag (I. pseudacorus), blood iris (I. sanguinea), japanese water iris (I. ensata), and small-flower iris (I. speculatrix) and the following cultivars: ‘Chinensis’ milky iris (I. lactea var. chinensis), ‘Bryce Leigh’ louisiana iris (I. hexagonae), ‘Black Swan’ german iris (I. germanica), ‘Careless Sally’ siberian iris (I. sibirica), and ‘Loyalty’ japanese water iris (I. ensata). We conducted a 2-year field study on mature iris populations and evaluated the percentage of green leaves during winter retention and spring recovery using a digital image analysis (DIA). Green period during this study was calculated using predicted sigmoid curves based on the percentage of green leaves. The present study revealed that iris species/cultivars and air temperatures had considerable influence on the duration of the green period. Both evergreen and deciduous iris phenotypes exist with three different leaf shapes, among which the average green period of fan-shaped leaf iris species and cultivars was the longest. Because there was no significant (P = 0.205) relationship between green period during this period and leaf lethal temperature (LT50), new cultivars with long green periods may be achieved without a simultaneous loss of cold tolerance in iris.
Ilgosios aritmetikos algoritmų greitaveikos tyrimas
Authors: Dzisevič Robert , Šešok Dmitrij
Published: July 2017

Straipsnyje analizuojamos ilgosios aritmetikos bibliotekos ir aprašomi atlikti skaitiniai eksperimentai. Eksperimentų metu išnagrinėjamas skirtingų ilgosios aritmetikos bibliotekų (GMP, NTL, FLINT, CLN, „Java BigInteger“) darbo našumas sprendžiant uždavinius, apimančius daugybos, dalybos moduliu ir kėlimo laipsniu operacijas.
Postmodernism in Contemporary Educational Practices
Authors: Lukoševičiūtė Aušra
Published: July 2017

Postmodernism is marked by information, an increasing competition and radical changes in the education sector. Moral and spiritual progress fails to keep pace with scientific and technological progress. That is evident in educational practices, thus, new challenges arise because of a lack of attention to personality. Modernity, characterised by objectivity and rationality, has been challenged by post modernity which seeks to reconstruct existing forms of thinking and promotes a new worldview.The author discusses modern educational practices in the context of postmodernism.She analyses some aspects of postmodernism, its marks in contemporary education. Drawing on the proponents and opponents of postmodernism, the author states that postmodernism influences changes in the content, methods of teaching as well as in teachers’ approaches to teaching. Nowadays much attention in education is given to self-expression, interpretation, a pluralistic worldview, consumerist values. The conclusion has been drawn that changes in education should be seen as a natural process that affects personality development, cognitive development, self-realization.
Nondestructive Leaf Area Estimation for Chia
Authors: Mack Laura , Capezzone Filippo , Munz Sebastian , Piepho Hans‐Peter , Claupein Wilhelm , Phillips Tim , Graeff‐Hönninger Simone
Published: July 2017

Core Ideas

Leaf area in chia cannot be accurately predicted by the product of leaf width and length.

Regressing leaf area log linearly on width and length accounts for change of shape with size.

We provide accurate prediction models valid across experiments, populations, and N levels.

Mixed‐model meta‐regression allows integrating leaf area data across experiments.

Leaf area (LA) is an important agronomic trait but is difficult to measure directly. It is therefore of interest to estimate LA indirectly using easily measured correlated traits. The most commonly used approach to predict LA uses the product of leaf width (LW) and leaf length (LL) as single predictor variable. However, this approach is insufficient to estimate LA of chia (Salvia hispanica L.) because the leaves are differently shaped depending on leaf size. The objectives of this study were to develop a nondestructive LA estimation model for chia using LW and LL measurements that can take differences in leaf shape into account and to determine whether population and nitrogen fertilizer level have an effect on the accuracy of a LA estimation model. A total of 840 leaves were collected from five different field experiments in 2015 and 2016 conducted in southwestern Germany. The experiments comprised eight populations of black‐ and white‐seeded chia (07015 ARG, 06815 BOL, 06915 ARG, G8, G7, G3, W13.1, and Sahi Alba 914) and three nitrogen fertilizer levels (0, 20, and 40 kg N ha−1). We used meta‐regression to integrate the data accounting for heterogeneity between experiments, populations, and nitrogen levels. The proposed LA estimation model with two measured predictor variables (LL and LW) was LA = 0.740 × LL0.866 × LW1.075 and provided the highest accuracy across populations and nitrogen levels [r = 0.989; mean squared deviation (MSD) = 2.944 cm4]. The model LA = 1.396 × LW1.806 with only LW was almost as accurate (r = 0.977; MSD = 5.831 cm4).
Dry Matter Production and Rate of Change of Harvest Index at High Temperature in Peanut
Authors: Craufurd P. Q. , Prasad P. V. Vara , Summerfield R. J.
Published: July 2017

The concept of a linear increase in harvest index, dHI/dt, has proven very useful for crop simulation modeling. The effect of high temperature on the response of dHI/dt of pods and seeds of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) has not been described. The objectives of this work were to determine (i) whether dHI/dt was linear at high temperature, (ii) whether high temperature affected dHI/dt and/or the timing of the linear phase of increase in HI, and (iii) whether there was genotypic variation in the response of dHI/dt to high temperature. Four peanut genotypes varying in heat tolerance were grown in pots at either 28/22 or 38/22°C from 21 to 90 d after planting (DAP). Plants were harvested on 10 occasions starting 27 DAP and total dry matter accumulation and partitioning measured. High temperature reduced total dry weight by 20 to 35%, seed HI by 0 to 65%, and seed dry weight by 23 to 78%. At 28/22°C, dHI/dt for pods and seeds was linear and varied from 0.0058 to 0.0109 d−1 At 38/22°C, dHI/dt of pods and seeds was also linear and varied from 0.0028 to 0.0089 d−1 There were genotypic differences in response to temperature. High temperature had no effect on dHI/dt in moderately tolerant genotypes 796 and 47‐16. In susceptible genotypes ICGV 86016 and ICGV 87282, however, the start of pod and seed filling was delayed by 5 to 9 d and dHI/dt reduced by 20 to 65% at 38/22°C. Reductions in pod and seed dry weight at 38/22°C were therefore due to reductions in total dry matter and dHI/dt, depending on the heat tolerance of the genotype. Crop models need to account for genotypic differences in the response of timing and rate of dHI/dt to high temperature to successfully simulate yields in warmer environments.
A Model of Lamina Digestibility of Orchardgrass as Influenced by Nitrogen and Defoliation
Authors: Duru M. , Ducrocq H.
Published: July 2017

The morphogenesis of grass‐sward regrowth drives the relationship between sward management effects and herbage digestibility. Our objective was to create a model of herbage digestibility for a range of N fertilizer levels and defoliation practices on the basis of changes in vegetative grass tiller structure rather than on dates of cutting or grazing. An experiment was conducted for two spring and two summer regrowths to examine the digestibility of orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) whole laminae (Lw) and youngest fully expanded laminae (Ly) for two N rates, and two defoliation patterns differing in the initial cutting date. Data were collected for lamina digestibility, dates at which a new leaf and its ligule were visible, and lamina and sheath lengths at least three times during each regrowth. There was a significant effect of N and cutting date on Ly and Lw digestibility, both variables being correlated significantly. At the ligule stage, Ly digestibility decreased between two successive leaves on a tiller, but this decrease was least when the N rate was low. For each regrowth, a single significant relationship was found between Ly digestibility and the growth duration of the lamina outside the sheath. As lamina growth duration depends both on sheath length and herbage N status, Ly digestibility was expressed according to these two easily measurable sward states. The model used to predict the green lamina digestibility at the whole canopy level could also explain the faster decline of herbage digestibility when the N rate was higher or when daily temperatures increased. In both cases, sheath length increased faster from one insertion level to the next, leading to a longer lamina growth duration.
Variation in Ruminant Preference for Alfalfa Hays Cut at Sunup and Sundown1
Authors: Fisher Dwight S. , Mayland Henry F. , Burns Joseph C.
Published: July 2017

Diurnal variation in the concentration of total nonstructural carbohydrates (TNC) occurs in plants as a result of photosynthesis. Ruminants have been shown to prefer tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreber) hays cut in the afternoon but the effect of morning vs. evening cutting had not been tested in legumes. To test for diurnal variation in preference for alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), we harvested six times in the midbud stage. Harvests were paired so that each time a cutting of alfalfa was made at sundown (PM) another was made the next morning at sunup (AM). We harvested in this manner three times resulting in six hays. The hays were field dried, baled, and chopped prior to their use 3 to 6 mo after harvest. Three experiments were conducted [Exp. 1, sheep (Ovis aries); Exp. 2, goats (Capra hircus hircus); and Exp. 3, cattle (Bos taurus)] utilizing six animals in each case. During an adaptation phase, hays were offered alone as meals. In the experimental phase, every possible pair of hays (15 pairs) was presented for a meal. Data were analyzed by multidimensional scaling as well as by traditional analyses. Multidimensional scaling indicated that the animals were basing selection on at least two criteria. Variables associated with preference through multiple regression varied across experiments but significant coefficients were found between preference and nitrate, protein, carbohydrate fractions, lignin, and cellulose. Coefficients varied depending on which other variables were in the model; however, carbohydrates were associated with positive coefficients. Shifting hay mowing from early in the day to late in the day was effective in increasing forage preference as expressed by short‐term dry matter intake.
Effects of Phenotyping Environment on Identification of Quantitative Trait Loci for Rice Root Morphology under Anaerobic Conditions
Authors: Kamoshita A. , Zhang Jingxian , Siopongco J. , Sarkarung S. , Nguyen H. T. , Wade L. J.
Published: July 2017

In the rainfed lowlands, rice (Oryza sativa L.) develops roots under anaerobic soil conditions with ponded water, prior to exposure to aerobic soil conditions and water stress. Constitutive root system development in anaerobic soil conditions has been reported to have a positive effect on subsequent expression of adaptive root traits and water extraction during water stress. We examined effects of phenotyping environment on identification of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for constitutive root morphology traits using 220 doubled‐haploid lines (DHLs) from the cross of ‘CT9993‐5‐10‐1‐M’ (CT9993; japonica, upland adapted) × ‘IR62266‐42‐6‐2’ (IR62266; indica, lowland adapted) in four greenhouse experiments. Broad sense heritability (h
2) was 75, 60, and 64% on average for shoot biomass, deep root morphology, and root thickness traits, respectively. Quantitative trait loci analysis identified 18 genomic regions associated with deep root morphology traits, but only three were identified consistently across experiments. Three out of a total of eight QTLs for root thickness traits were found in more than one experiment. The maximum genetic effects caused by a single QTL were increments of 0.05 g of deep root mass below a 30‐cm soil depth, 0.9% of deep root ratio, 1.6 cm of rooting depth, and 0.09 cm of root thickness, with phenotypic variation explained by a single QTL ranging from 6.8 to 51.8%. The results demonstrate the importance of phenotyping environment and suggest prospects for selection of QTLs for deep root morphology, root thickness, and vigorous seedling growth under anaerobic conditions to improve the constitutive root system of rainfed lowland rice. There was some consistency in QTL regions identified, despite the presence of QTL × environment interactions.
Quantitative trait loci in Two Soybean Recombinant Inbred Line Populations Segregating for Yield and Disease Resistance
Authors: Yuan J. , Njiti V. N. , Meksem K. , Iqbal M. J. , Triwitayakorn K. , Kassem My. A. , Davis G. T. , Schmidt M. E. , Lightfoot D. A.
Published: July 2017

Molecular makers linked to quantitative trait loci (QTL) can assist soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] breeders to combine traits of low heritability, such as yield, with disease resistance. The objective of this study was to identify markers linked to yield QTL in two recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations [‘Essex’ × ‘Forrest’ (E×F; n = 100) and ‘Flyer’ × ‘Hartwig’ (F×H; n = 94)] that also segregate for soybean cyst nematode (SCN) resistance genes (rhg1 and Rhg4). Each population was yield tested in four environments between 1996 and 1999. The resistant parents produced lower yields. Heritability of yield across four environments was 47% for E×F and 57% for F×H. Yield was normally distributed in both populations. High yielding, SCN resistant transgressive segregants were not observed. In the E×F RIL population, 134 microsatellite markers were compared against yield by ANOVA and MAPMAKER QTL. Regions associated with yield were identified by SATT294 on linkage group (LG.) C1 (P = 0.006, R
2 = 10%), SATT440 on LG. I (P = 0.007, R
2 = 10%), and SATT337 on LG. K (P = 0.004, R
2 = 10%). Essex provided the beneficial allele at SATT337. Mean yields among F×H RILs were compared against 33 microsatellite markers from LG. K. In addition 136 markers from randomly selected LGs were compared with extreme phenotypes by bulk segregant analysis. Two regions on LG. K (20 cM apart) associated with yield were identified by SATT326 (P = 0.0004, R
2 = 15%) and SATT539 (P = 0.0008, R
2 = 14%). Flyer provided both beneficial alleles. Both populations revealed a yield QTL in the interval (5 cM) between SATT337 and SATT326. These populations may share a common allele for yield in this region, given that about 40% of Flyer genome derived from Essex.
Characterization of SMV Resistance Genes in Tousan 140 and Hourei Soybean
Authors: Gunduz I. , Buss G. R. , Chen P. , Tolin S. A.
Published: July 2017

‘Tousan 140’ and ‘Hourei’, two soybean [Glycine max (L) Merr.] accessions from Japan, each possess a single gene at different loci for resistance to Japanese Soybean mosaic virus (SMV) strain SMV C. However, more genetic information is needed to utilize these lines in a breeding program. The objectives of this study were to determine (i) the reaction of Tousan 140 and Hourei to SMV‐G1 through G7 strains, (ii) the inheritance of SMV resistance in Tousan 140 and Hourei to strains SMV‐G1 and G7, and (iii) the allelomorphic relationship of resistance genes in these accessions with previously known resistance genes. Tousan 140 and Hourei were crossed with SMV susceptible cultivar Lee 68 to study the inheritance of resistance. They were also crossed with lines possessing Rsv1, Rsv3, and putative Rsv4, and to each other, to elucidate the allelomorphic relationships among the genes in Tousan 140, Hourei, and previously reported genes. Inheritance and allelism studies indicated that Tousan 140 possesses two SMV resistance genes. These two genes were separated in two F2:3 lines. One of the genes, an allele of Rsv1, expresses resistance to SMV‐G1 through G3 and susceptibility to SMV‐G5 through G7 while the other one, an allele of Rsv3, expresses resistance to SMV‐G5 through G7 and susceptibility to SMV‐G1 through G3. Their presence in Tousan 140 makes it resistant to strains SMV‐G1 through G7. Hourei also is resistant to SMV‐G1 through G7 and possesses two SMV resistance genes, which are also alleles of Rsv1 and Rsv3 One, probably the Rsv1 allele, expresses resistance to SMV‐G1 and G7 and the other, probably the Rsv3 allele, expresses resistance to SMV‐G7, but is susceptible to G1.
The Impact of Inquiry-based Learning approach on Critical Thinking Skill of EFL Students
Authors: Ghaemi Farid , Mirsaeed Seyed Javad Ghazi
Published: July 2017

To modify the way how the students are getting ready to encounter the needs of the new era, some other different teaching approaches are under research. Inquiry-based learning is such a method supposed to empower the skills students need to master.  The hypothesis was that inquiry-based learning can have impact on critical thinking ability of students. The data was from language learners at Guyesh language institute placed in Alborz(Iran). To homogenize the participants, they had a language proficiency test (PET) as pre-test. Out of 62 students, 38 students were selected. The learners were put into one experimental and one control group based on their exam results. The researchers used independent sample T–Test to measure the statistical differences between the two groups. Before receiving instruction the students completed a critical thinking questionnaire. After sessions of inquiry-based instruction, the researchers gave the post-tests to both experimental and control groups. Finally, the results of the analysis of the data ensured that doing inquiry-based activities increased critical thinking ability of the subjects.  The outcome of this study confirmed that participation in inquiry-based learning class had a significant impact on learners’ critical thinking skill.
Harmonic Analysis of Worldwide Temperature Proxies for 2000 Years
Authors: Lüdecke Horst-Joachim , Weiss Carl-Otto
Published: July 2017

The Sun as climate driver is repeatedly discussed in the literature but proofs are often weak. In order to elucidate the solar influence, we have used a large number of temperature proxies worldwide to construct a global temperature mean G7 over the last 2000 years. The Fourier spectrum of G7 shows the strongest components as ~1000-, ~460-, and ~190 - year periods whereas other cycles of the individual proxies are considerably weaker. The G7 temperature extrema coincide with the Roman, medieval, and present optima as well as the well-known minimum of AD 1450 during the Little Ice Age. We have constructed by reverse Fourier transform a representation of G7 using only these three sine functions, which shows a remarkable Pearson correlation of 0.84 with the 31-year running average of G7. The three cycles are also found dominant in the production rates of the solar-induced cosmogenic nuclides14C and10Be, most strongly in the ~190 - year period being known as the De Vries/Suess cycle. By wavelet analysis, a new proof has been provided that at least the ~190-year climate cycle has a solar origin.
Survival of Hypercapnic Patients with COPD and Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome Treated with High Intensity Non Invasive Ventilation in the Daily Routine Care
Authors: Blankenburg Thomas , Benthin Christin , Pohl Stefanie , Bramer Anett , Kalbitz Frank , Lautenschläger Christine , Schütte Wolfgang
Published: July 2017

Background:

Home ventilation is an effective treatment option for obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS). This therapy is still controversial for stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A recent study showed reduced mortality for COPD patients receiving home ventilation with high inflation pressures and back-up respiratory rates [so called High Intensity non-invasive ventilation (NIV)].

Objective:

The purpose of this study is whether High Intensity NIV applied in the routine care of COPD and OHS patients can lead to CO2reduction and survival data comparable to data from controlled studies.

Method:

In this prospective non interventional study fifty-one patients with COPD (FEV1 0.95l, corr. 32.8%) and 34 patients with OHS (VC 1.74l, corr. 50.7%) with chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure, who were treated with NIV were followed up for four years.

Results:

Elevated CO2values before NIV in COPD patients (8.6kPa), and in OHS patients (8.3kPa), could be lowered significantly to the upper normal range (COPD: 5.9kPa; OHS: 5.85kPa). The one-, two-, and three-year survival rates for COPD patients were 83%, 73%, and 55%, respectively. The one-, two-, and three-year survival rates for OHS patients were 85%, 72%, and 68%, respectively.

Conclusion:

High intensity NIV within routine care is effective in reducing blood CO2levels in COPD- and in OHS- related chronic respiratory insufficiency. The survival rates obtained here are comparable to data from controlled clinical trials on COPD.
Landlocked Fall Chinook Salmon Maternal Liver and Egg Thiamine Levels in Relation to Reproductive Characteristics
Authors: Doyle Andrew , Barnes Michael E. , Kientz Jeremy L. , Zehfus Micheal H.
Published: July 2017

Object:

Landlocked fall Chinook SalmonOncorhynchus tshawytschain Lake Oahe, South Dakota, typically experience poor reproductive success.

Introduction:

Salmon diets consist of rainbow smeltOsmerus mordaxand other potentially thiaminase-containing fish that could impact reproduction.

Methods:

The thiamine levels of spawning female Salmon, eggs, and reproductive characteristics, were measured in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2005.

Results:

Thiamine concentrations varied significantly from year-to-year, with the highest mean values recorded in 2001 at 8.70 nmol/g in maternal livers and 28.80 nmol/g in eggs. Most of the thiamine in the eggs was present as free thiamine, while most of the thiamine in maternal livers was present as thiamine pyrophosphate. The lowest recorded egg total thiamine level was 2.75 nmol/g in 2000. Egg survival to hatch ranged from 20.7% in 2005 to 35.4% in 2002, and was not correlated to egg thiamine levels. Twenty-two spawns experienced total mortality prior to hatch, and had significantly lower egg free thiamine and total thiamine concentrations than eggs from the 77 successful spawns. The eggs from spawns with total mortality were also significantly smaller than those eggs from spawns that did survive, and were produced by females that weighed significantly less. Several small, but significant, correlations were observed between egg size and egg thiamine levels, and female size and liver thiamine.

There was also a significant negative correlation between the number of eggs per spawning female and egg thiamine pyrophosphate, liver thiamine monophosphate, and liver total thiamine levels.

Conclusion:

In general, Lake Oahe Chinook Salmon eggs show little indication of thiamine deficiency in the years sampled, indicating other factors are likely responsible for poor egg survival.
Popular Contemporary Window Display Composition and its Influences on Youths in Malaysia
Authors: Zainal Abidin Nor Aishah Zaha , Haji Abdul Aziz Azlaini
Published: July 2017

Consumers' expectations from retailers increase with the expanding market demand, where diversification in business strategies to satisfy consumers' expectations has become a managerial concern. The window display is one of the marketing methods that sell in silence, helps better decision making and improves the store's image. This paper will critically analyse the application of window displays at shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur. The investigation will help establish a better understanding of how the window display works in conveying product meaning, value and quality correctly towards youth consumers while assisting in improving meaning transfer that leads to strategic merchandising messages and sales.
Utilisation and development: Biomass analysis for renewable energy
Authors: Omer Abdeen Mustafa
Published: July 2017

This communication discusses a comprehensive review of biomass energy sources, environment and sustainable development. This includes all the biomass energy technologies, energy efficiency systems, energy conservation scenarios, energy savings and other mitigation measures necessary to reduce emissions globally. The current literature is reviewed regarding the ecological, social, cultural and economic impacts of biomass technology. This study gives an overview of present and future use of biomass as an industrial feedstock for production of fuels, chemicals and other materials. However, to be truly competitive in an open market situation, higher value products are required. Results suggest that biomass technology must be encouraged, promoted, invested, implemented, and demonstrated, but especially in remote rural areas.
LANDSLIDE RUNOUT DISTANCE PREDICTION BASED ON MECHANISM AND CAUSE OF SOIL OR ROCK MASS MOVEMENT
Authors: Qarinur Muhammad
Published: July 2017

Landslide often occurs in tropical hills area, such as Indonesia. Research on landslide hazard evaluation is necessary to decrease the impact in affected and surrounding areas. Empirical-statistical methods can be used to predict landslide run out distance in an effort to avoid the danger of landslide occurrences. This study aims to determine the correlation between landslide run out distance against high, slope, and volume based on mechanisms and causes of soil or rock mass movement. Data mainly from 106 landslides in Indonesia has been analyzed to search for possible correlations and empirical correlations, there are 34 rotational slides, 54 translational slides, 8 debris flows, and 10 rock falls. Analysis begins by studying the characteristics of the data (explanatory data analysis) and then analyzed by using empirical methods such as geomorphological assessment and geometrical approaches. Then the data is processed by simple linear regression and multiple linear regression method using the R software. The results obtained from the analysis of the general empirical equation form of the correlation between height (H) and run out distance (L) is 1.066H1.093, respectively. This results indicate the higher altitude slopes, the greater distance will happen. The results of the analysis correlation between height and run out distance for the type of mass movements for rotational is L=1.346+1.788 H, translational is L=-3.88+1.578H, debris flow is L=0.682H1.29, and rock fall is L=2.223H0.897. This result shows debris flows landslide run out distance is greater than rotational, translational and rock fall. The results of the analysis correlation between height and run out distance of the trigger due to the rain is L=1.267H1.027, and by an earthquake is L=0.574H1.38. This results show run out distance caused by an earthquake is larger than caused by rain. The correlation between the run out distance and volume (V) yields empirical equation which is V=0.772L2.108. This results indicate that greater run out distance is affected by the growing volume of mass movement. The results of the analysis correlation between height and slope (θ) to run out distance is L=1.448H1.062 tan θ-0,482. This results indicate that slope has a significant impact on the value of landslide run out distance.
Indication-specific pricing of pharmaceuticals in the US healthcare system
Authors: Pearson Steven D , Dreitlein William B , Henshall Chris , Towse Adrian
Published: July 2017

Aim:
To explore the potential of indication-specific pricing (ISP) of pharmaceuticals and to discuss prospects for implementation in the US healthcare system.
Materials & methods:
The Institute for Clinical and Economic Review convened a policy forum with 44 healthcare leaders from 22 payer and life sciences companies. Models of ISP were discussed.
Results:
Payers and drug manufacturers saw the potential benefits of an ISP system that balances affordability for payers, sustainability for manufacturers and access for patients. The US healthcare system presents many challenges to implementation, including potential conflicts with existing pricing policies (Medicaid Best Price, average sales price and 340B) and insufficient data systems and analytic capabilities.
Conclusion:
Possible solutions and policy recommendations for payers and manufacturers are provided.
HUBUNGAN KETERPAPARAN MEDIA MASSA, PERAN TEMAN SEBAYA TERHADAP TINDAKAN SEKSUAL DI SMA AN-NAAS
Authors: Istawati Rika
Published: July 2017

Masa remaja merupakan masa peralihan antara tahap anak dan dewasa dimana pada masa ini mereka sangat rentan terpapar informasi dari media massa dan teman sebaya terutama seks bebas. Data SKRRI mempunyai teman yang pernah berhubungan seksual pada usia 14-19 tahun dengan persentasi perempuan 37,7% dan laki-laki 30,9% dan Kementerian Komunikasi dan Informasi menyebut 62,1% siswa mengaku penah melakukan hubungan seks. Observasi yang di lakukan oleh peneliti di SMA AN-NAAS Pekanbaru diketahui adanya 2 siswa  yang tertangkap menyimpan dan menonton video porno di handphone dan melalui wawancara peneliti dengan 8 siswi mereka mengatakan adanya 1 siswi yang hamil diluar nikah dan 2 siswi diantaranya mengaku sering datang ketempat yang berisiko terhadap tindakan seksual. Tujuan Penelitian ini untuk mengetahui hubungan keterpaparan media massa dan peran teman sebaya terhadap tindakan seksual. Desain penelitian yang digunakan adalah cross sectional, populasi penelitian adalah seluruh siswa kelas SMA AN-NAAS Pekanbaru yaitu 123 responden. Sampel penelitian 94 orang dengan teknik stratified random sampling. Alat ukur yang digunakan adalah angket, data diolah menggunakan komputer. Analisa data secara univariat dan bivariat dengan uji chi square dengan ketentuan α (0,5). Hasil penelitian didapatkan uji statistik menunjukkan adanya hubungan keterpaparan media massa dengan tindakan seksual dimana nilai p value 0,000 < 0,05, terdapat hubungan yang bermakna antara peran teman sebaya dengan tindakan seksual, dimana p value  0,001 < 0,05. Bagi pihak sekolah diharapkan untuk meningkatkan kegiatan di sekolah seperti ekstrakurikuler dan guru membimbing serta memberi pengawasan yang ketat terhadap siswanya.

 

 

 