bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neospora caninum in bovine fetuses of Minas Gerais, Brazil: genetic characteristics of rDNA
Authors: Santos Domingos Sávio dos , Andrade Michele Placedino , Varaschin Mary Suzan , Guimarães Antônio Marcos , Hirsch Christian
Published: January 2012

Neosporosis is an important cause of abortion in cattle and information on their genetics and host parasite relationships are desirable. Neospora caninum samples obtained from 24 bovine fetuses from Minas Gerais, were genetically analyzed in part of the rDNA region, coding for rRNAs. Previously, brain, heart, liver, skeletal muscle, lung, kidney, spleen, thymus, lymph nodes, ovary or testis, uterus and skin of the ear were analyzed by conventional histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Of these, eight had lesions compatible in the brain and heart and two also in skeletal muscle and liver. Three brains showed antigen identification in immunohistochemistry. Brain and heart tissues were subjected to DNA extraction for PCR, whose product of 588 bp of ITS-1 region was sequenced in three samples. We obtained 96% similarity with dozens of sequences N. caninum deposited in GenBank. The phylogenetic tree showed great conservation among isolates of N. caninum in this study and those deposited in GenBank, while well-defined and specific branches were generated against other Apicomplexa. PCR for this region is useful as a diagnosis, with good analytical specificity, but the ITS-1 region is not suitable for genetic differentiation intra species because the sequences obtained were identical to the others analyzed.
Frequency of species of Eimeria in females of the holstein-friesian breed at the post-weaning stage during autumn and winter
Authors: Bruhn Fábio Raphael Pascoti , Lopes Marcos Aurélio , Demeu Fabiana Alves , Perazza Caio Augusto , Pedrosa Marcos Ferrazani , Guimarães Antônio Marcos
Published: January 2012

The frequency of species of the genus Eimeria in a dairy herd in the municipality of Boa Esperança, Southern region of the State of Minas Gerais was assessed. From 37 females of the Friesian breed aged three to seven months, 259 feces samples were analyzed between May and September 2008. The examinations to quantify oocysts per gram of feces (OPG) and identify Eimeria species were conducted at the Veterinary Parasitology Laboratory of the Federal University of Lavras. Eleven species of Eimeria were identified, namely: E. bovis (23.2%), E. zuernii (22.6%), E. ellipsoidalis (20.3%), E. cylindrica (14.1%), E. subspherica (5.4%), E. canadensis (3.5%), E. alabamensis (2.4%), E. auburnensis (2.4%), E. pellita (2.1%), E. brasiliensis (2%) and E. bukidnonensis (1.9%). E. bovis, E. zuernii and E. ellipsoidalis were the most frequent and the ones with the highest oocyst shedding over time (p < 0.05). Differences in OPG counts were found between most months studied (p < 0.05). The large number of Eimeria species found, in particular E. bovis and E. zuernii, indicates that Eimeria sp. has significant pathogenic potential in dairy cattle in the South of Minas Gerais.
Rickettsia species infecting Amblyomma ticks from an area endemic for Brazilian spotted fever in Brazil
Authors: Guedes Elizângela , Leite Romário Cerqueira , Pacheco Richard Campos , Silveira Iara , Labruna Marcelo Bahia
Published: January 2012

This study reports rickettsial infection in Amblyomma cajennense and Amblyomma dubitatum ticks collected in an area of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, where Brazilian spotted fever is considered endemic. For this purpose, 400 adults of A. cajenennse and 200 adults of A. dubitatum, plus 2,000 larvae and 2,000 nymphs of Amblyomma spp. were collected from horses and from the vegetation. The ticks were tested for rickettsial infection through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocols targeting portions of three rickettsial genes (gltA, ompA, and ompB). Only two free-living A. cajennense adult ticks, and four pools of free-living Amblyomma spp. nymphs were shown to contain rickettsial DNA. PCR products from the two A. cajennense adult ticks were shown to be identical to corresponding sequences of the Rickettsia rickettsii strain Sheila Smith. DNA sequences of gltA-PCR products of the four nymph pools of Amblyomma spp. revealed a new genotype, which was shown to be closest (99.4%) to the corresponding sequence of Rickettsia tamurae. Our findings of two R. rickettsii-infected A. cajennense ticks corroborate the endemic status of the study area, where human cases of BSF were reported recently. In addition, we report for the first time a new Rickettsia genotype in Brazil.
Occurrence of anti-Neospora caninum and anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies in goats and sheep in western Maranhão, Brazil
Authors: Moraes Larissa Martins de Brito , Raimundo Juliana Macedo , Guimarães Andresa , Santos Huarrisson Azevedo , Macedo Junior Gilberto de Lima , Massard Carlos Luiz , Machado Rosangela Zacarias , Baldani Cristiane Divan
Published: January 2012

Neosporosis and toxoplasmosis are parasitic diseases which can cause reproductive problems in goats and sheep. The current study aimed to determine the occurrence of anti-Neospora caninum and anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies in goats and sheep from the districts of Amarante do Maranhão and Buritirana, Imperatriz microregion, western area of Maranhão State, northeastern Brazil, and to assess factors associated to infection by these etiologic agents. Blood samples from 110 animals (46 goats and 64 sheep) from five herds were collected, and indirect immunofluorescence assay was used for serological testing. Of 46 goat samples, 17.39% (n = 8) showed anti-N. caninum antibodies and 4.35% (n = 2) anti-T. gondii, while of 64 sheep samples 4.69% (n = 3) and 18.75% (n = 12) showed anti-N. caninum and anti-T. gondii antibodies, respectively. No significant difference regarding the presence of domestic cats and/or dogs on the property and veterinary care was seen for both etiologic agents studied. However, food supplementation and animal reproductive failure were significantly (p < 0.05) for N. caninum among sheep and goats, respectively. The current study showed that goats and sheep in western Maranhão are exposed to N. caninum and T. gondii. It is the first evidence of these agents in small ruminants in this region.
Induction of complete courtship ritual in Amblyomma cajennense using 2,6-dichlorophenol at female-equivalent quantities
Authors: Gachoka Kennedy Kiriira , Ferreira Lorena Lopes , Louly Carla Cristina Braz , Borges Lígia Miranda Ferreira
Published: January 2012

In order to clarify the role of 2,6-dichlorophenol (2,6-DCP) in the courtship of Amblyomma cajennense, sexually mature males that had previously fed on rabbits were tested in bioassays. The males were released onto dummies treated with whole female extract or synthetic 2,6-DCP at a concentration of two female equivalents, or with hexane (control), and their responses were observed. In the presence of both the extract and 2,6-DCP, excitation was observed among the males, expressed in the form of touching and probing the dummy, and mounting occurred readily. The percentages of mounting (73%) and tipping over (60%) were equal in the two treatments and higher than in the control group (27 and 20%, respectively). Relatively short durations of mounting were recorded, and these were statistically similar in all treatments. Almost all instances of mounting resulted in tipping-over behavior. A few isolated cases of males that went directly to ventral positioning without mounting were observed. It was confirmed that 2,6-DCP alone is capable of mediation of mounting behavior in A. cajennense.
A case for houses to be constructed of fibre reinforced polymer components
Authors: Evernden Mark C. , Mottram J. Toby
Published: January 2012

A summary review is presented on the state of the present UK house-building industry and the role that modern methods of construction can play in meeting the expected higher demand for houses offering a reduced carbon footprint. The past uses of fibre reinforced polymers (FRPs) are presented and their advantages and shortcomings as house-building materials are given. It is shown that housing units of FRP materials would be lightweight, flexible and energy efficient. To therefore meet the UK's dual needs for low-cost housing and sustainable construction the authors make the case for the development of open-building systems constructed of FRP components made by the pultrusion process method.
On properties of (weakly) small groups
Authors: Milliet Cédric
Published: January 2012

A group is small if it has only countably many completen-types over the empty set for each natural numbern. More generally, a groupGis weakly small if it has only countably many complete 1-types over every finite subset ofG. We show here that in a weakly small group, subgroups which are definable with parameters lying in a finitely generated algebraic closure satisfy the descending chain conditions for their traces in any finitely generated algebraic closure. An infinite weakly small group has an infinite abelian subgroup, which may not be definable. A small nilpotent group is the central product of a definable divisible group with a definable one of bounded exponent. In a group with simple theory, any set of pairwise commuting elements is contained in a definable finite-by-abelian subgroup. First corollary: a weakly small group with simple theory has an infinite definable finite-by-abelian subgroup. Secondly, in a group with simple theory, a solvable groupAof derived lengthnis contained in anA-definable almost solvable group of class at most 2n– 1.
Cardinal invariants of monotone and porous sets
Authors: Hrušák Michael , Zindulka Ondřej
Published: January 2012

A metric space (X, d) ismonotoneif there is a linear order < onXand a constantcsuch thatd(x, y)≤c d(x, z)for allx<y<zinX. We investigate cardinal invariants of theσ-idealMongenerated by monotone subsets of the plane. Since there is a strong connection between monotone sets in the plane and porous subsets of the line, plane and the Cantor set, cardinal invariants of these ideals are also investigated. In particular, we show that non(Mon) ≥mσ-linked, but non(Mon) <mσ-centeredis consistent. Also cov(Mon) <cand cof (N) < cov(Mon) are consistent.
Antibacterial potential of the essential oil from Sideritis montana L. (Lamiaceae)
Authors: Miladinovic Dragoljub , Ilic Budimir , Mihajilov-Krstev Tatjana , Nikolic Nikola , Milosavljevic Violeta
Published: January 2012

The antibacterial potential of essential oil from Serbian Sideritis montana
L. (Lamiaceae) on different bacteria was investigated. The essential oil was
obtained from air dried aerial parts of the plant with 0.03% (w/w) yield by
hydrodistillation for 4 h using a Clevenger-type apparatus. The essential oil
analyses were performed simultaneously by gas chromatography (GC) and gas
chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) systems. Dominant compounds class is
sesquiterpene hydrocarbons. The main constituents of oil were germacrene D
(37,9%) and trans-geraniol (26,1%). The antibacterial activity of the
essential oil was tested towards 4 different bacteria, laboratory control
strain obtained from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC). Gram
negative bacteria were represented by Escherichia coli ATCC 13706,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Salmonella enteritidis ATCC 13076 while
researched Gram positive strain was Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213. Broth
microdilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory
concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). Essential
oil has been found to have antibacterial activity against all tested
bacteria, with a MIC values ranging from 0.03 to 0.06 ?l/ml and MBC values
from 0.06 to 0.12 ?l/ml. Reference antibiotic tetracycline was active in
concentrations between 0.025 to 0.1 ?g/ml. Essential oil from Serbian S.
montana has high antibacterial potential which should be studied further.
Social Identification and Differences in External and Internal Auditor Objectivity
Authors: Stefaniak Chad M. , Cornell Robert M.
Published: January 2012

Stefaniak et al.'s (2012) paper, “The Effects of Organizational Identification on Internal and External Auditors' Evaluation of Internal Control Deficiencies,” investigates how the relationships that internal (external) auditors form with their employers (audit clients) influence their objectivity. Stefaniak et al. (2012) found, in a case concerning an internal control issue, that when internal auditors are more attached to their employers, they are more conservative when control issues. Conversely, when external auditors are more attached to their audit clients, they are more lenient. The primary implication is that external auditors' reliance on internal auditors' work, as suggested by Auditing Standard No. 5, could yield an overall positive effect on audit efficiency and perhaps even effectiveness.
Environmental Pollution
Authors: Haque Khandaker Rashedul
Published: January 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bioethics.v1i1.9525 Bangladesh Journal of Bioethics 2010; 1(1):4-5
Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrinomas in Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 (MEN-1)
Authors: Plöckinger Ursula
Published: January 2012

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN-1) is a rare autosomal-dominant disease. It is associated with a broad range of endocrine tumours, most frequently arising in the parathyroid glands, the pituitary and the pancreas. Most neuroendocrine tumours will be diagnosed in the pancreas as non-functioning neuroendocrine tumours or insulinomas. Forty-two percent of the patients will develop a gastrin-secreting neuroendocrine tumour, a gastrinoma. Gastrinomas in MEN-1 tend to be small, multiple and preferentially located in the duodenum. This paper will focus on the specific characteristics of gastrinomas in the setting of MEN-1 compared to sporadic gastrinomas. The developments in understanding the tumorigenesis of these tumours and the consequences for diagnosis and therapy will be discussed.
Inhibition of AKT2 Enhances Sensitivity to Gemcitabine via Regulating PUMA and NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Human Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Chen Dong , Niu Min , Jiao Xuelong , Zhang Kejun , Liang Jun , Zhang Dianliang
Published: January 2012

Invasion, metastasis and resistance to conventional chemotherapeutic agents are obstacles to successful treatment of pancreatic cancer, and a better understanding of the molecular basis of this malignancy may lead to improved therapeutics. In the present study, we investigated whether AKT2 silencing sensitized pancreatic cancer L3.6pl, BxPC-3, PANC-1 and MIAPaCa-2 cells to gemcitabine via regulating PUMA (p53-upregulated modulator of apoptosis) and nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling pathway. MTT, TUNEL, EMSA and NF-κB reporter assays were used to detect tumor cell proliferation, apoptosis and NF-κB activity. Western blotting was used to detect different protein levels. Xenograft of established tumors was used to evaluate primary tumor growth and apoptosis after treatment with gemcitabine alone or in combination with AKT2 siRNA. Gemcitabine activated AKT2 and NF-κB in MIAPaCa-2 and L3.6pl cells in vitro or in vivo, and in PANC-1 cells only in vivo. Gemcitabine only activated NF-κB in BxPC-3 cells in vitro. The presence of PUMA was necessary for gemcitabine-induced apoptosis only in BxPC-3 cells in vitro. AKT2 inhibition sensitized gemcitabine-induced apoptosis via PUMA upregulation in MIAPaCa-2 cells in vitro, and via NF-κB activity inhibition in L3.6pl cells in vitro. In PANC-1 and MIAPaCa-2 cells in vivo, AKT2 inhibition sensitized gemcitabine-induced apoptosis and growth inhibition via both PUMA upregulation and NF-κB inhibition. We suggest that AKT2 inhibition abrogates gemcitabine-induced activation of AKT2 and NF-κB, and promotes gemcitabine-induced PUMA upregulation, resulting in chemosensitization of pancreatic tumors to gemcitabine, which is probably an important strategy for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Networks and learning: communities, practices and the metaphor of networks
Authors: Jones Chris
Published: January 2012

This article argues that the use of the network metaphor can link together various different aspects of research into the use of advanced learning technologies based on computer networks. The idea of networked learning has become commonplace as an alternative to e-learning that stresses the interaction of learners, tutors and resources through networks. The arguments put in this article are firstly that learning technology needs to take account of the wider debate about networks and secondly that research in this field needs to address the theoretical and practical issues raised by advances in the field of networks. A third point is that the idea of the network acts as a powerful metaphor even if we are able to discount any particular theory generated in its support. The network metaphor can act as a unifying concept allowing us to bring together apparently disparate elements of the field. Networks are an important issue in the study of learning using advanced technologies and they speak to some of the central issues in learning theory such as virtual communities and communities of practice.DOI: 10.1080/0968776042000211548
Learning objects and learning designs: an integrated system for reusable, adaptive and shareable learning content
Authors: Lukasiak J. , Agostinho S. , Bennett S. , Harper B. , Lockyer L. , Powley B.
Published: January 2012

This paper proposes a system, the Smart Learning Design Framework, designed to support the development of pedagogically sound learning material within an integrated, platform-independent data structure. The system supports sharing, reuse and adaptation of learning material via a metadata-driven philosophy that enables the technicalities of the system to be imperceptible to the author and consumer. The system proposes the use of pedagogically focused metadata to support and guide the author and to adapt and deliver the content to the targeted consumer. A prototype of the proposed system, which provides proof of concept for the novel processes involved, has been developed. The paper describes the Smart Learning Design Framework and places it within the context of alternative learning object models and frameworks to highlight similarities, differences and advantages of the proposed system.DOI: 10.1080/09687760500104591
Quality assurance and e-learning: blue skies and pragmatism
Authors: Oliver Ron
Published: January 2012

This paper considers the role of quality assurance in e-learning; reflecting on the conditions necessary for successful e-learning. It reviews some of the current international work on quality assurance in this area and goes on to consider the ways in which the quality of a process or activity can be assessed—focusing on the use of benchmarking and specification of standards.DOI: 10.1080/09687760500376389
Flying not flapping: a strategic framework for e-learning and pedagogical innovation in higher education institutions
Authors: Salmon Gilly
Published: January 2012

E-learning is in a rather extraordinary position. It was born as a ‘tool’ and now finds itself in the guise of a somewhat wobbly arrow of change. In practice, changing the way thousands of teachers teach, learners learn, innovation is promoted and sustainable change in traditional institutions is achieved across hundreds of different disciplines is a demanding endeavour that will not be achieved by learning technologies alone. It involves art, craft and science as well as technology. This paper attempts to show how it might be possible to capture and model complex strategic processes that will help move the potential of e-learning in universities to a new stage of development. It offers the example of a four-quadrant model created as a framework for an e-learning strategy.DOI: 10.1080/09687760500376439
The development of accessibility indicators for distance learning programs
Authors: Burgstahler Sheryl
Published: January 2012

A study was undertaken to explore program policies and practices related to the accessibility of American distance learning courses to qualified students with disabilities. A literature review was conducted, a draft list of accessibility indicators was created, examples of applications of the indicators in existing distance learning programs were collected, the indicators were systematically applied to one distance learning program, input from a variety of distance learning programs was used to further refine the indicators, and these programs were encouraged to adopt the indicators and make use of resources provided by the project. Results of this exploratory work suggest that incorporating accessibility considerations into policies, procedures and communications of a program requires consideration of the unique needs of students, course designers, instructors and evaluators; involves approval and implementation at a variety of administrative levels; and is an ongoing process that may be implemented in incremental steps.DOI: 10.1080/09687760500479753
Making sense of ‘pure’ phenomenography in information and communication technology in education
Authors: Alsop Graham , Tompsett Chris
Published: January 2012

Research in information and communication technology in education places an increasing emphasis on the use of qualitative analysis (QA). A considerable number of approaches to QA can be adopted, but it is not always clear that researchers recognize either the differences between these approaches or the principles that underlie them. Phenomenography is often identified by researchers as the approach they have used, but little evidence is presented to allow anyone else to assess the objectivity of the results produced. This paper attempts to redress the balance. A small-scale evaluation was designed and conducted according to ‘pure’ phenomenographic principles and guidelines. This study was then critiqued within the wider context of QA in general. The conclusion is that pure phenomenography has some procedural weaknesses, as well as some methodological limitations regarding the scope of the outcomes. The procedural weaknesses can be resolved by taking account of good practice in QA. The methodological issues are more serious and reduce the value of this approach for research in collaborative learning environments.DOI: 10.1080/09687760600837058
Students and instant messaging: a survey of current use and demands for higher education
Authors: Bakker Gijs De , Sloep Peter , Jochems Wim
Published: January 2012

Instant messaging (IM) is the term used to describe the technology through which ‘users can set up a list of partners who will be able to receive notes that pop up on their screens the moment one of them writes and hits the send button’. While early use could be described as mainly for fun, IM today is a serious communication medium. Remarkably, it seems that educational institutions have been doing very little with it, while several studies indicate that it could indeed be a valuable tool in education. As a first step towards a better understanding of the educational use of IM, we want to gain insights in how students currently use IM and what opportunities they themselves see for the medium. To that end we conducted a survey among students of the Fontys University of Applied Sciences in The Netherlands. A large majority of the participating students indicated using IM for their studies. Also, when asked about their demands for a possible educational implementation, the majority were positiveDOI: 10.1080/09687760701470973
Concept mapping and other formalisms as Mindtools for representing knowledge
Authors: Jonassen David H. , Marra Rose M.
Published: January 2012

We seek to provide an alternative theoretical perspective on concept mapping (a formalism for representing structural knowledge) to that provided by Ray McAleese in this issue of ALT-J (auto-monitoring). We begin with an overview of concept maps as a means of describing a learner's knowledge constructs, and then discuss a broader class of tools, Mindtools, of which concept maps are a member. We proceed by defining Mindtools as formalisms for representing knowledge, and further elaborate on concept maps as a formalism for representing a particular kind of knowledge: structural knowledge. We then address McAleese's use of the term auto-monitoring and some of the steps in his model of concept maps. Finally, we describe some limitations of concept mapping as a formalism and as a cognitive learning strategy.DOI:10.1080/0968776940020107
Learning styles: individualizing computer-based learning environments
Authors: Groat Anne , Musson Tim
Published: January 2012

While the need to adapt teaching to the needs of a student is generally acknowledged (see Corno and Snow, 1986, for a wide review of the literature), little is known about the impact of individual learner-differences on the quality of learning attained within computer-based learning environments (CBLEs). What evidence there is appears to support the notion that individual differences have implications for the degree of success or failure experienced by students (Ford and Ford, 1992) and by trainee end-users of software packages (Bostrom et al, 1990). The problem is to identify the way in which specific individual characteristics of a student interact with particular features of a CBLE, and how the interaction affects the quality of the resultant learning. Teaching in a CBLE is likely to require a subset of teaching strategies different from that subset appropriate to more traditional environments, and the use of a machine may elicit different behaviours from those normally arising in a classroom context.DOI:10.1080/0968776950030206
Communication skills: a new strategy for training
Authors: Gordon Shane A. , Garrud Paul
Published: January 2012

In 1993 the General Medical Council (GMC) published Tomorrow's Doctors, a set of recommendations for medical education. Much of this document was concerned with the training of communication skills and how this could be improved. This recommendation follows decades of evidence about the importance of communication from many widely respected medical teachers from every discipline: Doctors can discharge (their) important tasks effectively only if they possess the relevant skills. Unfortunately, many do not appear to acquire them during their professional training. (Maguire, 1981) There appears to be a failure sometimes to notice what is really being said... the doctor avoids the acute discomfort of being aware of a problem in which he would rather not get involved. (Norell, 1972).DOI:10.1080/0968776960040104
Effecting institutional change: the impact of some strategic issues on the integratiye use of IT in teaching and learning
Authors: McCartan Audrey , Hare Catherine
Published: January 2012

An increasing number of multimedia-type products are being developed for the highereducation market. This development is gathering pace as the Teaching and Learning Technology Programme (TLTP) projects deliver their courseware. TLTP arid the Fund for the Development of Teaching and Learning (HEFCE Circular 29/95) are initiatives through which the integration of multimedia, technologies- into hjgherreducatiofi institutions has been actively promoted through the allocation of nationally administered funding.DOI:10.1080/0968776960040304
The impact of educational technology: a radical reappraisal of research methods
Authors: Mitchell P. David
Published: January 2012

The practical problem which motivates this paper is that of deciding - on the basis of published research - whether to adopt some new device, procedure or paradigm thought likely to improve education. What models, methods or media are likely to be most useful? From the invention of the printing press to multimedia software, educators have adopted unproven aids and fads. Researchers usually claim each new device or procedure to be at least as effective as its predecessor. How valid is all this research? How to decide? A typical view is: Design an experiment to observe the effects of your treatment. Any book on research design and statistics will show you how. But will it? What essential aspects of educational measurement and research must we consider?DOI:10.1080/0968776970050108
From cadaver to computer: incorporating computers into the topographical anatomy laboratory
Authors: Issroff Kim , Osmond Mark , O'Higgins Paul
Published: January 2012

This paper discusses the establishment of a multimedia facility in the Topographical Anatomy Laboratory at University College London. The aims of using computers in the laboratory are to encourage self-directed learning, to provide students with a means of independent study which allows instant feedback during their learning, and to allow students to progress according to their individual requirements, while achieving the overall objectives of the curriculum.DOI:10.1080/0968776970050109
The Virtual Court Action: procedural facilitation in law
Authors: Barton Karen , McKellar Patricia
Published: January 2012

When they learn procedural law, students need to understand and memorize the forms of legal court action which can be carried out by parties to a case. A large proportion of this body of law is descriptive and factual, but complex too; and the constraints of academic curricula do not allow students to learn procedural law in the real environment of the court. As a result, even with the inclusion of case law, and with examples to contextualize the procedural principles, the subject can be perceived as an exercise in knowledge acquisition alone (Vaughn, 1995).DOI:10.1080/0968776980060113
A critical appraisal of WinEcon and its use in a first-year undergraduate Economics programme
Authors: Brooksbank D. J. , Clark A. , Hamilton R. , Pickernell D. G.
Published: January 2012

WinEcon is a Windows-based introductory Economics CAL package designed for use in higher education. It is the product of the Economics Consortium of the TLTP (Teaching and Learning Technology Programme) consisting of eight university Economics departments. Each of these has been responsible for producing some of the 25 chapters (tutorials) of the finished product. Content is based on covering the common core of introductory Economics as revealed by a survey of higher-education Economics departments. WinEcon is provided, with an accompanying workbook, for a nominal registration fee in the UK. The package is important insofar as it is aimed at all first-year undergraduates studying Economics, which encompasses not only those taking straight Economics degrees but large numbers of students following introductory Economics as part of a Business Studies or Combined Studies course. With no competition to speak of, WinEcon is likely to become a significant feature of the learning experience of a large tranche of the undergraduate population, across a number of degree schemes. Indeed, for many of these students WinEcon will constitute their first major experience of CAL.DOI:10.1080/0968776980060307
Computer-supported experiential learning (Phase One - staff development)
Authors: Staley Alan , Eastcott Diana
Published: January 2012

In recent years the University of Central England in Birmingham has made considerable investments in developing computer networks. Developments have been technology-led, and the major use of the network has been for administration. The Computer-Supported Experiential Learning Project has been designed to refocus upon the curriculum, and to encourage academic staff to use the network technologies for teaching and learning. The broad aim of the project is to investigate and systematically evaluate the appropriate use of technology to improve the quality of learning.DOI:10.1080/0968776990070107
Costing the lifecycle of networked learning: documenting the costs from conception to evaluation
Authors: Bacsich Paul , Ash Charlotte
Published: January 2012

Analysing the costs of new learning technologies within the educational sector is currently a neglected area, yet the issue of how to spend money effectively in this context is a question that must be answered. This question is made especially pertinent with the current expansion of information technology into higher and further education. To know the costeffectiveness of these initiatives, it is first necessary to gain some comprehension of the costs involved. This must be done in a way that is comprehensible to everyone in academia. A recently completed research study undertaken by the authors addressed these problems.DOI:10.1080/0968776000080110
Revisiting objective tests: a case study in integration at honours level
Authors: Maclaran Pauline , Sangster Alan
Published: January 2012

Multiple-choice questions (MCQ) are widely accepted in the United States as a mode of assessment in undergraduate courses. In an environment of ever increasing class sizes, they provide a faster way to assess large groups of students, whilst also providing a way to measure deep understanding. However, in the UK there is scepticism from lecturers about the use of MCQ tests and, perhaps more significantly, from students themselves. This frequently means that someone using MCQs as a means of assessment will find both a lack of support from colleagues and resistance from students.DOI:10.1080/0968776000080207
The evaluation of the National Learning Network
Authors: Caven-Atack Andrew S. Thomas
Published: January 2012

The National Learning Network (NLN) is part of a response to the expectation that the further education (FE) sector within England will grow steadily over the next three years to fulfil the Department for Employment and Education's requirement to widen participation in this area of education. The NLN is just one of the initiatives aimed at (though not exclusive to) new students from non-traditional, disadvantaged and previously excluded groups, and is expected to bring the student population in FE to over four million. The Further Education Funding Council (FEFC) has noted that traditional FE learning paradigms are not suitable for this level of participation and that increased levels of information and learning technology (ILT) will need to be implemented to cope with these increased student numbers.DOI:10.1080/0968776000080304
A toolkit for supporting evaluation
Authors: Conole Gráinne , Crew Ed , Oliver Martin , Harvey Jen
Published: January 2012

Despite the current consensus that adapting and reusing existing learning resources, including Information and Communication Technology (ICT), is a good thing, examples of this practice are few and far between. This can be traced to a number of factors. In particular, the 'not invented here' syndrome (HEFCE, 1996) is no doubt still present. However, more important is the issue of the time and skills required to retrieve, evaluate and then adapt materials. This is compounded by the fact that identifying suitable resources in the first place can be complex (although the growth of subject-specific information gateways, portals and guidelines to resources will go some way towards alleviating this problem).DOI:10.1080/09687760108656774
Developing cross-cultural communicative competence via computer-assisted language learning: the case of pre-service ESL/EFL teachers
Authors: Sehlaoui Abdelilah Salim
Published: January 2012

A review of the relevant literature strongly suggests that many, if not most, English as a Second or Foreign Language (ESL/EFL) teacher education programmes typically utilize concepts of culture and strategies for teaching and learning that are open to some cogent, but constructive, critiques from the perspective of critical educational theory. In addition, according to Wise (1995), throughout the last ten years the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education has required that colleges of teacher education must integrate technology into their curricula. In fact, ESL/EFL teacher education programmes are increasingly incorporating computer-based technologies and software into their curricula. However, this integration is often done in ways that seem to leave unquestioned the potential cultural and hegemonic ramifications of such technology (see, for example, Bowers, 1988; Jones, 1995; Morton, 1996; Murray, 1997; Sehlaoui, 1999).DOI:10.1080/0968776010090306
On the General Circulation over Eastern Asia (II)
Authors: None
Published: January 2012

The principal weather system over Eastern Asia are considered in the different seasons. Section 3a contains a discussion of the winter and the transitional seasons, while sections 3b considers the summer situation. The influence of the Tibetan Plateau on the circulation over the Far East and the weather over China is discussed in the last section.
The Microstructure and Colloidal Stability of Warm Clouds: Part I - The Relation between Structure and Stability
Authors: Squires P.
Published: January 2012

Observations on the droplet spectra of different kinds of warm clouds have shown that systematic differences in microstructure exist between the various cloud types. These differences in microstructure are related in a simple way to differences in observed colloidal stability.
Natural Radiocarbon Measurements on Surface Water from the North Atlantic and the Arctic Sea
Authors: Fonselius Stig , Östlund Göte
Published: January 2012

An apparatus for the extraction of carbon dioxide from 100 liters of sea-water using carbonate-free sodium hydroxide solution as absorbant liquid and its performance is described. A test series of 6 sea water samples is presented, on which natural C14 determinations are made and the results obtained are briefly discussed in relation to other age measurements on similar waters. The correlation between salinity and C14 activity is shown.
A Note on General Classification of Motions in a Baroclinic Atmosphere
Authors: Monin A. S. , Obukhov A. M.
Published: January 2012

In the present note we make an attempt to classify the basic types of dynamical processes in the atmosphere such as gravitational and acoustic waves and horizontal eddy motions by solving the problem of small oscillations in the baroclinic atmosphere.

We have found a certain invariant with the help of which one can estimate the final stationary state of the atmosphere under arbitrary conditions without the analysis of the wave processes which cause the field change. The most natural way of obtaining the special equations for the numerical forecasting is that of computing the first derivative in time of the invariant in the second approximation (quadratic terms being taken into account).

The filtrating role of the quasi-static approximation is being investigated in the note. Quasi-static approximation filtrates the internal acoustic waves and somewhat increases the frequencies of the gravitational waves.

It has, in particular, been shown that the time required for establishing the quasi-static balance in the atmosphere is equal to some minutes.
The Influence of Carbon Dioxide Variations on the Atmospheric Heat Balance
Authors: Kaplan Lewis D.
Published: January 2012

Net fluxes of radiation in the 15 micron carbon dioxide band at the top and bottom of the atmosphere have been calculated for several atmospheric models and with various cloud heights. The variation of the fluxes with carbon dioxide amounts is determined, and its effect on temperature discussed. Plass’ estimate of a temperature drop of 3.8° C due to a halving of the carbon dioxide concentration appears to be too high by a factor of two or three.
The Concentration and Isotopic Abundances of Carbon Dioxide in the Atmosphere
Authors: Keeling Charles D.
Published: January 2012

A systematic variation with season and latitude in the concentration and isotopic abundance of atmospheric carbon dioxide has been found in the northern hemisphere. In Antarctica, however, a small but persistent increase in concentration has been found. Possible causes for these variations are discussed.
On the Problem of Initial Data for the Primitive Equations
Authors: Phillips Norman A.
Published: January 2012

It is first demonstrated that in a forecast with the primitive equations, pure geostrophic or purely non-divergent initial wind fields will result in noticeable meteorological “noise”, especially in a baroclinic atmosphere. It is then shown in a linear example that this noise is greatly suppressed if the divergence of the initial wind field is set equal to the divergence implied by the usual geostrophic theory of numerical weather prediction. The absence of noise in Charney’s 1955 test computation with non-divergent “balanced” initial data is explained.

Finally, the quasi-geostrophic expansion is used to define initial data for a non-linear forecast with the primitive equations. Two cases are considered, that where only the geopotential is known from observations, and that where only the non-divergent part of the wind is known from observation. It is shown that the initial tendencies computed from initial data of this kind preserve the assumed geostrophic character of the flow, and thereby make it possible to get more accurate forecasts with the primitive equations.
Radiance Distribution in the Upper Layers of the Sea
Authors: Jerlov N. G. , Fukuda M.
Published: January 2012

The angular distribution of underwater radiance for green light has been studied in the upper turbid layers of the Gullmar fjord by means of a radiance meter which is lowered in the sea along a guide wire with a fixed orientation. A theoretical discussion considers the different components entering into the light field, viz. direct sunlight, skylight, and scattered light. On the basis of available measurements of the volume scattering function the scattered light is evaluated by integrating light scattered from the predominant sun beam alone. The experimental angular distributions of radiance compare well with the theoretical distributions. In particular it is demonstrated that the radiance in the angle interval  ± 45° from the sun attains a maximum below the surface.
The Origin of Trade-Wind Orographic Shower Rains
Authors: Woodcock A. H.
Published: January 2012

The purpose of the work reported here was to learn more about rain formation through a study of the extensive Project Shower and other data on the physics and the chemistry of rains. Most of the observations used have been published. It is demonstrated that the water and chloride content of orographic shower rains in Hawaii can be roughly computed from the observed amounts of sea-salt aerosols and water vapor in the sub-cloud layer over the sea, assuming wet adiabatic ascent of the air. From this and several other relationships among the properties of the air and rains, it is tentatively concluded that the showers originate within especially moist parcels of air which are carried into the orographic cloud by the trade winds, and which were previously formed in the sub-cloud layer over the windward sea. Specific suggestions are made for testing the degree to which potential shower-forming air may be identified over the sea, or the windward shore prior to rain formation.
A Study of Ice Sintering
Authors: Kuroiwa Daisuke
Published: January 2012

Adhesion of ice, or ice-bonding phenomenon, at temperatures below 0° C was studied from the viewpoint of sintering. The growth rate of necks between ice spheres having radii R < 100 μ was measured in both saturated air and kerosene environments. The results showed that icebonding, or adhesion, takes place as a result of solid diffusion. Many photomicrographs of icebonds were taken by making use of thin-section technique.
Some Aspects of Hurricane Daisy, 1958
Authors: Riehl Herbert , Malkus Joanne
Published: January 2012

Observations from research flight missions into hurricane Daisy (1958) are utilized to compute the budgets of heat, moisture, kinetic energy, and momentum. Calculations are performed for a period when the cyclone was just becoming a hurricane, and for a second period, two days later, when it had attained maturity.

The level of non-divergence separating lower inflow from upper outflow was quite high, near 500 mb. Mass flow increased considerably between the two days, but rainfall remained quite moderate for a severe hurricane. The radiation heat sink was small compared to the oceanic source so that the system was “open” within the confines of the study. If all ascent took place in the hard radar echoes, the mean vertical speed there was about 7 meters per sec. Without such localized ascent, heat balance could not be achieved. Heat budget computations permitted assessing the fraction of mass flow reaching upper levels in undilute “hot” cumulonimbus towers and estimation of the number of such towers required, to compare with previous photographic studies. Hot towers proved to be the dominant mechanism of raising warm air to upper levels, particularly in the inner core. However, because of the high level of nondivergence the constraint known as ventilation was active. It is shown not to have been a severe deterrent upon Daisy, nor was it the reason she did not become an extreme storm.

Kinetic energy balance is obtained readily on the first day. Import of kinetic energy through the outermost radius was small, so that most of the energy dissipated in the interior was also produced there by the pressure forces. Ground and internal friction were about equal. The kinetic energy source shifted outward as the storm grew, so that on the day of maturity large inward transport took place. The internal source also increased but wind speeds failed to rise correspondingly. Hence ground friction was inadequate to balance production plus import, and large internal dissipation had to be invoked. This dissipation must be assigned largely to vertical eddies. If ascribed to horizontal eddies, the coefficient of lateral exchange becomes so large that momentum budget requirements cannot be fulfilled by a large amount.

It is concluded from the study that the important mechanisms of the hurricane core can be well represented in a two-dimensional framework, provided the essential effects of the buoyant cumulonimbus towers are properly introduced or parameterized therein. The two-dimensional flow 06 mass is shown in relation to the fields of heat, momentum, and vorticity. The law of conservation of potential vorticity appears to be well satisfied along the stream tubes of the mean motion.
On the Effect of Friction in Baroclinic Waves
Authors: Holopainen E. O.
Published: January 2012

Pertubation equations for a two-layer model are used to study the effect of the frictiona boundary layer in waves on a baroclinic current. It is found, that the change of the propagation speed of waves due to friction is sgnificant only within the waveband, for which amplification occurs. Compared with the frictionless case, this waveband is broader when friction is included. The frictional instability is explained by kinetic energy considerations.
A Boundary Layer Interpretation of the Low-level Jet
Authors: Wexler H.
Published: January 2012

The inertial boundary layer theory developed by Charney and Morgan to explain the intensification of currents near the western boundary of an ocean is applied to the northward flowing atmospheric jet stream observed in the lowest two kilometers over the central United States; here the mountainous spine of Central America serves as a barrier to the westward flowing trade-wind current and deflects it to the north. Because of diurnal frictional changes caused by surface heating and cooling, the jet undergoes a marked diurnal variation with a noctural maximum so strong that the current becomes super-geostrophic. The dynamic consequences of the unbalanced current are examined in the light of theories by Tepper and Veronis.