bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Corporate Governance Mechanisms on Firm’s Performance: A Study on Listed Conventional Banks
Authors: Das Sumon Kumar
Published: July 2018

This study examines the impact of corporate governance mechanisms on firm’s performance on listed conventional banking companies at Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE). Based on existing empirical studies, five key attributes of corporate governance (board size, the proportion of independent directors on board, the proportion of female directors on board, institutional ownership and size of audit committee) have been selected to identify their influence on firm’s financial performance. Tobin’s Q (a market-based performance measure) and Return on Asset- ROA (an accounting based performance measure) consider as financial performance measures. Using OLS as a method of estimation, the results provide evidence of a significant negative relationship between the performance of the firm and the proportion of independent directors on board as well as size of the audit committee. The result also provides evidence of a significant negative relationship between Tobin’s Q and institutional ownership but a positive and insignificant between ROA and institutional ownership. Furthermore, there is a negative relationship between the proportion of female directors in board and the performance of the firm but is not significant. Board size as predictor variable is negative and insignificant with Tobin’s Q. 
JEL Classifications: G 21, G 34
Supply Chain Management in Readymade Garments Industry, Bangladesh
Authors: Hasan Mohammad
Published: July 2018

The export-oriented readymade garment (RMG) industry has some distinctive features, which differentiate it from other businesses. Wage, Supply chain, Time-frame, and Compliances are among the most important features of this business. Each of four features is interrelated and interdependent. Among the features, effective Supply Chain Management (SCM) is the core. Whatever the wage level or lead time (the period from order confirmation to shipment) without proper management of supply chain business is not viable and sustainable. Supply chain can categories into two phases – Macro level, part of global supply chain and Micro level, the supply chain system within the manufacturing unit. In supply chain system, it can be materials, it can be information, and even it can be a supply of business (continuation of business). One single and very simple issue like mismatching thread count or wrong button line, incorrect or delayed information can make the whole process jeopardies. Considering the importance, present study has been carried out on supply chain system in Bangladesh RMG industry. The study revealed the difficulties in supply chain system and also tried to set some guidelines to improve the system for the sustainable development of the sector.
INFORMATION MODELING OF DEVELOPMENT PROCESSES BASED ON THE SYSTEM ANALYSIS OF "BOTTLENECKS"
Authors: Komkov N. I. , Lazarev A. A. , Romantsov V. S.
Published: July 2018

Purpose: the purpose of the presented research is to expand the possibilities of using information-logical models for the analysis of forecasting "bottlenecks" and quantitative assessment of ways to eliminate them in the development of socio-economic systems.

Methods: the implementation of this research is based on the use of basic principles, properties and rules of construction of phased informationlogical models for solving complex problems. Their development involves the introduction of quantitative assessments of ways to reduce the negative potential of "bottlenecks" and comparing the expected results of their elimination with the initial state.

Results: the authors presented a method of analytical directed search and elimination of "bottlenecks" in the development of complex systems. This method is based on the use of rules for building information-logical models. A quantitative analysis of the potential for reducing the potential of identified "bottlenecks" assumes the construction of a linear graph based on the information-logical model, as well as the calculation of integral estimates of the expected compensation of the initial potential of "bottlenecks".

conclusions and Relevance: the developed method of analytical representation of the possibilities of eliminating "bottlenecks" in the development of socio-economic systems is applicable for the analysis of the prospects of eliminating "bottlenecks" on the basis of building a scheme of a full cycle of decision-making. Testing of the presented approach on the example of analysis of known problem situations showed that the proposed tools allow a priori to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed mechanisms, simulate their expansion and effectiveness in terms of impact on the final result. This increases the possibilities for finding effective solutions to complex scientific, technological and socioeconomic problems. In addition, it will be very useful in the examination of various projects and programs.
THE OBJECTIVES AND MECHANISMS OF THE AGENCIES OF THE CLUSTER MANAGEMENT TO ENSURE ITS EFFICIENT OPERATION
Authors: Chekadanova M. V.
Published: July 2018

Purpose:justification of structure of elements and structure of a control system of sectoral-territorial innovative clusters.

Methods:article is based on the analysis of the international and domestic experience of creation of control systems of innovative clusters. By her preparation methods of the theoretical, functional and structural analysis and also business simulation are used.

Results:following the results of the conducted research it is proved that at creation of a control system of sectoral and territorial innovative clusters (STIC) it is necessary to be guided by three main imperatives. The first consists that if we form a control system of a cluster, then it is necessary and to operate with categories of the theory of management when determining her functions, but not activities of this or that body as it is accepted in domestic practice today. The second consists in need of formal addition of the functions which are carried out by consultative governing body (supervisory board), the providing activity of quick and administrative body of a cluster (management company). And the third in use of design and functional approach to creation of a control system adequate to problems of a cluster.

Conclusions and Relevance:STIC control system besides the functions having to management of a cluster direct reference is designed to solve a problem of ensuring interaction of external and internal contours of his business model. For this purpose the recommended structure of a control system, according to results of a research, has to include: The Ministry of Economic Development of the subject of Federation in which the cluster is located; specialized department of Minpromtorg of Russia; this or that state corporation (in case anchor residents of a cluster are its part); general meeting of participants of a cluster; supervisory board and management company. Realization of policy, the strategy and projects directed to formation and strengthening of network interaction of its participants will act as the main form of rendering impact of a control system of a cluster on his development.
MECHANISM FOR IMPLEMENTING THE PROGRAM FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF THE REGION'S ECONOMY WITH THE PREDOMINANCE OF A SEPARATE TYPE OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITY
Authors: Bandurin A. V. , Borisova I. S.
Published: July 2018

In the article the mechanism of realization of the program of sustainable development of the economy of the region with the predominance of the type of economic activity (PVC) is considered. The procedure for implementing the program for sustainable development of the region's economy was developed with the predominance of a separate type of economic activity: strategic vision, assessing the sufficiency of strategic resources, strategic planning, analyzing the attainability of strategic goals, program decomposition, control and regulation. The functional structure of the dominant type of economic activity in the regional economy and the cybernetic scheme for allocating resources for the sustainable development of the region's economy with PVC are developed. The result of using the simulation model of the sustainable development of the economy of the Lipetsk region for the period until 2020 was adapted. A matrix of mutual influence among the participants of the regional economy on each other and a matrix of opportunities for accessing the competencies of the regional economy to the available resources were constructed. The distribution of resources between competences in the economy of the Lipetsk region is calculated. A mechanism has been created for the implementation of the program for the sustainable development of the region's economy with the predominance of a separate type of economic activity.

Purpose: to present the author's mechanism for implementing the program for sustainable development of the region's economy with the predominance of a separate type of economic activity.

Methods: the scientific article is based on the provisions of the neoclassical institutional theory, the principles of sustainable development and the basic postulates of the regional economy. The article uses comparative, tabular, graphical and economic-statistical methods.

Results: the final form of the mechanism for implementing the program for sustainable development of the region's economy was drawn up with the involvement of the predominant type of economic activity. It has been established that the development of a mechanism for the implementation of the sustainable development program for the region's economy with PVCD implies the use of a "contour-modular" approach in which all the main contours of the management of functional areas are linked within the modules describing the main stakeholder groups.

Conclusions and Relevance: the practical significance of the developed mechanism lies in the fact that it can be used in any region. Particular attention should be paid to the information, technical and personnel contours in the process of implementing the sustainable development program for the region's economy, improving the quality of which is carried out using certain economic models that allow us to determine the optimal values of the specific parameters of the state of each of them.
Autoavaliação do curso de engenharia de produção da UFJF: a percepção dos alunos sobre os seus aspectos didático-pedagógicos.
Authors: De Almeida Marcele Silva , De Oliveira Vanderli Fava , Ferraz Thais Cristina Pereira , Castro Talita De Freitas
Published: July 2018

Este trabalho constitui um estudo sobre a Autoavaliação do curso de Engenharia de Produção da Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, por meio da aplicação de um instrumento de avaliação das disciplinas - QAD (Questionário de Avaliação das Disciplinas). São relatados os resultados das avaliações realizadas nos anos de 2004, 2006 e 2007, considerando-se os aspectos didático-pedagógicos formais e informais aferidos por esse instrumento, identificando a percepção dos alunos sobre esses aspectos e, inclusive, destacando as diferenças verificadas entre as disciplinas avaliadas do ciclo básico e do ciclo profissionalizante do curso.
Rebuttal of McFeeters, Ryan and Cullen, 2018, ‘Positional variation in pedal unguals of North American ornithomimids (Dinosauria, Theropoda): A Response to Brownstein (2017)’
Authors: Brownstein Chase Doran
Published: July 2018

The Arundel Clay of Maryland is among the only Early Cretaceous terrestrial units known from eastern North America. Research on some theropod dinosaur bones from this layer has indicated the presence of two ornithomimosaur taxa in the assemblage. However, a recent paper discussed issues with the definite assignment of any of these unguals to Ornithomimosauria and suggested that morphological differences originally interpreted to be indicative of the presence of two ornithomimosaurs could be explained by positional variation. Here, I show that substantial evidence persists for the presence of two ornithomimosaurs in the Arundel Clay assemblage, even considering the recent description of positional variation in ornithomimosaur pedal unguals. Furthermore, the argument against the confident assignment of these unguals to ornithomimosaurs is shown to be based on oversimplified comparisons that do not take into account the combination of features in the Arundel specimens that allow for their assignment to that clade. Although several small points made in the initial paper describing the Arundel specimens are incorrect or unsubstantiated, the differences between the Maryland unguals are outside the spectrum of positional variation and are indicative of the presence of two ornithomimosaurs in the Arundel Clay assemblage.
Apoio familiar no processo de transplante renal
Authors: Berlezi Greici Daiani , Zanesco Camila , Guedes Ribeiro Maiara Vanusa , De Paula Alesandra , Tavares de Resende e Silva Débora
Published: July 2018

Este estudo tem como objetivo esclarecer dúvidas sobre o processo de transplante renal e verificar qual a percepção da equipe no que diz respeito à importância do apoio familiar ao paciente transplantado renal. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo observacional, realizado com 51 pacientes que passaram por transplante renal e estiveram em acompanhamento em um serviço no Oeste Catarinense no período de junho de 2015 a junho de 2016. Os dados coletados mostram que é importante o contato com os pacientes para esclarecer as dúvidas que envolvam o transplante. Com isso a participação da equipe se faz essencial para identificar que o apoio familiar é fundamental para facilitar esse processo.
Znaczenie terenów zieleni miejskiej w kreowaniu polityki przestrzennej miast na przykładzie Pruszkowa
Authors: Małuszyńska Ilona , Blicharska Magdalena W. , Białczak Eliza M. , Małuszyński Marcin J.
Published: July 2018

W przestrzeni miasta zauważa się coraz większą potrzebę tworzenia zieleni miejskiej na terenach niezagospodarowanych i zdegradowanych, jak również rewitalizacji już istniejącej, która zaniedbana ulega degradacji i staje się obszarem kryzysowym. Tereny zieleni odgrywają kluczową rolę w każdym mieście i są jego nieodłącznym elementem. Zapewniają one przewietrzanie miasta, stanowią korytarze komunikacyjne dla ptaków wędrownych, zatrzymują wody opadowe, obniżają temperaturę powietrza. Ich obecność w przestrzeni miejskiej jest szczególnie ważna w kontekście zwiększającej się zabudowy. Dla mieszkańców miast są one równie ważne, ponieważ stanowią miejsca spotkań i wypoczynku. W artykule przedstawiono propozycję rozwiązań rewitalizacyjnych dla obszarów zieleni miejskiej Pruszkowa na przykładzie Parku Potulickich.
Zróżnicowanie pokrycia terenu i cech geometrycznych działek wzdłuż autostrad oraz dróg ekspresowych w Polsce
Authors: Borowska-Stefańska Marta , Wiśniewski Szymon
Published: July 2018

Celem pracy jest ocena zróżnicowania cech geometrycznych działek bezpośrednio sąsiadujących z autostradami i drogami ekspresowymi w Polsce (z podziałem na województwa) oraz analiza ich pokrycia terenu. Dla jego realizacji wykorzystano dane o działkach pochodzące z systemu LPIS (System Identyfikacji Działek Rolnych) oraz informacje o pokryciu terenu pozyskane z Bazy Danych Obiektów Topograficznych (pozyskane z Centralnego Ośrodka Dokumentacji Geodezyjnej i Kartograficznej). Stwierdzono, że występuje zależność nie tylko pomiędzy istnieniem autostrad oraz dróg ekspresowych a sposobem pokrycia terenu wzdłuż nich, ale również pomiędzy cechami geometrycznymi działek. W przypadku, gdy węzły autostradowe znajdują się w pobliżu dużych miast – przykład województwa śląskiego, mazowieckiego czy nawet łódzkiego, wzrasta intensywność zabudowy w ich pobliżu. Ponadto w obszarach, w których istnieje największa gęstość autostrad oraz dróg ekspresowych, działki są zazwyczaj mniejsze.
Sytuacja demograficzna małych miast w cieniu metropolii na przykładzie województwa małopolskiego
Authors: Sarzyński Konrad
Published: July 2018

Celem badania jest wskazanie różnic w przemianach demograficznych pomiędzy małymi miastami położonymi w pobliżu i z dala od metropolii na przykładzie województwa małopolskiego. Postawiono hipotezę, że zmiany demograficzne w małych miastach są mniej korzystne niż na terenach wiejskich ich gmin, w szczególności w przypadku miast zaliczanych do Krakowskiego Obszaru Metropolitalnego (KOM). W wyniku analizy danych statystycznych udało się pozytywnie zweryfikować hipotezę. Małe miasta w KOM rozwijają się zauważalnie wolniej od obszarów wiejskich, co skutkuje spadającym udziałem mieszkańców tych miast w ludności gminy ogółem. Również poza KOM zaobserwowano rozwój obszarów wiejskich, połączony najczęściej ze spadkiem liczby ludności małych miast.
Characterization of pathogenic bacteria in eel Anguilla bicolor bicolor
Authors: Wahjuningrum Dinamella , Hidayat Acep Muhamad , Budiardi Tatag
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACTThis research aimed to characterize bacteria caused disease in eel Anguilla bicolor bicolor. The research was conducted in two steps. The first step included the isolation and identification of bacteria from the disease infected glass eel (average body length: 5.0±0.5 cm, average weight: 0.5±0.1 g). The observation were colony and cell morphology, physiology, and biochemical characterization of bacteria, hemolysis test, and bacteria identification performed by KIT API 20 E, KIT API 20 Strep, and KIT API 20 Listeria. The second step was Koch’s postulate, tested on healthy elver with an average length of 15.00±0.65 cm and weight of 3.00±0.75 g. The results showed three dominant species of bacteria suspected as a causative agent in eel, namely: Aeromonas hydrophila, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Listeria grayi. Koch’s postulates test proved that the Aeromonas hydrophila and Streptococcus agalactiae were virulent to Anguilla bicolor bicolor.  Thus, A.hydrophila and S. agalactiae were disease-causing agent bacteria in eel. Keywords: Anguilla bicolor bicolor, bacteria, A. hydrophila, S. agalactiae  ABSTRAKPenelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengkarakterisasi bakteri penyebab penyakit pada ikan sidat Anguilla bicolor bicolor. Penelitian ini dilakukan dalam dua tahap. Tahap pertama meliputi isolasi dan identifikasi bakteri dari ikan sidat kondisi sakit pada stadia glass eel. Ukuran panjang ikan sidat rata-rata 5±0,5 cm dan bobot rata-rata 0,5±0,08 g, pengamatan bentuk morfologi koloni dan morfologi sel, karakterisasi fisiologi, dan biokimia bakteri, serta uji hemolisis, dan identifikasi jenis bakteri dengan KIT API 20 E, KIT API 20 Strep, dan KIT API 20 Listeria. Tahap kedua yaitu uji postulat Koch pada ikan sidat kondisi sehat stadia elver yang berukuran panjang rata-rata 15±0,65 cm dan bobot rata-rata 3±0,75 g. Hasil penelitian diperoleh tiga jenis bakteri dominan yaitu Aeromonas hydrophila, Streptococcus agalactiae, dan Listeria grayi. Uji postulat Koch membuktikan bahwa bakteri A. hydrophila dan S. agalactiae bersifat virulen pada ikan sidat Anguilla bicolor bicolor.  Dengan demikian maka bakteri A. hydrophila dan S. agalactiae sebagai bakteri penyebab penyakit pada ikan sidat. Kata kunci: Anguilla bicolor bicolor, bakteri, A. hydrophila, S. agalactiae
Supply Chain Technology of Beauty Sleep
Authors: Jones Erick C , Gupta Shalini , Jefferson Felicia
Published: July 2018

The proposed research suggests a solution for sleep disruption by using automated analytics, and attempts to improve our understanding of sleep disruption and overall sleep physiology. The importance of sleep to overall health is continually gaining attention as demonstrated by the number of sleep monitoring devices currently on the global market. Automated technology allows repeated measurements, evaluation of sleep patterns, and provides suggestions to improve one’s quality of sleep. This analysis is also useful for prescribing individual treatment(s) (precision medicine). Conceptually, the developed analytics provides models and correlation between variables, such as EMG, ECG, EEG, etc. By modeling sleep data analytics; we may provide sleep performance. Accordingly, changes may be made to daytime habits and bedtime routine.
Using Multi-criteria decision analysis to select the most effective best practices for loading flatbed semi-trailers
Authors: Jones Erick C , Ghoraishi Hamid S , Vettrivel Gnanesswaran , Richards Casey N
Published: July 2018

Falls are major cause of fatal indoor accidents in many countries and preventions of fall-related aftereffects are also urgent issue [1]. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, fall from elevations caused 14% of fatal work injuries that occurred at United States in 2010 [2]. 12% of these fall injuries are dedicated to fall from non-moving vehicles. Loading trailers are daunting and time consuming task that requires precision with heavy duty lifting equipment. It is easy for employees in these situations to cut corners and put themselves in situations where their safety is jeopardized. This paper focuses on applying decision analysis techniques to a situation where numerous fall protection alternatives are available and it is unclear which system would be the most effective for a specific situation. We have an approach for flatbed semi-trailers that integrates MCDA and AHP to determine the optimal best practice for loading.
This paper follows that given format of Section 1 presents the introduction, Section 2 provides relative definitions and background with respect to the paper, Section 3 describes the details of the problem statement and hypothesis for this paper, Section 4 presents the approach and data collection technique, Section 5 presents data and results concerning the functionality of the approach and Section 6 discusses the conclusions.
Investigating Walk Pressure Pattern Monitoring on Supply Chain Product-Related Injuries
Authors: Punugu Raghavendra Kumar , Bolton Joshua , Jones Erick C
Published: July 2018

RFID, which is Radio frequency identification, saw its first commercial application at toll roads and animal tracking, since then there has been a huge expansion in its applications; it is now being used to access buildings, inventory management, logistics application, supply chain management and also in health care sector. RFID has shown its presence in health sector primarily for patient tracking, pharmaceutical tracking, surgical tools tracking,  tracking of X-Ray vest and to prevent counterfeiting of medicines. Though a lot of research has been done in health care sector, we still believe a lot more can be done. In this paper, we put forward an innovative application of RFID in emergency medical services which involves embedding the RFID pressure sensor tags on the floor of  houses. Whenever a person walks , he exerts some amount of pressure of the floor and the pressure is even more when a person is walks. The  host computer observes the pattern of pressure exerted by person walking or standing, however, when a person falls on the ground/floor there is sudden change in the pressure exertion pattern. This sudden change in pressure pattern is read by the reader in the room and it communicates to the host computer, which in turn communicates to the nearest hospital and ambulance, so that the required care and treatment can be administered to the patient with in the stipulated time of fall and RFID is one of the best solutions currently available in this aspect.
New approach for minimizing human errors in hospital operating rooms by using RFID lerting systems
Authors: Ghoraishi Hamid S , Jones Erick C
Published: July 2018

Patient safety is an increasing concern in health care due to the fact the increasing number of medical errors. Most fatal medical errors happen in hospital operating rooms. This research proposes a unique approach that decreases medical errors in hospital operating rooms using an RFID-based technology to alert doctors and nurses when the wrong tool enters to the operating area, via text message. This research focuses on healthcare systems, specifically operation rooms at the hospitals and provides an approach to increase the reliability of patients by using an RFID alerting system. By applying Design For Six Sigma (DFSSR) methodology this research proposes a unique approach that decreases medical errors in hospital operating rooms using an RFID-based technology to alert doctors and nurses when the wrong tool enters to the operating area.
Bilateral Forearm Pseudotumors in an Adult with Hemophilia A and Ollier Disease
Authors: Gurbani Barkha , Igbinigie Matthew , Koutrouvelis Aristides , Alperin Jack B. , Lindsey Ronald W.
Published: July 2018

Case:

A 29-year-old man with mild hemophilia A and Ollier disease presented with bilateral atraumatic forearm pseudotumors. Both forearm pseudotumors were successfully treated surgically with staged radical extirpation and factor VIII replacement therapy.

Conclusion:

Pseudotumors typically occur in adolescents with severe, poorly controlled hemophilia A. The development of factor VIII replacement therapy has progressively reduced the incidence of pseudotumors in patients in the developed world. No standardized therapy exists for pseudotumors that continue to bleed into the muscles despite nonoperative measures. Persistent masses require surgical removal with careful preoperative planning and a team approach.
Registration and Outcome-Reporting Bias in Randomized Controlled Trials of Distal Radial Fracture Treatment
Authors: Lee Shiela , Khan Tanvir , Grindlay Douglas , Karantana Alexia
Published: July 2018

Background:

The purpose of the present study was to systematically evaluate the completeness of trial registration and the extent of outcome-reporting bias in modern randomized controlled trials (RCTs) relating to the treatment of distal radial fracture.

Methods:

With use of 4 databases (PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, Embase, and PEDro), this systematic review identified all RCTs of distal radial fracture treatment published from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2015. We independently determined the registration status of these trials in a public trial registry and compared the characteristics of registered and non-registered trials. We assessed the quality and consistency of primary outcome measure (POM) reporting between the registration data and the final published studies.

Results:

Ninety studies met the inclusion criteria. Of those, only 28 (31%) were registered, and only 3 (3%) were “appropriately registered” (i.e., prospectively registered and identifying and fully describing the POM). Registered trials had larger sample sizes and were more likely to be multicenter, to report funding sources, and to be published in higher-impact-factor journals. Sixteen (18%) of the 90 registered RCTs named a POM in the registry; 7 (44%) of those 16 registered RCTs stated a different POM, an additional POM, or no POM at all in the final publication than was stated in the registry data. Additionally, 13 (81%) of those 16 registered RCTs had discrepancies in the time point reported for the POM.

Conclusions:

In an attempt to address publication and outcome-reporting bias, prospective trial registration in a public registry has been deemed a condition for publication by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) since 2005. This study shows poor registration rates as well as inconsistencies in the reporting of POMs of recent trials relating to the treatment of distal radial fracture, one of the most common and most investigated injuries in orthopaedic practice.

Clinical Relevance:

The problems of registration and outcome-reporting bias in RCTs are important to highlight and address, and to find a solution will require the cooperation of researchers, reviewers, and journal editors. Increasing the transparency and consistency of reporting will help to increase the quality of research, which can impact patient care through evidence-based guidelines.
Update on the Management of Sacral Metastases
Authors: Mika Aleksander , Mesfin Addisu
Published: July 2018

* Sacral metastases have increased over the past decades as chemotherapy improves and more patients survive common cancers.

* Sacral metastases can present with cauda equina syndrome, radiculopathy, and instability.

* Sacral metastases are often treated with radiation therapy, a surgical procedure, or sacroplasty.

* Patient-reported outcomes are of increasing importance when evaluating patients for the management of sacral metastasis.
Interrelationships between Seed Yield and 16 Related Traits of 81 Garden Cress Landraces
Authors: Mohebodini Mehdi , Sabaghnia Naser , Janmohammadi Mohsen
Published: July 2018

This research uses path analysis to determine the interrelationships among seed yield and 16 related Morphological traits. Eighty-one garden cress accessions from IPK (Department of Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research) were grown in two growing seasons (2012–13) to determine the important components of seed yield. Observations were recorded on 20 other canola traits. Correlation coefficient analysis revealed that seed yield was positively correlated with all traits except plant height (PH) in the first year and except main axis length (MAL) and PH in the second year. Sequential path analysis (SPA) identified the thousand-seed weight (TSW), number of siliques per plant (NSP) and height of first silique (HFS) as important first order traits influenced seed yield in first year. Plant height, NSP, and the TSW were important first-order traits that influenced seed yield in the second year. This indicates that breeding programs should be based on these traits for further improvement of the garden cress. All direct effects were significant, as indicated by bootstrap analysis. The results suggest that TSW and NSP could be used as a selection criterion in selecting for increased seed yield in garden cress.
Breeding Trait Priorities of the Blueberry Industry in the United States and Canada
Authors: Gallardo R. Karina , Zhang Qi , Dossett Michael , Polashock James J. , Rodriguez-Saona Cesar , Vorsa Nicholi , Edger Patrick P. , Ashrafi Hamid , Babiker Ebrahiem , Finn Chad E. , Iorizzo Massimo
Published: July 2018

Developing new blueberry cultivars requires plant breeders to be aware of current and emerging needs throughout the supply chain, from producer to consumer. Because breeding perennial crop plants (such as blueberry) is time- and resource-intensive, understanding and targeting priority traits is critical to enhancing the efficiency of breeding programs. This study assesses blueberry industry breeding priorities for fruit and plant quality traits based on a survey conducted at commodity group meetings across nine U.S. states and in British Columbia (Canada) between Nov. 2016 and Mar. 2017. In general, industry responses signaled that the most important trait cluster was fruit quality including the firmness, flavor, and shelf life. Fruit quality traits affect price premiums received by producers; influence consumer’s preferences; and have the potential to increase the feasibility of mechanical harvesting, all critical to the economic viability of the industry. There were differences across regions in the relative importance assigned to traits for disease resistance, arthropod resistance, and tolerance to abiotic stresses. Our findings will be useful to researchers seeking solutions for challenges to the North American blueberry industry including development of new cultivars with improved traits using accelerated DNA-based selection strategies.
Effect of Seasonal Variations and Growth Conditions on Carbohydrate Partitioning in Different Organs and the Quality of Bush Tea
Authors: Fhatuwani Mudau N. , Nokwanda Makunga P.
Published: July 2018

Bush tea (Athrixia phylicoides DC.) is a root perennial shrub used as indigenous tea and medicinal tea in South Africa. Thus, concurrent trials were conducted under different growing conditions as follows: in the glasshouse, field planted and wild, naturally grown, to investigate the effects of seasonal harvests and growing environments on carbohydrate reserves and quality parameters of bush tea. Of 50 plants, 25 single plants were allotted to each respective environment in a field and glasshouse conditions—and were arranged in a randomized complete block design. These were then harvested in summer, autumn, winter, and spring, respectively. For the wild bush tea trial, 25 single plants were randomly selected. Selected sugars and starch were quantified together with other quality parameters [total polyphenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total tannin content (TTC), and total antioxidant activities). The study revealed that the glucose content of bush tea plant organs was significantly higher during winter, followed by autumn, as compared with the other seasons. Similar fructose and sucrose trends were evident. However, the content of amylopectin was also significantly higher during summer, followed by autumn, compared with the other seasons. In winter, plants exhibited higher amylopectin content when compared with other seasons. No significant differences were found in the amylose content. Both wild and cultivated bush tea plants yielded the highest specific sugars in the study. The phytochemicals present in the leaves of field-grown bush tea and wild bush tea during winter were higher than in those grown in summer, autumn, and spring. No significant difference in tannin contents was observed, irrespective of seasons and growing conditions. Regardless of growing conditions, autumn yielded lower total antioxidant activities using both the DPPH and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays when compared with other seasons. To better resolve the metabolomic data, principal component analysis (PCA) was used and the first principal component showed a strong correlation within all parameters recorded over PC2. Future ecophysiological studies are recommended to establish region- and season-specific metabolomic biomarkers with canonical distinction on beverage, pharmacological, and organoleptic attributes of bush teas.
Metabolic Profiling of Cultivated Bush Tea (Athrixia phylicoides DC.) in Response to Different Pruning Types
Authors: Mohale Keletso C. , Hintsa Araya T. , Emanuel Machel A. , Mudau Fhatuwani N.
Published: July 2018

Bush tea (Athrixia phylicoides DC.) is a popular medicinal South African indigenous plant and it has been used for many decades as a health beverage and medicine. The objective of the study was to profile metabolites for assessment of quality of bush tea (A. phylicoides DC.) subjected to different pruning levels. Treatments consisted of untreated control, top-branch pruning, middle pruning, and basal pruning arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) using 10 single trees as replications. The liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC–QTOF–MS) was carried out to annotate the bush tea metabolites present in bush tea. Orthogonal partial least square-discriminatory analysis (OPLS-DA) from 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) revealed a separation between the basal, middle, top pruning, and the unpruned bush tea plants. The pruned (top) and unpruned tea plants, exhibited higher levels of metabolites than the basal and middle pruned. Pruning bush tea showed a significant effect on accumulation of secondary metabolites and thus could enhance bush tea quality. The study successfully annotated 28 metabolites (compounds), which elucidated canonical differences in pruning treatment of bush tea, as validated through multivariate analysis. Top pruning (apically pruned) resulted in improved metabolite accumulation than other treatment and can be recommended in bush tea cultivation. Future studies to enhance vegetative enhancement after pruning will be evaluated.
Regeneration of Blueberry Cultivars through Indirect Shoot Organogenesis
Authors: Qiu Dongliang , Wei Xiangying , Fan Shufang , Jian Dawei , Chen Jianjun
Published: July 2018

Leaf explants derived from in vitro–grown shoots of blueberry cultivars Bluejay, Pink Lemonade, Sunshine Blue, and Top Hat were cultured on woody plant medium (WPM) supplemented with 9.12 μm 6-(4-hydroxy-3-methylbut-2-enylamino) purine or zeatin (ZT) in combination with 1.23, 2.46, or 4.92 μm indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). Calluses were induced from the explants and adventitious shoots were regenerated. ‘Sunshine Blue’ and ‘Top Hat’ produced more than four shoots per explant but shoot numbers were less than one for each ‘Pink Lemonade’ explant and about 0.2 per ‘Bluejay’ explant. The results indicate that there is significant difference among cultivars in indirect shoot organogenesis. The differences may be related to their diverse genetic background as they are polyploid hybrids. Microcuttings derived from adventitious shoots of ‘Sunshine Blue’ rooted in vitro in WPM medium supplemented with 9.84 μm IBA and also rooted ex vitro in a peat-based substrate after cuttings were dipped or not dipped in IBA solutions. Direct rooting of microcuttings in the peat-based substrate was effective, suggesting that in vitro rooting may not be necessarily needed. Survival rate of ex vitro–rooted plants in a shaded greenhouse was high, more than 90%. The established shoot regeneration protocols could be used for rapid propagation of ‘Sunshine Blue’ and ‘Top Hat’ and for cultivar improvement through genetic transformation.
Effects of Irrigation Water Salinity on the Growth, Gas Exchange Parameters, and Ion Concentration of Hot Pepper Plants Modified by Leaching Fractions
Authors: Qiu Rangjian , Yang Zaiqiang , Jing Yuanshu , Liu Chunwei , Luo Xiaosan , Wang Zhenchang
Published: July 2018

In this experiment, the responses of plant growth, gas exchange parameters, and ion concentration to different levels of irrigation water salinity (ECiw of 0.9, 1.6, 2.7, 4.7 and 7.0 dS·m−1) and leaching fractions (LFs of 0.17, 0.29) were investigated in hot pepper plants. The pot experiment was conducted using a completely randomized block design with four replications in a rain shelter. Results showed that the height of the hot pepper plants decreased as the ECiw was increased from 25 d after transplanting (DAT) and increased when the LF was increased from 55 DAT. Neither the ECiw nor the LF influenced the root length. An increase in the ECiw caused the suppression of the stem diameter (SD); leaf length; leaf area; leaf chlorophyll content (CCI); dry biomass of roots, stems, and leaves; net photosynthesis (Pn); stomatal conductance (gS); transpiration rate (Tr); and intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci). An increase in the LF caused the SD, leaf length, leaf area, and dry biomass of stems and leaves to increase. However, the dry biomass of roots and the Pn, gS, Tr, and Ci were not significantly affected by the LF, except for the Ci measured on 23 DAT and the Tr on 76 DAT. The Na+ concentrations in the roots and stems increased, whereas the K+/Na+ ratios decreased as the ECiw increased. An increase in the LF led to a decrease in the Na+ concentration of the roots and stems, whereas there was an increase in the K+ concentration in the stems and the K+/Na+ ratios in the roots and stems. Collectively, an increase in the ECiw had an adverse effect on plant growth and gas exchange and led to the accumulation of the Na+ concentration in the roots and stems, whereas an increase in the LF enhanced plant growth, leaf transpiration, and K+ concentration and reduced the accumulation of the Na+ concentration in the roots and stems. We suggest that higher quantity of water should be applied in higher saline irrigation for satisfactory performance for hot pepper growth.
Correlation of Heat and Cold Tolerance in Iranian Tall Fescue Ecotypes with Reactive Oxygen Species Scavenging and Osmotic Adjustment
Authors: Sheikh-Mohamadi Mohamad-Hossein , Etemadi Nematollah , Arab Mostafa
Published: July 2018

Excessive heat or cold usually reduces the growth and quality of turfgrass. Genetic variations along with efficient biochemical and physiological mechanisms can diversify the tolerance to heat and cold. This study examined the effects of heat and cold stress on several biochemical and physiological parameters in Iranian tall fescue ecotypes (Festuca arundinacea L.). The control group of plants was maintained under optimal temperatures, whereas other groups were exposed to heat or cold in a growth chamber. The experiment was designed as a split plot, with stress treatments as the main plots and ecotypes as subplots. Physiologically and biochemically, the results revealed that three ecotypes (‘FA1’, ‘FA3’, and ‘FA5’) of the eight ecotypes examined in this study had better abilities to survive the simulated heat and cold stress. Better tolerance to heat and cold in the ‘FA1’, ‘FA3’, and ‘FA5’ ecotypes were probably due to higher levels of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant activities, maintenance of lower levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), higher levels of proline and total nonstructural carbohydrates (TNC), along with a more efficient osmotic adjustment. Diamine oxidase (DAO) and polyamine oxidase (PAO) activities increased significantly in ‘FA1’, ‘FA3’, and ‘FA5’ ecotypes. In summary, the strength of tolerance among ecotypes can be ranked as ‘FA1’ > ‘FA3’ > ‘FA5’ > ‘FA2’ > ‘FA6’ > ‘FA4’ > ‘FA7’ > ‘FA8’ under heat stress and ‘FA5’> ‘FA1’ > ‘FA3’ > ‘FA2’ > ‘FA4’ > ‘FA6’ > ‘FA7’ > ‘FA8’ under cold stress.
Bı̇lı̇m ve Sanat Merkezlerı̇nde Görev Yapan Matematı̇k Öğretmenlerı̇nin Karşılaştıkları Sorunlar
Authors: Çetin Abdullah , DOĞAN Adem
Published: July 2018

Bu
araştırma, Bilim ve Sanat Merkezlerinde (BİLSEM) görev yapan matematik
öğretmenlerinin karşılaştıkları sorunları ortaya çıkarmak amacıyla yapılmıştır.
Araştırmada nitel araştırma desenlerinden olgubilim deseni kullanılmıştır.
Araştırmanın çalışma grubunu, 2017-2018 eğitim-öğretim yılında Türkiye’nin
farklı illerindeki BİLSEM’lerde matematik öğretmeni olarak görev yapan 13
gönüllü öğretmen oluşturmaktadır. Araştırma verilerinin toplanmasında yarı
yapılandırılmış görüşme formu kullanılmıştır. Veri analizinde içerik analizi
tekniği kullanılmıştır. Verilerinin analiz sürecinde bilimsel geçerliliği
artırmak, kodlamaları sistematik ve pratik hale getirmek için nitel veri
analizinde kullanılan bilgisayar programı NVIVO 11 programından
faydalanılmıştır. Araştırmanın sonucunda öğretmenlerin etkinliklerle ilgili
kapsam ve uygunluk sorunları yaşadıkları; öğrencilerle ilgili ilgisiz/isteksiz
davranma, fiziki ve zihinsel olarak yorgun olma, devamsızlık yapma, uygun olmayan
davranış sergileme gibi sorunlar yaşadıkları belirlenmiştir. Ayrıca öğretmeler
BİLSEM’lerin fiziki donanımlarında eksikliklerin olduğunu belirtmiş, BİLSEM’in
amacını farklı yorumlayan velilerle sorun yaşadıklarını, yönergedeki
belirsizlikten dolayı da yönetsel sorunlar yaşadıklarını ifade etmişlerdir.
Öğretmenler çalışma saatlerinden dolayı sosyal, özlük ve maddi konularda da
sorunlar yaşadıklarını vurgulamışlardır.
Students' understanding through the use of ICT-based accounting multimedia (MAKSI) in vocational high schools
Authors: Pratiwi Vivi , Siswandari Siswandari , Santosa Th Djoko
Published: July 2018

This study aims to describe the use of MAKSI: Information and Communication Technology (ICT) based accounting multimedia in improving students' understanding on bank reconciliation material in Vocational High Schools (SMK). This research is a quantitative-descriptive research with case study method involving 40 students. Data collection techniques used are tests using essay tests, observations, and interviews. The result showed that the average understanding before using MAKSI is 52.18 with the less category, while after using MAKSI the average increases to 76.23 with good category. Before using MAKSI, 65% of students have less understanding, 27.5% have sufficient understanding, while 10% have good understanding. After using MAKSI, the percentage of the the students who have good understanding increases to 40%. In addition, there are 40% of students who have very good understanding. Those who have less understanding are only 7.5% while 12.5% of them have sufficient understanding. Thus, the use of MAKSI in learning in SMK can improve students' understanding.
Learning strategies of productive lesson at vocational high school in Serang City
Authors: Fatkhurrokhman Mohammad , Leksono Suroso Mukti , Ramdan Sulaeman Deni , Rahman Ikman Nur
Published: July 2018

The purpose of this research are: (1) to know the design of delivery strategy of learning of productive lesson; (2) to know the implementation of delivery strategy of learning of productive lesson; and (3) to find out the result of applying the delivery strategy of learning of productive lesson. This research uses qualitative phenomenological approach with multi-case design. Informants in this study are students, teachers, leaders of Vocational High School in Serang City. Data collection through interviews and observation. Data analysis technique is Miles & Huberman interactive model. The results of this study found that (1) The design of the delivery of learning strategies productive lesson conducted by teachers is to design learning strategies by involving the media and based on the goal; (2) At the time of learning activities of productive lesson take place, the strategy used by teachers is the use of instructional media by demonstrating to students in front of the classroom; and (3) The implementation of learning delivery strategy of productive lesson applied by the teachers from each of the research sites resulted in increased value.
NCIENT MARITIME SYMBOLS IN MALAY TRADITIONAL BOAT IN THE EAST COAST, PENINSULAR MALAYSIA
Authors: Abdul Wahab Mohd Rohaizat , Ramli Zuliskandar , Abdul Samad Mohammad Anis , Mohd Supian Nur Sarahah , Mohd Nasir Muhammad Nu'man , Masdey Siti Salina
Published: July 2018

The study on decorative arts in Malay culture has been widely discussed by domestic and foreign researchers. However, dedicated discussions on decorative arts on traditional Malay boats are still lacking. This article will discuss the discovery of ancient symbols, which was once used in Malay traditional boat arts, especially in the East Coast, Peninsular Malaysia. The objective of this study is to draw a similarity in the understanding of maritime society around the world about the use of ancient symbols on their boats. This study used a visual analysis approach based on the findings of images resembling ancient symbols that were found in boat decorations around the world. These symbols will be described by their meaning and relevance through the use of the iconographic method. The results of this study reveal the understanding and beliefs of maritime communities around the world that are almost identical in terms of their ancient symbols. One of the artistic uniqueness produced by the Malay community is the creation of ancient symbol in a distinctive way and it is also an iconic feature that is connected to the Malay sailor community in the East Coast.