bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Written assignments in distance learning and communication with learners as part of the role of the lecturer in the distant education
Authors: KARAOULANIS ANDREAS , KOUKOUSOURI VASILIKI 
Published: August 2018

In this paper the authors tried to underline the importance of distance learning as a means of distant education in the contemporary educational system. A literature review which explains why such a survey is very important in terms of this kind of modern learning was implemented.
A short revision of some very important past surveys around the topic of distance learning was carried out, especially in terms of the research questions and the methodological approach that past researchers used in order to dig deeper into the topic.
Finally, the results of such empirical researches were analyzed and some critical thoughts of the authors are presented.
The Effect of Customer Relationship Management on Customer retention in Private Higher Education Institute in Malaysia
Authors: MANOGHARAN MELISSA WANE , Varadarajan Soovendran 
Published: August 2018

This research is conducted in order to evaluate the purpose of studying the customer relationship practices and customer satisfaction in PHEI that offers undergraduate degrees in Malaysia. According to the results obtained, it proves that CRM practices contain more positive effect on its customer satisfaction. The sample size used was only focused on PHEI that offer undergraduate programmes in Malaysia. According to the research conducted, there are few limitations that disclose the exact relationship between CRM and Customer Satisfaction. Education industry has become one of the major growing industries in Malaysia with various numbers of competitors. Thus, this study allows policy makers of PHEI to focus and implement CRM practices that would have an increase of direct positive impact of satisfaction for their customers. The study conducted also helps to evaluate not only CRM and satisfaction but also evaluate the effect of the Gender and Age Group factors that reflects on the relationship.
Research activities in the teaching intensive university: Scholarship reconsidered & repositioned
Authors: Shannon Anthony G 
Published: August 2018

A quarter of a century has passed since Professor Ernest L. Boyer's landmark book, Scholarship Reconsidered: Priorities of the Professoriate, challenged the publish-or-perish status quo that dominated the academic landscape then and has continued to do so through a variety of research league-table games. His powerful and enduring argument for a broader approach to academic roles and rewards within universities continues to be important as higher education providers balance the varying expectations of their role in society. This paper is more an examination of the provenance of the Boyer model than a review of the book.
Exploring the Relationships Among Innovation, Collaboration, and School Change in a Mixed Methods
Authors: Walker Aneta Hogan 
Published: August 2018

Continuous school improvement efforts require schools to prepare, organize, and lead change. This study examined how a school created a context for change by implementing an innovation to improve teaching practices, school culture, and student learning outcomes. Implementing innovation requires school leaders to understand the process of change to successfully sustain school improvement efforts. The purpose of this research study was to assess the effectiveness that an innovative hybrid schedule had on improving student learning outcomes and school culture. This mixed-method research study used data generated by the AdvancEdÂ®â€™s Stakeholder Feedback Survey, the ACT AspireÂ® Student Achievement Tests, and teacher interviews.
The analysis of this studyâ€™s data indicated several factors that facilitated change through the implementation of the innovative hybrid schedule. The researcher discovered these overall factors related to the benefits of students changing classes, teachers becoming content specialists, collaboration through PLCs and vertical planning. Additionally, the results revealed that significant change occurred in school culture based on the AdvancEdÂ®â€™s Stakeholder Feedback Survey. Additionally, student learning outcomes measured by ACT AspireÂ® Reading and Mathematics Student Achievement Tests showed a statistically significant improvement in both reading and math.
A study on the contamination routes of tomato and bell pepper plants by Escherichia coli and Listeria innocua
Authors: Neetoo Swaleha Hudaa , Ganeshan Seelavarn 
Published: August 2018

Tomatoes and bell peppers have been the source of recent outbreaks of foodborne illnesses due to contamination by human pathogens such as E. coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenesin the field. The objectives of the present study were to investigate (i) the potential uptake of bacterial surrogates of E. coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes, E. coli(EC) and L. innocua(LI), from soil into the edible parts of tomato and pepper plants, and (ii) the survivability of EC and LI in the plant environment (soil, rhizosphere and phyllosphere).Mature tomato and bell pepper plants were soil-inoculated with a bacterial suspension(population density of ca. 108 cfu/ml) ofNalidixic-acid resistant EC or LI. Tomatoes and pepperswere also artificially contaminated on the surface with 1 ml of an overnight culture of Nalidixic-acid resistant EC and LI (population density of ca. 109cfu/ml). Samples of vegetables as well as non-edible parts (soil, roots, stem, foliage) were subjected to microbiological analyses by plating on Eosin Methylene Blue Agar and Listeria Identification Agar supplemented with Nalidixic acid to a final concentration of 50 mg/ml to recover EC and LIrespectively. We observed no evidence of internalization of EC or LI into the edible fruits. However, these bacteria were recovered from different non-edible parts of the tomato plant at varying population densities of 3.0-3.6, 1.8-2.2 and < 0.7 log cfu/g in the bulk soil, roots and foliage respectively. They were also found to persist in the soil for up to 4 days post-inoculation. Tomatoes and peppers surface-inoculated with EC or LI were shown to harborthe bacteria for > 48 h.Â Taken together, findings of this study point to the microbiological and health risks associated with consumption of raw tomatoes and bell peppers due to the possibilities of pre-harvest microbial contamination by human pathogens.
THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND NUTRITIVE VALUE OF Brachiaria GRASS CULTIVARS AT KATUMANI DRYLAND RESEARCH STATION IN SOUTH EASTERN KENYA
Authors: Nguku Susan Akinyi , Musimba Nashon K.R. , Njarui Donald N. , Mwobobia Royford Murangiri 
Published: August 2018

The study was conducted at Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation, Katumani, Machakos to evaluate the herbage quality of Brachiaria grass cultivars in semi arid regions of Eastern Kenya. Brachiaria cultivars namely B. decumbens cv. Basilisk, Brachiaria hybrid Mulato II, four Brachiaria brizantha cultivars Marandu, Xaraes, Piata, MG4 and Brachiaria humidicola cv Llanero were assessed with reference to their chemical and nutritive composition at 22, 24 and 28 weeks post seedling emergence. Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana cv KATR3) and Napier grass (P. pupureum cv. Kakamega I) were included as controls. There were significant differences (p<0.05) among the cultivars for crude protein, crude fibre (NDF, ADF and ADL) Ash, Calcium, Phosphorus, Dry Matter Digestibilty and Metabolisable energy during the the week 22 and 24 post seedling emergence harvest. At week 28 harvest interval, however, ADL values for all the cultivars were similar and only Marandu was significantly different (p<0.05) in terms of metabolizable energy from the rest. The mean CP content of the grasses decreased from 11.1% at week 22 to 6.3% at harvest week 28 harvest intervals. MG4, Mulato II and Xaraes were the only grasses able to meet minimum CP (7.0%) requirement for rumen microbial function throughout the harvest period. Ash and phosphorus values decreased whereas Calcium content increased for all the cultivars during the harvest intervals, with Mulato II recording the highest ash (15%) content during this period. Chloris gayana KATR3 recorded highest average NDF (72.9%), ADF (48.1%) and ADL (6.1%) content during this period. Xaraes, Marandu and Mulato II were the only cultivars able to achieve the highest metabolizable energy of 7.0 MJ/kg DM recorded for the grass cultivars throughout the harvest intervals. These results indicate that Brachiaria grasses can be a good source of forage for livestock and a boost to the forage resource base in the semi arid regions of Kenya. Further research is needed to quantify their productivity in both dry and wet periods and to assess the effect of feeding on animal production performance.
Micro-habitats Utilizations, Feeding Niche Overlapping, and Management Systems Impacts on Community Tolerances of Wasp Species within Oil Palm Plantations.
Authors: Ahmad khair Ahmad Bukhary , Ruslan M. Y. , Mohd. Fauzi M. M , Noorhisham H. , Nicholas S. , Fahmi M. H. Muhamad , Izfa Riza H. , Idris A. B 
Published: August 2018

A study on micro-habitats utilizations, feeding niche overlapping, and management systems impacts pertaining to hymenopteran community were evaluated at five chosen oil palm age stands within FELDA Sungai Tekam oil palm plantations, Pahang.Â Samplings were done within the duration of one year, employing the standard Malaise traps, starting from February 2013 till February 2014, involving both hot and wet seasons. 60 species, from 17 families and 35 subfamilies were successfully collected during the sampling periods. Eight defined micro-habitats were elaborated, with the subdivisions of major, minor, stable, and risky micro-habitat types. Management systems impacts were associated with the applications of chemical herbicides and fertilizers. Species groups were formed using Two-Way Hierarchical Cluster Dendrogram, following 75% of information remaining. Three species groups were formed for hot and wet seasons respectively, with the first group involved nearly half of the overall hymenopteran community. Beneficial nectariferous plants, heaps of chipped rotting oil palm trunks, and remnants of rotting forest logs were all the prominent micro-habitats associated will all cases of hymenopteran species groups, for both cases of major and minor micro-habitat types. Application of BASTA, Glyphosate-Type-A and Type-B herbicides, as well as NK-Mix, Borax, and GML chemical fertilizers were all highly correlated with hymenopteran species groups, showing the high tolerance of most hymenopteran species towards the employed management systems, with reference to minor micro-habitats. Strong feeding ecological niches and plexus values between species of similar species groups formed were specifically associated with discrete but connected minor micro-habitats with weaker food chains, collectively forming larger stable food webs within major micro-habitats. Suggestions on maintaining minor micro-habitats for the survival of most hymenopteran community, as well as the sustenance of their food sources were also discussed.Â
Micro-habitats Utilizations, Feeding Niche Overlapping, and Management Systems Impacts on Community Tolerances of Wasp Species within Oil Palm Plantations.
Authors: Bukhary, A.K. Ahmad , Ruslan M. Y. 
Published: August 2018

A study on micro-habitats utilizations, feeding niche overlapping, and management systems impacts pertaining to hymenopteran community were evaluated at five chosen oil palm age stands within FELDA Sungai Tekam oil palm plantations, Pahang. Samplings were done within the duration of one year, employing the standard Malaise traps, starting from February 2013 till February 2014, involving both hot and wet seasons. 60 species, from 17 families and 35 subfamilies were successfully collected during the sampling periods. Eight defined micro-habitats were elaborated, with the subdivisions of major, minor, stable, and risky micro-habitat types. Management systems impacts were associated with the applications of chemical herbicides and fertilizers. Species groups were formed using Two-Way Hierarchical Cluster Dendrogram, following 75% of information remaining. Three species groups were formed for hot and wet seasons respectively, with the first group involved nearly half of the overall hymenopteran community. Beneficial nectariferous plants, heaps of chipped rotting oil palm trunks, and remnants of rotting forest logs were all the prominent micro-habitats associated will all cases of hymenopteran species groups, for both cases of major and minor micro-habitat types. Application of BASTA, Glyphosate-Type-A and Type-B herbicides, as well as NK-Mix, Borax, and GML chemical fertilizers were all highly correlated with hymenopteran species groups, showing the high tolerance of most hymenopteran species towards the employed management systems, with reference to minor micro-habitats. Strong feeding ecological niches and plexus values between species of similar species groups formed were specifically associated with discrete but connected minor micro-habitats with weaker food chains, collectively forming larger stable food webs within major micro-habitats. Suggestions on maintaining minor micro-habitats for the survival of most hymenopteran community, as well as the sustenance of their food sources were also discussed.
Sperm evaluation in strains of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus
Authors: Almeida Diones Bender , Costa Marco André Paldes , Bassini Liane Ney , Calabuig Cecilia Irene Pérez , Moreira Carla GiovaneÁvila , Rodrigues Marília Danyelle Nunes , Junior Antonio Sergio Varela , Corcini Carine Dahl , Dode Maria Eduarda Bicca , Moreira Heden Luiz Marques 
Published: August 2018

The reproductive characteristics of tilapia species used for large-scale production is critically important for breeding management. Although Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is one of the most cultivated species globally, little is known about its sperm characteristics. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the reproductive parameters of three tilapia strains before and after cryopreservation. Nile tilapia specimens from three strains, Supreme (SUP), Premium Aquabel (PA), and Chitralada (CHI) (90 specimens in total, 30 from each strain), were examined. All morphometric measurements were highest in PA. CHI had the highest sperm motility and speed, although less than half the sperm concentration of SUP. PA had a similar sperm speed and concentration to CHI, although its sperm motility was similar to that of SUP. SUP had a relatively high sperm viability and higher percentages of sperm without dislocation than PA and CHI. However, all strains showed similar rectilinear dislocation. Except for PA DNA integrity, SUP showed the best results before cryopreservation. From the results it was not possible to identify an ideal marker for semen quality, due to the differences observed between specimens from the same fish. However, the results regarding efficient sperm cryopreservation in the present study are important for the genetic screening and development of these strains in aquaculture.
FARMERS PERCEPTION AND THE HIGHLIGHTS OFTHE SOURCES OF THE CHRONIC AFLATOXIN CONTAMINATION AMONGST THE INHABITANTS OF THE SOUTH-EASTERN REGION INKENYA
Authors: Kuisa Rhoda N. , N. Kimatu Josphert , I. Kanui Titus 
Published: August 2018

There are factors that contribute to aflatoxin contamination like conducive ecological zones, stressed crops, virulent Aspergillus strains and unconventional agricultural practices. Kenyans especially in the South-Eastern region are exposed to regular doses of mycotoxins. Even after campaigns on aflatoxin mitigation in 2004, this region has had continuous cases of aflatoxin poisoning. These have not been systematically studied to identify the key entry points and contributory factors. This research was instituted to evaluate the farmers perception of the factors which contribute to chronic aflatoxin contamination in maize grains along the pre-harvest, post-harvest and marketing stages of the production chain. We studied the moisture content of maize on seven major highway centers and found that the maize was largely within the accepted levels of moisture of 11-14%. The agri-practices investigated showed that most farmers knew the basic standard practices but were not consistent in adhering to them. We found 88%approved that close spacing of maize can stress crop, 87% agreed that poor farm plant nutrition causes stress, 78 % agreed that plant residue act as reservoirsfor fungi. It was remarkable that 95 % of farmers agreed that delayed harvesting and storing of grains when the moisture content is more than 13% encouraged growth of the fungus was the main contributor of aflatoxin contamination. Furthermore, 91% indicated that, if maize combs were dropped on the soil during harvest, it increased the chances of fungal contamination. 80% of farmers agreed that the use of plastic bags to store maize in combs after harvesting could cause contamination. However, most farmers could not adequately relate contamination with the health repercussions of aflatoxin contamination. Hence, there is need to train and constantly contact understandable-sensitizations of all stakeholders; farmers, extension staff, researchers, traders, consumers, on the dangers of aflatoxin contamination along the whole maize production chain.
EFFECT OF OPEN AIR DRYING DURATION ON SEED MOISTURE AND THE THRESHING QUALITY OF COWPEA
Authors: Asante Eric Amoah , Hu Yongguang , Amuaku Rand , Appah Samuel , Lu Yongzhong 
Published: August 2018

To improve on the quality of threshed cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) produce by rural farmers in Ghana, variation in the duration of drying was employed. The cowpea was divided into five units and open air dried to 16.52, 14.69, 11.38, 9.69, and 8.36 % seed moisture contents (SMC) for three (3) days, five (5) days, eight (8) days, eleven (11) days and fourteen (14) days respectively after harvesting. The SMC effect on threshing and seed quality was assessed with a developed cowpea thresher using 334, 435, 533, 634 and 735 rpm rotor speeds. The results showed that the throughput and efficiency increase with the speed and decreasing SMC. The percentage seed damage increases as the speed and SMC increase. The cowpea at 16.52 % SMC after drying produced the highest average seed damage of 3.05 % while 8.36 % SMC yielded 1.39% average seed damage. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) performed showed that there were significant differences (P Ë‚ 0.01) among the throughput capacities, seed damage and threshing efficiencies. However, there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between the seed loss control of 9.69% and 8.36% SMC. The minimum seed loss of 11.38%, 9.69% and 8.36% were less than the overall mean by 7.4, 20.6, and 29.4 % respectively. Therefore, the best machineâ€“crop parameter combination for optimal grain quality is 8â€“10 % SMC and rotor speeds of 388â€“550 rpm. To achieve these SMC, the crop must be dried in the open air for a minimum of eleven (11) days at 7 hour/day.
EVOLUTIONARY DYNAMICS OF BEE COLONY COLLAPSE DISORDER: FIRST STEPS TOWARD A MATHEMATICAL MODEL OF THE CONTAGION HYPOTHESIS
Authors: Farley Jonathan 
Published: August 2018

The disappearance of honey bees from many managed colonies in the United States and Europe in 2006 and 2007 is modeled under the assumption that the cause is some contagion. Based on the limited data available, we use a simple model to suggest that colony collapse disorder will not destroy all colonies in the United States. To predict the evolution of future outbreaks, however, and perhaps trace their origins, it is recommended that graph-theoretic data be collected, and that census data be collected on a more frequent basis, concerning bee populations.
EFFECT OF SALINITY ON GROWTH AND PROTEIN CONTENT OF RICE GENOTYPES
Authors: Billah K. M. Masum , Hasan M. M. Mehedi , Jharna Dr. Dilruba Easmin 
Published: August 2018

Rice, the highest producing cereal crops in Bangladesh. Saline induced changes in growth was screened at germination to find out the salt tolerant traditional rice genotypes and chemical tests were carried out to detect the protein-content of rice genotypes. Four traditional rice genotypes (Kalijira, Sakkor khana, Chinigura, Ghoto balam) with one improved variety BRRI dhan28 were used in this experiment. The germination experiment was conducted in petri dish at 0, 8, 12, 16 dS/m salinity with three replications each. Based on the data obtained, the genotypes were scored and categorized as highly tolerant (score 1), tolerant (score 3), moderately tolerant (score 5), susceptible (score 7), and highly susceptible (score 9) to salinity. Salinity caused reduction in germination and declines of shoot length, root length, shoot wet weight and shoot dry weight. Mean salinity tolerance score (MSTS) was computed. Based on MSTS, two genotypes named Kalijira and Chinigura were selected as tolerant, two genotypes named Sakkor khana and BRRI dhan28 as susceptible, and the rest one genotype named Ghoto balam as highly susceptible to salinity in germination stage. Total protein content of rice genotypes were determined by Kjeldahl method. Among 5 varieties studied, Chinigura contains the highest amount of protein (8.855%). The overall data estimated that, Chinigura is more salt tolerant and highly protein rich genotype than other rice genotypes.
ACCUMULATION AND PARTITION OF Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn AND Na IN MACRO AND MICRONUTRIENT-DEFICIENT COWPEA PLANTS
Authors: Miranda Rafael de Souza , Suderio Fabricio Bonfim , Marques Elton Camelo , Gomes-Filho Eneas 
Published: August 2018

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is an important crop for people living in the semi-arid tropics where it is used as food, animal feed and forage. Researches related to nutritional status of plants are important, principally in crops commonly grown in nutrient-poor soils. This study aimed to analyze the growth and accumulation/distribution of some micronutrients in cowpea plants submitted to macro and micronutrient deficiency. Cowpea seeds were germinated in grit and after five days, ten uniform seedlings were transferred to complete nutrient solution for an acclimatization period. After three days, the plants were grown in nutrient solution containing all macro and micronutrients or in nutrient solution without N, Ca, K, Mg, P, S, Fe, B or aeration. In all case, omission of mineral nutrients and the aeration caused reductions in the dry mass of cowpea plants, except for B; however, the absence of Ca was the most limiting for plant growth. Interestingly, the root Fe content significantly increased in Mg-, P- and S-deficient plants. Yet, Fe-deficient plants displayed a significant increase in Cu and Mn content, regardless of plant organ. Our data clearly demonstrate that the Ca is the most important nutrient for V. unguiculata growth, followed by N and Fe. The accumulation and partition of Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn in cowpea vary differentially in root, stem and leaf as affected by nutritional deficiency.