bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phenotypic Data from Inbred Parents Can Improve Genomic Prediction in Pearl Millet Hybrids
Authors: Liang Zhikai , Gupta Shashi K , Yeh Cheng-Ting , Zhang Yang , Ngu Daniel W , Kumar Ramesh , Patil Hemant T , Mungra Kanulal D , Yadav Dev Vart , Rathore Abhishek , Srivastava Rakesh K , Gupta Rajeev , Yang Jinliang , Varshney Rajeev K , Schnable Patrick S , Schnable James C 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Pearl millet is a non-model grain and fodder crop adapted to extremely hot and dry environments globally. In India, a great deal of public and private sectors’ investment has focused on developing pearl millet single cross hybrids based on the cytoplasmic-genetic male sterility (CMS) system, while in Africa most pearl millet production relies on open pollinated varieties. Pearl millet lines were phenotyped for both the inbred parents and hybrids stage. Many breeding efforts focus on phenotypic selection of inbred parents to generate improved parental lines and hybrids. This study evaluated two genotyping techniques and four genomic selection schemes in pearl millet. Despite the fact that 6× more sequencing data were generated per sample for RAD-seq than for tGBS, tGBS yielded more than 2× as many informative SNPs (defined as those having MAF &gt; 0.05) than RAD-seq. A genomic prediction scheme utilizing only data from hybrids generated prediction accuracies (median) ranging from 0.73-0.74 (1000-grain weight), 0.87-0.89 (days to flowering time), 0.48-0.51 (grain yield) and 0.72-0.73 (plant height). For traits with little to no heterosis, hybrid only and hybrid/inbred prediction schemes performed almost equivalently. For traits with significant mid-parent heterosis, the direct inclusion of phenotypic data from inbred lines significantly (P &lt; 0.05) reduced prediction accuracy when all lines were analyzed together. However, when inbreds and hybrid trait values were both scored relative to the mean trait values for the respective populations, the inclusion of inbred phenotypic datasets moderately improved genomic predictions of the hybrid genomic estimated breeding values. Here we show that modern approaches to genotyping by sequencing can enable genomic selection in pearl millet. While historical pearl millet breeding records include a wealth of phenotypic data from inbred lines, we demonstrate that the naive incorporation of this data into a hybrid breeding program can reduce prediction accuracy, while controlling for the effects of heterosis per se allowed inbred genotype and trait data to improve the accuracy of genomic estimated breeding values for pearl millet hybrids.
EL FILIBUSTERISMO EN LOS MENSAJES AL CONGRESO DE LOS PRESIDENTES DE LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS Y LA LEY DE NEUTRALIDAD 1848-1860
Authors: Fallas Santana Carmen María 
Published: May 2018

En este artículo se analiza el abordaje del filibusterismo en los mensajes al Congreso de los presidentes de Estados Unidos en el periodo comprendido entre el fin de la guerra con México y el inicio de la Guerra Civil. Argumenta que todas las administraciones declararon su compromiso de suprimir el filibusterismo porque era perjudicial para los intereses comerciales, políticos y económicos, la seguridad nacional y las relaciones exteriores. Señala que el rechazo de las peticiones de los gobiernos de Nicaragua y Costa Rica para que se impidiera la organización y salida de las expediciones filibusteras de William Walker sembró dudas sobre el compromiso del gobierno de Estados Unidos de aplicar la Ley de Neutralidad de 1818 que las prohibía.
SPATIAL PLANNING AND PRACTICE IN LATVIA
Authors: Ezmale Sandra 
Published: May 2018

The current system of territorial planning in Latvia has been formed after regaining its independence in 1991. The European Union has had a great impact on the development of the concept and practice of spatial planning throughout the entire Europe and in each of the Member States, including Latvia. The common planning activities and initiatives at the European level had influenced planning practice in all the Member States. The aim of the research is to describe the development of the spatial planning system, as well as the features of planning practice in Latvia in the context of spatial planning activities at the European Union level. During the research, the author describes the development of the spatial planning concept, the typology and system of spatial planning in the European Union. Additionally, the author characterises the development of the legal framework for and practice in the spatial planning system of Latvia, as well as identifies the features of the Latvian spatial planning system and practice in the context of spatial planning activities at the European Union level. Research methods – content analysis, deductive and inductive methods, theoretical analysis of scientific literature, EU and Latvian legislation analysis, comparative analysis, etc.
INFLUENCE OF COMPLEX PHYSIOTHERAPY ON THE FUNCTIONAL CONDITION OF THE SPINE IN OLDER PEOPLE
Authors: Sarzyńska-Długosz Iwona , Jagieła Magdalena , Pilis Karol , Ptaszkowska Lucyna , Pilis Wiesław , Stec Krzysztof 
Published: May 2018

The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of 21-days comprehensive physiotherapy program on the functional condition of the spine and severity of pain in older people. To achieve this goal, physiotherapeutic procedures were performed on 100 elderly patients suffering from spinal disorders. The comprehensive therapy program consisted of: general improvement exercises, individual exercises with a physiotherapist, exercises in water and physical therapy treatments such as: TENS currents, galvanic current, iontophoresis, laser stimulation, magnetic field on the lumbar spine and hydro massage or mud compresses. Prior and post the therapy program: the Schober’s test - 1 (forward flexion), Schober’s test - 2 (extension), Ott’s test, fingertip-to-floor (FTF) test, pain Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the modified Oswestry low back pain questionnaire were evaluated. Statistically significant improvement (p0.001) in all tested parameters was shown at the end of therapy program. Age, height, body weight and body mass index (BMI) has no impact on results before and after the physiotherapy program in respective tests. In conclusion, the conducted study has shown the effectiveness of applied comprehensive physiotherapy program on the functional condition of the spine and improvement of the quality of life of the treated patients, regardless of their somatic conditions.
STUDENT EMPLOYABILITY AND COMMUNICATION DURING THE JOB RECRUITMENT PROCESS: THE OPINIONS OF STUDENTS AND EMPLOYERS
Authors: Šmitiņa Agita 
Published: May 2018

The Career Centre of the University of Latvia undertook a comprehensive study regarding the issues of student employability and mutual communication with employers during the recruitment process. The study was conducted in two parts – 923 students from various higher education institutions in Latvia were surveyed during May-June 2015. The survey was used to inquire the current employment situation of the students of various study disciplines, determine the most popular types and choices of students in search for jobs and traineeship places, study the communication of the employers and given feedback to job seekers. The survey results outline the problems in mutual communication between the employers and employees and giving and receiving of feedback, as well as an explanation of the reasons for refusal of the job. In continuation of the study 84 employers were surveyed in spring 2017 regarding the experience of their company/institution in regard to employment of students, as well as communication with students as job seekers in the recruitment process. The outcome of the study show that employers are seeking students for a job position through job advertisement portals, but they try to recruit them also through social networks; in general they rate students as convincing during interviews, but also having excessive ambitions, expectations and not always an adequate appraisal of their own skills. The employers explain the problems noted by the students in regard to the employer communication during recruitment by being too busy, lack of time and a high number of applications per competition.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL SKILLS OF YOUNG PEOPLE LIVING IN COMMUNITY CARE HOMES
Authors: Raudeliunaite Rita , Gudžinskienė Vida 
Published: May 2018

The purpose of the article is to reveal the need for the social skills of young people living in community care homes based on the experience of young people. Problematic study questions: What social skills, which are important to a person‘s independent living, do the adolescents lack? How do opportunities to develop social skills change while living in the community care homes? Eight young people aged 17-18 years old from three community care homes, which are in different parts of Lithuania, participated in the study. The study revealed that young people lack communication skills: they have difficulty establishing and maintaining contact, communicating politely, being empathetic (careful, attentive and understanding to others), addressing emerging issues and conflicts constructively. The study found out that young people lack intrapersonal skills: self-control, responsibility, and self-confidence. Young people lack activity organisation skills: activity planning and activity realisation skills. The study reveals that, while living in community child care homes, opportunities to develop social skills change in a positive way. In everyday practical activities, more opportunities to solve problems and plan and organise various activities occur. By communicating and cooperating in the family environment, young people acquire more empathy, building rapport and maintaining it, polite communication and conflict resolution skills. A family atmosphere and close and positive mutual relationships, which are built in the community child care homes, contribute to the strengthening of self-confidence and trust in others.
COMPARISON OF LATVIAN QUALIFIED BASKETBALL AND HANDBALL PLAYERS PERFORMANCE
Authors: Pontaga Inese , Zidens Janis 
Published: May 2018

The aim of our investigation was to compare qualified basketball and handball players’ anthropometric and performance (aerobic and anaerobic endurance, explosive power) characteristics. Male handball and basketball players from Premium league teams voluntary participated. The aerobic endurance was measured on a treadmill, the intensity of running increased step by step, the test was performed to exhaustion. The oxygen uptake, heart rate and running speed were measured. The lactate concentration was detected in periphery blood samples by special strips in the end of every load step and after the test. Maximal vertical jump heights of the counter-movement jump with hands on the hips and the free jump with motions of arms were measured on a special device. The height of basketball players is higher in comparison with handball players (p=0.002), but the body weight and body mass index did not differed significantly (p0.05). The aerobic endurance characteristics (heart rate and oxygen uptake at the anaerobic threshold load intensity, and maximal oxygen uptake) were greater in basketball than in handball players (p0.04). The maximal lactate concentration in blood plasma two minutes after the test was higher in handball players than in basketball players (p=0.043). The vertical jump heights are the same in basketball and handball players (p0.05).
MANAGEMENT OF COMPETENCE DEVELOPMENT OF THE HIGHER-EDUCATION TEACHING PERSONNEL
Authors: Barkalov Sergey , Kalinina Natalia , Nasonova Tatiana 
Published: May 2018

The urgency of the work is determined by the need to develop new approaches to the assessment process and to increase the level of competence of the teaching staff of the institution, which is the most important factor of its competitiveness. The object of the study is the management system of the teaching staff of the higher education institution. The subject of the study are the models and methods of managing the level of competence of the faculty.Research objective is to increase the level of competence of the higher-education teaching personnel.The methods of system analysis, mathematical programming, graph theory are used in the paper.
ACTUALITY OF TWINS UPBRINGING/SELF-UPBRINGING IN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY
Authors: Dumbrauska Anita 
Published: May 2018

In this research the culture history methodology approach has been used for the research of theoretical sources on upbringing/self-upbringing correlations. The objective and subjective factors influencing upbringing/self-upbringing characterizing the individual twins personality have been defined and given the analysis of the correlated components: temperament, attitudes, abilities, volition. The upbringing fosters self-upbringing, where volition and goal-directed action serve as the development opportunity for human abilities, while the twins individuality fostering techniques (undertaking of commitments, self-analysis, self-reporting, self-control, self-assessment) provide an opportunity to each child for self-upbringing, independent choice by herself/himself, autonomous action and the responsibility for the results of her/his own individual self-upbringing. The research drew the conclusions that development and enhancement of each twin's freedom, autonomy and responsibility is fostered by upbringing/ self-upbringing. By scientific literature research, each twin's individuality upbringing criteria (independent choice, autonomy and responsibility) were studied, thus, providing opportunity for further research of the twin's individuality upbringing dynamics in practice.
IDENTITY OF PROFESSIONAL GROUPS PROVIDING PSYCHOLOGICAL HELP: A LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: Purvlice Baiba , Mārtinsone Kristīne , Pipere Anita , Bortaščenoks Rolands 
Published: May 2018

Providing high quality mental health services is one of the key objectives for national governments declared by WHO, where professional groups providing psychological help play an important role. Confusion among the professional groups in the field poses difficulties both for the professionals and service users. The paper aims to review the studies focused on the identity of professional groups providig psychological help with a special emphasis on used methodological approaches. In the first section of the paper concepts used in the relevant studies are discussed, proposing collective professional identity as the most appropriate theoretical idea to ground the future research in the given field. The second section of this paper analyses the methodological approaches applied in mentioned studies. Collective identity of professionals is conceived by the sholars in given field as a multidimensional concept which is studied both quantitatively and qualitatively. Thus far quantitative research methods are more common, but benefits of qualitative research in the future are also stressed. The results of literature review will serve as the theoretical background for studying professional groups providing psychological help in Latvia.
DESIGN THINKING IN THE CONTEXT OF PEDAGOGY
Authors: Krumina Aira Aija 
Published: May 2018

The concept of “design thinking” is thought to originate at late 60’s of the last century when the first books in this regard were published. Latest in 1987, Professor P. G. Rowe, (University of Harvard) describes design thinking as a process and a method which can be used in various disciplines, including in education. Thus the field of design and architecture began; nowadays design thinking has become an effective learning strategy. The method is based on not declining anything right off the bat but rather go in-depth, test, analyze, look at things multiple (at least two) times and look at them from different angles. It is believed that each of us has design thinking, we only need to activate it, “set it free”, and the faster we do it, the better; that is exactly why design thinking should be started at an early age, during school years, not only when in college or university.Design thinking as a thought process is one of the future skills which will be needed in 21st century’s wide variety of fields – design, economics, construction, architecture, engineering, technology and, of course, in education. Different sources of literature point out a different number of designs thinking stage (thinking “steps”) count: from three to seven or eight that can be represented both as a linear process and as a single complex system in which interconnection of stages/ steps is seen. In the study course of pedagogy students of different study programs and study courses (physiotherapists, audiologists, orthotics-prosthetists, nutrition specialists, social workers) tested and evaluated some of the basic principles of design thinking, such as empathy, creativity, collaboration, responsibility and interdisciplinary approach. Also students adapted and improved pedagogical strategies for developing design thinking in the practice. Those strategies were: generation ideas, designing and presentation of possible solutions, solving problems, creation prototypes, drawing empathy maps. The first results of approbated design thinking principles and methods are analyzed in this article.
EVALUATION OF GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE PLANNING METHODS
Authors: Žubule Ērika 
Published: May 2018

The topicality of the research problem is justified by the fact that each country's sustainable development is affected by the government's policies. One of its main components is a fiscal or budgetary policy. Traditionally, it is defined as the money required for making a revenue and expenditure policy that is needed to ensure the government’s functioning, but the economic interpretation says it is the economy regulation system through taxes and government spending.In the finance theory and practice, great attention is paid to the part of expenses, saying that the most efficient budget reforms are possible in the area of government expenses. It is emphasized that the diminishing of state expenses is possible already in the process of budget planning by increasing the reliability of users of budget funds. The state`s finance practice offers several models reflecting problems in the sphere of planning budget expenses. The aim of the research – to evaluate methods of planning government budget expenses used in the state`s finance practice and identify the figures of their efficiency, their problems and suggesting possible solutions.
PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF MORAL DEVELOPMENT: HISTORY AND RECENT STUDIES
Authors: Trups-Kalne Ingrīda 
Published: May 2018

The aim of the study is to analyse psychological aspects of moral development by assessing studies on cognitive rational theory, as well as to learn about the most recent studies on the socially intuitive and evolutionary paradigm of morality. The study analyses the views of Piaget, Kohlberg, Lind, Shweder, Haidt, Joseph, Hamlin, Wynn, Bloom and others on cultural differences of the content of morality, process and mechanisms of moral development, as well as endogenous and environmental factors affecting development. The study led to conclusion that general understanding about morality is innate to a human being and that morality is the core of personality, which helps people to work and live together in a community.
Composition of endometrial microbiota and chronic endometritis severity in patients with in vitro fertilization failures. Is there any connection?
Authors: Tsypurdeeva Natalia D. , Shipitsyna Elena V. , Savicheva Alevtina M. , Gzgzyan Alexander M. , Kogan Igor Yu. 
Published: May 2018

Background. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), including chronic endometritis (CE), is a factor leading to endometrial receptivity disorder and in vitro fertilization (IVF) failures. The role of microorganisms in colonizing the endometrium, the pathogenesis of chronic inflammation, and associated infertility require further study.
Aims: To determine the taxonomic profile of the endometrial microbiota in different grades of CE in patients with a history of IVF failure.
Materials and methods. This study included 107 patients with ≥ 1 IVF failures. Depending on the severity of CE, and according to the morphological analysis of endometrial biopsy, the patients were categorized into three groups: group I (n = 14), patients without signs of CE; group II (n= 20); patients with signs of mild CE; and group III (n = 73),patients with signs of moderate and severe CE. All the patients underwent Pipelle biopsy of the endometrium according to our modified technique on days 18–23 of the menstrual cycle. Species and quantitative composition of the endometrial microbiota were investigated using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Results. Compared to groups II and III, Lactobacillus spp. (50% and 46.6% versus 85.7%) and Eubacterium spp. (25% and 35.6% versus 78.6%) were detected significantly more frequently in the endometrial microflora of group I patients, respectively. Simultaneously, significantly more bacteria of the families Enterobacteriaceae (50% and 64.4% versus 35.7%, respectively) and Streptococcus spp. (55% and 56.2% versus 7.1%, respectively) were found in the patients of groups II and III compared to group I. The abundance of lactobacilli and Eubacterium spp. have also been shown to be significantly higher in the endometrial samples of women in group I than in those of the women in groups II and III, whereas the abundance of enterobacteria and streptococci are significantly higher in women with CE than in women without CE.
Conclusions. In patients without signs of CE, Lactobacillus spp. and Eubacterium spp. prevail in the endometrial microbiota. Chronic inflammation in the endometrium is associated with an increase in the frequency and abundance of Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp., and bacteria of the family Enterobacteriaceae.
Using the Urban Advantage to Achieve the Greatest Good
Authors: Golich Vicki 
Published: May 2018

Members of the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities (CUMU) recognized nearly thirty years ago that institutions of higher education (IHEs) located in urban and metropolitan cities faced a unique set of challenges – but also shared exceptional opportunities – for developing and deploying the vast intellectual capital residing within their halls. They joined forces to share ideas and practices that would, among other things, integrate their colleges and universities more seamlessly and usefully with their surrounding communities. Over time, CUMU members realized they should play an important role as anchor institutions in their communities: “local economic engines and mission-driven organizations inextricably linked to the long-term well-being of their local communities…” (Democracy Collaborative, 2018).
CUMU’s 23rd Annual Conference was held in Denver, Colorado in October 2017 with a focus on “The Urban Advantage” (CUMU, 2017). Presentations and conversations explored 21st century challenges created by states decreasing their funding to public higher education and by gentrification of the neighborhoods surrounding CUMU IHEs. They stressed unique learning opportunities for students and faculty studying and working at urban colleges and universities: clearly, an urban setting provides more occasions for students to engage in internships, service learning, volunteering, community-based research, and other pedagogies now known to improve student persistence through to graduation and alumni chances to pursue the careers or post-baccalaureate programs of their choice (AAC&U, n.d.). Scholars and activists called for urban IHEs to consider how they might engage with their surrounding communities more effectively to solve problems, improve the local economy, and educate a professional 21st century-relevant workforce. Finally, they underscored the imperative that metropolitan colleges and universities stay true to their mission of providing the public good of education to achieve social justice, graduate civically engaged alumni, and to be both in and of the community.