bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Highly Developed Naturalist and Spatial Intelligences Influence Students’ Confidence in Performing Science Laboratory Work
Authors: DIEL BONIMAR ANGELIE , ACLEDAN MICHELLE 
Published: January 2017

The science laboratory work remains central to any science curriculum, be it indoor or outdoor in location. Of urgent importance for the successful formation of scientific habits of the mind and scientific investigative skills are the multiple intelligences and attitudes students bring to the laboratory. The current model of intelligence popular among science educators is the Multiple Intelligences Theory by Howard Gardner which articulates nine forms that are evident among learners. The naturalistic and spatial intelligences are the main focus of investigation since professional scientists are found to rely heavily on their spatial and naturalistic abilities when coming up with their discoveries. This study therefore investigated the science intelligences of 171 freshmen students in a university that offers academic programs under the health sciences. Notably, majority of the course experience in any health science program is replete with laboratory work. The spatial and naturalistic intelligences of the health sciences students are therefore examined specifically in its relationship to their confidence in performing laboratory activities. Findings suggest that students with highly developed naturalist and spatial intelligences are more confident when performing their laboratory activities.Keywords: Science education, spatial and natural intelligences, confidence, laboratory work, descriptive correlation, Davao City, Philippines
Why is it difficult to teach Chinese at a virtual classroom? – A pedagogic view
Authors: YAN JIA , SONG WILLIAM W. 
Published: January 2017

Nowadays, more and more courses are made available online to increase flexibility in learning time, easy accessibility for students, and richness in usable learning materials. However, many problems occur in Chinese as Second Language (CSL) teaching activity at virtual classroom compared with traditional classroom. For example, it is hard to notice whether a student is present at the classroom or not or it is difficult for students to clearly observe in what exact sequence a Chinese character is written. Through comparison of the CSL learning cases between online classroom and traditional classroom, we intend to identify the web-based teaching and learning problems in teaching Chinese characters from the perspective of pedagogy, and propose a possible solution to the problem. With a case study of teaching the Chinese characters at virtual classroom and a comparative study among online courses, virtual classroom and campus classroom education, we present an initial data analysis of an IT-based method tackling the problems with the proposed solutions.Keywords: Chinese teaching and pedagogy, virtual classroom and online courses for teaching Chinese, descriptive design, Sweden
Acculturation of Physical Education Teachers and their Interest in Teaching Selected Philippine Folk Dances in the Tertiary Level: Basis for a Forum on Cultural Dances
Authors: BABIERA II RENE M. 
Published: January 2017

Folk dance as an academic program has received less attention and interestdue to the rise of globalization that in turn makes culture adopt modernbehaviors. It is very evident with how people react and prefer modern, pop, andhip hop dances. This study was conducted to find out the acculturation andinterest of the Physical Education teachers towards teaching folk dances in theTertiary Schools, in Davao City. Using descriptive correlation method, adoptedsurvey questionnaire with mean, t-test and Pearson r as data analysis tools, itwas found out that there was a significant relationship between the acculturationand interest level of the P.E. teachers in teaching folk dance. The findings ofthe study confirm the theory of Leal (2011) which states that acculturationcan be considered as one significant factor affecting a person’s ability to impartculture through experiences and moreover of interest in the preservation of itsown culture to be able to recognize his national identity. To have an in depthacquisition of knowledge about folk dance, it is recommended that the teachersshould update themselves with issues and concerns about Philippine folk dances in order to Gin opportunities to develop their skill especially in imparting theirown cultural heritage - folk dances.Keywords: Physical education, acculturation, folk dances, cultural dances, correlation,Philippines
Work, Sports and Leisure Activities of Faculty: Basis for the Physical Fitness Program
Authors: GELACIO GELSA S. 
Published: January 2017

Physical fitness is the ability to carry out daily tasks with vigor, alertness andwithout undue fatigue to enjoy leisure time pursuits and to meet unforeseenemergencies. Thus, any improvement in an individual’s fitness improves his or her health and well-being. This study evaluated physical fitness activities, which findings could be used as basis in designing a physical fitness program for the facultyof the University of Southern Mindanao. The study utilized the descriptive surveymethod. To determine the physical fitness activity indices of the faculty members,a questionnaire was used. T-test was used to compare the physical fitness activityindices of USM faculty members considering their sex, age, and designation. Thefindings of the study reveal a highly significant difference in sports and leisureactivity indices between male and female respondents. A significant difference inthe physical fitness activity indices considering the respondents’ designation wasalso found. The finding implies that the respondents with and without designations have the same measure of physical activity and leisure index.Keywords: Physical fitness, faculty members, work activity, sports activity, leisure activity, descriptive-comparative design, Philippines
Promotion of Cultural Competence in Relation to Affective Commitment of the Faculty in Tertiary Schools in Davao Region, Philippines
Authors: PORALAN PORFERIA S. 
Published: January 2017

eachers’ commitment is identified as one of the most critical factors in the success and future of education. Meanwhile, evidences presented at the UNESCO International Conference on Education in 1996 showed that deterioration ofthe working conditions of teachers caused demoralization, abandonment of theprofession, absenteeism, and negative impact on the quality of education. Todetermine the relationship between levels of promotion of cultural competenceand affective commitment of faculty of tertiary schools in Davao Region wasthe primary objective of this study, which used the descriptive-correlationalmethod with mean and Pearson r coefficient as statistical tools. The study revealsthat there is a high level of promotion of cultural competence in the area ofcurriculum, faculty, and student services program, research and development, andcommunity extension program. Activities promoting cultural competence werehighly observed in the tertiary schools in Davao Region. It was also found thatthe level of affective commitment of the faculty was high in terms of perceivedorganizational support, organizational commitment, organizational rewards,procedural justice, and direct supervisor’s support.Keywords: Educational leadership, cultural competence, affective commitment, faculty,descriptive-correlational design, Philippines
Potential Yield and Climate Change Sensitivity of Groundnut in Cagayan Valley Using Simulation Models
Authors: BARBOZA OSCAR L. , BALDERAMA ORLANDO , ALEJANDRO LANIE 
Published: January 2017

This study aimed to determine yield and production constraints of peanut inCagayan Valley using Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer; analyze yieldgaps between simulated and actual yield, and provide decision support to optimizeproduction. Simulation results using CSM-CROPGRO sub-model of DSSAT showed thathighest potential yield is 2,267 kgs. / Hectare when planted in October 15 under rainfedcondition. Under non-stressed conditions in the dry season, the potential yield is 4,805 kgs./hectare planted in December 15. From 10 years of yield data, gap between farmer’s yieldcompared with rainfed potential ranges from 153 to 2,116 kgs./ hectare. Low rates ofnitrogen application and pests and diseases were the factors causing yield gaps. The DSSATprogram also captured the effect of prolonged drought in the last quarter of 2009 whichresulted to underestimated yield, and the effect of warm weather in 2004 which showedlowering of potential yield by 50%. Regional analysis of peanut yields showed that centraleastern part is more productive for rainfed conditions during the dry season; whereassouthern part including Quirino and Ifugao is more suitable to producing peanut during thewet season due to cooler temperature.Keywords: Agriculture, groundnut, potential and actual yield, simulation, climate change,Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer, Philippines
Seismic azimuthal anisotropy beneath the eastern United States and its geodynamic implications
Authors: Yang Bin B. , Liu Yunhua , Dahm Haider , Liu Kelly H. , Gao Stephen S. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractSystematic spatial variations of anisotropic characteristics are revealed beneath the eastern U.S. using seismic data recorded between 1988 and 2016 by 785 stations. The resulting fast polarization orientations of the 5613 measurements are generally subparallel to the absolute plate motion (APM) and are inconsistent with the strike of major tectonic features. This inconsistency, together with the results of depth estimation using the spatial coherency of the splitting parameters, suggests a mostly asthenospheric origin of the observed azimuthal anisotropy. The observations can be explained by a combined effect of APM‐induced mantle fabric and a flow system deflected horizontally around the edges of the keel of the North American continent. Beneath the southern and northeastern portions of the study area, the E‐W keel‐deflected flow enhances APM‐induced fabric and produces mostly E‐W fast orientations with large splitting times, while beneath the southeastern U.S., anisotropy from the N‐S oriented flow is weakened by the APM.
Disulfide Bonds
Authors: Morgan Bruce , Herrmann Johannes 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

A disulfide bond is a covalent bond between two sulfur atoms. Disulfide bonds are prevalent in biology and found in a range of biological molecules, for example between the sulfur atoms of protein cysteine residues. Protein disulfide bonds can fulfil a wide range of functions including promoting protein stability and regulating protein activity or function. Dedicated disulfide generating and transferring machineries that promote the introduction of disulfide bonds during oxidative protein folding can be found in the endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondrial intermembrane space and bacterial periplasm. Regulatory disulfide bonds are formed by different pathways to the structural disulfides. For example, hydrogen peroxide (H
2
O
2
) may regulate protein activity by inducing the formation of disulfide bonds. In a few cases, H
2
O
2
may directly oxidise cysteine residues, but evidence is accumulating that thiol peroxidases may first react with H
2
O
2
and subsequently transfer their disulfide to specific target proteins.

Key Concepts

Disulfide bonds have multiple functions in proteins including instability and regulation of protein activity.

Dedicated machineries to generate and transfer disulfide bonds to newly folding proteins are found in the endoplasmic reticulum, the mitochondrial intermembrane space and the bacterial periplasm.

Cysteine residues in some proteins can react with H
2
O
2
leading to the formation of a disulfide bond that can regulate protein activity.

Proteins that react efficiently with H
2
O
2
harbour specific mechanisms to increase the reaction efficiency.

Thiol peroxidases can react extremely sensitively with H
2
O
2
leading to the formation of a disulfide bond.

Thiol peroxidases can transfer their disulfide bond to specific target proteins. These peroxidase‐based redox relays may represent an important mechanism of H
2
O
2
‐mediated protein oxidation.
Eusociality and Cooperation
Authors: Keller Laurent , Chapuisat Michel 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAnts, termites and many species of bees and wasps form tightly integrated social groups in which permanently nonreproducing workers help rear the offspring of a few fertile individuals, the queens and males. Such societies with marked reproductive division of labour are called eusocial. The evolution of eusociality puzzled Darwin: How could workers pass on their characteristics to the next generation if they did not reproduce? Kin selection, the indirect transmission of genes through relatives, is the key process explaining the evolution and maintenance of permanently nonreproducing workers. Overall, eusociality evolved in life‐long associations of monogamous parents and offspring, which jointly exploit and defend common resources. Robust and efficient division of labour contributes to the great ecological success of eusocial species. Yet, despite high levels of integration, conflicts among individuals are still common in eusocial groups, and several sophisticated mechanisms have evolved to maintain social cohesion.Key ConceptsEusociality is characterised by reproductive division of labour, cooperative brood care and overlap of generations.The hallmark of eusociality is the presence of a caste that is permanently committed to a nonreproductive helper role.Eusociality confers great ecological success, but has a scattered taxonomic distribution.Kin selection is the key process explaining the evolution of permanently nonreproducing helpers.Eusociality evolved in groups of highly related individuals, typically comprising the offspring of a monogamous pair.Eusociality is linked with division of labour, which is sometimes associated with morphological castes.The allocation of workers to tasks is a self‐organising process that occurs without central control and emerges from local interactions.In social insects, division of labour is remarkably robust and flexible to cope with unpredictable changes in the environment.Individuals in animal societies are not clones; they have partially divergent genetic interests, which can lead to various forms of conflicts.Some types of conflicts are controlled by social means such as bribing, coercion or punishment.
Receptors and Human Nervous System Disorders
Authors: Knoflach Frédéric , Bertrand Daniel 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

Neurons, building blocks of the mammalian nervous system, mainly communicate with each other through synapses in which signal transmission is mediated by neurotransmitters released from the presynaptic neuron and sensed by the postsynaptic neuron. These endogenous chemicals released from the nerve terminal diffuse through the very narrow extracellular space between the neurons and bind to specific membrane proteins called receptors, thereby mediating signal propagation. Receptors are divided into two large families comprising those causing the activation of second messengers and those including an ionic pore which opens upon neurotransmitter binding and which controls flow of ions across the cell membrane. Also called ligand‐gated ion channels (LGIC), they mediate fast neurotransmission essential for the complex signal processing in the central nervous system. Reliable transmission of signals between neurons is highly dependent on accurate functioning of LGICs. Genetically transmissible nervous system disorders can be caused by mutations in genes coding for LGICs, resulting in dramatically altered neurotransmission.

Key Concepts

In this work we review the determinant role of ligand gated ion channels in brain function and the alterations related to genetic variants.
Psychiatric Disorders: The Search for Genes
Authors: McMahon Francis J 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

Psychiatric disorders are common illnesses whose core features include disturbances of mood, perception, cognition and behaviour that cause distress or interfere with daily functioning. Genes contribute substantially to risk, but multiple genes and environmental factors are involved, leading to complex patterns of inheritance. Many genes and genetic markers have already been identified that contribute to schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and autism, but each individual gene plays a small role and much of the inherited risk for these disorders remains unexplained. Most of the identified genetic risk factors are common and each one has a small impact. Some rare genetic variants have also been discovered that have a larger impact on risk, especially for schizophrenia or autism. Ongoing studies are beginning to uncover how multiple genetic risk factors act together in the development of psychiatric disorders, but much more remains to be learned before we can use genetic discoveries to develop better methods of diagnosis and treatment.

Key Concepts

Most psychiatric disorders are strongly influenced by genes.

Genome‐wide association studies have identified numerous common genetic markers associated with major psychiatric disorders.

Each common allele confers little risk, but many add together to confer susceptibility to psychiatric illness.

Rare copy number variants, which influence the dosage of many genes, confer substantial risk for schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disability.

Rare, gene‐damaging point mutations, most of which arise
de novo
, can also confer substantial risk for schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disability.

The ultimate goal of gene identification for mental illness is to develop better methods of diagnosis and treatment.
Inherited Neuromuscular Disease
Authors: Kichula Elizabeth A , Ferguson Toby A , Lynch David R 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

Inherited neuromuscular disease encompasses a broad array of diseases afflicting people at all stages of life. The main categories of inherited neuromuscular disease are diseases of peripheral nerve (neuropathy), neuromuscular junction (myasthenia), diseases of muscle (myopathy and dystrophy) and diseases of spinal cord motor neurons (motor neuron disease). The number of genes underlying such disorders has expanded greatly in the past 10 years. The discovery of such genes has allowed development of specific therapeutic approaches based on genetic diagnosis, as well as the ability to tackle pathways involved in multiple disorders. It has also complicated diagnosis, with mutations in single genes causing multiple clinical phenotypes. Research is starting to have concrete benefits, with treatments beginning to emerge from basic science research with the hope that many more will show efficacy over the next decade.

Key Concepts

Expanded genetic testing has led to the identification of dozens of new genes implicated in neuromuscular disorders.

Single genes can cause a wide spectrum of neuromuscular disease, and multiple genes can cause very similar clinical phenotypes.

Identification of pathways involved in neuromuscular disease may allow for therapies that are not specific to a single gene or mutation.

Pathways involved in inherited neuromuscular disorder are also involved in sporadic and acquired disease.

Gene‐specific therapy is being developed for multiple inherited neuromuscular disorders, including antisense oligonucleotides and gene therapy.
Nitric Oxide Signalling in Plants
Authors: Hancock John T , Wilson Helen R , Neill Steven J 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

Nitric oxide (NO) is a small simple molecule, but one which is instrumental in cell signalling in a range of organisms including plants. It is a gas, often found in the form of a radical. It is produced in cells in an orchestrated manner, usually by dedicated enzymes and often following stress. It leads to numerous responses. In plants it is involved in seed germination, seedling development, stomatal responses, senescence and protection against pathogens, so is an instrumental signalling molecule used throughout the life of the plant. Responses to NO may involve the generation of other signalling molecules such as cGMP or the covalent modification of proteins in a process known as S‐nitrosation. However, it should be noted that NO signalling will not be isolated in the cell and NO will impinge on other signalling pathways, such as those involving reactive oxygen species. Therefore, NO should be considered as part of a suite of signalling components which enable plants to thrive and survive.

Key Concepts

NO, along with reactive oxygen species (ROS), is produced by plants during normal growth and development and its production is often increased as part of stress responses.

NO is involved in a range of plant processes including pollen recognition and germination, seed germination, senescence, pathogen attack, gravitropism and stomatal responses.

NO can be generated enzymatically or nonenzymatically in cells.

Nitrate reductase is a key enzyme which generates NO.

NO may lead to increases in cGMP levels in cells.

NO, or downstream products, may lead to modification of proteins and hence their activities.

Removal of NO is important for signalling.

The signalling involving NO will affect, and be affected by, other signalling pathways including those involving reactive oxygen species and hydrogen sulfide.
Environmental Stochasticity
Authors: Fujiwara Masami , Takada Takenori 
Published: January 2017

AbstractEnvironmental stochasticity refers to unpredictable spatiotemporal fluctuation in environmental conditions. The term is often used in the literature on ecology and evolution. Unpredictability is defined as an inability to predict the future state precisely such that only its distribution can be known. The environment is typically defined as any set of abiotic (e.g. temperature and nutrient availability) and biotic (e.g. predator, competitor and food) conditions that organisms experience. Environmental stochasticity influences how population abundance fluctuates and affects the fate (e.g. persistence or extinction) of populations. In an evolutionary timescale, environmental stochasticity also affects the life history strategy of organisms. Environmental stochasticity is included in population models using univariate difference equations, stochastic matrix population models, stochastic differential equations and partial differential equations. Ecological data are analysed to determine the effect of environmental stochasticity using methods such as spectral analysis, capture–recapture analysis, state‐space analysis, generalised linear models and multivariate statistical analyses.Key ConceptsEnvironmental stochasticity is unpredictable spatiotemporal fluctuations in environmental conditions.Observed population dynamics consist of fluctuation due to environmental stochasticity, but it is often confounded with other factors such as observational errors, deterministic fluctuation and demographic stochasticity.Environmental stochasticity is reflected in the fluctuations in ecological processes and affects their fate (e.g. extinction or persistence of populations).Environmental stochasticity plays an important role in the evolution of life history strategies of organisms by affecting their fitness.Stochastic discrete‐time models, stochastic matrix population models, stochastic differential equation models and partial differential equation models are the four basic population models that include environmental stochasticity.Spectral analysis, state‐space model analysis, capture–recapture analysis, generalised linear models and multivariate statistical analysis are commonly used for separating the effects of environmental stochasticity in data.