Secret Science: Exploring Cold War Greenland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harper, K.

2013-12-01

During the early Cold War - from the immediate postwar period through the 1960s - the United States military carried out extensive scientific studies and pursued technological developments in Greenland. With few exceptions, most of these were classified - sometimes because new scientific knowledge was born classified, but mostly because the reasons behind the scientific explorations were. Meteorological and climatological, ionospheric, glaciological, seismological, and geological studies were among the geophysical undertakings carried out by military and civilian scientists--some in collaboration with the Danish government, and some carried out without their knowledge. This poster will present some of the results of the Exploring Greenland Project that is coming to a conclusion at Denmark's Aarhus University.

Nonlinear vibration of an axially loaded beam carrying rigid bodies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barry, O.

2016-12-01

This paper investigates the nonlinear vibration due to mid-plane stretching of an axially loaded simply supported beam carrying multiple rigid masses. Explicit expressions and closed form solutions of both linear and nonlinear analysis of the present vibration problem are presented for the first time. The validity of the analytical model is demonstrated using finite element analysis and via comparison with the result in the literature. Parametric studies are conducted to examine how the nonlinear frequency and frequency response curve are affected by tension, rotational inertia, and number of intermediate rigid bodies.

Present and potential land use mapping in Mexico

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Garduno, H.; Lagos, R. G.; Simo, F. G.

1975-01-01

The Mexican Water Plan (MWP) conducted studies of present and potential land use in Mexico using LANDSAT-1 satellite imagery. Present land use studies were carried out all over the country (197 million hectares); nine soil uses were mapped according to the first classification level recommended by the U.S. Geological Survey. Also 6.3 million hectares of land with advanced erosion were detected. Work was executed at a rate of 8 million hectares per month; reliability was 90% and the cost of only 0.1 cents/hectare. The potential land use study was performed in 45 million hectares at a rate of 4 million hectares per month and at a cost of 0.33 cents/hectare. Soil units according to FAO classification were delineated scale 1:1 million; interpretative maps were also prepared dealing with potential agricultural productivity carrying capacity for cattle, water, erosion risk, and slope ranges.

Metabolism of /sup 90/Sr and other elements in man, April 1, 1976--March 31, 1977 (extended without additional funding to March 31, 1978) and renewal proposal, April 1, 1978--March 31, 1979

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Spencer, H.

1977-01-01

Trace element studies of cadmium, copper, zinc, lead, manganese, and nickel were carried out under strictly controlled dietary conditions in adult males during different calcium intakes. Complete metabolic balances of the trace elements listed above were determined in each 6-day metabolic period for several weeks by analyzing the constant diet and the urinary and fecal excretions of these naturally occurring elements, using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Strontium-90 metabolism studies in man were carried out in order to complete previously initiated investigations. Publications and presentations of papers derived from studies carried out during the current contract period are listed.

A Case Study of ESD Implementation: Signs of Sustainable Leadership

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Iliško, Dzintra; Badyanova, Yelena

2014-01-01

This article presents a case study of two schools that were identified as a result of UNESCO associated schools survey as cases of sustainable leadership and governance. The aim of the study is to present the two cases that were crystalized in the survey carried out at end of the United Nations' "Decade of Education for Sustainable…

Mars Sample Return Architecture Assessment Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Centuori, S.; Hermosín, P.; Martín, J.; De Zaiacomo, G.; Colin, S.; Godfrey, A.; Myles, J.; Johnson, H.; Sachdev, T.; Ahmed, R.

2018-04-01

Current paper presents the results of ESA funded activity "Mars Sample Return Architecture Assessment Study" carried-out by DEIMOS Space, Lockheed Martin UK Ampthill, and MDA Corporation, where more than 500 mission design options have been studied.

The Effect of Family Size on Spanish Simple and Complex Words

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lazaro, Miguel; Sainz, Javier S.

2012-01-01

This study presents the results of three experiments in which the Family Size (FS) effect is explored. The first experiment is carried out with no prime on simple words. The second and third experiments are carried out with morphological priming on complex words. In the first experiment a facilitatory effect of FS is observed: high FS targets…

Investigation on Wall Panel Sandwiched With Lightweight Concrete

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lakshmikandhan, K. N.; Harshavardhan, B. S.; Prabakar, J.; Saibabu, S.

2017-08-01

The rapid population growth and urbanization have made a massive demand for the shelter and construction materials. Masonry walls are the major component in the housing sector and it has brittle characteristics and exhibit poor performance against the uncertain loads. Further, the structure requires heavier sections for carrying the dead weight of masonry walls. The present investigations are carried out to develop a simple, lightweight and cost effective technology for replacing the existing wall systems. The lightweight concrete is developed for the construction of sandwich wall panel. The EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) beads of 3 mm diameter size are mixed with concrete and developed a lightweight concrete with a density 9 kN/m3. The lightweight sandwich panel is cast with a lightweight concrete inner core and ferrocement outer skins. This lightweight wall panel is tested for in-plane compression loading. A nonlinear finite element analysis with damaged plasticity model is carried out with both material and geometrical nonlinearities. The experimental and analytical results were compared. The finite element study predicted the ultimate load carrying capacity of the sandwich panel with reasonable accuracy. The present study showed that the lightweight concrete is well suitable for the lightweight sandwich wall panels.

The relationship between the carrying angle and the distal extent of the 2nd and 4th fingertips.

PubMed

Sönmez, M; Tattemur, Y; Karacan, K; Erdal, M

2012-08-01

The angle towards the lateral side between the arm and forearm when the forearm is in full extension and supination is defined as the carrying angle. It is well known that the 2nd finger is longer in women whereas the 4th finger is longer in men, due to in-utero hormonal effects. In the present study, the relationship between the carrying angle and the distal extent of the 2nd and 4th fingertips is studied. The findings reveal that the carrying angle was greater both in left and right sides in women than in men. In addition, while the distal extent of the 2nd fingertips was longer in women, the 4th fingertip was longer in men. There was a moderately positive correlation between the carrying angle and the distal fingertip lengths. Therefore, it could be suggested that the morphometric factors play role on the distal extent of the fingertips other than the hormonal effects.

Predator odor exposure increases food-carrying behavior in rats.

PubMed

Wernecke, Kerstin E A; Brüggemann, Judith; Fendt, Markus

2016-02-01

To cover their energy demands, prey animals are forced to search for food. However, during foraging they also expose themselves to the risk of becoming the prey of predators. Consequently, in order to increase their fitness foraging animals have to trade-off efficiency of foraging against the avoidance of predation risk. For example, the decision on whether a found food piece should be eaten at the food source or whether it should be carried to a protective site such as the nest (food-carrying behavior), is strongly dependent on different incentive factors (e.g., hunger level, food size, distance to the nest). It has been shown that food-carrying behavior increases the more risky the foraging situation becomes. Since predator odors are clearly fear-inducing in rats, we ask here whether the detection of predator odors in close proximity to the food source modulates food-carrying behavior. In the present study, the food-carrying behavior of rats for six different food pellet sizes was measured in a "low risk" and a "high risk" testing condition by presenting water or a fox urine sample, respectively, next to the food source. For both testing conditions, food-carrying behavior of rats increased with increasing food pellet weight. Importantly, the proportion of food-carrying rats was significantly higher during exposure to fox urine ("high risk") than when rats were tested with the water control ("low risk"). Taken together, these results demonstrate that food-carrying behavior of rats is increased by the detection of a predator odor. Our data also support the idea that such food-carrying behavior can be considered as a pre-encounter defensive response. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Towards Preserving the Immunogenicity of Protein Antigens Carried by Nanoparticles While Avoiding the Cold Chain

PubMed Central

Sloat, Brian R.; Sandoval, Michael A.; Cui, Zhengrong

2010-01-01

Nanoparticles are an attractive vaccine carrier with potent adjuvant activity. Data from our previous studies showed that immunization of mice with lecithin/glyceryl monostearate-based nanoparticles with protein antigens conjugated onto their surface induced a strong, quick, and long-lasting antigen-specific immune response. In the present study, we evaluated the feasibility of preserving the immunogenicity of protein antigens carried by nanoparticles without refrigeration using these antigen-conjugated nanoparticles as a model. The nanoparticles were lyophilized, and the immunogenicity of the antigens was evaluated in a mouse model using bovine serum albumin or the Bacillus anthracis protective antigen protein as model antigens. With proper excipients, the nanoparticles can be lyophilized while maintaining the immunogenicity of the antigens. Moreover, the immunogenicity of the model antigen conjugated onto the nanoparticles was undamaged after a relatively extended period of storage at room temperature or under accelerated conditions (37°C) when the nanoparticles were lyophilized with 5% mannitol plus 1% polyvinylpyrrolidone. To our knowledge, the present study represents an early attempt to preserve the immunogenicity of the protein antigens carried by nanoparticles without refrigeration. PMID:20416366

A pyrene formulation for fluorometric visualization of latent fingermarks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumari Sharma, Kirti; Harsha Kannikanti, Gavash; Ramachandra Rao Baggi, Tulsidas; Rao Vaidya, Jayathirtha

2018-07-01

Present work is conducted to demonstrate the use of pyrene for the development of latent fingermarks. Pyrene formulation with binders can be efficiently used for developing latent fingermarks on porous, non-porous and semi-porous surfaces. The effectiveness of pyrene formulation for the detection of latent fingermarks present on a large variety of objects was systematically and comparatively carried out. To optimize the working formulation, studies were carried out using different pyrene concentrations followed by various substrate study, time dependent study, temperature study, depleted fingermark development and the stability of the proposed formulation. When illuminated at 366 nm, the developed fingermarks showed clear, high contrast primary, secondary and tertiary level ridge details. This work reveals that the fluorescent molecules having high quantum yield are a versatile fluorescent label and can find their applications in forensic latent fingermark development.

["Soiuz-Apollo" experimental flight. Preliminary results of medicobiological studies, carried out during the flight of "Soiuz-19" spaceship].

PubMed

Vorob'ev, E I; Gazenko, O G; Gurovskiĭ, N N; Nefedov, Iu G; Egorov, B B

1976-01-01

The paper presents brief information on the Apollo-Soyuz test mission, its program biomedical investigations to be carried out in flight and specific medical aspects. It discusses the main tasks of the joint US-USSR experiments and Soviet experiments. It gives and analyzes preliminary results of medical monitoring and postflight examinations of the crew members.

M1 Mirror Print-Thru Investigation and Performance on the Thermo-Opto-Mechanical Testbed for the Space Interferometry Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Feria, V. Alfonso; Lam, Jonathan; Van Buren, Dave

2006-01-01

This paper presents the studies carried out to determine the source of the surface distortions on the M1 mirror as well as comparison and model validation during testing. This research was carried out at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, under a contract with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

New approach for determination of an optimum honeybee colony’s carrying capacity based on productivity and nectar secretion potential of bee forage species

PubMed Central

Al-Ghamdi, Ahmed; Adgaba, Nuru; Getachew, Awraris; Tadesse, Yilma

2014-01-01

The present study was carried out to determine an optimum honeybee colony’s carrying capacity of selected valleys dominated by Ziziphus spina-christi and Acacia tortilis in the Al-Baha region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study was conducted based on the assessment of the number of colonies kept, their productivities and the existing productive bee forage resources in the target valleys with its economic implication. In the existing beekeeping practice, the average number of managed honeybee colonies introduced per square kilometer was 530 and 317 during the flowering period of Z. spina-christi and A. tortilis, respectively. Furthermore, the overall ratios of productive bee forage plants to the number of honeybee colonies introduced were 0.55 and 11.12 to Ziziphus trees and A. tortilis shrubs respectively. In the existing situation the average honey production potential of 5.21 and 0.34 kg was recorded per Ziziphus and A. tortilis plants per flowering season, respectively. The present study, revealed that the number of honeybee colonies introduced in relation to the existing bee forage potential was extremely overcrowding which is beyond the carrying capacity of bee forage resources in selected valleys and it has been observed to affect the productivities and subsequent profitability of beekeeping. The study infers that, by keeping the optimum honeybee colony’s carrying capacity of valleys (88 traditional hives/km2 or 54 Langstroth hives/km2 in Ziziphus field and 72 traditional hives/km2 or 44 Langstroth hives/km2 in A. tortilis field), profitability of beekeeping can be boosted up to 130.39% and 207.98% during Z. spina-christi and A. tortilis, flowering seasons, respectively. PMID:26858544

New approach for determination of an optimum honeybee colony's carrying capacity based on productivity and nectar secretion potential of bee forage species.

PubMed

Al-Ghamdi, Ahmed; Adgaba, Nuru; Getachew, Awraris; Tadesse, Yilma

2016-01-01

The present study was carried out to determine an optimum honeybee colony's carrying capacity of selected valleys dominated by Ziziphus spina-christi and Acacia tortilis in the Al-Baha region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study was conducted based on the assessment of the number of colonies kept, their productivities and the existing productive bee forage resources in the target valleys with its economic implication. In the existing beekeeping practice, the average number of managed honeybee colonies introduced per square kilometer was 530 and 317 during the flowering period of Z. spina-christi and A. tortilis, respectively. Furthermore, the overall ratios of productive bee forage plants to the number of honeybee colonies introduced were 0.55 and 11.12 to Ziziphus trees and A. tortilis shrubs respectively. In the existing situation the average honey production potential of 5.21 and 0.34 kg was recorded per Ziziphus and A. tortilis plants per flowering season, respectively. The present study, revealed that the number of honeybee colonies introduced in relation to the existing bee forage potential was extremely overcrowding which is beyond the carrying capacity of bee forage resources in selected valleys and it has been observed to affect the productivities and subsequent profitability of beekeeping. The study infers that, by keeping the optimum honeybee colony's carrying capacity of valleys (88 traditional hives/km(2) or 54 Langstroth hives/km(2) in Ziziphus field and 72 traditional hives/km(2) or 44 Langstroth hives/km(2) in A. tortilis field), profitability of beekeeping can be boosted up to 130.39% and 207.98% during Z. spina-christi and A. tortilis, flowering seasons, respectively.

Synthesis and characterization of attosecond light vortices in the extreme ultraviolet

PubMed Central

Géneaux, R.; Camper, A.; Auguste, T.; Gobert, O.; Caillat, J.; Taïeb, R.; Ruchon, T.

2016-01-01

Infrared and visible light beams carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) are currently thoroughly studied for their extremely broad applicative prospects, among which are quantum information, micromachining and diagnostic tools. Here we extend these prospects, presenting a comprehensive study for the synthesis and full characterization of optical vortices carrying OAM in the extreme ultraviolet (XUV) domain. We confirm the upconversion rules of a femtosecond infrared helically phased beam into its high-order harmonics, showing that each harmonic order carries the total number of OAM units absorbed in the process up to very high orders (57). This allows us to synthesize and characterize helically shaped XUV trains of attosecond pulses. To demonstrate a typical use of these new XUV light beams, we show our ability to generate and control, through photoionization, attosecond electron beams carrying OAM. These breakthroughs pave the route for the study of a series of fundamental phenomena and the development of new ultrafast diagnosis tools using either photonic or electronic vortices. PMID:27573787

Synthesis and characterization of attosecond light vortices in the extreme ultraviolet

DOE PAGES

Géneaux, R.; Camper, A.; Auguste, T.; ...

2016-08-30

Infrared and visible light beams carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) are currently thoroughly studied for their extremely broad applicative prospects, among which are quantum information, micromachining and diagnostic tools. Here we extend these prospects, presenting a comprehensive study for the synthesis and full characterization of optical vortices carrying OAM in the extreme ultraviolet (XUV) domain. We confirm the upconversion rules of a femtosecond infrared helically phased beam into its high-order harmonics, showing that each harmonic order carries the total number of OAM units absorbed in the process up to very high orders (57). This allows us to synthesize and characterizemore » helically shaped XUV trains of attosecond pulses. To demonstrate a typical use of these new XUV light beams, we show our ability to generate and control, through photoionization, attosecond electron beams carrying OAM. Furthermore, these breakthroughs pave the route for the study of a series of fundamental phenomena and the development of new ultrafast diagnosis tools using either photonic or electronic vortices.« less

Powder XRD and dielectric studies of gel grown calcium pyrophosphate crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parekh, Bharat; Parikh, Ketan; Joshi, Mihir

2013-06-01

Formation of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystals in soft tissues such as cartilage, meniscus and synovial tissue leads to CPPD deposition diseases. The appearance of these crystals in the synovial fluid can give rise to an acute arthritic attack with pain and inflammation of the joints, a condition called pseudo-gout. The growth of CPP crystals has been carried out, in the present study, using the single diffusion gel growth technique, which can broadly mimic in vitro the condition in soft tissues. The crystals were characterized by different techniques. The FTIR study revealed the presence of various functional groups. Powder XRD study was also carried out to verify the crystal structure. The dielectric study was carried out at room temperature by applying field of different frequency from 500 Hz to 1 MHz. The dielectric constant, dielectric loss and a.c. resistivity decreased as frequency increased, whereas the a.c. conductivity increased as frequency increased.

Improvements of the particle-in-cell code EUTERPE for petascaling machines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sáez, Xavier; Soba, Alejandro; Sánchez, Edilberto; Kleiber, Ralf; Castejón, Francisco; Cela, José M.

2011-09-01

In the present work we report some performance measures and computational improvements recently carried out using the gyrokinetic code EUTERPE (Jost, 2000 [1] and Jost et al., 1999 [2]), which is based on the general particle-in-cell (PIC) method. The scalability of the code has been studied for up to sixty thousand processing elements and some steps towards a complete hybridization of the code were made. As a numerical example, non-linear simulations of Ion Temperature Gradient (ITG) instabilities have been carried out in screw-pinch geometry and the results are compared with earlier works. A parametric study of the influence of variables (step size of the time integrator, number of markers, grid size) on the quality of the simulation is presented.

Quality control and in vitro antioxidant potential of Coriandrum sativum Linn.

PubMed Central

Singh, Mhaveer; Tamboli, E. T.; Kamal, Y. T.; Ahmad, Wasim; Ansari, S. H.; Ahmad, Sayeed

2015-01-01

Background: Coriandrum sativum Linn., commonly known as coriander, is a well-known spice and drug in India. It has various health-related benefits and used in various Unani formulations. In this present study, quality assessment of coriander fruits was carried out by studying anatomical characters, physicochemical tests, and chemoprofiling using high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) along with in vitro antioxidant potential. Materials and Methods: Standardization was carried out as per the pharmacopeial guidelines. Estimation of heavy metals, pesticides, and aflatoxins was carried out to ascertain the presence of any contaminant in the sample. Chemoprofiling was achieved by thin layer chromatography (TLC) by optimizing the mobile phase for different extracts. The most of the pharmacological activities of coriander are based on volatile oil constituents. Hence, GC-MS profiling was also carried out using hexane-soluble fraction of hydro-alcoholic extract. The total phenolic contents and in vitro antioxidant efficacy were determined using previously established methods. Results: The quality control and anatomical studies were very valuable for the identification whereas good antioxidant potential was observed when compared to ascorbic acid. The drug was found free of contaminant when analyzed for pesticides and aflatoxins whereas heavy metals were found under reported limits. Conclusion: The work embodied in this present research can be utilized for the identification and the quality control of the coriander fruit. PMID:26681883

[The detection of the human papilloma virus during hyperplastic processes in the nose, ears and throat].

PubMed

Boiko, N V; Panchenko, S N

The objective of the present work was to carry out the virological and histological studies of various neoplastic and hyperplastic processes in the nose, ears, and throat with a view to identifying the presence of human papilloma virus and Epstein-Barr virus. The brush biopsies and remote neoplasms obtained from 18 patients (including 2 children and 16 adults) presenting with various ENT diseases and tumours were available for the virological investigation with the use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and a system MY09-MY11 degenerate primers . The histological study of biopsies and remote neoplasms was carried out by means of conventional light microscopy. The virological and histological studies conducted in parallel confirmed the diagnostic significance of morphological changes at the tissue and cellular levels caused by the human papilloma virus.

Effect of Vowel Context on the Recognition of Initial Consonants in Kannada.

PubMed

Kalaiah, Mohan Kumar; Bhat, Jayashree S

2017-09-01

The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of vowel context on the recognition of Kannada consonants in quiet for young adults. A total of 17 young adults with normal hearing in both ears participated in the study. The stimuli included consonant-vowel syllables, spoken by 12 native speakers of Kannada. Consonant recognition task was carried out as a closed-set (fourteen-alternative forced-choice). The present study showed an effect of vowel context on the perception of consonants. Maximum consonant recognition score was obtained in the /o/ vowel context, followed by the /a/ and /u/ vowel contexts, and then the /e/ context. Poorest consonant recognition score was obtained in the vowel context /i/. Vowel context has an effect on the recognition of Kannada consonants, and the vowel effect was unique for Kannada consonants.

Space Weather Studies at Istanbul Technical University

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaymaz, Zerefsan

2016-07-01

This presentation will introduce the Upper Atmosphere and Space Weather Laboratory of Istanbul Technical University (ITU). It has been established to support the educational needs of the Faculty of Aeronautics and Astronautics in 2011 to conduct scientific research in Space Weather, Space Environment, Space Environment-Spacecraft Interactions, Space instrumentation and Upper Atmospheric studies. Currently the laboratory has some essential infrastructure and the most instrumentation for ionospheric observations and ground induced currents from the magnetosphere. The laboratory has two subunits: SWIFT dealing with Space Weather Instrumentation and Forecasting unit and SWDPA dealing with Space Weather Data Processing and Analysis. The research area covers wide range of upper atmospheric and space science studies from ionosphere, ionosphere-magnetosphere coupling, magnetic storms and magnetospheric substorms, distant magnetotail, magnetopause and bow shock studies, as well as solar and solar wind disturbances and their interaction with the Earth's space environment. We also study the spacecraft environment interaction and novel plasma instrument design. Several scientific projects have been carried out in the laboratory. Operational objectives of our laboratory will be carried out with the collaboration of NASA's Space Weather Laboratory and the facilities are in the process of integration to their prediction services. Educational and research objectives, as well as the examples from the research carried out in our laboratory will be demonstrated in this presentation.

Structural and transport properties of Yb substituted YBaCo4O7

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Bharat; Kumar, Naresh; Gaur, N. K.; Rayaprol, S.

2012-06-01

We investigate a series of compounds of the type, Y1-xYbxBaCo4O7, to study the effect of chemical pressure on the structural and electrical transport properties of a geometrically frustrated cobaltite, YBaCo4O7. Rietveld analysis of XRD data were carried out for all the samples studied. The four probe resistivity measurements were carried out to understand the transport mechanism in these compounds at temperatures below room temperatures. These results are presented and discussed in the context of ongoing efforts in studying geometrically frustrated magnetic compounds with novel physical properties.

Measurement and assessment of carrying capacity of the environment in Ningbo, China.

PubMed

Liu, R Z; Borthwick, Alistair G L

2011-08-01

Carrying Capacity of the Environment (CCE) provides a useful measure of the sustainable development of a region. Approaches that use integrated assessment instead of measurement can lead to misinterpretation of sustainable development because of confusion between Environmental Stress (ES) indexes and CCE indexes, and the selection of over-simple linear plus models. The present paper proposes a comprehensive measurement system for CCE which comprises models of natural resources capacity, environmental assimilative capacity, ecosystem services capacity, and society supporting capacity. The corresponding measurable indexes are designed to assess CCE using a carrying capacity surplus ratio model and a vector of surplus ratio of carrying capacity model. The former aims at direct comparison of ES and CCE based on the values of basic indexes, and the latter uses a Euclidean vector to assess CCE states. The measurement and assessment approaches are applicable to Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and environmental planning and management. A case study is presented for Ningbo, China, whereby all the basic indexes of ECC are measured and the CCE states assessed for 2005 and 2010. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Laparoscopic thermoablation of colorectal cancer metastases to the liver – new experience of the centre

PubMed Central

Spychała, Arkadiusz; Lewandowski, Adam; Nowaczyk, Piotr

2012-01-01

Aim of the study Thermoablation of metastatic lesions in the liver is very commonplace. At present there are 3 essential techniques of access to carry out the procedure: open surgery, percutaneous technique and laparoscopic method. Percutaneous thermoablation is criticised due to the possible lack of radicalism. On the other hand, thermoablation during open surgery is a big perioperative trauma for the patient. The laparoscopic technique seems to be a compromise between the aforementioned techniques. The aim of this study was to present the technique and preliminary results of thermoablation of the liver carried out by means of the laparoscopic technique. Material and methods Laparoscopic thermoablation was carried out in 4 patients with colorectal cancer metastases to the liver. In order to precisely locate the tumour and guarantee radicalism of the surgery, laparoscopic probe ultrasonography was carried out during the procedure. Results All the patients underwent the procedure without any difficulties. All the patients left the hospital department as soon as 3 or 4 days after the surgery. This was about 7 days earlier in comparison with the open surgery procedure, which had been carried out before. The patients required a supply of analgesics only during the first 48 hours – non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, which made a substantial difference between them and the patients treated with the open surgical technique. Thanks to the laparoscopic ultrasound technique one patient had an additional lesion located, which had not been described in preoperative examinations. Conclusions In combination with ultrasonography, laparoscopic access, which does not have a very invasive character, seems to be relatively simple and effective to carry out the procedure of thermoablation. PMID:23788874

Effect of Computer-Based Multimedia Presentation on Senior Secondary Students' Achievement in Agricultural Science

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Olori, Abiola Lateef; Igbosanu, Adekunle Olusegun

2016-01-01

The study was carried out to determine the use of computer-based multimedia presentation on Senior Secondary School Students' Achievement in Agricultural Science. The study was a quasi-experimental, pre-test, post-test control group research design type, using intact classes. A sample of eighty (80) Senior Secondary School One (SS II) students was…

Towards preserving the immunogenicity of protein antigens carried by nanoparticles while avoiding the cold chain.

PubMed

Sloat, Brian R; Sandoval, Michael A; Cui, Zhengrong

2010-06-30

Nanoparticles are an attractive vaccine carrier with potent adjuvant activity. Data from our previous studies showed that immunization of mice with lecithin/glyceryl monostearate-based nanoparticles with protein antigens conjugated onto their surface induced a strong, quick, and long-lasting antigen-specific immune response. In the present study, we evaluated the feasibility of preserving the immunogenicity of protein antigens carried by nanoparticles without refrigeration using these antigen-conjugated nanoparticles as a model. The nanoparticles were lyophilized, and the immunogenicity of the antigens was evaluated in a mouse model using bovine serum albumin or the Bacillus anthracis protective antigen protein as model antigens. With proper excipients, the nanoparticles can be lyophilized while maintaining the immunogenicity of the antigens. Moreover, the immunogenicity of the model antigen conjugated onto the nanoparticles was undamaged after a relatively extended period of storage at room temperature or under accelerated conditions (37 degrees C) when the nanoparticles were lyophilized with 5% mannitol plus 1% polyvinylpyrrolidone. To our knowledge, the present study represents an early attempt to preserve the immunogenicity of the protein antigens carried by nanoparticles without refrigeration. 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Ecological carrying capacity and Chongming Island's ecological construction].

PubMed

Wang, Kaiyun; Zou, Chunjing; Kong, Zhenghong; Wang, Tianhou; Chen, Xiaoyong

2005-12-01

This paper overviewed the goals of Chongming Island's ecological construction and its background, analyzed the current eco-economic status and constraints of the Island, and put forward some scientific issues on its ecological construction. It was suggested that for the resources-saving and sustainable development of the Island, the researches on its ecological construction should be based on its ecological carrying capacity, fully take the regional characteristics into consideration, and refer the successful development modes at home and abroad. The carrying capacity study should ground on systemic and dynamic views, give a thorough evaluation of the Island's present carrying capacity, simulate its possible changes, and forecast its demands and risks. Operable countermeasures to promote the Island's carrying capacity should be worked out, new industry structure, population scale, and optimized distribution projects conforming to regional carrying capacity should be formulated, and effective ecological security alarming and control system should be built, with the aim of providing suggestions and strategic evidences for the decision-making of economic development and sustainable environmental resources use of the region.

Space station/base food system study. Book 1: Element concept data sheets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1970-01-01

The detail engineering data sheets are presented for all concepts considered in the final phase of the study as well as those only carried through the interim phase due to non-applicability or deleted missions.

Recent weapon carrying and substance use among United States Virgin Islands youth.

PubMed

Lloyd, J J; Delva, J; Arria, A M

2000-08-01

The objective of the present study was to estimate the strength of the associations between recent weapon carrying and alcohol, cigarette, and illicit drug use among US Virgin Islands (USVI) youth. Data from 1,124 students in Grades 7-12 were analyzed using the conditional form of multiple logistic regression. Compared with youth who did not carry a weapon. youth who carried a weapon were more likely to be male and recent cigarette, alcohol, and illicit drug users. After matching on school and controlling for age, sex, race, neigborhood characteristics, and affiliation with friends who use alcohol and illegal drugs, the associations with cigarette smoking and illicit drug use remained both moderate and statistically significant (odds ratio [OR] = 4.31, p < .001; OR = 2.99, p < .001, respectively). These findings identify a potentially high-risk population that could be targeted for interventions to reduce weapon carrying among youth.

Empirical simulations of materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jogireddy, Vasantha

2011-12-01

Molecular dynamics is a specialized discipline of molecular modelling and computer techniques. In this work, first we presented simulation results from a study carried out on silicon nanowires. In the second part of the work, we presented an electrostatic screened coulomb potential developed for studying metal alloys and metal oxides. In particular, we have studied aluminum-copper alloys, aluminum oxides and copper oxides. Parameter optimization for the potential is done using multiobjective optimization algorithms.

Governance in Educational Institutions in Portugal

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

García Redondo, Eva

2016-01-01

The present study addresses the governance processes governing the organization and management of educational institutions in Portugal, in a context of analysis in which the educational reforms carried out in this country, from the early nineteenth century (when school responsibility is assumed exclusively by the State) to the present, play what…

The Perception of Assimilation in Newly Learned Novel Words

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Snoeren, Natalie D.; Gaskell, M. Gareth; Di Betta, Anna Maria

2009-01-01

The present study investigated the mechanisms underlying perceptual compensation for assimilation in novel words. During training, participants learned canonical versions of novel spoken words (e.g., "decibot") presented in isolation. Following exposure to a second set of novel words the next day, participants carried out a phoneme…

Modelling of The Atmospheric Chemistry of Organic Nitrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Winsland, N.

Organic nitrates are linked to the formation of tropospheric ozone and the cycling and transport of nitrogen-containing species in the atmosphere. Few laboratory stud- ies have been carried out on the reactions of organic nitrates. Photolysis quantum yield studies and UV absorption spectra have been carried out for the simple alkyl nitrates and PAN. Studies of PAN and ethyl nitrate with other atmospheric components (the hydroxyl radical - OH - and the chlorine atom - Cl) have been carried out to mea- sure their rates of reaction. However, the products and mechanisms of these reactions are poorly understood. We present here the results of modelling the reactions of the C1-C8 alkyl nitrates and PAN with the hydroxyl radical. These models are based on information from current literature and from photochemical reactor studies carried out at the Environment Institute, EU Joint Research Centre, Ispra, Italy. These studies give us a more detailed understanding of the mechanisms and products of the atmospheric loss of organic nitrates due to reaction with the hydroxyl radical. Preliminary studies show that the major products are aldehydes, ketones, nitro-oxy aldehydes, nitro-oxy ketones, NOx and nitric acid.

The effect of science demonstrations as a community service activity on pre-service science teachers' teaching practices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gurel, Derya Kaltakci

2016-03-01

In the scope of this study, pre-service science teachers (PSST) developed and carried out science demonstrations with everyday materials for elementary school students as a community service activity. 17 PSST enrolled in the community services practices course at Kocaeli University comprised the sample of the present study. Community service practices aim to develop consciousness of social responsibility and professional skills, as well as to gain awareness of social and community problems and find solutions for pre-service teachers. With this aim, each PSST developed five science demonstration activities and their brochures during a semester. At the end of the semester, a total of 85 demonstrations were carried out at public elementary schools, which are especially located in socioeconomically poor districts of Kocaeli, Turkey. In the present case study, the effect of developing and carrying out science demonstrations for elementary school students on six of the PSST' teaching practices on density and buoyancy concept was investigated. 30-minute interviews conducted with each PSST, videos recorded during their demonstration performances, brochures they prepared for their demonstration activities, and reflection papers were used as data collection tools of the study. The results showed that community service practices with science demonstrations had positive effects on PSST' science content knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge.

Load Carrying Capacity of Metal Dowel Type Connections of Timber Structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gocál, Jozef

2014-12-01

This paper deals with the load-carrying capacity calculation of laterally loaded metal dowel type connections according to Eurocode 5. It is based on analytically derived, relatively complicated mathematical relationships, and thus it can be quite laborious for practical use. The aim is to propose a possible simplification of the calculation. Due to quite a great variability of fasteners' types and the connection arrangements, the attention is paid to the most commonly used nailed connections. There was performed quite an extensive parametric study focused on the calculation of load-carrying capacity of the simple shear and double shear plane nail connections, joining two or three timber parts of softwood or hardwood. Based on the study results, in conclusion there are presented simplifying recommendations for practical design.

Geological Fieldwork: A Study Carried out with Portuguese Secondary School Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Esteves, Helena; Ferreira, Paulo; Vasconcelos, Clara; Fernandes, Isabel

2013-01-01

Recognizing the relevance that fieldwork and field trips have in the teaching of geosciences and related learning processes, this study presents two geological fieldwork studies that were established with Portuguese secondary school students. Both studies were focused on geoscience content knowledge, and attempted to increase environmental…

First report of OXA-143-lactamase producing Acinetobacter baumannii in Qom, Iran.

PubMed

Sarikhani, Zohreh; Nazari, Razieh; Nateghi Rostami, Mahmoud

2017-11-01

Antibiotic resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii and outbreaks caused by this organism have been reported from several areas of the world. The present study aimed at determining the antibiotic susceptibility profiles and the distribution of OXA-type beta-lactamases among Iranian Acinetobacter baumannii isolates from Qom of Iran. For this study, 108 non-duplicate A. baumannii isolates were obtained from clinical specimens in four teaching hospitals in Qom in the central of Iran. The antimicrobial susceptibility of isolates was tested by standard disk diffusion and prevalence of bla OXA genes was investigated by PCR method. Among 97 carbapenem non-susceptible isolates of A. baumannii , 90.72% (88 isolates) isolates showed extensive drug resistance to multiple antibiotics. Among carbapenem resistant isolates, 100% carried bla OXA-51-like , 82.47% carried bla OXA-23-like , 55.67% carried bla OXA-58-like , 22.68% carried bla OXA-40-like and 14.43% had bla OXA-143-like resistance genes. This study demonstrated high genetic diversity of OXA genes among isolates of A. baumannii in Qom, Iran.

First report of OXA-143-lactamase producing Acinetobacter baumannii in Qom, Iran

PubMed Central

Sarikhani, Zohreh; Nazari, Razieh; Nateghi Rostami, Mahmoud

2017-01-01

Objective(s): Antibiotic resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii and outbreaks caused by this organism have been reported from several areas of the world. The present study aimed at determining the antibiotic susceptibility profiles and the distribution of OXA-type beta-lactamases among Iranian Acinetobacter baumannii isolates from Qom of Iran. Materials and Methods: For this study, 108 non-duplicate A. baumannii isolates were obtained from clinical specimens in four teaching hospitals in Qom in the central of Iran. The antimicrobial susceptibility of isolates was tested by standard disk diffusion and prevalence of bla OXA genes was investigated by PCR method. Results: Among 97 carbapenem non-susceptible isolates of A. baumannii, 90.72% (88 isolates) isolates showed extensive drug resistance to multiple antibiotics. Among carbapenem resistant isolates, 100% carried blaOXA-51-like, 82.47% carried blaOXA-23-like, 55.67% carried blaOXA-58-like, 22.68% carried blaOXA-40-like and 14.43% had blaOXA-143-like resistance genes. Conclusion: This study demonstrated high genetic diversity of OXA genes among isolates of A. baumannii in Qom, Iran. PMID:29299207

The Effect of Different Types of Perceptual Manipulations on the Dimensionality of Automatically Generated Figural Matrices

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Arendasy, M.; Sommer, M.

2005-01-01

Two pilot studies (n"1=155, n"2=451) are presented in this article, which were carried out within the development of an item generator for the automatic generation of figural matrices items. The focus of the presented studies was to compare two types of item designs with regard to the effect of variations of the property ''perceptual…

The Effect of Psychological Counselling in Group on Life Orientation and Loneliness Levels of the University Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gurgan, Ugur

2013-01-01

The present study was an experimental research which was applied for increasing of the life tendencies and decreasing the loneliness of the university students, and in which the effect of psychological counselling in group on loneliness level was analysed. The present study consisting of mix measurements was carried out by 2x2 split-plot in order…

Morphologic study of tissue changes occurring in the apical third and periapex of rat molars after endodontic treatment performed under different occlusal conditions.

PubMed

Sato, E F; Antoniazzi, J H; Bauer, J A

1994-01-01

The purpose of the present study was to carry out a histologic study of the periapical changes of the maxillary first molar of rats submitted to endodontic treatment under different occlusal conditions. The experiment was carried out under conditions analogous to those used in clinical practice. Pulpotomy, pulpectomy and chemomechanical preparation of the mesial root canal were carried out according to previously established techniques and the mesial root canal was filled with cement and gutta-percha. A glass ionomer cement was used as restorative material under conditions of subocclusion, normal occlusion and excessive occlusal forces. No inflammatory reaction of periapical tissue was observed under the three conditions used, and active closing of the root canal was observed 15 days after the procedure, with the formation of cementum replacing the pulpar remnant.

Fatigue in Flight Inspection Field Office (FIFO) flight crews.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1981-04-01

Studies related to FIFO aircrew stress and fatigue were carried out at seven FIFO's in the Continental U.S. Forty-one men served as subjects and all crew positions were presented. Each crewmember was studied during flight activities and during office...

Considering the effect of the logging cable stretching under the influence of its own mass in the well on the accuracy of geophysical parameters determining

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kozhushko, A. A.; Pahotin, A. N.; Mal'tsev, V. N.; Bojarnikova, L. V.; Stepanova, E. P.

2018-04-01

The technology of carrying out various geophysical studies of oil wells using a carrying well-logging cable for the delivery of geophysical instruments and equipment is considered in the article. The relevance of the topic results from the need to evaluate the effect of well-logging cable stretching in the well under the influence of its own mass and mass of geophysical instruments and equipment on the accuracy and adequacy geophysical studies. Calculation formulas for determining the well-logging cable stretching under the influence of the geophysical tools and equipment mass without taking into account and taking into account the influence of the carrying well-logging cable mass are also presented. For three types of carrying well-logging cables, calculations were made of their stretching in the oil well under the mass of geophysical instruments and equipment and its own mass, depending on the depth of the investigated well. The analysis of the obtained results made it possible to numerically evaluate the extension of the carrying well-logging cable depending on the depth of the investigated well and by correcting the obtained results it allows to provide the required depth accuracy and reliability of the interpreted results of the geophysical studies.

Effects of Metacognitive Guidance on Critical Thinking Disposition

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Akyüz, Halil Ibrahim; Samsa Yetik, Serap; Keser, Hafize

2015-01-01

The present study investigated the effect of metacognitive guidance in an online learning environment on the students' critical thinking competency. The research was carried out using experimental design with pretest-posttest control groups. The research group of the study consisted of 60 students studying at Computer and Educational Teaching…

The Relationship between Environmental Moral Reasoning and Environmental Attitudes of Pre-Service Science Teachers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tuncay, Busra; Yilmaz-Tuzun, Ozgul; Tuncer-Teksoz, Gaye

2011-01-01

The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between environmental moral reasoning patterns and environmental attitudes of 120 pre-service science teachers. Content analysis was carried out on participants' written statements regarding their concerns about the presented environmental problems and the statements were labeled as…

Is the Face-Perception System Human-Specific at Birth?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Di Giorgio, Elisa; Leo, Irene; Pascalis, Olivier; Simion, Francesca

2012-01-01

The present study investigates the human-specificity of the orienting system that allows neonates to look preferentially at faces. Three experiments were carried out to determine whether the face-perception system that is present at birth is broad enough to include both human and nonhuman primate faces. The results demonstrate that the newborns…

INTRODUCTION TO ESTONIAN LINGUISTICS.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

RAUN, ALO; SAARESTE, ANDRUS

THIS TEXT COMPRISES A SURVEY OF THE ESTONIAN LANGUAGE, WHICH IS GROUPED HERE WITH LIVONIAN, VOTIC, AND A PART OF WESTERN FINNISH, TO FORM THE SOUTHWESTERN BRANCH OF THE FINNIC (OR BALTO-FINNIC) LANGUAGES. THE AUTHORS' CLASSIFICATIONS AND A HISTORY OF THE STUDIES WHICH HAVE BEEN CARRIED OUT IN ESTONIAN ARE PRESENTED, FOLLOWED BY A PRESENTATION OF…

Trends in Distance Education: A Content Analysis of Master's Thesis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Durak, Gürhan; Çankaya, Serkan; Yunkul, Eyup; Urfa, Mehmet; Toprakliklioglu, Kivanç; Arda, Yagmur; Inam, Nazmiye

2017-01-01

The present study aimed at presenting the results of content analysis on Master's Theses carried out in the field of distance education at higher education level in Turkey between 1986 and 2015. A total of 285 Master's Theses were examined to determine the key words, academic disciplines, research areas, theoretical frameworks, research designs…

Study of abrasive wear rate of silicon using n-alcohols

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Danyluk, S.

1982-01-01

The work carried out at the University of Illinois at Chicago for the Flat-Plate Solar Array Project under contract No. 956053 is summarized. The abrasion wear rate of silicon in a number of fluid environments and the parameters that influence the surface mechanical properties of silicon were determined. Three tests were carried out in this study: circular and linear multiple-scratch test, microhardness test and a three-point bend test. The pertinent parameters such as effect of surface orientation, dopant and fluid properties were sorted. A brief review and critique of previous work is presented.

Transit service reliability

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1978-12-01

This report presents a comprehensive overview of the subject of transit service reliability and provides a framework for a program of demonstrations and research studies which could be carried out under the Service and Methods Demonstration program. ...

Comparison of conference abstracts and presentations with full-text articles in the health technology assessments of rapidly evolving technologies.

PubMed

Dundar, Y; Dodd, S; Dickson, R; Walley, T; Haycox, A; Williamson, P R

2006-02-01

To assess the extent of use of data from conference abstracts and presentations in health technology assessments (HTAs) provided as part of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) appraisal process. Also to assess the methodological quality of trials from conference abstracts and presentations, the consistency of reporting major outcomes between these sources and subsequent full-length publications, the effect of inclusion or exclusion of data from these sources on the meta-analysis pooled effect estimates, and the timeliness of availability of data from these sources and full articles in relation to the development of technology assessment reviews (TARs). A survey of seven TAR groups. An audit of published TARs: included all NICE TARs published between January 2000 and October 2004. Case studies of selected TARs. Analyses of the results of the survey and audit were presented as a descriptive summary and in a tabular format. Sensitivity analyses were carried out to compare the effect of inclusion of data from abstracts and presentations on the meta-analysis pooled effect estimates by including data from both abstracts/presentations and full papers, and data from only full publications, included in the original TAR. These analyses were then compared with meta-analysis of data from trials that have subsequently been published in full. All seven TAR groups completed and returned the survey. Five out of seven groups reported a general policy that included searching for and including studies available as conference abstracts/presentations. Five groups responded that if they included data from these sources they would carry out methodological quality assessment of studies from these sources using the same assessment tools as for full publications, and manage the data from these sources in the same way as fully published reports. All groups reported that if relevant outcome data were reported in both an abstract/presentation and a full publication, they would only consider the data in the full publication. Conversely, if data were only available in conference abstract/presentation, all but two groups reported that they would extract and use the data from the abstract/presentation. In total, 63 HTA reports for NICE were identified. In 20 of 63 TARs (32%) explicit statements were made with regards to inclusion and assessment of data from abstracts/presentations. Thirty-eight (60%) identified at least one randomised controlled trial (RCT) available as a conference abstract or presentation. Of these, 26 (68%) included trials available as abstracts/presentations. About 80% (20/26) of the 26 TARs that included RCTs in abstract/presentation form carried out an assessment of the methodological quality of such trials. In 16 TARs full reports of these trials were used for quality assessment where both abstracts/presentations and subsequent full publications were available. Twenty-three of 63 TARs (37%) carried out a quantitative analysis of results. Of these, ten (43%) included trials that were available as abstracts/presentations in the review; however, only 60% (6/10) of these included data from abstracts/presentations in the data analysis of results. Thirteen TARs evaluated rapidly evolving technologies and only three of these identified and included trial data from conference abstracts/presentations and carried out a quantitative analysis where abstract/presentation data were used. These three TARs were used as case studies. In all three case studies the overall quality of reporting in abstracts/presentations was generally poor. In all case studies abstracts and presentations failed to describe the method of randomisation or allocation concealment. Overall, there was no mention of blinding in 66% (25/38) of the abstracts and in 26% (7/27) of the presentations included in case studies, and one presentation (4%) explicitly stated use of intention-to-treat analysis. Results from one case study demonstrated discrepancies in data made available in abstracts or online conference presentations. Not only were discrepancies evident between these sources, but also comparison of conference abstracts/presentations with subsequently published full-length articles demonstrates data discrepancies in reporting of results. Sensitivity analyses based on one case study indicated a change in significance of effect in two outcome measures when only full papers published to date were included. There are variations in policy and practice across TAR groups regarding searching for and inclusion of studies available as conference abstracts/presentations. There is also variation in the level of detail reported in TARs regarding the use of abstracts/presentations. Therefore, TAR teams should be encouraged to state explicitly their search strategies for identifying conference abstracts and presentations, their methods for assessing these for inclusion, and where appropriate how the data were used and their effect on the results. Comprehensive searching for trials available as conference abstracts/presentations is time consuming and may be of questionable value. However, there may be a case for searching for and including abstract/presentation data if, for example, other sources of data are limited. If conference abstracts/presentations are to be included, the TAR teams need to allocate additional time for searching and managing data from these sources. Incomplete reporting in conference abstracts and presentations limits the ability of reviewers to assess confidently the methodological quality of trials. Where conference abstracts and presentations are considered for inclusion in the review, the TAR teams should increase their efforts to obtain further study details by contacting trialists. Where abstract/presentation data are included, reviewers should discuss the effect of including data from these sources. Any data discrepancies identified across sources in TARs should be highlighted and their impact discussed in the review. In addition, there is a need to carry out, for example, a sensitivity analysis with and without abstract/presentation data in the analysis. There is a need for research into the development of search strategies specific to identification of studies available as conference abstracts and presentations in TARs. Such strategies may include guidance with regard to identification of relevant electronic databases and appropriate conference sites relevant to certain clinical areas. As there are limited case studies included in this report, analyses should be repeated as more TARs accrue, or include the work of other international HTA groups.

Selection and Review of Measurement Item to Study Students' Generic Skills

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mokhtar, Seri Bunian; Rahman, Saemah; Mokhtar, Seri Intan; Husain, Mohd Yusof

2012-01-01

This study was carried out to review the GS (generic skills) instruments used for engineering students. A total of 455 respondents were involved in this study. The variables presented in this study were the information management skills, communication skill, team working skill, problem-solving skill, lifelong learning skill, technology utilization…

NMR-Metabolic Methodology in the Study of GM Foods

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The 1H NMR methodology used in the study of genetically modified (GM) foodstuff is discussed. The study of transgenic lettuce (Lactuca sativa cv "Luxor") over-expressing the KNAT1 gene from Arabidopsis is presented as a novel study-case. The 1H NMR metabolic profiling was carried out. Twenty-two wat...

Growth and physicochemical properties of organometallic (DL)-trithioureatartrato-O1,O2,O3-cadmium(II) single crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sathyamoorthy, K.; Vinothkumar, P.; Irshad Ahamed, J.; Murali Manohar, P.; Priya, M.; Liu, Jinghe

2018-04-01

Single crystals of organometallic (DL)-trithioureatartrato-O1,O2,O3-cadmium(II) (TUDLC) have been grown from methanol solution by using the slow evaporation of solvent growth technique. The lattice structure and crystalline perfection have been determined by carrying out single crystal X-ray diffraction and high resolution X-ray diffraction measurements. The grown crystal was characterized thermally and mechanically by carrying out thermo-gravimetric and micro hardness measurements. The linear and nonlinear optical characterizations were made by carrying out optical transmittance, surface laser damage threshold, particle size-dependent second harmonic generation (SHG) efficiency and photo conductivity measurements. The grown crystal was electrically characterized by carrying out frequency-dependent dielectric measurements. Chemical etching study was also carried out and the dislocation density was estimated. Results obtained in the present study indicate that the grown TUDLC crystal is optically transparent with lower cut-off wavelength 304 nm, mechanically soft, thermally stable up to 101 °C and NLO active with SHG efficiency 2.13 (in KDP unit). The grown crystal is found to have considerably large size, good crystalline perfection, large specific heat capacity, higher surface laser damage threshold and negative photoconductivity.

Management and decision-making process leading to coronary angiography and revascularization in octogenarians with coronary artery disease: Insights from a large single-center registry.

PubMed

Martin, Anne-Céline; Dumas, Florence; Spaulding, Christian; Manzo-Silberman, Stéphane

2015-05-01

Cardiovascular diseases remain the most common cause of death in older adults. Guidelines state that advanced age alone should not limit the use of invasive therapy. However, coronary angiograms and subsequent revascularization are often not carried out in octogenarians. The benefit/risk balance of an invasive strategy and the decision-making process are not clearly defined. The aim of the present study was to assess the decision-making process, and the in-hospital and long-term mortality based on the clinical presentation, the diagnostic approach (coronary angiogram or conservative) and the therapeutic management (revascularization or not). The present study was a single-center retrospective analysis. A total of 522 patients aged ≥80 years, with a diagnosis of coronary disease were included from 2003 to 2009. The mean age was 82 ± 2.6 years. A total of 195 of 522 (37%) presented with a ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). A coronary angiogram was carried out in 316 patients (60.5%) and 71% were treated by percutaneous coronary revascularization. A total of 39.5% were considered ineligible for a coronary angiogram due to cardiological reasons or comorbidities. Excluding cardiogenic shock, overall in-hospital mortality was 4.9%. Clinical presentation strongly influenced both in-hospital and 6-month mortality rates (cardiogenic shock 20% and 28.7%, stable angina 1% and 4.1%, respectively, P < 0.001). Long-term mortality was reduced in the coronary angiography arm compared with the conservative group (14.3% vs 20.9%, P = 0.04) whether or not revascularization was carried out. In the present study, in octogenarians, long-term mortality was lower in the group of patients who underwent a coronary angiogram, regardless of revascularization. The selection process for coronary angiography and angioplasty was mostly influenced by the existence of age-associated comorbidities. Risk prediction models are required to reduce age-dependent biases. © 2014 Japan Geriatrics Society.

Development and application of a multiplex PCR assay for detection of the Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin-encoding genes cpe and becAB.

PubMed

Yonogi, Shinya; Kanki, Masashi; Ohnishi, Takahiro; Shiono, Masami; Iida, Tetsuya; Kumeda, Yuko

2016-08-01

Clostridium perfringens causes food-borne gastroenteritis following the consumption of contaminated food by producing C. perfringens enterotoxin (CPE) in the intestines. Recently, we reported a novel enterotoxin, binary enterotoxin of C. perfringens (BEC) in C. perfringens isolates, which caused two disease outbreaks in Japan. Consequently, in the event of food poisoning outbreaks caused by C. perfringens, it is now necessary to screen for both the cpe and becAB genes by diagnostic PCR. Here, we present a simple multiplex PCR method for simultaneous detection of cpe, becAB and a C. perfringens control locus, phospholipase C (plc). Applying this method, we investigated the prevalence of cpe- or becAB-carrying C. perfringens strains in human stool and bovine rectum swab samples. Using a total of 169 isolates, we found that the percentage of becAB-carrying strains was very small (0.59%), one-tenth that of cpe-carrying strains. The simple method presented in this study with high specificity and sensitivity to C. perfringens will be a useful tool to survey the global prevalence of becAB-carrying C. perfringens strains. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Equations of state and pressure dependence of bulk modulus for aggregated diamond nanorods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patel, G. R.; Thakar, N. A.; Pandya, T. C.

2018-04-01

In the present paper study of the high pressure behaviour of aggregated diamond nanorods (ADNRs) and diamond have been carried out. A comparative study of different equations of state is discussed to understand the high pressure behaviour of diamond and the aggregated diamond nanorods. In the present study the usual Tait's equation of state has been modified to predict the high pressure behaviour of carbon material ADNRs and diamond. The results obtained in the present study are compared with available experimental evidences. Bulk moduli as a function of pressure are also computed for ADNRs and natural diamond in the light of recent investigations. Present study reveals that ADNRs are less compressible than diamond.

About rats and jackfruit trees: modeling the carrying capacity of a Brazilian Atlantic Forest spiny-rat Trinomys dimidiatus (Günther, 1877) - Rodentia, Echimyidae - population with varying jackfruit tree (Artocarpus heterophyllus L.) abundances.

PubMed

Mello, J H F; Moulton, T P; Raíces, D S L; Bergallo, H G

2015-01-01

We carried out a six-year study aimed at evaluating if and how a Brazilian Atlantic Forest small mammal community responded to the presence of the invasive exotic species Artocarpus heterophyllus, the jackfruit tree. In the surroundings of Vila Dois Rios, Ilha Grande, RJ, 18 grids were established, 10 where the jackfruit tree was present and eight were it was absent. Previous results indicated that the composition and abundance of this small mammal community were altered by the presence and density of A. heterophyllus. One observed effect was the increased population size of the spiny-rat Trinomys dimidiatus within the grids where the jackfruit trees were present. Therefore we decided to create a mathematical model for this species, based on the Verhulst-Pearl logistic equation. Our objectives were i) to calculate the carrying capacity K based on real data of the involved species and the environment; ii) propose and evaluate a mathematical model to estimate the population size of T. dimidiatus based on the monthly seed production of jackfruit tree, Artocarpus heterophyllus and iii) determinate the minimum jackfruit tree seed production to maintain at least two T. dimidiatus individuals in one study grid. Our results indicated that the predicted values by the model for the carrying capacity K were significantly correlated with real data. The best fit was found considering 20~35% energy transfer efficiency between trophic levels. Within the scope of assumed premises, our model showed itself to be an adequate simulator for Trinomys dimidiatus populations where the invasive jackfruit tree is present.

Who Are Teachers? A Study of Identity Hierarchy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yilmaz, Ferat; Ilhan, Mustafa

2017-01-01

This study aims to create a hierarchy of identities for teachers' perceptions of the self. The research carried out as a survey study was conducted in Diyarbakir, a province in Turkey, with a study group of 261 teachers. This study employs a tool of data collection making it possible to present the six types of identities--namely, professional…

Perceived popularity of adolescents who use weapons in violence and adolescents who only carry weapons.

PubMed

Wallace, Lacey N

2017-01-01

Prior research has found that persistently delinquent youth or more violent youth were less popular than their less delinquent peers (Young, 2013). However, recent research has also found that weapon carrying is associated with being more popular in adolescence (Dijkstra et al., 2010). The present paper examines the perceived popularity of adolescents who carry weapons in comparison to those who both carry and use weapons in acts of violence or threatened violence. Data consist of two waves from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. Analyses use OLS regression with lagged predictors. This paper found no differences in number of friends between weapon carriers and weapon users. However, among both male and female gang members, those who did not use or carry weapons (abstainers) named significantly fewer friends than weapon users. Among females, weapon abstainers both named and were named by significantly more people than weapon users. These differences were not observed for males. Implications of these results and directions for future research are discussed.

Scanning electron microscopy imaging of dislocations in bulk materials, using electron channeling contrast.

PubMed

Crimp, Martin A

2006-05-01

The imaging and characterization of dislocations is commonly carried out by thin foil transmission electron microscopy (TEM) using diffraction contrast imaging. However, the thin foil approach is limited by difficult sample preparation, thin foil artifacts, relatively small viewable areas, and constraints on carrying out in situ studies. Electron channeling imaging of electron channeling contrast imaging (ECCI) offers an alternative approach for imaging crystalline defects, including dislocations. Because ECCI is carried out with field emission gun scanning electron microscope (FEG-SEM) using bulk specimens, many of the limitations of TEM thin foil analysis are overcome. This paper outlines the development of electron channeling patterns and channeling imaging to the current state of the art. The experimental parameters and set up necessary to carry out routine channeling imaging are reviewed. A number of examples that illustrate some of the advantages of ECCI over thin foil TEM are presented along with a discussion of some of the limitations on carrying out channeling contrast analysis of defect structures. Copyright (c) 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Evaluation of acute toxicity, sedative and analgesic effects of Taverniera glabra methanolic extract on mice.

PubMed

Marvi, -; Iqbal, Javeid; Muhammad, Shafi; Ahmad, Mansoor

2016-11-01

Present study was conducted on crude methanolic extract of stem and root of Taverniera glabra. In Pakistan T. glabra is found in the region of Balochistan only. T. glabra has numerous therapeutic uses in traditional medicine and it is also used for the pain relief. Current study was carried out to evaluate acute toxicity, analgesic and CNS depressant activity of the plant. Acute toxicity was carried out by oral administration of the T. glabra extract from 250 to 2000mg/kg oral dose. Analgesic activity was carried out by acetic acid induced writhing test and formalin test. Central Nervous System (CNS) depressant activity was carried out by exploratory activities (open field activity, cage crossing activity, rearing test) and forced swimming test. Oral administration of the methanolic extract of T. glabra was nontoxic at the dose of 1500mg/kg in the acute toxicity test. Exploratory behavior of mice treated with the methanolic extract of T. glabra showed sedative effects (P<0.05) in open field, cage crossing, traction and rearing test, particularly at the dose of 500mg as compared with standard drug Diazepam. In forced swimming test, mobility time was significantly (P<0.05) increased at 500mg/kg oral dose, and results were significant as compared with control. Methanolic extract of T. glabra produced significant (P<0.05) analgesic effects at the dose of 500mg/kg in the acetic acid induced writhing test and the formalin test. In conclusion, results show that the crude methanolic extract of T. glabra possess sedative as well as potent analgesic effects. Present pharmacological studies are the first ever studies conducted on the methanolic extract of T. glabra.

In view of an optimal gut antifungal therapeutic strategy: an in vitro susceptibility and toxicity study testing a novel phyto-compound.

PubMed

Metugriachuk, Yussef; Kuroi, Olivia; Pavasuthipaisit, Kanok; Tsuchiya, Junji; Minelli, Emilio; Okura, Ruichi; Fesce, Edoardo; Marotta, F

2005-01-01

In view of the raising concern for gut fungal infection, the aim of the present research was to carry out a systematic in vitro study testing the antifungal activity and possible toxicity of a polygodyal-anethole compound (Kolorex) in several strains of Candida albicans and in other fungal pathogens. The in vitro susceptibility tests were carried out on 4 strains of C. albicans (C. krusei, C. lipolytica, C. tropicalis, C. utilis), Aspergillus flavus and A. fumigatus. Cultures were also analyzed by varying medium, pH and inoculum size, and a time-course killing test was carried out. In the present study the polygodyal-anethole compound showed remarkable in vitro activity against the most common fungi, which was significantly better than polygodyal alone. Moreover, such mixture compound was shown to exert its activity against a wide spectrum of fungi, including C. lipolytica and C. tropicalis, which required significantly higher MIC of polygodyal to be unfeasible in clinical application. The activity of the polygodyal-anethole compound was significantly better than polygodyal alone with high inoculum size and low pH. Moreover, it proved to exert a significantly faster biological activity against low inoculum. This study suggests that the mixture compound Kolorex has a very good profile of antifungal activity in terms of effectiveness and spectrum of action while being devoid of any significant toxicity.

Teaching Ethical Issues in Science.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Levinson, Ralph

This paper presents a study that investigates the teaching and learning aspects of controversial issues in science education. Teaching ethical issues is mandatory for science teachers in England; however, teachers may experience difficulties in exploring contemporary issues in science due to rapid and unpredictable changes. The study carries an…

Student Perceptions of Service Quality in a Multi-Campus Higher Education System in Spain

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gallifa, Josep; Batalle, Pere

2010-01-01

Purpose: This paper aims to present an in-depth case study with student perceptions of service quality, discussing the relevance of these perceptions for the important issue of quality improvement in higher education. Design/methodology/approach: The paper presents institutional research carried out in a multi-campus system in Spain made up of…

An Experimental Study of the Use of Visual Illustrations Used to Complement Oral Instruction on Television.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dwyer, Francis M., Jr.

Five slide sequences, each containing 39 black-and-white slides designed to complement oral instruction, and carrying a 32 minute oral instructional unit on the heart, were presented to 269 college students in five groups through a television receiver. The purpose was twofold: to determine if redundant information presented simultaneously through…

Teaching Facts of Addition to Brazilian Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Costa, Adriana Corrêa; Rohde, Luis Augusto; Dorneles, Beatriz Vargas

2015-01-01

Storage and/or automatic retrieval of the basic facts of addition from the long-term memory seems to be impaired in children with ADHD presenting arithmetical difficulties. The present study was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention model designed to teach basic facts of addition as a means of advancing from…

A Socio-Pragmatic Comparative Study of Ostensible Invitations in English and Farsi

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Salmani-Nodoushan, Mohammad Ali

2006-01-01

In their study in 1990, Clark and Isaacs identified five properties and seven defining features that distinguished between English ostensible and genuine invitations. To see if Persian ostensible and genuine invitations could be distinguished by the same features and properties, the present study was carried out. 45 field workers observed and…

The Environmentalism of University Students: Their Ethical Attitudes toward the Environment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ozdemir, Oguz

2012-01-01

The study tries to determine the environmentalism of university students based on their attitudes towards the environment. The present study was carried out among 220 senior students studying in various departments in 2007-2008 academic year. The data were collected through an "Environmental Ethics" scale developed by the researcher and…

Physical Learning Environment and its Suitability to the Objectives of Technology Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Soobik, Mart

2013-01-01

The present article focuses on Technology Education teachers' opinions on the physical learning environment of Technology Education. The study compares and analyses the changes in the physical learning environment of Technology Education. Two questionnaire surveys (Study I and Study II) were carried out among teachers of Technology Education in…

The Effect of Study Abroad on Intercultural Competence: Results from a Longitudinal Quasi-Experimental Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Heinzmann, Sybille; Künzle, Roland; Schallhart, Nicole; Müller, Marianne

2015-01-01

Skills in several foreign languages are among the core competencies demanded in today's multicultural, mobile and connected society. Foreign language teaching must promote the development of intercultural competence (IC) and adaptability. The present study was carried out in Switzerland among upper secondary school students, many of whom are…

Modelling of sedimentation and remobilization in in-line storage sewers for stormwater treatment.

PubMed

Frehmann, T; Flores, C; Luekewille, F; Mietzel, T; Spengler, B; Geiger, W F

2005-01-01

A special arrangement of combined sewer overflow tanks is the in-line storage sewer with downstream discharge (ISS-down). This layout has the advantage that, besides the sewer system, no other structures are required for stormwater treatment. The verification of the efficiency with respect to the processes of sedimentation and remobilization of sediment within the in-line storage sewer with downstream discharge is carried out in a combination of a field and a pilot plant study. The model study was carried out using a pilot plant model scaled 1:13. The following is intended to present some results of the pilot plant study and the mathematical empirical modelling of the sedimentation and remobilization process.

In Defense of Children's Lies: On Ethics and Methods of Studying Children's Communication of Deception.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Feldman, Robert S.

Studies of children's deceptive behavior have scientific merit and can be carried out in an ethically defensible manner. Many arguments against studies requiring children to deceive others in an experimental context are relatively easy to refute. It is true, though, that the debriefing phase of deception studies presents ethical problems,…

A Case Study on Pre-Service Secondary School Mathematics Teachers' Cognitive-Metacognitive Behaviours in Mathematical Modelling Process

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sagirli, Meryem Özturan

2016-01-01

The aim of the present study is to investigate pre-service secondary mathematics teachers' cognitive-metacognitive behaviours during the mathematical problem-solving process considering class level. The study, in which the case study methodology was employed, was carried out with eight pre-service mathematics teachers, enrolled at a university in…

Laparoscopic thermoablation of colorectal cancer metastases to the liver - new experience of the centre.

PubMed

Murawa, Dawid; Spychała, Arkadiusz; Lewandowski, Adam; Nowaczyk, Piotr

2012-01-01

Thermoablation of metastatic lesions in the liver is very commonplace. At present there are 3 essential techniques of access to carry out the procedure: open surgery, percutaneous technique and laparoscopic method. Percutaneous thermoablation is criticised due to the possible lack of radicalism. On the other hand, thermoablation during open surgery is a big perioperative trauma for the patient. The laparoscopic technique seems to be a compromise between the aforementioned techniques. The aim of this study was to present the technique and preliminary results of thermoablation of the liver carried out by means of the laparoscopic technique. Laparoscopic thermoablation was carried out in 4 patients with colorectal cancer metastases to the liver. In order to precisely locate the tumour and guarantee radicalism of the surgery, laparoscopic probe ultrasonography was carried out during the procedure. All the patients underwent the procedure without any difficulties. All the patients left the hospital department as soon as 3 or 4 days after the surgery. This was about 7 days earlier in comparison with the open surgery procedure, which had been carried out before. The patients required a supply of analgesics only during the first 48 hours - non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, which made a substantial difference between them and the patients treated with the open surgical technique. Thanks to the laparoscopic ultrasound technique one patient had an additional lesion located, which had not been described in preoperative examinations. In combination with ultrasonography, laparoscopic access, which does not have a very invasive character, seems to be relatively simple and effective to carry out the procedure of thermoablation.

Solar mesosphere explorer: Experiment description

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1977-01-01

The Solar Mesosphere Explorer (SME) satellite experiments will provide a comprehensive study of atmospheric ozone and the processes which form and destroy it. Five instruments to be carried on the spacecraft will measure the ozone density and altitude distribution, monitor the incoming solar radiation, and measure other atmospheric constituents which affect ozone. The investigative approach concept, methods and procedures, preflight studies, and orbits and mission lifetime are presented. Descriptions of the instruments are also presented.

Nodular fasciitis of the external auditory canal in six Egyptian children.

PubMed

Abdel-Aziz, Mosaad; Khattab, Hany; El-bosraty, Hussam; El-hoshy, Hassan; Hesham, Ahmed; Al-taweel, Hayam W

2008-05-01

Nodular fasciitis of external auditory canal may mimic a malignant tumor due to its progressive course, so it was the aim of this study to focus on a new etiology for aural masses to avoid unnecessary aggressive treatment. Retrospective study on six children presented with aural masses that were diagnosed pathologically to have nodular fasciitis. Presentation of the cases clinically, radiologically and pathologically was carried out. Surgical excision of the lesions was done through the external canal with follow up of the cases for 1 year. Recurrence was detected in two cases, one after 2 months and the other after 4 months. Re-excision was carried out without recurrence till the end of the follow up period. Proper diagnosis of this lesion is mandatory to avoid aggressive treatment (radical surgery and/or radiotherapy) as the disease has favorable prognosis with local excision.

Aerodynamic performance of a small vertical axis wind turbine using an overset grid method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bangga, Galih; Solichin, Mochammad; Daman, Aida; Sa'adiyah, Devy; Dessoky, Amgad; Lutz, Thorsten

2017-08-01

The present paper aims to asses the aerodynamic performance of a small vertical axis wind turbine operating at a small wind speed of 5 m/s for 6 different tip speed ratios (λ=2-7). The turbine consists of two blades constructed using the NACA 0015 airfoil. The study is carried out using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods employing an overset grid approach. The (URANS) SST k - ω is used as the turbulence model. For the preliminary study, simulations of the NACA 0015 under static conditions for a broad range of angle of attack and a rotating two-bladed VAWT are carried out. The results are compared with available measurement data and a good agreement is obtained. The simulations demonstrate that the maximum power coefficient attained is 0.45 for λ=4. The aerodynamic loads hysteresis are presented showing that the dynamic stall effect decreases with λ.

Dynamic modelling and experimental validation of three wheeled tilting vehicles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amati, Nicola; Festini, Andrea; Pelizza, Luigi; Tonoli, Andrea

2011-06-01

The present paper describes the study of the stability in the straight running of a three-wheeled tilting vehicle for urban and sub-urban mobility. The analysis was carried out by developing a multibody model in the Matlab/SimulinkSimMechanics environment. An Adams-Motorcycle model and an equivalent analytical model were developed for the cross-validation and for highlighting the similarities with the lateral dynamics of motorcycles. Field tests were carried out to validate the model and identify some critical parameters, such as the damping on the steering system. The stability analysis demonstrates that the lateral dynamic motions are characterised by vibration modes that are similar to that of a motorcycle. Additionally, it shows that the wobble mode is significantly affected by the castor trail, whereas it is only slightly affected by the dynamics of the front suspension. For the present case study, the frame compliance also has no influence on the weave and wobble.

Citizenship Education in Ecuador: Perceptions of Students and Teachers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chavez, Andres Alberto

2016-01-01

The purpose of this study is to review literature about citizenship education in order to develop a framework for transformative citizenship education and compare that framework to the intended and implemented citizenship education curriculum in Ecuador. This study presents qualitative research carried out in eight schools in four provinces of…

Ensuring Data Quality in Extension Research and Evaluation Studies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Radhakrishna, Rama; Tobin, Daniel; Brennan, Mark; Thomson, Joan

2012-01-01

This article presents a checklist as a guide for Extension professionals to use in research and evaluation studies they carry out. A total of 40 statements grouped under eight data quality components--relevance, objectivity, validity, reliability, integrity, generalizability, completeness, and utility--are identified to ensure that research…

Scobee Curricular Units: A Focus on Studies of Space.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Robinson, Paul; And Others

The three units of study presented are designed to promote space-related learning opportunities for gifted students and were prepared by recipients of the Scobee curriculum awards. In "Galactic Colonization for Our Future Astronauts" (Jacqueline Shimonauff), elementary-level students simulate a space experience in which a ship carries materials…

Security awareness for public bus transportation : case studies of attacks against the Israeli public bus system.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-03-01

This report presents 16 case studies of attacks planned or carried out against Israeli bus targets, along with statistical data on the number, frequency, and lethality of attacks against bus targets that have taken place in Israel since 1970 and duri...

Folsomia Candida--An Ideal Organism for Population Studies in the Laboratory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Usher, M. B.; Stoneman, C. F.

1977-01-01

Folsomia candida is presented as an ideal organism for population studies that can be carried out cheaply and easily in school laboratory conditions. Means of identifying, obtaining, and culturing these organisms are described together with some indication of the kinds of investigations which can be performed. (Author/MA)

A driving simulator study : evaluation of vehicle mounted attenuator markings in work zones during different times of the day.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-09-01

This report presents a study of driver perceptions using a driving simulator carried out on the : effectiveness of four markings which vary in striping patterns and color combinations used at the : rear of vehicle mounted attenuators (VMAs) in work z...

Building Inclusive Processes for School Improvement: A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Arnaiz, Pilar; Escarbajal, Andrés; Guirao, José Manuel; Martínez, Rogelio

2016-01-01

This paper presents a study carried out in a nursery and primary school in order to ascertain the level of self-assessment undertaken by teachers with respect to their educational processes using the "ACADI" instrument, "School-based self-assessment of diversity awareness from an inclusive approach." The objective was to…

Job Satisfaction in Fisheries Compared

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pollnac, Richard; Bavinck, Maarten; Monnereau, Iris

2012-01-01

This article draws comparative lessons from seven job satisfaction studies on marine capture fishing that were recently carried out in nine countries and three geographical regions--Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. The seven studies made use of an identical job satisfaction assessment tool and present information on a selection of metiers mainly…

Problem-Solving Studies in Mathematics. Monograph Series.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harvey, John G., Ed.; Romberg, Thomas A., Ed.

This monograph focuses on educational research on the processes and natures of problem-solving activities in mathematics. The first chapter presents an overview to both the field and the document itself. All of the studies reported reflect interrelated investigations carried out at the University of Madison-Wisconsin, as partial fulfillments of…

Linearised and non-linearised isotherm models optimization analysis by error functions and statistical means

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

In adsorption study, to describe sorption process and evaluation of best-fitting isotherm model is a key analysis to investigate the theoretical hypothesis. Hence, numerous statistically analysis have been extensively used to estimate validity of the experimental equilibrium adsorption values with the predicted equilibrium values. Several statistical error analysis were carried out. In the present study, the following statistical analysis were carried out to evaluate the adsorption isotherm model fitness, like the Pearson correlation, the coefficient of determination and the Chi-square test, have been used. The ANOVA test was carried out for evaluating significance of various error functions and also coefficient of dispersion were evaluated for linearised and non-linearised models. The adsorption of phenol onto natural soil (Local name Kalathur soil) was carried out, in batch mode at 30 ± 20 C. For estimating the isotherm parameters, to get a holistic view of the analysis the models were compared between linear and non-linear isotherm models. The result reveled that, among above mentioned error functions and statistical functions were designed to determine the best fitting isotherm. PMID:25018878

Wear behavior of electroless Ni-P-W coating under lubricated condition - a Taguchi based approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mukhopadhyay, Arkadeb; Duari, Santanu; Barman, Tapan Kumar; Sahoo, Prasanta

2016-09-01

The present study aims to investigate the tribological behavior of electroless Ni-P-W coating under engine oil lubricated condition to ascertain its suitability in automotive applications. Coating is deposited onto mild steel specimens by the electroless method. The experiments are carried out on a pin - on - disc type tribo tester under lubrication. Three tribotesting parameters namely the applied normal load, sliding speed and sliding duration are varied at their three levels and their effects on the wear depth of the deposits are studied. The experiments are carried out based on the combinations available in Taguchi's L27 orthogonal array (OA). Optimization of the tribo-testing parameters is carried out using Taguchi's S/N ratio method to minimize the wear depth. Analysis of variance carried out at a confidence level of 99% indicates that the sliding speed is the most significant parameter in controlling the wear behavior of the deposits. Coating characterization is done using scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray analysis and X-ray diffraction techniques. It is seen that the wear mechanism under lubricated condition is abrasive in nature.

The influence of wildfires on aerosol size distributions in rural areas.

PubMed

Alonso-Blanco, E; Calvo, A I; Fraile, R; Castro, A

2012-01-01

The number of particles and their size distributions were measured in a rural area, during the summer, using a PCASP-X. The aim was to study the influence of wildfires on particle size distributions. The comparative studies carried out reveal an average increase of around ten times in the number of particles in the fine mode, especially in sizes between 0.10 and 0.14 μm, where the increase is of nearly 20 times. An analysis carried out at three different points in time--before, during, and after the passing of the smoke plume from the wildfires--shows that the mean geometric diameter of the fine mode in the measurements affected by the fire is smaller than the one obtained in the measurements carried out immediately before and after (0.14 μm) and presents average values of 0.11 μm.

The Influence of Wildfires on Aerosol Size Distributions in Rural Areas

PubMed Central

Alonso-Blanco, E.; Calvo, A. I.; Fraile, R.; Castro, A.

2012-01-01

The number of particles and their size distributions were measured in a rural area, during the summer, using a PCASP-X. The aim was to study the influence of wildfires on particle size distributions. The comparative studies carried out reveal an average increase of around ten times in the number of particles in the fine mode, especially in sizes between 0.10 and 0.14 μm, where the increase is of nearly 20 times. An analysis carried out at three different points in time—before, during, and after the passing of the smoke plume from the wildfires—shows that the mean geometric diameter of the fine mode in the measurements affected by the fire is smaller than the one obtained in the measurements carried out immediately before and after (0.14 μm) and presents average values of 0.11 μm. PMID:22629191

A three-level advanced static VAr compensator

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ekanayake, J.B.; Jenkins, N.

1996-01-01

An Advanced Static VAr Compensator (ASVC) employing a three level inverter has been investigated for three phase applications. The paper describes the operating principles of the ASVC using an elementary single phase ASVC circuit. The construction of a hardware model of the three phase, three level ASVC is then presented. The performance of the ASVC is obtained from an experimental study carried out on this laboratory model. The use of the selective harmonic elimination modulation (SHEM) technique to minimize harmonics is explored. Experimental studies have been carried out to determine the speed of response of the scheme by controlling itmore » in a closed loop.« less

Morphology of the adult male and pupal exuviae of Glyptotendipes (Glyptotendipes) glaucus (Meigen 1818) (Diptera, Chironomidae) using scanning electron microscope (SEM).

PubMed

Kownacki, Andrzej; Woznicka, Olga; Szarek-Gwiazda, Ewa; Michailova, Paraskeva; Czaplicka, Anna

2017-02-27

In this paper, a study of the morphology of the pupa and male imago of Glyptotendipes (G.) glaucus (Meigen 1818) was carried out, with the aid of a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The SEM provided additional valuable information on the morphology of the species. Adult male head, antenna, wing, leg, abdomen, hypopygium, pupal cephalothorax and abdomen were examined. It is emphasized that SEM was not often used in Chironomidae studies. The present results confirm SEM as a suitable approach in carrying out morphological and taxonomical descriptions of Chironomidae species.

Development and testing of a scale for assessing the quality of home nursing.

PubMed

Chiou, Chii-Jun; Wang, Hsiu-Hung; Chang, Hsing-Yi

2016-03-01

To develop a home nursing quality scale and to evaluate its psychometric properties. This was a 3-year study. In the first year, 19 focus group interviews with caregivers of people using home nursing services were carried out in northern, central and southern Taiwan. Content analysis was carried out and a pool of questionnaire items compiled. In the second year (2007), study was carried out on a stratified random sample selected from home nursing organizations covered by the national health insurance scheme in southern Taiwan. The study population was the co-resident primary caregivers of home care nursing service users. Item analysis and exploratory factor analysis were carried out on data from 365 self-administered questionnaires collected from 13 selected home care organizations. In the third year (2008), a random sample of participants was selected from 206 hospital-based home care nursing organizations throughout Taiwan, resulting in completion of 294 questionnaires from 27 organizations. Confirmatory factor analysis was then carried out on the scale, and the validity and reliability of the scale assessed. The present study developed a reliable and valid home nursing quality scale from the perspective of users of home nursing services. The scale comprised three factors: dependability, communication skills and service usefulness. This scale is of practical value for the promotion of long-term community care aging in local policies. The scale is ready to be used to assess the quality of services provided by home care nursing organizations. © 2015 Japan Geriatrics Society.

Synthesis, characterisation of polyaniline-Fe3O4 magnetic nanocomposite and its application for removal of an acid violet 19 dye

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patil, Manohar R.; Khairnar, Subhash D.; Shrivastava, V. S.

2016-04-01

The present work deals with the development of a new method for the removal of dyes from an aqueous solution using polyaniline (PANI)-Fe3O4 magnetic nanocomposite. It is synthesised in situ through self-polymerisation of monomer aniline. Photocatalytic degradation studies were carried out for cationic acid violet 19 (acid fuchsine) dye using PANI-Fe3O4 nanocomposite in aqueous solution. Different parameters like catalyst dose, contact time and pH have been studied to optimise reaction condition. The optimum conditions for the removal of the dye are initial concentration 20 mg/l, adsorbent dose 6 gm/l, pH 7. The EDS technique gives elemental composition of synthesised PANI-Fe3O4. The SEM and XRD studies were carried for morphological feature characteristics of PANI-Fe3O4 nanocomposite. The VSM (vibrating sample magnetometer) gives magnetic property of PANI-Fe3O4 nanocomposite; also FT-IR analysis gives characteristics frequency of synthesised PANI-Fe3O4. Besides the above studies kinetic study has also been carried out.

Suicide Risk Characteristics among Aborted, Interrupted, and Actual Suicide Attempters

PubMed Central

Burke, Taylor A.; Hamilton, Jessica L.; Ammerman, Brooke A.; Stange, Jonathan P.; Alloy, Lauren B.

2017-01-01

Few studies have investigated suicide risk characteristics associated with interrupted and aborted suicide attempts. The present study aimed to empirically examine whether assessing a history of interrupted and aborted suicide attempts is valuable when assessing suicide risk, given the relative lack of literature in this area to date. To inform this question, the current study examined differences in risk factors for suicidal behavior among individuals who have carried out a suicide attempt, individuals who report having a history of only interrupted and/or aborted suicide attempts, and non-attempter controls. Approximately 447 undergraduates (M = 21.10 years; SD = 4.16; 77.6% female) completed measures of carried out suicide attempts, interrupted suicide attempts, aborted suicide attempts, acquired capability for suicide, suicide likelihood, depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation, and non-suicidal self-injury. Results suggest that a faction of individuals endorse interrupted and/or aborted suicide attempts (8.7%), but do not endorse carried out suicide attempts, even in non-clinical samples. Furthermore, results suggest that there are few clinically meaningful differences between those with a history of carried out suicide attempts and interrupted/aborted suicide attempts, suggesting that individuals with a history of these lesser studied suicidal behaviors are an important group to target for suicide risk intervention. PMID:27344029

Treatment of smuggled cigarette tobacco by composting process in facultative reactors.

PubMed

Zittel, Rosimara; Pinto da Silva, Cleber; Domingues, Cinthia Eloise; de Oliveira Stremel, Tatiana Roselena; de Almeida, Thiago Eduardo; Vieira Damiani, Gislaine; Xavier de Campos, Sandro

2018-01-01

This paper presents a study on the degradation of smuggled cigarette tobacco combined with domestic organic waste and sawdust or wood chips, using facultative reactor. Four reactors with different amounts of residue were assembled. For the study of the quality of the compost obtained, physicochemical, phytotoxicity and microbiological analyses were carried out. The mixture with wood chips presented the best temperature conditions and pH variation optimizing the degradation. The final germination index (GI) values of all treatments were above the recommended GI value (50%) and the final C/N ratio between 8 and 13 indicated a mature compost. The concentration of metals under study was below the limit allowed for the commercialization. The composting carried out in all facultative reactors provided ideal conditions for the total sterilization of the final compost. Therefore, the treatment of smuggled cigarettes through facultative reactors was efficient to produce stable and mature compost. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Magnetic behaviour studies on nanocrystalline cobalt ferrite by employing the Arrott plot

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kumar, Rajnish, E-mail: rajnishiitr15@gmail.com; Kar, Manoranjan, E-mail: mano@iitp.ac.in

Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) has been used to analyze the magnetic behavior of ferrimagnetic material (CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}) synthesized by the citric acid modified sol-gel method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern confirms the phase purity of the sample. Its magnetic measurement has been carried out at room temperature in the field range ±1.5T. The magnetocrystalline anisotropy and saturation magnetization of CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} are two important parameters which need to be studied for exploring its technological applications like memory device, magnetic sensors etc. Law of Approach (LA) to saturation and the Arrott plot analysis have been carried out to obtain themore » saturation magnetization. The difference in the saturation magnetization obtained from the two methods gives the qualitative understanding of magnetocrystalline anisotropy and lattice strain present in the sample. The present study explores a new way of analyzing magnetic hysteresis loop of nanocrystalline cobalt ferrite.« less

Early Flood Warning in Africa: Results of a Feasibility study in the JUBA, SHABELLE and ZAMBEZI

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pappenberger, F. P.; de Roo, A. D.; Buizza, Roberto; Bodis, Katalin; Thiemig, Vera

2009-04-01

Building on the experiences gained with the European Flood Alert System (EFAS), pilot studies are carried out in three river basins in Africa. The European Flood Alert System, pre-operational since 2003, provides early flood alerts for European rivers. At present, the experiences with the European EFAS system are used to evaluate the feasibility of flood early warning for Africa. Three case studies are carried in the Juba and Shabelle rivers (Somalia and Ethiopia), and in the Zambesi river (Southern Africa). Predictions in these data scarce regions are extremely difficult to make as records of observations are scarce and often unreliable. Meteorological and Discharge observations are used to calibrate and test the model, as well as soils, landuse and topographic data available within the JRC African Observatory. ECMWF ERA-40, ERA-Interim data and re-forecasts of flood events from January to March 1978, and in March 2001 are evaluated to examine the feasibility for early flood warning. First results will be presented.

Perception of drinking water in the Quebec City region (Canada): the influence of water quality and consumer location in the distribution system.

PubMed

Turgeon, Steve; Rodriguez, Manuel J; Thériault, Marius; Levallois, Patrick

2004-04-01

The purpose of every water utility is to provide consumers with drinking water that is aesthetically acceptable and presents no risk to public health. Several studies have been carried out to analyze people's perception and attitude about the drinking water coming from their water distribution systems. The goal of the present study is to investigate the influence of water quality and the geographic location of consumers within a distribution system on consumer perception of tap water. The study is based on the data obtained from two surveys carried out in municipalities of the Quebec City area (Canada). Three perception variables were used to study consumer perception: general satisfaction, taste satisfaction and risk perception. Data analysis based on logistic regression indicates that water quality variations and geographic location in the distribution system have a significant impact on the consumer perception. This impact appears to be strongly associated with residual chlorine levels. The study also confirms the importance of socio-economic characteristics of consumers on their perception of drinking water quality.

Comparative study of Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) transportation alternatives

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

WIPP transportation studies in the Final Supplement Environmental Impact Statement for WIPP are the baseline for this report. In an attempt to present the most current analysis, this study incorporates the most relevant data available. The following three transportation options are evaluated for the Disposal Phase, which is assumed to be 20 years: Truck shipments, consisting of a tractor and trailer, with three TRUPACT-IIs or one RH-72B; Regular commercial train shipments consisting of up to three railcars carrying up to 18 TRUPACT-IIs or up to six RH-72Bs; Dedicated train shipments consisting of a locomotive, an idle car, railcars carrying 18more » TRUPACT-IIs or six RH-72Bs, another idle car, and a caboose or passenger car with an emergency response specialist. No other cargo is carried. This report includes: A consideration of occupational and public risks and exposures, and other environmental impacts; A consideration of emergency response capabilities; and An extimation of comparative costs.« less

Effect of Copper Coated SiC Reinforcements on Microstructure, Mechanical Properties and Wear of Aluminium Composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kori, P. S.; Vanarotti, Mohan; Angadi, B. M.; Nagathan, V. V.; Auradi, V.; Sakri, M. I.

2017-08-01

Experimental investigations are carried out to study the influence of copper coated Silicon carbide (SiC) reinforcements in Aluminum (Al) based Al-SiC composites. Wear behavior and mechanical Properties like, ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and hardness are studied in the present work. Experimental results clearly revealed that, an addition of SiC particles (5, 10 and 15 Wt %) has lead in the improvement of hardness and ultimate tensile strength. Al-SiC composites containing the Copper coated SiC reinforcements showed better improvement in mechanical properties compared to uncoated ones. Characterization of Al-SiC composites are carried out using optical photomicrography and SEM analysis. Wear tests are carried out to study the effects of composition and normal pressure using Pin-On Disc wear testing machine. Results suggested that, wear rate decreases with increasing SiC composition, further an improvement in wear resistance is observed with copper coated SiC reinforcements in the Al-SiC metal matrix composites (MMC’s).

Numerical Design of Megawatt Gyrotron with 120 GHz Frequency and 50% Efficiency for Plasma Fusion Application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Nitin; Singh, Udaybir; Kumar, Anil; Bhattacharya, Ranajoy; Singh, T. P.; Sinha, A. K.

2013-02-01

The design of 120 GHz, 1 MW gyrotron for plasma fusion application is presented in this paper. The mode selection is carried out considering the aim of minimum mode competition, minimum cavity wall heating, etc. On the basis of the selected operating mode, the interaction cavity design and beam-wave interaction computation are carried out by using the PIC code. The design of triode type Magnetron Injection Gun (MIG) is also presented. Trajectory code EGUN, synthesis code MIGSYN and data analysis code MIGANS are used in the MIG designing. Further, the design of MIG is also validated by using the another trajectory code TRAK. The design results of beam dumping system (collector) and RF window are also presented. Depressed collector is designed to enhance the overall tube efficiency. The design study confirms >1 MW output power with tube efficiency around 50% (with collector efficiency).

Application of CFD to the analysis and design of high-speed inlets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rose, William C.

1995-01-01

Over the past seven years, efforts under the present Grant have been aimed at being able to apply modern Computational Fluid Dynamics to the design of high-speed engine inlets. In this report, a review of previous design capabilities (prior to the advent of functioning CFD) was presented and the example of the NASA 'Mach 5 inlet' design was given as the premier example of the historical approach to inlet design. The philosophy used in the Mach 5 inlet design was carried forward in the present study, in which CFD was used to design a new Mach 10 inlet. An example of an inlet redesign was also shown. These latter efforts were carried out using today's state-of-the-art, full computational fluid dynamics codes applied in an iterative man-in-the-loop technique. The potential usefulness of an automated machine design capability using an optimizer code was also discussed.

Evaluation of railroad cab car end beam designs.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2003-06-01

This report presents the results of an experimental study to establish the strength and energy absorption capability of railroad cab car corner structures built to current requirements and for structures modified to carry higher loads and absorb more...

Ambient Information Systems to Support the Elderly in Carrying Out Their Activities of Daily Living

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

García-Vázquez, Juan Pablo; Rodríguez, Marcela D.

As they age, older adult's present losses in their functional capabilities which cause them can't continue performing their activities of daily living (ADL) independently at home. We propose Ambient Information Systems (AIS) as appropriate pervasive devices to promote their independent living. Therefore our aim is to determine the utility and usability of AIS to support the independent life of older adults by helping them to perform their activities. In this paper we present preliminary results of a case study that we carried out for understanding the problems and needs that older adults face in doing some of their activities of daily living. In particular, we present results regarding the elderly problems to adhere to their medication prescription. Based on these results we propose AIS to support older adults to medicate. Finally, we present the design attributes incorporated into this AIS, which were identified from the design taxonomies of AIS reported in the literature.

Size Is Big or Little: An Approach to the Dimensionality of Children's Concepts.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Webb, Roger A.

This paper reports a study carried out with 14 children (ranging in age from 2.8 to 3.5 years) which investigated children's concepts of difference. Pairs of small objects differing on a number of dimensions were presented to the children. As each pair of objects was presented, children were asked to select the object that was…

Motivating Factors that Affect Enrolment and Student Performance in an ODL Engineering Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dadigamuwa, P. R.; Senanayake, Samans

2012-01-01

The present study was carried out to determine the motivating factors for enrolling in an engineering study programme in open and distance learning (ODL) and the factors that affect the students' performance. The study was conducted with two convenient samples of students following distance learning courses in engineering technology, conducted by…

Lesson Study in Prospective Mathematics Teacher Education: Didactic and Paradidactic Technology in the Post-Lesson Reflection

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rasmussen, Klaus

2016-01-01

This paper presents a detailed analysis of the post-lesson reflection, carried out in the context of eight cases of lesson study conducted by teams of Danish, lower secondary prospective teachers and their supervisors. The participants, representing different institutions, were all new to the lesson study format. Nevertheless, it is demonstrated…

E-Learning in Thailand: An Analysis and Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Suanpang, Pannee; Petocz, Peter

2006-01-01

This article presents a discussion of e-learning in the context of Thailand using as an example a study carried out in a course in Business Statistics at Suan Dusit Rajabhat University (SDU), Thailand. The online course was a pioneering research project at SDU for studying the efficiency and effectiveness of the online learning system. The…

Screen Design Principles of Computer-Aided Instructional Software for Elementary School Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Berrin, Atiker; Turan, Bülent Onur

2017-01-01

This study aims to present primary school students' views about current educational software interfaces, and to propose principles for educational software screens. The study was carried out with a general screening model. Sample group of the study consisted of sixth grade students in Sehit Ögretmen Hasan Akan Elementary School. In this context,…

High School Students' Attitudes towards Smart Board Use in Biology Classes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yapici, I. Ümit; Karakoyun, Ferit

2016-01-01

The present study aimed at determining high school students' attitudes towards smart board use in biology classes. The study was carried out using the survey model. The study group was made up of 200 high school students. As the data collection tool, the "Student Attitude Scale for Smart Board Use" developed by Elaziz was used. The…

Using Systemic Functional Linguistics in Academic Writing Development: An Example from Film Studies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Donohue, James P.

2012-01-01

On film studies courses, students are asked to treat as objects of study the same films which they may more commonly experience as entertainment. To explore the role of academic writing in this, an action research project was carried out on a university film studies course using a systemic functional linguistics approach. This paper presents a key…

Design, Development and Analysis of Centrifugal Blower

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baloni, Beena Devendra; Channiwala, Salim Abbasbhai; Harsha, Sugnanam Naga Ramannath

2018-06-01

Centrifugal blowers are widely used turbomachines equipment in all kinds of modern and domestic life. Manufacturing of blowers seldom follow an optimum design solution for individual blower. Although centrifugal blowers are developed as highly efficient machines, design is still based on various empirical and semi empirical rules proposed by fan designers. There are different methodologies used to design the impeller and other components of blowers. The objective of present study is to study explicit design methodologies and tracing unified design to get better design point performance. This unified design methodology is based more on fundamental concepts and minimum assumptions. Parametric study is also carried out for the effect of design parameters on pressure ratio and their interdependency in the design. The code is developed based on a unified design using C programming. Numerical analysis is carried out to check the flow parameters inside the blower. Two blowers, one based on the present design and other on industrial design, are developed with a standard OEM blower manufacturing unit. A comparison of both designs is done based on experimental performance analysis as per IS standard. The results suggest better efficiency and more flow rate for the same pressure head in case of the present design compared with industrial one.

Economic Evaluation and Overall Assessment of Water Harvesting Ponds based on Scorecard System: A Case Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dabral, P. P.; Kumar, Santosh; Kiku, Karmchand

2017-12-01

In the present study, an attempt has been made to carry out an economic analysis of three (03) water harvesting ponds situated in the district of Lakhimpur (Assam), India. Economic analysis was carried out using three important economic criteria, namely Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR), Net Present Worth (NPW) and the Internal Rate of Returns (IRR). Ponds of the study area were compared with adopting score card system. All the water harvesting ponds were found economically viable as the BCR was more than unity at 12% discount rate. Net present worth was the highest for the water harvesting pond of Radhapukheri Fish Seed Farm, Department of Fisheries, Govt. of Assam, Narayanpur and the least for water harvesting pond of St. Xavier's School, Harmoti. The IRR was found to be the highest (60%) for water harvesting ponds of St. Xavier's School, Harmoti followed by water harvesting pond of a farmer of Narayanpur (48%) and water harvesting pond of Radhapukheri Fish Seed Farm (19.2%).Water harvesting pond of Radhapukheri Fish Seed Farm, Narayanpur scored the highest score (84 marks) followed by water harvesting pond of a farmer of Narayanpur (80 marks) and St. Xavier's school, Harmoti (61 marks).

Histopathological evaluation of gastro protective effect of Berberis vulgaris (Zereshk) seeds against aspirin induced ulcer in albino mice.

PubMed

Majeed, Wafa; Aslam, Bilal; Javed, Ijaz; Khaliq, Tanweer; Muhammad, Faqir; Ali, Asghar; Raza, Ahmed

2015-11-01

The present study was carried out to investigate the antiulcer activity of Berberis vulgaris (Zereshk) seeds in albino mice. After acclimatization, animals were divided into six equal groups. Aspirin 150 mg/kg was used to induce gastric ulcer in all groups except normal control. Omeprazole 20mg/kg was used as synthetic anti ulcer drug in study. Three dose levels of B. vulgaris seed powder 300 mg/kg, 600 mg/kg and 900 mg/kg were used respectively orally. Histopathological analysis was carried out to evaluate the gastroprotective activity of B. vulgaris seed powder. Results of the study showed that in case of aspirin treated mice gastric luminal mucosa villi were decreased in height or were absent. In the glandular region there was connective tissue proliferation and also infiltration of cells. Similar infiltration of cells was present on muscularis mucosa. In esophageal region tumor cells were present. However three dose levels of B. vulgaris significantly reduced the tissue proliferation, infiltration of cells and sloughing induced by aspirin. Highest dose of B. vulgaris (900 mg/kg) showed similar results as synthetic antiulcer drug omeprazole.

Virulence factors and genetic variability of Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from raw sheep's milk cheese.

PubMed

Spanu, Vincenzo; Spanu, Carlo; Virdis, Salvatore; Cossu, Francesca; Scarano, Christian; De Santis, Enrico Pietro Luigi

2012-02-01

Contamination of dairy products with Staphylococcus aureus can be of animal or human origin. The host pathogen relationship is an important factor determining genetic polymorphism of the strains and their potential virulence. The aim of the present study was to carry out an extensive characterization of virulence factors and to study the genetic variability of S. aureus strains isolated from raw ewe's milk cheese. A total of 100 S. aureus strains isolated from cheese samples produced in 10 artisan cheese factories were analyzed for the presence of enterotoxins (sea-see) and enterotoxins-like genes (seh, sek, sel, sem, seo, sep), leukocidins, exfoliatins, haemolysins, toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 (TSST-1) and the accessory gene regulator alleles (agr). Strains were also typed using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). AMOVA analysis carried out on PFGE and PCR data showed that the major component explaining genetic distance between strains was the dairy of origin. Of the total isolates 81% had a pathogenicity profile ascribable to "animal" biovar while 16% could be related to "human" biovar. The biovar allowed to estimate the most likely origin of the contamination. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of nine antimicrobial agents and the presence of the corresponding genes coding for antibiotic resistance was also investigated. 18 strains carrying blaZ gene showed resistance to ampicillin and penicillin and 6 strains carrying tetM gene were resistant to tetracycline. The presence of mecA gene and methicillin resistance, typical of strains of human origin, was never detected. The results obtained in the present study confirm that S. aureus contamination in artisan cheese production is mainly of animal origin. Copyright © 2011. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Medicinal plant diversity of Sitamata wildlife sanctuary, Rajasthan, India.

PubMed

Jain, Anita; Katewa, S S; Galav, P K; Sharma, Pallavi

2005-11-14

The present study has been carried out in Sitamata wildlife sanctuary of Chittorgarh and Udaipur district located in south-west region of Rajasthan. A field survey of the study area was carried out during 2002-2004 to document the medicinal utility of herbs occurring in this area. Two hundred fourty-three genera belonging to 76 families have been reported which are used by the tribals of about 50 villages around the sanctuary as means of primary health care to cure various ailments. The study revealed the new ethnobotanical uses of 24 plant species belonging to 20 genera. A list of plant species along with their local name, plant part/s used and mode of administration for effective control in different ailments of ethnomedicinal plants are given.

Studies on microstructure, mechanical and corrosion properties of high nitrogen stainless steel shielded metal arc welds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohammed, Raffi; Madhusudhan Reddy, G.; Srinivasa Rao, K.

2018-03-01

The present work is aimed at studying the microstructure, mechanical and corrosion properties of high nitrogen stainless steel shielded metal arc (SMA) welds made with Cromang-N electrode. Basis for selecting this electrode is to increase the solubility of nitrogen in weld metal due to high chromium and manganese content. Microstructures of the welds were characterized using optical microscopy (OM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and electron back scattered diffraction (EBSD) mainly to determine the morphology, phase analysis, grain size and orientation image mapping. Hardness, tensile and ductility bend tests were carried out to determine mechanical properties. Potentio-dynamic polarization testing was carried out to study the pitting corrosion resistance using a GillAC basic electrochemical system. Constant load type testing was carried out to study stress corrosion cracking (SCC) behaviour of welds. The investigation results shown that the selected Cr–Mn–N type electrode resulted in favourable microstructure and completely solidified as single phase coarse austenite. Mechanical properties of SMA welds are found to be inferior when compared to that of base metal and is due to coarse and dendritic structure.

Findings of the Canadian vehicle fuel pilot survey

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2004-10-01

This report presents the results of a pilot survey conducted by Statistics Canada to measure the fuel consumption of on-road motor vehicles registered in Canada. This study was carried out in connection with the Canadian Vehicle Survey (CVS) which co...

Good Effective School Improvement Practices in Spain.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Murillo, F. Javier

2002-01-01

Presents case studies of five effective school improvement (ESI) programs developed in Spain. Identified characteristics of the Spanish education system that affect the way ESI programs are carried out and developed descriptions of the five programs and lessons learned from them. (SLD)

Pre-Service Teachers' Motivations toward Teaching Profession and Their Opinions about the Pedagogic Formation Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Seker, Hasan; Deniz, Sabahattin; Görgen, Izzet

2015-01-01

The present study aimed to investigate pre-service teachers' motivations toward teaching profession and their opinions about pedagogical formation program. In this study descriptive and correlational research methods were used. It was carried out with (a) graduate students doing a master's program without thesis, (b) undergraduate students…

The Perspective of Women Managing Research Teams in Social Sciences

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tomas, Marina; Castro, Diego

2013-01-01

This article presents a research study that focuses on how women manage research teams. More specifically, the study aims to ascertain the perception of female researchers who are leaders of research groups in social sciences with regard to the formation, operation and management of their research teams. Fifteen interviews were carried out, eight…

Cavitation pitting and erosion of Al 6061-T6 in mineral oil and water

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rao, B. C. S.; Buckley, D. H.

1983-01-01

The authors are currently carrying out a study of the cavitation erosion of different bearing metals and alloys in mineral oils were studied. The variations of weight loss, the pit diameter and depth due to cavitation erosion on Al 6061-T6 in mineral oil and water are presented.

What Do Education Students Think about Their Ability to Write Essays?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Quintero, Gisela Consolación

2018-01-01

The present study reflects the results obtained from a diagnosis carried out with Education students concerning the writing of academic essays. The objective was to identify the perceptions that Comprehensive Education students have about their ability to write academic essays. A descriptive cross-sectional research study was conducted at a single…

How Distributed Leadership Can Make a Difference in Teachers' Organizational Commitment? A Qualitative Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hulpia, Hester; Devos, Geert

2010-01-01

The present study explores the relation between distributed leadership and teachers' organizational commitment. Semi-structured interviews with teachers and school leaders of secondary schools were conducted. A comparative analysis of four schools with high and four schools with low committed teachers was carried out. Findings revealed differences…

High School Teachers' Perceptions regarding Principals' Ethical Leadership in Turkey

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Karakose, Turgut

2007-01-01

This study has been carried out in order to determine to what extent principals demonstrate ethical leadership behaviors, and to present suggestions on the strength of these findings. The study has a descriptive quality in evaluating the teachers' perceptions and uses the Ethical Leadership Scale (ELS) developed by Yilmaz (2006), so as to…

Effects of Classroom Cell Phone Use on Expected and Actual Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Froese, Arnold D.; Carpenter, Christina N.; Inman, Denyse A.; Schooley, Jessica R.; Barnes, Rebecca B.; Brecht, Paul W.; Chacon, Jasmin D.

2012-01-01

Studies of driving indicate that the conversational aspects of using cell phones generate high risks from divided attention. Prior surveys document high rates at which students carry phones to and use them during class. Some experiments have demonstrated that cell phones distract students from learning. The present studies combined survey and…

Cognitive Style and Reading Comprehension in L1 and L2.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vivaldo-Lima, Javier

This paper presents the results of a research study carried out with Mexican college students to analyze the relationship between readers' cognitive styles (field dependent/independent) and their performance at different levels of written discourse processing in Spanish (L1) and English (L2). The sample for the study included 452 undergraduate…

Linking Languages through a Bilingual Read-Aloud Project

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lyster, Roy; Collins, Laura; Ballinger, Susan

2009-01-01

The present study was carried out in French immersion classrooms in an urban Quebec school board that is increasingly characterised by the heterogeneity of its French-dominant, English-dominant, and French/English bilingual student population. The study explored the extent to which a bilingual read-aloud project would (1) raise teachers' awareness…

Study of Human Barriers upon Development of Virtual Disciplines at University of Isfahan

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nikoonezhad, Sepideh; Nili, Mohammadreza; Esfahani, Ahmadreza Nasr

2015-01-01

The present study has been carried out to investigate the human barriers of developing virtual majors at Isfahan University; therefore, considering its objective, it is a functional research. It was conducted in combined (quantitative-qualitative) manner via descriptive survey method. In order to do the research, investigating the texts, interview…

Elementary School Students' Strategic Learning: Does Task-Type Matter?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Malmberg, Jonna; Järvelä, Sanna; Kirschner, Paul A.

2014-01-01

This study investigated what types of learning patterns and strategies elementary school students use to carry out ill- and well-structured tasks. Specifically, it was investigated which and when learning patterns actually emerge with respect to students' task solutions. The present study uses computer log file traces to investigate how…

Citizenship Education in Context: Student Teacher Perceptions of Citizenship in Cyprus

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Koutselini, Mary

2008-01-01

This paper presents a phenomenographic study that was carried out at the University of Cyprus Department of Education, aiming at the investigation of student teacher perceptions of citizenship, nationality, community and their relationship with human rights. The study showed a continuum of perceptions about citizenship, which are discussed in line…

The Relationship between Work Engagement Behavior and Perceived Organizational Support and Organizational Climate

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Köse, Akif

2016-01-01

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between work engagement and perceived organizational support and organizational climate. The present study, in which quantitative methods have been used, is carried out in the relational screening model. Perceived organizational support scale, organizational climate scale, and work…

Socialization through Informal Education: The Extracurricular Activities of Russian Schoolchildren

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ivaniushina, V. A.; Aleksandrov, D. A.

2015-01-01

The paper presents the results of a large-scale study on the scope of extracurricular education services and an assessment of the potential role of education outside the classroom and informal education in solving children's socialization issues. The study was carried out by questioning students as consumers of education services. A new instrument…

Videogame-Like Applications to Enhance Autonomous Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Berns, Anke; Valero-Franco, Concepción

2013-01-01

This paper presents the results of an ongoing study which has been carried out with a group of German Foreign Language students at the University of Cadiz since 2012. The purpose of the study was to analyze the impact of videogame-like applications on foreign language learning and their motivational potential to increase learning beyond the…

Designing Mobile LMS Interfaces: Learners' Expectations and Experiences

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ssekakubo, Grace; Suleman, Hussein; Marsden, Gary

2013-01-01

Purpose: This paper aims to present findings of a study that was carried out to identify strategies of enabling learners in developing countries to fully exploit the potential of learning management systems (LMSs). The study set out to: identify the services of learning management systems that are most needed and desired by university learners in…

General Revenue Sharing Data Study: Executive Summary. Volume I.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wilson, Reese C.; Bowditch, E. Francis, Jr.

The results of the General Revenue Sharing Data Study carried out by Stanford Research Institute for the Office of Revenue Sharing are reported in four volumes. This volume, Executive Summary, presents highlights excerpted from Volumes II, III, and IV. Emphasis is placed on those findings, conclusions, and recommendations that deserve special…

Results of a neonatal hearing screening program in Maceió.

PubMed

Dantas, Margareth Barbosa de Souza; Anjos, César Antônio Lira Dos; Camboim, Elizângela Dias; Pimentel, Marcella de Carvalho Ramos

2009-01-01

Since 1998, after we started the support group for neonatal hearing screening, many other hearing screening programs were held in Brazil. In Alagoas, the first program started in 2003, but none of its results were published. Hearing is paramount for human communication; therefore, childhood hearing loss can impair speech acquisition, emotional, educational and social development. to present the results achieved in a neonatal hearing screening program in Maceió. a retrospective analytical study was carried out in order to study the results from tests carried out from September 2003 to December 2006 in a private hospital of Maceió. from a total of 2002 newborns, 1,626 fitted the inclusion criteria, 835 (51.4%) males. The hearing screening was considered appropriate in 1416 cases (87.1%), and the most frequently found age was between 16 and 30 days. Finally, 163 (10.0%) children presented risk indicators for hearing loss, and hyperbilirubinemia was the most common indicator. statistical results obtained from this hearing screening program show the importance of holding such programs. This study is important because it contributes to further regional or multinational studies.

Perceived popularity of adolescents who use weapons in violence and adolescents who only carry weapons

PubMed Central

Wallace, Lacey N.

2017-01-01

Prior research has found that persistently delinquent youth or more violent youth were less popular than their less delinquent peers (Young, 2013). However, recent research has also found that weapon carrying is associated with being more popular in adolescence (Dijkstra et al., 2010). The present paper examines the perceived popularity of adolescents who carry weapons in comparison to those who both carry and use weapons in acts of violence or threatened violence. Data consist of two waves from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. Analyses use OLS regression with lagged predictors. This paper found no differences in number of friends between weapon carriers and weapon users. However, among both male and female gang members, those who did not use or carry weapons (abstainers) named significantly fewer friends than weapon users. Among females, weapon abstainers both named and were named by significantly more people than weapon users. These differences were not observed for males. Implications of these results and directions for future research are discussed. PMID:29104446

Error propagation in energetic carrying capacity models

USGS Publications Warehouse

Pearse, Aaron T.; Stafford, Joshua D.

2014-01-01

Conservation objectives derived from carrying capacity models have been used to inform management of landscapes for wildlife populations. Energetic carrying capacity models are particularly useful in conservation planning for wildlife; these models use estimates of food abundance and energetic requirements of wildlife to target conservation actions. We provide a general method for incorporating a foraging threshold (i.e., density of food at which foraging becomes unprofitable) when estimating food availability with energetic carrying capacity models. We use a hypothetical example to describe how past methods for adjustment of foraging thresholds biased results of energetic carrying capacity models in certain instances. Adjusting foraging thresholds at the patch level of the species of interest provides results consistent with ecological foraging theory. Presentation of two case studies suggest variation in bias which, in certain instances, created large errors in conservation objectives and may have led to inefficient allocation of limited resources. Our results also illustrate how small errors or biases in application of input parameters, when extrapolated to large spatial extents, propagate errors in conservation planning and can have negative implications for target populations.

Paleomagnetism of sedimentary cores from the Ross Sea outer shelf and continental slope (PNRA-ROSSLOPE II Project)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Macrì, Patrizia; Sagnotti, Leonardo; Caricchi, Chiara; Colizza, Ester

2016-04-01

We carried out a paleomagnetic and rock magnetic study of 4 gravity cores sampled in the Ross Sea continental slope of the area to the east of Pennell-Iselin banks. The cores (RS14-C1, C2, C3 and ANTA99-C20) consist of hemipelagic fine-grained (silty-clays) sediments with an IRD component. Rock magnetic and paleomagnetic measurements were carried out at 1-cm spacing on u-channel samples. The data indicate that the cored sediments carry a well-defined characteristic remanent magnetization (ChRM) and have a valuable potential to reconstruct dynamics and amplitude of the geomagnetic field variation at high southern latitudes (ca. 75°S) during the Holocene and the late Pleistocene. The paleomagnetic and rock magnetic data are integrated in a multidisciplinary context which includes previous geological, geophysical, oceanographic and morpho-bathimetric data obtained in the same area in the frame of the PNRA/ROSSLOPE (Past and present sedimentary dynamic in the ROSS Sea: a multidisciplinary approach to study the continental slope) Project. The main aim of the project is to investigate the relation between present and past water mass circulation and to provide a basis for paleoceanographic reconstructions and for the development of a depositional model of the modern processes active along the continental slope.

Rapid Population Growth and Human Carrying Capacity: Two Perspectives. World Bank Staff Working Papers No. 690 and Population and Development Series No. 15.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mahar, Dennis J., Ed.; And Others

Two perspectives on carrying capacity and population growth are examined. The first perspective, "Carrying Capacity and Rapid Population Growth: Definition, Cases, and Consequences" (Robert Muscat), explores the possible meanings of the idea of carrying capacity under developing country conditions, looks at historical and present-day cases of…

Space launch systems using oxidizer collection and storage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leingang, John L.; Maurice, Lourdes Q.; Carreiro, Louis R.

1992-08-01

A brief historical review of the development of a propulsion fluid system known as ACES (Air Collection and Enrichment System) is presented. The role of the ACES system is to acquire and store liquid oxygen en route to orbit for rocket use beyond the airbreathing envelope. Earth-to-orbit capability is achieved without carrying liquid oxygen from take-off or relying on scramjets. The performance advantages of using ACES is mathematically formulated. Results from a recent vehicle study aimed at comparing ACES and Sanger type (LOX carrying) propulsion schemes are presented. The payload fractions achievable with ACES are shown to be superior to those of Sanger type vehicles and competitive with scramjet-powered space launch vehicles without relying on airbreathing propulsion beyond the speed of conventional turboramjet engines.

Airbreathing space boosters using in-flight oxidizer collection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maurice, Lourdes Q.; Leingang, John L.; Carreiro, Louis R.

1992-07-01

A condensed historical review of the development of a propulsion fluid system known as ACES (Air Collection and Enrichment System) is presented. The role of the ACES system is to acquire and store liquid oxygen en route to orbit for rocket use beyond the airbreathing envelope. Earth-to-orbit capability is achieved without carrying liquid oxygen from take-off or relying on scramjets. The performance advantages of using ACES is mathematically formulated. Results from a recent vehicle study aimed at comparing ACES and Sanger type (LOX carrying) propulsion schemes are presented. The payload fractions achievable with ACES are shown to be superior to those of Sanger type vehicles and competitive with scramjet-powered space launch vehicles without relying on airbreathing propulsion beyond the speed of conventional turboramjet engines.

Design, fabrication and characterization of Computer Generated Holograms for anti-counterfeiting applications using OAM beams as light decoders.

PubMed

Ruffato, Gianluca; Rossi, Roberto; Massari, Michele; Mafakheri, Erfan; Capaldo, Pietro; Romanato, Filippo

2017-12-21

In this paper, we present the design, fabrication and optical characterization of computer-generated holograms (CGH) encoding information for light beams carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM). Through the use of a numerical code, based on an iterative Fourier transform algorithm, a phase-only diffractive optical element (PO-DOE) specifically designed for OAM illumination has been computed, fabricated and tested. In order to shape the incident beam into a helicoidal phase profile and generate light carrying phase singularities, a method based on transmission through high-order spiral phase plates (SPPs) has been used. The phase pattern of the designed holographic DOEs has been fabricated using high-resolution Electron-Beam Lithography (EBL) over glass substrates coated with a positive photoresist layer (polymethylmethacrylate). To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first attempt, in a comprehensive work, to design, fabricate and characterize computer-generated holograms encoding information for structured light carrying OAM and phase singularities. These optical devices appear promising as high-security optical elements for anti-counterfeiting applications.

Predicting Endurance Time in a Repetitive Lift and Carry Task Using Linear Mixed Models

PubMed Central

Ham, Daniel J.; Best, Stuart A.; Carstairs, Greg L.; Savage, Robert J.; Straney, Lahn; Caldwell, Joanne N.

2016-01-01

Objectives Repetitive manual handling tasks account for a substantial portion of work-related injuries. However, few studies report endurance time in repetitive manual handling tasks. Consequently, there is little guidance to inform expected work time for repetitive manual handling tasks. We aimed to investigate endurance time and oxygen consumption of a repetitive lift and carry task using linear mixed models. Methods Fourteen male soldiers (age 22.4 ± 4.5 yrs, height 1.78 ± 0.04 m, body mass 76.3 ± 10.1 kg) conducted four assessment sessions that consisted of one maximal box lifting session and three lift and carry sessions. The relationships between carry mass (range 17.5–37.5 kg) and the duration of carry, and carry mass and oxygen consumption, were assessed using linear mixed models with random effects to account for between-subject variation. Results Results demonstrated that endurance time was inversely associated with carry mass (R2 = 0.24), with significant individual-level variation (R2 = 0.85). Normalising carry mass to performance in a maximal box lifting test improved the prediction of endurance time (R2 = 0.40). Oxygen consumption presented relative to total mass (body mass, external load and carried mass) was not significantly related to lift and carry mass (β1 = 0.16, SE = 0.10, 95%CI: -0.04, 0.36, p = 0.12), indicating that there was no change in oxygen consumption relative to total mass with increasing lift and carry mass. Conclusion Practically, these data can be used to guide work-rest schedules and provide insight into methods assessing the physical capacity of workers conducting repetitive manual handling tasks. PMID:27379902

Study on Predicting Axial Load Capacity of CFST Columns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ravi Kumar, H.; Muthu, K. U.; Kumar, N. S.

2017-11-01

This work presents an analytical study and experimental study on the behaviour and ultimate load carrying capacity of axially compressed self-compacting concrete-filled steel tubular columns. Results of tests conducted by various researchers on 213 samples concrete-filled steel tubular columns are reported and present authors experimental data are reported. Two theoretical equations were derived for the prediction of the ultimate axial load strength of concrete-filled steel tubular columns. The results from prediction were compared with the experimental data. Validation to the experimental results was made.

Force, Surface Pressure and Flowfield Measurements on Slender Missile Configurations at Supersonic Speeds

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Birch, T. J.; Allen, J. M.; Wilcox, F. J.

2000-01-01

This paper describes a series of wind tunnel experiments carried out with the aim of providing data suitable for evaluating the performance of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) codes. The configurations and flow conditions studied are most relevant to slender supersonic missiles. However, the data obtained, which includes forces and moments, surface pressures, flowfield surveys and a selection of flow visualization images, should he of interest to other CFD practitioners. Results for three test cases are presented and discussed in this paper. These cases have been the subject of a collaborative study concerned with the evaluation of Navier-Stokes solvers for missiles, carried out under the auspices of The Technical Cooperation Programme (TTCP).

Industrial R&D Spending Reached $26.6 Billion in 1976. Science Resources Studies Highlights, May 5, 1978.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Science Foundation, Washington, DC. Div. of Science Resources Studies.

This report presents data compiled as part of a comprehensive program to measure and analyze the nation's resources expended for research and development (R&D). Industry, which carries out 69% of the R&D in the United States, spent $26.6 billion on these activities in 1976, 10% above the 1975 level. In constant dollars, this presents an…

Fatigue behavior of a ceramic matrix composite (CMC), 2D C{sub fiber}/SiC{sub matrix}

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rodrigues, P.A.; Rosa, L.G.; Steen, M.

The material described in this study is a 2D CMC of continuous carbon fibers embedded in a SiC matrix. This work presents the tensile behaviour of the material at room temperature (RT) and 1200{degrees}C. Results of uniaxial tension-tension fatigue tests carried out at both temperatures (RT and 1200{degrees}C) are also presented.

A Qualitative Study on Learning and Teaching with Learning Paths in a Learning Management System

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

De Smet, Cindy; Valcke, Martin; Schellens, Tammy; De Wever, Bram; Vanderlinde, Ruben

2016-01-01

This article presents the findings of a qualitative study (carried out between 2011 and 2013) about the adoption and implementation of learning paths within a Learning Management System (LMS). Sixteen secondary school biology teachers of the GO! Network in Flanders (an urbanized region in Belgium) were involved in the study and questioned via…

The Integration of Biodiversity Education in the Initial Education of Primary School Teachers: Four Comparative Case Studies from Europe

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lindemann-Matthies, Petra; Constantinou, Constantinos; Junge, Xenia; Kohler, Karlheinz; Mayer, Jurgen; Nagel, Ueli; Raper, George; Schule, Diane; Kadji-Beltran, Chrysanthi

2009-01-01

In this article, we present results from an international research study on biodiversity education in pre-service education of primary school teachers. The study was carried out between 2004-2006 in four teacher education institutions in Cyprus, England, Switzerland and Germany. We used document analyses and in-depth interviews with 27 teacher…

Factors Influencing Jordanian and Saudi Arabian Teacher Decisions to Pursue the Principalship: A Comparative Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Al-Omari, Aieman Ahmad; Wuzynani, Muhammad M.

2013-01-01

The present study was carried out to gain a better understanding of how teachers in Jordan and Saudi Arabia view the principalship and identify factors that influence teachers' candidacy to pursue a position as principal. Study participants comprised 800 teachers who worked in public schools in Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Participants rated 2 out of…

Two Studies of Musical Style Sensitivity with Children in Early Years

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Marshall, Nigel; Shibazaki, Kagari

2011-01-01

In this paper, we report on two studies carried out to further explore the level of listening and discriminatory abilities present in very young children through the development of an age appropriate methodology. Working with children aged between 3 and 4 years of age, our first study explored the level of performance achieved on a matching task…

Seismic Response of Steel Braced Building Frame Considering Soil Structure Interaction (SSI): An Experimental Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hirave, Vivek; Kalyanshetti, Mahesh

2018-02-01

Conventional fixed-base analysis ignoring the effect of soil-flexibility may result in unsafe design. Therefore, to evaluate the realistic behavior of structure the soil structure interaction (SSI) effect shall be incorporated in the analysis. In seismic analysis, provision of bracing system is one of the important option for the structure to have sufficient strength with adequate stiffness to resist lateral forces. The different configuration of these bracing systems alters the response of buildings, and therefore, it is important to evaluate the most effective bracing systems in view point of stability against SSI effect. In present study, three RC building frames, G+3, G+5 and G+7 and their respective scaled down steel model with two types of steel bracing system incorporating the effect of soil flexibility is considered for experimental and analytical study. The analytical study is carried out using Elastic continuum approach and the experimental study is carried out using Shake Table. The influence of SSI on various seismic parameters is presented. The study reveals that, steel bracing system is beneficial to control SSI effect and it is observed that V bracing is more effective, in resisting seismic load considering SSI.

Sequencing and diversity analyses reveal extensive similarities between some epsilon-toxin-encoding plasmids and the pCPF5603 Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin plasmid.

PubMed

Miyamoto, Kazuaki; Li, Jihong; Sayeed, Sameera; Akimoto, Shigeru; McClane, Bruce A

2008-11-01

Clostridium perfringens type B and D isolates produce epsilon-toxin, the third most potent clostridial toxin. The epsilon-toxin gene (etx) is plasmid borne in type D isolates, but etx genetics have been poorly studied in type B isolates. This study reports the first sequencing of any etx plasmid, i.e., pCP8533etx, from type B strain NCTC8533. This etx plasmid is 64.7 kb, carries tcp conjugative transfer genes, and encodes additional potential virulence factors including beta2-toxin, sortase, and collagen adhesin but not beta-toxin. Interestingly, nearly 80% of pCP8533etx open reading frames (ORFs) are also present on pCPF5603, an enterotoxin-encoding plasmid from type A isolate F5603. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and overlapping PCR indicated that a pCP8533etx-like etx plasmid is also present in most, if not all, other type B isolates and some beta2-toxin-positive, cpe-negative type D isolates, while other type D isolates carry different etx plasmids. Sequences upstream of the etx gene vary between type B isolates and some type D isolates that do not carry a pCP8533etx-like etx plasmid. However, nearly all type B and D isolates have an etx locus with an upstream IS1151, and those etx loci typically reside near a dcm ORF. These results suggest that pCPF5603 and pCP8533etx evolved from insertion of mobile genetic elements carrying enterotoxin or etx genes, respectively, onto a common progenitor plasmid.

Private Schooling Industry in North East India: A Trend Analysis of Nagaland State

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mishra, Biswambhara; Suresh, P. Srinivasa; Rio, K.

2006-01-01

The present study is an attempt to examine the intricacies of the growth of Private School industry in the North-Eastern Indian State of Nagaland. The study was carried out in Kohima, the capital city of Nagaland State. Data were obtained from field studies as well as from published reports of the Government. The main objective of the study was to…

Evaluation of bearing capacity of piles from cone penetration test data.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1999-11-01

This study presents an evaluation of the performance of eight cone penetration test (CPT) methods in predicting the ultimate load carrying capacity of square precast prestressed concrete (PPC) piles driven into Louisiana soils. A search in the DOTD f...

Espectrofotometría en NGC 3255 y Hogg 17

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giorgi, E. E.; Solivella, G. R.; Vázquez, R. A.; Rizzo, L.

We present a spectrophotometric study of the open clusters NGC 3255 and Hogg 17, located in Carina and Centaurus respectively, based on new CCD UBVI photometry and spectral classification carried out in brightest stars in their fields. FULL TEXT IN SPANISH

Research in general practice--the germination of an idea.

PubMed

Nichols, W P; Dookun, R

1998-09-12

The concept, planning and initiation of a research project into the treatment of temporomandibular dysfunction carried out by a group of GDPs in their own practices is described. Reports of the experimental studies will be presented as a further series of papers.

Prevalence and characterization of plasmids carrying sulfonamide resistance genes among Escherichia coli from pigs, pig carcasses and human.

PubMed

Wu, Shuyu; Dalsgaard, Anders; Hammerum, Anette M; Porsbo, Lone J; Jensen, Lars B

2010-07-30

Sulfonamide resistance is very common in Escherichia coli. The aim of this study was to characterize plasmids carrying sulfonamide resistance genes (sul1, sul2 and sul3) in E. coli isolated from pigs and humans with a specific objective to assess the genetic diversity of plasmids involved in the mobility of sul genes. A total of 501 E. coli isolates from pig feces, pig carcasses and human stools were tested for their susceptibility to selected antimicrobial. Multiplex PCR was conducted to detect the presence of three sul genes among the sulfonamide-resistant E. coli isolates. Fifty-seven sulfonamide-resistant E. coli were selected based on presence of sul resistance genes and subjected to conjugation and/or transformation experiments. S1 nuclease digestion followed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis was used to visualize and determine the size of plasmids. Plasmids carrying sul genes were characterized by PCR-based replicon typing to allow a comparison of the types of sul genes, the reservoir and plasmid present. A total of 109/501 isolates exhibited sulfonamide resistance. The relative prevalences of sul genes from the three reservoirs (pigs, pig carcasses and humans) were 65%, 45% and 12% for sul2, sul1, and sul3, respectively. Transfer of resistance through conjugation was observed in 42/57 isolates. Resistances to streptomycin, ampicillin and trimethoprim were co-transferred in most strains. Class 1 integrons were present in 80% of sul1-carrying plasmids and 100% of sul3-carrying plasmids, but only in 5% of sul2-carrying plasmids. The sul plasmids ranged from 33 to 160-kb in size and belonged to nine different incompatibility (Inc) groups: FII, FIB, I1, FIA, B/O, FIC, N, HI1 and X1. IncFII was the dominant type in sul2-carrying plasmids (52%), while IncI1 was the most common type in sul1 and sul3-carrying plasmids (33% and 45%, respectively). Multireplicons were found associated with all three sul genes. Sul genes were distributed widely in E. coli isolated from pigs and humans with sul2 being most prevalent. Sul-carrying plasmids belonged to diverse replicon types, but most of detected plasmids were conjugative enabling horizontal transfer. IncFII seems to be the dominant replicon type in sul2-carrying plasmids from all three sources.

Polymorphism of the PAI-1gene (4G/5G) may be linked with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and associated pregnancy disorders in South Indian Women

PubMed Central

Mary, Maniraja Jesintha; Saravanan, Lakshmanan; Deecaraman, Munuswamy; Vijayalakshmi, Melantharu; Umashankar, Vetrivel; Sailaja, Jaigopal

2017-01-01

Polycystic Ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder affecting 5 - 10% of all women of reproductive age group. The present research was carried out to study the impact of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor (PAI-1) 4G/5G polymorphism (rs1799889) in PCOS, and the risk of developing PCOS in South Indian Population. The study was carried out in 60 subjects of South Indian population (30 PCOS and 30 Non PCOS) recruited from ARC Research and Fertility Centre, Chennai, India. Genotype and Allelic frequencies were compared by Fisher exact test, Hardy Weinberg equilibrium. p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. The Genotype frequency difference between PCOS and non-PCOS was observed as statistically non-significant (p=0.4647, OR=1.3077, 95% CI 0.63-2.68). The allelic frequency distribution in Spontaneous Abortion (SAB) cases in total subjects is not found to be statistically significant (p=0. 29), however the PCOS women carrying mutant homozygous and heterozygous genotype are more prone to recurrent pregnancy loss. Out of 17 Implantation failure cases, 23.52% were found to carry mutant homozygous (4G/4G), and 66.66% carried mutant heterozygous (4G/5G), and 5.88% carried wild type homozygous (5G/5G), the allelic difference was highly significant with 4G (62.5%), and 5G (37.5%). P value is highly significant and recorded at p=0.0164. The positive correlation between PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphism and PCOS risk was not observed in this study, however, the correlation between Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL) and Implantation failures were observed in PCOS cases. PMID:28690381

Polymorphism of the PAI-1gene (4G/5G) may be linked with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and associated pregnancy disorders in South Indian Women.

PubMed

Mary, Maniraja Jesintha; Saravanan, Lakshmanan; Deecaraman, Munuswamy; Vijayalakshmi, Melantharu; Umashankar, Vetrivel; Sailaja, Jaigopal

2017-01-01

Polycystic Ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder affecting 5 - 10% of all women of reproductive age group. The present research was carried out to study the impact of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor (PAI-1) 4G/5G polymorphism (rs1799889) in PCOS, and the risk of developing PCOS in South Indian Population. The study was carried out in 60 subjects of South Indian population (30 PCOS and 30 Non PCOS) recruited from ARC Research and Fertility Centre, Chennai, India. Genotype and Allelic frequencies were compared by Fisher exact test, Hardy Weinberg equilibrium. p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. The Genotype frequency difference between PCOS and non-PCOS was observed as statistically non-significant (p=0.4647, OR=1.3077, 95% CI 0.63-2.68). The allelic frequency distribution in Spontaneous Abortion (SAB) cases in total subjects is not found to be statistically significant (p=0. 29), however the PCOS women carrying mutant homozygous and heterozygous genotype are more prone to recurrent pregnancy loss. Out of 17 Implantation failure cases, 23.52% were found to carry mutant homozygous (4G/4G), and 66.66% carried mutant heterozygous (4G/5G), and 5.88% carried wild type homozygous (5G/5G), the allelic difference was highly significant with 4G (62.5%), and 5G (37.5%). P value is highly significant and recorded at p=0.0164. The positive correlation between PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphism and PCOS risk was not observed in this study, however, the correlation between Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL) and Implantation failures were observed in PCOS cases.

Gastrointestinal tract and liver graft-versus-host disease in pediatric patients with hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation at a tertiary care center in Mexico.

PubMed

Jaramillo-Esparza, C M; Consuelo-Sánchez, A; Acosta-Rodríguez-Bueno, C P; Ramón-García, G; Sadowinski-Pine, S W; Escobar-Sánchez, M A; Castorena-Villa, I; Gaytán-Morales, F; Vázquez-Frias, R

2018-02-24

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a common multisystemic complication of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. The most frequent presentations of graft-versus-host disease involve the skin, the gastrointestinal tract, and the liver. The aim of the present study was to know the frequency of gastrointestinal tract and liver GVHD and the characteristics of disease presentation in pediatric patients that underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) at a tertiary care hospital center in Mexico City. A retrospective study was carried out, utilizing the case records of patients that underwent HSCT in 2015, to determine the frequency of GVHD in pediatric patients at a Mexican tertiary care hospital center. In 2015, 16 HSCT were performed, 11 of which were carried out in males (68%). Only 3 patients developed graft-versus-host disease (18.7%). One patient presented with skin and liver GVHD and 2 patients presented with gastrointestinal tract and liver GVHD, which was the most frequent type. HSCT is still an uncommon procedure in Mexico and there is a lower frequency of gastrointestinal tract and liver GVHD than that reported in other studies. Most certainly, there will be an increase in this type of patient and risk factors in the Mexican population must still be determined to help predict the onset of GVHD. Copyright © 2018 Asociación Mexicana de Gastroenterología. Publicado por Masson Doyma México S.A. All rights reserved.

Cognate Effect and Lexical Processing in English-Spanish and Spanish-English Bilinguals

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McGregor, Meredith Jocelyn Jane

2016-01-01

Cognates have served as a useful tool for investigating the bilingual lexicon in many studies, but very little research has been carried out on different types of cognates, specifically, partial cognates and their role in cross-linguistic effect. The present study examines cognate effect in the speech production and acceptability judgment of two…

Nanotechnology Awareness, Opinions and Risk Perceptions among Middle School Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sahin, Nurettin; Ekli, Emel

2013-01-01

The present study investigates awareness, factual knowledge, opinions, and risk perceptions of students from Turkish middle schools with regard to nanotechnology in a very general sense. The study was carried out among 1,396 middle school 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students. The students' perceptions of and opinions about nanotechnology were elicited…

CO2 and CH4 Production in Low-Temperature Soil Incubations from Low and High Centered Polygons, Barrow, Alaska, 2012-2013

DOE Data Explorer

Taniya RoyChowdhury; David Graham; Stan Wullschleger

2016-08-29

The dataset consists of respiration and methane production rates obtained from soil microcosm studies carried out under controlled temperature and incubation conditions. Soils represent the low- and high-centered polygon active layers and permafrost (when present) from the NGEE-Arctic Intensive Study Site 1.

Student Support in China: Addressing the Perceived Needs of Undergraduate English Department Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schippers, Margriet

2008-01-01

As yet little research into the perspectives of Chinese students studying in mainland China's Higher Education Institutions has been undertaken. This paper explores the issue of students' support needs and presents the findings of a study carried out in 2005-2007 at a public university in North East China. The Action Research method used…

Exploring English-Language Teachers' Professional Development in Developing Countries: Cases from Syria and Pakistan

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dayoub, Ruba; Bashiruddin, Ayesha

2012-01-01

This paper attempts to present the findings of a study carried out in Pakistan that explored English-language teachers' professional development in developing countries. The main guiding question for the study was: How do English-language teachers at secondary schools learn to teach and develop professionally in Syria and Pakistan? Two cases were…

Anti-inflammatory effects of caper (capparis spinosa l.) Fruit aqueous extract and the isolation of main phytochemicals

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Caper (Capparis spinosa L.) fruits have been used as food as well as folk medicine in the treatment of inflammatory disorders, such as rheumatism. The present study was carried out to study the anti-inflammatory activities of C. spinosa L. fruit (CSF) aqueous extract and to isolate main phytochemica...

Listening to the Voices of Today's Undergraduates: Implications for Teaching and Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bowen, Glenn; Burton, Carol; Cooper, Christopher; Cruz, Laura; McFadden, Anna; Reich, Chesney; Wargo, Melissa

2011-01-01

The landscape of higher education has changed with the presence of a new generation of college students. Current studies do not carry the voices of the new generation known as the Millennials. This article presents the findings of a qualitative study that explored the learning experiences of Millennial-generation undergraduates at a public…

An Investigation of K-8 Preservice Teachers' Concept Images and Mathematical Definitions of Polygons

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ward, Robin A.

2004-01-01

In this paper, the author presents a study which explored K-8 preservice teachers' concept images and mathematical definitions of polygons. This study was carried out in which K-8 teacher candidates enrolled in an elementary mathematics content course were asked to sort, identify, and provide definitions of such shapes including triangles,…

Why Randomized Trials Are Challenging within Adventure Therapy Research: Lessons Learned in Norway

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gabrielsen, Leiv Einar; Fernee, Carina Ribe; Aasen, Gunnar Oland; Eskedal, Leif Torvald

2016-01-01

There are few high-quality studies using randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the adventure and wilderness therapy literature. Thus, a unison call is heard for more such studies to be carried out. This article presents a Norwegian wilderness therapy research project that planned to incorporate this "gold standard" that is regarded as…

Teaching a Basic Religious Studies Course Using Guided Design and an Individualized Course Requirements Plan.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Trobian, Helen R.

The religious studies course described in this paper is offered at Bennett College, a predominantly Black college for women. It utilizes an extensive book list and library reserves rather than a textbook, and emphasizes individualized research carried on concurrently with classroom presentations. Specific components of the course are listed and/or…

Tablet PCs, Academic Results and Educational Inequalities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ferrer, Ferran; Belvis, Esther; Pamies, Jordi

2011-01-01

This article is the result of a study carried out in 2008 and 2009 by a team from the Autonomous University of Barcelona in order to evaluate the implementation of the Digital Whiteboard Program in public schools in the region of Aragon (Spain). The following pages present some of the results obtained during the study. More specifically, this…

Companionable Learning: A Mechanism for Holistic Well-Being Development from Birth

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Roberts, Rosemary

2011-01-01

Set mainly in a UK context between 2003-2007, this article presents selected findings from a doctoral study, Companionable Learning: The Development of Resilient Well-being from Birth to Three; and from a series of subsequent studies carried out in English settings. Two questions have been explored: firstly, what are the interdependent components…

The Future of the Physical Learning Environment: School Facilities that Support the User

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kuuskorpi, Marko; Gonzalez, Nuria Cabellos

2011-01-01

This paper presents the conclusions of a study, carried out in collaboration with schools in six European countries, which focused on tomorrow's physical learning environments. The study, which stemmed from a project entitled Forum for the Future and which was funded by the Finnish National Board of Education (FNBE), was designed to contribute to…

Workers with Disabilities in Sheltered Employment Centres: A Training Needs Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jurado de los Santos, Pedro; Costa, Rebeca Soler

2016-01-01

The work presented is part of a study that the research group CIFO (Research Team in Training for the Labour Market, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona) has carried out, relating to the training needs analysis and basic competences and skills in the environment of sheltered employment centres (SECs) in Catalonia (this study was…

Virtual Worlds and Social and Educational Inclusion: Case Study at Secondary Education Institute Cal Gravat

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Castañeda Quintero, Linda; Román García, María del Mar; Barlam Aspasch, Ramón

2015-01-01

This article presents a case study with the goal of becoming familiar with and understanding the incorporation of one virtual learning world--Espurnik--in a curricular diversification classroom with students in a situation of educational exclusion or academic failure. This investigation was carried out from an interpretive paradigm with a…

Implementation of the Flipped Classroom Model in the Scientific Ethics Course

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Urfa, Mehmet; Durak, Gürhan

2017-01-01

In the present study, the purpose was to determine students' views about the application of Flipped Classroom Model (FL), in which, different from the traditional method, homework is replaced by in-class activities and which has frequently been mentioned recently. The study was carried out with 24 students from the department of Computer Education…

The Impact of Critical Thinking and Logico-Mathematical Intelligence on Algorithmic Design Skills

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Korkmaz, Ozgen

2012-01-01

The present study aims to reveal the impact of students' critical thinking and logico-mathematical intelligence levels of students on their algorithm design skills. This research was a descriptive study and carried out by survey methods. The sample consisted of 45 first-year educational faculty undergraduate students. The data was collected by…

Childhood Poverty and Cognitive Development in Latin America in the 21st Century

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Segretin, M. Soledad; Hermida, M. Julia; Prats, Lucía M.; Fracchia, Carolina S.; Ruetti, Eliana; Lipina, Sebastián J.

2016-01-01

For at least eight decades, researchers have analyzed the association between childhood poverty and cognitive development in different societies worldwide, but few of such studies have been carried out in Latin America. The aim of the present paper is to systematically review the empirical studies that have analyzed the associations between…

Prospective Mathematics Teachers' Ability to Identify Mistakes Related to Angle Concept of Sixth Grade Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Arslan, Cigdem; Erbay, Hatice Nur; Guner, Pinar

2017-01-01

In the present study we try to highlight prospective mathematics teachers' ability to identify mistakes of sixth grade students related to angle concept. And also we examined prospective mathematics teachers' knowledge of angle concept. Study was carried out with 30 sixth-grade students and 38 prospective mathematics teachers. Sixth grade students…

What Do We Mean by Jewish Education in Professional Development for Early Childhood Education?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tal, Clodie

2013-01-01

In this study we investigated the perceptions and interpretations of 14 various stakeholders in the field of teacher preparation and early childhood education regarding what and how Jewish education should be learned and taught, in general, and to preschool children in contemporary Israel, in particular. The present study, carried out in the…

VOT Production by Spanish Heritage Speakers in a Trilingual Context

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Llama, Raquel; López-Morelos, Luz Patricia

2016-01-01

In several studies it is highlighted that the early acquisition of a language in the home results in phonetic and phonological benefits, and that it is not uncommon for early learners to achieve native-like pronunciation in their heritage language. However, most of these studies have been carried out with bilinguals. The present contribution aims…

Dyslexic Students in Higher Education and Virtual Learning Environments: An Exploratory Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Habib, L.; Berget, G.; Sandnes, F. E.; Sanderson, N.; Kahn, P.; Fagernes, S.; Olcay, A.

2012-01-01

This paper presents the results of an interview-based study of the use of virtual learning environments (VLEs) among dyslexic students. Interviews were carried out with 12 informants who had been formally diagnosed as dyslexic. The informants were either enrolled in a university or college programme, or had graduated less than a year before the…

Miniature reaction chamber and devices incorporating same

DOEpatents

Mathies, Richard A.; Woolley, Adam T.

2000-10-17

The present invention generally relates to miniaturized devices for carrying out and controlling chemical reactions and analyses. In particular, the present invention provides devices which have miniature temperature controlled reaction chambers for carrying out a variety of synthetic and diagnostic applications, such as PCR amplification, nucleic acid hybridization, chemical labeling, nucleic acid fragmentation and the like.

A descriptive review of the methodologies used in household surveys on medicine utilization.

PubMed

Bertoldi, Andréa D; Barros, Aluísio J D; Wagner, Anita; Ross-Degnan, Dennis; Hallal, Pedro C

2008-10-31

Studies carried out in the community enable researchers to understand access to medicines, affordability, and barriers to use from the consumer's point of view, and may stimulate the development of adequate medicines policies. The aim of the present article was to describe methodological and analytical aspects of quantitative studies on medicine utilization carried out at the household level. Systematic review of original papers with data collected in studies in which the household was a sampling unit, published between 1995 and 2008. The electronic review was carried out in Medline/Pubmed, Scielo and Lilacs. The reference lists of the papers identified were examined, as well as other publications by their authors. Studies on the utilization of specific pharmacological groups, or those including only respondents with a given disease were excluded. Out of 4852 papers initially identified in the literature search, 61 fulfilled our inclusion criteria. Most studies were carried out in Europe and North America and used a cross-sectional approach. More than 80% used face-to-face interviews for data collection, and the most frequently used recall period for assessing medicine utilization was 14-15 days. In 59% of the studies, interviewers were trained to request the packaging of the medicines reported by the subjects; medical prescriptions were requested less frequently (15% of the studies). These data will be useful for updating researchers on what methods their peers are currently using. Such information may help overcome challenges in the planning and analyses of future studies. Moreover, this publication may contribute to the improvement of the quality of medicine use data obtained in household surveys.

Static and dynamic crush testing and analysis of a rail vehicle corner structural element

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1999-11-01

This paper presents the results of an experimental study to establish the strength and energy absorption capability of cab car rail vehicle corner structures built to current strength requirements and for structures modified to carry higher loads and...

Women--Their Access to Education and Employment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Literacy Discussion, 1975

1975-01-01

The Unesco National Commissions carried out a series of studies simultaneously in Argentina, the Ivory Coast, Lebanon, Sierra Leone, and Sri Lanka regarding the relationship between the educational opportunities and the opportunities of employment open to women. Basic conclusions of international scope are presented. (LH)

A Study Of The Radionuclidic Content Of The Environmental Samples Resulting From NIPNE Activities

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stochioiu, Ana I.; Bercea, Sorin I.; Ivan, Constantin G.

2007-04-23

The results of alpha, beta, gamma global activity measurements and gamma spectrometric measurements are presented. For more detailed characterization of samples, gamma-spectrometric measurement, implying identification of radionuclides and their activities are carried-out on significant ambiental annual samples.

Programs and Registrations (ACHE-NUEA), 1975-76.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barton, William D.; And Others

This annual report (1975-76) presents responses from 258 higher education institutions on the trends in continuing education registration in classes, conference programs, and independent study. (The institutions responding carried membership in the Association for Continuing Higher Education and the National University Extension Association.) The…

Research in the Rehabilitation Unit Presents Challenges to Nurse Researchers.

PubMed

Rose, Mary Ann; Neil, Janice A; Castles, Ricky; Pokorny, Marie; Watkins, Frank; Hand, Mark

Gathering data from patients on a rehabilitation unit poses challenges for nurse researchers. A case study is presented that describes ways the researchers attempted to meet these challenges while conducting their study. The case study presents the approaches that the investigators took to undertake the study and then described the ways in which these approaches could have been improved. Their successes and failures are described. Suggestions are made for future investigators. Clinical nursing research is required to develop an evidence base for practice in the rehabilitation unit. An analysis of the challenges and possible methods of overcoming these challenges is useful to both future investigators and nurses in practice to insure that studies can be carried out effectively.

Oral condition and its relationship to nutritional status in the institutionalized elderly population.

PubMed

Rauen, Michelle Soares; Moreira, Emília Addison Machado; Calvo, Maria Cristina Marino; Lobo, Adriana Soares

2006-07-01

The objective of this study was to identify the relationship between the oral condition and nutritional status of all institutionalized elderly people in Florianópolis, Brazil. Of the population of 232 institutionalized individuals, the sample consisted of 187 elderly people. In the oral evaluation, the criteria used was the number of functional units present in the oral cavity, classifying the participants as those with highly compromised dentition (48%) and those with less-compromised dentition (52%). Diagnosis of nutritional status was carried out according to body mass index, observing a prevalence of 14% thin, 45% eutrophic, 28% overweight, and 13% obese. Statistical analysis of the variables studied was carried out by means of chi(2) association tests. There was a statistically significant association between highly compromised dentition and thinness (P=0.007) and among those who presented less-compromised dentition and the nutritional status of overweight, including obesity (P=0.014). It was concluded that compromising of the teeth could contribute to a tendency toward inadequate nutritional status.

Simulation studies on the standing and traveling wave thermoacoustic prime movers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skaria, Mathew; Rasheed, K. K. Abdul; Shafi, K. A.; Kasthurirengan, S.; Behera, Upendra

2014-01-01

Thermoacoustic systems have been a focus of recent research due to its structural simplicity, high reliability due to absence of moving parts, and can be driven by low grade energy such as fuel, gas, solar energy, waste heat etc. There has been extensive research on both standing wave and traveling wave systems. Towards the development of such systems, simulations can be carried out by several methods such as (a) solving the energy equation, (b) enthalpy flow model, (c) DeltaEC, a free software available from LANL, USA (d) Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) etc. We present here the simulation studies of standing wave and traveling wave thermoacoustic prime movers using CFD and DeltaEC. The CFD analysis is carried out using Fluent 6.3.26, incorporating the necessary boundary conditions with different working fluids at different operating pressures. The results obtained by CFD are compared with those obtained using DeltaEC. Also, the CFD simulation of the thermoacoustically driven refrigerator is presented.

Simulation studies on the standing and traveling wave thermoacoustic prime movers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Skaria, Mathew; Rasheed, K. K. Abdul; Shafi, K. A.

Thermoacoustic systems have been a focus of recent research due to its structural simplicity, high reliability due to absence of moving parts, and can be driven by low grade energy such as fuel, gas, solar energy, waste heat etc. There has been extensive research on both standing wave and traveling wave systems. Towards the development of such systems, simulations can be carried out by several methods such as (a) solving the energy equation, (b) enthalpy flow model, (c) DeltaEC, a free software available from LANL, USA (d) Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) etc. We present here the simulation studies of standingmore » wave and traveling wave thermoacoustic prime movers using CFD and DeltaEC. The CFD analysis is carried out using Fluent 6.3.26, incorporating the necessary boundary conditions with different working fluids at different operating pressures. The results obtained by CFD are compared with those obtained using DeltaEC. Also, the CFD simulation of the thermoacoustically driven refrigerator is presented.« less

Gun carrying among freshmen and sophomores in Chicago, New York City and Los Angeles public schools: the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2007-2013.

PubMed

Kemal, Samaa; Sheehan, Karen; Feinglass, Joe

2018-04-10

This study evaluated trends and risk factors over time for self-reported gun carrying among freshman and sophomore public school students in Chicago, New York City and Los Angeles, chosen as high profile cities with different levels of firearm violence. The study used four biennial waves (2007-2013) of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), an anonymous, voluntary survey of public high school students. Analyses were restricted to freshman and sophomores given significant high school dropout rates among older students. School population weighted results are presented based on the YRBS complex survey design, including comparisons of reported gun carrying across survey waves and cities. A violence index was created from eight survey items that capture students' perceived threat level. Chi square tests and multivariable Poisson regression analyses were used to test the significance of differences across cities and over time in the likelihood of gun carrying controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, mental health risk factors and behavioral risk factors. The study included a total weighted population estimate of 1,137,449 students across the three cities and four survey waves. Mean self-reported gun carrying across all survey waves was 8.89% in Chicago, 4.09% in New York City, and 6.03% in Los Angeles (p < 0.001). There were no significant changes in gun carrying prevalence within each individual city over the survey waves. Multivariable Poisson regression estimates showed increased likelihood for gun carrying among males (IRR 1.41, CI 1.27-1.58), among non-Hispanic Blacks (IRR 1.26, CI 1.07-1.48), and among those who reported a higher violence index. Each additional violence index count increase was associated with a 1.74 times (CI 1.70-1.78) increased likelihood for gun carrying. There was a much higher self-reported rate of gun carrying and a higher burden of violence exposure in Chicago as compared to New York City and Los Angeles. Students' exposure to violence extended to other stressors illuminated by the YRBS including fighting, perceptions of safety, and other high-risk behaviors. Through the violence index we created, we are better able to categorize the most high-risk individuals and describe the magnitude of their increased likelihood to carry a gun.

Degradation Mechanisms of an Advanced Jet Engine Service-Retired TBC Component

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Rudder T.; Osawa, Makoto; Yokokawa, Tadaharu; Kawagishi, Kyoko; Harada, Hiroshi

Current use of TBCs is subjected to premature spallation failure mainly due to the formation of thermally grown oxides (TGOs). Although extensive research has been carried out to gain better understanding of the thermo - mechanical and -chemical characteristics of TBCs, laboratory-scale studies and simulation tests are often carried out in conditions significantly differed from the complex and extreme environment typically of a modern gas-turbine engine, thus, failed to truly model service conditions. In particular, the difference in oxygen partial pressure and the effects of contaminants present in the engine compartment have often been neglected. In this respect, an investigation is carried out to study the in-service degradation of an EB-PVD TBC coated nozzle-guide vane. Several modes of degradation were observed due to three factors: 1) presence of residual stresses induced by the thermal-expansion mismatches, 2) evolution of bond coat microstructure and subsequent formation of oxide spinels, 3) deposition of CMAS on the surface of TBC.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

Potomac Electric Power Company (PEPCO) and Acres American Incorporated (AAI) have carried out a preliminary design study of water-compensated Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) and Underground Pumped Hydroelectric (UPH) plants for siting in geological conditions suitable for hard rock excavations. The work was carried out over a period of three years and was sponsored by the US Department of Energy (DOE), the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and PEPCO. The study was divided into five primary tasks as follows: establishment of design criteria and analysis of impact on power system; selection of site and establishment of site characteristics; formulation ofmore » design approaches; assessment of environmental and safety aspects; and preparation of preliminary design of plant. The salient aspects considered and the conclusions reached during the consideration of the five primary tasks for both CAES and UPH are presented in this Executive Summary, which forms Volume 1 of the series of reports prepared during the study. The investigations and analyses carried out, together with the results and conclusions reached, are described in detail in Volumes 2 through 13 and ten appendices.« less

Research on rechargeable oxygen electrodes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Giner, J.; Malachesky, P. A.; Holleck, G.

1971-01-01

Studies were carried out on a number of factors which may influence the behavior of the platinum electrocatalyst of oxygen electrodes for use in rechargeable metal-oxygen batteries or hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells. The effects of pretreatments for various potentials and added ionic species, which could be present in such systems, were studied with reguard to: (1) the state of surface oxidation, (2) platinum dissolution, (3) the kinetics of oxygen evolution and reduction (including the role of hydrogen peroxide), and (4) changes in porous electrode structure. These studies were carried out on smooth platinum, platinized platinum, and Teflon-bonded platinum black electrodes in carefully purified electrolyte solutions. The main factors which appear to affect rechargeable oxygen electrode performance and life are: (1) the buildup of a refractory anodic layer on extended cycling, and (2) the dissolution of platinum.

Application Of Numerical Modelling To Ribbed Wire Rod Dimensions Precision Increase

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szota, Piotr; Mróz, Sebastian; Stefanik, Andrzej

2007-05-01

The paper presents the results of theoretical and experimental investigations of the process of rolling square ribbed wire rod designed for concrete reinforcement. Numerical modelling of the process of rolling in the finishing and pre-finishing grooves was carried out using the Forge2005® software. In the investigation, particular consideration was given to the analysis of the effect of pre-finished band shape on the formation of ribs on the finished wire rod in the finishing groove. The results of theoretical studies were verified in experimental tests, which were carried out in a wire rolling mill.

Strength Analysis and Process Simulation of Subway Contact Rail Support Bracket of Composite Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fedulov, Boris N.; Safonov, Alexander A.; Sergeichev, Ivan V.; Ushakov, Andrey E.; Klenin, Yuri G.; Makarenko, Irina V.

2016-10-01

An application of composites for construction of subway brackets is a very effective approach to extend their lifetime. However, this approach involves the necessity to prevent process-induced distortions of the bracket due to thermal deformation and chemical shrinkage. At present study, a process simulation has been carried out to support the design of the production tooling. The simulation was based on the application of viscoelastic model for the resin. Simulation results were verified by comparison with results of manufacturing experiments. To optimize the bracket structure the strength analysis was carried out as well.

Outdoor thermal monitoring of large scale structures by infrared thermography integrated in an ICT based architecture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dumoulin, Jean; Crinière, Antoine; Averty, Rodolphe

2015-04-01

An infrared system has been developed to monitor transport infrastructures in a standalone configuration. Results obtained on bridges open to traffic allows to retrieve the inner structure of the decks. To complete this study, experiments were carried out over several months to monitor two reinforced concrete beams of 16 m long and 21 T each. Detection of a damaged area over one of the two beams was made by Pulse Phase Thermography approach. Measurements carried out over several months. Finally, conclusion on the robustness of the system is proposed and perspectives are presented.

Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) Studies of Returned Comet Nucleus Samples

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tsay, Fun-Dow; Kim, Soon Sam; Liang, Ranty H.

1997-01-01

Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) studies have been carried out on organic and inorganic free radicals generated by gamma-ray and/or UV-irradiation and trapped in ice matrices. It is suggested that the concentration of these free radicals together with their thermal stability can be used as an accurate built-in geothermometer and radiation probe for returned comet nucleus sample studies. ESR studies have also been carried out on paramagnetic (Mn(2+), Ti(3+), and Fe(3+)) and ferromagnetic (ferric oxide and metallic iron) centers known to be present in terrestrial and extraterrestrial samples. The presence or absence of these magnetic centers coupled with their characteristic ESR lineshape can be used to investigate the shock effects, quenching/cooling rate and oxidation-reduction conditions in the formation and subsequent evolution of returned comet nucleus samples.

Studies and proposals on remote sensing programs for the evaluation and management of resources in Latin America (Columbia)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1982-01-01

A report is given on the situation in regard to diagnostic studies carried out on the use of remote sensing techniques at the regional level, and discussions held at international meetings on this topic. Studies and proposals presented by different organizations are discussed. It is concluded that a consultative body must be established at the regional level.

Evaluation and Development of Digital Competence in Future Primary School Teachers at the University of Murcia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gutiérrez Porlán, Isabel; Serrano Sánchez, José Luis

2016-01-01

This paper presents the findings of a study carried out in the academic year 2014-2015 at the faculty of Education of the University of Murcia with first year degree students in Primary Education studying Research and ICT. The study started with the application of the DIGCOM questionnaire to analyze the digital competences of 134 students. The…

The Impact of Interactive Environment and Metacognitive Support on Academic Achievement and Transactional Distance in Online Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yilmaz, Ramazan; Keser, Hafize

2017-01-01

The aim of the present study is to reveal the impact of the interactive environment and metacognitive support (MS) in online learning on academic achievement and transactional distance (TD). The study is designed as 2 × 2 factorial design, and both qualitative and quantitative research techniques are used. The study was carried out on 127…

The Impact on Vocational Training of Studies. Analysing and Forecasting Trends in Occupations. Case Studies in Germany, the Netherlands and Denmark. CEDEFOP Document.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training, Thessaloniki (Greece).

This report describes a study to verify the impact on vocational training policies of research and development work carried out in the field of anticipation of educational and training needs, labor market forecasts, and skills analysis. Section I provides background. Section II presents the framework of the study. Section III includes the full…

Life sciences payloads for Shuttle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dunning, R. W.

1974-01-01

The Life Sciences Program for utilization of the Shuttle in the 1980's is presented. Requirements for life sciences research experiments in space flight are discussed along with study results of designs to meet these requirements. The span of life sciences interests in biomedicine, biology, man system integration, bioinstrumentation and life support/protective systems is described with a listing of the research areas encompassed in these descriptions. This is followed by a description of the approach used to derive from the life sciences disciplines, the research functions and instrumentation required for an orbital research program. Space Shuttle design options for life sciences experiments are identified and described. Details are presented for Spacelab laboratories for dedicated missions, mini-labs with carry on characteristics and carry on experiments for shared payload missions and free flying satellites to be deployed and retrieved by the Shuttle.

FTIR spectra and mechanical strength analysis of some selected rubber derivatives.

PubMed

Gunasekaran, S; Natarajan, R K; Kala, A

2007-10-01

Rubber materials have wide range of commercial applications such as, infant diapers, famine hygiene products, drug delivery devices and incontinency products such as rubber tubes, tyres, etc. In the present work, studies on mechanical properties of some selected rubber materials viz., natural rubber (NR), styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) have been carried out in three states viz., raw, vulcanized and reinforced. To enhance the quality of rubber elastomers, an attempt is made to prepare new elastomers called polyblends. In the present study an attempt is made to blend NR with NBR and with EPDM. We here report, a novel approach for the evaluation of various physico-mechanical properties such as mechanical strength, tensile strength, elongation and hardness. The method is simple, direct and fast and involves infrared spectral measurements for the evaluation of these properties. With the applications of modern infrared spectroscopy, the mechanical strength of these rubber materials have been analyzed by calculating the internal standards among the methyl and methylene group vibrational frequencies obtained from FTIR spectroscopy. Also the tensile strength measurements carried out by universal testing machine. The results pertaining physico-mechanical properties of the rubber derivatives undertaken in the present study obtained by IR-based method are in good agreement with data resulted from the standard methods.

FTIR spectra and mechanical strength analysis of some selected rubber derivatives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gunasekaran, S.; Natarajan, R. K.; Kala, A.

2007-10-01

Rubber materials have wide range of commercial applications such as, infant diapers, famine hygiene products, drug delivery devices and incontinency products such as rubber tubes, tyres, etc. In the present work, studies on mechanical properties of some selected rubber materials viz., natural rubber (NR), styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) have been carried out in three states viz., raw, vulcanized and reinforced. To enhance the quality of rubber elastomers, an attempt is made to prepare new elastomers called polyblends. In the present study an attempt is made to blend NR with NBR and with EPDM. We here report, a novel approach for the evaluation of various physico-mechanical properties such as mechanical strength, tensile strength, elongation and hardness. The method is simple, direct and fast and involves infrared spectral measurements for the evaluation of these properties. With the applications of modern infrared spectroscopy, the mechanical strength of these rubber materials have been analyzed by calculating the internal standards among the methyl and methylene group vibrational frequencies obtained from FTIR spectroscopy. Also the tensile strength measurements carried out by universal testing machine. The results pertaining physico-mechanical properties of the rubber derivatives undertaken in the present study obtained by IR-based method are in good agreement with data resulted from the standard methods.

Blast furnace dust and phosphorous slag, new materials for use in road engineering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ochoa Díaz, R.

2017-12-01

This article proposes an alternative to the use of phosphorus slag and blast furnace dust, by-products of the steel industry, due to the negative environmental impact caused by its accumulation. Taking into account the above, the pertinence of the use of these by-products in asphalt mixtures for the construction of roads is studied. In this way, the origin and its properties are presented, as well as their physical and chemical characteristics. Once the tests have been carried out, it is determined that these by-products have adequate characteristics for their use since they do not present toxicity problems. Following this, the design of the mixtures is carried out to determine the mechanical and dynamic properties and thus determine the proportion to be replaced with the conventional materials. Taking into account the results it is concluded that its use is feasible since the mixture with these by-products presents acceptable resilient modulus parameters and improvement in some verification parameters.

Improving work zone safety for freight vehicles : effective design patterns for vehicle mounted attenuators.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-12-01

This report presents a study of driver perceptions using a driving simulator carried out on the effectiveness of : four markings which vary in striping patterns and color combinations used at the rear of vehicle mounted : attenuators (VMAs) in work z...

Field testing and implementation of dilemma zone protection and signal coordination at closely-spaced high-speed intersections : final report, May 19, 2005.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2005-05-01

The report presents the details of a study carried out to test and implement a dilemma zone protection technique at three high-speed closely-spaced intersections on Roosevelt Blvd in Middletown, Ohio.

Addressing the Natural Antibiotic Resistome in Studies of Soil Resistance

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The environment is recognized as a source and a reservoir of antibiotic resistance (AR). Many antibiotic compounds are derived from bacteria and fungi that are naturally present in the environment. These microbes carry genes encoding resistance to the antibiotic that they produce and their resistanc...

Advanced missions safety. Volume 2: Technical discussion, Part 2: Experiment safety, guidelines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hinton, M. G., Jr.

1972-01-01

A technical analysis of a portion of the advanced missions safety study is presented. The potential hazards introduced when experimental equipment is carried aboard the Earth Orbit Shuttle are identified. Safety guidelines and requirements for eliminating or reducing these hazards are recommended.

Bathymetry of Clear Creek Reservoir, Chaffee County, Colorado, 2016

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kohn, Michael S.; Kinzel, Paul J.; Mohrmann, Jacob S.

2017-03-06

To better characterize the water supply capacity of Clear Creek Reservoir, Chaffee County, Colorado, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Pueblo Board of Water Works and Colorado Mountain College, carried out a bathymetry survey of Clear Creek Reservoir. A bathymetry map of the reservoir is presented here with the elevation-surface area and the elevation-volume relations. The bathymetry survey was carried out June 6–9, 2016, using a man-operated boat-mounted, multibeam echo sounder integrated with a Global Positioning System and a terrestrial survey using real-time kinematic Global Navigation Satellite Systems. The two collected datasets were merged and imported into geographic information system software. The equipment and methods used in this study allowed water-resource managers to maintain typical reservoir operations, eliminating the need to empty the reservoir to carry out the survey.

Unraveling the Mystery of Exozodiacal Dust

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ertel, S.; Augereau, J.-C.; Thébault, P.; Absil, O.; Bonsor, A.; Defrère, D.; Kral, Q.; Le Bouquin, J.-B.; Lebreton, J.; Coudé du Foresto, V.

2014-01-01

Exozodiacal dust clouds are thought to be the extrasolar analogs of the Solar System's zodiacal dust. Studying these systems provides insights in the architecture of the innermost regions of planetary systems, including the Habitable Zone. Furthermore, the mere presence of the dust may result in major obstacles for direct imaging of earth-like planets. Our EXOZODI project aims to detect and study exozodiacal dust and to explain its origin. We are carrying out the first large, near-infrared interferometric survey in the northern (CHARA/FLUOR) and southern (VLTI/PIONIER) hemispheres. Preliminary results suggest a detection rate of up to 30% around A to K type stars and interesting trends with spectral type and age. We focus here on presenting the observational work carried out by our team.

A Kinetic Study of Microwave Start-up of Tokamak Plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

du Toit, E. J.; O'Brien, M. R.; Vann, R. G. L.

2017-07-01

A kinetic model for studying the time evolution of the distribution function for microwave startup is presented. The model for the distribution function is two dimensional in momentum space, but, for simplicity and rapid calculations, has no spatial dependence. Experiments on the Mega Amp Spherical Tokamak have shown that the plasma current is carried mainly by electrons with energies greater than 70 keV, and effects thought to be important in these experiments are included, i.e. particle sources, orbital losses, the loop voltage and microwave heating, with suitable volume averaging where necessary to give terms independent of spatial dimensions. The model predicts current carried by electrons with the same energies as inferred from the experiments, though the current drive efficiency is smaller.

Immediate Small Number Perception : Evidence from a New Numerical Carry-Over Procedure

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Demeyere, Nele; Humphreys, Glyn W.

2012-01-01

Evidence is presented for the immediate apprehension of exact small quantities. Participants performed a quantification task (are the number of items greater or smaller than?), and carry-over effects were examined between numbers requiring the same response. Carry-over effects between small numbers were strongly affected by repeats of pattern and…

Automatic Activation of Phonological Code during Visual Word Recognition in Children: A Masked Priming Study in Grades 3 and 5

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sauval, Karinne; Perre, Laetitia; Casalis, Séverine

2017-01-01

The present study aimed to investigate the development of automatic phonological processes involved in visual word recognition during reading acquisition in French. A visual masked priming lexical decision experiment was carried out with third, fifth graders and adult skilled readers. Three different types of partial overlap between the prime and…

How Single-Parent Children Speak about Poverty and Social Exclusion: Policy Implications from a Comparative, Qualitative, Cross-National Project

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Spyrou, Spyros

2013-01-01

This article presents some of the key findings from a comparative, qualitative research study carried out in the United Kingdom, Greece, and Cyprus. The main goal of the study was to investigate single-parent children's experiences and understandings of poverty and social exclusion in their everyday lives and to make relevant policy…

Factors Affecting Effective Teaching and Learning of Economics in Some Ogbomosho High Schools, Oyo State, Nigeria

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ojo, Gbemisola Motunrayo; Nkoyane, Vusy

2016-01-01

This study was carried out to examine the present curriculum of Economics as a subject in some Ogbomoso Senior High Schools and to determine factors affecting effective teaching of economics in the schools. Variables such as number of students, teachers' ratio available textbooks were also examined. The study adopted descriptive design since it is…

Art Instructor's Attitude towards the Art Curriculum for Undergraduate Degree in Tehran Universities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hedayat, Mina; Goodarzi, Mostafa; Kahn, Sabzali Musa; bin Ramli, Sharulnizam

2013-01-01

The present research aims to investigate lecturer's feedback over the art curriculum in Tehran, the capital of Iran, and introduce the applicability of Discipline-Based Art Education (DBAE), as a new way of teaching art, and its implication of art instruction in studio-based fields of study for undergraduate degree. This study is carried out based…

Application of the First Law of Thermodynamics to the Adiabatic Processes of an Ideal Gas: Physics Teacher Candidates' Opinions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gonen, S.

2014-01-01

The present study was carried out with 46 teacher candidates taking the course of "Thermodynamics" in the Department of Physics Teaching. The purpose of the study was to determine the difficulties that teacher candidates experienced in explaining the heat, work and internal energy relationships in the processes of adiabatic compression…

Evaluation of Students' Views about the Use of SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model)-Compatible Materials in Physics Teaching

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gonen, Selahattin; Basaran, Bulent

2013-01-01

In the present study, a web site including instructional materials such as Whiteboard Movies (WBM), simulations and animations and testing materials such as true-false, fill-in-the-blanks, puzzles, open-ended questions and multiple-choice questions was designed. The study was carried out with 76 students attending Dicle College (DC), Diyarbakir…

The Analysis of the Problems the Pre-Service Teachers Experience in Posing Problems about Equations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Isik, Cemalettin; Kar, Tugrul

2012-01-01

The present study aimed to analyse the potential difficulties in the problems posed by pre-service teachers about first degree equations with one unknown and equation pairs with two unknowns. It was carried out with 20 pre-service teachers studying in the Department of Elementary Mathematics Educations at a university in Eastern Turkey. The…

Characterization of rice blast resistance genes in rice germplasm with monogenic lines and pathogenicity assays

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Resistance (R) genes have been effectively deployed in preventing rice crop losses due to the fungus Magnaporthe oryzae. In the present study, we studied the interaction between 24 monogenic lines carrying at least one major R gene, Pia, Pib, Pii, Pik, Pik-h, Pik-m, Pik-p, Pik-s, Pish, Pit, Pita, Pi...

Studying Behavioral Ecology on High School & College Campuses: A Practical Guide to Measuring Foraging Behavior Using Urban Wildlife

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Baker, Mohammad A. Abu; Emerson, Sara E.; Brown, Joel S.

2015-01-01

We present a practical field exercise for ecology and animal behavior classes that can be carried out on campus, using urban wildlife. Students document an animal's feeding behavior to study its interactions with the surrounding environment. In this approach, an animal's feeding behavior is quantified at experimental food patches placed within its…

New Multiple-Choice Measures of Historical Thinking: An Investigation of Cognitive Validity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smith, Mark D.

2018-01-01

History education scholars have recognized the need for test validity research in recent years and have called for empirical studies that explore how to best measure historical thinking processes. The present study was designed to help answer this call and to provide a model that others can adapt to carry this line of research forward. It employed…

Argumentation Skills: A Peer Assessment Approach to Discussions in the EFL Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ubaque Casallas, Diego Fernando; Pinilla Castellanos, Freddy Samir

2016-01-01

This paper presents an exploratory action research study carried out by two English as a foreign language teachers in a private, non-profit institution in Bogota, Colombia, with a group of 12 learners in a B1 English course. These students faced difficulties elaborating on their ideas when discussing issues in class. The study placed emphasis on…

Two Adults with Multiple Disabilities Use a Computer-Aided Telephone System to Make Phone Calls Independently

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lancioni, Giulio E.; O'Reilly, Mark F.; Singh, Nirbhay N.; Sigafoos, Jeff; Oliva, Doretta; Alberti, Gloria; Lang, Russell

2011-01-01

This study extended the assessment of a newly developed computer-aided telephone system with two participants (adults) who presented with blindness or severe visual impairment and motor or motor and intellectual disabilities. For each participant, the study was carried out according to an ABAB design, in which the A represented baseline phases and…

Survival in forest plantations in the northern Rocky Mountain Region

Treesearch

C. S. Schopmeyer

1939-01-01

Although forest planting has been carried on for more than a quarter of a century in the Northern Rocky Mountain Region, the ultimate in planting practice has not yet been attained. Information on several phases of planting work has been obtained by studying all available plantation records. Results of the study are presented together with a brief description of the...

The Influence of Individual and Situational Factors on Children's Choice of a Conflict Management Strategy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tamm, Anni; Tõugu, Pirko; Tulviste, Tiia

2014-01-01

Research Findings: The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of individual and situational factors on nursery school children's conflict management strategies. This observational study of triadic interaction was carried out among 69 children whose mean age was 48 months. The video-recorded data were coded for the type of…

Analysis of the Relationship between Moral Judgment Competences and Empathic Skills of University Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aridag, Nermin Ciftci; Yuksel, Asuman

2010-01-01

The aim of this study is to analyse whether there is a significant relationship between moral judgment competence and empathic skills of the students studying at Uludag University. In this article, the results of two researches carried out on two different samples are presented. In the first research, data were collected using David's…

Studies on the Presence of Mycotoxins in Biological Samples: An Overview

PubMed Central

Escrivá, Laura; Font, Guillermina; Manyes, Lara

2017-01-01

Mycotoxins are fungal secondary metabolites with bioaccumulation levels leading to their carry-over into animal fluids, organs, and tissues. As a consequence, mycotoxin determination in biological samples from humans and animals has been reported worldwide. Since most mycotoxins show toxic effects at low concentrations and considering the extremely low levels present in biological samples, the application of reliable detection methods is required. This review summarizes the information regarding the studies involving mycotoxin determination in biological samples over the last 10 years. Relevant data on extraction methodology, detection techniques, sample size, limits of detection, and quantitation are presented herein. Briefly, liquid-liquid extraction followed by LC-MS/MS determination was the most common technique. The most analyzed mycotoxin was ochratoxin A, followed by zearalenone and deoxynivalenol—including their metabolites, enniatins, fumonisins, aflatoxins, T-2 and HT-2 toxins. Moreover, the studies were classified by their purpose, mainly focused on the development of analytical methodologies, mycotoxin biomonitoring, and exposure assessment. The study of tissue distribution, bioaccumulation, carry-over, persistence and transference of mycotoxins, as well as, toxicokinetics and ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion) were other proposed goals for biological sample analysis. Finally, an overview of risk assessment was discussed. PMID:28820481

Associations between HLA-A\\B\\DRB1 polymorphisms and risks of vulvar lichen sclerosus or squamous cell hyperplasia of the vulva.

PubMed

Liu, G L; Cao, F L; Zhao, M Y; Shi, J; Liu, S H

2015-12-07

In this study, we aimed to explore the associations between HLA-A\\B\\DRB1 polymorphisms and the risks of vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) or squamous cell hyperplasia of the vulva (SCHV) in Han Chinese women. We enrolled 76 Han Chinese women with VLS (Group A), 74 with SCHV (Group B), and 66 healthy women (control group) in this study. Polymerase chain reaction amplification with sequence specific primers (PCR-SSP) was used to determine HLA-A\\B\\DRB1 polymorphisms. Compared with the control group, HLA-A*11, -B*15, and -DRB1*12 were present at a higher frequency in groups A and B, while HLA-B*13 was present at a higher frequency in group A. Fewer women in group A carried HLA-A*31, -DRB1*01, and -DRB1*03 genotypes and fewer women in group B carried HLA-B*40 and -DRB1*03 genotypes. Significant differences were found between group B and the control group for HLA-A*11, -B*15, -B*40, and -DRB1*03, and between group A and the control group for HLA-B*15 and -DRB1*12. The HLA-A*11, HLA-B*13, HLA-B*15, and HLA-DRB1*12 genotypes were associated with a higher risk of VLS, while the HLA-A*31, HLA-DRB1*01, and HLA-DRB1*03 genotypes were associated with a lower risk of VLS. In addition, carrying HLA-A*11, HLA-B*15, HLA-B*35, and HLA-DRB1*12 genotypes, and carrying HLA-B*40 and HLA-DRB1*03 genotypes were found to be risk or protective factors for SCHV, respectively.

High Occurrence of Non-Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma in Oman.

PubMed

Venniyoor, Ajit; Essam, Abdul Monem; Ramadhan, Fatma; Keswani, Heeranand; Mehdi, Itrat; Bahrani, Bassim Al

2016-01-01

It is conventionally accepted that renal cell carcinoma (RCC) occurs in older patients and the clear cell type is the most common histology. However, ethnic variations exist and this study was carried out to determine the epidemiological pattern of RCC in Oman. Ninety RCC patients who presented to a tertiary care center in the Sultanate of Oman from 2010 to 2014 were studied. The main findings were that the median age of presentation was low, more patients presented with localized stage, and there was a higher incidence of non-clear (especially papillary) histology. Data from other Gulf countries and possible reasons for the different profile are discussed.

Three-configurational surface magneto-optical Kerr effect measurement system for an ultrahigh vacuum in situ study of ultrathin magnetic films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, J.-W.; Jeong, J.-R.; Kim, D.-H.; Ahn, J. S.; Kim, J.; Shin, S.-C.

2000-10-01

We have constructed a three-configurational surface magneto-optical Kerr effect system, which provides the simultaneous measurements of the "polar," "longitudinal," and "transverse" Kerr hysteresis loops at the position where deposition is carried out in an ultrahigh vacuum growth chamber. The present system enables in situ three-dimensional vectorial studies of ultrathin film magnetism with a submonolayer sensitivity. We present three-configurational hysteresis loops measured during the growth of Co films on Pd(111), glass, and Pd/glass substrates.

Killing cancer cells by targeted drug-carrying phage nanomedicines

PubMed Central

Bar, Hagit; Yacoby, Iftach; Benhar, Itai

2008-01-01

Background Systemic administration of chemotherapeutic agents, in addition to its anti-tumor benefits, results in indiscriminate drug distribution and severe toxicity. This shortcoming may be overcome by targeted drug-carrying platforms that ferry the drug to the tumor site while limiting exposure to non-target tissues and organs. Results We present a new form of targeted anti-cancer therapy in the form of targeted drug-carrying phage nanoparticles. Our approach is based on genetically-modified and chemically manipulated filamentous bacteriophages. The genetic manipulation endows the phages with the ability to display a host-specificity-conferring ligand. The phages are loaded with a large payload of a cytotoxic drug by chemical conjugation. In the presented examples we used anti ErbB2 and anti ERGR antibodies as targeting moieties, the drug hygromycin conjugated to the phages by a covalent amide bond, or the drug doxorubicin conjugated to genetically-engineered cathepsin-B sites on the phage coat. We show that targeting of phage nanomedicines via specific antibodies to receptors on cancer cell membranes results in endocytosis, intracellular degradation, and drug release, resulting in growth inhibition of the target cells in vitro with a potentiation factor of >1000 over the corresponding free drugs. Conclusion The results of the proof-of concept study presented here reveal important features regarding the potential of filamentous phages to serve as drug-delivery platform, on the affect of drug solubility or hydrophobicity on the target specificity of the platform and on the effect of drug release mechanism on the potency of the platform. These results define targeted drug-carrying filamentous phage nanoparticles as a unique type of antibody-drug conjugates. PMID:18387177

A Study of Incivility in the Iranian Nursing Training System Based on Educators and Students’ Experiences: A Quantitative Content Analysis

PubMed Central

Rad, Mostafa; Ildarabadi, Es-hagh; Moharreri, Fatemeh; Moonaghi, Hossein Karimi

2015-01-01

Background: It is absolutely essential to know the negative impacts incivility in students and educators may have on the creation of a suitable teaching-learning environment. Better education of to-be nurses would improve their service to patients and society in the future. There has been no research in Iran so far on this particular case. This study examines the experiences of uncivil or disrespectful behavior from the standpoint of educators and students. Methodology & Methods: A quantitative content analysis was carried out to study manuscripts presented in the form of open questionnaires. To this end, data produced from detailed answers from 640 students and educators were inputted into the computer and line-by-line and sentence-by-sentence coding was done. After that, implied codes were added, the categories were revealed, and finally counting frequency of code in categories was carried out. Results: The most important categories that students considered uncivil behavior were waste of class time, distraction, incompetence in managing the class, discrimination, bad assessment, insult and threat on behalf of the educators. In contrast to their view, what the educators thought of as disrespectful included class disorder, humiliation of other students, irregular attendance of classes, bad sitting postures, non-observance of Islamic standards, and coming unprepared to the class by students. Conclusion: From the viewpoint of students and educators, incivility is present towards one another in the academic environment. This study determines the most important forms of the same from their stand point. Since disrespectful and threatening behavior has a significant impact on learning environment, we highly recommend a thorough examination to be carried out in future studies on the origin and the managing strategies of such behaviors. PMID:25716390

Collaborative Action Research through Technologically Mediated Agoras

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fernández-Díaz, Elia; Fernández-Olaskoaga, Lorea; Gutiérrez-Esteban, Prudencia

2017-01-01

The study presented in this article forms part of a wider project promoting collaboration between junior researchers from different universities with the objective of rethinking and improving teaching practice in relation to the use of technology. The article describes research carried out during the 2012/13 academic year aimed at developing…

Experimental observation of the effect of generic singularities in polychromatic dark hollow beams.

PubMed

Yadav, Bharat Kumar; Joshi, Stuti; Kandpal, Hem Chandra

2014-08-15

This Letter presents the essence of our recent experimental study on generic singularities carrying spatially partially coherent, polychromatic dark hollow beams (PDHBs). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first experimental demonstration of generic singularities-induced wavefront tearing in focused polychromatic beams.

Metaphor Identification as a Research Method for the Study of Career

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Creed, Allison; McIlveen, Peter

2018-01-01

In this paper, we present the Metaphor Identification Procedure Vrije Universiteit (MIPVU) for the reliable detection of metaphoric language that may be interpreted using extant vocational psychology theory. Metaphors are ubiquitous in communication and carry influential meaning for people. To illustrate MIPVU, we use transcripts of interviews…

Feedback Model to Support Designers of Blended-Learning Courses

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hummel, Hans G. K.

2006-01-01

Although extensive research has been carried out, describing the role of feedback in education, and many theoretical models are yet available, procedures and guidelines for actually designing and implementing feedback in practice have remained scarce so far. This explorative study presents a preliminary six-phase design model for feedback…

Categorization and Analysis of Explanatory Writing in Mathematics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Craig, Tracy S.

2011-01-01

The aim of this article is to present a scheme for coding and categorizing students' written explanations of mathematical problem-solving activities. The scheme was used successfully within a study project carried out to determine whether student problem-solving behaviour could be positively affected by writing explanatory strategies to…

Sleep Problems and Symptomology in Children with Autism

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hoffman, Charles D.; Sweeney, Dwight P.; Gilliam, James E.; Apodaca, Daniel D.; Lopez-Wagner, Muriel C.; Castillo, Melissa M.

2005-01-01

The present study was carried out to further our understanding of the relationship between children's specific sleep difficulties and the diagnostic criteria for autism and, thereby, to inform the development of sleep treatment approaches tailored for individual children. Parents, participating in research that is part of a center-based…

Spontaneous fulminant gas gangrene.

PubMed

Delbridge, M S; Turton, E P L; Kester, R C

2005-07-01

Gas gangrene is a rare condition, usually associated with contaminated traumatic injuries. It carries a high rate of mortality and morbidity. A number of studies have implicated non-traumatic gas gangrene and colonic neoplasia. This paper reports a patient who presented spontaneously with Clostridium septicum gas gangrene and an occult caecal carcinoma.

An Exploration of Prospective Teachers' Learning of Clinical Interview Techniques

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Groth, Randall E.; Bergner, Jennifer A.; Burgess, Claudia R.

2016-01-01

The present study followed four prospective teachers through the process of learning to interview during an undergraduate research project experience. Participants conducted and video recorded a series of interviews with children. They also carried out guided analyses of the videos and written artefacts from the interviews to formulate conjectures…

Perspectives in Manpower Planning. An Edinburgh Group Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Institute of Personnel Management, London (England).

The examination of manpower planning is an important management activity rather than as a specialist technique is the purpose of this pamphlet. "The Climate of Manpower Planning" describes the present circumstances in which manpower studies are carried out and the national economic and political forces which affect organizations.…

Metamorphosis: Play, Spirituality and the Animal

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bone, Jane

2010-01-01

Animal- and bird-becoming is an aspect of play as metamorphosis connected to spirituality in early childhood settings. The reconceptualisation of play presented here is supported by research that explored the spiritual experiences of young children in different early childhood contexts. Qualitative case study research carried out in Aotearoa New…

Teaching Spoken Discourse Markers Explicitly: A Comparison of III and PPP

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jones, Christian; Carter, Ronald

2014-01-01

This article reports on mixed methods classroom research carried out at a British university. The study investigates the effectiveness of two different explicit teaching frameworks, Illustration--Interaction--Induction (III) and Present--Practice--Produce (PPP) used to teach the same spoken discourse markers (DMs) to two different groups of…

Pedagogical Intercultural Practice of Teachers in Virtual Environments

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barreto, Carmen Ricardo; Haydar, Jorge Mizzuno

2016-01-01

This study presents some of the results of the project "Training and Development of Intercultural Competency of Teachers in Virtual Environments", carried out in ten Colombian Caribbean higher education institutions (HEI) offering virtual programs. It was performed in three steps: 1-diagnosis, 2-training, and 3-analysis of the…

Biological and medical research with accelerated heavy ions at the Bevalac, 1977-1980. [Lead abstract

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pirruccello, M.C.; Tobias, C.A.

1980-11-01

Separate abstracts were prepared for the 46 papers presented in this progress report. This report is a major review of studies with accelerated heavy ions carried out by the Biology and Medicine Division of Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory from 1977 to 1980. (KRM)

Ethnobotanical observations on the tribals of chinnar wildlife sanctuary.

PubMed

Sajeev, K K; Sasidharan, N

1997-04-01

Studies on the flora and ethnobotany of the tribals of chinnar wildlife sanctuary were carried out. Though the sancturary has over 200 species of medicinal plants, the tribals are using 55 species, Ethnobotanical details of 64 species used by the tribals in the sanctuary are presented in this paper.

Spacecraft Angular State Estimation After Sensor Failure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bauer, Frank (Technical Monitor); BarItzhack, Itzhack Y.; Harman, Richard R.

2002-01-01

This work describes two algorithms for computing the angular rate and attitude in case of a gyro failure in a spacecraft (SC) with a special mission profile. The source of the problem is presented, two algorithms are suggested, an observability study is carried out, and the efficiency of the algorithms is demonstrated.

Quark–gluon plasma phenomenology from anisotropic lattice QCD

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Skullerud, Jon-Ivar; Kelly, Aoife; Aarts, Gert

The FASTSUM collaboration has been carrying out simulations of N{sub f} = 2 + 1 QCD at nonzero temperature in the fixed-scale approach using anisotropic lattices. Here we present the status of these studies, including recent results for electrical conductivity and charge diffusion, and heavy quarkonium (charm and beauty) physics.

Iranian EFL Students' Emotional Intelligence and Autonomy in Distance Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Valizadeh, Mohammadreza

2016-01-01

The present study aimed to clarify EFL learners' conceptions of autonomy and whether their autonomy was correlated with their emotional intelligence. The research was carried out with the participation of 110 learners at Distance Education University in Urmia, Iran. Questionnaires were emailed to the participants. Results of statistical analyses…

Debates in Teaching Bioethics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kedraka, Katerina; Kourkoutas, Yiannis

2018-01-01

In this small scale study in higher education, a good educational practice on the teaching of Bioethics based on transformative learning and accomplished by debates is presented. The research was carried out in June 2016 at the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece and it includes the assessment of…

Learning Organic Chemistry through a Study of Semiochemicals

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pernaa, Johannes; Aksela, Maija

2011-01-01

The topics of nature, for example semiochemicals, are motivating topics, which can be used to teach organic chemistry at high school level. The history, classifications, a few important applications of semiochemicals, and an semiochemical that can be synthesized in the laboratory are presented. The laboratory synthesis is carried out through the…

Study to Determine Seismic Response of Sonic Boom-Coupled Rayleigh Waves

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-04-26

are compiled from the microtremor measurements carried out by Instituto de Ingenieria , UNAM and scientists from Japan (for a total of 181 sites...the accelerographs operated by Instituto de Ingenieria , UNAM. Using this new data and results from the analysis of previous accelerograms we present

Studies of The Durability of Belt Conveyor Idlers with Working Loads Taken into Account

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Król, Robert

2017-12-01

The results of laboratory and operational studies conducted in the Machinery Systems Division of Wroclaw University of Technology in recent years have became the basis for selecting proper belt conveyor roller designs optimized for specific strength and operational criteria. The usefulness of the results for assessing the energy intensity of idlers, estimating their durability and determining modernization policies has been confirmed. Methods of estimating the durability of carrying idlers on the basis of the identified output stream distributions are presented. Results of studies carried out using an analytical method and a laboratory method are reported. It has been shown that the operational durability of a roller is determined by its design, the roller set parameters (the spacing and the angle of bevel) and the operating conditions having a bearing on the irregularity of the transported output stream.

Double outlet right ventricle

MedlinePlus

... disease that is present from birth (congenital) . The aorta connects to the right ventricle (RV, the chamber ... carries oxygen-poor blood to the lungs) and aorta (which carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart ...

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Padmaja, S.; Jayakumar, S., E-mail: s_jayakumar_99@yahoo.com; Balaji, R.

Cadmium Sulphide (CdS) nanoparticles were reinforced in Poly(ethylene Oxide) (PEO) and Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) matrices by in situ technique. The presence of CdS in PEO and PMMA matrix was confirmed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis disclosed the co-ordination of CdS in the matrices. Thermal analysis of the nanocomposites was carried out using Differential Scanning calorimetric studies (DSC). The optical studies using UV–vis spectroscopy were carried out to find the band gap of the materials and the absorption onset. The CdS particle size in the matrices was found by Effective Mass Approximation (EMA) model usingmore » the band gap values and was confirmed by TEM studies. The surface trapped emissions of the nanocomposites were observed from the photoluminescence (PL) spectra. The distribution of CdS particles in the polymer matrices were presented by Atomic force microscopic studies (AFM).« less

[Relationships between health care professionals and users from a gender perspective].

PubMed

Gomes, Romeu; Couto, Márcia Thereza

2014-12-01

The objective of this article is to analyze relationships between health professionals and users from a gender perspective. Using Pierre Bourdieu as a theoretical reference, we critically analyze data from two studies carried out in Brazil in which we took part as authors. The first of these studies was based in Rio de Janeiro and the second was a multicenter and ethnographical study carried out in eight health care facilities distributed throughout four Brazilian states, two in the Southeast region and two in the Northeast region. Among the principal results of the present study, we found that although the relationships between health professionals and users demonstrate varied opinions, all are marked by a gendered habitus. We conclude that, among other aspects, the construction of diverse femininities and masculinities and the way in which these are exercised in health care contexts are the product of process that is both socio-historical and personal.

Prevalence and characterization of plasmids carrying sulfonamide resistance genes among Escherichia coli from pigs, pig carcasses and human

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background Sulfonamide resistance is very common in Escherichia coli. The aim of this study was to characterize plasmids carrying sulfonamide resistance genes (sul1, sul2 and sul3) in E. coli isolated from pigs and humans with a specific objective to assess the genetic diversity of plasmids involved in the mobility of sul genes. Methods A total of 501 E. coli isolates from pig feces, pig carcasses and human stools were tested for their susceptibility to selected antimicrobial. Multiplex PCR was conducted to detect the presence of three sul genes among the sulfonamide-resistant E. coli isolates. Fifty-seven sulfonamide-resistant E. coli were selected based on presence of sul resistance genes and subjected to conjugation and/or transformation experiments. S1 nuclease digestion followed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis was used to visualize and determine the size of plasmids. Plasmids carrying sul genes were characterized by PCR-based replicon typing to allow a comparison of the types of sul genes, the reservoir and plasmid present. Results A total of 109/501 isolates exhibited sulfonamide resistance. The relative prevalences of sul genes from the three reservoirs (pigs, pig carcasses and humans) were 65%, 45% and 12% for sul2, sul1, and sul3, respectively. Transfer of resistance through conjugation was observed in 42/57 isolates. Resistances to streptomycin, ampicillin and trimethoprim were co-transferred in most strains. Class 1 integrons were present in 80% of sul1-carrying plasmids and 100% of sul3-carrying plasmids, but only in 5% of sul2-carrying plasmids. The sul plasmids ranged from 33 to 160-kb in size and belonged to nine different incompatibility (Inc) groups: FII, FIB, I1, FIA, B/O, FIC, N, HI1 and X1. IncFII was the dominant type in sul2-carrying plasmids (52%), while IncI1 was the most common type in sul1 and sul3-carrying plasmids (33% and 45%, respectively). Multireplicons were found associated with all three sul genes. Conclusions Sul genes were distributed widely in E. coli isolated from pigs and humans with sul2 being most prevalent. Sul-carrying plasmids belonged to diverse replicon types, but most of detected plasmids were conjugative enabling horizontal transfer. IncFII seems to be the dominant replicon type in sul2-carrying plasmids from all three sources. PMID:20670455

Assessments of the quality of randomized controlled trials published in International Journal of Urology from 1994 to 2011.

PubMed

Cho, Hee Ju; Chung, Jae Hoon; Jo, Jung Ki; Kang, Dong Hyuk; Cho, Jeong Man; Yoo, Tag Keun; Lee, Seung Wook

2013-12-01

Randomized controlled trials are one of the most reliable resources for assessing the effectiveness and safety of medical treatments. Low quality randomized controlled trials carry a large bias that can ultimately impair the reliability of their conclusions. The present study aimed to evaluate the quality of randomized controlled trials published in International Journal of Urology by using multiple quality assessment tools. Randomized controlled trials articles published in International Journal of Urology were found using the PubMed MEDLINE database, and qualitative analysis was carried out with three distinct assessment tools: the Jadad scale, the van Tulder scale and the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool. The quality of randomized controlled trials was analyzed by publication year, type of subjects, intervention, presence of funding and whether an institutional review board reviewed the study. A total of 68 randomized controlled trial articles were published among a total of 1399 original articles in International Journal of Urology. Among these randomized controlled trials, 10 (2.70%) were from 1994 to 1999, 23 (4.10%) were from 2000 to 2005 and 35 (4.00%) were from 2006 to 2011 (P = 0.494). On the assessment with the Jadad and van Tulder scale, the numbers and percentage of high quality randomized controlled trials increased over time. The studies that had institutional review board reviews, funding resources or that were carried out in multiple institutions had an increased percentage of high quality articles. The numbers and percentage of high-quality randomized controlled trials published in International Journal of Urology have increased over time. Furthermore, randomized controlled trials with funding resources, institutional review board reviews or carried out in multiple institutions have been found to be of higher quality compared with others not presenting these features. © 2013 The Japanese Urological Association.

Clinical spectrum of hypopituitarism in India: A single center experience

PubMed Central

Gundgurthi, Abhay; Garg, M. K.; Bhardwaj, Reena; Brar, Karninder S.; Kharb, Sandeep; Pandit, Aditi

2012-01-01

Objectives: There is paucity of information regarding clinical profile of hypopituitarism from India. We report the clinical profile of hypopituitarism from a tertiary center in North India. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out in patients attending our endocrine center between January 2010 and December 2011. All new patients were studied prospectively and those registered before January 2010 retrospectively. Relevant clinical, hormonal, and imaging data were collected. Dynamic testing for pituitary functions was carried out as necessary. Hormonal deficiencies were defined as per prevailing recommendations. Results: This study included 113 subjects. The mean age was 38.6 ± 17.8 years (range, 4 – 76 years). There were 78 (69%) males and 35 females (31%). There were 22 subjects aged ≤18 years (childhood and adolescence) and 91 adults (>18 years). Visual disturbances were the most common presenting complaint (33%), though headache was the most common symptom (81%). Fifteen percent presented with pituitary apoplexy. Tumors comprised of 84% of cases. Hypogonadism (97%) was the most common abnormality seen followed by hypothyroidism (83.2%), hypoadrenalism (79.6%), growth hormone deficiency (88.1% of the 42 patients tested), and diabetes insipidus (13.3%). Panhypopituitarism was seen in 104 (92%) patients. There were no cases of hypopituitarism secondary to traumatic brain injury, subarachnoid hemorrhage, central nervous system infections, or cranial irradiation to extrasellar tumors. Conclusion: The most common cause of hypopituitarism at tertiary care center is pituitary tumors and the commonest presenting complaint is visual symptoms. Panhypopituitarism is present in 92% cases. PMID:23087868

RF Behavior of Cylindrical Cavity Based 240 GHz, 1 MW Gyrotron for Future Tokamak System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Nitin; Singh, Udaybir; Bera, Anirban; Sinha, A. K.

2017-11-01

In this paper, we present the RF behavior of conventional cylindrical interaction cavity for 240 GHz, 1 MW gyrotron for futuristic plasma fusion reactors. Very high-order TE mode is searched for this gyrotron to minimize the Ohmic wall loading at the interaction cavity. The mode selection process is carried out rigorously to analyze the mode competition and design feasibility. The cold cavity analysis and beam-wave interaction computation are carried out to finalize the cavity design. The detail parametric analyses for interaction cavity are performed in terms of mode stability, interaction efficiency and frequency. In addition, the design of triode type magnetron injection gun is also discussed. The electron beam parameters such as velocity ratio and velocity spread are optimized as per the requirement at interaction cavity. The design studies presented here confirm the realization of CW, 1 MW power at 240 GHz frequency at TE46,17 mode.

Peristaltic transport of copper-water nanofluid saturating porous medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abbasi, F. M.; Hayat, T.; Ahmad, B.

2015-03-01

Prime goal of present study is to model the problem for peristaltic transport of copper-water nanofluid in an asymmetric channel. The fluid fills porous space. Analysis is carried out in the presence of mixed conviction, viscous dissipation and heat generation/absorption. Long wavelength and low Reynolds number approximations are utilized in problem formulation. Numerical computations are presented for the axial velocity, pressure gradient, streamlines, temperature and heat transfer rate at the boundary. Graphical analysis is carried out to examine the effects of sundry parameters on flow quantities of interest. Results revealed that the axial velocity of copper-water nanofluid decreases with an increase in the nanoparticle volume fraction. Copper nanoparticles prove effective coolant since they sufficiently reduce the fluid temperature and show increase in the heat transfer between the fluid and solid boundary. Moreover temperature of the fluid decreases by increasing the permeability of porous medium.

Use of on-section immunolabeling and cryosubstitution for studies of bacterial DNA distribution.

PubMed Central

Hobot, J A; Bjornsti, M A; Kellenberger, E

1987-01-01

Escherichia coli cells were very rapidly frozen and substituted at a low temperature with 3% glutaraldehyde in acetone. Infiltration and embedding with Lowicryl K4M were carried out at -35 degrees C. This procedure resulted in good structural preservation of both the nucleoid morphology and its DNA plasm, such that immunolabeling with the protein-A gold technique could be carried out. With antibodies specific for either double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) or single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), it was shown that dsDNA was present throughout the nucleoid but that ssDNA was located on the nucleoid periphery. Chloramphenicol-treated cells, in which protein synthesis but not DNA replication is stopped, produced a characteristic ringlike nucleoid shape and had both dsDNA and ssDNA present throughout the annular section of the DNA plasm. The relationship between metabolically active DNA and overall bacterial genome organization is discussed. Images PMID:3553155

Computational investigation of the conformational profile of the four stereomers of Ac-L-Pro-c3Phe-NHMe (c3Phe= 2,3-methanophenylalanine).

PubMed

Rodriguez, Alejandro; Canto, Josep; Corcho, Francesc J; Perez, Juan J

2009-01-01

The present report regards a computational study aimed at assessing the conformational profile of the four stereoisomers of the peptide Ace-Pro-c3Phe-NMe, previously reported to exhibit beta-turn structures in dichloromethane with different type I/type II beta-turn profiles. Molecular systems were represented at the molecular mechanics level using the parm96 parameterization of the AMBER force field. Calculations were carried out in dichloromethane using an implicit solvent approach. Characterization of the conformational features of the peptide analogs was carried out using simulated annealing (SA), molecular dynamics (MD) and replica exchange molecular dynamics (REMD). Present results show that MD calculations do not provide a reasonable sampling after 300 ns. In contrast, both SA and REMD provide similar results and agree well with experimental observations. Copyright 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Non-invasive characterisation of SIX Japanese hand-guards (tsuba)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barzagli, Elisa; Grazzi, Francesco; Civita, Francesco; Scherillo, Antonella; Pietropaolo, Antonino; Festa, Giulia; Zoppi, Marco

2013-12-01

In this work we present a systematic study of Japanese sword hand-guards ( tsuba) carried out by means of non-invasive techniques using neutrons. Several tsuba from different periods, belonging to the Japanese Section of the Stibbert Museum, were analysed using an innovative approach to characterise the bulk of the samples, coupling two neutron techniques, namely Time of Flight Neutron Diffraction (ToF-ND) and Nuclear Resonance Capture Analysis (NRCA). The measurements were carried out on the same instrument: the INES beam-line at the ISIS spallation pulsed neutron source (UK). NRCA analysis allows identifying the elements present in the sample gauge volume, while neutron diffraction is exploited to quantify the phase distribution and other micro-structural parameters of the metal specimen. The results show that all samples are made of high-quality metal, either steel or copper alloy, with noticeable changes in composition and working techniques, depending on the place and time of manufacturing.

Rocket-borne time-of-flight mass spectrometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reiter, R. F.

1976-01-01

Theoretical and numerical analyses are made of planar, cylindrical and spherical-electrode two-field time-of-flight mass spectrometers in order to optimize their operating conditions. A method is introduced which can improve the resolving power of these instruments by a factor of 7.5. Potential barrier gating in time-of-flight mass spectrometers is also analyzed. Experimental studies of a miniature cylindrical-electrode and a hemispherical-electrode time-of-flight mass spectrometer are presented. Their sensitivity and ability to operate at D-region pressures with an open source make them ideal instruments for D-region ion composition measurements. A sounding rocket experiment package carrying a cylindrical electrode time-of-flight mass spectrometer was launched. The data indicate that essentially 100% of the positive electric charge on positive ions is carried by ions with mass-to-charge ratios greater than 500 below an altitude of 92 km. These heavy charge carriers were present at altitudes up to about 100 km.

Monitoring implementation of desertification combating plan using geomatics - A case study, districts Dhar and Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arunima, Dasgupta; Dhinwa, P. S.; Rajawat, A. S.

2015-02-01

The world's drylands are subject to desertification as a result of extended droughts, climate change, and human activities. Development in drylands depends on addressing degradation of the ecosystem, mainstreaming sustainable natural resources management, and building upon the existing adaptive capacities of communities and institutions. In this regard, recent scientific results aimed to promote sustainable development through action plans for combating desertification. In India, under the Integrated Mission for Sustainable Development (IMSD) programme, remote sensing based integrated land and water resource studies were carried out with an objective to generate locale specific action plans for sustainable development of a region. A specific study was carried out, in districts of Jhabua and Dhar, in Madhya Pradesh using Composite Land Development Sites (CLDS) approach for forest and wasteland development and soil and water conservation. Various treatments were suggested and implemented in 1995. The present study was carried out with an objective to monitor the positive impacts of combating plan implementation through visual interpretation and NDVI analysis of temporal images of LISS III data, since 1991 to 2013. The study reveals that there is substantial increase in the area of irrigated agricultural land with increase in number of check dams along with the stream channels.

Hemispheric specialization in quantification processes.

PubMed

Pasini, M; Tessari, A

2001-01-01

Three experiments were carried out to study hemispheric specialization for subitizing (the rapid enumeration of small patterns) and counting (the serial quantification process based on some formal principles). The experiments consist of numerosity identification of dot patterns presented in one visual field, with a tachistoscopic technique, or eye movements monitored through glasses, and comparison between centrally presented dot patterns and lateralized tachistoscopically presented digits. Our experiments show left visual field advantage in the identification and comparison tasks in the subitizing range, whereas right visual field advantage has been found in the comparison task for the counting range.

Frontiers in Education at Japanese Institutes of Higher Education

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akiyama, Hidenori; Teramoto, Akemi; Shimomura, Naoyuki

Education has become more and more important in Japanese institutes of higher education. Under such circumstances, societies of the study of frontiers in education have been held since the first society at September 20, 2002. The valuable 158 presentations have been carried out during 11 societies till March, 2006. These presentations are classified according to the topics of subjects. The topics are the improvement of education methods, IT aided education, cooperation with elementary school, junior high school, high school and companies, hands-on training (manufacturing), JABEE and others. Some distinct presentations are summarized.

Psychological effects of Tai Chi Chuan.

PubMed

Jimenez, P J; Melendez, A; Albers, U

2012-01-01

This article reviews the scientific studies which have been carried out at the international level on the psychological benefits that Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) brings to those who practice it. It analyzes the framework in which the research was performed, the real benefits that this activity achieves and their causes. The present article brings a new analytical perspective to the reviews carried out to date in regard to classifying and analyzing the psychological variables involved in the practice of TCC and offers a homogeneous framework within which to develop research in this field based on the model proposed by Spirduso et al. (2005). Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Synthesis of nanocrystalline ZnO thin films by electron beam evaporation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kondkar, V.; Rukade, D.; Bhattacharyya, V.

2018-05-01

Nanocrystalline ZnO thin films have potential for applications in variety of optoelectronic devices. In the present study, nanocrystalline thin films of ZnO are grown on fused silica substrate using electron beam (e-beam) evaporation technique. Phase identification is carried out using Glancing angle X-ray diffraction (GAXRD) and Raman spectroscopy. Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopic analysis is carried out to calculate energy band gap of the ZnO film. Surface morphology of the film is investigated using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Highly quality nanocrystalline thin films of hexagonal wurtzite ZnO are synthesized using e-beam evaporation technique.

School children's backpacks, back pain and back pathologies.

PubMed

Rodríguez-Oviedo, Paloma; Ruano-Ravina, Alberto; Pérez-Ríos, Mónica; García, Francisco Blanco; Gómez-Fernández, Dorotea; Fernández-Alonso, Anselmo; Carreira-Núñez, Isabel; García-Pacios, Pilar; Turiso, Javier

2012-08-01

To investigate whether backpack weight is associated with back pain and back pathology in school children. Cross-sectional study. Schools in Northern Galicia, Spain. All children aged 12-17. Backpack weight along with body mass index, age and gender. Back pain and back pathology. 1403 school children were analysed. Of these, 61.4% had backpacks exceeding 10% of their body weight. Those carrying the heaviest backpacks had a 50% higher risk of back pain (OR 1.50 CI 95% 1.06 to 2.12) and a 42% higher risk of back pathology, although this last result was not statistically significant (OR 1.42 CI 95% 0.86 to 2.32). Girls presented a higher risk of back pain compared with boys. Carrying backpacks increases the risk of back pain and possibly the risk of back pathology. The prevalence of school children carrying heavy backpacks is extremely high. Preventive and educational activities should be implemented in this age group.

Indentation Creep Behavior of Nugget Zone of Friction Stir Welded 2014 Aluminum Alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Das, Jayashree; Robi, P. S.; Sankar, M. Ravi

2018-04-01

The present study is aimed at evaluating the creep behavior of the nugget zone of friction welded 2014 Aluminum alloy by indentation creep tests. Impression creep testing was carried out at different temperatures of 300°C, 350°C and 400 °C with stress 124.77MPa, 187.16MPa, 249.55 MPa using a 1.0 mm diameter WC indenter. Experiments were conducted till the curve enters the steady state creep region. Constitutive modeling of creep behavior was carried out considering the temperature, stress and steady state creep rate. Microstructural investigation of the crept specimen at 400°C temperature and 187.16 MPa load was carried out and found that the small precipitates accumulate along the grain boundaries at the favorable conditions of the creep temperature and stress, new precipitates evolve due to the ageing. The grains are broken and deformed due to the creep phenomena.

Ensuring successful introduction of Wolbachia in natural populations of Aedes aegypti by means of feedback control.

PubMed

Bliman, Pierre-Alexandre; Aronna, M Soledad; Coelho, Flávio C; da Silva, Moacyr A H B

2018-04-01

The control of the spread of dengue fever by introduction of the intracellular parasitic bacterium Wolbachia in populations of the vector Aedes aegypti, is presently one of the most promising tools for eliminating dengue, in the absence of an efficient vaccine. The success of this operation requires locally careful planning to determine the adequate number of individuals carrying the Wolbachia parasite that need to be introduced into the natural population. The introduced mosquitoes are expected to eventually replace the Wolbachia-free population and guarantee permanent protection against the transmission of dengue to human. In this study, we propose and analyze a model describing the fundamental aspects of the competition between mosquitoes carrying Wolbachia and mosquitoes free of the parasite. We then use feedback control techniques to devise an introduction protocol that is proved to guarantee that the population converges to a stable equilibrium where the totality of mosquitoes carry Wolbachia.

The Views of Science Pre-Service Teachers about the Usage of Basic Information Technologies (BIT) in Education and Instruction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Çetin, Oguz

2016-01-01

In this study aiming to present a description based on science pre-service teachers' views related to use of Basic Information Technologies (BIT) in education and training, an interview is carried out with 21 pre-service science teachers who study in different classes in Faculty of Education, Nigde University. For this aim, improved interview form…

The Effectiveness of Written Corrective Feedback and the Impact Lao Learners' Beliefs Have on Uptake

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rummel, Stephanie; Bitchener, John

2015-01-01

This article presents the results of a study examining the effectiveness of written corrective feedback (CF) on the simple past tense and the impact beliefs may have on students' uptake of the feedback they receive. A seven-week study was carried out with 42 advanced EFL learners in Vientiane, Laos. Students' beliefs about written CF were first…

Language, Education and Identities in Plural Mauritius: A Study of the Kreol, Hindi and Urdu Standard 1 Textbooks

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Owodally, Ambarin Mooznah Auleear

2014-01-01

The present study was carried out in the context of the recent (2012) introduction of Kreol in the primary school curriculum in Mauritius. The time-tabling of Kreol as an optional subject offered at the same time as the other existing ancestral languages, institutionalised Kreol as an ancestral language, despite its status as a national language.…

A Strong Commitment: Conforming a School Identity at One Compulsory Faith School in a Disadvantaged Area

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lunneblad, Johannes; Odenbring, Ylva; Hellman, Anette

2017-01-01

The focus of the present study is on how educators and students create a "sense of belonging" and school identity. The ethnography was carried out at an independent Christian school with children and students aged six to sixteen years. This study's aim is to contribute knowledge about how the identity of a school has become an important…

Precisely locating the Klamath Falls, Oregon, earthquakes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Qamar, A.; Meagher, K.L.

1993-01-01

In this article we present preliminary results of a close-in, instrumental study of the Klamath Falls earthquake sequence, carried as a cooperative effort by scientists from the U.S Geological Survey (USGS) and universities in Washington, Orgeon, and California. In addition to obtaining much mroe accurate earthquake locations, this study has improved our understanding of the relationship between seismicity and mapped faults in the region. 

Acceptance and Use of Game-Based Learning in Vocational Education and Training: An International Survey

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schmitz, Birgit; Felicia, Patrick; Bignami, Filippo

2015-01-01

This paper presents findings from a study carried out between May and October 2013. Based on a survey, which was developed by the MoGaBa VET project partners, the study aimed at understanding the factors that influence the way vocational instructors perceive and use game-based learning. A total of 267 trainers from eight European countries took…

The Themes, Institutions, and People of Medical Education Research 1988-2010: Content Analysis of Abstracts from Six Journals

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rotgans, Jerome I.

2012-01-01

The present study aimed at providing an overview of the most common themes of research into medical education. Changes in frequency of occurrence of these themes over time and differences between US and European journals were studied. The most productive institutions and researchers in the field were examined. A content analysis was carried out on…

Creation of Audiovisual Presentations as a Tool to Develop Key Competences in Secondary-School Students. A Case Study in Science Class

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ezquerra, Ángel; Manso, Javier; Burgos, Mª Esther; Hallabrin, Carla

2014-01-01

New curricular plans based on key competences create the need for new educational proposals that allow their development. This article describes a proposal to develop key competences through project-based learning. The project's objective is the creation of a digital video. The following study was carried out with students in their final two years…

Connection between Organizational Culture and Development of Achievement Motive of Students of the Faculty of Management

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bubulj, Milan; Arsenijevi, Olja; Simic, Jelena

2011-01-01

The authors of this paper are engaged in studying the organizational culture and achievement motive, by carrying out their studies among the students of the Faculty of Management in Novi Sad, AP Vojvodina, Serbia. The problem of this paper's research was set by the question: is there a connection of a dominantly present organizational culture and…

A Developmental Study on Children's Capacity to Ascribe Goals and Intentions to Others

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bello, Arianna; Sparaci, Laura; Stefanini, Silvia; Boria, Sonia; Volterra, Virginia; Rizzolatti, Giacomo

2014-01-01

The capacity to ascribe goals and intentions to others is a fundamental step in child cognitive development. The aim of the present study was to assess the age at which these capabilities are acquired in typically developing children. Two experiments were carried out. In the first experiment, 4 groups of children (age range = 3 years 2 months-7…

Properties of the carbon-palladium nanocomposites studied by Raman spectroscopy method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belka, Radosław; Suchańska, Małgorzata

2013-10-01

In this paper, the results for thin carbon-palladium (C-Pd) nanocomposites obtained by PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) and PVD/CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition) method, carried out using Raman spectroscopy method are presented. Studies reveal the dominance of fullerene-like structure for PVD samples and graphite-like structures for CVD samples. The type of substrate and metal content have great impact on spectra shapes.

Evidence of Critical Thinking in High School Humanities Classrooms (Evidencias del Pensamiento Crítico en las Clases de Ciencias Humanas en Bachillerato)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alfonso, David Vargas

2015-01-01

Critical thinking skills (CTS) are a group of higher order thinking abilities related with complex processes of learning like contextualization or problem solving. This exploratory research study identified whether critical thinking skills were present in high school humanities classrooms. The study was carried out in a private school in Bogotá,…

Multi-Level Analysis of Peer Support, Internet Self-Efficacy and E-Learning Outcomes--The Contextual Effects of Collectivism and Group Potency

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chu, Regina Juchun; Chu, Anita Zichun

2010-01-01

The present study intends to explore the role of collectivism and group potency at group level in predicting individual Internet self-efficacy (ISE) and individual e-learning outcomes for people aged over 45. Group learning has been widely discussed in the research into online formats. However, less study has been carried out about how…

The Effect of Time-Management Training on Test-Anxiety and Self-Efficacy of Iranian Intermediate EFL Learners

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Behnam, Biook; Jenani, Shalaleh; Ahangari, Saeideh

2014-01-01

The present study aimed to examine the effect of time-management training on Iranian EFL learners' test-anxiety and self-efficacy. A quasi-experimental design was used. The study was carried out in Tabriz Azad University and University of Applied Sciences and Technology. Thirty-eight BA students majoring in TEFL who enrolled in the above mentioned…

Mathematics Low Achievement in Greece: A Multilevel Analysis of the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2012 Data

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Karakolidis, Anastasios; Pitsia, Vasiliki; Emvalotis, Anastassios

2016-01-01

The main aim of the present study was to carry out an in-depth examination of mathematics underperformance in Greece. By applying a binary multilevel model to the PISA 2012 data, this study investigated the factors which were linked to low achievement in mathematics. The multilevel analysis revealed that students' gender, immigration status,…

Influence of long-term storage on fire hazard properties of metal nanopowders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kyrmakova, O. S.; Sechin, A. I.; Nazarenko, O. B.

2017-08-01

The production and application of nanomaterials is rapidly expanding. Therefore the problem of their properties change during long-term storage becomes essential. The properties of metal nanopowders after long-term storage under ambient conditions were studied and the results are presented in this work. The aluminum, iron, zinc, and copper nanopowders produced by the method of electrical explosion of wires were investigated in this work. The investigation was carried out by X-ray and thermal analysis. The estimation of the flame propagation velocity in the bulk layer of nanopowders was carried out. The characteristics of the nanopowders of nanometals studied are given in terms of their fire hazard. The results can be used for diagnostic of fire hazard of nanomaterials and protection of the enterprises against fire and explosion.

A study of angular dependence in the ablation rate of polymers by nanosecond pulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pedder, James E. A.; Holmes, Andrew S.

2006-02-01

Measurements of ablation rate have traditionally been carried out only at normal incidence. However, in real-world applications ablation is often carried out at oblique angles, and it is useful to have prior knowledge of the ablation rate in this case. Detailed information about the angular dependence is also important for the development of ablation simulation tools, and can provide additional insight into the ablation mechanism. Previously we have reported on the angular dependence of direct-write ablation at 266 nm wavelength in solgel and polymer materials. In this paper we present a systematic study of angular dependence for excimer laser ablation of two polymer materials of interest for microfabrication: polycarbonate and SU8 photoresist. The results are used to improve simulation models to aid in mask design.

CO2 laser cutting of ultra thin (75 μm) glass based rigid optical solar reflector (OSR) for spacecraft application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mishra, Shubham; Sridhara, N.; Mitra, Avijit; Yougandar, B.; Dash, Sarat Kumar; Agarwal, Sanjay; Dey, Arjun

2017-03-01

Present study reports for the first time laser cutting of multilayered coatings on both side of ultra thin (i.e., 75 μm) glass substrate based rigid optical solar reflector (OSR) for spacecraft thermal control application. The optimization of cutting parameters was carried out as a function of laser power, cutting speed and number of cutting passes and their effect on cutting edge quality. Systematic and in-detail microstructural characterizations were carried out by optical and scanning electron microscopy techniques to study the laser affected zone and cutting edge quality. Sheet resistance and water contact angle experiments were also conducted locally both prior and after laser cut to investigate the changes of electrical and surface properties, if any.

Common ailments observed among students and their parents during travel.

PubMed

Sweni, Shah; Muthusundari, Arunachalam; Meenakshisundaram, Ramachandran; Thirumalaikolundusubramanian, Ponniah

2009-09-01

Vast majority of Indians travel for religious, cultural and socio-economic purposes either alone or with families. The present study attempts to elicit the travel related health issues experienced by college students (youth) and their parents (elderly) during travel, to identify the variations between youth and elderly, and to suggest remedial measures. A total of 400 college students (age range 17-25; mean age 21) and 330 of their parents (age range 39-64; mean age 49) were included in the study. After a brief introduction to the study, a pretested structured anonymous questionnaire was distributed and completed. The data was analyzed statistically. Ailments were significantly (p<0.01) more prevalent among parents (elderly) than college students (youth) and were attributed to co-existing or exacerbation of pre-existing illnesses, stress of travel and waning immunity. None carried medical insurance or took pre-travel advice. Less than 21% of students and more than 70% of parents carried medicines for common ailments during travel. Also, parents carried personal protective materials significantly more than their wards. A joint effort by health care professionals, travel agents, government and media towards community education may decrease the travel related ailments/illnesses.

Physiological and psychological effects of gardening activity in older adults.

PubMed

Hassan, Ahmad; Qibing, Chen; Tao, Jiang

2018-04-06

Gardening has long been one of most enjoyable pastimes among older adults. Whether gardening activities contribute to the well-being of older adults is a major question. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to clarify the psychophysiological relaxing effects of gardening activities on older adults living in modern institutional care. The study participants were 40 older women aged 79.5 ± 8.09 years (mean ± SD). A cross-over study design was used to investigate the physiological and psychological responses to environments with and without plants. Physiological evaluation was carried out using blood pressure and electroencephalography, and psychological evaluation was carried out using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Semantic Differential method. Blood pressure was significantly lower, and changes in brainwaves were observed. Psychological responses showed that participants were more "comfortable and relaxed" after the plant task than after the control task. In addition, total anxiety levels were significantly lower after carrying out the plant task than after the control task. Our research suggests that gardening activities might enhance physiological and psychological relaxation in older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; ••: ••-••. © 2018 Japan Geriatrics Society.

Basic Studies of the Unsteady Flow Past High Angle of Attack Airfoils

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-05-15

wing was about 3. The airfoil travels from right to left. The data is presented in the body fixed reference frame. The length of the velocity vector...generated and is carried away from the is presented. This experiment illustrated body . concomitant with this is the the technique’s capabilities to record...minie:ivil operations is propotional to the squar of the number of %ortice, Here a relateey smiple procedutrc is otilitncd Mich sigtificartdlv reduces

Efficacy and safety of Hybrid-APC for the ablation of Barrett's esophagus.

PubMed

Manner, Hendrik; May, Andrea; Kouti, Ioanna; Pech, Oliver; Vieth, Michael; Ell, Christian

2016-04-01

After thermal ablation of Barrett's esophagus (BE), stricture formation is reported in 5 to over 10% of patients. The question arises whether submucosal fluid injection prior to ablation may lower the risk of stricture formation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the new technique of Hybrid-APC which combines submucosal injection with APC. Patients who had a residual BE segment of at least 1 cm after endoscopic resection of early Barrett's neoplasia underwent thermal ablation of BE by Hybrid-APC. Prior to thermal ablation, submucosal injection of sodium chloride 0.9% was carried out using a flexible water-jet probe (Erbejet 2; Erbe Elektromedizin, Tuebingen, Germany). Check-up upper GI endoscopy was carried out 3 months after macroscopically complete ablation including biopsies from the neo-Z-line and the former BE segment, and recording of stricture formation. From May 2011 to November 2012, a total of 60 patients (pt) were included in the study [55 pt male (92%); mean age 62 ± 9 years, range 42-79]. Ten patients were excluded from the study. In the remaining 50 pt, Hybrid-APC ablation and check-up endoscopy at 3 months were carried out. Forty-eight out of 50 pt (96%; ITT: 49/60, 82%) achieved macroscopically complete remission after a median of 3.5 APC sessions [SD 2.4; range 1-10]. Freedom from BE was histopathologically observed in 39/50 patients (78%). There was one treatment-related stricture (2%). Minor adverse events of Hybrid-APC were observed in 11 patients (22%). According to this pilot series, Hybrid-APC was effective and safe for BE ablation in a tertiary referral center. The rate of stricture formation was only 2%. Further studies are required to confirm the present results. DRKS00003369.

A Study to Increase Weld Penetration in P91 Steel During TIG Welding by using Activating Fluxes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Akhilesh Kumar; Kumar, Mayank; Dey, Vidyut; Naresh Rai, Ram

2017-08-01

Activated Flux TIG (ATIG) welding is a unique joining process, invented at Paton Institute of electric welding in 1960. ATIG welding process is also known as flux zoned TIG (FZTIG). In this process, a thin layer of activating flux is applied along the line on the surface of the material where the welding is to be carries out. The ATIG process aids to increase the weld penetration in thick materials. Activating fluxes used in the literature show the use of oxides like TiO2, SiO2, Cr2O3, ZnO, CaO, Fe2O3, and MnO2 during welding of steels. In the present study, ATIG was carried out on P-91 steel. Though, Tungsten Inert Gas welding gives excellent quality welds, but the penetration obtained in such welding is still demanding. P91 steel which is ferritic steel is used in high temperature applications. As this steel is, generally, used in thick sections, fabrication of such structures with TIG welding is limited, due to its low depth of penetration. To increase the depth of penetration in P91while welding with ATIG, the role of various oxides were investigated. Apart from the oxides mentioned above, in the present study the role of B2O3, V2O5 and MgO, during ATIG welding of P91 was investigated. It was seen that, compared to TIG welding, there was phenomenal increase in weld penetration during ATIG welding. Amongst all the oxides used in this study, maximum penetration was achieved in case of B2O3. The measurements of weld penetration, bead width and heat affected zone of the weldings were carried out using an image analysis technique.

The study of effect of solid electrolyte on charge-discharge characteristics of thin-film lithium-ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mazaletskiy, L. A.; Lebedev, M. E.; Mironenko, A. A.; Naumov, V. V.; Novozhilova, A. V.; Fedorov, I. S.; Rudy, A. S.

2017-11-01

Results of studies of the solid electrolyte effect on capacitance of thin-film electrodes on the basis of Si-O-Al and VxOy nanocomposites are presented. The studies were carried out by comparing the charge-discharge characteristics of two pairs of the identical electrodes, one of which was covered by LiPON film, within prototypes with two lithium electrodes - the counter and the reference electrode.

The Use of ICTs in the Cameroonian School System: A Case Study of Some Primary and Secondary Schools in Yaoundé

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ngoungouo, Abass

2017-01-01

This paper presents the results of a study carried out on some primary and secondary schools of Yaoundé, Republic of Cameroon. The said study aimed at analyzing and evaluating the use of ICTs by teachers in the Cameroonian school system. More precisely, it sought to identify the types of ICTs used by teachers, to evaluate the state of equipment of…

Kandia: threatened forest, threatened livelihood - a study of human-environment interaction in the Department of Velingara, Senegal

USGS Publications Warehouse

Freudenberger, Karen Schoonmaker; Tappan, G. Gray

1997-01-01

This case study is one of several carried out as part the Long-term Environmental Monitoring in Senegal Project. Co-financed by USAID and the U.S. Geological Survey's EROS Data Center (EDC), and implemented by EDC and the Centre de Suivi Ecologique (CSE), this project has carried out extensive monitoring of natural resources and land use patterns in Senegal in order to better understand the complex dynamics of change in semi-arid tropics. The monitoring, as carried out by EROS staff and their Senegalese collaborators, has involved use of information collected by remote sensing (satellite and aerial photographs) as well as extensive field work including the collection of physical information about soils, vegetation, land use practices, and biodiversity at 2 over 600 sites in all parts of the country (Tappan and Wood, 1995). This information provides a remarkable record of changes in physical and land cover parameters over the last 30 years. Figure 2 presents a satellite image of the eastern Kolda Region covering the Department of Velingara.

1.5Mb deletion of chromosome 4p16.3 associated with postnatal growth delay, psychomotor impairment, epilepsy, impulsive behavior and asynchronous skeletal development.

PubMed

Misceo, D; Barøy, T; Helle, J R; Braaten, O; Fannemel, M; Frengen, E

2012-10-01

Several Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome patients have been studied, mouse models for a few candidate genes have been constructed and two WHS critical regions have been postulated, but the molecular basis of the syndrome remains poorly understood. Single gene contributions to phenotypes of microdeletion syndromes have often been based on the study of patients carrying small, atypical deletions. We report a 5-year-old girl harboring an atypical 1.5Mb del4p16.3 and review seven previously published patients carrying a similar deletion. They show a variable clinical presentation and the only consistent feature is post-natal growth delay. However, four of eight patients carry a ring (4), and ring chromosomes in general are associated with growth deficiency. The Greek helmet profile is absent, although a trend towards common dysmorphic features exists. Variable expressivity and incomplete penetrance might play a role in WHS, resulting in difficult clinical diagnosis and challenge in understanding of the genotype/phenotype correlation. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Interactive and Multimedia Contents Associated with a System for Computer-Aided Assessment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Paiva, Rui C.; Ferreira, Milton S.; Mendes, Ana G.; Eusébio, Augusto M. J.

2015-01-01

This article presents a research study addressing the development, implementation, evaluation, and use of Interactive Modules for Online Training (MITO) of mathematics in higher education. This work was carried out in the context of the MITO project, which combined several features of the learning and management system Moodle, the computer-aided…

Making the Most of Ability Grouping. Research in Brief.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Maxwell, Laurie

This summary presents the major findings of recent research carried out at the Center for Research on Elementary and Middle Schools at Johns Hopkins University and published in "Ability Grouping and Student Achievement in Elementary Schools: A Best-Evidence Synthesis." The center examined more than 100 studies of five ability-grouping…

A Descriptive, Multiyear Examination of Positive Behavior Support

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dunlap, Glen; Carr, Edward G.; Horner, Robert H.; Koegel, Robert L.; Sailor, Wayne; Clarke, Shelley; Koegel, Lynn Kern; Albin, Richard W.; Vaughn, Bobbie J.; McLaughlin, Darlene Magito; James, Kim Mullen; Todd, Anne W.; Newton, J. Stephen; Lucyshyn, Joseph; Griggs, Peter; Bohanon, Hank; Choi, Jeong Hoon; Vismara, Laurie; Minjarez, Mendy Boettcher; Buschbacher, Pamelazita; Fox, Lise

2010-01-01

A major goal of positive behavior support (PBS) is to produce broad-based, long-term improvements in adaptive behavior; however, the empirical base, at present, is mainly composed of relatively short-term studies carried out in circumscribed contexts. Therefore, a need exists for reliable data that can inform the field regarding the comprehensive…

Menstrual Cycle-Related Changes of Functional Cerebral Asymmetries in Fine Motor Coordination

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bayer, Ulrike; Hausmann, Markus

2012-01-01

Fluctuating sex hormone levels during the menstrual cycle have been shown to affect functional cerebral asymmetries in cognitive domains. These effects seem to result from the neuromodulatory properties of sex hormones and their metabolites on interhemispheric processing. The present study was carried out to investigate whether functional cerebral…

Numerical Acuity Enhancement in Kindergarten: How Much Does Material Presentation Form Mean?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mascia, Maria Lidia; Fastame, Maria Chiara; Agus, Mirian; Lucangeli, Daniela; Penna, Maria Pietronilla

2016-01-01

The current study aimed at exploring the impact of the modality in which numerical trainings proposed in kindergarten school. Participants were recruited from some Sardinian kindergarten schools and were then divided into three groups: a control group, which had to carry out the activities planned by the educational curriculum, and two…

Rotational Stability--An Amusing Physical Paradox

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sendra, Carlos M.; Picca, Fabricio Della; Gil, Salvador

2007-01-01

Here we present a simple and amusing device that demonstrates some surprising results of the dynamics of the rotation of a symmetrical rigid body. This system allows for a qualitative demonstration or a quantitative study of the rotation stability of a symmetric top. A simple and inexpensive technique is proposed to carry out quantitative…

Teaching Strategies to Promote Immediacy in Online Graduate Courses

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fahara, Manuel Flores; Castro, Armida Lozano

2015-01-01

The present study is the result of the research question: How do teachers promote immediacy through interaction with their students in online graduate courses? Research was carried out at Tecnológico de Monterrey, a Mexican private university that offers online courses. The research methodology employed a qualitative approach of virtual…

What if We Could Imagine an Ideal University? Narratives by Students with Disabilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moriña, Anabel; López-Gavira, Rosario; Molina, Victor M.

2017-01-01

This article presents the results of a project entitled, "Analysis of University Barriers and Aids Identified by Students with Disabilities," carried out in a Spanish University. The study used the biographical-narrative methodology, which emphasises the importance of people talking about themselves without silencing their subjectivity.…

Along the Margins, across the Borders: Teaching and Learning among Veneto "Attrazionisti Viaggianti" in Italy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gobbo, Francesca

2006-01-01

The article presents the findings of an ethnographic study carried out among Italian "attrazionisti viaggianti" (fairground and circus people) who lead a nomadic life and work in four Veneto provinces (Padua, Vicenza, Treviso and Venice). Defining parents as "marginalised pedagogues" engaged in the task of enculturating their…

How Do Learners in Developed and Developing Countries Relate to Environmental Issues?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Trumper, Ricardo

2010-01-01

The present study was carried out in the framework of earlier research on environmental education for sustainability, using data collected in the ROSE Project. Attention was focused mainly on students' responses to sections and items related to environmental issues, regarding their countries' degree of development. The research questions dealt…

Circle Talks as Situated Experiential Learning: Context, Identity, and Knowledgeability in "Learning from Reflection"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Seaman, Jayson; Rheingold, Alison

2013-01-01

This article presents research that used ethnographic and sociolinguistic methods to study ways participants learn through reflection when carried out as a "circle talk." The data indicate that participants in the event (a) invoked different contextual frames that (b) implicated them in various identity positions, which (c) affected how…

Academic Employment of Women at Stanford.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Miner, Anne S.

Women in the academic world, as in other types of professions, have traditionally been discriminated against with regard to rank, promotions, and salary. The author or the present document was asked to carry out a special study and analysis of the employment of women at Stanford University; to review the status of women at all levels of…

Design and validation of a bimodal MRI-optics endoluminal probe for colorectal cancer diagnosis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramgolam, A.; Sablong, R.; Saint-Jalmes, H.; Beuf, O.

2009-07-01

In the light of the bimodal technical innovations put forward in the diagnosis of early stage colorectal cancer, we present a preliminary study based on a first prototype of a high Resolution MRI-Optics probe along with the first tests carried out and the results obtained.

Temporal Dynamics of Awareness for Facial Identity Revealed with ERP

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Genetti, Melanie; Khateb, Asaid; Heinzer, Severine; Michel, Christoph M.; Pegna, Alan J.

2009-01-01

In this study, we investigated the scalp recorded event-related potential (ERP) responses related to visual awareness. A backward masking procedure was performed while high-density EEG recordings were carried out. Subjects were asked to detect a familiar face, presented at durations that varied parametrically between 16 and 266 ms. ERPs were…

Does Field Independence Relate to Performance on Communicative Language Tests?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Salmani-Nodoushan, Mohammad Ali

2006-01-01

Recent language testing research investigates factors other than language proficiency that may be responsible for systematic variance in language test performance. One such factor is the test takers' cognitive styles. The present study was carried out with the aim of finding the probable effects of Iranian EFL learners' cognitive styles on their…

A REVIEW OF RADON MITIGATION IN LARGE BUILDINGS IN THE US

EPA Science Inventory

The Environmental Protection Agency of the US carried out its initial research on radon mitigation in houses, both existing and new. A review of this work is presented in another paper at this workshop. Four years ago, this work was expanded to include the study of radon in schoo...

Arguing for Democracy: A Multimodal Approach to Argumentative Writing Instruction in the Social Studies Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dingler, Matt

2017-01-01

Democratic societies require a citizenry skilled in argumentation. At present, the written argument maintains primacy among communicative modes. Because of its cognitive demands, written argumentation is often difficult to teach. A multimodal approach to writing instruction carries the potential to assist struggling learners. This article outlines…

Promoting Reflective Practice in Continuing Education in France

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ryder, Jane

2012-01-01

Educationalist Fred Korthagen elaborated a model in the 1980s for the relationship between the teacher educator and the teacher which embraces reflective practice as its guiding principle. In the present study, research was carried out into teacher development among a small group of language teachers working in continuing education in France.…

Playing with Water Drops: From Wetting to Optics through Electrostatics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Domps, A.; Roques-Carmes, T.

2011-01-01

We present a consistent series of activities, including experiments and basic computational studies, investigating the shape and optical properties of water drops in connection with novel technological devices. Most of the work can be carried out with simple teaching equipment and is well suited to undergraduate students. Firstly, we show how the…

Transition Strategies at the School Level: Reforming Middle Grades' Organization and Programs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bentley, Ernest L., Jr.; Campbell, Beverly

This paper presents organizational strategies and implementation methods for conversion to middle school organization (scheduled to take place in 1988) in the Johnson City, Tennessee, school system. Carried out by the district in partnership with local institutions of higher education, the study focuses on what is educationally best for the child…

Treatment of the Cerro Prieto I brines for use in reinjection. 2. Results of the pilot plant tests

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hurtado J, R.; Mercado G, S.; Rocha C, E.

Silica removal experiments have been carried out both in the laboratory and in pilot scale tests. The results obtained to date are presented, with special emphasis on the pilot tests with or without the use of flocculants. Previous studies on brine treatment are described briefly.

Memory, Metamemory and Their Dissociation in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Howard, Charlotte E.; Andres, Pilar; Broks, Paul; Noad, Rupert; Sadler, Martin; Coker, Debbie; Mazzoni, Giuliana

2010-01-01

Patients with temporal-lobe epilepsy (TLE) present with memory difficulties. The aim of the current study was to determine to what extent these difficulties could be related to a metamemory impairment. Fifteen patients with TLE and 15 matched healthy controls carried out a paired-associates learning task. Memory recall was measured at intervals of…

STEM Tones Pre-Activate Suffixes in the Brain

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Söderström, Pelle; Horne, Merle; Roll, Mikael

2017-01-01

Results from the present event-related potentials (ERP) study show that tones on Swedish word stems can rapidly pre-activate upcoming suffixes, even when the word stem does not carry any lexical meaning. Results also show that listeners are able to rapidly restore suffixes which are replaced with a cough. Accuracy in restoring suffixes correlated…

Relationships between falling number, a-Amylase activity, milling, and sponge cake quality of soft white wheat

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Falling Number of wheat is an important quality predictor and carries with it significant economic impact. Lower Falling Numbers are associated with higher a-amylase activity and poorer soft wheat end-use quality, especially sponge cake. In the present study two sample sets were examined, the first ...

Visual Learning: A Learner Centered Approach to Enhance English Language Teaching

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Philominraj, Andrew; Jeyabalan, David; Vidal-Silva, Christian

2017-01-01

This article presents an empirical study carried out among the students of higher secondary schools to find out how English language learning occurs naturally in an environment where learners are encouraged by an appropriate method such as visual learning. The primary data was collected from 504 students with different pretested questionnaires. A…

Teachers' Views about Pupil Diversity in the Primary School Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kaldi, Stavroula; Govaris, Christos; Filippatou, Diamanto

2018-01-01

The present study explores Greek primary school teachers' perceptions and views on pupil diversity in the classroom environment. A large-scale survey was carried out in order to examine teachers' perceptions about pupil diversity and to identify personal and/or educational characteristics that can influence or predict these perceptions. The…

Arousal Modulation in Females with Fragile X or Turner Syndrome

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Roberts, Jane; Mazzocco, Michele M. M.; Murphy, Melissa M.; Hoehn-Saric, Rudolf

2008-01-01

The present study was carried out to examine physiological arousal modulation (heart activity and skin conductance), across baseline and cognitive tasks, in females with fragile X or Turner syndrome and a comparison group of females with neither syndrome. Relative to the comparison group, for whom a greater increase in skin conductance was…

Identification of blast resistance genes for managing rice blast disease

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Rice blast, caused by the fungal pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae, is one of the most devastating diseases worldwide. In the present study, an international set of monogenic differentials carrying 24 major blast resistance (R) genes (Pia, Pib, Pii, Pik, Pik-h, Pik-m, Pik-p, Pik-s, Pish, Pit, Pita, Pita2,...

Reflexivity-in-Action: How Complex Instruction Can Work for Equity in the Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pescarmona, Isabella

2017-01-01

This study explores how experimenting with Complex Instruction can broaden teachers' perspectives and develop understanding of the classroom as a complex social and cultural system. It critically presents and interweaves data collected during ethnographic research, which was carried out with a group of in-service teachers, plus four workshops…

Word-Category Violations in Patients with Broca's Aphasia: An ERP Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wassenaar, Marlies; Hagoort, Peter

2005-01-01

An event-related brain potential experiment was carried out to investigate on-line syntactic processing in patients with Broca's aphasia. Subjects were visually presented with sentences that were either syntactically correct or contained violations of word-category. Three groups of subjects were tested: Broca patients (N=11), non-aphasic patients…

49 CFR 260.23 - Form and content of application generally.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... analyses and studies that have been performed to determine present and future demand for rail services or... with improved service; (2) Description of the impact of the project upon the projected freight or passenger traffic to be originated, terminated, or carried by the Applicant for at least the five years...

Computational Algorithmization: Limitations in Problem Solving Skills in Computational Sciences Majors at University of Oriente

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Castillo, Antonio S.; Berenguer, Isabel A.; Sánchez, Alexander G.; Álvarez, Tomás R. R.

2017-01-01

This paper analyzes the results of a diagnostic study carried out with second year students of the computational sciences majors at University of Oriente, Cuba, to determine the limitations that they present in computational algorithmization. An exploratory research was developed using quantitative and qualitative methods. The results allowed…

Early Lexical Development in Spanish-Speaking Infants and Toddlers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jackson-Maldonado, Donna; And Others

1993-01-01

The development of a new parent report instrument, Inventario del Desarollo de Habilidades Communicativas, is reported and 5 studies carried out with the instrument for 328 children aged 8 months to 2 years/7 months are presented. Among the findings are similar trajectories of development for Spanish- and English-speaking children and for children…

Visitor perception of wilderness recreation carrying capacity

Treesearch

George H. Stankey

1973-01-01

Presents results of a study of wilderness users in the Bob Marshall, Bridger, High Uintas, and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) to determine their perception of, and reaction to, problems such as crowding, littering, and conflicts between user groups, and to management actions to alleviate such problems. Definitions of crowding included references to conflicts...

Action Research and Teacher Leadership

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smeets, Karel; Ponte, Petra

2009-01-01

The present article reports on a case study into the influence and impact of action research carried out by teachers in a special school. The action research was an important component of the two-year, post-initial, in-service course in special educational needs, provided by Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Department of Inclusive and…

Models and impact of patient and public involvement in studies carried out by the Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at University College London: findings from ten case studies.

PubMed

South, Annabelle; Hanley, Bec; Gafos, Mitzy; Cromarty, Ben; Stephens, Richard; Sturgeon, Kate; Scott, Karen; Cragg, William J; Tweed, Conor D; Teera, Jacqueline; Vale, Claire L

2016-07-29

Patient and public involvement (PPI) in studies carried out by the UK Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit (MRC CTU) at University College London varies by research type and setting. We developed a series of case studies of PPI to document and share good practice. We used purposive sampling to identify studies representing the scope of research at the MRC CTU and different approaches to PPI. We carried out semi-structured interviews with staff and patient representatives. Interview notes were analysed descriptively to categorise the main aims and motivations for involvement; activities undertaken; their impact on the studies and lessons learned. We conducted 19 interviews about ten case studies, comprising one systematic review, one observational study and 8 randomised controlled trials in HIV and cancer. Studies were either open or completed, with start dates between 2003 and 2011. Interviews took place between March and November 2014 and were updated in summer 2015 where there had been significant developments in the study (i.e. if the study had presented results subsequent to the interview taking place). A wide range of PPI models, including representation on trial committees or management groups, community engagement, one-off task-focused activities, patient research partners and participant involvement had been used. Overall, interviewees felt that PPI had a positive impact, leading to improvements, for example in the research question; study design; communication with potential participants; study recruitment; confidence to carry out or complete a study; interpretation and communication of results; and influence on future research. A range of models of PPI can benefit clinical studies. Researchers should consider different approaches to PPI, based on the desired impact and the people they want to involve. Use of multiple models may increase the potential impacts of PPI in clinical research.

Wind tunnel study of a vertical axis wind turbine in a turbulent boundary layer flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rolin, Vincent; Porté-Agel, Fernando

2015-04-01

Vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) are in a relatively infant state of development when compared to their cousins the horizontal axis wind turbines. Very few studies have been carried out to characterize the wake flow behind VAWTs, and virtually none to observe the influence of the atmospheric boundary layer. Here we present results from an experiment carried out at the EPFL-WIRE boundary-layer wind tunnel and designed to study the interaction between a turbulent boundary layer flow and a VAWT. Specifically we use stereoscopic particle image velocimetry to observe and quantify the influence of the boundary layer flow on the wake generated by a VAWT, as well as the effect the VAWT has on the boundary layer flow profile downstream. We find that the wake behind the VAWT is strongly asymmetric, due to the varying aerodynamic forces on the blades as they change their position around the rotor. We also find that the wake adds strong turbulence levels to the flow, particularly on the periphery of the wake where vortices and strong velocity gradients are present. The boundary layer is also shown to cause greater momentum to be entrained downwards rather than upwards into the wake.

Characterization of influenza virus among influenza like illness cases in Mumbai, India.

PubMed

Roy, Soumen; Dahake, Ritwik; Patil, Deepak; Tawde, Shweta; Mukherjee, Sandeepan; Athlekar, Shrikant; Chowdhary, Abhay; Deshmukh, Ranjana

2014-01-01

The present study was carried out to monitor influenza viruses by identifying the virus and studying the seasonal variation during 2007-2009 in Mumbai. A total of 193 clinical respiratory samples (nasal and throat swab) were collected from patients having influenza like illness in Mumbai region. One-step real-time reverse-transcriptase PCR (rRTPCR) was used to detect Influenza type A (H1 and H3) and Influenza type B virus. Isolation of the virus was carried out using in vitro system which was further confirmed and typed by hemagglutination assay and hemagglutination inhibition assay. Out of 193 samples 24 (12.4 3%) samples tested positive for influenza virus, of which 13 (6.73 %) were influenza type A virus and 10 (5.18 %) were influenza type B virus, while 1 sample (0.51 %) was positive for both. By culture methods, 3 (1.55 %) viral isolates were obtained. All the three isolates were found to be Influenza type B/Malaysia (Victoria lineage) by Hemagglutination Inhibition Assay. The data generated from the present study reveals that both Influenza type A and B are prevalent in Mumbai with considerable activity. The peak activity was observed during monsoon season.

Superacid Catalyzed Coal Conversion Chemistry. 1st and 2nd Quarterly Technical Progress Reports, September 1, 1983-March 30, 1984.

DOE R&D Accomplishments Database

Olah, G. A.

1984-01-01

In our laboratories we have previously developed a mild coal conversion process. This involves the use of a superacid system consisting of HF and BF{sub 3} in presence of hydrogen and/or a hydrogen donor solvent. In order to understand the chemistry involved in the process of depolymerization of coal by the HF:BF{sub 3}:H{sub 2} system we are carrying out a systematic study of a number of coal model compounds. The model compounds selected for present study have two benzene rings connected with various bridging units such as alkylidene, ether, sulfide etc. From studies so far carried out it appears that high pyridine extractibilities achieved by treating coal at temperature below 100 degrees C results from the cleavage of bridges such as present in bibenzyl, diphenyl methane, dibenzyl ether, dibenzyl sulfide etc. On the other hand the increased cyclohexane extractibility and distillability observed at relatively higher temperatures and hydrogen pressures reflects the hydrogenation and cleavage of the aromatic backbone in coal structure similar to what is seen in the conversion of model compounds such as biphenyl, diphenyl ether, diphenyl sulfide, anthracene, etc.

Whole-exome sequencing identifies USH2A mutations in a pseudo-dominant Usher syndrome family.

PubMed

Zheng, Sui-Lian; Zhang, Hong-Liang; Lin, Zhen-Lang; Kang, Qian-Yan

2015-10-01

Usher syndrome (USH) is an autosomal recessive (AR) multi-sensory degenerative disorder leading to deaf-blindness. USH is clinically subdivided into three subclasses, and 10 genes have been identified thus far. Clinical and genetic heterogeneities in USH make a precise diagnosis difficult. A dominant‑like USH family in successive generations was identified, and the present study aimed to determine the genetic predisposition of this family. Whole‑exome sequencing was performed in two affected patients and an unaffected relative. Systematic data were analyzed by bioinformatic analysis to remove the candidate mutations via step‑wise filtering. Direct Sanger sequencing and co‑segregation analysis were performed in the pedigree. One novel and two known mutations in the USH2A gene were identified, and were further confirmed by direct sequencing and co‑segregation analysis. The affected mother carried compound mutations in the USH2A gene, while the unaffected father carried a heterozygous mutation. The present study demonstrates that whole‑exome sequencing is a robust approach for the molecular diagnosis of disorders with high levels of genetic heterogeneity.

Reducing emissions by using special air filters for internal combustion engines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Birtok-Băneasă, C.; Raţiu, S. A.; Alexa, V.; Crăciun, A. L.; Josan, A.; Budiul-Berghian, A.

2017-05-01

This paper presents the experimental methodology to carry out functional performance tests for an air filter with a particular design of its housing, generically named Super absorbing YXV „Air by Corneliu”, patented and homologated by the Romanian Automotive Registry, to which numerous prizes and medals were awarded at national and international innovations salons. The tests were carried out in the Internal Combustion Engines Laboratory, within the specialization “Road vehicles” belonging to the Faculty of Engineering Hunedoara, component of Politehnica University of Timisoara. The scope of the study is to optimise the air intake into the engine cylinders by reducing the gas-dynamic resistances caused by the air filter and, therefore, to achieve higher energy efficiency, i.e. fuel consumption reduction and engine performance increase. We present some comparative values of various operating parameters of the engine fitted, in the first measuring session, with the original filter, and then with the studied filter. The data collected shows a reduction in fuel consumption by using this type of filter, which leads to lower emissions.

Miniscrews for orthodontic anchorage: a review of available systems.

PubMed

Alkadhimi, Aslam; Al-Awadhi, Ebrahim A

2018-03-15

In recent years, extensive research has introduced novel ways of reinforcing orthodontic anchorage using a variety of devices temporarily anchored in bone (miniscrews). Currently, there are numerous manufacturers with different miniscrew designs on the market. The aim of this paper is to discuss the key design features of different miniscrew systems on the market. Furthermore, to present clinical selection criteria of miniscrews in different settings taking into account the determinant factors. Review of the literature was carried out using the following search methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). The search was focused on studies published until January 2018. We studied each individual miniscrew from all the identified manufacturers in details. All the features were then summarised and presented as a clinical guideline for the selection of miniscrews. In this article, we reviewed the development of miniscrews and outlined the general design features of miniscrews as well as specific design features of the current miniscrews in the market. Extensive research of the current products was carried out to help clinicians better understand the difference between the various designs of miniscrews that can be used.

Interactive locomotion: Investigation and modeling of physically-paired humans while walking

PubMed Central

Le Goff, Camille G.; Ijspeert, Auke Jan

2017-01-01

In spite of extensive studies on human walking, less research has been conducted on human walking gait adaptation during interaction with another human. In this paper, we study a particular case of interactive locomotion where two humans carry a rigid object together. Experimental data from two persons walking together, one in front of the other, while carrying a stretcher-like object is presented, and the adaptation of their walking gaits and coordination of the foot-fall patterns are analyzed. It is observed that in more than 70% of the experiments the subjects synchronize their walking gaits; it is shown that these walking gaits can be associated to quadrupedal gaits. Moreover, in order to understand the extent by which the passive dynamics can explain this synchronization behaviour, a simple 2D model, made of two-coupled spring-loaded inverted pendulums, is developed, and a comparison between the experiments and simulations with this model is presented, showing that with this simple model we are able to reproduce some aspects of human walking behaviour when paired with another human. PMID:28877161

Sperm flagella protein components: Human meichroacidin constructed by the membrane occupation and recognition nexus motif

PubMed Central

MATSUOKA, YASUHIRO; NISHIMURA, HIROMI; NUMAZAWA, KAHORI; TSUCHIDA, JUNJI; MIYAGAWA, YASUSHI; TSUJIMURA, AKIRA; MATSUMIYA, KIYOMI; OKUYAMA, AKIHIKO; NISHIMUNE, YOSHITAKE

2005-01-01

Background and Aims:   In a previous study, the authors of the present study cloned mouse meichroacidin (MCA), which is expressed in stages of spermatogenesis from pachytene spermatocytes through round spermatid germ cells. MCA protein contains the membrane occupation and recognition nexus (MORN) motif and localizes to a male meiotic metaphase chromosome. Recently, a MCA homolog of carp (Cyprinus carpio), MORN motif‐containing sperm‐specific axonemal protein (MSAP), was reportedly identified and localized in sperm flagella. Present knowledge of human spermiogenesis requires the identification of proteins in human sperm. The present study identified the human orthologue of MCA. Methods:   Colony hybridization using a human testis plasmid cDNA library was carried out to clone human MCA (h‐MCA) cDNA. Northern blot, Western blot, and immunohistochemical analyses were carried out. Results:   h‐MCA was found to be specifically expressed in the testes. The h‐MCA amino acid sequence shared 79.8% identity with mouse MCA and contained MORN motifs. h‐MCA localized in the sperm flagellum and basal body, as does MSAP in carp. Conclusion:   Expression and localization analyses showed that h‐MCA is a component of the sperm flagellum and basal body and might play an important role in the development of the sperm flagellum in humans. (Reprod Med Biol 2005; 4: 213–219) PMID:29699225

Effect of Seepage on Change in Stress Distribution Scenario in Static and Seismic Behaviour of Earthen Dams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nandi, N.; Chowdhury, Roy; Dutta, S. C.

2018-02-01

The present study makes an effort to understand the damage of earthen dams under static and seismic loading condition. To make the investigation more realistic, behaviour of earthen dams considering the occurrence of a phreatic line indicating the submerged zone due to seepage within the dam body is considered. In case of earthen dams, homogeneous or nonhomogeneous, the consideration of the occurrence of a phreatic line or seepage line through the dam body is an important part of the earthen dam design methodology. The impervious material properties in the submerged zone below the phreatic line due to seepage may differ a lot in magnitudes as compared to the value of the same materials lying above this line. Hence, to have the exact stress distribution scenarios within the earthen dam, the different material properties above and below the phreatic line are considered in this present study. The study is first carried out by two-dimensional as well as three-dimensional finite element analysis under static loading condition. The work is further extended to observe the effect of seepage due to the consideration of the phreatic line on dynamic characteristics of earthen dams. Free vibration analysis and seismic analysis based on the Complete Quadratic Combination (CQC) method by considering twodimensional and three-dimensional modeling are carried out to present the frequencies, mode shapes and the stress distribution pattern of the earthen dam.

Emotional and cognitive experiences during the time of diagnosis and decision-making following a prenatal diagnosis: a qualitative study of males presented with congenital heart defect in the fetus carried by their pregnant partner.

PubMed

Carlsson, Tommy; Mattsson, Elisabet

2018-01-12

Expectant fathers consider the second-trimester obstetric ultrasound examination as an important step towards parenthood, but are ill prepared for a detection of a fetal anomaly. Inductive research is scarce concerning their experiences and needs for support. Consequently, the aim of this study was to explore the emotional and cognitive experiences, during the time of diagnosis and decision-making, among males presented with congenital heart defect in the fetus carried by their pregnant partner. Twelve expectant fathers were consecutively recruited through two tertiary referral centers for fetal cardiology in Sweden, after they had been presented with a prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart defect in the fetus carried by their pregnant partner. The respondents were interviewed via telephone, and the interviews were analyzed using inductive qualitative content analysis. The respondents experienced an intense emotional shock in connection with detection. However, they set their own needs aside to attend to the supportive needs of their pregnant partner, and stressed the importance of an informed joint decision regarding whether to continue or terminate the pregnancy. When terminating the pregnancy, they experienced a loss of a wanted child, an emotionally intense termination procedure, needs of support neglected by professionals, and worries about the risk of recurrence in future pregnancies. When continuing the pregnancy, they tried to keep a positive attitude about the coming birth, but were simultaneously worried about the postnatal situation. The findings illustrate the importance of inclusive care and adequate follow-up routines for both expectant parents following a prenatal diagnosis. This includes the initial emotional shock, the decisional process, and depending on decision reached, the termination or continuation of the pregnancy. Expectant fathers presented with a fetal anomaly need adequate follow-up routines to address worries about risk of recurrence in future pregnancies and worries about the postnatal situation.

Influence of Hall Current and Viscous Dissipation on Pressure Driven Flow of Pseudoplastic Fluid with Heat Generation: A Mathematical Study.

PubMed

Noreen, Saima; Qasim, Muhammad

2015-01-01

In this paper, we study the influence of heat sink (or source) on the peristaltic motion of pseudoplastic fluid in the presence of Hall current, where channel walls are non-conducting in nature. Flow analysis has been carried out under the approximations of a low Reynolds number and long wavelength. Coupled equations are solved using shooting method for numerical solution for the axial velocity function, temperature and pressure gradient distributions. We analyze the influence of various interesting parameters on flow quantities. The present study can be considered as a mathematical presentation of the dynamics of physiological organs with stones.

TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE OF MEDICINAL PLANTS IN TRIBES OF TRIPURA IN NORTHEAST, INDIA

PubMed Central

Debbarma, Maria; Pala, Nazir A.; Kumar, Munesh; Bussmann, Rainer W.

2017-01-01

Background: The present study was carried out in Mandwi area and its outskirts of Tripura district of tribal areas Autonomous district council to document the available ethno-medicinal plants and their traditional application among Mandwi tribes. Methodology: Field explorations were carried out during the months of March-June 2013. The ethno-medicinal survey was conducted particularly with Tripuri tribe in Mandai area, with the help of local medicine men, locally known as bhoidho (Tripuri). Data were collected through structure questionnaires and observations during the field visits. Results: In the present study the local population used a total of 51 plant species belonging to 32 families to cure a variety of diseases. Of the 51 plants, 21 were herbs, followed by trees (17) and shrubs (8). Climbers and ferns had reported 2 species for each one grass species was found. Fabaceae was the dominant family with the highest number of species (6) followed by Asteracae (4 species) and Lamiaceae (5 species). Seven other families had 2 species each and 22 families were represented by a single species. In case single diseases, the highest number of plants (7 species) was used for dysentery, followed by body pain (6 species), cough (6 species) and toothache (6 species). Conclusion: The present study concluded that, the Tripuri tribes of the study area possess rich knowledge on the medicinal plants and their utilization. Thus the present study focuses on the documentation of the traditional knowledge of these valuable plants, which could enhance the potential of these medicinal plants to other communities as well and by understanding the importance, other communities can also be helpful for conservation of these resources for further use. PMID:28638879

Use of Oral Chroma™ in the assessment of volatile sulfur compounds in patients with fixed protheses.

PubMed

Sinjari, B; Murmura, G; Caputi, S; Ricci, L; Varvara, G; Scarano, A

2013-01-01

Prosthetic rehabilitation improves the patient's quality of life and oral health. The purpose of the present study was to assess the production of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) using Oral Chroma™ in patients wearing provisional and permanent fixed prosthesis, who were treated or not, with supportive non-surgical periodontal therapy. A total of 10 healthy patients not affected by periodontal disease and who needed the restoration of at least two edentulous single sites were included in the present study. Registrations of VSCs were carried out with a Gas Chromatograph OralChroma™ (Oral Chroma™, Abimedical, Abilit Corp., Osaka, Japan) one month after placement of the provisional restoration (group 1) and one month after placement of the final restoration (group 3). After each measurement, professional oral hygiene was carried out both on patients with provisional (group 2) and permanent prostheses (group 4) and VSC values were registered. The results showed that there were no statistical significant differences in the VSC quantity between groups with temporary or permanent prostheses. Meanwhile, statistically significant differences were found in VCS values between groups before and after the professional health care session (p less than 0.05). Also it was observed that dimethyl sulphide (CH3)2S was present in all the study groups. The present preliminary study suggests that OralChroma™ produce a comprehensive assessment of VSC in the clinical diagnosis of halitosis and that professional oral hygiene seems to influence VSC production. However, further clinical long-term studies with a larger sample size are necessary for a better understanding of halitosis manifestation in patients wearing provisional and permanent fixed prosthesis.

Compressive strength of concrete by partial replacement of cement with metakaolin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ganesh, Y. S. V.; Durgaiyya, P.; Shivanarayana, Ch.; Prasad, D. S. V.

2017-07-01

Metakaolin or calcined kaolin, other type of pozzolan, produced by calcination has the capability to replace silica fume as an alternative material. Supplementary cementitious materials have been widely used all over the world in concrete due to their economic and environmental benefits; hence, they have drawn much attention in recent years. Mineral admixtures such as fly ash, rice husk ash, silica fume etc. are more commonly used SCMs. They help in obtaining both higher performance and economy. Metakaolin is also one of such non - conventional material, which can be utilized beneficially in the construction industry. This paper presents the results of an experimental investigations carried out to find the suitability of metakaolin in production of concrete. In the present work, the results of a study carried out to investigate the effects of Metakaolin on compressive strength of concrete are presented. The referral concrete M30 was made using 43 grade OPC and the other mixes were prepared by replacing part of OPC with Metakaolin. The replacement levels were 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%(by weight) for Metakaolin. The various results, which indicate the effect of replacement of cement by metakalion on concrete, are presented in this paper to draw useful conclusions.

Influence of flanking sequences on presentation efficiency of a CD8+ cytotoxic T-cell epitope delivered by parvovirus-like particles.

PubMed

Rueda, P; Morón, G; Sarraseca, J; Leclerc, C; Casal, J I

2004-03-01

We have previously developed an antigen-delivery system based on hybrid recombinant porcine parvovirus-like particles (PPV-VLPs) formed by the self-assembly of the VP2 protein of PPV carrying a foreign epitope at its N terminus. In this study, different constructs were made containing a CD8(+) T-cell epitope of chicken ovalbumin (OVA) to analyse the influence of the sequence inserted into VP2 on the correct processing of VLPs by antigen-presenting cells. We analysed the presentation of the OVA epitope inserted without flanking sequences or with either different natural flanking sequences or with the natural flanking sequences of a CD8(+) T-cell epitope from the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus nucleoprotein, and as a dimer with or without linker sequences. All constructs were studied in terms of level of expression, assembly of VLPs and ability to deliver the inserted epitope into the MHC I pathway. The presentation of the OVA epitope was considerably improved by insertion of short natural flanking sequences, which indicated the relevance of the flanking sequences on the processing of PPV-VLPs. Only PPV-VLPs carrying two copies of the OVA epitope linked by two glycines were able to be properly processed, suggesting that the introduction of flexible residues between the two consecutive OVA epitopes may be necessary for the correct presentation of these dimers by PPV-VLPs. These results provide information to improve the insertion of epitopes into PPV-VLPs to facilitate their processing and presentation by MHC class I molecules.

Auditory Processing Testing: In the Booth versus Outside the Booth.

PubMed

Lucker, Jay R

2017-09-01

Many audiologists believe that auditory processing testing must be carried out in a soundproof booth. This expectation is especially a problem in places such as elementary schools. Research comparing pure-tone thresholds obtained in sound booths compared to quiet test environments outside of these booths does not support that belief. Auditory processing testing is generally carried out at above threshold levels, and therefore may be even less likely to require a soundproof booth. The present study was carried out to compare test results in soundproof booths versus quiet rooms. The purpose of this study was to determine whether auditory processing tests can be administered in a quiet test room rather than in the soundproof test suite. The outcomes would identify that audiologists can provide auditory processing testing for children under various test conditions including quiet rooms at their school. A battery of auditory processing tests was administered at a test level equivalent to 50 dB HL through headphones. The same equipment was used for testing in both locations. Twenty participants identified with normal hearing were included in this study, ten having no auditory processing concerns and ten exhibiting auditory processing problems. All participants underwent a battery of tests, both inside the test booth and outside the booth in a quiet room. Order of testing (inside versus outside) was counterbalanced. Participants were first determined to have normal hearing thresholds for tones and speech. Auditory processing tests were recorded and presented from an HP EliteBook laptop computer with noise-canceling headphones attached to a y-cord that not only presented the test stimuli to the participants but also allowed monitor headphones to be worn by the evaluator. The same equipment was used inside as well as outside the booth. No differences were found for each auditory processing measure as a function of the test setting or the order in which testing was done, that is, in the booth or in the room. Results from the present study indicate that one can obtain the same results on auditory processing tests, regardless of whether testing is completed in a soundproof booth or in a quiet test environment. Therefore, audiologists should not be required to test for auditory processing in a soundproof booth. This study shows that audiologists can conduct testing in a quiet room so long as the background noise is sufficiently controlled. American Academy of Audiology

LCFIPlus: A framework for jet analysis in linear collider studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suehara, Taikan; Tanabe, Tomohiko

2016-02-01

We report on the progress in flavor identification tools developed for a future e+e- linear collider such as the International Linear Collider (ILC) and Compact Linear Collider (CLIC). Building on the work carried out by the LCFIVertex collaboration, we employ new strategies in vertex finding and jet finding, and introduce new discriminating variables for jet flavor identification. We present the performance of the new algorithms in the conditions simulated using a detector concept designed for the ILC. The algorithms have been successfully used in ILC physics simulation studies, such as those presented in the ILC Technical Design Report.

Compressible Boundary Layer Investigation for Ramjet/scramjet Inlets and Nozzles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goldfeld, M. A.; Starov, A. V.; Semenova, Yu. V.

2005-02-01

The results of experimental investigation of a turbulent boundary layer on compression and expansion surfaces are presented. They include the study of the shock wave and/or expansion fan action upon the boundary layer, boundary layer separation and its relaxation. Complex events of paired interactions and the flow on compression convex-concave surfaces were studied [M. Goldfeld, 1993]. The possibility and conditions of the boundary layer relaminarization behind the expansion fan and its effect on the relaxation length are presented. Different model configurations for wide range conditions were investigated. Comparison of results for different interactions was carried out.

Structural and magnetic phase transitions in gadolinium under high pressures and low temperatures

DOE PAGES

Samudrala, Gopi K.; Tsoi, Georgiy M.; Weir, Samuel T.; ...

2014-11-07

High pressure structural transition studies have been carried out on rare earth metal gadolinium in a diamond anvil cell at room temperature to 169 GPa. Gadolinium has been compressed to 38% of its initial volume at this pressure. With increasing pressure, a crystal structure sequence of hcp → Smtype→ dhcp → fcc → dfcc → monoclinic has been observed in our studies on gadolinium. The measured equation of state of gadolinium is presented to 169 GPa at ambient temperature. Magnetic ordering temperature of gadolinium has been studied using designer diamond anvils to a pressure of 25 GP and a temperaturemore » of 10 K. The magnetic ordering temperature has been determined from the four-point electrical resistivity measurements carried out on gadolinium. Furthermore, our experiments show that the magnetic transition temperature decreases with increasing pressure to 19 GPa and then increases when gadolinium is subjected to higher pressures.« less

Flexural strengthening of Reinforced Concrete (RC) Beams Retrofitted with Corrugated Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) Laminates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aravind, N.; Samanta, Amiya K.; Roy, Dilip Kr. Singha; Thanikal, Joseph V.

2015-01-01

Strengthening the structural members of old buildings using advanced materials is a contemporary research in the field of repairs and rehabilitation. Many researchers used plain Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) sheets for strengthening Reinforced Concrete (RC) beams. In this research work, rectangular corrugated GFRP laminates were used for strengthening RC beams to achieve higher flexural strength and load carrying capacity. Type and dimensions of corrugated profile were selected based on preliminary study using ANSYS software. A total of twenty one beams were tested to study the load carrying capacity of control specimens and beams strengthened with plain sheets and corrugated laminates using epoxy resin. This paper presents the experimental and theoretical study on flexural strengthening of Reinforced Concrete (RC) beams using corrugated GFRP laminates and the results are compared. Mathematical models were developed based on the experimental data and then the models were validated.

Pilot study on agricultural pesticide poisoning in Burkina Faso

PubMed Central

Ouedraogo, Mustapha; Ouedraogo, Richard; Ilboudo, Sylvain; Guissou, Pierre I.

2013-01-01

Epidemiologic data related to agricultural pesticide poisoning cases in Burkina Faso were collected. The study was carried out using retrospective (from January 2002 to June 2010) surveys conducted among farmers and healthcare centers. One hundred and fifty-three (153) pest control products were recorded during the survey and 56 active ingredients were identified. Out of the 153 pest control products, 49 (i.e. 32%) were authorized for sale in Burkina Faso. The main risk factors are socio-demographic characteristics of farmers, their low education level, and some attitudes and practices on using agricultural pesticides. Pesticide poisonings are relatively frequent and their management was not always efficacious. Actions are needed to reduce pesticide poisoning as a global public health problem and to improve management of pesticide poisoning. To this purpose, advanced investigations should be carried out over a longer period of time to complement the present pilot study. PMID:24678256

Migration impact on load balancing - an experience on Amoeba

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhu, W.; Socko, P.

1996-12-31

Load balancing has been extensive study by simulation, positive results were received in most of the researches. With the increase of the availability oftlistributed systems, a few experiments have been carried out on different systems. These experimental studies either depend on task initiation or task initiation plus task migration. In this paper, we present the results of an 0 study of load balancing using a centralizedpolicy to manage the load on a set of processors, which was carried out on an Amoeba system which consists of a set of 386s and linked by 10 Mbps Ethernet. The results on onemore » hand indicate the necessity of a load balancing facility for a distributed system. On the other hand, the results question the impact of using process migration to increase system performance under the configuration used in our experiments.« less

Pilot study on agricultural pesticide poisoning in Burkina Faso.

PubMed

Toe, Adama M; Ouedraogo, Mustapha; Ouedraogo, Richard; Ilboudo, Sylvain; Guissou, Pierre I

2013-12-01

Epidemiologic data related to agricultural pesticide poisoning cases in Burkina Faso were collected. The study was carried out using retrospective (from January 2002 to June 2010) surveys conducted among farmers and healthcare centers. One hundred and fifty-three (153) pest control products were recorded during the survey and 56 active ingredients were identified. Out of the 153 pest control products, 49 (i.e. 32%) were authorized for sale in Burkina Faso. The main risk factors are socio-demographic characteristics of farmers, their low education level, and some attitudes and practices on using agricultural pesticides. Pesticide poisonings are relatively frequent and their management was not always efficacious. Actions are needed to reduce pesticide poisoning as a global public health problem and to improve management of pesticide poisoning. To this purpose, advanced investigations should be carried out over a longer period of time to complement the present pilot study.

Structural and magnetic phase transitions in gadolinium under high pressures and low temperatures

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Samudrala, Gopi K.; Tsoi, Georgiy M.; Weir, Samuel T.

High pressure structural transition studies have been carried out on rare earth metal gadolinium in a diamond anvil cell at room temperature to 169 GPa. Gadolinium has been compressed to 38% of its initial volume at this pressure. With increasing pressure, a crystal structure sequence of hcp → Smtype→ dhcp → fcc → dfcc → monoclinic has been observed in our studies on gadolinium. The measured equation of state of gadolinium is presented to 169 GPa at ambient temperature. Magnetic ordering temperature of gadolinium has been studied using designer diamond anvils to a pressure of 25 GP and a temperaturemore » of 10 K. The magnetic ordering temperature has been determined from the four-point electrical resistivity measurements carried out on gadolinium. Furthermore, our experiments show that the magnetic transition temperature decreases with increasing pressure to 19 GPa and then increases when gadolinium is subjected to higher pressures.« less

Categorization and analysis of explanatory writing in mathematics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Craig, Tracy S.

2011-10-01

The aim of this article is to present a scheme for coding and categorizing students' written explanations of mathematical problem-solving activities. The scheme was used successfully within a study project carried out to determine whether student problem-solving behaviour could be positively affected by writing explanatory strategies to mathematical problem-solving processes. The rationale for the study was the recognized importance of mathematical problem-solving, the widely acknowledged challenge of teaching problem-solving skills directly and the evidence in the literature that writing in mathematics provides a tool for learning. The study was carried out in a first-year mathematics course at the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Students' written submissions were categorized and analysed through use of an adaptation of a journal entry classification scheme. The scheme successfully observed positive changes over the experimental period in students' level of engagement with the mathematical material and with their stance towards knowledge.

A virus-based single-enzyme nanoreactor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Comellas-Aragonès, Marta; Engelkamp, Hans; Claessen, Victor I.; Sommerdijk, Nico A. J. M.; Rowan, Alan E.; Christianen, Peter C. M.; Maan, Jan C.; Verduin, Benedictus J. M.; Cornelissen, Jeroen J. L. M.; Nolte, Roeland J. M.

2007-10-01

Most enzyme studies are carried out in bulk aqueous solution, at the so-called ensemble level, but more recently studies have appeared in which enzyme activity is measured at the level of a single molecule, revealing previously unseen properties. To this end, enzymes have been chemically or physically anchored to a surface, which is often disadvantageous because it may lead to denaturation. In a natural environment, enzymes are present in a confined reaction space, which inspired us to develop a generic method to carry out single-enzyme experiments in the restricted spatial environment of a virus capsid. We report here the incorporation of individual horseradish peroxidase enzymes in the inner cavity of a virus, and describe single-molecule studies on their enzymatic behaviour. These show that the virus capsid is permeable for substrate and product and that this permeability can be altered by changing pH.

Structural and magnetic phase transitions in gadolinium under high pressures and low temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Samudrala, Gopi K.; Tsoi, Georgiy M.; Weir, Samuel T.; Vohra, Yogesh K.

2014-10-01

High pressure structural transition studies have been carried out on rare earth metal gadolinium in a diamond anvil cell at room temperature to 169 GPa. Gadolinium has been compressed to 38% of its initial volume at this pressure. With increasing pressure, a crystal structure sequence of hcp → Sm-type → dhcp → fcc → dfcc → monoclinic has been observed in our studies on gadolinium. The measured equation of state of gadolinium is presented to 169 GPa at ambient temperature. Magnetic ordering temperature of gadolinium has been studied using designer diamond anvils to a pressure of 25 GPa and a temperature of 10 K. The magnetic ordering temperature has been determined from the four-point electrical resistivity measurements carried out on gadolinium. Our experiments show that the magnetic transition temperature decreases with increasing pressure to 19 GPa and then increases when gadolinium is subjected to higher pressures.

Bifurcations and Chaos of AN Immersed Cantilever Beam in a Fluid and Carrying AN Intermediate Mass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

AL-QAISIA, A. A.; HAMDAN, M. N.

2002-06-01

The concern of this work is the local stability and period-doubling bifurcations of the response to a transverse harmonic excitation of a slender cantilever beam partially immersed in a fluid and carrying an intermediate lumped mass. The unimodal form of the non-linear dynamic model describing the beam-mass in-plane large-amplitude flexural vibration, which accounts for axial inertia, non-linear curvature and inextensibility condition, developed in Al-Qaisia et al. (2000Shock and Vibration7 , 179-194), is analyzed and studied for the resonance responses of the first three modes of vibration, using two-term harmonic balance method. Then a consistent second order stability analysis of the associated linearized variational equation is carried out using approximate methods to predict the zones of symmetry breaking leading to period-doubling bifurcation and chaos on the resonance response curves. The results of the present work are verified for selected physical system parameters by numerical simulations using methods of the qualitative theory, and good agreement was obtained between the analytical and numerical results. Also, analytical prediction of the period-doubling bifurcation and chaos boundaries obtained using a period-doubling bifurcation criterion proposed in Al-Qaisia and Hamdan (2001 Journal of Sound and Vibration244, 453-479) are compared with those of computer simulations. In addition, results of the effect of fluid density, fluid depth, mass ratio, mass position and damping on the period-doubling bifurcation diagrams are studies and presented.

Is there a relationship between foetal position and both preferred lying posture after birth and pattern of subsequent postural deformity in non-ambulant people with cerebral palsy?

PubMed

Porter, D; Michael, S; Kirkwood, C

2010-09-01

A pattern of postural deformity was observed in a previous study that included an association between direction of spinal curvature and direction of windsweeping with more windswept deformities occurring to the right and lateral spinal curvatures occurring convex to the left. The direction of this pattern was found to be associated with preferred lying posture in early life. The aim of this study was to test the association between foetal position and both the preferred lying posture after birth, and the direction of subsequent postural deformity in non-ambulant children with cerebral palsy (CP). A retrospective cohort study was carried out involving 60 participants at level five on the gross motor function classification for CP. Foetal position during the last month of pregnancy was taken from antenatal records and parents were interviewed to identify preferred lying posture in the first year of life. At the time of the physical assessment ages ranged from 1 year and 1 month to 19 years with a median age of 13 years and 1 month. Foetal presentation was found to be associated with the preferred lying posture with participants carried in a left occipito-anterior/lateral position more likely to adopt a supine head right lying posture, and vice versa. An association was also observed between the foetal position and asymmetrical postural deformity occurring later in life with participants carried in a left occipito-anterior/lateral presentation more likely to have a convex left spinal curve, a lower left pelvic obliquity, and a windswept hip pattern to the right. Clinicians should be aware of the association between foetal presentation, asymmetrical lying posture, and the direction of subsequent postural deformity for severely disabled children. A hypothesis is described that might help to explain these findings.

[Immunoreactivity of chimeric proteins carrying poliovirus epitopes on the VP6 of rotavirus as a vector].

PubMed

Pan, X-X; Zhao, B-X; Teng, Y-M; Xia, W-Y; Wang, J; Li, X-F; Liao, G-Y; Yang, С; Chen, Y-D

2016-01-01

Rotavirus and poliovirus continue to present significant risks and burden of disease to children in developing countries. Developing a combined vaccine may effectively prevent both illnesses and may be advantageous in terms of maximizing compliance and vaccine coverage at the same visit. Recently, we sought to generate a vaccine vector by incorporating multiple epitopes into the rotavirus group antigenic protein, VP6. In the present study, a foreign epitope presenting a system using VP6 as a vector was created with six sites on the outer surface of the vector that could be used for insertion of foreign epitopes, and three VP6-based PV1 epitope chimeric proteins were constructed. The chimeric proteins were confirmed by immunoblot, immunofluorescence assay, and injected into guinea pigs to analyze the epitope-specific humoral response. Results showed that these chimeric proteins reacted with anti-VP6F and -PV1 antibodies, and elicited antibodies against both proteins in guinea pigs. Antibodies against the chimeric proteins carrying PV1 epitopes neutralized rotavirus Wa and PV1 infection in vitro. Our study contributes to a better understanding of the use of VP6-based vectors as multiple-epitope delivery vehicles and the epitopes displayed in this form could be considered for development of epitope-based vaccines against rotavirus and poliovirus.

Auditory temporal processing in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy.

PubMed

Lavasani, Azam Navaei; Mohammadkhani, Ghassem; Motamedi, Mahmoud; Karimi, Leyla Jalilvand; Jalaei, Shohreh; Shojaei, Fereshteh Sadat; Danesh, Ali; Azimi, Hadi

2016-07-01

Auditory temporal processing is the main feature of speech processing ability. Patients with temporal lobe epilepsy, despite their normal hearing sensitivity, may present speech recognition disorders. The present study was carried out to evaluate the auditory temporal processing in patients with unilateral TLE. The present study was carried out on 25 patients with epilepsy: 11 patients with right temporal lobe epilepsy and 14 with left temporal lobe epilepsy with a mean age of 31.1years and 18 control participants with a mean age of 29.4years. The two experimental and control groups were evaluated via gap-in-noise and duration pattern sequence tests. One-way ANOVA was run to analyze the data. The mean of the threshold of the GIN test in the control group was observed to be better than that in participants with LTLE and RTLE. Also, it was observed that the percentage of correct responses on the DPS test in the control group and in participants with RTLE was better than that in participants with LTLE. Patients with TLE have difficulties in temporal processing. Difficulties are more significant in patients with LTLE, likely because the left temporal lobe is specialized for the processing of temporal information. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Polyphenols in Food: Cancer Prevention and Apoptosis Induction.

PubMed

Sharma, Ashita; Kaur, Mandeep; Katnoria, Jatinder Kaur; Nagpal, Avinash Kaur

2017-10-06

Polyphenols are group of water-soluble organic compounds, mainly of natural origin. The compounds having about 5-7 aromatic rings and more than 12 phenolic hydroxyl groups are classified as polyphenols. These are the antioxidants which protect the body from oxidative damage. In plants, they are the secondary metabolites produced as a defense mechanism against stress factors. Antioxidant property of polyphenols is suggested to provide protection against many diseases associated with reactive oxygen species (ROS), including cancer. Various studies carried out across the world have suggested that polyphenols can inhibit the tumor generation, induce apoptosis in cancer cells and interfere in progression of tumors. This group of wonder compounds is present in surplus in natural plants and food products. Intake of polyphenols through diet can scavenge ROS and thus can help in cancer prevention. The plant derived products can also be used along with conventional chemotherapy to enhance the chemopreventive effects. The present review focuses on various in vitro and in vivo studies carried out to assess the anti-carcinogenic potential of polyphenols present in our food. Also, the pathways involved in cancer chemopreventive effects of various subclasses (flavonoids, lignans, stilbenes and phenolic acids) of polyphenols are discussed. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

Annoyance from light aircraft investigation carried out around four airports near Paris

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1980-01-01

An opinion survey was carried out on residents living near four airports in the Paris, France area. An evaluation of their responses concerning noise pollution and possible expansion of airport activity is presented.

Argentinean adaptation of the Social Skills Inventory IHS-Del-Prette.

PubMed

Olaz, Fabián Orlando; Medrano, Leonardo; Greco, María Eugenia; Del Prette, Zilda Aparecida Pereira

2009-11-01

We present the results of the adaptation of the IHS-Del-Prette (Inventario de Habilidades Sociales, in English, Social Skills Inventory) to a sample of Argentinean college students. Firstly, we addressed the backward translation and carried out an equivalence study of the Portuguese and Spanish versions of the scale. The results showed the two versions were equivalent, as we obtained correlations lower than .50 in only 5 items. Secondly, we performed item analysis by calculating discrimination indexes and item-total correlations. Results indicated that the items are sensitive to differentiate between high and low social-skill groups. Exploratory factor analysis carried out with a sample of 602 college students yielded five factors that explained 26.5% of the total variance, although our data did not completely match the original factor structure. We also obtained moderate alpha values for the subscales, but high reliability for the total scale. Lastly, group differences between males and females are presented to provide evidence of validity. We discuss the implications of the results and present future lines of inquiry.

Design and Optimization of a Composite Canard Control Surface of an Advanced Fighter Aircraft under Static Loading

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shrivastava, Sachin; Mohite, P. M.

2015-01-01

The minimization of weight and maximization of payload is an ever challenging design procedure for air vehicles. The present study has been carried out with an objective to redesign control surface of an advanced all-metallic fighter aircraft. In this study, the structure made up of high strength aluminum, titanium and ferrous alloys has been attempted to replace by carbon fiber composite (CFC) skin, ribs and stiffeners. This study presents an approach towards development of a methodology for optimization of first-ply failure index (FI) in unidirectional fibrous laminates using Genetic-Algorithms (GA) under quasi-static loading. The GAs, by the application of its operators like reproduction, cross-over, mutation and elitist strategy, optimize the ply-orientations in laminates so as to have minimum FI of Tsai-Wu first-ply failure criterion. The GA optimization procedure has been implemented in MATLAB and interfaced with commercial software ABAQUS using python scripting. FI calculations have been carried out in ABAQUS with user material subroutine (UMAT). The GA's application gave reasonably well-optimized ply-orientations combination at a faster convergence rate. However, the final optimized sequence of ply-orientations is obtained by tweaking the sequences given by GA's based on industrial practices and experience, whenever needed. The present study of conversion of an all metallic structure to partial CFC structure has led to 12% of weight reduction. Therefore, the approach proposed here motivates designer to use CFC with a confidence.

Characterization and comparison of perezone with some analogues. Experimental and theoretical study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Escobedo-González, Rene Gerardo; Bahena, Luis; Arias Tellez, José Luis; Hinojosa Torres, Jaime; Ruvalcaba, Rene Miranda; Aceves-Hernández, Juan Manuel

2015-10-01

Perezone had been used for centuries in the traditional Mexican medicine, it is useful and a handful of illness. Perezone and other derivatives also present activity against certain lines of cancer, such as the myeloblastoid leukemia cell line K-562 and carcinoma cell lines (PC-3 and SKLU-1) with IC50 <10 μM. Perezone and isoperezone have shown the major cytotoxic potency. Characterization of perezone was carried out by UV-Visible, IR, DSC, TGA and powder X-ray diffraction, as well as docking studies using caspase-3 structures as receptors. Theoretical studies for optimizing the geometry of perezone were carried out and the results compared with values of single crystal X-ray diffraction. The experimental values of atomic distances, angles and dihedral angles are in good agreement with the theoretical values. Interaction of perezone with the cysteine catalytic site with the caspase-3 was found in the docking studies. A docking study of perezone, with horminone, thymoquinone and isoperezone as ligands and the protein apoptein, caspase-3 as receptor, was carried to demonstrate that the hindrance steric factor, chemical structure and the functional groups are important in the biological activity of these natural products. The docking score energetic values are in good agreement with the experimental cytotoxic results obtained from the experiments when perezone and analogues were studied in different types of cancer.

Solar-thermal fluid-wall reaction processing

DOEpatents

Weimer, Alan W.; Dahl, Jaimee K.; Lewandowski, Allan A.; Bingham, Carl; Buechler, Karen J.; Grothe, Willy

2006-04-25

The present invention provides a method for carrying out high temperature thermal dissociation reactions requiring rapid-heating and short residence times using solar energy. In particular, the present invention provides a method for carrying out high temperature thermal reactions such as dissociation of hydrocarbon containing gases and hydrogen sulfide to produce hydrogen and dry reforming of hydrocarbon containing gases with carbon dioxide. In the methods of the invention where hydrocarbon containing gases are dissociated, fine carbon black particles are also produced. The present invention also provides solar-thermal reactors and solar-thermal reactor systems.

Solar-Thermal Fluid-Wall Reaction Processing

DOEpatents

Weimer, A. W.; Dahl, J. K.; Lewandowski, A. A.; Bingham, C.; Raska Buechler, K. J.; Grothe, W.

2006-04-25

The present invention provides a method for carrying out high temperature thermal dissociation reactions requiring rapid-heating and short residence times using solar energy. In particular, the present invention provides a method for carrying out high temperature thermal reactions such as dissociation of hydrocarbon containing gases and hydrogen sulfide to produce hydrogen and dry reforming of hydrocarbon containing gases with carbon dioxide. In the methods of the invention where hydrocarbon containing gases are dissociated, fine carbon black particles are also produced. The present invention also provides solar-thermal reactors and solar-thermal reactor systems.

Mouse, but Not Human, ApoB-100 Lipoprotein Cholesterol Is a Potent Innate Inhibitor of Streptococcus pneumoniae Pneumolysin

PubMed Central

Wade, Kristin R.; Hotze, Eileen M.; Briles, David E.; Tweten, Rodney K.

2014-01-01

Streptococcus pneumoniae produces the pore-forming toxin pneumolysin (PLY), which is a member of the cholesterol-dependent cytolysin (CDC) family of toxins. The CDCs recognize and bind the 3β-hydroxyl group of cholesterol at the cell surface, which initiates membrane pore formation. The cholesterol transport lipoproteins, which carry cholesterol in their outer monolayer, are potential off-pathway binding targets for the CDCs and are present at significant levels in the serum and the interstitial spaces of cells. Herein we show that cholesterol carried specifically by the ApoB-100-containing lipoprotein particles (CH-ApoB-100) in the mouse, but not that carried by human or guinea pig particles, is a potent inhibitor of the PLY pore-forming mechanism. Cholesterol present in the outer monolayer of mouse ApoB-100 particles is recognized and bound by PLY, which stimulates premature assembly of the PLY oligomeric complex thereby inactivating PLY. These studies further suggest that the vast difference in the inhibitory capacity of mouse CH-ApoB-100 and that of the human and the guinea pig is due to differences in the presentation of cholesterol in the outer monolayer of their ApoB-100 particles. Therefore mouse CH-ApoB-100 represents a significant innate CDC inhibitor that is absent in humans, which may underestimate the contribution of CDCs to human disease when utilizing mouse models of disease. PMID:25188225

Modelizacion, simulacion y caracterizacion acustica de materiales para su uso en acustica arquitectonica

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Julia Sanchis, Ernesto

The global objective of this thesis consists on evaluating the viability of applying new sound absorbent materials that attempt, on one hand, to be an alternative to those materials classically used (as mineral wools) and, on the other hand, to offer a solution to one of the most important problems: the use of waste products of the textile industries by means of the recycled. For carrying out this study, some of the parameters that allow to characterize the acoustic behaviour of sound absorbent materials (such as the acoustic impedance, the acoustic absorption coefficient and the flow resistivity, among other) have been studied. Different experimental methods used to obtain these acoustic parameters have also been described. Among the methods presented in this work, the attention has been focused in those based on the acoustic impedance tube (Kundt tube). This technique presents advantages, for example, that only a small space in the laboratory is required as well as the samples of the testing materials are of small dimensions. The study has settled on three fundamental pillars: mathematical modelization, acoustic characterization of materials and numerical simulation. In the first place, after reviewing the main models and theories used in the acoustic evaluation of the porous and fibrous sound absorbent materials, a new mathematical model has been proposed and its validity is demonstrated for the type of studied materials. With regard to the acoustic characterization, diverse campaigns of measurements have been carried out with the purpose of obtaining the acoustic absorption coefficient and the flow resistivity of different type of materials. Finally, by means of a computer program based on the finite element method, the technique of the numerical simulation has been applied with the purpose of contrasting the obtained results experimentally, as well as for the evaluation of one of the most significant industrial applications from the acoustic point of view: the acoustic filters, that are devices designed to reduce the acoustic emission in a tube (as the expansion chambers in the exhaust pipes of the combustion engines). In a first phase of the study, it is observed that the obtained results agree with the experience and, in a second phase, a parametric study to evaluate the efficiency of this type of components is carried out. The numerical simulation presents the advantage of carrying out these studies without necessity of building the real models, with the saving in cost and time that this supposes. In this work, it has been sought to contribute to the knowledge of the acoustic behaviour of different type of materials and devices that are used to improve the acoustic isolation and acoustic conditioning.

Task Repetition and Its Impact on EFL Children's Negotiation of Meaning Strategies and Pair Dynamics: An Exploratory Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

del Pilar García Mayo, Maria; Imaz Agirre, Ainara

2016-01-01

Little research has been carried out on the effect of task repetition on young learners' negotiation of meaning (NoM) strategies and on pair dynamics. The present study aims to fill this gap by analysing the interaction of 60 dyads of third- and fourth-year primary English as a foreign language learners (8-9, 9-10 years old, respectively) while…

CO2 and CH4 Production and CH4 Oxidation in Low Temperature Soil Incubations from Flat- and High-Centered Polygons, Barrow, Alaska, 2012

DOE Data Explorer

David E. Graham; Jianqiu Zheng; Taniya RoyChowdhury

2016-08-31

The dataset consists of respiration and methane production rates and methane oxidation potential obtained from soil microcosm studies carried out under controlled temperature and incubation conditions. Soils cores collected in 2012 represent the flat- and high-centered polygon active layers and permafrost (when present) from the NGEE Arctic Intensive Study Site 1, Barrow, Alaska.

How Does the First Language Have an Influence on Language Learning? A Case Study in an English ESL Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Romero, Yanilis; Manjarres, Milton Pájaro

2017-01-01

This article presents a case study which aims at analyzing the influence that the first language has on the learning of a foreign language. This research was conducted in an ESL classroom from a Language Center in England and was carried out with a Saudi Arabian student during a two-month period. In order to conduct this research, theoretical…

Effects of aircraft noise on the equilibrium of airport residents: Supplementary analyses to the study carried out around Orly

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Francois, J.

1981-01-01

The effects of aircraft noise on humans living near airports were studied. Two main questions were considered: do residents give evidence of psychological or physiological disturbances in unusually intense noise sectors; and do personality or health factors account for the high interindividual variability of annoyance? The methodology used and results obtained are presented. Samples of the survey questionnaires are included.

A 0535+26: a historical tour

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Camero-Arranz, Ascension; Finger, M. H.; Wilson-Hodge, C.; Caballero, I.; Kretschmar, P.; Jenke, P. A.; Beklen, E.

2010-03-01

We present a long-term timing analysis of the accreting X-ray pulsar A 0535+26 using data from Fermi/GBM, RXTE and Swift/BAT. A new orbital ephemeris is obtained from normal outbursts experienced by this source since 2005, and a long-term pulse profile study is carried out. In this study we include results from the current outburst. This outburst is believed to be much larger than the previous ones.

Esthetics and Biocompatibility of Composite Dental Laminates.

PubMed

D'Souza, Dsj; Kumar, M

2010-07-01

Advances in modern dental materials provide patients with a choice of natural looking veneers to provide esthetic restorations. These may be directly fabricated composite resin veneers or indirectly fabricated veneers. This study was carried out to evaluate the clinical effect of new generation indirect veneering composites and to compare them with veneers fabricated from direct composite restorations. The present study was carried out in the Prosthodontics department of a medical college. A total of forty patients requiring restoration of the anterior teeth using composite veneers were selected and either of the two materials was used to fabricate the veneers. Clinical evaluation was done for esthetics and periodontal health. Statistical analysis showed that there were no significant changes to the periodontal health during the period of the study. The evidence obtained from this study indicates that both direct as well as indirect composite materials had clinically acceptable outcomes in terms of restoration of esthetics. Biocompatibility with the periodontal tissues of both materials was also evident by the improvement in oral health indices used in the study.

Indoor Soiling Method and Outdoor Statistical Risk Analysis of Photovoltaic Power Plants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rajasekar, Vidyashree

This is a two-part thesis. Part 1 presents an approach for working towards the development of a standardized artificial soiling method for laminated photovoltaic (PV) cells or mini-modules. Construction of an artificial chamber to maintain controlled environmental conditions and components/chemicals used in artificial soil formulation is briefly explained. Both poly-Si mini-modules and a single cell mono-Si coupons were soiled and characterization tests such as I-V, reflectance and quantum efficiency (QE) were carried out on both soiled, and cleaned coupons. From the results obtained, poly-Si mini-modules proved to be a good measure of soil uniformity, as any non-uniformity present would not result in a smooth curve during I-V measurements. The challenges faced while executing reflectance and QE characterization tests on poly-Si due to smaller size cells was eliminated on the mono-Si coupons with large cells to obtain highly repeatable measurements. This study indicates that the reflectance measurements between 600-700 nm wavelengths can be used as a direct measure of soil density on the modules. Part 2 determines the most dominant failure modes of field aged PV modules using experimental data obtained in the field and statistical analysis, FMECA (Failure Mode, Effect, and Criticality Analysis). The failure and degradation modes of about 744 poly-Si glass/polymer frameless modules fielded for 18 years under the cold-dry climate of New York was evaluated. Defect chart, degradation rates (both string and module levels) and safety map were generated using the field measured data. A statistical reliability tool, FMECA that uses Risk Priority Number (RPN) is used to determine the dominant failure or degradation modes in the strings and modules by means of ranking and prioritizing the modes. This study on PV power plants considers all the failure and degradation modes from both safety and performance perspectives. The indoor and outdoor soiling studies were jointly performed by two Masters Students, Sravanthi Boppana and Vidyashree Rajasekar. This thesis presents the indoor soiling study, whereas the other thesis presents the outdoor soiling study. Similarly, the statistical risk analyses of two power plants (model J and model JVA) were jointly performed by these two Masters students. Both power plants are located at the same cold-dry climate, but one power plant carries framed modules and the other carries frameless modules. This thesis presents the results obtained on the frameless modules.

Contemporary outcomes of seminal tract re-anastomoses for obstructive azoospermia: a nationwide Japanese survey.

PubMed

Taniguchi, Hisanori; Iwamoto, Teruaki; Ichikawa, Tomohiko; Nagai, Atsushi; Okada, Hiroshi; Fujisawa, Masato; Tsujimura, Akira; Shiraishi, Koji; Hibi, Hatsuki; Nagao, Koichi; Iwasaki, Akira; Kamba, Tomomi; Tomomasa, Hiroshi; Takada, Shingo; Matsuda, Tadashi

2015-02-01

To evaluate current outcomes of seminal tract re-anastomoses in Japan, and to compare them with historical data. A total of 213 patients with obstructive azoospermia who underwent seminal tract re-anastomosis from April 2008 to March 2012 at 25 institutions were enrolled in the present study. The outcomes of the procedure were compared with those reported in a previous multi-institutional study carried out in 2000. The percentage of partners aged over 35 years was 37%. A microsurgical double-layer anastomosis was carried out 83.0% of the time. Sperm were observed in ejaculate postoperatively in 68.9% and 41.5% of patients who underwent a vasovasostomy or a vasoepididymostomy, respectively. Natural conception occurred in 27.5% of patients after a vasectomy and 32.3% of patients with an epididymal obstruction. Except for the ratio of natural conception in patients with vasal obstruction after herniorrhaphies, there were no significant differences in final ratios of sperm appearance and natural conception between the previously reported study and the present study. Compared with historical data, contemporary seminal tract re-anastomosis in Japan seems to provide equivalent or better outcomes, depending on the cause of obstruction. Seminal tract re-anastomosis is a valid treatment option for patients with obstructive azoospermia. © 2014 The Japanese Urological Association.

SEM viewing of gypsiferous material and study of their influence on electrical resistivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dafalla, M.; Fouzan, F. Al

2012-04-01

The gypsum rich material is often linked to the cavity formation due to the high solubility of cal-cium carbonate in the presence of acidic media. This work is dedicated to a close-up look to the structure of materials rich of gypsum and material of less or traces of sulfate ions. Electrical resistivity measurements were conducted along extended lines on sections involving cavities and the resulting profiles were examined for any changes. Forms and features of gypsum and minerals containing sulfates were studied and compared to sam-ples tested using SEM (scanning electron microscope). The chemical analyses (EDAX) using electron beam was carried out and the elements present within these samples were established. Quantitative chemical testing for some parameters including sulfate ions was carried out. Structural forms variation and changes are studied in view of the chemical composition. The electrical resistivity was measured using Syscal R1 electerical resis-tivity equipment for several spots near surface. Statistical correlations between sulfate ions content and elec-trical resistivity, for near surface soils, is presented. This study is aiming at utilizing the geophysical testing methods of sulfate rich soils and predicting future cavity formation in areas of high risk to cavities due to chemical weathering.

Electron impact excitation of coronene

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Khakoo, M.A.; Ratliff, J.M.; Trajmar, S.

1990-12-15

A preliminary study of the electron-impact excitation of thermally evaporated coronene at 550{degree} C was carried out using electron-energy-loss spectroscopy. Measurements of the energy-loss spectra of coronene at high (100 eV) and low (5--20 eV) impact energies are presented. One of the high-energy spectra was converted to an apparent generalized oscillator strength spectrum and compared to the photoabsorption spectrum of coronene. Observations concerning vibrational excitation of coronene by electron impact are also presented and discussed.

Production of hydrogen by electron transfer catalysis using conventional and photochemical means

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rillema, D. P.

1981-01-01

Alternate methods of generating hydrogen from the sulfuric acid thermal or electrochemical cycles are presented. A number of processes requiring chemical, electrochemical or photochemical methods are also presented. These include the design of potential photoelectrodes and photocatalytic membranes using Ru impregnated nafion tubing, and the design of experiments to study the catalyzed electrolytic formation of hydrogen and sulfuric acid from sulfur dioxide and water using quinones as catalysts. Experiments are carried out to determine the value of these approaches to energy conversion.

The 30/20 GHz flight experiment system, phase 2. Volume 2: Experiment system description

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bronstein, L.; Kawamoto, Y.; Ribarich, J. J.; Scope, J. R.; Forman, B. J.; Bergman, S. G.; Reisenfeld, S.

1981-01-01

A detailed technical description of the 30/20 GHz flight experiment system is presented. The overall communication system is described with performance analyses, communication operations, and experiment plans. Hardware descriptions of the payload are given with the tradeoff studies that led to the final design. The spacecraft bus which carries the payload is discussed and its interface with the launch vehicle system is described. Finally, the hardwares and the operations of the terrestrial segment are presented.

Globalization, neo-liberalism and community psychology.

PubMed

Nafstad, Hilde Eileen; Blakar, Rolv Mikkel; Carlquist, Erik; Phelps, Joshua Marvle; Rand-Hendriksen, Kim

2009-03-01

A longitudinal analysis (1984-2005) of media language in Norway is presented, demonstrating how the current globalized capitalist market ideology is now permeating this long-established Scandinavian welfare state. This ideological shift carries powerful implications for community psychology, as traditional welfare state values of equal services based on a universalistic principle are set aside, and social and material inequalities are increasingly accepted. The methodology developed in the present study may serve as a "barometer of community changes", to borrow a metaphor used by Sarason (2000).

Arctic Haze: A Chemical, Physical, Optical and Meteorological Study

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-08-01

Interior 01-31-77 Alaska 03-6-022-35154 Radiation NOA 02-01-76 $18,485 3 mos. Studies at Mauna Loa 01-31-77 Observatory -P6’- Title Agen Period Amou i...Pending Ainlications Radiation Studies at Mauna Loa NOA I year $21,069 Observatory Study of Non-Resonant NSF 1 year $I1,5 99 Scattered Sunlight at...Shaw, G.E. Solar radiation research being carried out at the Mauna Loa Observatory. Presented at the conference on Global Monitoring for Climatic Change

Auditory emotional cues enhance visual perception.

PubMed

Zeelenberg, René; Bocanegra, Bruno R

2010-04-01

Recent studies show that emotional stimuli impair performance to subsequently presented neutral stimuli. Here we show a cross-modal perceptual enhancement caused by emotional cues. Auditory cue words were followed by a visually presented neutral target word. Two-alternative forced-choice identification of the visual target was improved by emotional cues as compared to neutral cues. When the cue was presented visually we replicated the emotion-induced impairment found in other studies. Our results suggest emotional stimuli have a twofold effect on perception. They impair perception by reflexively attracting attention at the expense of competing stimuli. However, emotional stimuli also induce a nonspecific perceptual enhancement that carries over onto other stimuli when competition is reduced, for example, by presenting stimuli in different modalities. Copyright 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Biocorrosion of mild steel and copper used in cooling tower water and its control.

PubMed

Li, Xiao Lei; Narenkumar, Jayaraman; Rajasekar, Aruliah; Ting, Yen-Peng

2018-03-01

The present study describes the biocorrosion of mild steel (MS1010) and pure copper (Cu) in cooling water environments (both field and lab study). Electrochemical and surface analyses of both metals were carried out to confirm the corrosion susceptibility in the presence of bacteria and inhibitor. Surface analysis of the MS and Cu coupons revealed that biofilm was developed with increasing exposure time in the field study. In the lab study, accumulation of extracellular polymeric substance over the metal surface was noticed and led to the severe pitting type of corrosion on both metal surfaces. Besides, the anti-corrosive study was carried out using the combinations of commercial corrosion inhibitor (S7653-10 ppm) with biocide (F5100-5 ppm), and the results reveal that the corrosion rate of MS and Cu was highly reduced to 0.0281 and 0.0021 mm/year (inhibitor system) than 0.1589 and 0.0177 mm/year (control system). Inhibition efficiency for both metals in the presence of inhibitor with biocide was found as 82 and 88% for MS and Cu, respectively. The present study concluded that MS was very susceptible to biocorrosion, compared to copper metal in cooling water environment. Further, the combination of the both inhibitor and biocide was effectively inhibiting the biocorrosion which was due to its antibacterial and anti-corrosive properties.

Dual stator winding variable speed asynchronous generator: optimal design and experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tutelea, L. N.; Deaconu, S. I.; Popa, G. N.

2015-06-01

In the present paper is carried out a theoretical and experimental study of dual stator winding squirrel cage asynchronous generator (DSWA) behavior in the presence of saturation regime (non-sinusoidal) due to the variable speed operation. The main aims are the determination of the relations of calculating the equivalent parameters of the machine windings to optimal design using a Matlab code. Issue is limited to three phase range of double stator winding cage-induction generator of small sized powers, the most currently used in the small adjustable speed wind or hydro power plants. The tests were carried out using three-phase asynchronous generator having rated power of 6 [kVA].

Parallel processing implementation for the coupled transport of photons and electrons using OpenMP

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Doerner, Edgardo

2016-05-01

In this work the use of OpenMP to implement the parallel processing of the Monte Carlo (MC) simulation of the coupled transport for photons and electrons is presented. This implementation was carried out using a modified EGSnrc platform which enables the use of the Microsoft Visual Studio 2013 (VS2013) environment, together with the developing tools available in the Intel Parallel Studio XE 2015 (XE2015). The performance study of this new implementation was carried out in a desktop PC with a multi-core CPU, taking as a reference the performance of the original platform. The results were satisfactory, both in terms of scalability as parallelization efficiency.

The value of flexibility in conservation financing.

PubMed

Lennox, Gareth D; Fargione, Joseph; Spector, Sacha; Williams, Gwyn; Armsworth, Paul R

2017-06-01

Land-acquisition strategies employed by conservation organizations vary in their flexibility. Conservation-planning theory largely fails to reflect this by presenting models that are either extremely inflexible-parcel acquisitions are irreversible and budgets are fixed-or extremely flexible-previously acquired parcels can readily be sold. This latter approach, the selling of protected areas, is infeasible or problematic in many situations. We considered the value to conservation organizations of increasing the flexibility of their land-acquisition strategies through their approach to financing deals. Specifically, we modeled 2 acquisition-financing methods commonly used by conservation organizations: borrowing and budget carry-over. Using simulated data, we compared results from these models with those from an inflexible fixed-budget model and an extremely flexible selling model in which previous acquisitions could be sold to fund new acquisitions. We then examined 3 case studies of how conservation organizations use borrowing and budget carry-over in practice. Model comparisons showed that borrowing and budget carry-over always returned considerably higher rewards than the fixed-budget model. How they performed relative to the selling model depended on the relative conservation value of past acquisitions. Both the models and case studies showed that incorporating flexibility through borrowing or budget carry-over gives conservation organizations the ability to purchase parcels of higher conservation value than when budgets are fixed without the problems associated with the selling of protected areas. © 2016 Society for Conservation Biology.

Functional repair of p53 mutation in colorectal cancer cells using trans-splicing.

PubMed

He, Xingxing; Liao, Jiazhi; Liu, Fang; Yan, Junwei; Yan, Jingjun; Shang, Haitao; Dou, Qian; Chang, Ying; Lin, Jusheng; Song, Yuhu

2015-02-10

Mutation in the p53 gene is arguably the most frequent type of gene-specific alterations in human cancers. Current p53-based gene therapy contains the administration of wt-p53 or the suppression of mutant p53 expression in p53-defective cancer cells. . We hypothesized that trans-splicing could be exploited as a tool for the correction of mutant p53 transcripts in p53-mutated human colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. In this study, the plasmids encoding p53 pre-trans-splicing molecules (PTM) were transfected into human CRC cells carrying p53 mutation. The plasmids carrying p53-PTM repaired mutant p53 transcripts in p53-mutated CRC cells, which resulted in a reduction in mutant p53 transcripts and an induction of wt-p53 simultaneously. Intratumoral administration of adenovirus vectors carrying p53 trans-splicing cassettes suppressed the growth of tumor xenografts. Repair of mutant p53 transcripts by trans-splicing induced cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis in p53-defective colorectal cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated for the first time that trans-splicing was exploited as a strategy for the repair of mutant p53 transcripts, which revealed that trans-splicing would be developed as a new therapeutic approach for human colorectal cancers carrying p53 mutation.

ELT Site Prospection in Morrocan Atlas Mountains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benkhaldoun, Z.

2006-08-01

The Extremly Large Telescope site testing working group had selected Morrocan's mounting, as one of five locations over the word, to teste for this european project. For that we first of all carried out a selection of two sites basing on their location relative to the dominant wind flow, the cloud cover and the circulation of the Saharan aerosols. We will detail in the communication which we present here, methodology followed and results obtained. We also present the localizations of both site with a cartographic, geological study and some seismic information. The first measurements of the seeing will be also presented.

A New Secondary Pollen Presentation Mechanism from a Wild Ginger (Zingiber densissimum) and Its Functional Roles in Pollination Process

PubMed Central

Fan, Yong-Li; Kress, W. John; Li, Qing-Jun

2015-01-01

Background and Aims Secondary pollen presentation (SPP), a floral mechanism of reproductive adaptation, has been described for more than 200 years, with nine types SPP recorded. However, few studies have been done experimentally to link the floral mechanism of SPP to its functional roles in pollination process. This study aims to describe a new SPP mechanism from a wild ginger (Zingiber densissimum, Zingiberaceae) and explore how the pollen arrangement of SPP affects pollen removal during the interaction with different pollinators. Methodology/Principal Findings Field observations and experiments revealed that flowers lasted for less than one day. The breeding system was partially self-incompatible. Two bee species, Macropis hedini (which carried pollen dorsally) and Amegilla zonata (which carried pollen ventrally) were the primary pollinators. About a third of pollen grains were relocated from the anther to the labellum staminode of flowers through the adherence of aggregated pollen chains, while other grains were presented on the anther. In a single visit, each bee species removed pollen grains from both the labellum staminode and the anther. Macropis hedini was more effective than Amegilla zonata. Conclusions/Significance Our study describes a new SPP mechanism in angiosperms. The new SPP mode enables pollen grains presented on the anther and the labellum staminode simultaneously via the adherence of aggregated pollen chains, thus promoting pollen to be taken away by different pollinators. This SPP mechanism plays a key role during pollen removal and may have evolved under the pressure to improve male fitness. PMID:26637125

Assessment by cytogenetic analysis of the radioprotection properties of propolis extract.

PubMed

Montoro, A; Almonacid, M; Serrano, J; Saiz, M; Barquinero, J F; Barrios, L; Verdú, G; Pérez, J; Villaescusa, J I

2005-01-01

Propolis obtained from honeybee hives has been used in folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic or immunomodulatory agent. In animal studies, the radioprotector effect of propolis has been attributed to its free-radical scavenging properties. The present study was carried out to show the protective properties of propolis extract against DNA damage induced by gamma irradiation. The evaluation of the radioprotective effect of propolis has been carried out by the analysis of chromosome aberration induction after several doses of gamma rays. The results of an analysis in the presence of ethanol extract of propolis (EEP) were compared with the dose-effect calibration curve for gamma-rays by analysis of chromosome aberrations without propolis, a decrease in the radiation-induced chromosome aberrations has been observed to be higher than 50% for all the doses.

The disposal of nuclear waste in space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burns, R. E.

1978-01-01

The important problem of disposal of nuclear waste in space is addressed. A prior study proposed carrying only actinide wastes to space, but the present study assumes that all actinides and all fission products are to be carried to space. It is shown that nuclear waste in the calcine (oxide) form can be packaged in a container designed to provide thermal control, radiation shielding, mechanical containment, and an abort reentry thermal protection system. This package can be transported to orbit via the Space Shuttle. A second Space Shuttle delivers an oxygen-hydrogen orbit transfer vehicle to a rendezvous compatible orbit and the mated OTV and waste package are sent to the preferred destination. Preferred locations are either a lunar crater or a solar orbit. Shuttle traffic densities (which vary in time) are given and the safety of space disposal of wastes discussed.

Spark gaps synchronization using electrical trigger pulses

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Agarwal, Ritu; Saroj, P.C.; Sharma, Archana

In pulse power systems, it is required to have synchronized triggering of two or more high voltage spark gaps capable of switching large currents, using electrical trigger pulses. This paper intends to study the synchronization of spark gaps using electrical trigger. The trigger generator consists of dc supply, IGBT switch and driver circuit which generates 8kV, 400ns (FWHM) pulses. The experiment was carried out using two 0.15uF/50kV energy storage capacitors charged to 12kV and discharged through stainless steel spark gaps of diameter 9 mm across 10 ohm non inductive load. The initial experiment shows that synchronization has been achieved withmore » jitter of 50 to 100ns. Further studies carried out to reduce the jitter time by varying various electrical parameters will be presented. (author)« less

Instrument performance of a radon measuring system with the alpha-track detection technique.

PubMed

Tokonami, S; Zhuo, W; Ryuo, H; Yonehara, H; Yamada, Y; Shimo, M

2003-01-01

An instrument performance test has been carried out for a radon measuring system made in Hungary. The system measures radon using the alpha-track detection technique. It consists of three parts: the passive detector, the etching unit and the evaluation unit. A CR-39 detector is used as the radiation detector. Alpha-track reading and data analysis are carried out after chemical etching. The following subjects were examined in the present study: (1) radon sensitivity, (2) performance of etching and evaluation processes and (3) thoron sensitivity. The radon sensitivity of 6.9 x 10(-4) mm(-2) (Bq m(-3) d)(-1) was acceptable for practical application. The thoron sensitivity was estimated to be as low as 3.3 x 10(-5) mm(-2) (Bq m(-3) d)(-1) from the experimental study.

Factors (Not) Affecting What Students Do with Computers and Internet at Home

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hinostroza, J. Enrique; Matamala, Carolina; Labbé, Christian; Claro, Magdalena; Cabello, Tania

2015-01-01

This paper presents the results of an analysis of secondary students' computer use, aimed at understanding how different factors influence the profile of activities carried out by students with computers. The analysis is based on the data from a national study aimed at measuring students' Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills for…

Social Software for Reflective Dialogue: Questions about Reflection and Dialogue in Student Teachers' Blogs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Granberg, Carina

2010-01-01

This article presents a study of 57 Swedish pre-school student teachers' experiences and achievements in using blogs for reflective dialogue over the course of 2007-2008. In order to examine the extent to which students engaged in reflective dialogue, text analyses of their blogs were carried out. Furthermore, 13 narrative interviews were…

Foucault Dissipation in a Rolling Cylinder: A Webcam Quantitative Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bonanno, A.; Bozzo, G.; Camarca, M.; Sapia, P.

2011-01-01

In this paper we present an experimental strategy to measure the micro power dissipation due to Foucault "eddy" currents in a copper cylinder rolling on two parallel conductive rails in the presence of a magnetic field. Foucault power dissipation is obtained from kinematical measurements carried out by using a common PC webcam and video analysis…

Able Scientists--Disabled Persons. Biographical Sketches Illustrating Careers in the Sciences for Able Disabled Students.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stearner, Phyllis

This book describes the lives and achievements of 27 disabled scientists and students of science who are overcoming obstacles and are carrying on careers and studies in their chosen field of science or engineering, graphically showing that individuals with physical disabilities can succeed in scientific and technical work. The book presents a…

Expression of high-temperature adult-plant (HTAP) resistance against stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici) in wheat landraces

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, Pst) is an important disease of wheat in the United States and Pakistan. Genetic resistance in wheat is a cost-effective and convenient control measure. In the present study, resistance testing of 115 wheat landraces from Pakistan was carried out ini...

Ontology of Public Health in University Curriculum: Exploring Basic Elements of an Interdisciplinary Field of Knowledge

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Islam, Zahirul

2017-01-01

Public health has constituted itself as a distinct academic discipline. The present paper attempts to understand ontology of this discipline. A study has recently been carried out which concerns, first, conceptualization of ontology of public health, secondly, nature of public health, and thirdly, curriculum development. Ontology is a…

A Learner Corpus-Based Study on Verb Errors of Turkish EFL Learners

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Can, Cem

2017-01-01

As learner corpora have presently become readily accessible, it is practicable to examine interlanguage errors and carry out error analysis (EA) on learner-generated texts. The data available in a learner corpus enable researchers to investigate authentic learner errors and their respective frequencies in terms of types and tokens as well as…

Computing in the Curriculum: Challenges and Strategies from a Teacher's Perspective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sentance, Sue; Csizmadia, Andrew

2017-01-01

Computing is being introduced into the curriculum in many countries. Teachers' perspectives enable us to discover what challenges this presents, and also the strategies teachers claim to be using successfully in teaching the subject across primary and secondary education. The study described in this paper was carried out in the UK in 2014 where…

Leisure Activities for the Development of Creative Intelligence in Mathematical Problem Solving

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Castro, Angélica Mercedes Tumbaco; Guerra, Galo Ernestro Cabanilla; Brito, Christian Antonio Pavón; Chávez, Tannia Gabriela Acosta

2018-01-01

The present work studies the influence of leisure activities on the creative intelligence of the students. An experimental pre- and post-test design was carried out with individuals selected in a sampling process. The design identifies the ease of students to place themselves in possible contexts and solve them mathematically through Polya's…

Comparison of Creativity and Self-Esteem in Students with Employed and Household Mothers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Safara, Maryam; Alkaran, Zeinab Blori; Salmabadi, Mojtaba; Rostami, Najmieh

2017-01-01

Objective: The present study was carried out to compare creativity and self-esteem in the university students with employed and household mothers in academic years 2014-2015. Method: This research is a descriptive one which is of comparative-casual type. The statistical population includes all undergraduate students of Azad universities of…

Anthropometric data of elderly people in Australia.

PubMed

Kothiyal, K; Tettey, S

2000-06-01

An anthropometric data set on 171 elderly people in Australia has been presented. The data set consists of 22 body dimensions relevant to design of living facilities, equipment and workplaces for the elderly people. The study was carried out in metropolitan Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. A comparative analysis with other populations indicates significant differences in the body dimensions.

Early Error Detection: An Action-Research Experience Teaching Vector Calculus

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Añino, María Magdalena; Merino, Gabriela; Miyara, Alberto; Perassi, Marisol; Ravera, Emiliano; Pita, Gustavo; Waigandt, Diana

2014-01-01

This paper describes an action-research experience carried out with second year students at the School of Engineering of the National University of Entre Ríos, Argentina. Vector calculus students played an active role in their own learning process. They were required to present weekly reports, in both oral and written forms, on the topics studied,…

UBV photometry of Cyg X-1 from 1996 to 2003

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Voloshina, I. B.; Lyuty, V.

2004-07-01

The preliminary results of analysis of $UBV$-photometry of the black hole candidate Cyg X-1 in primary minimum are presented. These observations were carried out with the main goal of studying in detail the variability that was detected by Lyuty in 1985 in the optical light curve of this system near orbital phase 0.00.

Dynamic Binding of Identity and Location Information: A Serial Model of Multiple Identity Tracking

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Oksama, Lauri; Hyona, Jukka

2008-01-01

Tracking of multiple moving objects is commonly assumed to be carried out by a fixed-capacity parallel mechanism. The present study proposes a serial model (MOMIT) to explain performance accuracy in the maintenance of multiple moving objects with distinct identities. A serial refresh mechanism is postulated, which makes recourse to continuous…

Developing Law Students' Communicative-Linguistic Competence: Analysis of Eight Spanish Legal Textbooks from a Sociopragmatic Perspective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ramos, Joseba Ezeiza

2015-01-01

This article presents a study carried out on eight Spanish legal textbooks in order to draw up an inventory of educational resources available to support the development of law students' communicative competence, taking into account the law degree curricula at Spanish universities (Ezeiza Ramos forthcoming a, forthcoming b). The analysis was…

Self-Efficacy, Task Complexity and Task Performance: Exploring Interactions in Two Versions of Vocabulary Learning Tasks

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wu, Xiaoli; Lowyck, Joost; Sercu, Lies; Elen, Jan

2012-01-01

The present study aimed for better understanding of the interactions between task complexity and students' self-efficacy beliefs and students' use of learning strategies, and finally their interacting effects on task performance. This investigation was carried out in the context of Chinese students learning English as a foreign language in a…

Inclusive Education at a BRAC School--Perspectives from the Children

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mahbub, Tahiya

2008-01-01

Tahiya Mahbub is a lecturer in English studies at North South University located in Dhaka, Bangladesh. In this article, she presents some of the data on which her MPhil thesis, completed at the University of Cambridge Faculty of Education, was based. This research was carried out in Bangladesh, focusing on a primary school run by the…

The Education of the Handicapped Adolescent: The Transition from School to Working Life.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, Paris (France). Centre for Educational Research and Innovation.

This report is the second to appear in a series of studies carried out by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development's Centre for Educational Research and Innovation (CERI) during the past 5 years. The first report concerned the integration of handicapped young people into ordinary schools. The present report deals with what happens…

A PSYCHOLINGUISTIC EXPERIMENT IN FOREIGN-LANGUAGE TEACHING. MCGRAW-HILL SERIES IN PSYCHOLOGY.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

SCHERER, GEORGE A.C.; WERTHEIMER, MICHAEL

A DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A LARGE SCALE, TWO-YEAR EXPERIMENTAL STUDY COMPARING AN AUDIOLINGUAL WITH A TRADITIONAL GRAMMAR-TRANSLATION METHOD OF TEACHING FOREIGN LANGUAGES IS PRESENTED. THIS EXPERIMENT WAS CARRIED OUT WITH STUDENTS IN FIRST- AND SECOND-YEAR GERMAN CLASSES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO FROM 1960 TO 1962. RESULTS OF TESTS SEEM TO…

The Role of Chemistry Museums in Chemical Education for Students and the General Public. A Case Study from Italy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Domenici, Valentina

2008-01-01

This paper investigates the educational role of museums of chemistry in presenting chemistry to the public in Italy, particularly to students. The activities carried out by Italian museums and scientific collections completely dedicated to chemistry have been analyzed, focusing on the relationship between these institutions and students with…

The Influence of the Use of Technology on Student Outcomes in a Blended Learning Context

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

López-Pérez, María V.; Pérez-López, María C.; Rodríguez-Ariza, Lázaro; Argente-Linares, Eva

2013-01-01

In blended learning, the internet acts as an instrument to complement traditional forms of instruction, in the belief that the incorporation of new information and communication technologies may lead to more efficient and effective education. This paper presents a study carried out in the University of Granada, during the first year of…

Science and Technology Pre-Service Teachers' Tendencies to Explain Vitality

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ozdemir, Oguz

2012-01-01

The present study was carried out to determine the Science and Technology pre-service teachers' tendencies to explain vitality in a university located in Southeast Anatolia of Turkey in 2010-2011 academic year. The data were collected through the administration of a questionnaire developed by the researcher to 1st and 4th year Science and…

Mapping What Young Students Understand and Value Regarding Sustainable Development

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Manni, Annika; Sporre, Karin; Ottander, Christina

2013-01-01

This paper presents the results of a study carried out to investigate how 10-12 year old Swedish students understand and value the issue of sustainable development. The responses from open-ended questions in a questionnaire have been analyzed through a content analysis based on a phenomenographic approach. The results show that there are…

Fostering Collaboration in CALL: Benefits and Challenges of Using Virtual Language Resource Centres

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Medina, Liliana Cuesta; Alvarez, Claudia Patricia

2014-01-01

This paper presents the findings from a qualitative study on collaborative CALL design and implementation carried out with two groups of postgraduate language-teacher trainees who designed and piloted nine virtual language resource centres (VLRC) at 16 educational institutions of different levels and contents for an academic year. The project was…

A Mobile Augmented Reality System for the Learning of Dental Morphology

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Juan, M.-Carmen; Alexandrescu, Lucian; Folguera, Fernando; García-García, Inmaculada

2016-01-01

Three-dimensional models are important when the learning content is difficult to acquire from 2D images or other traditional methods. This is the case for learning dental morphology. In this paper, we present a mobile augmented reality (AR) system for learning dental morphology. A study with students was carried out to determine whether learning…

Executive Functions in Preschool Children with Externalizing Behavior Problems: A Meta-Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schoemaker, Kim; Mulder, Hanna; Dekovic, Maja; Matthys, Walter

2013-01-01

Deficits in executive functions (EF) have been found in school-age children and adolescents with externalizing behavior disorders. Present meta-analysis was carried out to determine whether these EF impairments can also be found in preschool children with externalizing behavior problems. Twenty-two studies were included with a total of 4021…

Maternal Reports of Home Literacy Experiences in Multilingual Mauritius: A Case Study of Pre-Schoolers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Auleear Owodally, Ambarin Mooznah

2014-01-01

While the extant literature has highlighted the important contribution of home literacy experiences to early literacy development, limited research has been carried out among children living in postcolonial contexts, where there is a mismatch between the home and school language. Such is the case of Mauritius. The present exploratory case study…

Does Field Independence Relate to Performance on Communicative Language Tests? Research Papers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Salmani-Nodoushan, Mohammad Ali

2006-01-01

Recent language testing research investigates factors other than language proficiency that may be responsible for systematic variance in language test performance. One such factor is the test takers' cognitive styles. The present study was carried out with the aim of finding the probable effects of Iranian EFL learners' cognitive styles on their…

Empowerment or Impairment? Involving Traditional Communities in School Management

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mfum-Mensah, Obed

2004-01-01

Community involvement in education has been viewed as a--by no means uncontroversial--means for enabling local members to deepen their participation in the decision-making relevant to their schools by playing a constructive role in the process. On the basis of a study carried out in Ghana, the present contribution to this discussion examines…

Facilitating Self-Directed Learning (SDL) and Satisfaction with SDL among Pre-University Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yeoh, Miranda P.; Cazan, Ana-Maria; Ierardi, Enzo; Jacic, Ljubomir A.

2017-01-01

The aim of the study was to evaluate our practice of self-directed learning (SDL) among pre-university students in Malaysia. Respondents provided data on their previous school learning experiences besides present SDL experiences in college. We carried out exploratory factor analysis based on the school data. We did a confirmatory factor analysis…

The Legacy of Early Experiences in Development: Formalizing Alternative Models of How Early Experiences Are Carried Forward over Time

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fraley, R. Chris; Roisman, Glenn I.; Haltigan, John D.

2013-01-01

Psychologists have long debated the role of early experience in social and cognitive development. However, traditional approaches to studying this issue are not well positioned to address this debate. The authors present simulations that indicate that the associations between early experiences and later outcomes should approach different…

Follow-up and Feedback Processes in the EHEA

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

del Canto, Pablo; Gallego, Isabel; López, José Manuel; Medina, Esunly; Mochón, Francisco; Mora, Javier; Reyes, Angélica; Rodríguez, Eva; Salami, Esther; Santamaría, Eduard; Valero, Miguel

2011-01-01

In the present paper, we describe the work being carried out by a group of professors so as to implement the follow-up and feedback processes of the activities students do throughout the first academic years in their Engineering studies. Not to mention, this project is within the EHEA (European Higher Education Area) framework. Our results show…

Primary School Students' Ideas Concerning the Apparent Movement of the Moon

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Starakis, John; Halkia, Krystallia

2010-01-01

In the present study, primary school students' ideas concerning the apparent movement of the Moon are investigated. The research was carried out in five primary schools of Athens (Greece) with a sample of forty (40), fifth and sixth grade students. Semistructured interviews were used to gather scientific data and students had the opportunity to…

Improving the English Proficiency of Native Japanese via Digital Storytelling, Blogs, and E-Mobile Technologies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Obari, Hiroyuki; Lambacher, Stephen

2012-01-01

This paper reports on the use of digital storytelling and blog activities to make CALL classes more dynamic and personalized for both instructors and learners alike. An empirical research study was carried out to determine if a blended-learning environment incorporating m-learning could help improve the English listening, presentation, and…

A Methodology for the Assessment of Experiential Learning Lean: The Lean Experience Factory Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

De Zan, Giovanni; De Toni, Alberto Felice; Fornasier, Andrea; Battistella, Cinzia

2015-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present a methodology to assess the experiential learning processes of learning lean in an innovative learning environment: the lean model factories. Design/methodology/approach: A literature review on learning and lean management literatures was carried out to design the methodology. Then, a case study…

An Exploration of English Language Teachers' Perceptions of Culture Teaching and Its Effects on Students' Motivation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yesil, Seyma; Demiröz, Hakan

2017-01-01

As the seamless connection between language and culture is commensurate with related research carried on language and culture; language is greatly affected and structured by cultural values, attitudes and beliefs. The goal of the present study is to investigate and analyse English language teachers' perceptions and opinions about the integration…

Lee side flow for slender delta wings of finite thickness

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Szodruch, J. G.

1980-01-01

An experimental and theoretical investigation carried out to determine the lee side flow field over delta wings at supersonic speeds is presented. A theoretical method to described the flow field is described, where boundary conditions as a result of the experimental study are needed. The computed flow field with shock induced separation is satisfactory.

Mental Health Problems in Young People with Intellectual Disabilities: The Impact on Parents

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Faust, Hannah; Scior, Katrina

2008-01-01

Background: Young people with intellectual disabilities seem to be at increased risk of developing mental health problems. The present study set out to examine the impact such difficulties can have on parents. Method: Semi-structured in-depth interviews were carried out with 13 parents and one adult sibling of 11 young people with intellectual…

Research on the Factors of College Students' Healthy Way of Life

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Panachev, V. D.

2005-01-01

This article presents a sociological survey carried out by the associates of the departments of sociology, political science, and physical education at Perm State Technical University in 1998 to 2003. The purpose of the survey was to study the social and cultural characteristics of the students and their attitudes toward sports and a healthy way…

Managing Human Resource Capabilities for Sustainable Competitive Advantage: An Empirical Analysis from Indian Global Organisations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Khandekar, Aradhana; Sharma, Anuradha

2005-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to examine the role of human resource capability (HRC) in organisational performance and sustainable competitive advantage (SCA) in Indian global organisations. Design/Methodology/Approach: To carry out the present study, an empirical research on a random sample of 300 line or human resource managers from…

The Contribution of Ernst Mach to Embodied Cognition and Mathematics Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zudini, Verena; Zuccheri, Luciana

2016-01-01

A study of the interactions between mathematics and cognitive science, carried out within a historical perspective, is important for a better understanding of mathematics education in the present. This is evident when analysing the contribution made by the epistemological theories of Ernst Mach. On the basis of such theories, a didactic method was…

Scientific Diving Training Course. Red Sea & Gulf of Aden Programme (PERSGA).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Arab Organization for Education and Science, Cairo (Egypt).

This document presents the scientific diving training course organized by the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) for the Program for Environmental Studies, Red Sea and Gulf of Aden (PERSGA). This course of six weeks duration aims to produce a person who is capable of carrying out scientific diving tasks in the…

English-Medium Instruction in Singapore Higher Education: Policy, Realities and Challenges

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bolton, Kingsley; Botha, Werner; Bacon-Shone, John

2017-01-01

Within the Asian region, Singapore has long been seen as a leader within the field of higher education, with an unmatched record of success in implementing English-medium instruction (EMI) at all levels of education, including colleges and universities. This present study reports on a large-scale survey carried out at one of Singapore's major…

Facilitating Pre-Service Teachers to Develop Regulation of Cognition with Learning Management System

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gutman, Mary

2017-01-01

The object of the present study is to propose a technologically based method for developing Regulation of Cognition (RC) among pre-service teachers in a pedagogical problem context. The research intervention was carried out by two groups during a Teaching Training Workshop, based on the IMPROVE instructional method, which was implemented in the…

The Educational, Social and Emotional Experiences of Students with Dyslexia: The Perspective of Postsecondary Education Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Doikou-Avlidou, Maro

2015-01-01

The present study aimed at exploring the educational, social and emotional experiences of individuals with dyslexia both during school and tertiary education. For this purpose, semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten Greek students with dyslexia who were enrolled in higher education institutions. The data analysis was carried out with…

Evidence-Based Administration for Decision Making in the Framework of Knowledge Strategic Management

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Del Junco, Julio Garcia; Zaballa, Rafael De Reyna; de Perea, Juan Garcia Alvarez

2010-01-01

Purpose: This paper seeks to present a model based on evidence-based administration (EBA), which aims to facilitate the creation, transformation and diffusion of knowledge in learning organizations. Design/methodology/approach: A theoretical framework is proposed based on EBA and the case method. Accordingly, an empirical study was carried out in…

A Content Analysis of Dissertations in the Field of Educational Technology: The Case of Turkey

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Durak, Gurhan; Cankaya, Serkan; Yunkul, Eyup; Misirli, Zeynel Abidin

2018-01-01

The present study aimed at conducting content analysis on dissertations carried out so far in the field of Educational Technology in Turkey. A total of 137 dissertations were examined to determine the key words, academic discipline, research areas, theoretical frameworks, research designs and models, statistical analyses, data collection tools,…

Impact of the Ile105Val Polymorphism of the Glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) Gene on Obesity and Markers of Cardiometabolic Risk in Young Adult Population.

PubMed

Chielle, E O; Trott, A; da Silva Rosa, B; Casarin, J N; Fortuna, P C; da Cruz, I B M; Moretto, M B; Moresco, R N

2017-05-01

The aim of the study was to investigate the association between Glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) gene polymorphism with obesity and markers of cardiometabolic risk. A cross-sectional study was carried out in individuals aged≥18 and ≤30 years. The study included 54 normal weight, 27 overweight and 68 obese volunteers. Anthropometric measurements and biochemical parameters were evaluated, the DNA was extracted from blood samples and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was used to measure GSTP1 Ile 105 Val gene polymorphism of the study participants. Also, biochemical analysis and hormone assays were carried out. A positive association between GSTP1 polymorphism and obesity was observed on subjects carrying at least one G allele (AG and GG). GG genotype was found only in the obese group. The G allele carriers presented 2.4 times higher chance of obesity when compared to those with the AA genotype. These results were independent of sex and age. We suggest that despite a study in population regional (south of Brazil), the GSTP1 gene polymorphism may play a significant role in the increase of susceptibility of obesity and contribute to identify the cardiovascular risk in young adults. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Repeated batch and continuous degradation of chlorpyrifos by Pseudomonas putida.

PubMed

Pradeep, Vijayalakshmi; Subbaiah, Usha Malavalli

2015-01-01

The present study was undertaken with the objective of studying repeated batch and continuous degradation of chlorpyrifos (O,O-diethyl O-3,5,6-trichloropyridin-2-yl phosphorothioate) using Ca-alginate immobilized cells of Pseudomonas putida isolated from an agricultural soil, and to study the genes and enzymes involved in degradation. The study was carried out to reduce the toxicity of chlorpyrifos by degrading it to less toxic metabolites. Long-term stability of pesticide degradation was studied during repeated batch degradation of chlorpyrifos, which was carried out over a period of 50 days. Immobilized cells were able to show 65% degradation of chlorpyrifos at the end of the 50th cycle with a cell leakage of 112 × 10(3) cfu mL(-1). During continuous treatment, 100% degradation was observed at 100 mL h(-1) flow rate with 2% chlorpyrifos, and with 10% concentration of chlorpyrifos 98% and 80% degradation was recorded at 20 mL h(-1) and 100 mL h(-1) flow rate respectively. The products of degradation detected by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis were 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol and chlorpyrifos oxon. Plasmid curing experiments with ethidium bromide indicated that genes responsible for the degradation of chlorpyrifos are present on the chromosome and not on the plasmid. The results of Polymerase chain reaction indicate that a ~890-bp product expected for mpd gene was present in Ps. putida. Enzymatic degradation studies indicated that the enzymes involved in the degradation of chlorpyrifos are membrane-bound. The study indicates that immobilized cells of Ps. putida have the potential to be used in bioremediation of water contaminated with chlorpyrifos.

Microstructural and microchemical studies of phase stability in V-O solid solution

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ghosh, Chanchal, E-mail: chanchal@igcar.gov.in

2017-02-15

Over the last couple of decades vanadium and V-based alloys have received significant attention as a potential structural material for fusion power applications because of their favourable mechanical properties under irradiation and at elevated temperatures. They are also considered as the advanced options of storage materials for hydrogen and its isotopes. However, the higher affinity of V for O, C and N poses critical challenges in its engineering applications since they lead to degradation of mechanical properties. They can further interact with the matrix to produce metallic oxy-carbo-nitride precipitates. To a certain limit, these precipitates are beneficial and can bemore » exploited to enhance the mechanical behaviour of the alloy through suitable microstructural design. However, this requires a prior knowledge of the interaction between the alloy and the impurity solutes. In the present work vanadium specific experiments have been designed and carried out to bring out the V-interstitial solute interaction by charging oxygen in the near surface region of vanadium. Microstructural and microchemical behaviour of the V-O solid solution has been studied through HRTEM (high resolution transmission electron microscopy) and HAADF (high angle annular dark field) coupled with EELS. Quantitative electron microscopy has been carried out to study structural modification of the alloy in atomic level caused by O charging. - Highlights: •Controlled experiments were carried out in pulsed laser ablation set-up to promote V-O interaction. • As a consequence of O dissolution, V transformed into a bct structure which is otherwise a bcc structure. •In V-O solid solution, dissolved O in the V matrix introduces significant amount of lattice strain. • Present work can be extended for introducing interstitial O in other pure transition metals and their alloys.« less

Geometric Triangular Chiral Hexagon Crystal-Like Complexes Organization in Pathological Tissues Biological Collision Order

PubMed Central

Díaz, Jairo A.; Jaramillo, Natalia A.; Murillo, Mauricio F.

2007-01-01

The present study describes and documents self-assembly of geometric triangular chiral hexagon crystal like complex organizations (GTCHC) in human pathological tissues.The authors have found this architectural geometric expression at macroscopic and microscopic levels mainly in cancer processes. This study is based essentially on macroscopic and histopathologic analyses of 3000 surgical specimens: 2600 inflammatory lesions and 400 malignant tumours. Geometric complexes identified photographically at macroscopic level were located in the gross surgical specimen, and these areas were carefully dissected. Samples were taken to carry out histologic analysis. Based on the hypothesis of a collision genesis mechanism and because it is difficult to carry out an appropriate methodological observation in biological systems, the authors designed a model base on other dynamic systems to obtain indirect information in which a strong white flash wave light discharge, generated by an electronic device, hits over the lines of electrical conductance structured in helicoidal pattern. In their experimental model, the authors were able to reproduce and to predict polarity, chirality, helicoid geometry, triangular and hexagonal clusters through electromagnetic sequential collisions. They determined that similar events among constituents of extracelular matrix which drive and produce piezoelectric activity are responsible for the genesis of GTCHC complexes in pathological tissues. This research suggests that molecular crystals represented by triangular chiral hexagons derived from a collision-attraction event against collagen type I fibrils emerge at microscopic and macroscopic scales presenting a lateral assembly of each side of hypertrophy helicoid fibers, that represent energy flow in cooperative hierarchically chiral electromagnetic interaction in pathological tissues and arises as a geometry of the equilibrium in perturbed biological systems. Further interdisciplinary studies must be carried out to reproduce, manipulate and amplify their activity and probably use them as a base to develop new therapeutic strategies in cancer. PMID:18074008

[Nutritive value of daily food rations prepared in different regions of the country. III. The levels of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron and potassium].

PubMed

Rutkowska, U; Iwanow, K; Wojtasik, A; Kunachowicz, H

1991-01-01

Studies on the content of macrominerals in daily diets reconstructed in 1988 on the basis of the analysis of family budgets in 1986 carried out by the Central Statistical Bureau were carried on. Two social groups i.e. manual and mental workers with medium income were considered. The diets were prepared for 5 regions (Warszawa, Lublin, Olsztyn, Poznań, Wrocław). According to the studies the requirements for calcium and magnesium were met in about 70% and those for iron in about 84%. The content of potassium in the diets was in the range of recommended allowances while the phosphorus exceeded the allowances by about 20-30%. The comparison of the presently studied diets with the ones from 1973, 1980, 1981 showed a lower degree of realization of the recommended intake of calcium and magnesium in 1986. The content of studied minerals in the diets was usually similar in all five regions.

Computational studies of new potential antimalarial compounds Stereoelectronic complementarity with the receptor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Portela, César; Afonso, Carlos M. M.; Pinto, Madalena M. M.; João Ramos, Maria

2003-09-01

One of the most important pharmacological mechanisms of antimalarial action is the inhibition of the aggregation of hematin into hemozoin. We present a group of new potential antimalarial molecules for which we have performed a DFT study of their stereoelectronic properties. Additionally, the same calculations were carried out for the two putative drug receptors involved in the referred activity, i.e., hematin μ-oxo dimer and hemozoin. A complementarity between the structural and electronic profiles of the planned molecules and the receptors can be observed. A docking study of the new compounds in relation to the two putative receptors is also presented, providing a correlation with the defined electrostatic complementarity.

Optimization of wood plastic composite decks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ravivarman, S.; Venkatesh, G. S.; Karmarkar, A.; Shivkumar N., D.; Abhilash R., M.

2018-04-01

Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) is a new class of natural fibre based composite material that contains plastic matrix reinforced with wood fibres or wood flour. In the present work, Wood Plastic Composite was prepared with 70-wt% of wood flour reinforced in polypropylene matrix. Mechanical characterization of the composite was done by carrying out laboratory tests such as tensile test and flexural test as per the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. Computer Aided Design (CAD) model of the laboratory test specimen (tensile test) was created and explicit finite element analysis was carried out on the finite element model in non-linear Explicit FE code LS - DYNA. The piecewise linear plasticity (MAT 24) material model was identified as a suitable model in LS-DYNA material library, describing the material behavior of the developed composite. The composite structures for decking application in construction industry were then optimized for cross sectional area and distance between two successive supports (span length) by carrying out various numerical experiments in LS-DYNA. The optimized WPC deck (Elliptical channel-2 E10) has 45% reduced weight than the baseline model (solid cross-section) considered in this study with the load carrying capacity meeting acceptance criterion (allowable deflection & stress) for outdoor decking application.

Intimate partner violence and breastfeeding practices: a systematic review of observational studies.

PubMed

Mezzavilla, Raquel de Souza; Ferreira, Marina de Figueiredo; Curioni, Cintia Chaves; Lindsay, Ana Cristina; Hasselmann, Maria Helena

To review the association between intimate partner violence and breastfeeding practices in the literature. The search was carried out in five databases, including MEDLINE, LILACS, SCOPUS, PsycoINFO, and Science Direct. The search strategy was carried out in February 2017. The authors included original studies with observational design, which investigated forms of intimate partner violence (including emotional, physical, and/or sexual) and breastfeeding practices. The quality of the studies was assessed based on the bias susceptibility through criteria specifically developed for this review. The study included 12 original articles (10 cross-sectional, one case-control, and one cohort study) carried out in different countries. The forms of intimate partner violence observed were emotional, physical, and/or sexual. Breastfeeding was investigated by different tools and only assessed children between 2 days and 6 months of life. Of the 12 studies included in this review, eight found a lower breastfeeding intention, breastfeeding initiation, and exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of the child's life, and a higher likelihood of early termination of exclusive breastfeeding among women living at home where violence was present. The quality varied between the studies and six were classified as having low bias susceptibility based on the assessed items. Intimate partner violence is associated with inadequate breastfeeding practices of children aged 2 days to 6 months of life. Copyright © 2017 Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

Development of buccal drug delivery systems based on a thiolated polymer.

PubMed

Langoth, Nina; Kalbe, Jochen; Bernkop-Schnürch, Andreas

2003-02-18

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the benefit of thiolated polymers (thiomers) for the development of buccal drug delivery systems. L-Cysteine was thereby covalently attached to polycarbophil (PCP) mediated by a carbodiimide. The resulting conjugate displayed 140.5+/-8.4 microM thiol groups per gram polymer. Disintegration studies were carried out with tablets based on unmodified polymer and conjugated polymer, respectively. Due to the formation of disulfide bonds within the thiolated polymer, the stability of matrix-tablets based on this polymer was strongly improved. Additionally tensile studies were carried out, which were in good correlation with further results obtained by mucoadhesion studies, using the rotating cylinder method. These results showed that tablets based on thiolated PCP remained attached on freshly excised porcine mucosa 1.8 times longer than the corresponding control. Moreover, the enzyme inhibitory properties of polymers were evaluated as well. Thiolated PCP increased the stability of the synthetic substrate for aminopeptidase N-leu-p-nitroanilide (N-leu-pNA) and the model drug leucin-enkephalin (leu-enkephalin) against enzymatic degradation on buccal mucosa. Due to the use of thiolated polymers also a controlled drug release for leu-enkephalin was guaranteed over a time period for more than 24 h. Results of the present studies suggest that thiolated polymers represent a very useful tool for buccal delivery of peptide drugs.

Kinetics, equilibrium and thermodynamic studies on biosorption of Ag(I) from aqueous solution by macrofungus Pleurotus platypus.

PubMed

Das, Devlina; Das, Nilanjana; Mathew, Lazar

2010-12-15

Reports are available on silver binding capacity of some microorganisms. However, reports on the equilibrium studies on biosorption of silver by macrofungi are seldom known. The present study was carried out in a batch system using dead biomass of macrofungus Pleurotus platypus for the sorption of Ag(I). P. platypus exhibited the highest silver uptake of 46.7 mg g(-1) of biomass at pH 6.0 in the presence of 200 mg L(-1) Ag(I) at 20°C. Kinetic studies based on fractional power, zero order, first order, pseudo-first order, Elovich, second order and pseudo-second order rate expressions have been carried out. The results showed a very good compliance with the pseudo-first order model. The experimental data were analyzed using two parameter isotherms (Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin-Radushkevich, Temkin and Halsey), three parameter isotherms (Redlich-Peterson, Sips, Khan, Koble-Corrigan, Hill, Toth, Radke-Prausmitz, Jossens, Langmuir-Freundlich), four parameter isotherms (Weber-van Vliet, Fritz-Schlunder, Baudu) and five parameter isotherm (Fritz-Schlunder). Thermodynamic parameters of the biosorption (ΔG, ΔH and ΔS) were also determined. The present study confirmed that macrofungus P. platypus may be used as a cost effective efficient biosorbent for the removal of Ag(I) ions from aqueous solution. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Studies in Historical Replication in Psychology I: Introduction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tweney, Ryan D.

2008-05-01

This special issue reports a project in which the replication of historically meaningful studies was carried out by graduate students in a history of psychology course. In this introduction, I outline the nature of the project and its rationale, and briefly sketch the results. The subsequent five papers represent scholarly presentations of five selected replications written by students in the course. These are followed by a commentary on the project by an educational psychologist.

Music in Preschool Class: A Quantitative Study of Factors That Determine the Extent of Music in Daily Work in Swedish Preschool Classes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ehrlin, Anna; Tivenius, Olle

2018-01-01

The aim of this article is to highlight what opportunities a six year old in preschool class in Sweden might have for participating in and being inspired by music. We ask the following question: What factors determine how music teaching is conceived and carried out in preschool class? The present study is quantitative in character, and data were…

A New Family of Ionic Liquids 1-amino-3-alkyl-1,2,3-Triazolium Nitrates

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Drake, Greg; Kaplan, Greg; Hall, Leslie; Hawkins, Tommy; Larue, Joann

2004-01-01

A new class of ionic liquids based upon 1-amino-3-alkyl-1,2,3-triazolium nitrates (alkyl = methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, 2-propeny1, and n-butyl) have been synthesized and characterized by vibrational spectra, multinuclear NMR, elemental analysis, and DSC studies. A single crystal x-ray study was carried out for 1-amino-3-methyl-1,2,3-triazolium nitrate and the details will be presented.

An Approach to Find out Students' Motives and Influences on Their Selection of Studies and University: Results from Six Years of Continuous Institutional Research in a Multi-Campus System in Spain

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gallifa, Josep

2009-01-01

This paper presents an institutional research on service quality conducted to analyze the students' motives and influences on their selection of studies and university. The research was carried out by collecting data from first-year students in a multi-campus system where institutions are independent in their recruitment strategies. Results from…

Childhood intussusception: A prospective study of management trend in a developing country.

PubMed

Ogundoyin, Olakayode Olaolu; Olulana, Dare Isaac; Lawal, Taiwo Akeem

2015-01-01

The management of intussusception has evolved universally from the use of hydrostatic reduction through operative reduction to the use of pneumatic reduction for the acute and uncomplicated cases and surgical reduction for the complicated cases. However, the process of evolution has been very slow in the developing countries, especially sub-Saharan Africa, due to lack of requisite facilities and expertise to manage these patients nonoperatively. This study examined the trends in the management of childhood intussusception in a developing country, compared operative and nonoperative modalities of treatment, and assessed the impact of delayed presentation on the outcome of management. This was a prospective study of the management of children with intussusception at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. Fifty-five consecutive cases of intussusception that presented to the Children Emergency Unit of the University College Hospital between January 2005 and December 2011 were prospectively studied. Details of sex, age of the patients, clinical presentation, duration of symptoms, mode of treatment, and incidence of recurrence were recorded and analyzed. The median age was 7 months. Moreover, the duration of symptoms varied from 1 to 21 days with a mean of 4 days. Twenty-two patients (40%) had attempted hydrostatic reduction; this was successful in 14 patients (63.6%), whereas 8 patients (36.4%) had failed reduction. In all, 41 patients (74.6%) had operative management of intussusceptions; primary operative intervention was carried out in 33 patients (60%) and secondary surgical management in 8 patients (14.5%) with failed hydrostatic reduction. At surgery, manual reduction of intussusception was carried out on 17 patients (30.9%) and resection of devitalized bowel with end to end anastomosis was carried out on the remaining 24 patients (43.6%). The incidence of surgical intervention for intussusception was 74.6%, mortality was 3.6%, and recurrence rate was 3.6%. Nonoperative management of intussusception should be adopted in carefully selected cases of intussusception in this subregion as it will help to reduce the financial burden on the parents while surgical management should be reserved for the complicated cases.

Identification of a novel MYO7A mutation in Usher syndrome type 1.

PubMed

Cheng, Ling; Yu, Hongsong; Jiang, Yan; He, Juan; Pu, Sisi; Li, Xin; Zhang, Li

2018-01-05

Usher syndrome (USH) is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by deafness and retinitis pigmentosa. In view of the high phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity in USH, performing genetic screening with traditional methods is impractical. In the present study, we carried out targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) to uncover the underlying gene in an USH family (2 USH patients and 15 unaffected relatives). One hundred and thirty-five genes associated with inherited retinal degeneration were selected for deep exome sequencing. Subsequently, variant analysis, Sanger validation and segregation tests were utilized to identify the disease-causing mutations in this family. All affected individuals had a classic USH type I (USH1) phenotype which included deafness, vestibular dysfunction and retinitis pigmentosa. Targeted NGS and Sanger sequencing validation suggested that USH1 patients carried an unreported splice site mutation, c.5168+1G>A, as a compound heterozygous mutation with c.6070C>T (p.R2024X) in the MYO7A gene. A functional study revealed decreased expression of the MYO7A gene in the individuals carrying heterozygous mutations. In conclusion, targeted next-generation sequencing provided a comprehensive and efficient diagnosis for USH1. This study revealed the genetic defects in the MYO7A gene and expanded the spectrum of clinical phenotypes associated with USH1 mutations.

Experimental and computational approaches of a novel methyl (2E)-2-{[N-(2-formylphenyl)(4-methylbenzene)sulfonamido]methyl}-3-(4-chlorophenyl)prop-2-enoate: A potential antimicrobial agent and an inhibition of penicillin-binding protein

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murugavel, S.; Vetri velan, V.; Kannan, Damodharan; Bakthadoss, Manickam

2016-07-01

The title compound methyl(2E)-2-{[N-(2-formylphenyl) (4-methylbenzene)sulfonamido]methyl}-3-(4-chlorophenyl) prop-2-enoate (MFMSC) has been synthesized and single crystals were grown by slow evaporation solution growth technique at room temperature. Structural and vibrational spectroscopic studies were carried out by using single crystal X-ray diffraction, FT-IR and NMR spectral analysis together with DFT method using GAUSSIAN'03 software. The detailed interpretation of the vibrational spectra has been carried out by VEDA program. NBO analysis, Mulliken charge analysis, HOMO-LUMO, MEP, Global chemical reactivity descriptors and thermodynamic properties have been analyzed. The hyperpolarisability calculation reveals the present material has a reasonably good propensity for nonlinear optical activity. The obtained antimicrobial activity results indicate that the compound shows good to moderate activity against all tested bacterial and fungal pathogens. A computational study was also carried out to predict the drug-likeness and ADMET properties of the title compound. Due to the different potential biological activity of the title compound, molecular docking study is also reported and the compound might exhibit inhibitory activity against penicillin-binding protein PBP-2X.