Search

Adar-mediated adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) mRNA editing is a conserved mechanism that exerts diverse regulatory functions during the development, evolution, and adaptation of metazoans. The accurate detection of RNA editing sites helps us understand their biological significance. In this work, with an improved genome assembly of honeybee (Apis mellifera), we used a new orthology-based methodology to complement the traditional pipeline of (de novo) RNA editing detection. Compared to the outcome of traditional pipeline, we retrieved many novel editing sites in CDS that are deeply conserved between honeybee and other distantly related insects. The newly retrieved sites were missed by the traditional de novo identification due to the stringent criteria for controlling false-positive rate. Caste-specific editing sites are identified, including an Ile>Met auto-recoding site in Adar. This recoding was even conserved between honeybee and bumblebee, suggesting its putative regulatory role in shaping the phenotypic plasticity of eusocial Hymenoptera. In summary, we proposed a complementary approach to the traditional pipeline and retrieved several previously unnoticed CDS editing sites. From both technical and biological aspects, our works facilitate future researches on finding the functional editing sites and advance our understanding on the connection between RNA editing and the great phenotypic diversity of organisms.

Landslides pose significant impact on human life and society such as loss of livelihood, destruction of infrastructure, and damage to natural resources around the world. Due to existing complications in conditional factors of landslide, mapping and predicting landslide occurrences with high accuracy needs more attention. In light of this, we aim to develop an ensemble landslide susceptibility model named as support vector regression–grasshopper optimization algorithm (SVR–GOA). This model is validated along with other landslide susceptibility models such as artificial neural network (ANN), boosted regression tree (BRT), and elastic net models. The present study carried out over the Kalaleh Basin in Iran, in which we selected 140 landslides with 16 conditional factors to construct a geographic database of the region. The multicollinearity analysis was done on the hazard conditioning factors using variance inflation factor and tolerance indices. Similarly, significance of these factors and their association with selected locations were identified through random forest method. The state of the art of the study is implementing SVR-GOA in landslide susceptibility mapping, including this model we use other landslide models such as ANN, BRT, and elastic net for validation and development using the area under the curve (AUC), kappa, and root mean squared error values. Our results show lithology, slope degree, rainfall, topography position index, topography wetness index, surface area, and landuse/landcover were found to be the most influential conditioning factors. We have also observed that, despite accurate prediction, SVR-GOA outperforms the others by showing the highest AUC values around AUC = 0.930 and others show ANN (AUC = 0.833), BRT (AUC = 0.822) and elastic net (AUC = 0.726) respectively. This innovative approach to landslide mapping using SVR-GOA ensembles would enhance the advancement of landslide research at multiple scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This commentary discusses the value of generative artificial intelligence (AI) for qualitative research in phygital settings to understand the customer experience. Design/methodology/approach: The critical and logical analysis is based on current knowledge of generative AI. Findings: Generative AI seems very useful for qualitative research in phygital settings to understand the customer experience and should be used in qualitative research projects. Generative AI can provide much-needed validation of the subjective nature of qualitative research and can also generate insights beyond human intuition. Research limitations/implications: The study is based on current technology, which changes fast. In the future, the skills of qualitative researchers may become outdated, relegating them to the role of prompt engineers. Practical implications: Technology, and especially generative AI, will be a key tool for practitioners as they conduct practical research. Social implications: Qualitative researchers should overcome potential anti-technology speciesism and embrace the potential of generative AI. Originality/value: This commentary provides insights into the role of generative AI for qualitative research in phygital settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adar-mediated adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) mRNA editing is a conserved mechanism that exerts diverse regulatory functions during the development, evolution, and adaptation of metazoans. The accurate detection of RNA editing sites helps us understand their biological significance. In this work, with an improved genome assembly of honeybee (Apis mellifera), we used a new orthology-based methodology to complement the traditional pipeline of (de novo) RNA editing detection. Compared to the outcome of traditional pipeline, we retrieved many novel editing sites in CDS that are deeply conserved between honeybee and other distantly related insects. The newly retrieved sites were missed by the traditional de novo identification due to the stringent criteria for controlling false-positive rate. Caste-specific editing sites are identified, including an Ile>Met auto-recoding site in Adar. This recoding was even conserved between honeybee and bumblebee, suggesting its putative regulatory role in shaping the phenotypic plasticity of eusocial Hymenoptera. In summary, we proposed a complementary approach to the traditional pipeline and retrieved several previously unnoticed CDS editing sites. From both technical and biological aspects, our works facilitate future researches on finding the functional editing sites and advance our understanding on the connection between RNA editing and the great phenotypic diversity of organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Phenomena Identification and Ranking Table (PIRT) is a significant method for analyzing the safety of nuclear reactors. It helps researchers identify important phenomena within the reactor, enabling a focused and appropriate simplification of accident scenarios during the study. However, traditional PIRT methods often rely on experts' subjective opinions to rank phenomena’ importance and knowledge level, potentially distorting the PIRT results. This paper proposes a new PIRT method inspired by literature evaluation techniques used in the medical and healthcare field, which can be more objective. This new method utilizes a literature evaluation framework instead of relying solely on expert judgments, resulting in a more objective assessment of the phenomena’ importance and knowledge level. This study applies the new method to a simplified small modular reactor with a suppression containment system. Following a Loss of Coolant Accident (LOCA), the suppression containment can effectively suppress temperature and pressure increases, ensuring containment integrity. Relevant PIRT tables and a knowledge-level structure are obtained using the new method.

Fluorescein-tagged proteins are first purified using anti-fluorescein-based immunoprecipitation of the lysate followed by streptavidin coated bead-based pull-down of the first eluate resulting in the enrichment of doubly-labeled proteins, corresponding to their presence in both donor and acceptor compartments. Keywords: new methodology; proximity labeling; TransitID EN new methodology proximity labeling TransitID 546 548 3 10/25/23 20231101 NES 231101 TransitID is a new methodology based on proximity labeling allowing for the study of protein trafficking a the proteome scale. These purified proteins can then be analyzed using tandem mass spectrometry. gl First, the proteome in a donor compartment (localization #1, Figure 1) is biotin-labeled with a compartment-resident TurboID-tagged protein. [Extracted from the article]

Owing to restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous animal behavior studies incorporated elements of citizen science and/or were conducted remotely through online video calls. For the current cognition study about communication of domestic cats, the authors added an element of synchronicity to the citizen science approach. Considering cats are territorial and do not usually leave their homes with their owners, Synchronous citizen science , as the authors designated their innovative approach, proved to be extremely beneficial. To adjust the method, five pilot trials (five cat-owner dyads) were conducted, followed by a subsequent sample with 48 cat-owner dyads. Internet access and a free video call app were required for participation as the experiment was to be conducted during an online video call scheduled at the most convenient time for the cat-owner dyad. Before the experiment, a script detailing the procedure to be followed was sent to the participants. During the video call, two types of interactions were recorded: feeding and playing. In the first scenario, the cat would be offered their favorite food for up to five seconds. Then, the owner would restrict access by holding the feeder for 60 s, after which they would offer the food to the cat once again. In the second scenario, the owner would initiate a playing session using a new wand toy sent to them by the authors. The owner would play with the cat for 40 s, cease interaction for 60 s, and resume playing for 40 s. The interactions lasted two and four minutes, respectively, and were monitored by the researcher, who could guide the participant in the experiment, if needed. This short communication aims at presenting this new methodology, developed and refined in the pilot sample of five dyads. After the first round of experiments discussed here, the authors replicated the procedure with a full sample of 48 dyads and achieved high success and data reliability. Prioritizing humans' and cats' welfare during the COVID-19 pandemic called for creative research methods, which eventually led to exciting paths in terms of analyzing cat behavior in their familiar environment with minimal disturbances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyphyly and diversity are the first criterion of the development of the universe.At present, the development of network technology has not been divorced from the basic paradigm of self-evolution based on a single system or self-replacement, which has greatly restricted the innovation demand of the network technology system and related services characterized with “human-network-thing” as the object, the integration of computing, storage and transmission as the means, and multi-dimensional and multi-dimensional integrated new world.From the perspective of thinking and methodology, a multimodal network development paradigm that separates the network technology system from the supporting environment was proposed.Combined with the scenarios of cloud computing, the new modes and application scenarios of polymorphic network business operation were prospected.

Interface thermal resistance (ITR) plays a very important role in heat transfer and thermomechanical coupling response from intumescent coating to steel substrate in fire. However, the dynamic ITR between intumescent coating and steel substrate during burning is seldom reported. In this paper, a new methodology is presented to calculate dynamic ITR between intumescent coating and steel substrate under high incident heat flux based on the interface conservation equation. The new methodology focuses on measuring the temperature distribution and thermal conductivity of intumescent coating and steel substrate, with fewer variables. In this way, the calculation of ITR can be simplified. Firstly, the temperature variation function curves inside the intumescent coating and the steel substrate were fitted separately based on the temperature measurement data. Secondly, the interface temperatures (T ci , T si) were determined separately at the interface position by temperature variation function curves inside the intumescent coating or the steel substrate. Finally, the ITR calculation formula was deduced and the key parameters required for ITR calculation were obtained by cone calorimetry et al. An illustrative example was studied and validate the applicability of the new methodology. • A new methodology based on the interface conservation equation is presented to calculate interface thermal resistance (ITR). • An illustrative example was studied and validate the applicability of the new methodology. • This method can calculate ITR between intumescent coating and the steel substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collembola can be used as the model organism in the ecotoxicological tests in the soil environment. Currently, two standard bioassays are available (reproduction test in soil and avoidance behaviour test), which are highly sensitive to soil contamination. However, both of those tests have some limitations. Therefore, based on our preliminary research, we propose the alternative test of growth inhibition of springtails as a screening tool to assess the risk related to soil contamination. In this study, the growth inhibition of Collembola species Folsomia candida was analyzed as a response to soil contamination with arsenic: As(III) and As(V). Thus, twenty, 12-day-old juveniles of Collembola, were exposed to 8 concentrations of As in soils, in 6 replicates. The experiment was conducted at two soil pHs (natural and reduced). The endpoint of the test was the reduction in collembolan body size compared to the control soil, measured for all the survivors. More precisely, the feature on which this test is based in the length of the springtail body measured from the beginning of the antennae to the end of the abdomen. It was found that Collembola decrease their body sizes under soil contamination with As. Lower toxicity was found for As(V) in comparison to As(III). For As(V) the decrease in soil pH slightly increased the toxicity effect on Collembola. The effect of growth inhibition significantly correlates with the mortality and reproduction inhibition of Collembola. To conclude, this method can be applied in testing the toxicity of As in the soil as an alternative to the standard methods. However, it needs further investigations considering the exposure time and comparison to the standard methods.

The course ‘Concepts in modern architecture’ is a hybrid between a lecture on the history of modern architecture and an interactive studio. Unlike traditional history courses that discuss many buildings per class, this one delves into a small, highly curated list of projects per session, allowing the students to develop a deep understanding of the architectural concepts used. As such, students form a critical eye to analyse buildings, and work on creative assignments that enforce and communicate these intentions. The course uses the author’s IDEA (interaction, define/draw/diagram, engage and assess) methodology as a case study approach. From this ‘learn by doing’ perspective, students emerge with knowledge that speaks to historical references while utilising their creativity and design skills to assess the works studied. The shift to remote learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic forced this course to shift and evolve, as faculty educators in all disciplines had to rethink their teaching methods. Thus, the online and synchronous version of this course was reimagined in a different environment, using a combination of technological and pedagogical tools that resulted in a strong learning experience with new objectives that engaged the students. Following the adaptation of this course into the virtual sphere, and then back again to the physical classroom, the article reflects on and considers the lessons learned from the experience. There is now a strong virtual course that in the future can continue to reach a broader audience, while the in-person version, which meets regularly back in the studios, has incorporated new techniques that will continue long after the pandemic is over.

Copyright of Telecommunications Science is the property of Beijing Xintong Media Co., Ltd. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Anilines are key constituents in biologically active compounds and often obtained from transition metal‐catalyzed coupling of an aryl halide with an amine. In this work, we report a transition metal‐free method for the synthesis of meta‐bromo‐ and meta‐trifluoromethylanilines starting from 3‐tribromomethylcyclopentanone or 3‐(2‐bromo‐2‐chloro‐1,1,1‐trifluoroethyl)cyclopentanone, respectively. The scope of the transformation is shown by application of primary, secondary and aromatic amines. The reaction proceeds in acceptable to high yields (20–81 %), and allows for the synthesis of anilines with substitution patterns otherwise difficult to access. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nine years (2001–2009) of data from the Cluster spacecraft are analyzed in this study of the Earth’s mid- and high-altitude (2–9RE) cusp. Properties of the cusp region, and its location and size in the Solar Magnetic coordinate system, are studied statistically. The survey shows that (1) the relationships between X and Z are nearly linear for the poleward, equatorward boundaries and the center of the cusp; (2) the relationship between cusp width in the X direction and Z can be expressed by a quadratic function; (3) the cusp region is almost dawn-dusk symmetric for the cusp width in the X direction. Based on topology information, a new normalized statistical methodology is developed to organize the measurements of cusp crossings to obtain distributions of magnetic field and plasma parameters in the XZ plane. The statistical results show that (1) Bx is mostly negative and Bz is always negative; (2) proton velocity is found to be positive for Vx and Vz at low altitudes, while Vx and Vz are negative on the equator side and negative Vx and positive Vz on the pole side at high altitudes; (3) proton density is higher on the equator side than on the pole side. Results reported here will be useful in suggesting directions for future cusp research.

Abstract Background Haemosporidian parasites of the genus Haemoproteus (Haemoproteidae) are widespread and cause haemoproteosis in birds and therefore, their diversity, ecology and evolutionary biology have become subjects of intensive research. However, the vectors and transmission patterns of haemoproteids as well as the epidemiology of haemoproteosis remain insufficiently investigated. Several species of Culicoides (Ceratopogonidae) support complete sporogony of haemoproteids belonging to the subgenus Parahaemoproteus. However, experimental research with these fragile insects is difficult to design in the field, particularly because their abundance markedly depends on seasonality. This is an obstacle for continuous sampling of sufficient numbers of naturally infected or experimentally exposed midges from wildlife. We developed simple methodology for accessing sporogonic development of haemoproteids in laboratory-reared Culicoides nubeculosus. This study aimed to describe the mosaic of methods constituting this methodology, which was applied for investigation of the sporogonic development of Haemoproteus (Parahaemoproteus) pastoris, a widespread parasite of the common starling Sturnus vulgaris. Methods The methodology consists of the following main stages: (i) laboratory rearing of C. nubeculosus from the egg stage to adult insects; (ii) selection of naturally infected birds, the donors of mature gametocytes to expose biting midges; (iii) experimental exposure of insects and their laboratory maintenance; and (iv) dissection of exposed insects. Biting midges were exposed to H. pastoris (cytochrome b lineage hLAMPUR01) detected in one naturally infected common starling. Engorged insects were dissected at intervals in order to follow sporogony. Microscopic examination and PCR-based methods were used to identify the sporogonic stages and to confirm the presence of the parasite lineage in infected insects, respectively. Results Culicoides nubeculosus females were successfully reared and exposed to H. pastoris, which completed sporogonic development 7–9 days post-infection when sporozoites were observed in the salivary glands. Conclusions The new methodology is easy to use and non-harmful for birds, providing opportunities to access the sporogonic stages of Parahaemoproteus parasites, which might be used in a broad range of parasitology and genetic studies. Culicoides nubeculosus is an excellent experimental vector of subgenus Parahaemoproteus and is recommended for various experimental studies aiming investigation of sporogony of these pathogens.

Copyright of Architectural Journal / Jian Zhu Xue Bao is the property of Architectural Journal Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Previous research on market concentration in banking is heavily tilted towards using deposits as the underlying variable for measuring market concentration. This paper proposes a change in methodology by replacing deposits with the Variable profit function based on Barnett and Hahm's Economic model for Financial Institutions, used in their 1994 paper. This model has also been successfully used in Dr. William A. Barnett's successive research. Hancock 1997 also proposes using a similar methodology for modelling banks as Economic firms. Results change dramatically once deposits are substituted by variable profits, and a confounding puzzle is solved, involving one of South Asia's thriving banking markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Haemosporidian parasites of the genus Haemoproteus (Haemoproteidae) are widespread and cause haemoproteosis in birds and therefore, their diversity, ecology and evolutionary biology have become subjects of intensive research. However, the vectors and transmission patterns of haemoproteids as well as the epidemiology of haemoproteosis remain insufficiently investigated. Several species of Culicoides (Ceratopogonidae) support complete sporogony of haemoproteids belonging to the subgenus Parahaemoproteus. However, experimental research with these fragile insects is difficult to design in the field, particularly because their abundance markedly depends on seasonality. This is an obstacle for continuous sampling of sufficient numbers of naturally infected or experimentally exposed midges from wildlife. We developed simple methodology for accessing sporogonic development of haemoproteids in laboratory-reared Culicoides nubeculosus. This study aimed to describe the mosaic of methods constituting this methodology, which was applied for investigation of the sporogonic development of Haemoproteus (Parahaemoproteus) pastoris, a widespread parasite of the common starling Sturnus vulgaris. Methods: The methodology consists of the following main stages: (i) laboratory rearing of C. nubeculosus from the egg stage to adult insects; (ii) selection of naturally infected birds, the donors of mature gametocytes to expose biting midges; (iii) experimental exposure of insects and their laboratory maintenance; and (iv) dissection of exposed insects. Biting midges were exposed to H. pastoris (cytochrome b lineage hLAMPUR01) detected in one naturally infected common starling. Engorged insects were dissected at intervals in order to follow sporogony. Microscopic examination and PCR-based methods were used to identify the sporogonic stages and to confirm the presence of the parasite lineage in infected insects, respectively. Results: Culicoides nubeculosus females were successfully reared and exposed to H. pastoris, which completed sporogonic development 7–9 days post-infection when sporozoites were observed in the salivary glands. Conclusions: The new methodology is easy to use and non-harmful for birds, providing opportunities to access the sporogonic stages of Parahaemoproteus parasites, which might be used in a broad range of parasitology and genetic studies. Culicoides nubeculosus is an excellent experimental vector of subgenus Parahaemoproteus and is recommended for various experimental studies aiming investigation of sporogony of these pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil liquefaction may cause severe damages to structures mainly in terms of lateral spread and settlements, as documented during historical earthquakes. Liquefaction-potential (LP) estimation has become an important issue in seismic assessment, and this paper aims to propose a new methodology based on fragility curves. LP curves were developed and applied to two case studies performed with 3D numerical models applying Opensees. Nonlinear hysteretic materials and advanced plasticity models were used to reproduce the high nonlinear mechanisms of liquefaction, such as strong dilation tendency and cyclic shear behaviour. LP curves were applied to compare the results of the performed free field (FF) and soil–structure interaction (SSI) case studies.

Described in the paper is the method for the assessment of manual work including repetitive tasks, occasional use of force, and improper body position. The method was developed based on an exhaustive and critical evaluation of literature on the subject, but also on the basis of our own studies conducted at a series of different work places. In addition to an objective description of tasks, repetitive movements, force and body positions, this method also provides the possibility of numerical computations of the listed activities, not ignoring their interactions. Work demands (task duration in the course of a work shift, repetition of movements, use of force, body position and work conditions) are presented using a point system, with each demand shown on a separate scale corresponding to the actual conditions. In order to calculate the overall risk it is necessary to multiply the value on the task duration scale by the sum of the values on the other scales. The final value indicates potential overload shown as a number that can then be entered in a table illustrating one of the four risk levels: green, yellow, orange, or red. Relevant literature states that the colour classification serves as an efficient help to the user in perceiving potential risk. This new method has been named SMART (Scoring Method for Assessment of Repetitive Tasks). So far it has been tested in 56 work places. The results show that 23% activities may be classified in the 'green' zone, 19% in 'yellow', 21% in 'orange' and 37% in 'red', thus leading to the conclusion that as much as 77% of assessed activities show increased load. The SMART method is still in the testing and validation stage as a tool for the assessment of statodynamic strains involved at different work places. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Submission is focused on completing the information system about quality, operation, automatic testing and new evaluating method of vehicle subsystem. Numeric analysis is carried out on the base of automatic collection and systematic recording of commercial car operation. Proposed new information system about operation and trial process allows verification according to the proposed method. Critical components verified in laboratory conditions are detected by numeric analysis of reliability. Quality level increasing not only for final product, but also related automatic test laboratory for cars is the result of respecting these principles.

The current animal-based paradigm for safety assessment must change. In September 2016, the UK National Centre for Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs) brought together scientists from regulatory authorities, academia and industry to review progress in bringing new methodology into regulatory use, and to identify ways to expedite progress. Progress has been slow. Science is advancing to make this possible but changes are necessary. The new paradigm should allow new methodology to be adopted once it is developed rather than being based on a fixed set of studies. Regulatory authorities can help by developing Performance-Based Standards. The most pressing need is in repeat dose toxicology, although setting standards will be more complex than in areas such as sensitization. Performance standards should be aimed directly at human safety, not at reproducing the results of animal studies. Regulatory authorities can also aid progress towards the acceptance of non-animal based methodology by promoting “safe-haven” trials where traditional and new methodology data can be submitted in parallel to build up experience in the new methods. Industry can play its part in the acceptance of new methodology, by contributing to the setting of performance standards and by actively contributing to “safe-haven” trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface water absorption affects the value of the particle density obtained according to the UNE 1097-6. The aqueous medium absorption according to the standard poses problems as much in coarse fraction as in fine fraction. This new methodology is proposed in order to solve the problems observed in the current standard. The method is validated experimentally applying it to 5 different lightweight aggregates, 2 limestone normal-weight aggregates and a heavyweight aggregate. Different initial water contents and evolution of water absorption up to 28 days were analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new methodology to extract crop yield response to climate variability and change from long-term crop yield observations is presented in this study. In contrast to the existing first-difference approach (FDA), the proposed methodology considers that the difference in value between crop yields of two consecutive years reflects necessarily the contributions of climate and management conditions, especially at large spatial scales where both conditions may vary significantly from one year to the next. Our approach was applied to remove the effect of non-climatic factors on crop yield and, hence, to isolate the effect of the observed climate change between 1961 and 2006 on three widely crops grown in three Mediterranean countries—namely wheat, corn and potato—using national-level crop yield observations’ time-series. Obtained results show that the proposed methodology provides us with a ground basis to improve substantially our understanding of crop yield response to climate change at a scale that is relevant to large-scale estimations of agricultural production and to food security analyses; and therefore to reduce uncertainties in estimations of potential climate change effects on agricultural production. Furthermore, a comparison of outputs of our methodology and FDA outputs yielded a difference in terms of maize production in Egypt, for example, that exceeds the production of some neighbouring countries.

The daily requirements and needs imposed on the executors of logistics services imply the need for a higher level of quality. In this, the proper execution of all sustainability processes and activities plays an important role. In this paper, a new methodology for improving the measurement of the quality of the service consisting of three phases has been developed. The first phase is the application of the Delphi method to determine the quality dimension ranking. After that, in the second phase, using the FUCOM (full consistency method), we determined the weight coefficients of the quality dimensions. The third phase represents determining the level of quality using the SERVQUAL (service quality) model, or the difference between the established gaps. The new methodology considers the assessment of the quality dimensions of a large number of participants (customers), on the one hand, and experts’ assessments on the other hand. The methodology was verified through the research carried out in an express post company. After processing and analyzing the collected data, the Cronbach alpha coefficient for each dimension of the SERVQUAL model for determining the reliability of the response was calculated. To determine the validity of the results and the developed methodology, an extensive statistical analysis (ANOVA, Duncan, Signum, and chi square tests) was carried out. The integration of certain methods and models into the new methodology has demonstrated greater objectivity and more precise results in determining the level of quality of sustainability processes and activities.

Copyright of Educação Física em Revista is the property of Educacao Fisica em Revista and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Nowadays where global climate change effects have been remarkably perceived, the determination of trends of rainfall, stream flow, and temperatures has become crucial for the planning of water sources and engineering phases of future projects. A bunch of methods are suggested by many researchers to determine these trends and some estimations are tried to be made. A new method based on a graphical method developed by Şen is proposed in this study. This new method was compared with current methods of Mann-Kendall test statistic, regression model and Sen's graphical method. For comparison, the rainfall data of Burdur and Isparta have been chosen, and the trend analyses were performed monthly and annually. As one of the conclusions of this study, it iwas observed that Sen's graphical test and this new method have similar results and it was seen that the results of the regression test support both of these two tests. On the other hand, Mann-Kendall test results were found as partly similar to the results of this study. In conclusion, it is considered that this new test method can be used for trend analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nearly one-half of New Zealand’s ruminant livestock graze on hill country pastures where spatial differences in soil conditions are highly variable and excretal deposition is influenced by pasture production, animal grazing and resting behaviour that impact the nitrous oxide (N 2 O) emission factor from excreta (EF 3 ). New Zealand currently uses country-specific EF 3 values for urine and dung of 0.01 and 0.0025, respectively, to estimate direct N 2 O emissions from excreta. These values have largely been developed from trials on flat pastoral land. The use of the same EF 3 for hill pasture with medium and steep slopes has been recognised as a possible source of overestimation of N 2 O emissions in New Zealand. The objectives of this study were to develop and describe an approach that takes into account the effects of slope in estimating hill country N 2 O emissions from the dung and urine of ruminant animals (sheep, beef cattle, and deer) across different slope classes, and then compare these estimates with current New Zealand inventory estimates. We use New Zealand as a case study to determine the direct N 2 O emissions between 1990 and 2012 from sheep, beef cattle and deer excreta using updated estimates of EF 3 for sloping land, the area of land in different slope classes by region and farm type, and a nutrient transfer model to allocate excretal-N to the different slope classes, and compare the changes between these hill pastures-specific and current inventory estimates. Our findings are significant – the proposed new methodology using New Zealand specific EFs calculated from a national series of hill country experiments resulted in 52% lower N 2 O estimates relative to using current inventory emission factors, for the period between 1990 and 2012 and reduces New Zealand’s total national agricultural N 2 O greenhouse inventory estimates by 16%. The improved methodology is transparent, and complete, and has improved accuracy of emission estimates. On this basis, the improved methodology of estimating N 2 O emission is recommended for adoption where hill land grasslands are grazed by sheep, beef cattle and deer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents a step-by-step study of a new methodology for capillary isotachophoretic determination (which is one of the green chemistry techniques) of mercury in aquatic environments. Hundreds of analyses resulted in the identification of optimal conditions for the determination of mercury(II) and the identification of problems related to such determination. Recovery for the analyzed compounds was 94 ± 4%, linearity of the method was between 10 and 75 µg/L, and detection limit was 5 µg/L. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

[Display omitted] • Collembola decrease their body sizes under soil contamination with arsenic. • The distinct growth inhibition was observed after a 14-day incubation. • The growth inhibition was positively correlated with mortality and reproduction inhibition. • Growth inhibition of Collembola is proposed as a screening tool to assess soil toxicity. Collembola can be used as the model organism in the ecotoxicological tests in the soil environment. Currently, two standard bioassays are available (reproduction test in soil and avoidance behaviour test), which are highly sensitive to soil contamination. However, both of those tests have some limitations. Therefore, based on our preliminary research, we propose the alternative test of growth inhibition of springtails as a screening tool to assess the risk related to soil contamination. In this study, the growth inhibition of Collembola species Folsomia candida was analyzed as a response to soil contamination with arsenic: As(III) and As(V). Thus, twenty, 12-day-old juveniles of Collembola, were exposed to 8 concentrations of As in soils, in 6 replicates. The experiment was conducted at two soil pHs (natural and reduced). The endpoint of the test was the reduction in collembolan body size compared to the control soil, measured for all the survivors. More precisely, the feature on which this test is based in the length of the springtail body measured from the beginning of the antennae to the end of the abdomen. It was found that Collembola decrease their body sizes under soil contamination with As. Lower toxicity was found for As(V) in comparison to As(III). For As(V) the decrease in soil pH slightly increased the toxicity effect on Collembola. The effect of growth inhibition significantly correlates with the mortality and reproduction inhibition of Collembola. To conclude, this method can be applied in testing the toxicity of As in the soil as an alternative to the standard methods. However, it needs further investigations considering the exposure time and comparison to the standard methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the years 2011 and 2013, the Physics Education Tutorial Program (PET-Física) implemented the project "PET-Física Goes to School" at 11 public schools in the city of Juiz de Fora, MG. The main aim of the project was to increase interest in scientific knowledge among basic education students, by means of an attractive approach using presentations related to the Natural Sciences and Physics. The strategy was to perform the presentations of these themes using easily accessed technology, showing their relations to day-to-day life and promoting interaction of the students by means of didactic displays that aided explanation of the subjects presented. It was anticipated that implementation of the project would improve the quality of the teaching-learning process, encouraging the teachers to present course contents to their students in more dynamic and attractive ways. This paper presents qualitative and quantitative data for the pedagogical activities undertaken during the project, together with considerations about the effect of the activities on the school communities and the members of the research group who participated in the work. At each school visited, the group members presented talks about themes concerning aspects of the Natural Sciences and/or Physics to the teachers and students. The audience included students from the 5th year of primary education up to those in the last year of high school. After each talk, under the supervision of the research group members, the students were invited to interact with the didactic displays. The data collected suggested that the more dynamic and interactive approach sharpened the curiosity and interest of the students, and stimulated the teachers to prepare their classes using approaches that were more attractive to the students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contributing to the acquisition of professional creativity and teamwork skills has been a special challenge for some of the subjects taught at the Technical University of Madrid (UPM), and this has been a starting point for the work described in this paper. Some professors have intuited that the use of cooperative classrooms could facilitate the acquisition of these skills. We describe the new methodologies applied within cooperative classrooms by some professors, and present the procedure for measuring students' perception of their own learning outcomes, skill improvements, and overall satisfaction with the use of this kind of classroom. For this project, 250 students enrolled in several subjects answered a questionnaire. The features of the subjects involved in the project are widely disparate. We present the results of the statistical analysis with special emphasis on creativity and teamwork skills, and we conclude that the use of cooperative classroom has a positive influence on the acquisition of these skills. This work has the added value of being the first analysis of student perception of the use of cooperative classroom in the acquisition of creativity and teamwork skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new methodology to extract crop yield response to climate variability and change from long-term crop yield observations is presented in this study. In contrast to the existing first-difference approach (FDA), the proposed methodology considers that the difference in value between crop yields of two consecutive years reflects necessarily the contributions of climate and management conditions, especially at large spatial scales where both conditions may vary significantly from one year to the next. Our approach was applied to remove the effect of non-climatic factors on crop yield and, hence, to isolate the effect of the observed climate change between 1961 and 2006 on three widely crops grown in three Mediterranean countries--namely wheat, corn and potato--using national-level crop yield observations' time-series. Obtained results show that the proposed methodology provides us with a ground basis to improve substantially our understanding of crop yield response to climate change at a scale that is relevant to large-scale estimations of agricultural production and to food security analyses; and therefore to reduce uncertainties in estimations of potential climate change effects on agricultural production. Furthermore, a comparison of outputs of our methodology and FDA outputs yielded a difference in terms of maize production in Egypt, for example, that exceeds the production of some neighbouring countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The study aim was to test the accuracy (intra and interobserver variability), sensitivity, and specificity of a simplified noninvasive ultrasound methodology for mapping superficial and deep veins of the lower limbs. Methods: 62 consecutive patients, aged 62 ± 11 years, were enrolled. All underwent US-examinations, performed by two different investigators, of both legs, four anatomical parts, and 17 veins, to assess the interobserver variability of evaluation of superficial and deep veins of the lower limbs. Results: Overall the agreement between the second versus the first operator was very high in detecting reflux (sensitivity 97.9, specificity 99.7, accuracy 99.5; P = 0.80 at McNemar test). The higher CEAP classification stages were significantly associated with reflux (odds ratio: 1.778, 95% confidence interval: 1.552-2.038; P < 0.001) as well as with thrombosis (odds ratio: 2.765, 95% confidence interval: 1.741-4.389; P < 0.001). Thus, our findings show a strict association between the symptoms of venous disorders and ultrasound evaluation results for thrombosis or reflux. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that our venous mapping protocol is a reliable method showing a very low interobserver variability, which makes it accurate and reproducible for the assessment of the morphofunctional status of the lower limb veins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]