Abstract: This study aimed to identify the alignment of
understanding and assessment practices among secondary school
teachers. The study was carried out using quantitative descriptive
study. The sample consisted of 164 teachers who taught Form 1 and 2
from 11 secondary schools in the district of North Kinta, Perak,
Malaysia. Data were obtained from 164 respondents who answered
Expectation Alignment Understanding and Practices of School
Assessment (PEKDAPS) questionnaire. The data were analysed
using SPSS 17.0+. The Cronbach’s alpha value obtained through
PEKDAPS questionnaire pilot study was 0.86. The results showed
that teachers' performance in PEKDAPS based on the mean value
was less than 3, which means that perfect alignment does not occur
between the understanding and practices of school assessment. Two
major PEKDAPS sub-constructs of articulation across grade and age
and usability of the system were higher than the moderate alignment
of the understanding and practices of school assessment (Min=2.0).
The content focused of PEKDAPs sub-constructs which showed
lower than the moderate alignment of the understanding and practices
of school assessment (Min=2.0). Another two PEKDAPS subconstructs
of transparency and fairness and the pedagogical
implications showed moderate alignment (2.0). The implications of
the study is that teachers need to fully understand the importance of
alignment among components of assessment, learning and teaching
and learning objectives as strategies to achieve quality assessment
process.
Abstract: The mixed micellization of adiphenine hydrochloride (ADP) with 1-decyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (C10mim.Cl), was investigated at different mole fractions and temperatures by surface tension measurements. The synergistic behavior (i.e., non-ideal behavior) for binary mixtures was explained by the deviation of critical micelle concentration (cmc) from ideal critical micelle concentration (cmc*), micellar mole fraction (Xim) from ideal micellar mole fraction (Xiideal), the values of interaction parameter (β) and activity coefficients (fi) (for both mixed micelles and mixed monolayer). The excess free energy (ΔGex) for the ADP- C10mim.Cl binary mixtures explain the stability of mixed micelles in comparison to micelles of pure ADP and C10mim.Cl. Interfacial parameters, i.e., Gibbs surface excess (Гmax), minimum head group area at air/ water
interface (Amin), and free energy of micellization (ΔG0m) were also evaluated for the systems.
Abstract: Living today in turbulent business environment forces
companies to distinguish from each other, securing sustainable
competitive growth and competitive advantage. The best possible
solution is to invest (effort and financial resources) within
companies’ different practices of human resource management
(HRM), more specifically in employees’ knowledge, skills and
abilities. Applying this approach companies will create enviable level
of human capital securing its economic growth. Employees become
human capital for their employers at the moment when they
contribute with their own knowledge and abilities in creating material
and non-material value of the company. The main aim of this
research is to explore the relations between human capital
investments and business excellence of Croatian companies.
Furthermore, the differences in the level of human capital
investments with regard to several companies’ characteristics (e.g.
size of the company, ownership and type of the industry) are
investigated.
Abstract: Our goal is development of an algorithm capable of
predicting the directional trend of the Standard and Poor’s 500 index
(S&P 500). Extensive research has been published attempting to
predict different financial markets using historical data testing on an
in-sample and trend basis, with many authors employing excessively
complex mathematical techniques. In reviewing and evaluating these
in-sample methodologies, it became evident that this approach was
unable to achieve sufficiently reliable prediction performance for
commercial exploitation. For these reasons, we moved to an out-ofsample
strategy based on linear regression analysis of an extensive
set of financial data correlated with historical closing prices of the
S&P 500. We are pleased to report a directional trend accuracy of
greater than 55% for tomorrow (t+1) in predicting the S&P 500.
Abstract: Although, arsenic trioxide has been the subject of
toxicological research, in vitro cytotoxicity and genotoxicity studies
using relevant cell models and uniform methodology are not well
elucidated. Hence, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the
cytotoxicity and genotoxicity induced by arsenic trioxide in human
keratinocytes (HaCaT) using the MTT [3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-
2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] and alkaline single cell gel
electrophoresis (Comet) assays, respectively. Human keratinocytes
were treated with different doses of arsenic trioxide for 4 h prior to
cytogenetic assessment. Data obtained from the MTT assay indicated
that arsenic trioxide significantly reduced the viability of HaCaT cells
in a dose-dependent manner, showing an IC50 value of 34.18 ± 0.6
μM. Data generated from the comet assay also indicated a significant
dose-dependent increase in DNA damage in HaCaT cells associated
with arsenic trioxide exposure. We observed a significant increase in
comet tail length and tail moment, showing an evidence of arsenic
trioxide -induced genotoxic damage in HaCaT cells. This study
confirms that the comet assay is a sensitive and effective method to
detect DNA damage caused by arsenic.
Abstract: Thin ZnO films are deposited on glass substrates via
sol–gel method and dip-coating. The films are prepared from zinc
acetate dehydrate as a starting reagent. After that the as-prepared
ZnO sol is aged for different periods (0, 1, 3, 5, 10, 15 and 30 days).
Nanocrystalline thin films are deposited from various sols. The
effect ZnO sols aging time on the structural and photocatalytic
properties of the films is studied. The films surface is studied by
Scanning Electron Microscopy. The effect of the aging time of the
starting solution is studied in the photocatalytic degradation of
Reactive Black 5 (RB5) by UV-vis spectroscopy. The experiments
are conducted upon UV-light illumination and in complete darkness.
The variation of the absorption spectra shows the degradation of RB5
dissolved in water, as a result of the reaction, occurring on the surface
of the films and promoted by UV irradiation. The initial
concentrations of dye (5, 10 and 20 ppm) and the effect of the aging
time are varied during the experiments. The results show, that the
increasing aging time of starting solution with respect to ZnO
generally promotes photocatalytic activity. The thin films obtained
from ZnO sol, which is aged 30 days have best photocatalytic
degradation of the dye (97,22%) in comparison with the freshly
prepared ones (65,92%). The samples and photocatalytic
experimental results are reproducible. Nevertheless, all films exhibit
a substantial activity in both UV light and darkness, which is
promising for the development of new ZnO photocatalysts by sol-gel
method.
Abstract: Background and aim: It has not been well studied
whether fentanyl-thiopental (FT) is effective and safe for PSA in
orthopedic procedures in Emergency Department (ED). The aim of
this trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of intravenous FT versus
fentanyl-midazolam (FM) in patients who suffered from shoulder
dislocation or distal radial fracture-dislocation.
Methods: In this randomized double-blinded study, Seventy-six
eligible patients were entered the study and randomly received
intravenous FT or FM. The success rate, onset of action and recovery
time, pain score, physicians’ satisfaction and adverse events were
assessed and recorded by treating emergency physicians. The
statistical analysis was intention to treat.
Results: The success rate after administrating loading dose in FT
group was significantly higher than FM group (71.7% vs. 48.9%,
p=0.04); however, the ultimate unsuccessful rate after 3 doses of
drugs in the FT group was higher than the FM group (3 to 1) but it
did not reach to significant level (p=0.61). Despite near equal onset
of action time in two study group (P=0.464), the recovery period in
patients receiving FT was markedly shorter than FM group
(P
Abstract: An environmentally benign protocol for the one-pot,
three-component synthesis of Triazolo[1,2-a]indazole-1,3,8-trione
derivatives by condensation of dimedone, urazole and aromatic
aldehydes catalyzed by HClO4/SiO2 NPS as an ecofriendly catalyst
with high catalytic activity and reusability at 100ºC under solventfree
conditions is reported. The reaction proceeds to completion
within 20-30 min in 77-86% yield.
Abstract: The aim of this work was to apply extractive
distillation for acetonitrile removal from water solutions, to validate
thermodynamic criterion based on excess Gibbs energy to entrainer
selection process for acetonitrile – water mixture separation and show
its potential efficiency at isothermal conditions as well as at isobaric
(conditions of real distillation process), to simulate and analyze an
extractive distillation process with chosen entrainers: optimize
amount of trays and feeds, entrainer/original mixture and reflux
ratios. Equimolar composition of the feed stream was chosen for the
process, comparison of the energy consumptions was carried out.
Glycerol was suggested as the most energetically and ecologically
suitable entrainer.
Abstract: The contact resistance between source/drain electrodes
and semiconductor layer is an important parameter affecting electron
transporting performance in the thin film transistor (TFT). In this
work, we introduced a transparent and the solution prossable
single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT)/Al-doped ZnO nano particle
(AZO NP) bilayer electrodes showing low contact resistance with
indium-oxide (In2O3) sol gel thin film. By inserting low work function
AZO NPs into the interface between the SWCNTs and the In2O3 which
has a high energy barrier, we could obtain an electrical Ohmic contact
between them. Finally, with the SWCNT-AZO NP bilayer electrodes,
we successfully fabricated a TFT showing a field effect mobility of
5.38 cm2/V·s at 250°C.
Abstract: The present study was done to evaluate the presence
of tetracycline resistance genes in Lactococcus garvieae isolated
from cultured rainbow trout, West Iran. The isolates were examined
for antimicrobial resistance using disc diffusion method. Of the 49
strains tested, 19 were resistant to tetracycline (38.7%), 32 to
enrofloxacin (65.3%), 21 to erythromycin (42.8%), 20 to
chloramphenicol and trimetoprim-sulfamethoxazole (40.8%). The
strains were then characterized for their genotypic resistance profiles.
The results revealed that all 49 isolates contained at least one of the
tetracycline resistance genes. Tet (A) was found in 89.4% of
tetracycline resistant isolates and the frequency of other gene were as
follows: tet (E) 42.1%, tet (B) 47.3%, tet (D) 15.7%, tet (L) 26.3%,
tet (K) 52.6%, tet (G) 36.8%, tet (34) 21%, tet (S) 63.1%, tet (C)
57.8%, tet (M) 73.6%, tet (O) 42.1%. The results revealed high levels
of antibiotic resistance in L. garvieae strains which is a potential
danger for trout culture as well as for public health.
Abstract: The present study was conducted to evaluate the
potential applicability of biological trickling filter system for the
treatment of simulated textile wastewater containing reactive azo
dyes with bacterial consortium under non-sterile conditions. The
percentage decolorization for the treatment of wastewater containing
structurally different dyes was found to be higher than 95% in all
trials. The stable bacterial count of the biofilm on stone media of the
trickling filter during the treatment confirmed the presence,
proliferation, dominance and involvement of the added microbial
consortium in the treatment of textile wastewater. Results of
physicochemical parameters revealed the reduction in chemical
oxygen demand (58.5-75.1%), sulphates (18.9-36.5%), and
phosphates (63.6-73.0%). UV-Visible and FTIR spectroscopy
confirmed decolorization of dye containing wastewater was ultimate
consequence of biodegradation. Toxicological studies revealed the
nontoxic nature of degradative metabolites.
Abstract: Esterification of p-bromo-m-cresol led to formation of
2-(4-bromo-3-methylphenoxy)acetate (1). 2-(4-Bromo-3-methyl
phenoxy)acetohydrazide (2) is derived from Compound (1) by
hydrazination. Compound (2) was reacted with different aromatic
aldehydes to yield N-(substituted benzylidiene)-2-(4-bromo-3-methyl
phenoxy)acetamide(3a-c). Cyclization of compound (3a-c) with
thioglycolic acid yielded 2-(4-bromo-3-methylphenoxy)-N-(4-oxo-2-
arylthiazolidin-3-yl) acetamide (4a-c). The newly synthesized
compounds were characterized on the basis of spectral studies and
evaluated for antibacterial and antifungal activities.
Abstract: In order to investigate the effect of Plant Growth
Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) and rhizobium bacteria on grain
yield and some agronomic traits of mungbean (Vigna radiate L.), an
experiment was carried out based on randomized complete block
design with three replications in Malekshahi, Ilam province, Iran
during 2012-2013 cropping season. Experimental treatments
consisted of control treatment, inoculation with rhizobium bacteria,
rhizobium bacteria and Azotobacter, rhizobium bacteria and
Azospirillum, rhizobium bacteria and Pseudomonas, rhizobium
bacteria, Azotobacter and Azospirillum, rhizobium bacteria,
Azotobacter and Pseudomonas, rhizobium bacteria, Azospirillum and
Pseudomonas and rhizobium bacteria, Azotobacter, Azospirillum and
Pseudomonas. The results showed that the effect of PGPR and
rhizobium bacteria were significant affect on grain and its
components in mungbean plant. Grain yield significantly increased
by PGPR and rhizobium bacteria, so that the maximum grain yield
was obtained from rhizobium bacteria + Azospirillum +
Pseudomonas with the amount of 2287 kg.ha-1 as compared to
control treatment. Excessive application of chemical fertilizers causes
environmental and economic problems. That is, the overfertilization
of P and N leads to pollution due to soil erosion and runoff water, so
the use of PGPR and rhizobium bacteria can be justified due to
reduce input costs, increase in grain yield and environmental friendly.
Abstract: In this paper will be discussed two coin´s sides
of crisis scenarios dynamics. On the one's side is negative role
of subsidiary scenario branches in its compactness weakening
by means unduly chaotic atomizing, having many interactive
feedbacks cases, increasing a value of a complexity here.
This negative role reflects the complexity of use cases, weakening
leader compliancy, which brings something as a ´readiness
for controlling capabilities provision´. Leader´s dissatisfaction has
zero compliancy, but factual it is a ´crossbar´ (interface in fact)
between planning and executing use cases. On the other side of this
coin, an advantage of rich scenarios embranchment is possible to see
in a support of response awareness, readiness, preparedness,
adaptability, creativity and flexibility. Here rich scenarios
embranchment contributes to the steadiness and resistance of scenario
mission actors. These all will be presented in live power-points
´Blazons´, modelled via DYVELOP (Dynamic Vector Logistics
of Processes) on the Conference.
Abstract: Microalgae due to the ability to accumulate high levels of practically valuable polyunsaturated fatty acids attract attention as a promising raw material for commercial products. The features of the growth processes of cells green protococcal microalgae Oocystis rhomboideus, Scenedesmus obliquus, Dictyochlorella globosa at cultivation in different nutritional mediums were determined. For the rapid accumulation of biomass, combined with high productivity of total lipids fraction yield recommended to use the Fitzgerald medium (Scenodesmus obliquus, Oocystis rhomboideus) and/or Bold medium (Dictyochlorella globosa). Productivity of lipids decreased in sequence Dictyochlorella globosa > Scenodesmus obliquus > Oocystis rhomboideus. The bulk of fatty acids fraction of the total lipids is unsaturated fatty acids, which accounts for 70 to 83% of the total number of fatty acids. The share of monoenic acids accounts from 18 to 34%, while the share of unsaturated fatty acids - from 44 to 62% of the total number of unsaturated fatty acids fraction. Among the unsaturated acids dominate α-linolenic acid (C18:3n-3), hexadecatetraenic acid (C16:4) and linoleic acid (C18:2).
Abstract: In the present study, RAPD-PCR was used to assess genetic diversity of the rye including landrances and new rye cultivars coming from Central Europe and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (SUN). Five arbitrary random primers were used to determine RAPD polymorphism in the set of 38 rye genotypes. These primers amplified altogether 43 different DNA fragments with an average number of 8.6 fragments per genotypes. The number of fragments ranged from 7 (RLZ 8, RLZ 9 and RLZ 10) to 12 (RLZ 6). DI and PIC values of all RAPD markers were higher than 0.8 that generally means high level of polymorphism detected between rye genotypes. The dendrogram based on hierarchical cluster analysis using UPGMA algorithm was prepared. The cultivars were grouped into two main clusters. In this experiment, RAPD proved to be a rapid, reliable and practicable method for revealing of polymorphism in the rye cultivars.
Abstract: RF magnetron sputtering is used on the ceramic targets, each of which contains zinc oxide (ZnO), zinc oxide doped with aluminum (AZO) and zinc oxide doped with gallium (GZO). The electric conduction mechanism of the AZO and GZO films came mainly from the Al and Ga, the oxygen vacancies, Zn interstitial atoms, and Al and/or Ga interstitial atoms. AZO and GZO films achieved higher conduction than did ZnO film, it being ion vacant and nonstoichiometric. The XRD analysis showed a preferred orientation along the (002) plane for ZnO, AZO, and GZO films.
Abstract: The main purpose of this research was to study how to
communicate the identity of the Mueang district, SamutSongkram
province for ecotourism. The qualitative data was collected through
studying related materials, exploring the area, in-depth interviews
with three groups of people: three directly responsible officers who
were key informants of the district, twenty foreign tourists and five
Thai tourist guides. A content analysis was used to analyze the
qualitative data. The two main findings of the study were as follows:
1. The identity of Amphur (District) Mueang, SamutSongkram
province. This establishment was near the Mouth of Maekong
River for normal people and tourists, consisting of rest
accommodations. There are restaurants where food and drinks
are served, rich mangrove forests, Hoy Lod (Razor Clam) and
mangrove trees. Don Hoy Lod, is characterized by muddy
beaches, is a coastal wetland for Ramsar Site. It is at 1099th
ranging where the greatest number of Hoy Lod (Razor Clam)
can be seen from March to May each year.
2. The communication of the identity of AmphurMueang,
SamutSongkram province which the researcher could find and
design to present in English materials can be summed up in 4
items: 1) The history of AmphurMueang, SamutSongkram
province 2) WatPhetSamutWorrawihan 3) The Learning source
of Ecotourism: Don Hoy Lod and Mangrove forest 4) How to
keep AmphurMueang, SamutSongkram province for
ecotourism.
Abstract: A large part of Russia is located in permafrost areas. These areas are widely used because there are concentrated valuable natural resources. Therefore to explore of cryosols it is important due to the significant increase of anthropogenic stress as well as the problem of global climate change. In the north of Western Siberia permafrost phenomena is widespread. Permafrost as a factor of soil formation and cryogenesis as a process have a great impact on the soil formation of these areas. Based on the research results of permafrost-affected soils tundra landscapes formed in the central part of the Tazovskiy Peninsula in cryogenic conditions, data were obtained which characterize the morphological features of soils. The specificity of soil cover distribution and manifestation of soil-forming processes within the study area are noted. Permafrost features such as frost cracking, cryoturbation, thixotropy, movement of humus are formed. The formation of these features is increased with the development of the territory. As a consequence, there is a change in the components of the environment and the destruction of the soil cover.