Evaluation Of Selection Criteria Research Articles

Spatial Panel Models of Crop Yield Response to Weather: Econometric Specification Strategies and Prediction Performance

AbstractThis study scrutinizes spatial econometric models and specifications of crop yield response functions to provide a robust evaluation of empirical alternatives available to researchers. We specify 14 competing panel regression models of crop yield response to weather and site characteristics. Using county corn yields in the US, this study implements in-sample, out-of-sample, and bootstrapped out-of-sample prediction performance comparisons. Descriptive propositions and empirical results demonstrate the importance of spatial correlation and empirically support the fixed effects model with spatially dependent error structures. This study also emphasizes the importance of extensive model specification testing and evaluation of selection criteria for prediction.

Breeding beef cattle for an extended productive life: Evaluation of selection criteria in the Retinta breed

We characterized genetically the longevity and the productive life of beef cows considering three different traits: length of true life (LTL), the length of productive life (LPL) and a number of calvings (NC), in the Retinta breed. Data considered in the analysis were collected in 30 Spanish herds and consisted of 3187 cows born between 1993 and 2013: 1802 cows had complete information while 1385 cows had censored information. Pedigree information accounted for 7359 individuals and the genetic evaluation was performed under an animal model using the Weibull proportional hazard model for survival analysis. Results indicated that cow effects (age at first calving, herd, season-year of cow birth), as well as some calf effects (breed group, season-year of birth), were significant (P < 0.05) for all traits; however, sex of calves did not affect the traits. The low heritabilities obtained for LTL and LPL (0.14 ± 0.01 and 0.14 ± 0.01 respectively) and modest heritability for NC (0.30 ± 0.01), suggest that a higher response to selection can be expected for NC than for LTL and LPL.

Ranking Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Genotypes Using Multi-Criteria Decision Making, Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis

The evaluation of selection criteria using correlation coefficients, multiple regression and path analysis was carried out for a period of two years on sixteen genotypes of rice (Oryza sativaL.).These genotypes were studied during 2008 and 2009 summer seasons at EDduim and Kosti locations in randomized complete block design with three replications per each location. The field experiment is directed to study character association; contribution of various yield influencing traits on rice for establishment of appropriate plant attributes to select and improve the grain yield, and accordingly select the most suitable genotype. Combined analysis of variance revealed highly significant eff ects of locations, seasons, genotypes and their interactions for most of the studied traits indicating that these genotypes are highly variable. Genotypes differed significantly in grain yield, (NERICA 4, NERICA 14, NERICA 15, YUNLU 33 and WAB -1-38-19-14-P2-HB) were higher yielding genotypes giving 3.78, 4.03, 3.24, 3.55 and 3.51 t/ha respectively. These genotypes presented a valuable source of diversity which can be used for breeding programs.

Evaluation of Criteria for Selection of Seed Coconuts

Criteria for the selection of seednuts from selected coconut palms were investigatedand found to be unsatisfactory. Nuts should not be rejected on the basis of size, quantityof nut water or shape. Identification of nuts as empty (devoid of nut water)or immature and therefore unlikely to germinate are also often inaccurate. None ofthe variables measured had a strong enough relationship with germination to enable themto be used as a basis for more efficient seednut selection. It seems advisable to dispensewith seednut selection and lay all nuts harvested from the selected palms in the nursery.Selection of seedlings in the nursery should, of course, be carried out subsequently,as usual.doi: 10.4038/cocos.v5i0.2044COCOS 1987 Vol.5 No.1 1-7

Evaluation of selection criteria for graduate students in radiation therapy

Selection of suitable students into graduate medical and specialist health professional courses can be difficult. Historically, selection of students was primarily based on prior academic performance. Recently, however, more emphasis has been placed on considering broader academic backgrounds and personal characteristics and attitudes of students, but no reliable measurement tool is available to predict student success and satisfaction with their choice of profession. The aim of this study was to survey practising radiation therapists in Australia to seek their opinions regarding suitable selection criteria for graduate entry radiation therapy (RT) students in order to optimize selection procedures for future applicants. Four hundred questionnaires were sent to nine RT centres in three states within Australia. All nine clinics participated in the survey and 189 questionnaires were returned. Results show that the majority of radiation therapists place a high level of importance upon a sound knowledge of physics and mathematics, as well as life experience, and agree that a visit to an RT clinic plus an interview comprise important components of the selection process. Humanities, psychology and a psychometric test were not viewed as essential entry requirements. Experienced radiation therapists placed less value on academic performance in the primary degree and were more likely to include an interview as a selection criterion than junior practitioners. Empathy for patients was identified as the most important personal attribute. It is thus recommended that not only cognitive but also personal skills be evaluated during the selection of prospective radiation therapists.Practice points•Selection procedures of graduate students into radiation therapy must include an interview and a visit to a radiation therapy centre.•Competence in physics and mathematics is an essential requirement.•Empathy for patients is the most important personal characteristic of a competent radiation therapist.•Selection of graduate students must include both cognitive and personal attributes.

Liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma: Evaluation of selection criteria

Liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma: Evaluation of selection criteria

Selective dorsal rhizotomy in cerebral palsy to improve functional abilities: evaluation of criteria for selection

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) on functional abilities in a well-defined group of ambulatory children with spastic diplegia. Nine children were selected for SDR (mean age 65 months, range 43-82 months). Gross motor function was measured with the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88). Self-care was assessed with the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) and gait pattern was measured with the Edinburgh Visual Gait Score (EGS). There were nine single-case research designs with a 12-month follow-up after surgery. After 12 months the mean improvement in the total GMFM-88 scores was 8.8%. On an individual level, all patients improved significantly in comparison with baseline. Functional skills and care-giver assistance measured with the PEDI showed significant improvement. Improvement in gait was also found; in particular, better initial contact and heel-lift resulted in an increased EGS. In this well-defined group of ambulatory children SDR had a small but significant positive effect on gross motor function, self-care and gait pattern.

Breeding for resistance to ear rot of maize, caused by Stenocarpella maydis (Berk) Sutton. 1. Evaluation of selection criteria

The objective of this study was to provide a better understanding of the interrelationship between methods of screening for resistance to ear rot, caused by Stenocarpella maydis. The inheritance of resistance as well as genetic and phenotypic correlation of various selection criteria were investigated. A complete diallel cross of 10 inbred lines, ranging from resistant to susceptible, was evaluated at each of three localities, representative of different environments within the South African maize production area. Plants were artificially inoculated twice during the vegetative stages of plant development. Resistance to ear rot was found to be controlled by additive gene effects, with low dominance and interaction effects. Significant genetic correlations existed between various characteristics relating to disease incidence, with high heritability and highly correlated responses. The incidence of rotted ears was the most practical and reliable method to select for resistance. However, the simultaneous use of some measurement of kernel infection was necessary to ensure detection of internal ear infection. An increase in the incidence of upright ears was indicated to result from S. maydis infection, rather than that upright ears predisposed ears to the disease.