Gain In Understanding Research Articles

Use of a project-based aquaponics curriculum in rural Kentucky school districts increases secondary students’ understanding of ecosystems

There is a need for secondary schools to provide more authentic, hands-on experiences in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and, specifically, project-based investigation environments in the classroom that manifest the next generation science standards (NGSS) following practices they prescribe. This study investigated how, and to what extent, a contextualized aquaponics project-based investigation (APBI) 10-week model unit affected high school students’ understanding of standard-based ecological relationships and concepts concerning interactions in ecosystems and, specifically, the phenomena carrying capacity and bacterial nitrification process. Using a quantitative method, quasi-experimental research design, three different student groups who participated in the authentic, hands-on APBI curriculum (i.e., treatment groups) and a control group were given a pre- and post-content-aligned test (<i>n</i>=88), which measured changes in students’ ecological knowledge. The results in this study revealed that the curriculum was an effective method to provide meaningful learning and content understanding of standard-based ecological concepts and relationships. The evidence from this study suggests that authentic instructional experiences can facilitate students’ understanding of standard-based ecological concepts and knowledge of ecosystems, as the three treatment group students showed statistically significantly higher mean difference (improvement) sum scores after taking the pre- and post-content-aligned assessment when compared to the control group. Overall, the gain in understanding can be attributed to the project-enhanced unit implemented in this study. The implications of this study suggest APBI models may create authentic science learning environments that promote student learning of scientific concepts. In addition, APBI can offer engaging curricula that articulates NGSS.

Adoption of Agricultural Labour Saving Tools by Farm Women in India and Gujarat – An Overview

Aim: The purpose of this paper is to overview the adoption of labour saving tools by women working in the agricultural farms in India and special reference to the Gujarat state.
 Methodology: The study is based on the secondary sources. A systematic methodological approach has been adopted while reviewing various related literature of India and Gujarat. The conclusion of the study is based on the systematic review analysis of key findings.
 Review analysis: Farm women have been found using both traditional and improved labour saving tools. Lack of adoption of improved tools was reported in various literatures, however, the adoption level by the farm women found to increase after trainings. The gain in understanding and skill about labour saving tools increase work efficiency and save their time.
 Conclusion: The study concluded that the practices of labour saving tools are not satisfactory due to the lack of awareness. The capacity building training enhance in using the labour saving tools efficiently.

The Role of Interactive Visualization in Developing Stakeholders’ Understanding of Natural Resource Decision-Making: A Case Study of Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere, Canterbury, New Zealand

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether stakeholders’ understanding of natural resource decision-making was influenced by the form that visualization of environmental changes were presented, using Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere, New Zealand as a case study. An interactive visualization (I-Vis) tool “ElleVis,” developed by (Otinpong 2013), shows the effects of different water levels on the flora and fauna living in and around the lake. An experimental design was used in which 40 stakeholders were randomly assigned to a presentation of this information using I-Vis or a non-interactive paper form of the visualization (NI-Vis). While stakeholders in both groups significantly improved their understanding of information, stakeholders presented with information using I-Vis made a statistically significant greater gain in understanding than those presented information using NI-Vis (t(38)=2.663, p<.05). Semi-structured discussions with participants confirmed the importance stakeholders placed on the interactive nature of the visualizations. The findings inform discussions about how I-Vis tools might contribute to an understanding of environmental management situations where contested resources and/or a multiplicity of interests are involved.

Effective Programs in Elementary Mathematics: A Meta-Analysis

This article reviews research on the achievement outcomes of elementary mathematics programs; 87 rigorous experimental studies evaluated 66 programs in grades K–5. Programs were organized in six categories. Particularly positive outcomes were found for tutoring programs (effect size [ES] = +0.20, k = 22). Positive outcomes were also seen in studies focused on professional development for classroom organization and management (e.g., cooperative learning; ES = +0.19, k = 7). Professional development approaches focused on helping teachers gain in understanding of mathematics content and pedagogy had little impact on student achievement. Professional development intended to help in the adoption of new curricula had a small but significant impact for traditional (nondigital) curricula (ES = +0.12, k = 7), but not for digital curricula. Traditional and digital curricula with limited professional development, as well as benchmark assessment programs, found few positive effects.

AutoAdaptive: A Noise Level-Sensitive Beamformer for MED EL Cochlear Implant Patients.

When cochlear implant (CI) listeners use a directional microphone or beamformer system to improve speech understanding in noise, the gain in understanding for speech presented from the front of the listener coexists with a decrease in speech understanding from the back. One way to maximize the usefulness of these systems is to keep a microphone in the omnidirectional mode in low noise and then switch to directional mode in high noise. The purpose of this experiment was to assess the levels of speech understanding in noise allowed by a new signal processing algorithm for MED EL CIs, AutoAdaptive, which operates in the manner described previously. Seven listeners fit with bilateral CIs were tested in a simulation of a crowded restaurant with speech presented from the front and from the back at three noise levels, 45, 55, and 65 dB SPL. The listeners were seated in the middle of an array of eight loudspeakers. Sentences from the AzBio sentence lists were presented from loudspeakers at 0 or 180° azimuth. Restaurant noise at 45, 55, and 65 dB SPL was presented from all eight loudspeakers. The speech understanding scores (words correct) were subjected to a two-factor (speaker location and noise level), repeated measures, analysis of variance with posttests. The analysis of variance showed a main effect for level and location and a significant interaction. Posttests showed that speech understanding scores from front and back loudspeakers did not differ significantly at the 45- and 55-dB noise levels but did differ significantly at the 65-dB noise level-with increased scores for signals from the front and decreased scores for signals from the back. The AutoAdaptive feature provides omnidirectional benefit at low noise levels, i.e., similar levels of speech understanding for talkers in front of, and in back of, a listener and beamformer benefit at higher noise levels, i.e., increased speech understanding for signals from in front. The automatic switching feature will be of value to the many patients who prefer not to manually switch programs on their CIs.

Correlation Analysis between Land Use/Cover Change and Air Pollutants—A Case Study in Wuyishan City

Land use changes have significantly altered the natural environment in which humans live. In urban areas, diminishing air quality poses a large threat to human health. In order to investigate the relationship between land use/cover change (LUCC) and air pollutants of Wuyishan City between 2014–2017, an integrated approach was used by combining remote sensing techniques with a landscape ecology methods. Annual, seasonal, and weekly mean values of air pollutant (SO2, NO2, CO, PM10, O3, PM2.5, black carbon) concentration and atmospheric visibility were calculated to develop a Pearson correlation between LUCC and air pollutants concentration. Results showed an increase in forested areas (1.79%) and water areas (15.89%), with a simultaneous reduction in cultivated land (6.47%), bare land (72.61%), and built-up land (16.03%) from 2014 to 2017. The transition matrix of land use types revealed that (i) forest expansion took place mainly at the expense of cultivated land (13.94%) and bare land (27.48%); and (ii) water area expansion took place mainly at the expense of cultivated land (1.29%) and forests (0.21%). In 2017, the proportion of days with AQI level I (94.52%) was higher than that in 2014 (88.77%). Additionally, the annual average visibility in 2017 (37.42 km) was higher than 2014 (27.46 km). The concentration of SO2, CO, O3, and black carbon was positively correlated with the cultivated land. The concentration of SO2, CO, and black carbon negatively correlated with the increase of forests. PM10, and PM2.5 is negatively correlated with the water area. Visibility was found to be positively correlated with forested area, and negatively correlated with cultivated land. The findings from this study represent a valuable gain in understanding of policies aimed at improving, safeguarding, and monitoring air quality. These results can be used to inform land-use planning decisions in a comprehensive way and could be a valuable tool for LUCC rational management strategies.

ILAE classification of the epilepsies: Position paper of the ILAE Commission for Classification and Terminology

The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) classification of the epilepsies has been updated to reflect the gain in understanding of the epilepsies and their underlying mechanisms following the major scientific advances that have taken place since the last ratified classification in 1989. As a critical tool for the practicing clinician, epilepsy classification must be relevant and dynamic to changes in thinking, yet robust and translatable to all areas of the globe. Its primary purpose is for the clinical diagnosis of patients but it is also critical for epilepsy research, development of antiepileptic treatment and communication around the world. The new classification is based on a draft document submitted for public comments in 2013, which was revised to incorporate extensive feedback from the international epilepsy community over several rounds of consultation. It consists of three levels starting with seizure type, where it is assumed that the epileptic seizures of the patient are defined by the new 2017 ILAE seizure classification. After diagnosis of the seizure type, the next step is the diagnosis of the epilepsy type, which includes focal epilepsy, generalized epilepsy, combined generalized and focal epilepsy and also an unclassified epilepsy group. At the third level the disease is assigned to a specific epilepsy syndrome. The new classification incorporates etiology at each stage, emphasizing the need to consider etiology at each step of the diagnosis, as it often carries significant treatment implications. The various etiologies can be assigned to six subgroups, defined with respect to the potential therapeutic consequences. New terminology is introduced, such as developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. The term benign is replaced by the terms self-limiting and pharmacoresponsive, to be used where appropriate. It is hoped that this new framework will assist in improving epilepsy care and research in the twenty-first century.

Bridging medical simulation with computer science and engineering: A growing field of study

BackgroundMedical simulation has become an essential educational tool in the curricula of healthcare professionals. A literature review revealed a knowledge gap in healthcare simulation education with respect to the technological expertise required to operate highly sophisticated simulation equipment. With this motivation, a case study was designed to determine if implementing on-site technological expertise allows for the facile navigation of high fidelity manikins. Next, a research study was conducted to evaluate engineering students understanding of simulation, and their interest to attend a program in medical simulation. ObjectivesTo determine if on-site technological expertise lifts barriers associated with manikin use and to assess levels of understanding and interest among engineering students following exposure to the technology used in healthcare simulation. DesignA prospective, descriptive study with pre-post surveys. SettingsThe Nursing Skills and Simulation Center at a New England University campus. ParticipantsEngineering students attending 6 different engineering programs (Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Technology Management) and having different educational levels (undergraduate and graduate). MethodsTwo assessments were applied to engineering students attending a class on technology used in healthcare simulation. A pre-test measured the understanding and interest of students in the engineering/computer science courses before attending a simulation class. A post-test assessment measured their improvement in understanding and interest to learn more about simulation technologies. ResultsStatistical analysis and comparisons of pre-and post-test assessments show a 23% gain in understanding of this field following exposure to the healthcare simulation class. Furthermore, post test results show greater than 67% of those surveyed have an interest in attending a program in healthcare simulation. ConclusionsThe results indicate the collaboration of nursing and engineering has lifted known barriers to simulation education, and reveal engineering students have an interest in the field of medical simulation.

Abstract 3875: SSX drives gain-of-function BAF complex chromatin affinity and genomic targeting in synovial sarcoma

Abstract Synovial sarcoma (SS) is a soft-tissue malignancy driven by a recurrent chromosomal translocation (t(X;18)) that uniformly produces the SS18-SSX oncogenic fusion protein. SS18 is a core subunit of the mammalian SWI/SNF (BAF) complexes, which remodel nucleosomes in an ATP-dependent manner and antagonistically oppose gene-silencing activity of polycomb complexes to maintain transcriptional control throughout development and differentiation. We previously discovered that in SS, incorporation of the oncogenic SS18-SSX fusion into BAF complexes leads to eviction of the tumor-suppressor BAF47 (INI1/SMARCB1) subunit, and aberrant activation of polycomb target genes by displacement of H3K27me3-mediated repression. However, uncoupling the oncogenic consequences of two co-occurrent BAF complex perturbations, gain of 78- amino acids to SS18 and loss of BAF47 has remained a challenge for the field; understanding gain- versus loss-of-function properties of these molecular events is critical to the identification of effective targeted therapeutics for this patient population. Here we show that synovial sarcoma primary tumors and cell lines harbor a transcriptional signature markedly distinct from sarcomas such as malignant rhabdoid tumors, which are driven solely by biallelic loss of BAF47. Indeed, we show that SS18-SSX-containing BAF complexes exhibit distinct chromatin localization in that suppression of SS18-SSX results in a near complete genome-wide retargeting of BAF complexes. We find that SS18-SSX directs BAF complexes to polycomb-repressed sites to activate embryonic development and neuronal gene pathways hallmark to SS primary tumors. Strikingly, using biochemical affinity assays, we demonstrate that the SSX 78aa tail dramatically increases the affinity of BAF complexes for chromatin as well as their genomic footprint sizes upon ChIP-seq analyses. This is in stark contrast to the demonstrated decrease in chromatin affinity and genomic occupancy resulting from the loss of function of BAF47 in MRT. Moreover, using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated KO of BAF47 in SS cell lines, we show that the proliferative arrest of SS cell lines upon suppression of SS18-SSX is independent of the BAF47 reassembly into BAF complexes, thereby demonstrating a unique SSX-driven oncogenic mechanism distinct from BAF47 loss. Taken together, these studies uncover a novel functionality of the SSX tail that is required for SS oncogenesis, and inform the selection of appropriate targeted therapeutic agents for this gain-of-function BAF complex-driven cancer. Citation Format: Matthew J. McBride, John L. Pulice, Robert T. Nakayama, Nazar Mashtalir, Davis R. Ingram, Jack F. Shern, Javed Khan, Jason L. Hornick, Alexander J. Lazar, Cigall Kadoch. SSX drives gain-of-function BAF complex chromatin affinity and genomic targeting in synovial sarcoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3875. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-3875

ILAE classification of the epilepsies: Position paper of the ILAE Commission for Classification and Terminology.

The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) Classification of the Epilepsies has been updated to reflect our gain in understanding of the epilepsies and their underlying mechanisms following the major scientific advances that have taken place since the last ratified classification in 1989. As a critical tool for the practicing clinician, epilepsy classification must be relevant and dynamic to changes in thinking, yet robust and translatable to all areas of the globe. Its primary purpose is for diagnosis of patients, but it is also critical for epilepsy research, development of antiepileptic therapies, and communication around the world. The new classification originates from a draft document submitted for public comments in 2013, which was revised to incorporate extensive feedback from the international epilepsy community over several rounds of consultation. It presents three levels, starting with seizure type, where it assumes that the patient is having epileptic seizures as defined by the new 2017 ILAE Seizure Classification. After diagnosis of the seizure type, the next step is diagnosis of epilepsy type, including focal epilepsy, generalized epilepsy, combined generalized, and focal epilepsy, and also an unknown epilepsy group. The third level is that of epilepsy syndrome, where a specific syndromic diagnosis can be made. The new classification incorporates etiology along each stage, emphasizing the need to consider etiology at each step of diagnosis, as it often carries significant treatment implications. Etiology is broken into six subgroups, selected because of their potential therapeutic consequences. New terminology is introduced such as developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. The term benign is replaced by the terms self-limited and pharmacoresponsive, to be used where appropriate. It is hoped that this new framework will assist in improving epilepsy care and research in the 21st century.

Impacts of a biobank: Bridging the gap in translational cancer medicine.

The prevalence of people affected by cancer has been steadily increasing. More and more people are being offered the chance of increased longevity. This has been possible due to advances not only in medicines and techniques but also because of the gain in understanding of cancer biology through Translational Cancer Medicine. A significant step towards obtaining this success was the establishment of successful biobanking practise. In this review we discuss about the importance of a Biobank and the various impacts that a biobank can have not only in the field of cancer but also on many other aspects. Later we discuss a method of quantitative evaluation of these impacts of a biobank.

Firework Plots for Evaluating the Impact of Outliers and Influential Observations in Generalized Linear Models

Outliers can distort many measures in data analysis and statistical modeling, and influential points can have disproportionate impact on the estimated values of model parameters. Jang and Anderson-Cook (2013) proposed a new set of graphical summaries, called firework plots, as simple tools for evaluating the impact of outliers and influential points in regression. Variations of the plots focus on allowing visualization of the impact on the estimated parameters and variability. In the generalized linear models analysis setting, the impact of changing model parameters is often less transparent than in the linear model setting and variability can be captured with the deviance. Hence, this paper describes how 3-D firework plots and the pairwise firework plot matrix can be used to increase understanding of contributions of individual observations and as a complement to other regression diagnostics techniques in the generalized linear models setting. Using these firework plots, we can find outliers and influential points and their impact on model parameters. We illustrate the information and understanding gain possible with several examples.

MicroRNAs as therapeutic strategy for hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma: current status and future prospects.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains to be one of the top causing cancer-related deaths today. The majority of HCC cases are reported to be the result of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Current treatments for HBV-related HCC revolve around the use of drugs to inhibit viral replication, as a high level of viral load and antigen in circulation often presents a poor patient prognosis. However, existing therapies are inefficient in the complete eradication of HBV, often resulting in tumour recurrence. The involvement of microRNAs (miRNAs) in important processes in HBV-related HCC makes it an important player in the progression of HCC in chronic hepatitis B infected patients. In this review, we discuss the key aspects of HBV infection and the important viral products that may regulate cancer-related processes via their interaction with miRNAs or their closely related protein machinery. Conversely, we also look at how miRNAs may go about regulating the virus, especially in vital processes like viral replication. Apart from miRNAs acting as either oncogenes or tumour-suppressors, we also look at how miRNAs may function as biomarkers that may possibly serve as better candidates than those currently employed in the diagnosis of HBV infection or HBV-related HCC. A summary of the roles of miRNAs in HBV-related HCC will hopefully lead to a gain in understanding of the pathogenesis process and pave the way for new insights in medical therapy.

Bar-Coded Enterobacteria: An Undergraduate Microbial Ecology Laboratory Module

Microbial community ecology is an area of rapid growth centered within the larger discipline of microbiology. Newly developed research methods using molecular strategies have transformed this area into an accessible research topic. Despite such advances, transmission of this topic into pedagogical form has lagged behind. To improve this situation, an undergraduate research team created an artificial microbial community for class room use. They used color-coded enterobacterial taxa transformed with broad-host range plasmids that encoded green fluorescent protein color variants. Using this instructional tool, a class room teaching module was developed about microbial fitness. Over a multi-semester period, the module was introduced into a conventional microbiology curriculum and refined. The learning outcomes for this module include; understanding community composition, that the members of a community can respond in different ways to external events and, that these responses can be used to measure fitness. Learning outcomes were measured through pre and post testing and indicated a gain in understanding about microbial communities.

Research Advances: Using Chemistry To Repel Pests, Improve Flavor, and Offer New Treatments

Chemists worldwide are applying basic chemical principles in news ways. This research and the resulting gain in understanding can impact our health, diet, and comfort.

Gain in Student Understanding of the Role of Random Variation in Evolution Following Teaching Intervention Based on Luria-Delbruck Experiment

Undergraduate students in introductory biology classes are typically saddled with pre-existing popular beliefs that impede their ability to learn about biological evolution. One of the most common misconceptions about evolution is that the environment causes advantageous mutations, rather than the correct view that mutations occur randomly and the environment only selects for mutants with advantageous traits. In this study, a significant gain in student understanding of the role of randomness in evolution was observed after students participated in an inquiry-based pedagogical intervention based on the Luria-Delbruck experiment. Questionnaires with isomorphic questions regarding environmental selection among random mutants were administered to study participants (N = 82) in five separate sections of a sophomore-level microbiology class before and after the teaching intervention. Demographic data on each participant was also collected, in a way that preserved anonymity. Repeated measures analysis showed that post-test scores were significantly higher than pre-test scores with regard to the questions about evolution (F(1, 77) = 25.913, p < 0.001). Participants' pre-existing beliefs about evolution had no significant effect on gain in understanding of this concept. This study indicates that conducting and discussing an experiment about phage resistance in E. coli may improve student understanding of the role of stochastic events in evolution more broadly, as post-test answers showed that students were able to apply the lesson of the Luria-Delbruck experiment to other organisms subjected to other kinds of selection.

The Meaning of Category Theory for 21st Century Philosophy

Among the main concerns of 20th century philosophy was that of the foundations of mathematics. But usually not recognized is the relevance of the choice of a foundational approach to the other main problems of 20th century philosophy, i.e., the logical structure of language, the nature of scientific theories, and the architecture of the mind. The tools used to deal with the difficulties inherent in such problems have largely relied on set theory and its “received view”. There are specific issues, in philosophy of language, epistemology and philosophy of mind, where this dependence turns out to be misleading. The same issues suggest the gain in understanding coming from category theory, which is, therefore, more than just the source of a “non-standard” approach to the foundations of mathematics. But, even so conceived, it is the very notion of what a foundation has to be that is called into question. The philosophical meaning of mathematics is no longer confined to which first principles are assumed and which “ontological” interpretation is given to them in terms of some possibly updated version of logicism, formalism or intuitionism. What is central to any foundational project proper is the role of universal constructions that serve to unify the different branches of mathematics, as already made clear in 1969 by Lawvere. Such universal constructions are best expressed by means of adjoint functors and representability up to isomorphism. In this lies the relevance of a category-theoretic perspective, which leads to wide-ranging consequences. One such is the presence of functorial constraints on the syntax–semantics relationships; another is an intrinsic view of (constructive) logic, as arises in topoi and, subsequently, in more general fibrations. But as soon as theories and their models are described accordingly, a new look at the main problems of 20th century’s philosophy becomes possible. The lack of any satisfactory solution to these problems in a purely logical and set-theoretic setting is the result of too circumscribed an approach, such as a static and punctiform view of objects and their elements, and a misconception of geometry and its historical changes before, during, and after the foundational “crisis”, as if algebraic geometry and synthetic differential geometry – not to mention algebraic topology – were secondary sources for what concerns foundational issues. The objectivity of basic geometrical intuitions also acts against the recent version of structuralism proposed as ‘the’ philosophy of category theory. On the other hand, the need for a consistent and adequate conceptual framework in facing the difficulties met by pre-categorical theories of language and scientific knowledge not only provides the basic concepts of category theory with specific applications but also suggests further directions for their development (e.g., in approaching the foundations of physics or the mathematical models in the cognitive sciences). This ‘virtuous’ circle is by now largely admitted in theoretical computer science; the time is ripe to realise that the same holds for classical topics of philosophy.

Ferroportin mutation in autosomal dominant hemochromatosis: loss of function, gain in understanding

Ferroportin mutation in autosomal dominant hemochromatosis: loss of function, gain in understanding

Ferroportin mutation in autosomal dominant hemochromatosis: loss of function, gain in understanding.

Normal iron homeostasis requires close matching of dietary iron absorption with body iron needs (1). Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH), a common abnormality of iron metabolism, is characterized by excess absorption of dietary iron despite elevated stores, and secondary damage to the liver, pancreas, and other organs (2). Classic HH is caused by mutation of the HFE gene and is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. However, a substantial percentage of individuals with hemochromatosis, especially in non–Northern European populations, have no mutations in HFE (3). Many such cases differ from classic HH in the relative distribution of iron between the plasma, hepatocytes, and reticuloendothelial (RE) cells (4).

Evaluation of computer based laboratory simulation

A significant number of HND/BSc engineering students work offshore. This results in their missing blocks of the course. Measures to assist them are being developed but an alternative to laboratory experimentation is problematic. Multi-media packages which include a computer-based simulation (CBS) are being developed. One of these has been piloted with full time students. Among the aspects evaluated was the degree to which the desired learning outcomes had been achieved. It was found that the gain in technical knowledge as gauged from assessments and the students' own perception was at least as good with the simulation as with the lab. Paradoxically the students rated their gain in practical ability highly but were rather disparaging in verbal comments about the CBS. Both groups rated their gain in understanding of the relationship between theory and practice highly. The objective of evaluation was to develop and enhance the package. The relevant literature was also surveyed and the paper includes pointers gained from that source. It was concluded that the approach, while not the equivalent of labs in all respects, is the optimum which can be produced. Its success, however, was dependent on the combination of text-based, video and computer components in the package.