Meaningful Level Research Articles

Study of Cold Stress on the Germination and Seedling Stage and Determination of Recovery in Rice Varieties

Rice is the second most important crop in the world after wheat, with more than 90 per cent grown in Asia. In order to evaluate the effects of cold stress in the period of germination and seedling and recovery percent of rice cultivars, two independent tests were performed in 2006-2007 in Rice Research Institution at Amol city. An experiment was conducted by split split plots within a randomized block design (CRD) with 54 caring composition, 3 replications and 6 cultivars were used. In this study, main plots were temperature, sub plots were length of stress and sub sub plots were cultivars. The levels of temperature including 10 oc (intense stress), 140C (critical temperature) and 320C (improving temperature, control) and levels of stress time 12, 24, 48 hours and cultivars of local Tarom, Domsiya, Hybrid, Nemat, Gerde, Unda were selected two by two based on quality of product and then performed in unit area and finally resistance against cold respectively. On the period of germination with decreasing temperature from 320C to 140C and from 140C to 100C, total decrease studied indices with exception of percentage of damage to seed are meaningful and similar reaction in recovery section of germination is obvious. In the period of seedling, we can see a meaningful decrease in significant level 1% about of decreasing temperature of total stress, percentage of damage to seedling, vigour of seedling. By increasing temperature in the period of stress of germination, there is a meaningful increase level 1% of total studied features with the exception of damage of seed. In the period of recovery of germination, there is a meaningful increase in significant level 1% of total studied features with the exception of damage to seed. In the period of stress of germination, there is a meaningful decrease at total features with the exception of sensitive to stress, percentage of damage to seedling and vigour of seedling and aceous recovery are similar in the period of seedling. By decreasing time of stress in the period of germination, there is a meaningful decrease by percent of damage total features with exception of rate of germination, percentage of germination. In the period of germination recovery, there is a meaningful increase in length if radicle, length of stem, percentage of germination and rate of germination and other features have meaningful decrease. In the period of seedling recovery, by decreasing time of stress, length of shoot, length of radicle, weight of wet, dry root and other features have meaningful increase. The effects of cultivar in total tests and stages, was significant level 1%. The results show that, feature of germination and length of stem and percentage of damage to seed in different cultivars are various. In the period of recovery, percentage of germination, rate of germination and percentage of damage to seeds, had correct criteria for selecting cultivars sensitive to cold stress. Low temperature can delay pitch and growth of transplant for more time. We can use height of shoot in rice as an index for determining of cultivars resistant to cold. According to these results, we decide precisely for re cultivate rice store or selecting to resistant cultivar by introducing Nemat cultivar in the period of germination and hybrid cultivar in the period of seedling aceous as resistant cultivar during occurring stress of cold.

Effect of sampling density on regional soil organic carbon estimation for cultivated soils

AbstractAn extensive knowledge of how sampling density affects soil organic C (SOC) estimation at regional scale is imperative to reduce uncertainty to a meaningful confidence level and aid in the development of sampling schemes that are both rational and economical. Using kriging prediction, this paper examined the effect of sampling density on regional SOC‐concentration estimations in cultivated topsoils at six scales in a 990 km2 area of Yucheng County, a typical region in the N China Plain. Except the original data set (n = 394), five other sampling densities were recalculated using grids of 8 km × 8 km (n = 28), 8 km × 4 km (n = 44), 4 km × 4 km (n = 82), 4 km × 2 km (n = 142), and 2 km × 2 km (n = 257), respectively. Experimental SOC semivariances and kriging interpolations at six sampling density scales were calculated and modeled to estimate regional SOC variability. Accuracy of the effects of the five sampling densities on regional SOC estimations was assessed using the indices of mean error (ME) and root mean square error (RMSE) with 100 independent validation samples. By comparison with the kriged grid map derived from the 394 samples data set, the relative error (RE,%) was spatially calculated to highlight the spatial variability of prediction errors at five sampling‐density scales due to the intrinsic limitations of ME and RMSE in accuracy assessment. The results indicated that sampling density significantly affected the estimation of regional SOC concentration. Particularly when the sampling density was < 4 km × 4 km, the large spatial variation of SOC was concealed. Semivariance analysis indicated that different sampling density had significant effect on reasonable detection of the dominant factors which influenced SOC spatial variation. Greater sampling density could more exactly reveal regional SOC variation caused by human management. The prediction accuracy for regional SOC estimation increased with the increasing of sampling density. The critical areas with larger RE values should be intensified in the future sampling scheme, and the areas of lower RE values should be decreased relatively. A specific sampling scheme should be considered in accordance with the demand to the estimation accuracy of regional SOC stock at a certain confidence level. Our results will facilitate a better understanding of the effect of sampling density on regional SOC estimation for future sampling schemes by providing meaningful confidence levels.

Sperm DNA damage

The true impact of the current sperm DNA fragmentation testing needs further scrutiny to assess whether clinically meaningful information is conveyed. Various studies have suggested different or no threshold values with assorted tests for the percentage of DNA fragmentation in the ejaculated sperm above which natural conception, fertilization or embryo development and/or clinical pregnancy rates are compromised. Current DNA fragmentation assessment methods provide very little specific information on the nature and severity of the DNA damage detected. Although sperm DNA fragmentation is associated with lower pregnancy rates through natural conception or intrauterine insemination, it does not seem to affect intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcome. Although animal studies demonstrated adverse reproductive effects of sperm DNA fragmentation, any conclusive evidence in humans is yet to be demonstrated. It is not clear whether interventions aimed at enrichment of sperm with decreased DNA fragmentation are effective in preventing the potential adverse effects of sperm DNA fragmentation in humans. Major concern about the use of sperm DNA integrity tests as prognostic parameters is that the direct evaluation of DNA fragmentation in individual sperm fertilizing the oocyte is not possible. The lack of consensus in defining a clinically relevant standard DNA fragmentation test with a meaningful cut-off level brings challenges in implementing the routine use of sperm DNA integrity assessment in daily practice.

Transnational Temporary Agency Work: How Much Equality Does the Equal Treatment Principle Provide?

The EU Temporary Agency Work Directive establishes an equal pay/equal treatment principle for agency workers that lays down a specific standard of equality, different from the one applied under anti-discrimination law. The aim of this paper is to examine the meaning of this recent equality principle, especially for transnational agency workers. For this purpose the conciliation of the agency work directive with the Posting of Workers Directive (PWD), providing only a minimum level of employment conditions, is examined. In principle the agency directive appears to apply a more far-reaching standard of equality, allowing transnational agency workers to compare their contractual entitlements with what they would have been entitled to had they concluded an employment contract directly with the user undertaking. This seems to be the result of focusing primarily on the factual aspects of work: equal conditions should be provided for co-workers doing roughly the same work in the same place. The legal status of the actor concluding the relevant contract with the worker does not seem to be decisive in these triangular contractual relationships. But this standard will presumably not be applied on a regular basis as the directive allows for various exceptions. Stretched as widely as possible, those exceptions might have a significant impact on the equal treatment principle. The directive might then be rendered incapable of providing more than the minimum standard guaranteed by the posting directive. However, there remains a chance of avoiding this outcome. The exceptions enshrined in the agency directive contain a safeguard clause guaranteeing 'overall protection' of workers, that could be interpreted in such a way as to disallow any reversion to a mere minimum standard. This paper argues that it is necessary to follow this interpretation in order to maintain a meaningful level of protection.

The role of intelligent instruction on deep learning in mathematics

In present era, traditional instructions cannot respond to all educational procedures in schools especially in mathematics. Usage of intelligent instructions can promote the real educational needs of students and they will improve and ease the deep mathematical learning. In present research, we tried to introduce intelligent instruction in mathematics and smart schools at elementary level. Through casual-comparative method and cluster sampling, 180 students are selected in fourth grade of elementary level. Results of independents samples T-tests and Mann-Whitney tests (P<0.05) have shown that usage of the intelligent instruction will effect on deep learning in mathematics in meaningful level of 0.05.

Consumer understanding of sugars claims on food and drink products

Consumer understanding of nutrition and health claims is a key aspect of current regulations in the European Union (EU). In view of this, qualitative and quantitative research techniques were used to investigate consumer awareness and understanding of product claims in the UK, focusing particularly on nutrition claims relating to sugars. Both research methods identified a good awareness of product claims. No added sugars claims were generally preferred to reduced sugars claims, and there was a general assumption that sweeteners and other ingredients would be added in place of sugars. However, there was little awareness of the level of sugar reduction and the associated calorie reduction in products when reduced sugars claims were made on pack. In focus groups, participants felt deceived if sugar reduction claims were being made without a significant reduction in calories. This was reinforced in the quantitative research which showed that respondents expected a similar and meaningful level of calorie reduction to the level of sugar reduction. The research also identified consumer confusion around the calorie content of different nutrients, including over-estimation of the calorie content of sugars. This is crucial to consumers' expectations as they clearly link sugar to calories and therefore expect a reduction in sugar content to deliver a reduction in calorie content.

Alternative Service Delivery

We analyze panel data of U.S. states to determine whether nonprofit contribution and program service revenues are correlated with state tax burden. State tax burden is modeled as a function of (a) state tax policy, (b) nontax policy factors that affect state income, and (c) other exogenous factors that are independent of state tax policy and do not directly induce income; regression results reveal correlations with variables in all three categories. Intergovernmental revenue (IGR) paid to local governments, debt burden, tax exporting, a tax revenue limitation, and nonprofit revenue are most consistently correlated with state tax burden. Financial support for nonprofits in the form of contributions helps to reduce state tax burden and does so at a meaningful level. This finding implies nonprofits provide goods and services that are supplementary to government provision. However, the supplementary nature of nonprofit service provision is not universal. Further analysis of contribution and program service revenues for nonprofits in particular service categories finds either no correlation with state tax burden, a reduction in state tax burden, or an increase in tax burden imposed on state residents over time. By controlling for factors influencing demand for service provision and state tax policy changes, the regression results also provide evidence that government acts as a free rider.

A Physically Meaningful Level Set Method for Topology Optimization of Structures

A Physically Meaningful Level Set Method for Topology Optimization of Structures

Analysis of Factors Affecting Technology Acceptance by Iranian Movie Producers

Since investment on cinematic technologies imposes excessive costs on authorities, acceptance of these technologies among its users has an important role in their success and final efficiency. The purpose of this study was to analyze factors influencing on acceptance of technology among Tehran cinematic artists. In this study, at first, by collecting information from the library, determinant variables of usage of new technologies were specified. On this basis, in addition to the variables of model of acceptance of technology, social influence, resistance to change and self- efficacy were studied. In next stage, for surveying the effect of studied components, closed- end 27- items questionnaire was used for collecting data. The measurement tools in this study were the established questionnaire made of a technology acceptance model. The number of sample was determined equal to 211 according to the preliminary study that samples included Tehran cinematic actors. Based on the results, all variables, except for resistance to change and self- efficacy of computer that had meaningful difference less than average, other had meaningful difference more or equal to average. Mean difference of attitude toward usage of technology and of social influence was meaningful in different graduate ranges and mean of other factors shows no meaningful difference in different graduate ranges. All assumptions were confirmed in 5% meaningful level. Keywords: Technology Acceptance Model, Cinema, Social Influence, Resistance to Change, Self- Efficacy.

Comparison of prediction error: Labeled versus unlabeled intraocular lens manufacturing tolerance

To compare the prediction error between intraocular lenses (IOLs) available in 0.25 diopter (D) increments with a labeled manufacturing tolerance and IOLs available in 0.50 D increments without a labeled manufacturing tolerance. Community-based multidisciplinary outpatient ophthalmic practices. Comparative case series. Eyes with cataract had implantation of an IOL available in 0.25 D increments and labeled with a manufacturing tolerance of ± 0.11 D (labeled group) or an IOL available in 0.50 D increments without a labeled manufacturing tolerance (unlabeled group). Postoperatively, the prediction error was calculated and compared between groups. By the SRK/T formula, the mean error of prediction after optimization was -0.03 D ± 0.35 (SD) in the labeled group and -0.05 ± 0.46 D in the unlabeled group (P=.64). The mean absolute error of prediction was statistically significantly smaller in the labeled group (0.26 ± 0.23 D) than in the unlabeled group (0.37 ± 0.28 D) (P=.04). The mean and absolute errors were not statistically significantly different with the Holladay 1 or Hoffer Q formula. Sixty-three percent of patients in the labeled group and 43% in the unlabeled group (P=.03) were within ± 0.25 D of the prediction error; 84% and 69%, respectively, were within ± 0.50 D (P=.06). The IOLs available in 0.25 D increments with a labeled manufacturing tolerance of ± 0.11 D increased the percentage of patients within ± 0.25 D of the targeted refraction to a statistically significant and clinically meaningful level compared with unlabeled IOLs available in 0.50 D increments. No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

Enter the dragon: Interactions between Chinese, US and Asia-Pacific equity markets, 1995–2010

This paper applies a variety of short-run and long-run time series techniques to data on a broad group of Asia-Pacific stock markets and the United States extending to 2010. Our empirical work confirms the importance of crises in affecting the persistence of equity returns in the Asia-Pacific region and offers some support for contagion effects. Post-Asian financial crisis quantile regressions yield substantial evidence of long-run linkages between the Shanghai market, the US market and many regional exchanges. Cointegration is particularly prevalent at the higher end of the distribution. Our results suggest that the enormous growth of the Shanghai market in the new millennium has been accompanied by a meaningful level of integration with other regional and world markets in spite of ongoing capital controls.

Enter the Dragon: Interactions between Chinese, U.S. and Asia-Pacific Equity Markets, 1995-2010

This paper applies a variety of short‐run and long‐run time series techniques to data on a broad group of Asia‐Pacific stock markets and the United States extending to 2010. Our empirical work confirms the importance of crises in affecting the persistence of equity returns in the Asia‐Pacific region and offers some support for contagion effects. Post‐Asian financial crisis quantile regressions yield substantial evidence of long‐run linkages between the Shanghai market, the US market and many regional exchanges. Cointegration is particularly prevalent at the higher end of the distribution. Our results suggest that the enormous growth of the Shanghai market in the new millennium has been accompanied by a meaningful level of integration with other regional and world markets in spite of ongoing capital controls.

P-646 - Using institutional ethnography to explore community treatment orders

There is considerable debate concerning the use of Community Treatment Orders (CTOs) in mental health practice. CTOs mandate individuals with mental illness to engage in community treatment (e.g. medication or other therapy) against their will (CMHA, 1998). The purpose of this presentation is to present the preliminary findings of a study using Institutional Ethnography (IE) that is exploring the consideration and implementation of CTOs in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Interestingly, this province has CTO implementation rates that are far less than the Canadian average. Using IE offers the potential to elucidate the everyday work/life experiences occurring within an institution and to show how they are influenced by institutional social structures and discourses known as ruling relations (Smith, 2005). Participants in this study include clients, family members, and health professionals who have experience with the consideration or use of CTOs in mental health settings. Data collected through interviews and review of institutional documents are examined for evidence of the social web of influence that governs everyday actions. These social and ruling relations are mapped in accordance to their relationship to and influence over one another. The results obtained are of considerable interest to practitioners, advocacy groups, families, and individuals with mental health concerns. In bringing these social patterns and structures to light, there is hope that the resulting awareness will foster a greater willingness for individuals involved with CTOs and the mental health system to engage with one another on a more meaningful level.

Examining the Effect of Information and Communication Technology on the Educational Justice from the Tehran's High School Teacher's Point of View

The goal of this research is examining the effect of information and communication technology on the educational justice from the Tehran's high school teacher's point of view. The samples used in this research include 200 Tehran's high school teachers who had passed the related course of Information and communication technology. These people are chosen by using multi-phases sampling, in a way the 19 areas of Tehran's educational are placed in 5 geographical categories l.North 2.South 3.East 4.West. 5. Tehran's centred, and from each group on educational area is chosen by lottery, and teachers are chosen randomly from each area. This research is performed in Tehran's high schools in the years of 85 - 86. The instruments are made for gathering the questionnaires information which was used after gaining the reliability and validity of the questionnaires questions.This research includes 4 theories; all are confirmed after using the chi-square test with a meaningful level (p < 0/05).The results of this research indicate that Information and Communication technology by developing the access range, making learning flexible (environmentally and individually) and providing feedback for students can effective in educational justice.

P-856 - Self-esteem in iranian university student and it's relationship with academic achievement

Nowadays, self-esteem has become very important because it is thought to be essential to mental health. Yearly, a large number of students leave the university although they are smart and talented. This rate is reported about 15% in America (Zarei et al., 2010). Some factors that are influential in leaving university are low self -esteem, and test anxiety. 370 Students from the psychology, computer and sciences faculties were selected in a multi randomized manner. 38.1% male (n = 141) and 61.9% female (n = 229), they were handed to fill the five scale test of self-esteem (SET) questionnaire. Finally, questionnaires data, demographic information and the averages of one semester past have been used for analysis. In analysis of data, one-way analysis of variance, t and Post-Hoc and regression analysis are applied. Results indicated that significant difference is observed in self-esteem among male and female students. However, male students for family self-esteem received higher scores than female students (t=−2/12), p < 0.05). The students of the faculties of sciences, psychology and computer showed significant difference in self-esteem. Academic self-esteem with r = 0.29 and family self-esteem with r = 0/14 on the meaningful level of P < 0.05 had a direct and positive relationship with the academic achievement of students. According to the results there was significant difference between total score of various faculties’ self-esteem. In the vector of family self-esteem, there existed significant difference between male and female students. Plus, there were meaningful positive relationships between academic and family self-esteem with academic achievement.

Self-esteem in Iranian university students and its relationship with academic achievement

This research aims to study self-esteem and its determined link to academic achievement of university students. According the results obtained from a study on 370 students, significant difference is observed in self-esteem among male and female students. However, male students for family self-esteem received higher scores than female students (t= -2/12), p< 0.05). The students of the faculties of basic sciences, psychology and educational sciences, and electro- computer showed significant difference in selfesteem. Academic self-esteem and family self-esteem on the meaningful level of P< 0.05 had a direct and positive relationship with the academic achievement of students.

도시생태현황도의 활용효과 측정지표 개발 및 효과분석

This study aims at choosing indicators to measure the effect of utilizing biotop map, and analyzing its effect by an indicator from the perspective of performer. The Primary performance indicators are made through specialist survey using SMART. As a result, three indicators are chosen: Discussion of the period of an environmental effects evaluation(reduced Plan and execution of environment and ecology plan in an urban development Minimizing ecological damage in an urban development. The result in each indicator is as follows. The indicator of discussion of the period of an environmental effects evaluation(reduced effect), the average reduction rate in statistically meaningful level reduced 6.08% and 11.64% respectively in 2004-2005. In this period, environment information system was established and the reduction effect is shown in this period by reinforcing environment effect estimation using biotop map. As to the indicator of utilizing biotop map in an urban development site, the Seongnam P site case shows that biotop map was used when they set up an development plan. In case of minimizing ecological damage in an urban development, the Gwangjingu G-dong case shows that it was used to appoint preservation sit, and mediate development restrict area. Accordingly, the biotop map utilizing effect is confirmed through core performance indicators and verification of the indicators using SMART. The further research is encouraged to find evaluate indicators and verify the effect quantitatively to increase the use of biotop map.

The ethical orientation and professional commitment: An empirical examination on Turkish accountants

This research, conducted through the collection of data from professional accountants throughout Turkey, aims to examine the relationship between the individual ethical orientation (ethics philosophy) and professional commitment of professional accountants. The collected data were analyzed according to the structural equation model and the structural relationship between the ethical orientation, ethical awareness, ethical decision and the dimensions of professional commitment was illustrated. As a result, it was found out that there is a meaningful level of relationship between the ethical orientation of the professional accountants and their professional commitment. It was observed that, in case of making a decision about an ethical problem concerning their profession, the decisions of the professional accountants with justice and deontological orientation were affected largely by their normative and affective professional commitments, while that of the professional accountants with relativist and teleological orientation with respect to ethics were affected largely by their continuance commitment. Key words: Accounting ethics, ethical orientation, professional commitment, ethical decision, ethical awareness.

Anesthesia Literature Review

Anesthesia Literature Review

Algometry with a clothes peg compared to an electronic pressure algometer: a randomized cross-sectional study in pain patients

BackgroundHypersensitivity of the central nervous system is widely present in pain patients and recognized as one of the determinants of chronic pain and disability. Electronic pressure algometry is often used to explore aspects of central hypersensitivity. We hypothesized that a simple pain provocation test with a clothes peg provides information on pain sensitivity that compares meaningfully to that obtained by a well-established electronic pressure algometer. "Clinically meaningful" was defined as a medium (r = 0.3-0.5) or high (r > 0.5) correlation coefficient according to Cohen's conventions.MethodsWe tested 157 in-patients with different pain types. A calibrated clothes peg was applied for 10 seconds and patients rated the pain intensity on a 0 to 10 numerical rating scale. Pressure pain detection threshold (PPdt) and pressure pain tolerance threshold (PPtt) were measured with a standard electronic algometer. Both methods were performed on both middle fingers and ear lobes. In a subgroup of 47 patients repeatability (test-retest reliability) was calculated.ResultsClothes peg values correlated with PPdt values for finger testing with r = -0.54 and for earlobe testing with r = -0.55 (all p-values < 0.001). Clothes peg values also correlated with PPtt values for finger testing with r = -0.55 (p < 0.001). Test-retest reliability (repeatability) showed equally stable results for clothes peg algometry and the electronic algometer (all r-values > 0.89, all p-values < 0.001).ConclusionsInformation on pain sensitivity provided by a calibrated clothes peg and an established algometer correlate at a clinically meaningful level.