Meaningful Level Research Articles

The curse of the uncultured fungus.

The international DNA sequence databases abound in fungal sequences not annotated beyond the kingdom level, typically bearing names such as “uncultured fungus”. These sequences beget low-resolution mycological results and invite further deposition of similarly poorly annotated entries. What do these sequences represent? This study uses a 767,918-sequence corpus of public full-length fungal ITS sequences to estimate what proportion of the 95,055 “uncultured fungus” sequences that represent truly unidentifiable fungal taxa – and what proportion of them that would have been straightforward to annotate to some more meaningful taxonomic level at the time of sequence deposition. Our results suggest that more than 70% of these sequences would have been trivial to identify to at least the order/family level at the time of sequence deposition, hinting that factors other than poor availability of relevant reference sequences explain the low-resolution names. We speculate that researchers’ perceived lack of time and lack of insight into the ramifications of this problem are the main explanations for the low-resolution names. We were surprised to find that more than a fifth of these sequences seem to have been deposited by mycologists rather than researchers unfamiliar with the consequences of poorly annotated fungal sequences in molecular repositories. The proportion of these needlessly poorly annotated sequences does not decline over time, suggesting that this problem must not be left unchecked.

The effect of educational intervention based on the theory of planned behavior on improving physical and nutrition status of obese and overweight women

BackgroundRegarding the high rate of obesity and overweight among women, develop a comprehensive and effective program it seems necessary to improve their nutritional behaviors and physical activity. This study aims to survey the effect of educational intervention based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) on improving physical and nutritional activities of obese and overweight women.MethodsThis experimental study was performed on 400 obese and overweight women over the age of 20. The sampling method was A simple random sampling. The data collection was valid and reliable self-reports measure, questionnaires. This tools was including demographic information, questionnaire based on the constructs of the theory of planned behavior, physical activity performance questionnaire and nutritional performance questionnaire that individuals completed before and 6 months after the educational intervention. The training intervention for the experimental group consisted of 12 sessions of 50–55 min. Data analyzed by SPSS22 and by using chi-square test, independent t-test and paired t-test.ResultsFindings showed that before the educational intervention, was no significant difference between the experimental and control groups in terms of education, household monthly income, occupation, mean age, marital status, awareness, attitude, perceived behavioral control, subjective norms, physical activity and nutritional behavioral intentions, and physical activity and nutritional performance, weight and BMI. However, six months after the training intervention, there was a significant increase in each of the TPB contracts, weight and BMI in the experimental group, while no significant difference was observed in the control group. The meaningful level was considered 0.05.ConclusionOur findings partially support of applying theory of planned behavior in reducing the weight, BMI and improved nutritional performance and physical activity of the study subjects. TPB could be an important strategy for effective future educational interventions.

Engage me: Learners' expectancies and teachers' efforts in designing effective online classes

AbstractBackgroundThe COVID‐19 lockdown forced students and teachers to adjust to remote lecturers and digital learning material and design criteria for online classes became the centre of discussion.ObjectivesThe purpose of this empirical study was to investigate the relationship between design principles of educational online practices in higher education and students' active engagement in the online learning process.MethodsA total of 127 students participated in the study after their first semester of fully online classes resulting from the COVID‐19 lockdown. The online classes enabled real‐time communication and allowed for the creation of professional learning communities or the collaborative creation of content, for example. To evaluate the classes and to indicate perceived student learning, the study applied scales for measuring academic student engagement, as well as the four distinct factors for assessing online teaching effectiveness.Results and ConclusionsBivariate correlational analysis suggested that the two design elements Time on Task (TT) and Active Learning (AL) are related to emotional engagement at a meaningful level thus influencing student commitment and class activities. The results further indicated that TT and AL are significant design elements in relation to perceived usefulness and students' perceived learning.ImplicationsThe results may identify effective means to support and enhance student engagement in online settings, thus improving the quality of online teaching and learning.

Management of Pedagogical Supervision and Teacher Performance in the Teaching of English in Peru

This research was done to determine the relationship between supervision and teacher practice in an English teaching center with a high student population in Lima Perú. This is a quantitative approach basic type study with a non-experimental transversal design where 5 and 7 point Likert-type-scale questionnaires were used to provide data that was analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. A non-probabilistic sample of intention or convenience was used to select the respondents. 210 teachers from different branches in Lima were selected to respond to the questionnaires. A descriptive analysis of the statistics was used to interpret the results on the supervisors functions and the teacher performance level in each one of the study areas after the supervisory service had been offered. To contrast the data for the hypothesis test to determine the relationship between supervision and teaching performance (content knowledge of the discipline, teaching skills, contextual knowledge, learner-focus teaching, professionalism), the Spearman correlation coefficient was used. A direct, meaningful and high correlation level was found. The results of the current study will benefit other English language centers management to implement changes and improvements to the supervision service that will result in better teaching performance and student achievement.

Economics of stationary energy storage systems: Driving faster adoption for behind-the-meter applications in India

Managing the transition to a low carbon economy is a complex challenge that needs both early wins and a longer-term alternate technologies leapfrog, to better supplement existing public policies. Relative to the significant investment and policy focus on renewable energy generation and Electric Vehicles (EV) - both globally and in India - Stationary Energy Storage systems (ESS) have received far lower investment and policy attention.This is an important issue to redress for two key reasons. Firstly, ESS is a key rate limiting constraint to achieve the desired benefits of further increasing the share of renewables in the energy generation mix, in India's case from the current 20–25% to a target 40%+ range by 2030. Secondly, several ESS applications are already/very nearly economically viable.Although the dominant discourse focuses on EVs, our analysis in this paper shows that there is a bigger near term opportunity in India for Stationary Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to replace diesel gensets for power backup. Interestingly India offers a meaningful level of scale for power-backup applications, for adoption directly by end-users. BESS as an alternative to Diesel Generator (DG) for power backup is economically viable in the Telecom sector and for roof-top solar installations; further non-subsidy levers e.g. differential tariffs and an annual cess on DG use, can drive economic viability in large campuses e.g. residential, schools and commercial buildings. These applications could offer a BESS demand ranging from 40 to 145 GWh over the next three years – which is more than the BESS demand estimates for EV segment of 40 GWh.Our study is verified and supported by experiential insights derived through primary research, personal interviews and hosting round-table discussions with relevant private and public policy experts.The conclusions from this paper raise the interesting public policy and business strategy implications,1 of given the economic viability and significant demand why has the adoption up to this potential not yet taken off, and what will it take to achieve this potential?11These issues are addressed in the author's subsequent working paper, interested readers can contact the corresponding author

An integrative analysis of genomic and exposomic data for complex traits and phenotypic prediction

Complementary to the genome, the concept of exposome has been proposed to capture the totality of human environmental exposures. While there has been some recent progress on the construction of the exposome, few tools exist that can integrate the genome and exposome for complex trait analyses. Here we propose a linear mixed model approach to bridge this gap, which jointly models the random effects of the two omics layers on phenotypes of complex traits. We illustrate our approach using traits from the UK Biobank (e.g., BMI and height for N ~ 35,000) with a small fraction of the exposome that comprises 28 lifestyle factors. The joint model of the genome and exposome explains substantially more phenotypic variance and significantly improves phenotypic prediction accuracy, compared to the model based on the genome alone. The additional phenotypic variance captured by the exposome includes its additive effects as well as non-additive effects such as genome–exposome (gxe) and exposome–exposome (exe) interactions. For example, 19% of variation in BMI is explained by additive effects of the genome, while additional 7.2% by additive effects of the exposome, 1.9% by exe interactions and 4.5% by gxe interactions. Correspondingly, the prediction accuracy for BMI, computed using Pearson’s correlation between the observed and predicted phenotypes, improves from 0.15 (based on the genome alone) to 0.35 (based on the genome and exposome). We also show, using established theories, that integrating genomic and exposomic data can be an effective way of attaining a clinically meaningful level of prediction accuracy for disease traits. In conclusion, the genomic and exposomic effects can contribute to phenotypic variation via their latent relationships, i.e. genome-exposome correlation, and gxe and exe interactions, and modelling these effects has a potential to improve phenotypic prediction accuracy and thus holds a great promise for future clinical practice.

Management of lung cancer in Africa: Underdiagnosis and poor access to treatment – A close look at Nigeria and West African Sub-region

Lung cancer is of public health importance and imposes a great deal of socioeconomic and disease burden on the West African subregion and Nigeria in particular. It is one of the most common cancers worldwide and accounts for 11.4% of all new cancers. In this review, we did not find any well-coordinated lung cancer registry in either Nigeria or any other West African country. For us to attain any meaningful level of the interventional plan to address any identifiable deficiencies in the treatment of lung cancer in the West African subregion, it is imperative that a specific regional lung cancer registry with a regular audit of the reporting, is set up. There is an urgent need for further studies on the local risk factors predisposing to lung cancer, especially in the younger age group. Finally, intense pressure must be mounted on the governments within West Africa to implement the 15% GDP allocation to the health budget as agreed in the WHO/Abuja Declaration and to speed up efforts towards universal health insurance.

MR-guided focused ultrasound pallidotomy for Parkinson's disease: safety and feasibility.

Stereotactic radiofrequency pallidotomy has demonstrated improvement in motor fluctuations in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), particularly levodopa (L-dopa)-induced dyskinesias. The authors aimed to determine whether or not unilateral pallidotomy with MR-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) could safely improve Unified Dyskinesia Rating Scale (UDysRS; the primary outcome measure) scores over baseline scores in patients with PD. Twenty patients with PD and L-dopa responsiveness, asymmetrical motor signs, and motor fluctuations, including dyskinesias, participated in a 1-year multicenter open-label trial of unilateral MRgFUS ablation of the globus pallidus internus. The sonication procedure was successfully completed in all 20 enrolled patients. MRgFUS-related adverse neurological events were generally mild and transient, including visual field deficit (n = 1), dysarthria (n = 4, 2 mild and 2 moderate), cognitive disturbance (n = 1), fine motor deficit (n = 2), and facial weakness (n = 1). Although 3 adverse events (AEs) were rated as severe (transient sonication-related pain in 2, nausea/vomiting in 1), no AE fulfilled US FDA criteria for a Serious Adverse Effect. Total UDysRS, the primary outcome measure, improved 59% after treatment (baseline mean score 36.1, 95% CI 4.88; at 3 months 14.2, 95% CI 5.72, p < 0.0001), which was sustained throughout the study (at 12 months 20.5, 95% CI 7.39, 43% improvement, p < 0.0001). The severity of motor signs on the treated side (Movement Disorder Society version of the United Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale [MDS-UPDRS] part III) in the "off" medication state also significantly improved (baseline mean score 20.0, 95% CI 2.4; at 3 months 10.6, 95% CI 1.86, 44.5% improvement, p < 0.0001; at 12 months 10.4, 95% CI 2.11, 45.2% improvement, p > 0.0001). The vast majority of patients showed a clinically meaningful level of improvement on the impairment component of the UDysRS or the motor component of the UPDRS, while 1 patient showed clinically meaningful worsening on the UPDRS at month 3. This study supports the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of MRgFUS pallidotomy in the treatment of patients with PD and motor fluctuations, including dyskinesias. These preliminary data support continued investigation, and a placebo-controlled, blinded trial is in progress. Clinical trial registration no.: NCT02263885 (clinicaltrials.gov).

P–054 Apoptosis related-microRNAs in Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia and Azoospermia men may reveal novel study of freezing damage

Abstract Study question Could choosing of non-apoptotic spermatozoa by biological biomarkers such as microRNAs promote post-thaw fertilization ability? Summary answer Biological alterations in correlation with apoptosis and oxidative stress markers such as microRNAs may preserve the function and fertility of spermatozoa during cryopreservation. What is known already Biological changes of cryopreserved spermatozoa such as microRNAs against cryo-injury were investigated. It was presented that several sperm parameters such as motility and abstinence period can impact the percentage of post-thaw sperm survival. Recent study, reported that microRNAs related to process of motility, sperm structure and apoptosis were associated with different expression after cryopreservation. More comprehensive study needed to fully mention the effect of microRNAs and their correlations with other biomarkers in cryopreservation. Study design, size, duration Our study was performed on 58 men who were 24–40 years old. Their ejaculated samples were classified as sever (concentrations less than 5 million sperm/mL) Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (SOAT), mild (concentrations 5 million – 10 million sperm/ mL) Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (MOAT), obstructive azoospermai (OA), Non obstructive azoospermai (NOA) (absence of spermatozoa in the semen) and normal group (concentrations more than 15 million sperm/ mL). Then each sample was grouped into fresh and cryopreserved one. Participants/materials, setting, methods Density Gradient centrifugation (DGC) was performed to obtain high quality sperm without round cells after freeze-thawing. Biopsy of testicular tissue was prepared after Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE) surgery. Then biological biomarkers were examined before and after cryopreservation including microRNA–122 (miR–122), miR–383, miR–15b, miR–184, miR–34c and target genes such as P53, Caspase9 and CYCLIN D1, using Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) using imaging multi-mode reader. Main results and the role of chance There was a significant reduction in sperm total motility and morphology in Cryopreserved-infertile groups (MOAT and SOAT) compared with the Fresh-infertile groups. Decreased level of GPx activity was associated with increased concentration of MDA during freeze-thawing procedure in oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. Also increasing levels of SOD, and DNA fragmentation were showed. Our data demonstrated that reduction of CYCLIN D1 in MOAT-Cryopreserved (P = 0.0174) and NOA-Cryopreserved (P = 0.0001) groups were considerable compared with their fresh ones. We observed high level of Capase9 and in cryopreserved groups (P = 0.01).The expression of miR–34c was increased significantly in NOA-Cryo (P = 0.0064), and OA-Cryo (P = 0.0441) in comparison with their fresh groups. The expression of miR–184 (P = 0.0275) was enhanced in NOA-Cryo as compared to NOA-Fresh. Quantitative RT-PCR demonstrated meaningful decrease level of miR–383 expression in SOAT-Cryopreserved as compared with SOAT-Fresh (P = 0.0223). On the other hand, expression level of miR–383 was increased in NOA group significantly (P = 0.0437) and in OA group non-significantly during freezing. There was non-significant decrease of miR–122 and miR–15b in MOAT and SOAT-Cryopreserved groups in comparison to their Fresh groups. We observed reduced expression of miR–122 (P = 0.0109) and miR–15b (P = 0.0322) in OA group after freezing. Also, there was meaningful increased level of miR–15b (P = 0.0234) in NOA-Cryo compared with Fresh. Limitations, reasons for caution Because of the ethical principle, we can not obtain testicular samples from normal groups. So, we analyzed NO and OA groups with each other. Wider implications of the findings: Our study documented that total motility can be interfered by microRNAs. This phenomenon effects on the total motility of post-thaw spermatozoa. Also the increase level of MDA may disturb microRNAs regulation in the infertile cases. These non-coding RNAs may be known as fertility biomarker to development of freeze-thawing strategies. Trial registration number 60961

P-054 Pre-selected for an award: Apoptosis related-microRNAs in Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia and Azoospermia men may reveal novel study of freezing damage

Abstract Study question Could choosing of non-apoptotic spermatozoa by biological biomarkers such as microRNAs promote post-thaw fertilization ability? Summary answer Biological alterations in correlation with apoptosis and oxidative stress markers such as microRNAs may preserve the function and fertility of spermatozoa during cryopreservation. What is known already Biological changes of cryopreserved spermatozoa such as microRNAs against cryo-injury were investigated. It was presented that several sperm parameters such as motility and abstinence period can impact the percentage of post-thaw sperm survival. Recent study, reported that microRNAs related to process of motility, sperm structure and apoptosis were associated with different expression after cryopreservation. More comprehensive study needed to fully mention the effect of microRNAs and their correlations with other biomarkers in cryopreservation. Study design, size, duration Our study was performed on 58 men who were 24-40 years old. Their ejaculated samples were classified as sever (concentrations less than 5 million sperm/mL) Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (SOAT), mild (concentrations 5 million – 10 million sperm/ mL) Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (MOAT), obstructive azoospermai (OA), Non obstructive azoospermai (NOA) (absence of spermatozoa in the semen) and normal group (concentrations more than 15 million sperm/ mL). Then each sample was grouped into fresh and cryopreserved one. Participants/materials, setting, methods Density Gradient centrifugation (DGC) was performed to obtain high quality sperm without round cells after freeze-thawing. Biopsy of testicular tissue was prepared after Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE) surgery. Then biological biomarkers were examined before and after cryopreservation including microRNA-122 (miR-122), miR-383, miR-15b, miR-184, miR-34c and target genes such as P53, Caspase9 and CYCLIN D1, using Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) using imaging multi-mode reader. Main results and the role of chance There was a significant reduction in sperm total motility and morphology in Cryopreserved-infertile groups (MOAT and SOAT) compared with the Fresh-infertile groups. Decreased level of GPx activity was associated with increased concentration of MDA during freeze-thawing procedure in oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. Also increasing levels of SOD, and DNA fragmentation were showed. Our data demonstrated that reduction of CYCLIN D1 in MOAT-Cryopreserved (P = 0.0174) and NOA-Cryopreserved (P = 0.0001) groups were considerable compared with their fresh ones. We observed high level of Capase9 and in cryopreserved groups (P = 0.01).The expression of miR-34c was increased significantly in NOA-Cryo (P = 0.0064), and OA-Cryo (P = 0.0441) in comparison with their fresh groups. The expression of miR-184 (P = 0.0275) was enhanced in NOA-Cryo as compared to NOA-Fresh. Quantitative RT-PCR demonstrated meaningful decrease level of miR-383 expression in SOAT-Cryopreserved as compared with SOAT-Fresh (P = 0.0223). On the other hand, expression level of miR-383 was increased in NOA group significantly (P = 0.0437) and in OA group non-significantly during freezing. There was non-significant decrease of miR-122 and miR-15b in MOAT and SOAT-Cryopreserved groups in comparison to their Fresh groups. We observed reduced expression of miR-122 (P = 0.0109) and miR-15b (P = 0.0322) in OA group after freezing. Also, there was meaningful increased level of miR-15b (P = 0.0234) in NOA-Cryo compared with Fresh. Limitations, reasons for caution Because of the ethical principle, we can not obtain testicular samples from normal groups. So, we analyzed NO and OA groups with each other. Wider implications of the findings Our study documented that total motility can be interfered by microRNAs. This phenomenon effects on the total motility of post-thaw spermatozoa. Also the increase level of MDA may disturb microRNAs regulation in the infertile cases. These non-coding RNAs may be known as fertility biomarker to development of freeze-thawing strategies. Trial registration number 60961

고령사회에서 시니어세대의 여가활동이 삶의 질과 정서적 안녕에 미치는 영향: 도·농지역 거주자의 비교

The purpose of this study is to publicize the importance of active leisure activities for the successful retirement life of the senior generation. The survey was conducted on seniors aged from 60 to 80 years old, residing in large cities including Busan and rural areas including Yeongcheon and Gyeongbuk, and whom have engaged in one or more leisure activities through welfare centers. The copies were distributed, and 164 valid copies were collected in Busan and 160 valid copies were collected in Yeongcheon. Through factor analysis: leisure activities was found to consist of three factors including learning and hobbies social and exchange activities, and daily leisure activities; quality of life consisted of two factors including life satisfaction and health satisfaction; and emotional well-being included positive emotions and negative emotions. The hypotheses of this study were founnd to be adopted or partially adopted at a meaningful level (less than 0.01), thus verifying the hypotheses of this study.

Standardizing fatigue measurement in multiple sclerosis: the validity, responsiveness and score interpretation of the PROMIS SF v1.0 – Fatigue (MS) 8a

BackgroundFatigue is one of the most common and the single most disabling symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS). However, there is a lack of consensus on the most appropriate fatigue measures in clinical practice and research, based upon rigorously validated, generalizable, and publicly available instruments. The objective of this research was to generate additional evidence regarding the validity and applicability of the PROMIS SF v1.0 – Fatigue (MS) 8a, including content validity, reliability, construct validity and responsiveness, as well as to assess minimal important difference (MID) estimates and a score interpretation tool to aide meaningful individual level score interpretation. MethodsA mixed-methods, sequential design was followed. Cognitive debriefing (CD) interviews (n=29) were performed with MS patients, to assess the relevance and comprehensiveness of the PROMIS Fatigue (MS) 8a scores. To evaluate the psychometric properties of the PROMIS Fatigue (MS) 8a, two observational studies were conducted: a cross-sectional study at two US MS centers (n=296), and a 96-week longitudinal study in a UK MS Register cohort (n=384). Main outcomes and measures were estimates of known-groups validity, convergence validity, reliability, and responsiveness, a guide for interpreting PROMIS Fatigue (MS) 8a T-scores, and anchor-based MID estimates. ResultsThe CD interviews confirmed the comprehensiveness and relevance of the PROMIS Fatigue (MS) 8a in assessing MS fatigue. Cronbach's alpha (>0.9) and intra-class correlation coefficient (≥0.9) for test-retest scores at 5–7 days follow-up, supported strong internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Hypothesized differences were found across patient groups in patient reported fatigue and related concepts (analysis of variance [ANOVA], P <0.001). PROMIS Fatigue (MS) 8a scores were sensitive to bi-directional changes in fatigue (GHS fatigue global question) and physical health (PROMIS GHS GPH), over a 52-week follow-up. Score changes of 3.4–4 points are proposed as MID criteria for minimal improvement or worsening in fatigue. ConclusionThis research extends the evidence supporting the content validity and the robust psychometric performance of the PROMIS Fatigue (MS) 8a across US and UK MS populations. Importantly, data supporting the measure's integration in clinical practice and research, including meaningful score interpretation, are now available.

The Task and Ego Orientation in Sport Questionnaire adapted for youth with intellectual disabilities (TEOSQ-ID)

The objective of the present study was to validate a version of the Task and Ego Orientation in Sport Questionnaire (TEOSQ) adapted for youth with intellectual disabilities (ID). A sample of 362 youth with mild to moderate ID (61.0% boys, M = 15.80 years) from Australia (N = 240) and Canada (N = 122) respectively completed English and French versions of the TEOSQ-ID twice over a one-year interval. Confirmatory factor analyses supported the validity and reliability of the a priori two-factor structure of the TEOSQ-ID, as well as the weak, strict, and latent variance-covariance invariance of this factor structure across linguistic versions. The results also supported the strong invariance of a majority of the TEOSQ-ID items across linguistic versions, and revealed latent mean differences showing that English-Australian youth tended to score lower on the TEOSQ-ID factors than French-Canadian respondents. The results also supported the measurement invariance of the TEOSQ-ID over time, and revealed a lack of differential item functioning (i.e., measurement bias) as a function of youth’s age, body-mass index, ID level, sex, and frequency of sport involvement. Meaningful latent mean level differences were observed on the TEOSQ-ID factors in relation to body-mass index, ID level, and frequency of sport involvement. Finally, our results supported the convergent validity of the ego and task factors in relation to a measure of perceived physical abilities.

Person-Centered Care in Nursing Homes: Potential of Complementary and Alternative Approaches and Their Challenges.

A person-centered approach to care shifts the mind-set of care partners from a traditional medical model to a social model in managing chronic conditions. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, this study examines the barriers and facilitators to the implementation of person-centered care (PCC) and how the integration of complementary and alternative approaches (CAA) has the potential to improve residents' quality of life in nursing homes (NHs). Findings indicate that NHs offer a wide range of engagement activities, but these activities are not purposefully integrated into a person-centered plan of care. Factors such as turnover, "working short," supervisor support, and rising resident care needs make it challenging to implement PCC in NHs. This knowledge of the landscape of activities will help us identify and improve strategies for supporting residents at a deeper, more meaningful level. CAA has the potential to be therapeutic for residents if integrated into collaborative approaches to care.

Active Drawing of Mechanisms of Genetics and Molecular Biology as an Undergraduate Learning Tool

Many students navigate undergraduate biology courses through passive learning, relying on memorization techniques to study content. This may not be the most effective strategy for meaningful comprehension of multipart and unfamiliar or new concepts. Can instruction by engaging students in active drawing and diagramming be an effective learning strategy? This pedagogical design unites the minds of students in the classroom by encouraging participation and inquiry. Our strategy maximizes active drawing of the mechanisms of genetics and molecular biology during lecture and instructor-led collaborative drawing sessions. The goal is to increase student learning and success in undergraduate genetics coursework based on the fundamental concepts recommended by the Genetics Society of America. Topics are covered in three main sections - nature of genetic material and gene expression, transmission and genetic variation, and patterns of inheritance integrated with evolution and population genetics. Students are assigned pre-lecture concept questions with reading assignments and illustrative videos. In lecture, students are led in active stepwise drawing and discussion of concepts. Strategies include the reductionist point of view from theoretical and macroscopic down to molecular mechanisms. Concepts are related to modern research and human health and disease. Student learning is reinforced through weekly drawing and recitation group sessions led by lecture coordinators. Meaningful learning and level of comprehension is measured through concept inventory assessments and student feedback. Concept-based hand drawings serve as a learning tool for the genetics and molecular biology community.

0.5 gpm미만 원자로 냉각재 계통 누설감지 센서 시스템 개발

If the size of the crack in the pressure boundary of the pressurized light water reactor coolant system is very small, the coolant is vaporized and spreads into the containment vessel at the beginning of the leakage, and a small amount of condensated coolant steam is accumulated into a sump. In the case of small leakage of 0.5 gpm or less, it is very difficult to recognize leakage occurrences until the time has elapsed and the amount of variation in the internal humidity and temperature of the containment vessel due to the water vaporized leakage water and the rate of change in the water level is very small. In the case of leakage of the reactor coolant pump seal of 1 to 10 gpm or higher, and leakage of the steam generator between the 1<SUP>st</SUP> and 2<SUP>nd</SUP> sides, the level change of the coolant makeup tank or the level of the sump level change can be detected with a meaningful sump level changed up. In the case of a small amount of unidentified leakage, the leakage point occurs at the weld or the location where mechanical or thermal stresses are accumulated, and it is characterized by leakage through unspecified areas. Early detection of small unidentified leakage by multiple measurements can prevent operator error, increase the operator action time for proper operator safety measures, and minimize other radiation leaks. The early detection of small and unidentified leakage can make a very practical contribution to improving the safety of nuclear power plants. The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute is developing a small amount of unconfirmed leakage detection system that is less than 0.5 gpm. This report introduces a general configuration of the advanced RCS leakage detection system.

Using control charts to understand community variation in COVID-19.

Decision-makers need signals for action as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic progresses. Our aim was to demonstrate a novel use of statistical process control to provide timely and interpretable displays of COVID-19 data that inform local mitigation and containment strategies. Healthcare and other industries use statistical process control to study variation and disaggregate data for purposes of understanding behavior of processes and systems and intervening on them. We developed control charts at the county and city/neighborhood level within one state (California) to illustrate their potential value for decision-makers. We found that COVID-19 rates vary by region and subregion, with periods of exponential and non-exponential growth and decline. Such disaggregation provides granularity that decision-makers can use to respond to the pandemic. The annotated time series presentation connects events and policies with observed data that may help mobilize and direct the actions of residents and other stakeholders. Policy-makers and communities require access to relevant, accurate data to respond to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic. Control charts could prove valuable given their potential ease of use and interpretability in real-time decision-making and for communication about the pandemic at a meaningful level for communities.

Strategic Evacuation for Hurricanes and Regional Events with and without Autonomous Vehicles

A scheduling algorithm is developed for optimal planning of large-scale, complex evacuations to minimize total delay plus travel time across residents. The algorithm is applied to the eight-county Houston-Galveston region and land use setting under the 2017 Hurricane Harvey scenario with multiple destinations. Autonomous vehicle (AV) use under central guidance is also tested, to demonstrate the evacuation time benefits of AVs. Higher share of AVs delivers more efficient evacuation performance, thanks to greater reliability on evacuation order compliance, lower headways, and higher road capacity. Furthermore, 100% AV use delivers lower overall evacuation costs and network clearance times and less uncertainty in travel times (via lower standard deviation in). Based on evaluations of different evacuation schedules, a 50% compressed evacuation time span resulted in longer travel times and network congestion. A 50% longer evacuation time span reduced residents' total travel time and network congestion, but increased the evacuation cost. As expected, evacuation efficiency falls when evacuees do not comply with evaucation schedules. Large shares of AVs will not be possible in the near future, so methods to enhance evacuees' compliance behavior (e.g., enforced and prioritized evacuation orders) should be considered until a meaningful level of AV technical maturity and penetration rate is available. This paper demonstrates the benefits of scheduled departure times, AV use, and evacuation order compliance, which help balance conflicting objectives during emergencies.

CHARACTERISTIC RELATIONSHIP OF LUNG TB LABORATORY OFFICER PUSKESMAS WITH ERROR RATE RESULTS OF SPUTUM EXAMINATION SUSPECTED PULMONARY TB IN KUDUS REGENCY

English translation. &#x0D; The problem studied in this study is whether there is a relationship between the characteristics of lung tb laboratory officers puskesmas with the error rate of sputum examination results suspected pulmonary TB in Kudus Regency. The purpose of this study is to find out the relationship between the characteristics of lung tb laboratory officers with the error rate of sputum examination results of lung TB suspects in Kudus Regency. This type of research is explanatory reseach with a cross sectional approach. The free variables in the study were educational background, training, knowledge of direct microscopic sputum examination, staffing status, working life and workload while the bound variables were error rates. The population and samples in this study were all officers of the Tb Paru Puskesmas laboratory in Kudus Regency numbered 21 people. The instrument used is a questionnaire. Primary data is obtained through interviews. Secondary data is obtained from data in the Holy District Health Office. The data obtained is processed using the chi square test with an meaningful level (α) of 0.05. Based on the results of the study obtained that the characteristics of officers related to the error rate are training (p = 0.012, CC = 0.506), knowledge of direct microscopic examination of sputum (p = 0.004, CC = 0.594), staffing status (p = 0.025, CC = 0.484), working period (p = 0.004, CC = 0.594), and workload (p = 0.025, CC = 0.484). Based on the results of the research advice submitted is that training should be given to all tb laboratory officers of The Puskesmas lung on a regular basis every year because training is one of the efforts to improve the quality of human resources in terms of knowledge, attitudes and skills.&#x0D;

Foreign Revenue: A New World of Risk Exposures

The predominant approach to classify securities geographically today is based on domicile, which is typically binary, and on the legal home of a company. This article explores whether foreign revenue exposure in addition to domicile should be considered when assessing the risk of an investment. The findings suggest that foreign revenue exposure explains a meaningful level of variation in excess returns and excess risks among domestic mutual funds at a level that is similar to more traditional domicile metrics. Investments focused on revenue exposure also appear to capture different economic risks that could make them attractive to certain investors. <b>TOPICS:</b>Emerging, mutual funds/passive investing/indexing, performance measurement <b>Key Findings</b> ▪ Domicile is the most common metric used to determine the geographic location, and risk, of investments today. This article explores foreign revenue exposure, which unlike domicile is not binary and allows for a more complex consideration of risk exposures. ▪ Evidence suggests that foreign revenue exposure captures different economic risks than domicile and that it explains a meaningful level of variation in excess returns and excess risks among domestic equity mutual funds across a variety of styles and countries. ▪ As global economies become increasingly interconnected, legacy metrics such as a domicile are likely to become less relevant in describing the risks of a given strategy. Therefore, additional metrics, such as foreign revenue exposure, should be considered when developing portfolios.