Use of physical activity self-management strategies by high school students

Teaching adolescents to use self-management strategies (SMS's) may be an effective approach to promoting lifelong physical activity (PA). However, the extent to which adolescents use SMS's and their impact on current PA have not been studied previously. The aims of this study were: 1) describe the prevalence of SMS use in adolescents; and 2) determine relationships between SMS use, PA self-efficacy, and PA participation. 197 students completed questionnaires measuring use of SMS's, self-efficacy, and PA behavior. The most prevalent SMS's (>30%) were thinking about the benefits of PA, making PA more enjoyable, choosing activities that are convenient, setting aside time to do PA, and setting goals to do PA. Less than 10% reported rewarding oneself for PA, writing planned activities in a book or calendar, and keeping charts of PA. SMS use was associated with increased self-efficacy (r = 0.47, P < .001) and higher levels of PA (r = 0.34 P < .001). A one unit difference in SMS scores was associated with a ~ 4-fold increase in the probability of being active (OR = 3.7, 95% CI = 1.8-7.4). Although strongly associated with PA, a relatively small percentage of adolescents routinely use SMS's.

But how do we know they watched it? Adapting to the flipped classroom conundrum

Those who teach film and media need to use screen content to illustrate their subjects. For example, students want illustrations to accompany lectures on film or television genres. Our experience has been that student access to the film and television screen content underpinning a study of genres is not only desirable but is, in fact, crucial for effective teaching and learning outcomes. Not so long ago, a screening during or at the completion of a lecture was the expected method by which educators delivered screen content to illustrate their teaching. Even if student attendance fluctuated from week to week a quick head count confirmed that a certain number of students were physically present. It was assumed that this physical attendance encouraged students to reflect upon and contextualize the material post lecture. While simply attending a lecture will not translate into actual student learning, it does demonstrate a willingness by students to engage with the course content by making a commitment to attend a scheduled and recurring lecture and screening program. However, as flipped classroom models gain acceptance in educational institutions, this traditional lecture-screening model is giving way to online, off-site, and student-controlled mechanisms for screen content delivery and viewing. Nevertheless, care should be taken when assessing how online delivery translates into student engagement and learning. As Junco (2012) points out, “it’s not the technology that generates learning, but the ways in which the technology are used.” Discussed, debated, and embraced to varying degrees by educators, there remains no definitive model for the flipped classroom – although many models involve ‘flipping’ content and knowledge acquisition (including viewing films and television shows) from scheduled on-campus classes to online material viewed by students in advance of an on-campus lecture or class. The classroom or tutorial room then becomes a space to problem-solve, engage in collaborate learning, and advance and explain concepts. From an institutional perspective, the flipped classroom model could deliver an additional benefit beyond immediate pedagogical concerns. Tucker (2012) suggests through the flipped classroom model “all aspects of instruction can be rethought to best maximize the scarcest learning resource — time.” The narrative most often associated with this shift is that the move to online content delivery of lecture and cinematic / televisual material may also provide educators with more time to do other work such as engage in research, plan strategies to empower students. Experimentation with the flipped classroom model is playing out in various educational institutions. Yet several core concerns remain — one of these concerns is the crucial question of whether an online/digital flipped approach is more effective for student engagement and learning than the traditional lecture-screening mode for screen content delivery. Some urge caution in this regard, arguing that “new technology isn’t always supported by change management and professional development to ensure that digital isn’t just a goal within itself, but actually helps to transform education” (Fleming cited in Blain 2014). The most fundamental concern remains how do lecturers, instructors, and tutors know students have watched the films and television shows associated with a subject? The remainder of this discussion deals with these concerns, and possible solutions offered, through an analysis of the Film, Television and Screen Genres subject at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in Brisbane, Queensland.

Thermal expansion of doped lanthanum gallates

Thermal expansion of several compositions of Sr and Mg-doped LaGaO3 including an A-site deficient composition (La0.9Sr0.1)(0.98)(Ga0.8Mg0.2)O-2.821 were measured in the temperature range from 298 to 1273 K. The effect of doping on thermal expansion was studied by varying the composition at one site of the perovskite structure (either A or B), while keeping the composition at the other site invariant. Thermal expansion varied nonlinearly with temperature and exhibited an inflexion between 550 and 620 K, probably related to the change in crystal structure from orthorhombic to rhombohedral. The dependence of average thermal expansion coefficient (alpha (av)) on the dopant concentration on either A or B site of the perovskite structure was found to be linear, when the composition at the other site was kept constant. Mg doping on the B-site had a greater effect on the average thermal expansion coefficient than Sr doping on the A-site. Cation deficiency at the A-site decreases thermal expansion when compositions at both sites are held constant.

Pulsed plasma treatment of polluted gas using wet/low temperature corona reactors

pplication of pulsed plasma for gas cleaning is gaining prominence in recent years mainly from the energy consideration point of view. Normally, gas treatment is carried out, at or above room temperature, by a conventional dry type corona reactor. However, this treatment is still inadequate in the removal of certain stable gases present in the exhaust/flue gas mixture. The authors report some interesting results of the treatment of such stable gases with pulsed plasma at very low ambient temperature. Also reported in the paper is an improvement in DeNO/DeNOx efficiency using unconventional wet-type reactors, designed and fabricated by the authors, operating at different ambient temperatures. Apart from laboratory tests on simulated gas mixtures, field tests were also carried out on the exhaust gas of a 8 kW diesel engine. Further, an attempt was made to test the feasibility of a helical wire as a corona electrode in place of the conventional straight wire electrode. A comparative analysis of the various tests is presented together with a note on the energy consideration

Non-Thermal Plasma Applications at Very Low Temperature

Application of non-thermal plasma for gas cleaning is gaining prominence in the recent years. Normally, the gas treatment was carried out at or above room temperature, by the dry type plasma reactor. However, this treatment is still inadequate in the removal of certain stable gases present in the flue gas mixture. We propose the non-thermal plasma process at very low temperature, and report here some interesting results of treatment of NO or N2O with pulsed plasma below — 100°C ambient temperature. Direct methanol synthesis from CH4 and CO2 at very low temperature is also reported. A comparative analysis of the various tests are presented together with a note on the energy consideration

Pulsed plasma treatment of polluted gas using wet/low temperature corona reactors

Application of pulsed plasma for gas cleaning is gaining prominence in recent years mainly from the energy consideration point of view. Normally, gas treatment is carried out, at or above room temperature, by a conventional dry type corona reactor. However, this treatment is still inadequate in the removal of certain stable gases present in the exhaust/flue gas mixture. The authors report some interesting results of the treatment of such stable gases with pulsed plasma at very low ambient temperature. Also reported in the paper is an improvement in DeNO/DeNOx efficiency using unconventional wet-type reactors, designed and fabricated by the authors, operating at different ambient temperatures. Apart from laboratory tests on simulated gas mixtures, field tests were also carried out on the exhaust gas of a 8 kW diesel engine. Further, an attempt was made to test the feasibility of a helical wire as a corona electrode in place of the conventional straight wire electrode. A comparative analysis of the various tests is presented together with a note on the energy consideration

Non-thermal plasma applications at Very Low Temperature

Application of non-thermal plasma for gas cleaning is gaining prominence in the recent years. Normally, the gas treatment was carried out at or above room temperature, by the dry type plasma reactor. However, this treatment is still inadequate in the removal of certain stable gases present in the flue gas mixture. We propose the non-thermal plasma process at very low temperature, and report here some interesting results of treatment of NO or N2O with pulsed plasma below — 100°C ambient temperature. Direct methanol synthesis from CH4 and CO2 at very low temperature is also reported. A comparative analysis of the various tests are presented together with a note on the energy consideration

Meso-scale transboundary units for the management of coral reefs in the South China Sea area

Local communities and local government units are recognized as the primary stakeholders and participants in the management of coral reef resources and the primary beneficiaries of small-scale fishing activities in the nearshore areas of the coastal zone. The issues relating to the management of the coastal zone are multi-faceted and some issues are largely intertwined with national policy and development goals. Thus, national governments have jurisdiction over these nearshore coastal resources to harmonize policies, monitor resource use and provide incentives for sustainable use. However, the natural boundaries of these reef resources, the processes that support reef ecosystems, and the local or national affiliation of the people who benefit from them may transcend the boundaries of the local and national management units. Therefore, efforts to arrest the decline in fish catch and loss of biodiversity for reefs require management interventions and assessment activities to be carried out at varying scales. In Southeast Asia, some aspects of reef and reef resources management — particularly in deciding the allocation of catch among competing fisheries, development of sustainable harvest strategies, use of broodstock for restocking or stock enhancement programs, protection of nursery and spawning areas, designation of systems of marine protected areas, and the identification of representative, adequate and comprehensive areas for biodiversity conservation in the region — may require the definition of larger management units. At the regional level, multi-country initiatives will need to define units for the transboundary management of resources. The use of large marine ecosystems (LMEs) to identify and manage fisheries resources may be a starting point; however, given the relatively sedentary nature of coral reef-dwelling and reef-associated organisms compared with other pelagic and demersal species, meso-scale transboundary units within the LMEs have to be defined. This paper provides suggestions for transboundary management units for coral reef and reef-associated resources in Southeast Asia based on information from genetic structures of model organisms in the region. In addition, specific reef areas are identified, which may be important beyond their national boundaries, as potential sources of recruits.

Production and quality assessment of fish pickles from mola (Amblypharyngodon mola) fish

Fish pickles (with olive and tamarind) were prepared from mola fish (Amblypharyngodon mola) and their nutritional and food quality were assessed. The quality of the pickle prepared with olive was excellent and the pickle prepared with tamarind was found good. Moisture content of the two pickle products were 43.85% (with tamarind) and 50.89% (with olive). The protein and lipid contents of tamarind added pickle were 19.13 and 35.64% respectively; pickle with olive contained less protein (13.16%) compared to tamarind added mola pickle. Lipid contents were almost same in both cases. Ash content of two pickles was also found similar (1.00%). The quality of mola pickles stored either in cool condition (4°C) with vinegar or at room temperature with Na-benzoate were found good for consumption up to 90 days of storage. All of the fish pickles preserved under different condition were found in acceptable condition up to 240 days storage and pickle with vinegar stored at 4°C was found good for consumption at the end of 240 days.

Comparison of effectiveness of different ashing auxiliaries for determination of phosphorus in natural waters, aquatic organisms and sediments by ignition method

An improved method for the determination of phosphorus in natural waters, aquatic organisms and sediments by ignition method is proposed. The recoveries of phosphorus (P) from selected inorganic and organic P-containing compound standards after ignition with different auxiliaries, such as MgSO4, Mg(NO3)(2), MgO2, Mg(Ac-2) and CaCl2, were compared. We found that the phosphorus from most compound standards could not be completely recovered when these compounds were ignited (450-500degreesC) with the MgSO4 as auxiliary and the baked residue was extracted with 0.2 mol l(-1) HCl for 30min at 80degreesC or at room temperature. P recoveries, for example, were poor, less than 85%, if pyrophosphate and metaphosphate were ignited with the addition Of MgSO4 prior to the extraction of the baked residue with 0.2 mol l(-1) HCl at 80degreesC for 30 min. In contrast, MgO2, Mg(Ac)(2) and CaCl2, as well as Mg(NO3)(2), could all yield complete P recoveries at routine ashing temperatures (450-500degreesC). The results demonstrate that MgC12 is a more effective auxiliary agent for the determination of phosphorus in natural waters, aquatic organisms and sediments by ignition method than MgSO4 which is commonly used. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Extraction of phosphorus in natural waters and sediments by ignition method

Phosphorus recoveries from selected inorganic and organic P-containing compounds after ignition with auxiliaries, such as MgSO4, Mg (NO3)(2), MgCl2, Mg (Ac)(2) and CaCl2 were studied. It was found that the phosphorus could not be completely recovered when most P-containing compounds were ignited with MgSO4 at temperature not higher than 500degreesC if the baked residue was extracted with 0.2 mol/L HCl for 30 min at 80degreesC or at room temperature. In contrast, MgCl2, Mg(Ac)(2) and CaCl2, as well as Mg(NO3)(2), could all yield complete P recoveries. We suggest that MgCl2 rather than MgSO4, which is usually used, should be utilized as ashing auxiliary agent in the P extraction by ignition method. Although Mg (NO3)(2) is a highly effective auxiliary agent, yet interference from MgSO4, danger of explosion, toxicity of nitrogen dioxide and more manipulation steps may limit its widespread utilization. It is suggested that if sediment is ignited with MgCl2, the extraction of residue with 0.2 mol/L HCl for 30 min at 80degreesC could give good result.

Understanding Iconography: a method to allow rich picture interpretation to improve.

Information Systems for complex situations often fail to adequately deliver quality and suitability. One reason for this failure is an inability to identify comprehensive user requirements. Seldom do all stakeholders, especially those "invisible‟ or "back room‟ system users, have a voice when systems are designed. If this is a global problem then it may impact on both the public and private sectors in terms of their ability to perform, produce and stay competitive. To improve upon this, system designers use rich pictures as a diagrammatic means of identifying differing world views with the aim of creating shared understanding of the organisation. Rich pictures have predominantly been used as freeform, unstructured tools with no commonly agreed syntax. This research has collated, analysed and documented a substantial collection of rich pictures into a single dataset. Attention has been focussed on three main research areas; how the rich picture is facilitated, how the rich picture is constructed and how to interpret the resultant pictures. This research highlights the importance of the rich picture tool and argues the value of adding levels of structure, in certain cases. It is shown that there are considerable benefits for both the interpreter and the creator by providing a pre-drawing session, a common key of symbols and a framework for icon understanding. In conclusion, it is suggested that there is some evidence that a framework which aims to support the process of the rich picture and aid interpretation is valuable.

AMERICAN WOMEN COMPOSERS: SELECTED PUBLISHED WORKS FOR FLUTE AND PIANO AND FOR UNACCOMPANIED FLUTE COMPOSED BETWEEN 1930 AND 2008

The music of women composers often comprises only a small percentage of flutists‘ repertoire, yet there are actually many active women composers, many of whom have written for the flute. The aim of this dissertation is to chronicle a selection of works by several American women composers that have contributed to accessible flute repertoire. For the purpose of this dissertation, accessibility is described by the following parameters: works that limit the use of extended techniques, works that are suitable for performers from high school through a reasonably advanced level, works that are likely to elicit emotionally musical communication from the performer to the listener, and works that are reasonably available through music stores or outlets on the Internet that have a fairly comprehensive reach to the general public. My subjective judgment also played a role in the final selection of the 25 works included as part of this dissertation, and performed on three musically well-balanced recitals. A variety of resources were consulted for the repertoire, including Boenke‘s Flute Music by Women Composers: An Annotated Catalog, and the catalogs of publishers such as Arsis Press and Hildegard Publishing, both of which specialize in the music of women composers. The works performed and discussed are the following: Adrienne Albert – Sunswept; Marion Bauer – Prelude and Fugue, Op. 43.; Marilyn Bliss – Lament; Ann Callaway – Updraft; Ruth Crawford – Diaphonic Suite; Emma Lou Diemer – Sonata; Vivian Fine – Emily’s Images; Cynthia Folio – Arca Sacra; Nancy Galbraith – Atacama; Lita Grier – Sonata; Jennifer Higdon – The Jeffrey Mode; Edie Hill – This Floating World; Katherine Hoover – Masks; Mary Howe – Interlude between Two Pieces; Laura Kaminsky – Duo; Libby Larsen – Aubade; Alex Shapiro – Shiny Kiss; Judith Shatin – Coursing Through the Still Green; Faye-Ellen Silverman – Taming the Furies; Augusta Read Thomas – Euterpe’s Caprice; Joan Tower – Valentine Trills; Ludmila Ulehla – Capriccio; Elizabeth Vercoe – Kleemation; Gwyneth Walker – Sonata; and Judith Lang Zaimont – ‘Bubble-Up’ Rag. All of these works are worthy alternatives to the more frequently played flute repertoire, and they serve as a good starting point for anyone interested i n exploring the works of women composers.

Efficient, halide free synthesis of new, low cost ionic liquids: 1,3-dialkylimidazolium salts containing methyl- and ethyl-sulfate anions

New low-cost ionic liquids containing methyl- and ethyl-sulfate anions can be easily and efficiently prepared under ambient conditions by the reaction of 1-alkylimidazoles with dimethyl sulfate and diethyl sulfate. The preparation and characterization of a series of 1,3-dialkylimidazolium alkyl sulfate and 1,2,3-trialkylimidazolium alkyl sulfate salts are reported. 1,3-Dialkylimidazolium salts containing at least one non-methyl N-alkyl substituent are liquids at, or below room, temperature. Three salts were crystalline at room temperature, the single crystal X-ray structure of 1,3-dimethylimidazolium methyl sulfate was determined and shows the formation of discrete ribbons comprising of two anion-cation hydrogen-bonded chains linked via intra-chain hydrogen-bonding, but little, or no inter-ribbon hydrogen-bonding. The salts are stable, water soluble, inherently 'chloride-free', display an electrochemical window of greater than 4 V, and can be used as alternatives to the corresponding halide salts in metathesis reactions to prepare other ionic liquids including 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate.

The effect of pantethine and ultraviolet-B radiation on the development of lenticular opacity in the emory mouse.

PURPOSE: Few studies have examined the impact of long-term treatments or exposures on the development of cataract in maturity-onset animal models. We studied the effect of treatment with D-pantethine and exposure to ultraviolet-B (UVB) radiation on the development of lenticular opacity in the Emory mouse. METHODS: A total of 164 Emory mice were randomized by litter at weaning to exposure to UVB light at 12 mJ/cm(2) for 6 hr/day (UV) or usual room light (A), and within litter, were further randomized to bi-weekly intra-peritoneal injections of 0.8 g/kg pantethine (T) or no treatment (C). Retro illumination lens photos were taken at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 months after weaning, and graded in masked fashion. The animals were sacrificed at 10 months and the lenses analyzed for total pantethine and total cysteamine. RESULTS: Lens pantethine and cysteamine levels were significantly (P < 0.001) higher for the T as compared to C litters. Mean cataract grade increased monotonically over time for all four groups. Unadjusted mean grade for the AT group at 8 (1.32) and 10 (1.86) months appeared lower than for the other groups (AC: 2.17, 2.39; UVC: 1.77, 2.40; UVT: 1.88, 2.37). However, the mean grade for the pantethine-treated litters did not differ significantly from the untreated litters except at 2 months (when untreated litters had significantly lower grades), when adjusting for UV treatment, gender and litter effect. No significant difference in cataract score existed between UV-exposed and ambient litters. Mortality was higher among pantethine-treated (hazard ratio = 1.8, p = 0.05) and UV-exposed animals (hazard ratio = 1.8, p = 0. 03) than among the untreated and unexposed litters. CONCLUSION: Significantly increased lens levels of pantethine are achieved with long-term intra-peritoneal dosing. The impact of pantethine on the progression of lenticular opacity in the Emory mouse is less than has been reported in other models. This level of chronic UVB exposure appeared to have no effect on the development of cataract in this model.