Showing papers in "International Journal of Research in 2010"

Phytochemical and nutrient evaluation of Carica papaya (pawpaw) leaves.

Abstract: Three samples of Carica papaya leaves (Green, Yellow and Brown) were collected randomly from Ogbomoso town, Oyo state, Nigeria and analyzed for the phytochemical composition, vitamins and mineral constituents. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of bioactive compound saponins, cardiac glycoside alkaloids and absence of tannins in the three samples. Results showed that the plant leaves contained the vitamins, (mg/100g), thiamine (B1): green leaves 0.94, yellow leaves 0.41, brown leaves 0.52; riboflavin (B2): green leaves 0.13, yellow leaves 0.04, brown leaves 0.06; ascorbic acid (C): green leaves 16.29, yellow green 9.62, brown leaves 11.26. Mineral analysis showed highest values (mg/kg) of Ca, 8612.50; Mg, 67.75; Na, 1782.00; K, 2889.00; Mn,9.50 in the green leaves, and Fe, 147.50 in yellow leaves as compared to other elements examined. Thus green pawpaw leaf gave a source of essential nutrients while yellow pawpaw was a source of iron. Therefore pawpaw leaves can be manipulated in the herbal treatment of various diseases and as a potential source of useful elements for drugs formulation.

Physico-chemical analysis of surface and ground water of Bargarh District, Orissa, India.

Abstract: The piece of investigation was carried out to study the ground water as well as surface water quality, nutrient status and physico-chemical characteristic of Bargarh district of Orissa, India. The study area is situated between 21 o 36 ’’ E longitude and 176.362 mts above sea level and 59km to west of Sambalpur district. The present work has been conducted by monitoring two types of ground water i.e. dug well water and bore well water of 10 wards of the town as well as 3 types of ponds, viz. temple pond, small community pond & large community pond of the town. Attempts were made to study and analyze the physico-chemical characteristics of the water. Various parameters like Temperature, pH, Total suspended solids, and Total dissolved solids, Alkalinity, Dissolved oxygen, Chemical Oxygen Demand, Nitrate, Chloride, Sodium, Potassium, Phosphate, Fluoride, Total Coli forms(Pond water) etc. give a picture of quality parameter in both dug well and bore well water as well as pond water of the town. By observing the result it can be concluded that the parameters which were taken for study the water quality are below the pollution level for ground water which satisfy the requirement for the use of various purposes like domestic, agricultural, industrial etc. But incase of surface water, the water quality of small community pond are above the permissible limit.

Artificial immune systems - models, algorithms and applications

Abstract: Artificial Immune Systems (AIS) are computational paradigms that belong to the computational intelligence family and are inspired by the biological immune system. During the past decade, they have attracted a lot of interest from researchers aiming to develop immune-based models and techniques to solve complex computational or engineering problems. This work presents a survey of existing AIS models and algorithms with a focus on the last five years.

Adsorption of metals onto tea factory waste: a review.

Abstract: Industrial waste constitutes the major source of various kinds of metal pollution in natural water. There are at least 20 metals which cannot be degraded or destroyed. The important toxic metals are Cd, Zn, Pb, Cr, Cu, and Ni. There are numerous methods currently employed to remove and recover the metals from our environment and many physico-chemical methods have been proposed for their removal from wastewater. Adsorption is one of the alternatives for such cases and is an effective purification and separa0tion technique used in industry especially in water and wastewater treatments. Cost is an important parameter for comparing the adsorbent materials. Therefore, there is increasing research interest in using alternative low-cost adsorbents. In recent years, tea factory waste (TFW) is also gaining grounds due to its potential to overcome heavy metal pollutants. Insoluble cell walls of tea leaves are largely made up of cellulose and hemicelluloses, lignin, condensed tannins and structural proteins. In present paper a review on potential of TFW as an adsorbent for the removal of toxic metals were discussed. Characterization of various type of TFW, equilibrium studies, kinetic studies, thermodynamic studies and batch studies for the removal of toxic metals by adsorption were presented.

Physical activity at daycare: issues, challenges and perspectives

Abstract: This study sought to examine London, Ontario‐based childcare providers’ perspectives of the barriers and facilitators to physical activity participation among preschoolers (ie children aged 25–5 years) attending daycare A heterogeneous sample of childcare providers (n = 54; response rate 47%) working at public daycare facilities in London, Ontario participated Using a qualitative methodology, eight semi‐structured focus groups were conducted between February and March 2009 Focus groups were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim Inductive content analysis was used to code and categorize emerging themes When asked to describe the barriers to engaging preschoolers in physical activity while at daycare, participants discussed inadequate equipment, insufficient space, daycare requirements and safety concerns, and weather When asked to describe the facilitators, participants cited resources, music and the childcare providers themselves This study’s findings provide contextual and descriptive informa

Artificial ground water recharge with a special reference to india

Abstract: Artificial groundwater recharge is a process by which the groundwater reservoir is augmented at a rate exceeding the augmentation rate under natural conditions of replenishment. In some parts of India, due to over-exploitation of groundwater, decline in groundwater levels resulting in shortage of supply of water, and intrusion of saline water in coastal areas have been observed. In such areas, there is need for artificial recharge of groundwater by augmenting the natural infiltration of precipitation or surface-water into underground formations by methods such as water spreading, recharge through pits, shafts, wells et cetera The choice of a particular method is governed by local topographical, geological and soil conditions; the quantity and quality of water available for recharge; and the technological-economical viability and social acceptability of such schemes. This paper discusses various issues involved in the artificial recharge of groundwater.

Rice bran oil biodiesel as an additive in diesel- ethanol blends for diesel engines

Abstract: A number of studies currently focus on the renewable fuels to reduce the reliance on petroleum fuels. Biofuels such as biodiesel and bioethanol have been studied and tested in many countries including India. One of the methods to reduce the use of fossil fuel is blending ethanol with fossil diesel. However, an emulsifier or a co-solvent is needed to homogenize the diesel-ethanol blends. The rice bran oil biodiesel offers an alternative application as an emulsifier for diesel and ethanol blends. The present research is aimed to investigate experimentally the performance and exhaust emission characteristics of a direct injection (DI) diesel engine when fuelled with conventional diesel fuel, rice bran oil biodiesel, a blend of diesel and rice bran oil biodiesel and three blends of diesel-biodiesel-ethanol over the entire range of load on the engine. The experimental results showed that the highest brake thermal efficiency was observed with 15% ethanol in diesel-biodiesel-ethanol blends. The exhaust gas temperature and the sound intensity from the engine reduced with the increase of ethanol percentage in diesel-biodiesel-ethanol blends. The Carbon monoxide and smoke emissions reduced significantly with higher percentage of ethanol in diesel-biodiesel-ethanol blends. The unused oxygen with 5% ethanol in diesel-biodiesel-ethanol blend was lower than that of diesel fuel. The Hydrocarbons, Oxides of nitrogen and carbon dioxide emissions increased with the increase of ethanol percentage in diesel-biodiesel-ethanol blends but the hydrocarbon emissions were still lower than that of diesel fuel. As the brake thermal efficiency increased and carbon monoxide, sound, hydrocarbons and smoke were lower than that of diesel fuel with the diesel-biodiesel-ethanol blends, the rice bran oil biodiesel can be used as an additive to mix higher percentages of ethanol in diesel-ethanol blends to improve the performance and reduce the emissions of a diesel engine.

Teasing, body dissatisfaction, and disordered eating: A meta-analysis

Abstract: A meta-analysis was conducted to determine the relationship between appearance and weight-based teasing and three outcome measures: body dissatisfaction, restrictive eating, and bulimic behaviors. Four meta-analyses were conducted. Fifty effect sizes (N=10,618) resulted in a moderate effect size of .39 for the relationship between weight teasing and body dissatisfaction; 24 effect sizes (N=7190) resulted in an effect size of .32 for the relationship between appearance teasing and body dissatisfaction; 20 effect sizes (N=4792) resulted in an effect size of .35 for the relationship between weight teasing and dietary restraint; and 22 effect sizes (N=5091) resulted in an effect size of .36 for the relationship between weight teasing and bulimic behaviors. Significant moderators that emerged were teasing measure type, publication type, study type, age group, and gender. The findings offer further support for the inclusion of strategies in body image and eating disorders' prevention and intervention programs that focus on handling negative, appearance-related commentary.

Parental strategies to scaffold emergent writing skills in the pre‐school child within the home environment

Abstract: Joint writing activities between parent and child can enhance literacy skills in young children. This paper describes the strategies used by a mother to scaffold her daughter’s alphabet letter shaping, word and story writing in the years before formal schooling. The strategies included identifying alphabet letters embedded in environmental print and books, tracing letter shapes with fingers whilst using directional language, and using whole‐arm movements to form letter shapes in the air. Writing samples and examples of parent–child interactions were collected at three to four years of age and are described within the framework of Gentry’s writing stages. The joint writing techniques and activities illustrated in this case study emphasise the use of letter names and letter shapes and may provide effective strategies for parents and early childhood educators to scaffold emergent writing development in young children.

Finnish ECEC policy: interpretations, implementations and implications

Abstract: This article examines the complex development and contradictory current state of affairs of early childhood education and care (ECEC) in Finland. Rather than presenting a harmonious picture of the Finnish ECEC system, the authors have chosen to look at the problematic way in which national policies concerning ECEC have been interpreted and implemented. The road from legislation and national regulations (e.g. the National Curriculum Guidelines) on ECEC in Finland to implementation has been a convoluted one and the implementations may vary remarkably according to how the documents have been interpreted. Several results of this can be seen as less than favourable. For example, due to attempts to enlarge the scope of Finnish ECEC, its primary task – promoting the well‐being, development and learning of the child – has gradually been obscured. In addition, a number of ‘external’ factors such as rivalry between professional groups have influenced the shaping of the ECEC field more than one would like to admit. ...

Scaffolding Strategies Applied by Student Teachers to Teach Mathematics

Abstract: Scaffolding is a teaching strategy that provides individualized support based on the learner’s Zone of the Proximal Development (Chang, Sung & Chen, 2002). In scaffolding instruction, another, more knowledgeable individual, provides scaffolds or supports to facilitate the learner’s development. Roehler & Cantlon (1997) identified five different strategies in instructional scaffolding: the modeling of desired behaviors, the offering of explanations, inviting students to participate, verifying and clarifying student understandings, and inviting students to contribute clues. In this research, the aim has been to analyze student teachers’ scaffolding strategies as they have been applied to the teaching of mathematics. The research was conducted with thirteen student teachers in their fourth year of study in Bachelor of Education (Classroom Teacher) Programs. Nine student teachers worked with two fifth grader learners, while the other four worked with three. In order to determine the participant students, a geometry test relating to the first unit of the fifth grade mathematics curriculum was administered. The student teachers worked on a one-to-one basis with students who were having difficulty in geometry and this scaffolding process was recorded. According to the results; inviting student participation was found to be the most commonly used scaffolding strategy. The least common were inviting students to contribute clues and the modeling of desired behaviors. While the majority of student teachers had similar tendencies, certain others had different inclinations. However, the reasons for their preferences in using these scaffolding strategies were not clear.

Maximum power point genetic identification function for photovoltaic system

Abstract: This paper proposes the identification of maximum power point (MPP) function for photovoltaic (PV) module using the genetic algorithm (GA). Then deduction of the required function to generate the reference values to drive the tracking system in the PV system at MPP is done with the aid of Artificial Neural Network (ANN). This function deals with the more probable situations for variable values of temperature and irradiance to get the corresponding voltage and current at maximum power. The mathematical PV module modeling depends on Schott ASE-300-DGF PV panel with the aid of MATLAB environment. The aim of this paper is to pick peaks of the power curves (maximum points). The simulation results at MPP are well depicted in 3-D figures to be used as training or learning data for the ANN model.

The Effect of Worksheets Developed for the Subject of Chemical Compounds on Student Achievement and Permanent Learning

Abstract: In this study, the effect of worksheets developed for chemical compounds included in General Chemistry class of Science education undergraduate programme in accordance with the constructivist learning theory on academic achievement and permanency was investigated. The subjects of the study were 80 first grade teacher candidates attending 19 Mayis University, Education Faculty, Science and Technology Education Department. While the subject was taught to the students in the first group by the use of traditional instruction method, it was taught to the students in the second group by the use of worksheets. To obtain data, an achievement test consisting of 50 multiple-choice questions with a Cronbach-alpha value of 0.921 was applied as pre-test before the study, post-test at the end of the study and permanency test 5 weeks later after the study. Data were analyzed by the use of t-test in SPSS 15.0 package program. Study results revealed that experimental group students to whom subject was taught by the use of worksheets were more successful than the group students to whom subject was taught with traditional instruction method (t=23.230; p< .05) In the light of this data it was concluded that the use of worksheets as supplementary materials affect permanency positively (t=27.505; p < .05).

An Investigation of Peer-Teaching Technique in Student Teacher Development

Abstract: Pre-service TEFL programs are designed to prepare candidate teachers of English language for their future careers. To this end they provide students with a wide variety of techniques and strategies for enabling them to acculturate into their profession. An effective way of creating a professional learning community is to use a process of peer-teaching. The present study attempts to examine the impact of peer-teaching application on pre-service EFL teachers' understandings of methodology course content and its effect on their learning and teaching experiences. The main goals of this study are to find out how teacher candidates view peer-teaching and how they think their understanding of course content is affected when peer-teaching technique is implemented. The study cohorts 38 pre-service teachers enrolled in a 14 week methodology course at a large, public university in Istanbul. Data were collected qualitatively via observations, interviews, peer-evaluation papers and self-analysis reports. All interview transcripts and written samples were inductively analyzed. Findings suggest that peer-teaching exercise is found valuable by teacher candidates in that it helps them to increase learning and to be reflective and at the same time provides the students the opportunity of self-reflection which later might lead to development of their teaching and evaluation skills.

Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors among Adult Australian-Lebanese in Melbourne

Abstract: This descriptive exploratory study reports on the prevalence of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) risk factors among adult Australian-Lebanese migrants living in Melbourne. This study fills a gap in extant research regarding CVD risk factors within this ethnic community in Melbourne. Problem statement: Australia’s multicultural society consists of more than 200 ethnic groups and nearly a quarter of the Australian population are born overseas. Thus, the health status of immigrants significantly affects the national health profile. Whilst the prevalence of CVD risk factors has been researched in several ethnic communities in Melbourne, it has never been studied among the Australian-Lebanese migrants living in Melbourne. Approach: A convenience sample of 200 adult Australian-Lebanese men (88) and women (112) residing permanently in Melbourne completed a structured questionnaire based on the 1989 National Heart Foundation Risk Factor Prevalence Study (NHFRFPS, 1990). Physical measurements of height, weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), waist and hip circumferences, blood pressure and reported cholesterol levels were also obtained. Results: Subjects were aged between 20-69 years and manifested many risk factors for CVD. Lack of physical activity and increased weight were prevalent across all age groups. Hypertension increased with age and smoking was more prevalent among the Australian-Lebanese when compared with the general Australian population. Multivariate forward logistic regression analysis found that the strongest predictors of CVD risk factors were age, gender, level of education and length of residence in Australia. The most vulnerable were older men with a lower level of education who had resided in Australia for more than 10 years. Conclusion: The CVD risk factors among the Australian-Lebanese included overweight and obesity, lack of physical activity and high levels of smoking. The findings warrant further research among other Arabic speaking groups who have similar social and cultural practices. The findings demonstrate the need for culturally tailored health promotion programs aimed at reducing CVD risk behaviors among this ethnic group.

Fluid Flow Interactions in Ogun River, Nigeria

Abstract: Surface and groundwater interaction is an important aspect of the hydrologic cycle that borders on the watershed assessment, protection and restoration. In groundwater/surface water interactions, the groundwater component is much greater than the surface water but is much less visible and attracts less public interest. The mixing between surface and groundwater enables them to import their characteristics upon one another thereby counting a change in their parameters. Groundwater interacts with surface water in nearly all landscapes, ranging from small streams to major river valleys. Many scientists have studied the physical aspects of groundwater/surface water interactions, but it is in recent times that these interactions have been looked upon in relation to their ecological implications. With the coming of a more holistic approach to environmental flows and environmental protection, surface water/groundwater (SW/GW) interactions should receive heightened attention at multidisciplinary scale and more so, by policy makers and watershed managers. It is generally understood in conceptual form that surface water therefore has the ability to enhance or detract from groundwater quality and vice versa, yet little is known about the processes by which these two entities interact (Gardener, 1988). In the past, emphasis has been placed on studying the physical and chemical effects that groundwater has on surface water but it is also important to look at the ecological role surface water and groundwater interactions can play in maintenance of environmental flows in a river basin. In area where surface water and groundwater directly interacts, the important issue commonly raised in recent times are not only concern with water quality but related with ecology and biodiversity. Therefore, there is a need for thorough understanding of the surface water and groundwater interactions within catchments so as to enhance the sustainable development and management of water resources system. The analytical technique discussed in this paper is an aid to assess the relationship of surface and subsurface hydrology to enlighten a broad audience on the importance of this relationship to environmental flow regulations. The target goals of this paper includes making a case for environmental flows in planning for water allocation and to gain the attention and create awareness that will support future research in environmental flow assessments.

Indoor air quality issues for non-industrial work place.

Abstract: Indoor air quality (IAQ) issues are not new in Malaysia. However, lack of study, data and local regulation become one of the major contributions towards this problem especially with the non-industrial sector. This study are focusing on the application of related legal requirement, identify source of problem contribute to the IAQ, occupational exposure and control measure required to mitigate the issue in future. It have been perform specifically at the office area facilitate with centralized air conditioning system. A total of 125 samples were performed against the floor area (5000m²) and specific activities perform within the building. It has been divided into two stages which are based on quantitative and qualitative approach. Walk through survey were conducted and the area sampling were selected for data collection. It shows that 77 % of the IAQ issue comes from inadequate ventilation supply into the building against number of air change rate per occupant range 20 cfm per person. These findings also lead to the identification of high carbon dioxide at the area sampled; microorganism, Total Volatile Organic Compound (TVOC) and relative humidity levels exceed the allowable limit. Carbon dioxide, detected with mod reading at 1300ppm against the ceiling limit of 1000ppm by Code of Practice on IAQ (CoP-IAQ). This situation can be related to 80% of bacterial and fungal count perform exceed the 500 cfu/m³ limit by World Health Organization (WHO). Issue of uncontrolled renovation and lack of awareness among occupant are main contribution toward the IAQ problem as well. TVOC for 8TWA exceed the stipulate value of 3ppm. The CoP-IAQ only covered five common chemical in the indoor setting. However, the study have shown other parameters like microorganism, ventilation rate or physical parameter like temperature and humidity also play a major role as an indoor contaminant agent. This study are believe to help the researcher, occupational practitioner and management to use as baseline toward the management and control of the Indoor Air Quality in indoor settings in terms of pollutant and control measures to minimized the exposure among the occupant.

Re-capturing the sea: the past and future of 'island archaeology' in Greece

Abstract: Research into past and present islands and coastal communities in Greece has long remained steeped in biogeographical concepts. An overview of relevant surface survey publications highlights their focus on landscape investigations, such as settlement patterns, mortuary landscapes, land use, soil analysis, botanical reconstructions and terracing. If mentioned, the sea occurs in the context of sea level changes or trade contacts. The new comprehensive agenda for an inclusive ‘island archaeology’ put forward by Broodbank (2000) and Rainbird (2007) has not yet been implemented. With the theoretical agenda clearly formulated, it is hoped that the potential of such a new, more outward-reaching survey design will soon be realised.

Freshman and Senior Pre-service Mathematics Teachers’ Attitudes Toward Teaching Profession

Abstract: The aim of this study is to compare the attitudes of freshman and senior pre-service teachers pursuing an undergraduate degree in an elementary mathematics education program toward teaching profession and to reveal the kind of relationship that exists between these attitudes. Case study method was used in the study. As a data collecting tool, A 5-point likert type questionnaire was used. The data of the study were obtained by conducting this questionnaire to total 212 pre-service teachers (141 freshmen, 71 seniors) studying at Karadeniz Technical University, Fatih Faculty of Education during 2008-2009 school year. After the answers of the pre-service teachers to questionnaire form were scored, the obtained data were analyzed using independent samples t-test and one-way ANOVA. As a result of the study, it was concluded that the attitudes of freshmen and senior pre-service teachers toward teaching profession showed statistically significant difference in terms of several variables favoring senior pre-service teachers. Based on the results of the study, several recommendations were made.

Case Study on Interdisciplinary Teaching Approach Supported by Project Based Learning

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate an application of interdisciplinary teaching approach. It was a case study that supported by combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. Thirty-four 10th grade students who were attending a private school in Ankara were asked to develop projects in the line of interdisciplinary approach. To detect the effectiveness of this approach, a logical thinking skills test (GALT) was administered as pre-post test single-group experimental design fashion. To learn about students’, teachers’, and parents’ ideas about the application, two interviews (before and after the application) were conducted. In addition, a questionnaire about interdisciplinary teaching approach was administered to all teachers at the school (N=36). The results obtained from pre-post test scores of students revealed that there was a significant difference in favour of the application. The interview data showed that teachers, students and parents had positive thoughts about the process. All of them agreed that interdisciplinary projects contributed to development of the ability of making connections between previously learned concepts, transferring what has been learned, and using the computer effectively as well as development of problem-solving, logical thinking, and communication skills.

A data warehouse solution for e-government

Abstract: The eGovMon Data Warehouse (eGovMon DW) is built as a data repository for eGovernment services benchmarking results. We propose a DW architecture with open source business intelligence technologies for eGovernment. This DW architecture uses PostgreSQL as the DBMS, eGovernment operational system as the data source, and a right-time ETL tool to populate the data. Through this proposal, we give the potential research interests and issues for our future work. Keywords: eGovMon, Data Warehouse, ETL, DW architecture 1. INTRODUCTION The term of Business Intelligence (BI) is defined as the technologies, applications and practices that collect, integrate, analyze and present large amounts of data from data warehouse and extract useful knowledge from it [4]. The objective of using BI is to improve the timeliness and quality of the input to the decision process. For example, the world's largest retailer - Wal-Mart use their business intelligence system to attain the products in stock, predict retail marketing trends and make marketing decisions. A Data Warehouse (DW), the information source and basic of business intelligence, is defined as "a subject-oriented, non-volatile, time-variant repository" [2]. It provides a single platform for an enterprise to make a plan and decision on the data analysis of integrated history data. The technologies of business intelligence encompass a series of tools, architectures, information services and communication infrastructures that are useful for the data integration and analysis from heterogeneous data sources. Much often the business intelligence is characterized by the widely use of business intelligence tools. In the commercial world, business intelligence tools and technologies have come to their maturity after years' development. Many BI vendors not only give their own business intelligence tools but provide their business intelligence solutions as well, such as IBM, SAP, Business Objects, Cognos etc. However, in contrast with the commercial world, the use of business intelligence tools is still not very common in open source area, and not to mention complete business intelligence solutions. Although an increasing number of open source tools have been developed in recent years, most of them are still used in stand-alone in software development, other than in a full BI solution. This might be due to the reasons that, unlike the commercial tools having the full features required by the business intelligence and providing good technical support, many open source tools cannot be put into use immediately, instead, they might need to be intimately tailored and customized to the distinctive needs and requirements of the business. The main reason, however, is that open source business intelligence is still at the beginning phase of its development so that it still need several years to grow into maturity. Nevertheless, the benefit of open source business intelligence is obvious, such as its low-cost, manageable size, flexibility and reducing the dependence on software vendors, which make it to be a valuable alternative to the traditional business intelligence solutions. The investigation in section 2.1 evidences the open source tools are in bloom over the past few years. We can expect that in the next few years this trend will continue and will concentrate more research interests and efforts in this area [3]. In this paper, an open source business intelligence solution is proposed for the data warehouse of eGovMon project [1]. The construction of this data warehouse is to store the benchmarking eGovernment services results in four observatories:

Simulation of flow through a pump sump and its validation.

Abstract: The efficiency and performance of pumping stations involving multiple pumping units depends not only on the efficiency of the pumping units but also on the proper design of the Intake sump. The proper design of pump intake is not an easy task because of the various site-specific geometrical and hydraulic constraints. The time and cost involved in sump model studies for design and optimization of sump geometry can be reduced to a large extent through CFD studies. However, writing a separate code for each new product is not feasible. Hence this work is aimed at determining the feasibility of commercial CFD software as a design optimization tool for pump sumps. In the present study commercially available software ANSYS CFX has been used for CFD analysis of flow conditions in a pump sump and the results obtained are found to be in good agreement with the experimentally observed flow patterns.

What are the Pre-service Chemistry Teachers’ Explanations on Chemistry Topics?

Abstract: Many students at all levels have difficulties in understanding chemistry. Students’ constructions of a chemical concept sometimes differ from scientific explanations since they construct their own concepts. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to find out the pre-service chemistry teachers’ explanations regarding chemistry topics which are matter and particles, gases, solutions, vapor pressure and boiling point, chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, and electrochemistry. One-to-one semi-structured interviews were administered to a sample of six participants enrolled in the Department of Secondary Science and Mathematics Education at a university in Ankara. During the interviews, participants were questioned to determine their conceptual understanding aforementioned chemistry topics. Coding was made and five main (correct explanation, partially correct explanation, incorrect explanation without misconceptions, incorrect explanation with misconceptions, and no answer) categories were formed to analyze the data. Analysis of the transcribed interviews showed that the majority of the participants explained their ideas as incorrect and hold some misconceptions on aforementioned topics. In order to overcome these misconceptions it is crucial to diagnose and alternative views of them should be discussed in the class via implementing different teaching strategies and methods such as conceptual change, argumentation, and problem based learning.

Permanent magnet synchronous motor drive system for mechatronics applications

Abstract: In this paper, a field oriented controlled PM motor drive system is described and analyzed due to its importance in many applications especially in mechatronics applications. Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM) are widely applied in industrial and robotic applications due to their high efficiency, low inertia and high torque – to – volume ratio. A closed loop control system with a PI controller in the speed loop has been designed to operate in constant torque angle and flux weakening regions. A comparative study of hysteresis and PWM control schemes associated with current controllers has been made. Then, the simulation of a field oriented controlled PM motor drive system is developed using Simulink. The simulation circuits for PM synchronous motor, inverter, speed and current controllers include all realistic components of the drive system. Simulation results for both hysteresis and PWM control schemes associated with current controllers are given for two speeds of operation, one below rated and another above rated speed.

Democratic Attitudes of Social Studies Pre-service Teachers

Abstract: In modern world, it is expected from citizens to access and use information, think critically, respect to human rights and have democratic attitude. In this context, education has an important role. Education promotes democracy in two ways: At first, it enables a culture of democracy and second it leads to a greater prosperity. Individuals learn democratic attitudes and behaviors in their home environment and in schools. In educational systems which are democratic, democracy culture will develop. Because of this, the main aim of this study is to determine the democratic attitudes of social studies student teachers. This research was carried out with survey method. The attitude scale was used to fix democratic attitudes of social studies student teachers. The research group consisted of two hundred social studies student teachers who attended in four public universities in Turkey. The qualitative data of this study was collected through standardized open-ended interview questions. In the results of the study; according to gender, mothers’ educational background and fathers’ educational background, there was a meaningful difference between democratic attitude levels of social studies student teachers. Besides, the democratic attitude level of mothers and fathers having graduated from high schools was higher than the democratic attitude level of mothers and fathers having graduated from primary school. On the other hand, there wasn’t a meaningful difference between any universities according to university variable.

Examination of Pre-School Teachers’ Beliefs About Science Education

Abstract: The aim of this study is to find out preschool teachers’ beliefs about preschool children’s ability to learn science concepts and subjects and in connection with their beliefs examine their perception of self-efficacy in science teaching. Sampling of the study is composed of 100 teachers who are working in preschool institutions. Beliefs about Reformed Science Teaching and Learning (BARSTL) which is developed by Sampson and Benton and adapted into Turkish by Buyuktaskapu is used as data collection device. This scale is prepared to identify teachers’ beliefs about science teaching and education. It consists of 32 questions that reflect both current science education philosophy in early childhood period and traditional science education philosophy. In addition to that The Science Teaching Efficacy Belief Inventory (STEBI) developed by Riggs and Enochs in 1990 and adapted into Turkish by Bikmaz in 2002 is used as data collection device too. Gathered data was analyzed with frequency, percentage, arithmetic mean, standard deviation and Pearson correlation coefficient importance test. According to study results it is seen that preschool teachers’ beliefs about their self efficacy in science education is average and they still adopt traditional methods instead of constructivist methods in science teaching. Teachers with high self efficacy in science teaching prefer to use traditional methods in science teaching. This result indicates that in preschool science teaching children are transferred shallow information in many subjects. On the other hand the aim of science education should be in fewer subjects children could learn in detail so children can develop their science skills and construct their own information themselves.

Language Proficiency Level of English Language Teacher Trainees in Turkey

Abstract: The conduct of this study was motivated by the relative dearth of research in Turkey to investigate the language proficiency of foreign language teacher trainees. To obtain student views about the issue, data were collected through a questionnaire administered to 36 teacher trainees from the 2nd, 3rd and 4th year students each in an English language teacher training program in Turkey. Besides, 36 volunteering teacher trainees from the 1st and 3rd year students each were given the same State Staff Foreign Language Proficiency Exam (KPDS) to shed light on the questionnaire results. The findings point to the participants’ complaint and problem of English decreasing in proficiency level throughout their teacher training process and their attribution of this problem mainly to the curriculum and teaching practices, which should lead every stakeholder, but firstly teacher trainers, to reconsider foreign language teacher education in Turkey.

An outbreak of chikungunya epidemic in south india- karnataka

Abstract: Reports of large-scale outbreaks of fever caused by CHIKV virus infection in several parts of the country especially in Southern India have confirmed the re-emergence of this virus. In 2006, Southern India states Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala together contributed more than 70% of the total country’s incidence out which Karnataka state alone contributed nearly 55% of incidence. In 2008, Karnataka and Kerala together contributed more than 95% of the total suspected cases and in 2009 also 41,649 suspected CHIKV cases have been reported and 3,239 cases were confirmed for Karnataka. There is no specific treatment (therapies) or vaccines are available for CHIKV. But the Homoeopathic system of medicine claims to have medicines as well as preventive measures against this disease.

Hybridizing GMDH and least squares SVM support vector machine for forecasting tourism demand.

Abstract: In this paper, we proposed a novel hybrid group method of data handling least squares support vector machine (GLSSVM) algorithm, which combines the theory a group method of data handling (GMDH) with the least squares support vector machine (LSSVM). With the GMDH is used to determine the inputs of LSSVM method and the LSSVM model which works as time series forecasting. The aim of this study is to examine the feasibility of the hybrid model in tourism demand forecasting by comparing it with GMDH and LSSVM model. The tourist arrivals to Johor Malaysia during 1970 to 2008 were employed as the data set. The comparison of modeling results demonstrate that the hybrid model outperforms than two other nonlinear approaches GMDH and LSSVM models.

The Giantess as a Metaphor for Shetland's Cultural History

Abstract: This paper examines the giantess figure in the traditions of Shetland. Debate continues in Shetland about the extent to which the cultural heritage of the archipelago can be described as Norse or Scottish. There is widespread popular belief in the existence of an extensive Norse cultural inheritance, a view that is not always borne out by scholarship. However, this study of the traditions surrounding the giantess, known by various reflexes of the Old Norse word g!gr, will show that in the field of intangible cultural heritage, the Norse cultural component is strong. Indeed, if the giantess can be seen as a synecdoche for cultural tradition in general, Shetland’s traditions are primarily Norse, but with a Scottish admixture.