Body Composition Relative to Motor Aptitude for Preadolescent Boys

Abstract

The data for 40 variables were obtained from 81 Purdue University faculty sons between 10 and 12 years of age inclusive. Among the 40 variables, 680 correlation coefficients were obtained. Factor analysis was used to identify the factors which could explain the items measuring body composition and motor aptitude. As a result, eight factors were isolated and given names. The factors underlying the 40 variables seemed to permit the following names: growth and maturity factor, “body fitness” factor, body balance on object factor, coordination of the lower extremities factor, general kinesthetic sense factor, general static balance factor, directionality factor, and laterality factor. Observing the factor loadings in Factor I, it may be concluded that the measurement of lean body weight by liquid scintillation counting technique is significant in the assessment of growth and maturity in preadolescent boys. Furthermore, in the assessment of “body fitness” pertaining to preadolescent boys, it is revealed that the percent lean body weight is the most important item as indicated by the value of factor loading presented in Factor II.     

A flow and routing control policy for communication networks with multiple competitive users

This paper is concerned with deriving an optimal flow and routing control policy for two-node parallel link communication networks with multiple competing users. The model assumes that each user has a flow demand which needs to be optimally selected and routed on the network links. The flow and routing control policy for each user seeks to maximize the user's total throughput and minimize its expected delay. To derive such a policy, we consider a utility function for each user that combines these two objectives in an additive fashion with preference constants that can be adjusted to reflect the user's own preferences between maximizing throughput and minimizing delay. Additionally, we provide each user with the ability to make these preferences link-dependent to reflect the user's preferences for certain links over others in the network. A condition that depends on the link capacities and preference constants is derived to guarantee the existence and uniqueness of a non-symmetric flow and routing control policy solution which satisfies the Nash equilibrium of non-cooperative game theory. The Nash equilibrium is a desirable solution for such networks because it insures that no user can improve its utility by unilaterally deviating from its Nash control policy. We discuss in detail several interesting properties of this equilibrium and in particular, its relationship to the users’ preference constants. Two illustrative examples are also presented.     

Training efl/esl teachers for a peaceful Asia-Pacific region

In this experimental study which is based on qualitative and quantitative data collection from an experimental and a control group, it has been found that when some educational terms in English Language Teacher Training programs are strengthened in meaning through some adaptations to better convey the message, their effectiveness is increased. Therefore, it is suggested that foreign or second language teachers in the Asia-Pacific region should not teach the target language only for linguistic and communicative purposes but also to introduce characteristics of different cultures and to contribute to educating people who enjoy similarities, respect differences and value human rights.     

Amplification of SPPS150 and Salmonella typhi DNA with a high throughput oscillating flow polymerase chain reaction device

In this paper, a novel oscillating flow polymerase chain reaction (PCR) device was designed and fabricated to amplify SPPS150 and salmonella typhi. In this new design, the samples are shuttled (oscillating flow) inside a microfluidic chip to three different temperature zones required for DNA amplification. The amplification cycle time has markedly been reduced as the reagent volume used was only about 25% of that used in conventional PCRs. Bubble formation and adsorption issues commonly associated to chip based PCR were also eliminated. Based on the performance evaluated, it is demonstrated that this oscillating flow PCR has the advantages of both the stationary chamber and continuous flow PCR devices.     

Multidimensional model to assess the readiness of Saudi Arabia to implement evidence based child maltreatment prevention programs at a large scale

There has been increased awareness of child maltreatment in Saudi Arabia recently. This study assessed the readiness for implementing large-scale evidence-based child maltreatment prevention programs in Saudi Arabia. Key informants, who were key decision makers and senior managers in the field of child maltreatment, were invited to participate in the study. A multidimensional tool, developed by WHO and collaborators from several middle and low income countries, was used to assess 10 dimensions of readiness. A group of experts also gave an objective assessment of the 10 dimensions and key informants’ and experts’ scores were compared. On a scale of 100, the key informants gave a readiness score of 43% for Saudi Arabia to implement large-scale, evidence-based CM prevention programs, and experts gave an overall readiness score of 40%. Both the key informants and experts agreed that 4 of the dimensions (attitudes toward child maltreatment prevention, institutional links and resources, material resources, and human and technical resources) had low readiness scores (<5) each and three dimensions (knowledge of child maltreatment prevention, scientific data on child maltreatment prevention, and will to address child maltreatment problem) had high readiness scores (≥5) each. There was significant disagreement between key informants and experts on the remaining 3 dimensions. Overall, Saudi Arabia has a moderate/fair readiness to implement large-scale child maltreatment prevention programs. Capacity building; strengthening of material resources; and improving institutional links, collaborations, and attitudes toward the child maltreatment problem are required to improve the country's readiness to implement such programs.     

Rapid multi sample DNA amplification using rotary-linear polymerase chain reaction device (PCRDisc)

Multiple sample DNA amplification was done by using a novel rotary-linear motion polymerase chain reaction (PCR) device. A simple compact disc was used to create the stationary sample chambers which are individually temperature controlled. The PCR was performed by shuttling the samples to different temperature zones by using a combined rotary-linear movement of the disc. The device was successfully used to amplify up to 12 samples in less than 30 min with a sample volume of 5 μl. A simple spring loaded heater mechanism was introduced to enable good thermal contact between the samples and the heaters. Each of the heater temperatures are controlled by using a simple proportional–integral–derivative pulse width modulation control system. The results show a good improvement in the amplification rate and duration of the samples. The reagent volume used was reduced to nearly 25% of that used in conventional method.     

Peer Problems and Hyperactivity–Impulsivity Among Norwegian and American Children: The Role of 5‐HTTLPR

Peer problems are linked to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and the serotonin system is thought to be involved in ADHD‐related behavior. Hence, from a Gene × Environment perspective, the serotonin transporter 5‐HTTLPR may play a moderating role. In two large community samples, the moderating role of 5‐HTTLPR was examined related to more hyperactivity–impulsivity symptoms (HI symptoms) predicted by more peer problems. In Study 1, involving 642 Norwegian children, results indicated that for s‐allele carriers only, caregiver‐reported peer problems at age 4 predicted more parent‐reported HI symptoms at age 6. In Study 2, similar results emerged involving 482 American children. Discussion focuses on differential sensitivity to the adverse effects of poor peer relations.     

Effect of Short Study Abroad Course on Student Openness to Diversity

ABSTRACT: An important contributing factor to students' willingness to work with diverse people is their "openness" to diversity. The objective of this study was to test the effect of a short (3-wk) study abroad course to China on the openness to diversity/ challenge of the 23 students participating in the China study abroad course. Students were given the "openness to diversity" survey at the beginning of the course and at the end of the course. Statistical analysis concerning the change in openness to diversity between pre-test and post-test was conducted using the Mann-Whitney non-parametric test ( P ≤ 0.05). A significant increase ( P = 0.007) in openness to diversity was observed as a result of the short study abroad course. The overall average change in openness to diversity found for this study (0.07) was consistent with that reported for semester-long study abroad groups (0.074). Together these findings imply that short study abroad courses may have a significant effect on students' openness to diversity and may be as effective as longer study abroad programs. Overall, any study abroad course presents an opportunity to increase students' openness to diversity.     

THE EFFICACY OF A GREEN CHEMISTRY LABORATORY-BASED PEDAGOGY: CHANGES IN ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES OF MALAYSIA PRE-SERVICE TEACHERS

Every day, climate change due to greenhouse emissions, pollution and other environmental degradation appears to make the news. Rather than doing something about the environment, namely in the developing countries where populations frequently are less educated about the long-term impact of human actions, they tend to disregard these problems. There is therefore a need particularly in developing countries to increase the potential for understanding and acting in sustainable, environmentally friendly ways. In this paper, we report quantitative and qualitative results of shifts in environmental value orientations among 110 Malaysian pre-service chemistry teachers during their enrolment in a green chemistry course. We find that the pre-service teachers?? environmental value orientations become more ecocentric and less homocentric and egocentric. Ecocentrism and ecocentric values support the development of behaviours that will assist them and the students they teach in leading environmentally sustainable lifestyles. We conclude that our green chemistry course constitutes (a) a suitable context for supporting pre-service teachers in their development of ecocentric values and (b) an effort to educate the pre-service teachers in leading sustainable lifestyles.