2957 research outputs found
Sort by
Comparing the Perspectives of Teaching Assistants and School Counselling Centres on the Individualisation of Teaching for Pupils Diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
No full textPříspěvek popisuje kvalitativní výzkumnou sondu týkající se individualizace výuky z pohledu asi-stentů pedagoga v porovnání s doporučením školských poradenských zařízení u žáků s diagnózou poruchy pozornosti a hyperaktivity (ADHD). Cílem výzkumu bylo popsat metody individualizace, případně shody a rozdíly mezi doporučeními z školských poradenských zařízení a reálně aplikovanými metodami individualizace z pohledu asistentů pedagoga (tak jak ji popisují v zápiscích v třídních knihách). Z výzkumného šetření, uskutečněného metodou tematické analýzy, vyplývá, že jak asistenti pedagoga, tak školní poradenská zařízení kladou důraz na metody pro udržení pozornosti žáka při samostatné práci. Oproti tomu doporučení školských pedagogických zařízení se často zaměřovala na navýšení časové dotace, zvýšenou zpětnou vazbu a práci s pomůckami, kdy však tyto oblasti z pohledu asistentů pedagoga nebyly příliš využívány.The paper describes a qualitative research probe concerning the individualization of teaching from the perspective of teaching assistants in comparison with the recommendations of school counselling centres for pupils with a diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The aim of the research was to describe the methods of individualization, and the possible correspondences and differences between the recommendations of school counselling centres and the actually applied methods of individualization from the perspective of teaching assistants (as they describe it in their class register notes). The research investigation, carried out using the thematic analysis method, shows that both teaching assistants and school counselling centres emphasise methods for maintaining pupils' attention when working independently. In contrast, the recommendations of the school counselling centres often focused on increased time allocation, increased feedback and working with materials, but these areas were not much used from the point of view of the teaching assistants.Published Versio
Selenium Status of Southern Africa
Full text linkSelenium is an essential trace element that exists in inorganic forms (selenite and selenates) and organic forms (selenoamino acids, seleno peptides, and selenoproteins). Selenium is known to aid in the function of the immune system for populations where human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is endemic, as studies suggest that a lack of selenium is associated with a higher risk of mortality among those with HIV. In a recent study conducted in Zambia, adults had a median plasma selenium concentration of 0.27 μmol/L (IQR 0.14-0.43). Concentrations consistent with deficiency (<0.63 μmol/L) were found in 83% of adults. With these results, it can be clearly seen that selenium levels in Southern Africa should be investigated to ensure the good health of both livestock and humans. The recommended selenium dietary requirement of most domesticated livestock is 0.3 mg Se/kg, and in humans above 19 years, anRDA (recommended daily allowance) of 55 mcg Se/per dayisis recommended, but most of the research findings of Southern African countries have recorded low levels. With research findings showing alarming low levels of selenium in soils, humans, and raw feed materials in Southern Africa, further research will be vital in answering questions on how best to improve the selenium status of Southern African soils and plants for livestock and humans to attain sufficient quantities.O
Formulary apportionment in the European Union - future research agenda
Full text linkThis paper is focused on the Formulary Apportionment, to be used within the European Union, hence, to replace the Separate Accounting and arm's length principle. Reflecting upon the announced European Commission's Proposal for new framework for business taxation and the foreseeable upswing of the academic discussion focused on the Formulary Apportionment methodology, this paper represents the first systematic literature review on this topic. The main aim of the paper is to identify the relevant prior research, explore the current literature and develop directions for future research. The study identifies eight main thematic clusters, provides an interpretative framework, and suggests valuable future research directions within each thematic cluster as well as general future research agenda.O
Experimental Study on the Residual Property of Kevlar-Jute/Epoxy Hybrid Composite Laminates with Multiple Drilled Holes
Full text linkThe study estimates the residual property of [Jute/Kevlar/Jute] and [Kevlar/Jute/Kevlar] hybrid composite laminates with multiple drilled holes. The laminates are prepared using a compression molding technique with Kevlar and Jute as reinforcements in two different stacking sequences. Post-fabrication, holes are drilled with two different center diameters 4 mm and 12 mm and multiple holes are drilled with two different effective lengths from the center hole, i.e. 2 mm and 4 mm. Compression testing is conducted using a Universal Testing Machine (UTM) to assess the compression strength of the specimens without drilled and with drilled specimens. The damage reduction factor, residual strength ratio, residual load carrying capacity and the effective stress post damage are then evaluated for the laminates with drilled holes at different effective lengths. The article is intended to suggest possible reduction in strength on introduction of natural fiber in an existing construction so that based on requirement, existing structures can be optimized. The study aims to measure the reduction in compressive residual strength due to stress concentrations introduced by drilling. Testing showed that the laminate configuration KK05 exhibited the highest residual compressive strength, retaining approximately 85% of its original strength after drilling, making it ideal for applications requiring high durability.O
Landscape and local factors drive pesticide distribution in perennial agroecosystems
Full text linkPesticides constitute a major threat to biodiversity, but our understanding of the complex interactions between local and landscape factors influencing their distribution in agroecosystems remains limited. We conducted a pioneering study where we screened spiders, rodents, plants and soils for multiple pesticide residues in perennial crops (orchards and vineyards) managed under organic (N = 8) and integrated pest management (N = 8) systems. We then quantified the proportional representation of major habitat types in surrounding landscapes. Additionally, we conducted interviews with farmers to gain precise insights into pesticide applications. We expected that landscape factors would be more important for mobile entities (i.e. spiders and rodents), while management type would be relatively more important for the sedentary entities (i.e. soils and plants). We detected various pesticides within studied crop types, including several forbidden in the European Union. We found that pesticide distribution in spiders was influenced by the proportion of semi-natural habitats in the landscape, with pesticide concentration decreasing as the proportion of semi-natural habitats increased. Additionally, we observed that the spectrum of pesticides in spiders increased with the dominance of web-building spiders. In contrast, pesticide levels in rodents were not affected by either landscape composition or local management type. For plants, pesticide distribution was affected by the proportion of forests and shrublands and, to some extent, by local management practices. In the case of soil, pesticide distribution was primarily determined by local management. This study marks an effort in demonstrating that both local and landscape factors play crucial roles in shaping pesticide distribution within perennial crops. Importantly, the relative importance of these factors varied across the four matrices investigated. Synthesis and applications: To comprehend the factors that determine pesticide distribution in crops, it is crucial to monitor diverse ecosystem components rather than focusing on a few model species. This approach underscores the necessity for ecologically sensitive management at landscape scale. Such management should involve the preservation and enhancement of (semi)natural habitats around crops. These combined insights can form the foundation for conservation and management initiatives aimed at mitigating the impact of pesticides on biodiversity within crops.O
Trait diversity and spider community composition are associated with lower herbivory in young forest plantations
Full text linkSpiders constitute a numerically dominant group of generalist predators in forest ecosystems, but their biocontrol function in forest plantations is not well understood. The biocontrol potential of spiders may depend upon interaction among pest type, forest type, season, trait composition, and spider community diversity. Using a correlative approach, we addressed this gap in knowledge in young (10-15 years) oak (Quercus spp.) and ash (Fraxinus spp.) forest plantations. We sampled (N = 103 samples) foliage-dwelling arthropods and leaves during late spring and autumn. We then measured traits of spiders (body size and hunting strategy) and examined two indicators of herbivory (leaf damage and leaf dry biomass). In oak plantations, abundances of Hemiptera negatively correlated with functional diversity of spiders consistently during the two seasons. Abundances of caterpillars negatively correlated with abundances of ambushers and marginally with abundances of orb-web building spiders during late spring. Abundances of herbivorous Coleoptera negatively correlated with functional evenness of spiders in autumn. Moreover, herbivory negatively correlated with abundances of Space-web builders and functional diversity of spiders in spring but with mean spider body size in autumn. In ash plantations, herbivory negatively correlated with spider abundances in autumn. Our findings provide indirect evidence that foliage-dwelling spiders can be useful for the biological control of forest pests. The biocontrol potential of spiders seems to depend on both functional diversity and identity. Therefore, forest pest management should focus not only on spider community composition but also functional trait diversity of spiders.O
The third addition to the sedge flora (Carex, Cyperaceae) of the Czech Republic
Full text linkThe article presents three Carex nothospecies new to the flora of the Czech Republic found in 2024 directly in the field and through revision of specimens in the larger Czech herbaria. We found Carex x felixii (= C. acutiformis x C. elata) at two localities and five more records by revising herbarium specimens. Carex x prahliana (= C. lasiocarpa x C. rostrata) was found at three sites, and Carex x viadrina (= C. buekii x C. cespitosa) is now also known from three localities. In addition, we publish here six more records of Carex x alluvialis, a hitherto missing hybrid in the Czech Republic, which we found at two localities, while the other records are the result of a revision of herbarium specimens. The text of the article is accompanied by photographs of plants found in the field.O
Map of nutrient use efficiency in variable rate application based on the crop and soil heterogeneity
No full textSpecializovaná mapa s odborným obsahem představuje soubor map vyhodnocujících efektivnost využití živin při variabilní aplikaci hnojiv. Vychází se z bilančního hodnocení vstupu živin v podobě aplikovaných dávek hnojiv a detailní analýzy odběru živin výsledným produktem plodin z výnosových map. Mapa slouží pro identifikaci problémových míst na obhospodařovaných pozemcích zemědělské společnost AGRA Řisuty s.r.o. a optimalizaci výživy rostlin formou variabilních aplikací hnojiv.Specialized map is a set of maps evaluating the efficiency of nutrient utilization in variable rate application of fertilizers. It is based on a nutrient balance calculation in the form of applied doses of fertilizers as an input and a detailed analysis of nutrient uptake by the resulting grain yield from yield maps. The map can be used for an identification of problematic zones on arable land of farm enterprise AGRA Řisuty s.r.o. and optimization of plant nutrition in the form of variable applications of fertilizers.Published Versio
Smart bactericide based on reduced graphene oxide decorated with copper and zinc nanoparticles
Full text linkGraphene oxide (GO) synthesised by modified Tour's method was decorated with copper and zinc nanoparticles (NPs) and simultaneously reduced by sodium borohydride to obtain a nanocomposite of reduced GO with copper and zinc NPs (rGO-Cu-Zn). The nanocomposite rGO-Cu-Zn was characterised by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The rGO-Cu-Zn was tested against Xanthomonas euvesicatoria (X. euvesicatoria), which attacks tomatoes and causes bacterial spots (BSs), and compared with the commercial product Champion 50 WG. Total bacterial growth inhibition was observed for the 1% rGO-Cu-Zn, whereas Champion 50 WG at the same concentration inhibited but did not eradicate all the bacterial colonies. To evaluate the negative effect of the rGO-Cu-Zn on the molecular level, the expression of the genes associated with the action of abiotic and biotic stress factors was analysed. Gene expression in the plants treated with 10% rGO-Cu-Zn did not exhibit a noticeable increase.O
Kevlar/Basalt and Kevlar/Glass Intra-Ply Reinforced Hybrid Composites: Influence of Basket Weave Fabric Structure on Thermal Properties, Flammability, and Impact Performance
Full text linkThis study investigates the influence of basket weave fabric structure and fibre combination on the thermal properties, flammability, and impact performance of intra-ply reinforced hybrid composites. The objective is to evaluate the effect of varying the number of threads in the basket weave pattern (ten threads 5 x 5, six threads 3 x 3, and two threads 1 x 1) and different fibre combinations (Kevlar-Glass (KG) and Kevlar-Basalt (KB)) on composite performance. The composites were fabricated using a handloom weaving process followed by compression moulding. Thermal stability was assessed using Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), flammability was examined via the UL-94 horizontal burn test, and impact performance was evaluated using the Charpy impact test. The results indicated that KG composites exhibited superior thermal stability, with higher final residue percentages and lower mass loss during degradation. The impact performance was significantly influenced by both fibre combination and weave structure, with KG5 x 5 and KB5 x 5 laminates achieving the highest impact strengths of 2160 kJ/m2 and 2040 kJ/m2, respectively. Flammability tests showed that all composites had a burn rate below 10 mm/min, meeting standard safety criteria. The findings highlight the potential of these hybrid composites for high-performance applications requiring impact resistance and thermal stability, such as aerospace and protective equipment industries.O