The effects of perceptual and Piagetian training on the reading achievement of first grade pupils

Purpose: This study was designed to investigate the effect of pairing cognitive training, developed from Piaget\u27s theory, with perceptual training on reading achievement. Also investigated was the effect of cognitive and perceptual training by themselves, as well as that of a cont:col group on reading achievement. A second purpose of this study was to investigate whether or not perceptual errors would be reduced by pairing perceptual and cognitive training as opposed to perceptual, cognitive or control training alone

Pathology and seedling nutrition of Spartina alterniflora (smooth cordgrass)

Transplants of Spartina alterniflora Loisel. (smooth cordgrass, Poaceae) are effective in stabilizing and protecting vulnerable coastal wetlands from erosion. However, the expense and labor associated with propagation and transplanting restrict the widespread use of S. alterniflora in coastal restoration and protection projects. As an alternative, seeding of S. alterniflora by aircraft has been proposed as a more useful and economical approach for revegetating denuded marsh sites. However, a period of stalled growth, which lasts for 12 or more weeks, has been observed in smooth cordgrass seedlings, and this increases their susceptibility to being washed away by inundating tides. This stalled growth period must be overcome before aerial seeding can be implemented. As with any plant species, it is reasonable to assume that S. alterniflora has optimal nutritional requirements for seedling and mature plant growth. Previous nutritional research has involved only mature smooth cordgrass plants. These studies showed that applications of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers increased plant growth. The objectives of this study were to document the lag phase of seedling growth observed in field and greenhouse conditions; determine the possible role of soil microbes, including seed and seedling pathogens and mycorrhizal fungi, as a cause of delayed seedling growth; and investigate the role of nutrition in seedling growth. This study confirmed the existence of stalled seedling growth in S. alterniflora and concluded that pathogens are not the cause of this lag period. Furthermore, supplemental N and P (240 kg N ha-1, 49.5 kg P ha-1) reduced the lag phase from over 100 days to less than 50 days under ideal greenhouse conditions. However, nutrient additions did not completely overcome stalled seedling growth. Future research possibilities include investigating the effects of plant growth regulators (hormones) and seed preconditioning treatments on seedling growth

IMPACTS OF INTRODUCED EARTHWORMS ON SUGAR MAPLE SAP CHEMISTRY AND THE DISCOURSE OF INVASION ECOLOGY

To delve into further understanding of the relationships between introduced earthworms, forest ecosystems, and the human systems they impact, two approaches were taken. In the first approach, we seek to explore ways we can shift the discourse within and regarding the field of invasion ecology by re-framing how we approach discussion, management, and education regarding introduced species. Language issues surrounding introduced species through the example of earthworms in North America are described and potential solutions are provided, including a repositioned perspective that may facilitate better relationships with the natural world. The goal is to shift the language to be more conscientious and respectful while also promoting inclusivity and diversity of perspectives that will lead to advancements in the field. A theme running through this narrative is approaching the field of invasion ecology through two-eyed seeing, which is an illustrative way to describe equitable utilization of the unique strengths of Western and Traditional Ecological Knowledge systems to create inclusive, holistic, integrative, multi-perspective and multi-disciplinary solutions to ecological issues. The second approach described here is a pilot study looking into the possible changes that earthworm activity incurs in sugar maple sap. The introduction of earthworms has led to significant ecological impacts in northern hardwood forests, especially on sugar maples, as declines in sugar maple health have been correlated with introduced earthworm activity. Sugar maple sap was collected during the spring of 2023, along with soil sampling, and earthworm population data to explore potential impacts of introduced earthworms on overall sap sugar content using linear regression models. The results highlight a complex, dynamic network of impacts that begin with earthworm activity that induce changes within the soil that subsequently cause shifts in soil biogeochemistry, impacting the overall health of the sugar maples, and leading to the long-term impairment of impacted sugar maples to produce quality sap. Most notably, the presence of anecic earthworms at sites with long-established earthworm communities is negatively correlated with overall sugar content in sap (R² = 0.52, p = 0.038). These findings have important relevance especially to the maple syrup and maple sugar industries. Overall, this thesis highlights the importance of understanding the relationships introduced organisms are building in their new environments. By taking the time to learn from these organisms, we can create more effective management practices and policies

Remarks on the size of critical edge-chromatic graphs

AbstractWe give new lower bounds for the size of Δ-critical edge-chromatic graphs when 6 ⩽ Δ ⩽ 21