Valutazione formativa progressiva con diagnosi di medio raggio. Studio pilota sul caso di ipovedenza

In defining the training paths of students with disabilities, it should be consideredthat the same “disabled people do not form a homogeneous group”. In order to supportthe creation of a training course that is tailored to the needs of individual studentswith disabilities, experimental research can provide valid support through thedesign and preparation of valid tools regarding the process, the diagnosis/evaluationand the assistance. The pilot study on the case of the hypovendence, has intendedto encourage the development of a training activity consisting of a dual track. Thefirst one regarding research-action tasks based on pre-established tools to achievemedium-range cyclical diagnosis of the knowledge learned and permanent. The secondone consisting in a progressive formative evaluation, that on the basis of theresults of cyclical diagnoses, promotes a dynamic redefinition of the training pathadapting it to the conditions detected and the subsequent development to be pursued.In this study, an experimental activity for significant learning was carried outbased on the theory of reality and source monitoring.Nella definizione dei percorsi di formazione degli studenti che presentano disabilità,è da considerare che gli stessi “disabili non costituiscono un gruppo omogeneo”.Per supportare la realizzazione di un percorso formativo attento alle esigenze deisingoli allievi con disabilità, la ricerca sperimentale può fornire un valido supportoattraverso la progettazione e predisposizione di validi strumenti sia di processo siadi diagnosi/valutazione sia di ausilio. Lo Studio pilota sul caso dell’ipovendenza, hainteso favorire lo sviluppo di una attività di formazione composta da un doppio canale,comprendente, attività di ricerca-azione, con strumenti precostituiti, per realizzarediagnosi di medio raggio cicliche delle conoscenze apprese e permanenti, euna valutazione formativa progressiva, che sulla base dei risultati delle diagnosi cicliche,favorisca una ridefinizione dinamica del percorso formativo adattandolo allecondizioni rilevate e allo sviluppo successivo da traguardare. Nello Studio è statarealizzata un’attività sperimentale per l’apprendimento significativo che ha utilizzatocome teoria di riferimento il monitoraggio e della realtà e della fonte

Impact of soybean cropping frequency on soil carbon storage in Mollisols and Vertisols

The high cropping frequency of soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.), mainly as a single annual crop, in the extensive agricultural systems of South America may adversely affect the soil organic carbon (SOC) storage, which may be different between soils depending on aggregation agents. The aim of this work was to evaluate the impact of the soybean cropping frequency on the SOC storage in different soil aggregate size classes in a Mollisol and in a Vertisol in the Northeastern Pampas of Argentina under no-tillage management. In each soil, the samples were collected at 0-5, 5-15 and 15-30 cm depths in eleven cropped and one uncropped fields. The number of months occupied with soybean in relation to the total number of months occupied with crops within crop sequences, over a 6-year period, was used to calculate the soybean cropping frequency. The SOC stocks in equivalent soil mass, the SOC concentration both in the whole sample and in different aggregate size classes, and the stratification ratio of the SOC stock and of the SOC concentration were determined. The increase in soybean cropping frequency reduced the SOC stock in both soils at 0-5 cm, and in the Vertisol at 5-15 and 0-30 cm but the change was evident only between the cropped and the uncropped situation. A decrease in soybean cropping frequency resulted in a higher amount of macroaggregates (> 250 um), a higher SOC concentration and a higher stratification ratio in the Mollisol at 0-5 cm, whereas in the Vertisol the soybean cropping frequency did not affect the stratification ratio or the aggregate distribution in any size class. The increase in soybean cropping frequency reduced SOC storage only in macroaggregates (> 250 µm) in both soils at 0-5 cm, particularly in the largest macroaggregates (> 2000 µm), and more in the Mollisol than in the Vertisol. Our results show that a high soybean cropping frequency may severely affect the SOC storage in the Mollisol, and suggest that in the Vertisol this effect may lead to a reduction in the SOC storage in the long term.Fil: Novelli, Leonardo Esteban. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Entre Ríos. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Paraná; ArgentinaFil: Caviglia, Octavio Pedro. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Entre Ríos. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Paraná; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos; ArgentinaFil: Melchiori, R. J. M.. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Entre Ríos. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Paraná; Argentin

Simplest cosmological model with the scalar field II. Influence of cosmological constant

Continuing the investigation of the simplest cosmological model with the massive real scalar non-interacting inflaton field minimally coupled to gravity we study an influence of the cosmological constant on the behaviour of trajectories in closed minisuperspace Friedmann-Robertson-Walker model. The transition from chaotic to regular behaviour for large values of cosmological constant is discussed. Combining numerical calculations with qualitative analysis both in configuration and phase space we present a convenient classification of trajectories.Comment: 12 pages with 2 gif figures and 2 eps figures, mprocl.sty, To appear in International Journal of Modern Physics

Relic Gravitational Waves and Their Detection

The range of expected amplitudes and spectral slopes of relic (squeezed) gravitational waves, predicted by theory and partially supported by observations, is within the reach of sensitive gravity-wave detectors. In the most favorable case, the detection of relic gravitational waves can be achieved by the cross-correlation of outputs of the initial laser interferometers in LIGO, VIRGO, GEO600. In the more realistic case, the sensitivity of advanced ground-based and space-based laser interferometers will be needed. The specific statistical signature of relic gravitational waves, associated with the phenomenon of squeezing, is a potential reserve for further improvement of the signal to noise ratio.Comment: 25 pages, 9 figures included, revtex. Based on a talk given at "Gyros, Clocks, and Interferometers: Testing General Relativity in Space" (Germany, August 99

Early-season plant-to-plant spatial uniformity can affect soybean yields

Increased soybean (Glycine max L. Merril) seed costs have motivated interest in reduced seeding rates to improve profitability while maintaining or increasing yield. However, little is known about the effect of early-season plant-to-plant spatial uniformity on the yield of modern soybean varieties planted at reduced seeding rates. The objectives of this study were to (i) investigate traditional and devise new metrics for characterizing early-season plant-to-plant spatial uniformity, (ii) identify the best metrics correlating plant-to-plant spatial uniformity and soybean yield, and (iii) evaluate those metrics at different seeding rate (and achieved plant density) levels and yield environments. Soybean trials planted in 2019 and 2020 compared seeding rates of 160, 215, 270, and 321 thousand seeds ha−1 planted with two different planters, Max Emerge and Exact Emerge, in rainfed and irrigated conditions in the United States (US). In addition, trials comparing seeding rates of 100, 230, 360, and 550 thousand seeds ha−1 were conducted in Argentina (Arg) in 2019 and 2020. Achieved plant density, grain yield, and early-season plant-to-plant spacing (and calculated metrics) were measured in all trials. All site-years were separated into low- (2.7 Mg ha−1), medium- (3 Mg ha−1), and high- (4.3 Mg ha−1) yielding environments, and the tested seeding rates were separated into low ( 300 seeds m−2) levels. Out of the 13 metrics of spatial uniformity, standard deviation (sd) of spacing and of achieved versus targeted evenness index (herein termed as ATEI, observed to theoretical ratio of plant spacing) showed the greatest correlation with soybean yield in US trials (R2 = 0.26 and 0.32, respectively). However, only the ATEI sd, with increases denoting less uniform spacing, exhibited a consistent relationship with yield in both US and Arg trials. The effect of spatial uniformity (ATEI sd) on soybean yield differed by yield environment. Increases in ATEI sd (values > 1) negatively impacted soybean yields in both low- and medium-yield environments, and in achieved plant densities below 200 thousand plants ha−1. High-yielding environments were unaffected by variations in spatial uniformity and plant density levels. Our study provides new insights into the effect of early-season plant-to-plant spatial uniformity on soybean yields, as influenced by yield environments and reduced plant densities.Fil: Pereyra, Valentina M.. Kansas State University; Estados UnidosFil: Bastos, Leonardo M.. University of Georgia; Estados UnidosFil: Froes de Borja Reis, André. State University of Louisiana; Estados UnidosFil: Melchiori, Ricardo J. M.. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Entre Ríos. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Paraná; ArgentinaFil: Maltese, Nicolás Elías. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias; ArgentinaFil: Appelhans, Stefania Carolina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias; ArgentinaFil: Vara Prasad, P. V.. Kansas State University; Estados UnidosFil: Wright, Yancy. No especifíca;Fil: Brokesh, Edwin. Kansas State University; Estados UnidosFil: Sharda, Ajay. Kansas State University; Estados UnidosFil: Ciampitti, Ignacio Antonio. Kansas State University; Estados Unido

Parametrization of Born-Infeld Type Phantom Dark Energy Model

Applying the parametrization of dark energy density, we can construct directly independent-model potentials. In Born-Infeld type phantom dark energy model, we consider four special parametrization equation of state parameter. The evolutive behavior of dark energy density with respect to red-shift $z$, potentials with respect to $\phi$ and $z$ are shown mathematically. Moreover, we investigate the effect of parameter $\eta$ upon the evolution of the constructed potential with respect to $z$. These results show that the evolutive behavior of constructed Born-Infeld type dark energy model is quite different from those of the other models.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figures, Accepted for publication in Astrophysics & Space Scienc

Interacting entropy-corrected holographic dark energy with apparent horizon as an infrared cutoff

In this work we consider the entropy-corrected version of interacting holographic dark energy (HDE), in the non-flat universe enclosed by apparent horizon. Two corrections of entropy so-called logarithmic 'LEC' and power-law 'PLEC' in HDE model with apparent horizon as an IR-cutoff are studied. The ratio of dark matter to dark energy densities $u$, equation of state parameter $w_D$ and deceleration parameter $q$ are obtained. We show that the cosmic coincidence is satisfied for both interacting models. By studying the effect of interaction in EoS parameter, we see that the phantom divide may be crossed and also find that the interacting models can drive an acceleration expansion at the present and future, while in non-interacting case, this expansion can happen only at the early time. The graphs of deceleration parameter for interacting models, show that the present acceleration expansion is preceded by a sufficiently long period deceleration at past. Moreover, the thermodynamical interpretation of interaction between LECHDE and dark matter is described. We obtain a relation between the interaction term of dark components and thermal fluctuation in a non-flat universe, bounded by the apparent horizon. In limiting case, for ordinary HDE, the relation of interaction term versus thermal fluctuation is also calculated.Comment: 20 pages, 8 figures, figures changed, some Ref. is added, changed some sentences, accepted by General relativity and gravitation (GERG

Could Only Fermions Be Elementary?

In standard Poincare and anti de Sitter SO(2,3) invariant theories, antiparticles are related to negative energy solutions of covariant equations while independent positive energy unitary irreducible representations (UIRs) of the symmetry group are used for describing both a particle and its antiparticle. Such an approach cannot be applied in de Sitter SO(1,4) invariant theory. We argue that it would be more natural to require that (*) one UIR should describe a particle and its antiparticle simultaneously. This would automatically explain the existence of antiparticles and show that a particle and its antiparticle are different states of the same object. If (*) is adopted then among the above groups only the SO(1,4) one can be a candidate for constructing elementary particle theory. It is shown that UIRs of the SO(1,4) group can be interpreted in the framework of (*) and cannot be interpreted in the standard way. By quantizing such UIRs and requiring that the energy should be positive in the Poincare approximation, we conclude that i) elementary particles can be only fermions. It is also shown that ii) C invariance is not exact even in the free massive theory and iii) elementary particles cannot be neutral. This gives a natural explanation of the fact that all observed neutral states are bosons.Comment: The paper is considerably revised and the following results are added: in the SO(1,4) invariant theory i) the C invariance is not exact even for free massive particles; ii) neutral particles cannot be elementar

Smaller and better: The university of Michigan experience

This paper discusses several hierarchical and sequential reduction options, including Balderston's budgetary strategies and this author's curricular change options. The latter are based on data gathered in a 1979-80 survey of 46 states on patterns of program reduction. Having introduced various reduction categories, the paper then focuses on the institutional shrinkage process currently being implemented at the University of Michigan. Four specific strategies are being discussed: (1) across-the-board cuts, (2) reduction of nonacademic programs; (3) long-range faculty reduction procedures, and (4) program discontinuance. A host of potential problems regarding the elimination of academic programs is described. The paper concludes by providing several general recommendations for institutional shrinkage procedures.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/43589/1/11162_2004_Article_BF00992049.pd

How digital is agriculture in a subset of countries from South America? Adoption and limitations

Digital agriculture (DA) can contribute solutions to meet an increase in healthy, nutritious, and affordable food demands in an efficient and sustainable way. South America (SA) is one of the main grain and protein producers in the world but the status of DA in the region is unknown. A systematic review and case studies from Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile were conducted to address the following objectives: (1) quantify adoption of existing DA technologies, (2) identify limitations for DA adoption; and (3) summarise existing metrics to benchmark DA benefits. Level of DA adoption was led by Brazil and Argentina followed by Uruguay and at a slower rate, Chile. GPS guidance systems, mapping tools, mobile apps and remote sensing were the most adopted DA technologies in SA. The most reported limitations to adoption were technology cost, lack of training, limited number of companies providing services, and unclear benefits from DA. Across the case studies, there was no clear definition of DA. To mitigate some of these limitations, our findings suggest the need for a DA educational curriculum that can fulfill the demand for job skills such as data processing, analysis and interpretation. Regional efforts are needed to standardise these metrics. This will allow stakeholders to design targeted initiatives to promote DA towards sustainability of food production in the region