Optimisation of land-based cultivation conditions and enhancement of antioxidant activity in Umbraulva sp. (Chlorophyta, Ulvaceae)

This thesis is part of the ’Mak-Pak Scale-Up’ project, funded by the German Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL, Förderkennzeichen 28-1-DL-02-B2-0). Aim of the project is to produce a sustainable, compostable and edible food packaging alternative to plastic on an industrial scale. The product is going to be made from green algae belonging to the Ulvaceae family that will be cultivated in land-based re-circulating aquaculture systems. Suitable species and cultivation conditions need to be identified in order to provide a high-quality product. This thesis intends to answer questions regarding the long-term cultivation conditions and the enhancement of antioxidant activity in Umbraulva sp. Both filtered natural seawater and re-used artificial seawater from a show-casing aquarium were identified as suitable cultivation media. The enhancement of antioxidant activity through the application of blue light was unsuccessful. No increased antioxidant activity was measured in the light quantity experiment either, although high light intensity treatment and high daily photo-dose treatments lead to an induction of light stress in Umbraulva sp. Follow-up research is necessary in order to identify exact nutrient compositions, stocking densities and light settings in order to cultivate Umbraulva sp. with the desired results in biomass production and antioxidant activity

WHAT HAPPENS MONDAY?: THE IMPACT GROUP INITIATIVES HAVE ON SELF-APPRAISED PROBLEM-SOLVING ABILITY

Effective problem solving is an essential skill for people to possess. Effective problem-solvers have fewer troubles when dealing with their problems and adjust to society better. Effective problem-solvers take the needed steps to solving their problems (Bloom and Broder, 1950; Heppner et al., 1982). Few studies have been conducted looking at the long-term effect of programs that have problem-solving as an anticipated outcome. The few that have (Gass & Priest, 2006; Hatch & McCarthy, 2005) have not been conclusive in their results. The current study looks at the impact of group initiative involvement on problem solving using the Problem Solving Inventory (PSI) (Heppner, 1982). Data were collected from PRTM 101 students who participated in a three-hour group initiative session either early in the semester (experimental group, N=63) or later in the semester (control group, N=25). Data were collected using pre/post surveys during the respective PRTM 101 classes and immediately following the treatment on-site. Participants were measured at five- and nine-week follow-ups to determine if any elevated levels of perceived problem-solving ability after the group initiative course remained elevated. Analysis revealed that self-appraised total problem solving ability (TPS), personal control (PC), approach- avoidance style (AA), and problem solving confidence (PSC) were significantly higher than pretest scores immediately following the group initiative session; however total PSC and PC were the only two significantly higher than control group scores at the same time. At the five-week follow-up all but AA style returned to pretest levels. At nine weeks, TPS ability, PC, and AA style were significantly higher from pretest scores. However, the control group\u27s PC also increased significantly at nine weeks from pretest scores. Therefore, while group initiatives appear to have some impact on self-appraised problem solving ability, the findings indicate need for further study

Global-level data sets may be more highly cited than most journal articles.

Scientists can be reluctant to share data because of the need to publish journal articles and receive recognition. But what if the data sets were actually a better way of getting credit for your work? Chris Belter measured the impact of a few openly accessible data sets and compared to journal articles in his field. His results provide hard evidence that the production, archival, and sharing of data may actually be a more effective way to contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge

Uterine adenocarcinoma with abdominal metastases in an ovariohysterectomised female cat

An adenocarcinoma of the uterine stump with abdominal metastases is described in a 12-year-old incompletely ovariohysterectomised female Domestic Short Haired (DSH) cat. At the time of presentation the adenocarcinoma had metastasised to the right peri-renal lymph node, the abdominal aorta, and the right ureter, resulting in the formation of a large cystic structure. This had compressed and displaced surrounding structures including the abdominal vena cava and the right kidney, and formed multiple adhesions to the body wall and adjacent abdominal structures. Metastatic extension to the aorta had resulted in its regression into a 2mm diameter non-pulsatile vessel