TeaTime4App – Raising awareness about the role of soils with the educational “Tea Bag Index App”

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Miloczki ◽  
Anna Wawra ◽  
Markus Gansberger ◽  
Philipp Hummer ◽  
Taru Sandén
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Point System ◽  
Soil Functions ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Soil Attributes ◽  
Class Testing ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Tea Bag Index ◽  
Hands On ◽  
Agricultural Schools

<p>With the Tea Bag Index (TBI) App, we aim to foster awareness of the importance of soils and their ecosystem services to students above the age of 10. The TBI app consists of three categories of hands-on activities: Basic soil attributes, Soil observations, and Tea Bag Index. Basic soil attributes include land use, soil colour and soil life, whereas soil observations go further to Texture by Feel, Spade Test and observation of soil pollution. The Tea Bag Index (Keuskamp et al., 2013) provides an easy and scientifically recognized way to measure decomposition rates and stabilisation of organic matter in soils. The method consists of burying tea bags and measuring the degradation of organic material after three months’ time. Each of the methods includes clear instructions and extra information in the app. Data gathered are interactively shown on a map in the App as well as online. Hence, students are encouraged to gain hands-on science experience and to witness how science connects across regions, countries and cultures. By using playful tools such as rewards, badges and a point system, we attract and maintain the interest of students. Social media channels are used to exchange and share their results as well as to reach teachers and citizen scientists in order to inspire them to use the educational App.</p><p>Having this awareness on soil and its functions, citizen scientists can make valuable contributions to the sustainable use of soils. They also have the opportunity to participate in a global scientific initiative, acquire skills in conducting a scientific experiment and gain knowledge on soil functions. The science community, on the other hand, increases its understanding of factors influencing decomposition (and associated soil functions) at different times and in different places globally.</p><p>Moreover, the TBI App can be used for „Content Language Integrated Lessons“ (CLIL), which is the use of a foreign language for the integrative teaching of content and language competence outside of language teaching in agricultural schools in Austria. Individual learning outcomes (ILOs) of an agricultural school class testing the TBI App were evaluated in an online questionnaire. Results showed high appreciation of activities offered by the TBI App and high motivation of students to contribute to science.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Keuskamp, J.A., Dingemans, B.J.J., Lehtinen, T., Sarneel, J.M. and Hefting, M.M. (2013), Tea Bag Index: a novel approach to collect uniform decomposition data across ecosystems. Methods Ecol Evol, 4: 1070-1075. doi:10.1111/2041-210X.12097</p>

Mobile Business Retailing: Driving Experiential Learning on Campus

2017 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 56-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Fischbach ◽  
Veronica Guerrero
Keyword(s):  
Digital Media ◽  
Modern Technology ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Marketing Plan ◽  
Marketing Concept ◽  
Mobile Business ◽  
Food Trucks ◽  
Implementation Evaluation ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Hands On

Engaging students in the classroom is a struggle all faculty face especially in the age of modern technology. This article proposes a novel approach to engage and motivate students through the mobile business “on wheels” marketing concept. The growth in mobile business retailing (e.g., food trucks, mobile dog groomers, etc.) is an appealing concept for today’s entrepreneurial-minded students. This concept provides students with an opportunity to combine their creativity with their understanding of the seminal marketing concepts of a principles of marketing course. The project involves two marketing challenges: the promotion of a mobile business retailing event on campus and the development of a marketing plan for a unique mobile business retailing idea developed by the students. The project provides a variety of hands-on, engaging pedagogies to guide the students from concept creation based on primary research through campaign proposals integrating digital media examples. Resources in project design, implementation, evaluation, and critical analysis of this comprehensive marketing project are outlined in this article. Recommendations for future research and implementation are also provided.

Assessing the value and quality of German soils under agricultural use

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annelie Säurich ◽  
Holger Lilienthal
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Spatial Location ◽  
Climatic Data ◽  
Soil Functions ◽  
Rating Systems ◽  
Potential Yield ◽  
High Soil ◽  
First Results ◽  
Agricultural Use

<p>Halting and reversing soil degradation as well as protection and sustainable use of soil as a resource are part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Despite the vital significance and essential functions of soil, massive amounts of fertile soil worldwide are lost due to improper land use. In Germany, approximately 66 ha of soil are damaged partly or completely in their soil functions daily. The main issues are soil erosion, land area claims for housing estate and transportation, and pollution. Until now, precise spatial location and assessment of the loss of valuable soil in terms of fertility and productivity has not been quantifiable and therefore not controllable.</p><p>In the SOIL-DE project, indicators to evaluate the functionality, potential, intensity of use, and vulnerability of soils are developed in order to be able to assess the quality and value of soils, both in retrospective and under current agricultural use. The aim of this survey is (i) to detect the loss of land over the past ten years in high spatial accuracy, (ii) to determine the fertility of the soil and (iii) to identify risk areas, i.e. regions with particularly high soil loss rates and high soil profitability. The threat to soil, the fertility and impairment of soil functions by changes in land use, are to be recorded nationwide and statewide. Therefore, the evaluation of time series from satellite images is used in combination with official soil information at different spatial resolution, as well as digital elevation models and climatic data. In this study, different rating systems are investigated including e.g. the Muencheberg Soil Quality Rating (ZALF), biotic potential yield, resistance to erosion, filter, buffer and transformation function, and runoff regulation. First results will be presented.</p>

Lightly Embalmed Cadavers in Sonography Education: A Novel Approach to Improving Students’ Perceived Competence in Renal Biopsy Procedures

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-10
Author(s):  
Kathryn Wampler ◽  
Lisa Bartenhagen ◽  
Harlan Sayles ◽  
Kimberly Michael
Keyword(s):  
Renal Biopsy ◽  
Communication Skills ◽  
Perceived Competence ◽  
Ultrasound Guided ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Hands On ◽  
Stress Environment ◽  
Student Physician

Objective: To determine if a simulation lab using lightly embalmed cadavers would improve diagnostic medical sonography (DMS) students’ perceived competence in ultrasound-guided native renal biopsy examinations. Methods: Subjects included DMS students (n = 49) enrolled in academic years 2012 to 2018. Each DMS student performed a native renal biopsy with a nephrology fellow. Skills practiced included machine setup, inferior renal pole localization, biopsy guide preparation, needle visualization, and communication skills. Pre- and postlab surveys assessed DMS students’ perceived competence. Results: Prelab, 12% (n = 6) of students felt competent to assist in the procedure. Postlab, 61% (n = 35) of students felt competent, a statistically significant ( P < .001) change. All students viewed the lab as a valuable experience. Hands-on experience (53%), student/physician collaboration (33%), and low-stress environment (13%) were reported themes. Additional resources (50%) and scheduling (22%) were areas for improvement. Conclusion: A renal biopsy simulation lab using lightly embalmed cadavers is an effective method to improve DMS students’ perceived competence in this procedure.

Mobile response system: a novel approach to interactive and hands-on activity in the classroom

2018 ◽  
Vol 66 (2) ◽  
pp. 493-514 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muztaba Fuad ◽  
Debzani Deb ◽  
James Etim ◽  
Clay Gloster
Keyword(s):  
Response System ◽  
System A ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Hands On

Exploring field methods for the assessment of soil condition and soil function in order to estimate ecosystem service and natural capital value across organic and conventional field sites

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Holden ◽  
Richard Brazier ◽  
Brett Day ◽  
Sam Bridgewater ◽  
Yog Watkins
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Storage ◽  
Natural Capital ◽  
Soil Condition ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Soil Functions ◽  
Field Methods ◽  
Soil Function ◽  
Tea Bag Index ◽  
And Function ◽  
Conventional Field

&lt;p&gt;It is widely recognised that the intensification of agriculture has had significant impacts on soil condition and function, negatively affecting soil structure, fertility and biological diversity&lt;strong&gt;. &lt;/strong&gt;Such impacts have contributed to reduced soil carbon storage, hydrological function, the storage of nutrients, the filtration of pollutants and potential crop productivity. It is therefore important that agricultural systems adapt to ensure the provision of food alongside multiple other critical ecosystem services (ES). Developing our understanding of how to quantify soil function in a given state is important in calculating the value of soil ES and natural capital (NC) under different management scenarios. It is critical for both the establishment of cost effective agri-environment policies and in driving sustainable on-farm decision making at management appropriate scales.&amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This study aims to examine how field methods, used for the assessment of soil condition and function, can be applied to determine (i) How baseline soil condition measurements relate to soil function across organic and conventional field sites and (ii) Whether enhanced soil function is observed in agricultural soils under organic agriculture and if so, whether the potential economic benefits could offset the loss in crop productivity.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The study was conducted at Clinton Devon Estate in South West England. Nine conventional and nine organic fields, reflecting the main rotational land uses on the estate, were selected. Baseline soil samples were collected from each field in winter 2018 for the analysis of; total carbon (TC), total nitrogen, plant available phosphorus, soil texture, pH and bulk density (BD). Land management data was collected from the farmers for each field. Four soil functions/services were selected for monitoring; nutrient filtering and retention, soil organic matter decomposition, carbon storage and crop production. Crop yields for maize, cereals and grass silage were collected from each of the soil sampled points immediately ahead of harvest in 2019. BD and TC from each sample were used to estimate carbon storage.&amp;#160; Three sites from each field were selected for the assessment of soil organic matter decomposition using the standardised and globally applied Tea Bag Index method (Keuskamp et al., 2013). A smaller sub-set of six fields (three organic and three conventional) were selected for the determination of nutrient filtering and retention. Porous pots, ten replicates per field site, were installed below crop rooting depths in October 2018 for monitoring through the 2018 &amp;#8211; 2019 and 2019 &amp;#8211; 2020 drainage seasons. A sample of soil pore water was extracted (fortnightly) and analysed for nitrate, nitrite, ammonia and phosphate, allowing a comparison of nutrient leaching between sites.&amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The data from this study will be presented for the assessment of whether quantification of soil functions at the field scale can help in the identification of useful baseline indicators and contribute to the valuation of soil ES and NC.&amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;References: &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Keuskamp, J.A., Dingemans, B.J.J., Lehtinen, T., Sarneel, J.M. and Hefting, M.M. (2013), Tea Bag Index: a novel approach to collect uniform decomposition data across ecosystems. Methods Ecol Evol, 4: 1070-1075. doi:10.1111/2041-210X.12097&lt;/p&gt;

scholarly journals Quantitative 1-Step DNA Methylation Analysis with Native Genomic DNA as Template

2010 ◽  
Vol 56 (7) ◽  
pp. 1098-1106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas von Kanel ◽  
Dominik Gerber ◽  
André Schaller ◽  
Alessandra Baumer ◽  
Eva Wey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Diagnostic Procedures ◽  
Methylation Analysis ◽  
Small Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein ◽  
Copy Numbers ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Methylation Assay ◽  
Hands On ◽  
Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein ◽  
Dna Methylation Analysis

Abstract Background: DNA methylation analysis currently requires complex multistep procedures based on bisulfite conversion of unmethylated cytosines or on methylation-sensitive endonucleases. To facilitate DNA methylation analysis, we have developed a quantitative 1-step assay for DNA methylation analysis. Methods: The assay is based on combining methylation-sensitive FastDigest® endonuclease digestion and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) in a single reaction. The first step consists of DNA digestion, followed by endonuclease inactivation and qPCR. The degree of DNA methylation is evaluated by comparing the quantification cycles of a reaction containing a methylation-sensitive endonuclease with the reaction of a sham mixture containing no endonuclease. Control reactions interrogating an unmethylated locus allow the detection and correction of artifacts caused by endonuclease inhibitors, while simultaneously permitting copy number assessment of the locus of interest. Results: With our novel approach, we correctly diagnosed the imprinting disorders Prader–Willi syndrome and Angelman syndrome in 35 individuals by measuring methylation levels and copy numbers for the SNRPN (small nuclear ribonucleoprotein polypeptide N) promoter. We also demonstrated that the proposed correction model significantly (P &lt; 0.05) increases the assay’s accuracy with low-quality DNA, allowing analysis of DNA samples with decreased digestibility, as is often the case in retrospective studies. Conclusions: Our novel DNA methylation assay reduces both the hands-on time and errors caused by handling and pipetting and allows methylation analyses to be completed within 90 min after DNA extraction. Combined with its precision and reliability, these features make the assay well suited for diagnostic procedures as well as high-throughput analyses.

scholarly journals Penilaian Kebutuhan Peningkatan Kompetensi Bagi Pemangku Jabatan Fungsional Tertentu

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 163-176
Author(s):  
Novi Prawitasari ◽  
Dewi Sartika
Keyword(s):  
Design Research ◽  
Scientific Journal ◽  
Scientific Writing ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Credit Score ◽  
East Kalimantan ◽  
Frequency Table ◽  
Hands On ◽  
Scientific Papers ◽  
Competency Based

JFT is required to be able to produce scientific papers to support the Credit Score (AK). However, scientific papers produced are still relatively minimal, due to the lack of competence in writing scientific papers. The purpose of this study is to analyze the needs in writing scientific papers by JFT in East Kalimantan Province. This type of research is quantitative with data collection techniques through surveys using an online questionnaire. The research respondents consisted of lecturers, widyaiswara, and researchers. Data were analyzed descriptively using a frequency table. 24.2% of respondents stated that the biggest obstacle in scientific writing is the preparation of design research, preparation of research instruments (21.1%), determining research method (27.6%), the collection and data processing (12.7%), and conducting data analysis and drawing conclusions (8.3%). The need for developing scientific writing capacity for JFT is a competency-based training and hands-on practice, building a scientific writing innovation, and utilizing writings from senior researchers how to write a scientific journal. Keywords: Competency Improvement, Scientific Writing, Specialized Functional Officer ABSTRAK Pemangku Jabatan Fungsional Tertentu (JFT) disyaratkan harus mampu menghasilkan karya tulis ilmiah agar dapat menunjang penambahan Angka Kredit (AK). Akan tetapi karya tulis ilmiah yang dihasilkan masih terbilang minim, hal ini disebabkan kurangnya kompetensi para JFT dalam menulis karya ilmiah. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis kebutuhan pengembangan kapasitas dalam penulisan makalah ilmiah oleh JFT di Provinsi Kalimantan Timur. Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian kuantitatif, teknik pengumpulan data melalui survei menggunakan form kuesioner online. Responden penelitian terdiri atas dosen (20 orang), widyaiswara (20 orang), dan peneliti (50 orang). Data dianalisis secara deskriptif menggunakan tabel frekuensi. Berdasarkan hasil análisis data, 24,2% responden menyatakan kendala terbesar dalam penulisan ilmiah adalah penyusunan desain riset (proposal riset), penyusunan instrumen penelitian (21,1%), menentukan metode penelitian yang tepat (27,6%), tahap pengumpulan dan pengolahan data (12,7%), melakukan analisis data dan menarik kesimpulan (8,3%), serta kendala lainnya sebanyak 6,2%. Kebutuhan pengembangan kapasitas menulis ilmiah bagi JFT dalam penelitian ini adalah pelatihan berbasis kompetensi dan praktik langsung (dibantu oleh mentor yang kompeten dan berpengalaman), membangun budaya inovasi penulisan (penelitian) ilmiah, serta memanfaatkan tulisan/jurnal dari peneliti senior tentang tahapan penelitian dan tata-cara penulisan jurnal ilmiah. Kata Kunci: Peningkatan Kompetensi, Penulisan Ilmiah, Jabatan Fungsional Tertentu

scholarly journals TeaTime4Schools: Using Data Mining Techniques to Model Litter Decomposition in Austrian Urban School Soils

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taru Sandén ◽  
Anna Wawra ◽  
Helene Berthold ◽  
Julia Miloczki ◽  
Agnes Schweinzer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Data Mining ◽  
Litter Decomposition ◽  
Decomposition Rate ◽  
Classification Trees ◽  
Urban School ◽  
Attribute Selection ◽  
Decomposition Rates ◽  
Soil Attributes ◽  
Tea Bag Index ◽  
Stabilization Factor

Litter decomposition plays a pivotal role in the global carbon cycle, but is difficult to measure on a global scale, especially by citizen scientists. Here, citizen scientists, i.e., school students with their teachers, used the globally applied and standardized Tea Bag Index (TBI) method to collect data on litter decomposition in urban areas in Austria. They also sampled soils to investigate the linkages between litter decomposition and soil attributes. For this study, 54 sites were selected from the school experiments and assembled into a TBI dataset comprising litter decomposition rates (k), stabilization factors (S), as well as soil and environmental attributes. An extensive pre-processing procedure was applied to the dataset, including attribute selection and discretization of the decomposition rates and stabilization factors into three categories each. Data mining analyses of the TBI data helped reveal trends in litter decomposition. We generated predictive models (classification trees) that identified the soil attributes governing litter decomposition. Classification trees were developed for both of the litter decomposition parameters: decomposition rate (k) and stabilization factor (S). The main governing factor for both decomposition rate (k) and stabilization factor (S) was the sand content of the soils. The data mining models achieved an accuracy of 54.0 and 66.7% for decomposition rates and stabilization factors, respectively. The data mining results enhance our knowledge about the driving forces of litter decomposition in urban soils, which are underrepresented in soil monitoring schemes. The models are very informative for understanding and describing litter decomposition in urban settings in general. This approach may also further encourage participatory researcher-teacher-student interactions and thus help create an enabling environment for cooperation for further citizen science research in urban school settings.

scholarly journals ANTECEDENTS AND CONSEQUENCES OF CUSTOMER INTENTION TO ADOPT INTERNET BANKING THROUGH GAMIFICATION

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Fransisca Angelina ◽  
Renny Risqiani ◽  
Amir Fikri
Keyword(s):  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Banking System ◽  
Web Design ◽  
Internet Banking ◽  
Moderating Effect ◽  
Point System ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Performance Expectancy ◽  
Intention To Adopt ◽  
Effort Expectancy

<p><strong><em>Purpose </em></strong>– <em>The purpose of this research is to analyze the influence of gamification in the use of internet banking on the intention of customers to adopt and recommend internet banking towards Compatibility, Innovativeness, Web Design, Web Characteristic, Performance Expectancy, Effort Expectancy . This research will help the Bank to measure the effect of gamification towards their customer to use Internet Banking. So they can innovate their Internet Banking system to be more fun and entertaining, so the customer will feel more enjoy to use and they will recommend to other people. <strong>Design/methodology/approach </strong>– 192 responses were collected from customers of internet banking user by using an online questionnaire. Using the convenience sampling approach. The collected data was analyzed using SEM with the help of  PLS. <strong>Findings </strong>– The results indicate that intention to adopt internet banking is positively affected by Innovativeness, Web Design Performance Expectancy and Effort Expectancy . While compatibility and web characteristic doesn’t have a positive effect. The moderating effect of gamification suggested that the relationship between customer intention to adopt and customer intention to recommend will make the gamification effect become weak. <strong>Practical Implications </strong>– The research suggests that web designer and bank management should focus on the website design of the internet banking. Enjoyable internet banking website with reward and point system will help to improve user’s intention to adopt and intention to recommend internet banking with others. So the bank should make an innovative reward system for every transaction in internet banking. <strong>Originality/value </strong>– This research provide the technology acceptance construct and adding the game elements in technology perspective of internet banking as a moderating effect, to analyze the element effect towards intention to use and intention to recommend.</em></p>

scholarly journals Digital scriptum – novel approach of student experiment preparation

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikolas Roß ◽  
Robert Kuska ◽  
Iris Rieth ◽  
Sulamith Frerich
Keyword(s):  
Open Source Software ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Engineering Students ◽  
Student Experiences ◽  
Engineering Science ◽  
Excellent Teaching ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Hands On ◽  
Remote Laboratories ◽  
Classic Paper

In mechanical engineering, students pass several seminars aiming at selfconducted experiments and trials. In the ELLI project (Excellent Teaching and Learning in Engineering Science), different virtual and remote laboratories have been installed within the three engineering departments at the Ruhr-University Bochum. The preparation in a classic experiment is usually done with a classic paper print scriptum. This is not suitable for a virtual or remote laboratory, since, amongst others, no supervision is provided. Due to that, a classic scriptum has been transferred in a digital scriptum based on the Open Source software “Adapt Learning” and has been extended by various implemented digital items. This contribution is discussing preliminary student experiences and identified prospective improvements. It turns out that the digital scriptum is suitable for the preparation of virtual and remote laboratories but can be an excellent alternative to the classic printout scriptum in a student experiment in a hands on laboratory as well.

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