Purple in a Black & White World: Self-Determination Theory and Transgender Military Service
Pages  359-369
David A. Levy, James E. Parco and Sarah R. Spears

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2015.11.52

Published: 03 June 2015

Abstract: We offer a theoretical framework to advance our understanding of the psychology of transgender service members—the most understudied and mysterious class of US military personnel. Using grounded theory methods with interview data collected from clandestinely-serving active-duty, guard and reserve military members from the US Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps who self-identified as transgender or transsexual, we reveal a latent structure of Self Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan, 1985; Deci & Ryan, 2000; Ryan & Deci, 2000). The variance in our data heavily centers around the concepts of autonomy, competence and relatedness, illustrating how post-DADT military personnel policy, which excludes open transgender service, impacts the mental well-being of transgender service members.

The study does not address the issue of the use of erectile dysfunction drugs by transgender people, since this topic cannot be correctly considered without analyzing the prices of generic Cialis.

Effect of Different Techniques on Germination Efficacy and Antioxidant Capacity of Indigenous Legumes of Pakistan
Pages 348-353
Dur-e-Shahwar Sattar, Tahira Mohsin Ali and Abid Hasnain

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2015.11.50

Published: 25 May 2015

Abstract: The present study investigated five different strategies for germination, utilizing distinctive substrata like jute bag, separating funnel, muslin cloth, filter paper and aluminum foil followed by evaluation of percent germination, radicle size, weight gain, total phenols and antioxidant activity of eleven indigenous legumes. The results revealed that jute bag displayed the most elevated percent germination in all legumes (84-96) % with the exception of kabuli chick pea, desi chick pea, garbanzo bean and cow pea which demonstrated improved percent germination when filter paper was utilized as substrata. The longest root length (3.1cm) was seen in cow pea when filter paper was used as substrata. It was additionally observed that jute bag demonstrated the highest increment in total phenolic compounds after germination in soy bean i.e. 6.3 mg gallic acid/gram. Among all germinated legumes, cowpea demonstrated the most elevated amount of total antioxidant activity (98.1%) when either filter paper or separating funnel was utilized. The results revealed that every bean requires optimum sprouting technique/conditions inorder to enhance its antioxidant capacity to maximum extent.

Keywords: Legumes, germination methods, total phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity.

Detection of Grapevine Fanleaf Virus Using Serological and Biological Assays
Pages 343-347
Gülcan Tarla and Mehmet Asil Yilmaz

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2015.11.49

Published: 25 May 2015

Abstract: The production of grapevine is important agricultural sector in Turkey. But, the production is lower than the other Mediterranean countries. One of the main reasons of low yield is many viruses’ diseases. The nepoviruse diseases are responsible for significant lossesin vineyards. Grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV) is the most important deadly virus among them. It is transmitted by graft and vector nematodes. It has not been studied enough about this virus in our country. There is not enough detailed research on this virus in our country. In this study, the maintenance of GFLV in vineyards and their occurrence areas were determined in Adana and Mersin provinces by serological and biological assays. Out of total 384 grapevine samples, 63 plants (16.4%) were found to be infected with GFLV by double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA). In addition to this, as herbaceous indicator plants; Nicotiana benthamiana Domin., N. tabacum L., N. rustia L., Chenopodium amaranthicolor Coste et Reyn., C. quinoa Wild., Cucumis sativus L., and Gomprena globosa L. were used in biological assays. But chloroticlocallesions were observed only on Nicotiana benthamiana Domin. among weedy indicator plants by mechanical transmission.

Perception of Climate Change and Farmers’ Adaptation: A Case Study of Poor and Non-Poor Farmers in Northern Central Coast of Vietnam
Pages 323-342
Son Tran Van, William Boyd, Peter Slavich and Trinh Mai Van

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2015.11.48

Published: 131 May 2015

Abstract: Successful implementation of national climate change agriculture adaptation policy in Vietnam requires rural communities to be able to respond to government programs. Critical players in ensuring this include provincial government officials and local farmers. Program success depends on strong uptake by farmers, which in turn depends on strong understanding of climate change and its agricultural and environmental impacts. Small-scale farming is dominant in Vietnam, and therefore the perceptions of such farmers regarding climate change and variability, necessary farming practice adjustment, and barriers to adaptation are important. However, there has been very little research devoted to understanding the factors that may influence farmers’ responses to climate change in Vietnam. The objectives of this paper are, therefore, to: (i) identify the of understanding and awareness of climate change among small-scale farmers in Vietnam, as it may affect their continuing practice as farmers; (ii) evaluate farmers’ understanding of adaptation to climate change; and (iii) record small-scale farmers’ responses to climate change adaptation, and therefore the capacity for rural communities to respond meaningfully to government climate change adaptation programs. Drawing on interviews of 172 small-scale farmers and six agricultural officers, we find that the majority of the farmers are, indeed, aware of local climate change. Both poor and non-poor farmers hold similar perceptions of changes in local climatic conditions. Importantly, however, these two groups differ significantly in terms of their perceptions and understandings of adaptation measures, barriers to adaptation, and factors influencing decisions. These differences reflect differences in income, financial capacity and education. Adaptation measures taken by poor farmers typically comprise relatively simple and minimal collective actions, and are typically low cost options. These are likely to have relatively low impacts in terms of their efficacy in responding to climate change. Non-poor farmers, on the other hand, tend to adopt more sophisticated responses, which require greater knowledge, skills and investment costs. These farmers are more likely to be able to respond to climate change with greater efficacy.

Keywords: Adaptation, Climate change, Perception, Poor and non-poor households.