bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nursing students’ perceptions of spiritual needs at the end of life. A qualitative study
Authors: García-Navarro E. Begoña , Navarro Sonia García , Sousa Luis , José Helena , Caceres-Titos María José , Ortega-Galán Ángela
Published: July 2023

Spirituality is defined as the meaning of life, being the very essence of life made up of all of the aspects inherent to it. During end-of-life processes, this need is shown to be particularly altered in patients and yet it is an aspect that the health professionals accompanying patients in this situation report being least equipped to address, alongside therapies that could help to meet these needs, such as art therapy. An exploratory qualitative study was conducted, adheres to the guidelines of COREQ (41). The study population were final year students undertaking a nursing degree at the University of Huelva, Spain. The sample was selected via intentional sampling using snowball recruitment from the study population. Stratification according to gender was performed due to the feminised nature of the population. Sample size was determined progressively during the research, with recruitment ceasing at 13 informants once information saturation was achieved. Inclusion criteria required that participants were to be final year students enrolled on a nursing degree who had provided consent to participate voluntarily in the research. The analysis Realized was interpretive phenomenological (IPA) as described by Smith (43–45). The present study revealed that students perceive their training on spiritual care to be deficient. Despite them reporting that they possess the skills and tools to provide end-of-life care, this is not enough to provide effective accompaniment, given that this moment brings them into touch with their own insecurities. Students verbalized the need to learn strategies to address this shortcoming regarding final accompaniment, for instance, through art, with creativity being one of the skills with the potential to uncover the meaning of life.
Attitudes, beliefs, and knowledge regarding medical cannabis among healthcare students in the Republic of Cyprus: a cross-sectional descriptive correlational study
Authors: Sokratous Sokratis , Mpouzika Meropi , Kaikoushi Katerina , Alexandrou George , Karanikola Maria
Published: July 2023

Background

Although international research-based literature from the last 2 decades seems to favor the use of medical cannabis (MC), there is a lack of evidence concerning healthcare students’ education on MC in the Republic of Cyprus and across the world. Therefore, this study explores healthcare students’ attitudes, beliefs, and knowledge regarding the use of MC. We paid special attention to differences across specific sociodemographic (gender, age, and religion status) and educational (level of study and study field) characteristics.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2019 and March 2020. All active undergraduate and postgraduate healthcare students (nurses, physiotherapists, speech therapists, pharmacists, and occupational therapists; N = 900) studying in public and private universities in the Republic of Cyprus were eligible to participate (final sample: N = 819, response rate = 91%). To collect data on the attitudes, beliefs and knowledge of the participants, we used the Medical Cannabis Questionnaire (MCQ). To analyze the data, we employed the Pearson’s chi-square test for group differences, in addition to assessing the descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results

Approximately 82.2% believed that MC education should be integrated into the clinical practice requirements. Statistically significant differences were observed between genders in terms of beliefs/risk associated with the use of MC, with males being more likely to believe that there are significant mental-health benefits associated with using ΜC compared to females (84.9% vs. 76.2%, p<0.05). Females were more likely than males to believe that using MC poses serious physical (76.8% vs. 60.6%, p<0.001) and mental-health (77.9% vs. 66%, p<0.001) risks. Moreover, participants who received formal education about MC during their study/training were more prepared to answer patient/client questions about ΜC (p < 0.001). In addition, participants who received formal education had more frequently friends (p < 0.001) or family members who used MC (p < 0.005).

Conclusion

This study provides useful information for curriculum development, educational changes, and policy decisions related to cannabis use for medical purposes in the Republic of Cyprus. The results showed that the majority of the healthcare students who participated in the study favored MC use. However, the participants reported a lack of knowledge and recommended additional evidence-based research and education to enhance their knowledge about MC use. Therefore, we recommend the implementation of formal education on MC among healthcare students in the Republic of Cyprus during their study and clinical training. Furthermore, it is important to include MC-related theoretical and clinical/laboratory courses during studies and clinical practice.
Education level as a predictor of the onset of health problems among China’s middle-aged population: Cox regression analysis
Authors: Ping Ruru , Oshio Takashi
Published: July 2023

Background

Despite the importance of midlife with reference to one’s health, educational inequalities in midlife health have attracted little attention in China. Using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, this study examined the association between educational attainment and the onset of midlife health problems and investigated the potential mediating effects of socioeconomic position (SEP) other than educational attainment, depression, and health behavior.

Methods

Data were extracted from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey (CHALRS) from 2011 (baseline) to 2018 (latest data). Participants aged 45–59 years at baseline were studied (N = 8,050). Health outcomes included the onset of poor self-rated health (SRH), limitation in activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental ADL (IADL), multimorbidity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, heart diseases, and stroke over the 7-year follow-up period. Cox proportional hazard models were used to examine the associations of the outcomes with educational attainment, while controlling for potential mediators (other SEP, depression, and health behaviors).

Results

Lower educational level was associated with increased incidences of poor SRH and ADL/IADL limitations, but with decreased incidences of dyslipidemia and heart disease. After adjusting for baseline covariates, the RII was 2.17 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.74, 2.70) for poor SRH, 2.15 (95% CI: 1.42, 3.26) for ADL limitation, 3.84 (95% CI: 2.98, 4.94) for IADL limitation, 0.52 (95% CI: 0.40, 0.68) for dyslipidemia, and 0.55 (95% CI: 0.40, 0.74) for heart disease. Significant proportions (2.1 to 27.0%) of the RII were explained by the mediators. No sex or urban–rural differences were found in this study.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that educational attainment is an important predictor of the incidences of key midlife health problems, with significant mediating effects exerted by other indicators of SEP, depression, and health behavior.
The impacts of low-carbon city pilot policies on natural population growth: empirical evidence from China’s prefecture-level cities
Authors: Zheng Yaxin , Zhang Miao , Wang Sen , Wang Lin
Published: July 2023

Introduction

The carbon emissions that cities contribute drive the development of low-carbon cities (LCCs) and low-carbon city pilot (LCCP) policies. However, the lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the impacts of LCCP policies on natural population growth hampers effective policy design and implementation, thus constraining sustainable development at the city level.

Methodology

Extending the existing papers which focus on the relations between low-carbon pilot policies and industry transformation or economic growth, this research applies several experimental methods [e.g., Propensity Score Matching-Difference in Differences (PSM-DID)] to investigate the impacts of low-carbon pilot policies on natural population growth by applying the data from 287 prefecture-level cities in China from 2003 to 2019.

Results and Discussion

This research found that low-carbon pilot policies would positively influence the low-carbon cities’ natural population growth by influencing (a) economic factors, (b) political factors, (c) technological factors, and (d) the living environment. This research establishes a framework for understanding the impact mechanisms of LCCP on natural population growth. This paper investigates how industrial structure optimization, policy design and implementation in different regions, technological innovations, and urban green space theoretically affect natural population growth. This paper also proposed characteristics of LCCP which should be theoretically concerned by the government. From a practical perspective, this research suggests several policy recommendations. Central and local governments are encouraged to prioritize industrial structure optimization and assess populations’ dependence on cultivated land. Providing additional policy support to underdeveloped areas is crucial to promote the balance between economic and environmental development. Furthermore, establishing online public health platforms and urban green spaces is proposed to enhance the population’s health and complement the implementation of LCCP policies. This offers both theoretical and practical insights into the impacts of LCCP policies on natural population growth. Its findings contribute to designing and implementing LCCP policies in China and other developing countries at a similar development stage.
Experimental investigation of the characteristic of vacuum spray cooling for tofu
Authors: Li Gailian , Han Lucong , Du Shuaihua , Peng Yuhang , Zhang Zhenya , Cheng Chuanxiao , Jin Tingxiang
Published: July 2023

The present study proposes a rapid cooling method based on vacuum spray cooling, and establishes an experimental system to study the cooling performance of this method by taking tofu as an example. In this study, the effects of vacuum spray cooling, vacuum cooling and immersion vacuum cooling on the cooling rate, water holding rate, PH, TPA and other properties of tofu were compared. The total cooling time of vacuum spray cooling (13.86 min) was shorter than that of immersion vacuum cooling (33.39 min) but longer than that of vacuum cooling (10.64 min) for a temperature decrease from 70°C to 4°C. For weight loss from 70°C to 4°C, vacuum spray cooling (2.96%) was significantly less than that of vacuum cooling (10.21%). The PH value after cooling has no significant difference, but the color difference and water holding capacity of the sample after vacuum spray cooling are obviously better. However, the textural properties of the sample cooled by vacuum spray cooling were close to (for elasticity and viscosity) and better (for hardness and chewiness) than those of immersion vacuum cooling. In addition, compared with the two cooling methods in terms of storage, vacuum spray cooling can effectively maintain the moisture content, water holding rate, PH, chromatism and TPA of tofu, thus extending the fresh-keeping period of tofu. The conclusions of this paper provide theoretical support for prolonging the preservation period of food and optimizing the cooling process.
Oral microbiome of the inner surface of face masks and whole saliva during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Lee Yeon-Hee , Kim Hyeongrok , Heo Dae Wook , Ahn In-Suk , Park Hee-Kyung
Published: July 2023

Wearing a face mask was strongly recommended during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to investigate the diversity of the oral microbiome, the abundance of each bacterium on the inner surface of the mask, and the effects of xerostomia on the microbiota. The study was conducted on 55 generally healthy adults (45 women and 10 men, mean age 38.18 ± 12.49 years). Unstimulated flow rate (UFR) and stimulated flow rate (SFR) were measured in whole saliva samples collected for each condition. The 14 major oral bacterial species, including Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), Lactobacillus casei (L. casei), Tannerella forsythia (T. forsythia), and Treponema denticola (T. denticola) on the inner surface of the mask and in the UFR and SFR samples, were analyzed by real-time PCR. We found that the total DNA copy number of oral bacteria was significantly higher in UFR and SFR than in the mask (p < 0.001). On the inner surface of the mask, P. gingivalis and L. casei were the most abundant Gram-negative and Gram-positive species, respectively. The oral microbiome profile of the mask differed from that of the UFR and SFR samples. Shannon's diversity index was also significantly higher in the UFR and SFR than in the mask (2.64 ± 0.78, 2.66 ± 0.76, and 1.26 ± 1.51, respectively, p < 0.001). Shannon's diversity index of UFR and SFR had a significant positive correlation with each other (r = 0.828, p < 0.001), but there was no significant relationship with Shannon's diversity index of mask. Red complex abundance, including P. gingivalis, T. forsythia, and T. denticola, was significantly higher in UFR than in the mask. Interestingly, the DNA copy number of each of the 14 bacteria, the total bacterial amount, and Shannon's diversity index did not differ in the absence or presence of xerostomia (p > 0.05). In summary, oral bacteria migrated to and existed on the inside of the mask, and the presence of xerostomia did not affect the bacterial profiles. The inner surface of the mask had an independent oral microbiome profile, although this showed lower quantity and diversity than the UFR and SFR samples.
Embodied mixed reality with passive haptics in STEM education: randomized control study with chemistry titration
Authors: Johnson-Glenberg Mina C. , Yu Christine S. P. , Liu Frank , Amador Charles , Bao Yueming , Yu Shufan , LiKamWa Robert
Published: July 2023

Researchers, educators, and multimedia designers need to better understand how mixing physical tangible objects with virtual experiences affects learning and science identity. In this novel study, a 3D-printed tangible that is an accurate facsimile of the sort of expensive glassware that chemists use in real laboratories is tethered to a laptop with a digitized lesson. Interactive educational content is increasingly being placed online, it is important to understand the educational boundary conditions associated with passive haptics and 3D-printed manipulables. Cost-effective printed objects would be particularly welcome in rural and low Socio-Economic (SES) classrooms. A Mixed Reality (MR) experience was created that used a physical 3D-printed haptic burette to control a computer-based chemistry titration experiment. This randomized control trial study with 136 college students had two conditions: 1) low-embodied control (using keyboard arrows), and 2) high-embodied experimental (physically turning a valve/stopcock on the 3D-printed burette). Although both groups displayed similar significant gains on the declarative knowledge test, deeper analyses revealed nuanced Aptitude by Treatment Interactions (ATIs). These interactionsfavored the high-embodied experimental group that used the MR devicefor both titration-specific posttest knowledge questions and for science efficacy and science identity. Those students with higher prior science knowledge displayed higher titration knowledge scores after using the experimental 3D-printed haptic device. A multi-modal linguistic and gesture analysis revealed that during recall the experimental participants used the stopcock-turning gesture significantly more often, and their recalls created a significantly different Epistemic Network Analysis (ENA). ENA is a type of 2D projection of the recall data, stronger connections were seen in the high embodied group mainly centering on the key hand-turning gesture. Instructors and designers should consider the multi-modal and multi-dimensional nature of the user interface, and how the addition of another sensory-based learning signal (haptics) might differentially affect lower prior knowledge students. One hypothesis is that haptically manipulating novel devices during learning may create more cognitive load. For low prior knowledge students, it may be advantageous for them to begin learning content on a more ubiquitous interface (e.g., keyboard) before moving them to more novel, multi-modal MR devices/interfaces.
Informality, economic complexity, and internalization of rules
Authors: Laguna Marcen , Hernández Iván , Godoy Jesús María
Published: July 2023

This research aimed to find out the relationship between informality and the internalization of the rules of behavior required for complexity in the economic system, as better knowledge is required for formalization policy to have a greater impact. We use the economic complexity index (ECI) for 2018 at the regional level in Colombia, which combines the country's productive structure with the amount of knowledge and know-how embodied in the goods it produces. The informality measure we use is the individual's affiliation to social security (in particular health insurance), and we use a proxy of civic rule's internalization as an inverse relation with traffic tickets. This research aimed to shed new light on public policy to improve formalization and its economic impact. First, we include a theory that includes both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation types. The self-determination theory or organismic integration theory proposes this theory. Second, we have argued that the motivation to formalize is intrinsic to greater cultural capacity. Individuals gradually internalize rules of behavior that have repercussions on social dynamics. Third, the composition and characteristics of the families in the study sample seem to show that some factors increase the propensity for informality. Our empirical analysis reveals that group of people with a lower educational level are the ones who are more likely to belong to the informal labor market. These results are consistent with the literature. Multivariate Probit regression was used to examine these factors.
Evaluating wrapping alpine ski boots during on-snow carving
Authors: Honert Eric C. , Harrison Kathryn , Feeney Daniel
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Alpine ski boots enable rapid and precise force transfer between skier and ski while carving. These boots are made of rigid plastic and fit tightly commonly through four buckles. Such a fit can improve speed and control but also pain and discomfort. In athletic footwear, alterations to the upper designed to wrap the foot improve performance during rapid changes of direction and during trail running. The purpose of this study was to systematically evaluate the performance and fit of two different ski boot shell closure mechanisms: a BOA closure and a Buckle closure.

Materials and methods

This was a two-part study with 22 subjects performing on-mountain skiing and 10 of those subjects completing an in-laboratory pressure evaluation. Subjects skied in both boots three times each while data from inertial measurement units (IMUs) and plantar pressures were collected along with subjective data. In lab, static dorsal and plantar pressures were collected while the subjects flexed into the boots.

Results

The BOA boots improved subjective and objective ski performance; qualitative carving scores were greater, likely through increasing the amount of normal force applied to the ski while turning. There were no differences in edge angles between the boots, as computed from IMUs. The BOA boot also reduced static peak plantar pressures in the rearfoot along with reducing overall static pressure on the dorsum as compared with the Buckle boot.

Conclusions

This is the first study to systematically evaluate differences in ski boot closures. The improvements in carving performance in the BOA boot are supported by distinct differences in pressure distribution within each boot, which we speculate contributed to improved performance by reducing discomfort or pain while still facilitating effective force transfer.
Disentangling transport movement patterns of trucks either transporting pigs or while empty within a swine production system before and during the COVID-19 epidemic
Authors: Picasso-Risso Catalina , Vilalta Carles , Sanhueza Juan Manuel , Kikuti Mariana , Schwartz Mark , Corzo Cesar A.
Published: July 2023

Transport of pigs between sites occurs frequently as part of genetic improvement and age segregation. However, a lack of transport biosecurity could have catastrophic implications if not managed properly as disease spread would be imminent. However, there is a lack of a comprehensive study of vehicle movement trends within swine systems in the Midwest. In this study, we aimed to describe and characterize vehicle movement patterns within one large Midwest swine system representative of modern pig production to understand movement trends and proxies for biosecurity compliance and identify potential risky behaviors that may result in a higher risk for infectious disease spread. Geolocation tracking devices recorded vehicle movements of a subset of trucks and trailers from a production system every 5 min and every time tracks entered a landmark between January 2019 and December 2020, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. We described 6,213 transport records from 12 vehicles controlled by the company. In total, 114 predefined landmarks were included during the study period, representing 5 categories of farms and truck wash facilities. The results showed that trucks completed the majority (76.4%, 2,111/2,762) of the recorded movements. The seasonal distribution of incoming movements was similar across years (P> 0.05), while the 2019 winter and summer seasons showed higher incoming movements to sow farms than any other season, year, or production type (P< 0.05). More than half of the in-movements recorded occurred within the triad of sow farms, wean-to-market stage, and truck wash facilities. Overall, time spent at each landmark was 9.08% higher in 2020 than in 2019, without seasonal highlights, but with a notably higher time spent at truck wash facilities than any other type of landmark. Network analyses showed high connectivity among farms with identifiable clusters in the network. Furthermore, we observed a decrease in connectivity in 2020 compared with 2019, as indicated by the majority of network parameter values. Further network analysis will be needed to understand its impact on disease spread and control. However, the description and quantification of movement trends reported in this study provide findings that might be the basis for targeting infectious disease surveillance and control.
4-H as a Catalyst to Enhance Quality of Life for Hispanic Individuals
Authors: Jones Wash , LaVenge Douglas , Elbert Chanda , Large Alvin , Larke Patricia
Published: July 2023

Improving the quality of life for all Americans by increasing economic opportunities is essential to maintaining a highly competitive agricultural system in a global economy. Because Hispanic individuals are one of the fastest growing groups of Americans, traditional youth development programs must begin to focus more on Hispanic youth development. This article outlines how 4-H Programs can serve as a catalyst to enhance quality of life for Hispanic youth and citizens in general.
Using iPads as a Data Collection Tool in Extension Programming Evaluation
Authors: Rowntree JE , Wittman RR , Lindquist GL , Raven MR
Published: July 2023

Program evaluation is an important part of Extension, especially with the increased emphasis on metrics and accountability. Agents are often the point persons for evaluation data collection, and Web-based surveys are a commonly used tool. The iPad tablet with Internet access has the potential to be an effective survey tool. iPads were field tested at a grazing conference to assess their efficacy as a data collection tool. Participants with prior iPad experience found them easy to use, while some novice users had difficulty completing the survey. The high mobility of the iPads was a distinct advantage over laptops.
"Reduce" Your Work Load, "Re-Use" Existing Extension Print Materials, and "Recycle" to New Digital Platforms
Authors: Castel Lisa , Henneman Alice , Ostdiek Dave
Published: July 2023

This article provides information and guidance on how to take traditional means of communication and information sharing and repurpose and digitize that content for the Internet and posting on social media sites. Suggestions and templates are provided from primary to secondary format development and how to then take those formats and adapt them to the Internet. Case studies and examples are also cited that highlight successful adaptation of materials and presentations to maximize programming efforts without adding to the workload.
Segmentation of Email Systems Benefits You and Your Clientele
Authors: McGuire Andrew , Hoheisel Gwen
Published: July 2023

Using commercial email services to segment email lists allows Extension to customize information according to clientele interests. Our email system has 42 segments, allowing us to be very specific in choosing who receives the information we send out. It also allows clientele to manage their information according to their needs. There are some challenges, such as not being able to send attachments, but overall these systems can makes delivery of information more efficient and effective, and less expensive than printed media.
No More Missing LEGO Parts: A Simple Inventory System that Works!
Authors: Ewers Timothy , Dawes Kathy
Published: July 2023

In this article, we show a method for organizing the LEGO WeDo Robotics Set. The system is proving to greatly decrease the time needed for inventorying parts and storing and transporting LEGO sets, saving youth time in finding parts for the various builds and keeping the hair on leader's heads ☺.
4-H Tractor Operator Program Teaches Employability Skills and Safety to Youth
Authors: Barrett Debra
Published: July 2023

For Michigan State University Extension, the Berrien County 4-H Tractor Operator Program has provided tractor safety education to teens for over 30 years. The certification training satisfies current requirements for operation of a 20 PTO HP or greater agricultural tractor by 14- and 15-year-old youth employed on property notowned, leased, or operated by a parent or legal guardian. Parents say the program, enhanced by the Gearing Up for Safety curriculum, allows youth to operate equipment legally, be employable, and increases self-confidence, emergency preparedness skills, and knowledge.
Diversity Inclusion in 4-H Youth Programs: Examining the Perceptions Among West Virginia 4-H Youth Professionals
Authors: LaVergne Douglas
Published: July 2023

The study reported here sought to examine the perceptions of 4-H youth professionals towards diversity inclusion in 4-H youth programs. A majority of professionals positively reported that there are benefits for youth of color and youth with disabilities in 4-H youth programs. Respondents indicated that the lack of information about 4-H youth programs was the biggest barrier to diversity-inclusive 4-H programs. As demographic populations shift, 4-H programs must continue to implement inclusive programs and assess current programs to ensure that historically marginalized groups are being encouraged to join.
A Study of Extension Professionals Preferences and Perceptions of Usefulness and Level of Comfort with Blogs as an Informal Professional Development Tool
Authors: Cater Melissa , Davis Debra , Leger Bradley , Machtmes Krisanna , Arcemont Lisa
Published: July 2023

The use of blogs for informal professional development is a growing phenomenon in higher education. The purpose of the study reported here was to describe Extension faculty's preferences for and perceptions of using an online, particularly social media, environment for professional development. The LSU AgCenter Organization Development and Evaluation unit conducted an 18-week pilot study to determine the feasibility of this delivery method with field and state faculty. Results indicate that blogs are underutilized because of the newness of the technology but possess potential as a delivery method.
Job Embeddedness Theory: Can It Help Explain Employee Retention Among Extension Agents?
Authors: Young Jeffery , Stone James , Aliaga Oscar , Shuck Brad
Published: July 2023

The study reported here examined Job Embeddedness theory, as introduced by Mitchell, Holtom, Lee, Sablynski, and Erez (2001), which offers a method of discovering why people stay in an organization. Extension agents in two states (N=454) reported significantly different levels of job embeddedness during the study period. Regression analyses showed that job embeddedness was significantly correlated with and predicted unique variance in intent to stay.
The Impacts of the Great Recession on State Natural Resource Extension Programs
Authors: Serenari Christopher , Peterson Nils , Bardon Robert , Brown Robert
Published: July 2023

The Great Recession contributed to major budget cuts for natural resource Extension programs in the United States. Despite the potentially large cuts, their impacts and how Extension has adapted their programs have not been evaluated. We begin addressing these needs with surveys of Association of Natural Resource Extension Professionals members and State Extension Service Administrators in 2011. Results indicate that Extension programs have adapted to cuts by increasing reliance on grants, fees, and partnerships. We suggest the need to better understand the implications of cuts for natural resource Extension and its customers.
Do Job Satisfaction and Commitment to the Organization Matter When It Comes to Retaining Employees?
Authors: Martin Michael , Kaufman Eric
Published: July 2023

Reducing employee turnover through retention practices is an area of great interest to employers. Extension has experienced the loss of many county agents due to resignation and also retirement incentives. Prior research suggests a linkage of factors that can predict the likelihood of employees' intention to quit. The study included 480 Extension agents with less than 6 years of employment, representing 12 states in the southern United States. Findings indicate significant relationships between employee job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and intention to quit.
Extent of Agroforestry Extension Programs in the United States
Authors: Jacobsen Michael , Kar Shiba
Published: July 2023

An email survey of Extension professionals across the United States was carried out in 2011 to learn about agroforestry Extension programs. The most common agroforestry practices were riparian buffers, windbreaks, and forest farming. Programs provided some degree of effectiveness and success, but numerous obstacles to more widespread adoption were noted. Critical factors include an appreciation of interest in agroforestry, availability of markets and resources such as personnel and funding, having a dedicated program within each state, and having an active schedule of trainings, demonstrations, and other educational opportunities. Extension is in a unique position to facilitate promotion of agroforestry.
West Virginia Woodland Welcome Wagon: Design, Implementation, and Evaluation in Three Priority Areas
Authors: McCuen Megan , McGill David , Kathryn Kathryn , Arano Kathryn , Owen Sheldon
Published: July 2023

The majority of West Virginia's forested land is owned by private family forest owners. It is essential that natural resources professionals work with and support these individuals as they establish their ideal woodlands and sustain ecosystem services, which are at risk from parcelization and fragmentation. The West Virginia Woodland Welcome Wagon was carried out in three priority areas to connect new landowners with natural resources professionals. Over the course of 6 months, absentee landowners, landowners with fewer than 50 acres, and those interested in socializing with other woodland owners were found to be more likely to participate in the project.
Evaluation of HACCP Training Under the Grade "A" Dairy HACCP Core Curriculum
Authors: Murphy Steven
Published: July 2023

Learning outcomes of two training programs using the National Conference on Interstate Milk Shipments (NCIMS) HACCP core curriculum were evaluated using a post-program questionnaire to assess participant reaction; a pre-/post-test to measure learning; and a follow-up survey to determine utilization of training information. Overall responses indicated that program materials and instruction were of value in meeting HACCP training needs; that overall participant knowledge improved; and knowledge gained was used in review and modification of dairy plant HACCP systems by survey respondents. The NCIMS core curriculum as a standardized HACCP training program meets the needs of the dairy industry.
Effectiveness of the 4-H Program as Perceived by Parents of 4-H Participants
Authors: Radhakrishna Rama , Foley Caitlin , Ingam Patreese , Ewing John
Published: July 2023

The study reported here examined the effectiveness of 4-H program as perceived by parents of program participants. Descriptive-correlational design was employed, with data collected using a mail survey. Parents perceived 4-H as an effective organization in teaching life skills to youth. Significant relationships were found between parents' skills and skills youth learn in 4-H. Two variables—skills and belonging—explained 28.8% of the variance in youth life skills, suggesting that when parents view that their child's participation in 4-H is important and help demonstrate importance of life skills, then youth learn needed life skills—communications, decision making, and goal setting.
Affecting Community Change: Involving Pro Bono Professionals as Extension Volunteers
Authors: Kelley Diane , Culp Ken
Published: July 2023

Pro bono volunteers provide an effective means for Extension professionals to expand limited financial and human resources. Volunteers recruited from business settings can provide skills, abilities, expertise, leadership, and resources to Extension programs. Allowing professional volunteers to meet their desired leadership goals while simultaneously meeting the desired outcome of the Extension program requires effective communication with the corporation as well as the pro bono volunteer. To develop a pro bono volunteer program, Extension professionals should: identify shared outcomes; build collaboration; and effectively communicate how pro bono service provides an opportunity to achieve goals while meeting programming outcomes.
Characteristics of Non-Industrial Private Forest Owners Interested in Managing Their Land for Nontimber Forest Products
Authors: McLain Rebecca , Jones Eric
Published: July 2023

Non-industrial private forest owners in 16 states were surveyed about their interest in learning about managing their land for nontimber forest products. T-tests of means, Mann-Whitney U-tests, and cross-tabulations identified land tenure, resource management, and socio-demographic characteristics associated with interest in nontimber forest products. Our results indicate that landowners likely to be interested in managing for NTFPs are those who have more formal education, are active forest managers, have greater access to forested land, and prior experience or familiarity with nontimber forest products.
Planning Across Generations: Helping Family Landowners Maintain Their Ties to the Land
Authors: Robinson Brad , Allred Shorna , Landgren Chal , Sisock Mary
Published: July 2023

Many land-owning families face the difficult challenge of maintaining their property in family ownership, an issue deserving greater attention among Extension educators. In the longitudinal study reported here we assessed the effectiveness of an educational program in helping family woodland owners prepare to pass land on to the next generation and found an impact on participants' reported behavior. About 18-months after the Ties to the Land workshop, 71% of respondents reported taking at least one succession planning action as a result their participation.
Experts, Extension, and Democracy: A Prospectus for a New Urban Grant
Authors: Jacob John
Published: July 2023

Modern democracy cannot survive without effective citizen participation. The complexity of modern post-industrial life, unfortunately, is an impediment to participation. A new urban grant might be our best hope to enable real citizen participation in modern urban America, but Extension professionals would have to reach deep into our own past to resurrect a participatory ethos and even farther into early American history for models of civic professionalism. A new urban grant would expand well beyond agriculture and embrace the recent calls for an "energy grant," a climate Extension service, and a hazard mitigation Extension service, among others.
From Garden to Recipient: A Direct Approach to Nutrition Education
Authors: Murphy Barbara
Published: July 2023

Maine Harvest for Hunger (MHH) involves Master Gardeners in food security through participation in gleaning and gardening projects that benefit food pantries. A statewide survey (Murphy, 2011a) indicates many food pantries face increased demand but are unable to distribute all of the donated produce. The MHH program in Oxford County is designed to provide vegetables and nutrition education directly to people with limited access to fresh produce. Participant survey results show this method is successful. Over 90% of respondents indicated their diets and knowledge of nutrition have improved somewhat to greatly and over 70% have made significant behavior changes.
A Tool Kit for Building Life Skills Using Experiential Education and Games
Authors: Brandt Brian
Published: July 2023

The development of life skills in youth is a common goal of youth programs. The new research on positive youth development highlights intentional development of these skills. However, with the differences in skill levels of staff and volunteers, training is a challenge. By providing flexible tools training for all can occur in one session, and new skills are learned. The highlighted tool kit can be a guide for Extension professionals to create tool kits that work for their population. They are designed to be small and fit in a pocket, thus increasing the chance that they will be used.
Developing a Customized GIS-Based Spatial Statistics Tool: An Application to Emergency Planning and Response
Authors: Schilling Brian , Marxen Lucas
Published: July 2023

Increased access to geographic information systems (GIS) technology has expanded the tools available to support Extension programming. However, working with large spatial datasets can still be difficult for less experienced users. GIS software allows the use of custom script programs and toolboxes to expedite and simplify data analysis. This article demonstrates the use of a customized GIS-based spatial statistics tool in an emergency planning and response context. In our example, we use the tool to tabulate population statistics within a user-defined area around several supermarkets made inoperable due to flooding.
Extension's Capacity to Deliver Quality Early Childhood Professional Development
Authors: Durden Tonia , Mincemoyer Claudia , Gerdes Jennifer , Lodl Kathleen
Published: July 2023

In recent years much attention has focused on the role of enhancing a teacher's professional knowledge and skills in helping to improve the quality of early care experiences for young children birth-5. In the study reported here, an environmental scan of the early childhood professional development programs offered within the Extension system was conducted to identify the programs' content, delivery, scope, evaluation, and partners. Results indicate that Extension has been a player in providing professional development opportunities for early childhood professionals and with a focused effort in streamlining the current resources has the capacity to become a leader in this field.
Examining Ömer Seyfettin's "Ant" Story in Terms of Sentence Elements
Authors: Kaymak Burcu , Yucel Dogan
Published: July 2023

Language has been at the center of thinking, knowing, and questioning processes from ancient times to the present day, emphasizing its significance in human life. Due to its inherently multidimensional nature, language exhibits a complex structure. As a result of this complexity, it is associated with different fields, and various terms and definitions are used to describe the syntax of language structures. Although significant research has been conducted on Turkish syntax within the scope of Turkish grammar studies, the lack of a solid theoretical framework has hindered the ability to achieve the expected impact on language education. Therefore, diverse perspectives have emerged in language teaching, leading to debates on grammar. In this study, Ömer Seyfettin's story titled "Ant" has been analyzed in terms of sentence elements. The study adopts a qualitative approach, and the elements of the sentence are identified through document analysis. Based on the findings, the frequent use of short sentences and the higher density of verbs compared to other sentence components are explained. After eliminating ellipses, 90 subjects (11.5%), 230 verbs (29.44%), 134 objects (17.15%), 100 locative complements (12.8%), 98 adverbs (12.54%), 55 covert subjects (7.04%), and 74 elements outside the sentence structure (9.47%) were identified, totaling 781 sentence elements. As a result of the study, a total of 316 sentences and 1724 words were tabulated to present the numbers and percentages of verbs, subjects, covert subjects, objects, locative complements, adverbs, and elements outside the sentence structure in the story.
Neutral and Charged Nitrophenyl-N-methylnitramines - A DFT Treatment
Authors: Türker Lemi
Published: July 2023

In the present density functional study neutral and positively charged (mono and dication forms) nitrophenyl-N-methylnitramines have been considered within the constraints of the theory and the basis set employed. Depending on the closed and open-shell nature of the systems considered, B3LYP/6-31++G(d,p) and UB3LYP/6-31++G(d,p) level of theories have been adopted, respectively. Some quantum chemical properties of those neutral and cationic systems have been obtained and discussed. The neutral and monocation systems are found to have exothermic heat of formation values and favorable Gibbs free energy of formations at the standard state. All the neutral systems and the monocations, except just one case, are electronically stable. In the ortho monocation case nitramine group decomposes by releasing the nitro moiety. Whereas, all the dication systems considered undergo similar type decomposition. In all the neutral systems, the nitro group of nitramine moiety possesses some minute negative partial charge, but in the monocation systems it has some positive partial charge (decomposed or not). In contrast, the dication forms, release nitramine NO2 moiety which carries positive formal charge.
Menyoal Panggilan Yunus: Suatu Pembacaan Interkultural Terhadap Yunus 1-4
Authors: Sriyuni Sriyuni
Published: July 2023

"Regarding the Call of Jonah" is a simple study conducted by the author on two Christian groups from different ethnic backgrounds in interpreting the text of Jonah. The ethnic groups referred to here are the Torajanese and Ambonese. In this study, the author employed intercultural hermeneutics as a method to observe how both groups understand the text of Jonah based on their backgrounds as Ambonese and Torajanese individuals as theology students. Through this method, the author also aimed to examine the extent to which intercultural readings could be conducted with these two groups, as well as the transformations that could be achieved through intercultural interpretation. The study found that both the Torajanese and Ambonese groups had interpretations of the text influenced by their specific theological education and ethnic background as readers. Although the intercultural readings were still relatively simple, they were considered favorable, as evidenced by the exchange of interpretations that solidified each group's understanding and the acquisition of new perspectives. Thus, the study's transformation was achieved through a positive response to the readings of the other group.
“Menyoal Panggilan Yunus” merupakan penelitian sederhana penulis terhadap 2 kelompok Kristen dengan latar belakang suku yang berbeda dalam membaca teks Yunus. Suku yang dimaksud di sini adalah suku Toraja dan Ambon.  Dalam penelitian ini penulis menggunakan metode hermeneutik interkultural untuk melihat bagaimana kedua kelompok memahami teks Yunus berdasarkan latar belakang mereka sebagai orang Ambon dan orang Toraja yang merupakan pelajar Teologi. Melalui metode ini penulis juga mau melihat sejauh mana pembacaan interkultural dapat dilakukan terhadap dua kelompok ini serta transformasi seperti apa yang diperoleh melalui pembacaan interkultural. Dalam penelitian ini diperoleh bahwa baik kelompok Toraja maupun Ambon memiliki pemahaman terhadap teks yang dipengaruhi oleh latar belakang mereka sebagai individu yang belajar teologi secara khusus serta suku pembaca. Pembacaan interkultural yang dilakukan walaupun masih sangat sederhana namun sudah termasuk kategori baik yang nampak dari hasil pertukaran pembacaan yang membuat masing-masing kelompok merasa diteguhkan dengan adanya pembacaan dari kelompok lain serta adanya perspektif baru yang diperoleh. Dengan demikian tranformasi dalam penelitian dapat tercapai melalui respon positif terhadap hasil pembacaan kelompok lain.
Pengelolaan Penyakit Pasca Panen pada Buah dan Sayur dengan Pemanfaatan Ekstrak Alami
Authors: Angraeni Lia
Published: July 2023

Buah dan sayur merupakan komponen diet yang sangat penting bagi manusia untuk mencegah berbagai penyakit kronis. Produk segar dapat mengalami beberapa jenis stres selama dalam penanganan. Umumnya gejala stres tidak mempengaruhi keseluruhan kualitas produk, namun akan semakin jelas terlihat seiring dengan penurunan kualitas produk. Kerugian ini merupakan dampak dari kerusakan fisik, stres karena pelukaan atau infeksi laten yang disebabkan oleh jamur atau bakteri yang dimulai sejak masa pra panen. Kebanyakan negara berkembang berada di daerah tropis yang menyebabkan sistem penanganan produk hortikultura dipengaruhi oleh tingginya suhu dan kelembaban. Di negara-negara miskin, kehilangan hasil selama rantai pemasaran dapat mencapai hingga 50%. Mengganti penggunaan fungisida sintetik dengan produk alam (umumnya yang berasal dari ekstrak tanaman) yang tidak beracun dan memiliki cara kerja yang spesifik semakin mendapatkan perhatian saat ini. Senyawa alami yang diproduksi oleh buah selama masa pematangan telah menunjukkan potensi yang cukup tinggi untuk digunakan sebagai pencegahan serangan busuk oleh patogen Kata kunci: Buah dan sayur; Ekstrak alami; Penyakit pasca panen
Karakteristik Sensori Cookies Mocaf dengan Substitusi Tepung Labu Kuning
Authors: Rasyid Maya Indra , Maryati Sri , Triandita Nanda , Yuliani Hilka , Angraeni Lia
Published: July 2023

Cookies merupakan salah satu bentuk sediaan pangan instan yang dibuat dari campuran terigu dan tepung-tepungan dengan penambahab gula, butter dan lainnya dengan bantuan proses pengovenan. Dalam penelitian ini dilakukan pembuatan cookies menggunakan tepung mocaf dengan substitusi tepung labu kuning yang diharapkan memiliki karakteristik sensori yang baik dari panalis. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui karakteristik sensori (tingkat kesukaan) terdiri dari warna, aroma, rasa, kerenyahan dan overall  dari berbagai formulasi cookies berbahan baku mocaf dan tepung labu kuning. Pembuatan cookies mocaf  dengan  presentase penambahan formula tepung labu kuning yaitu 0% (cookies A);  20%  (cookies B); 30% (cookies C); dan  40% (cookies D), kemudian dilakukan pengujian sensori dengan uji hedonik meliputi warna, aroma, rasa, tekstur dan overall. Berdasarkan karakteristik sensori produk cookies terbaik adalah produk cookies A (100% tepung mocaf dan 0% tepung labu kuning). Dari hasil penelitian diketahui panalis lebih menyukai produk cookies tanpa penambahan tepung labu kuning. Kata kunci: Cookies; mocaf ; labu kuning;  sensori