bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Strategy on Selecting Performance Metrics for Classifier Evaluation
Authors: Liu Yangguang , Zhou Yangming , Wen Shiting , Tang Chaogang
Published: January 2016

The evaluation of classifiers' performances plays a critical role in construction and selection of classification model. Although many performance metrics have been proposed in machine learning community, no general guidelines are available among practitioners regarding which metric to be selected for evaluating a classifier's performance. In this paper, we attempt to provide practitioners with a strategy on selecting performance metrics for classifier evaluation. Firstly, the authors investigate seven widely used performance metrics, namely classification accuracy, F-measure, kappa statistic, root mean square error, mean absolute error, the area under the receiver operating curve, and the area under the precision-recall curve. Secondly, the authors resort to using Pearson linear correlation and Spearman rank correlation to analyses the potential relationship among these seven metrics. Experimental results show that these commonly used metrics can be divided into three groups, and all metrics within a given group are highly correlated but less correlated with metrics from different groups.
Steatoda nobilis (Araneae: Theridiidae) in South America: a new alien species for Chile
Authors: Taucare-Ríos Andrés , Mardones Daniela , Zúñiga-Reinoso Álvaro
Published: January 2016

The arrival and establishment of the spider Steatoda nobilis (Thorell) (Araneae: Theridiidae) in Chile is reported. This record is the first for this alien species in the Southern Hemisphere. A brief diagnosis to recognise the species is provided and the possible ways of entry of this spider to Chile are discussed.
Engagement Patterns of High and Low Academic Performers on Facebook Anatomy Pages
Authors: Jaffar Akram Abood , Eladl Mohamed Ahmed
Published: January 2016

Only a few studies have investigated how students use and respond to social networks in the educational context as opposed to social use. In this study, the engagement of medical students on anatomy Facebook pages was evaluated in view of their academic performance. High performers contributed to most of the engagements. They also had a particular preference for higher levels of engagement. Although the students were deeply involved in the educational element of the pages, they continued to appreciate the inherent social element. The profound engagement of the high performers indicated a consistency between Facebook use in the educational context and better student performance. At the same time, the deeper engagement of high performers refutes the opinion that Facebook use is a distractor. Instead, it supports the notion that Facebook could be a suitable platform to engage students in an educational context.
How Well Do Survey Studies Capture Alcohol's Harm to Others?
Authors: Rossow Ingeborg
Published: January 2016

Empirical studies assessing alcohol's harm to others very often rely on population survey data. This study addresses some of the problems and challenges in using survey data for this purpose. Such problems include the limited capacity of population surveys in identifying infrequent harm and long-term consequences of drinking. Moreover, the drinker may report the alcohol-related harm or the person being harmed may report the damage. However, irrespective of who reports the harm, causal attribution to drinking is problematic. Challenges for future population surveys to address alcohol's harm to others include the need for improved models and understanding of complex mechanisms to guide empirical studies within the broad range of harm. Study designs other than cross-sectional surveys, such as longitudinal study designs and combinations of population surveys and other data sources, are likely to overcome some of the identified problems in current population surveys of alcohol's harm to others.
Evaluation of Blood Transfusions in Anemic Children in Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital, Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana
Authors: Orish Verner N. , Ilechie Alex , Combey Theophilus , Onyeabor Onyekachi S. , Okorie Chuku , Sanyaolu Adekunle O.
Published: January 2016

Blood transfusion is a common practice in sub-Saharan Africa as a way of correcting anemia in children with mild and severe sicknesses. This study evaluated this practice in a secondary health-care institution in Ghana. A retrospective study was done over a 3-year period from January 2010 to December 2012. Medical records of children admitted, successfully treated, and discharged from the hospital were collected and analyzed. Data were analyzed using Epi Info version 7. Transfusions were more among male children (89, 63.1%) than female children (52, 36.9%). The highest number of blood transfusions were carried out on children in the age range 0–1 year (66, 46.8%). The majority of the blood transfusions were done on children with hemoglobin concentration level of 5 g/dL and below. Children with malaria parasitemia (83, 58.9%) had more transfusions than children without malaria parasitemia (58, 41.1%). Fever alone (43, 30.5%) and fever with gastrointestinal symptoms (33, 23.4%) were the predominant symptoms among children who had blood transfusions. In conclusion, younger children received more transfusions than older children. Also, male children received more blood transfusions than female children. Malaria was observed as a major contributory factor to the requirement for blood transfusions among the children.
Characterization of a Secretory Annexin in Echinococcus granulosus
Authors: Song Xingju , Hu Dandan , Zhong Xiuqin , Wang Ning , Gu Xiaobin , Wang Tao , Peng Xuerong , Yang Guangyou
Published: January 2016

Cystic echinococcosis, caused by Echinococcus granulosus, is a widespread parasitic zoonosis causing economic loss and public health problems. Annexins are important proteins usually present in the plasma membrane, but previous studies have shown that an annexin B33 protein of E. granulosus (Eg-ANX) could be detected in the excretory/secretory products and cyst fluid. In this study, we cloned and characterized Eg-ANX. In silico analysis showed that the amino acid sequence of Eg-ANX was conserved and lacked any signal peptides. The phospholipid-binding activity of recombinant Eg-ANX (rEg-ANX) was tested; liposomes could bind to rEg-ANX only in the presence of Ca2+. In addition, we performed western blotting and immunohistochemical analyses to further validate the secretory properties of Eg-ANX. The protein could be detected in the cyst fluid of E. granulosus and was also present in the intermediate host tissues, which suggested that Eg-ANX might play an important role in parasite–host interaction.
Independent Evaluation of the integrated Community Case Management of Childhood Illness Strategy in Malawi Using a National Evaluation Platform Design
Authors: Amouzou Agbessi , Kanyuka Mercy , Hazel Elizabeth , Heidkamp Rebecca , Marsh Andrew , Mleme Tiope , Munthali Spy , Park Lois , Banda Benjamin , Moulton Lawrence H. , Black Robert E. , Hill Kenneth , Perin Jamie , Victora Cesar G. , Bryce Jennifer
Published: January 2016

We evaluated the impact of integrated community case management of childhood illness (iCCM) on careseeking for childhood illness and child mortality in Malawi, using a National Evaluation Platform dose-response design with 27 districts as units of analysis. “Dose” variables included density of iCCM providers, drug availability, and supervision, measured through a cross-sectional cellular telephone survey of all iCCM-trained providers. “Response” variables were changes between 2010 and 2014 in careseeking and mortality in children aged 2–59 months, measured through household surveys. iCCM implementation strength was not associated with changes in careseeking or mortality. There were fewer than one iCCM-ready provider per 1,000 under-five children per district. About 70% of sick children were taken outside the home for care in both 2010 and 2014. Careseeking from iCCM providers increased over time from about 2% to 10%; careseeking from other providers fell by a similar amount. Likely contributors to the failure to find impact include low density of iCCM providers, geographic targeting of iCCM to “hard-to-reach” areas although women did not identify distance from a provider as a barrier to health care, and displacement of facility careseeking by iCCM careseeking. This suggests that targeting iCCM solely based on geographic barriers may need to be reconsidered.
Toward the Elimination of Paper Orders
Authors: Ramirez Ricardo , Webster S. , Gellert George
Published: January 2016

With the adoption of Computerized Patient Order Entry (CPOE), many physicians – particularly consultants and those who are affiliated with multiple hospital systems – are faced with the challenge of learning to navigate and commit to memory the details of multiple EHRs and CPOE software modules. These physicians may resist CPOE adoption, and their refusal to use CPOE presents a risk to patient safety when paper and electronic orders co-exist, as paper orders generated in an electronic ordering environment can be missed or acted upon after delay, are frequently illegible, and bypass the Clinical Decision Support (CDS) that is part of the evidence-based value of CPOE.

We defined a category of CPOE Low Frequency Users (LFUs) – physicians issuing a total of less than 10 orders per month – and found that 50.4% of all physicians issuing orders in 3 urban/suburban hospitals were LFUs and actively issuing orders across all shifts and days of the week. Data are presented for 2013 on the number of LFUs by month, day of week, shift and facility, over 2.3 million orders issued.

A menu of 6 options to assist LFUs in the use of CPOE, from which hospital leaders could select, was instituted so that paper orders could be increasingly eliminated. The options, along with their cost implications, are described, as is the initial option selected by hospital leaders. In practice, however, a mixed pattern involving several LFU support options emerged. We review data on how the option mix selected may have impacted CPOE adoption and physician use rates at the facilities. The challenge of engaging LFU physicians in CPOE adoption may be common in moderately sized hospitals, and these options can be deployed by other systems in advancing CPOE pervasiveness of use and the eventual elimination of paper orders.
Propuesta para profundizar en La Carta de Londres y mejorar su aplicabilidad en el campo del patrimonio arqueológico
Authors: López-Menchero Bendicho Víctor Manuel
Published: January 2016

The application of the computer-based visualisation to the field of comprehensive management of archaeological heritage has many possibilities. However, these possibilities may see their expectations dashed, if we don’t pay attention to the more theoretical part of the discipline. The London Charter has been a very important step forward in this direction but it is still possible to build on its principles and to increase their applicability conditions. In this sense this paper proposes that any project in the field of computer-based visualisation applied to the world's archaeological heritage should meet the following principles: interdisciplinary, purpose, complementarity, historical accuracy, authenticity, efficiency and transparency of science.
Pórtico de la Gloria Virtual
Authors: Otero Antonio , Méndez Roi , Flores Julián
Published: January 2016

In this paper the first phase of a broad-scope long-term project named “Portico de la Gloria Virtual” is presented. The main objective of this project is to create awareness concerning the symbolism, the characteristics and the need of preservation of such an extraordinary monumental ensemble as is the “Portico del la Gloria”, trough the utilization of the latest technologies in 3D visualization, virtual reality and augmented reality.
CityGML como modelo de datos para la representación, intercambio y visualización de información sobre el patrimonio arquitectónico
Authors: Prieto Iñaki , Egusquiza Aitziber , Delgado Francisco Javier , Martínez Rubén
Published: January 2016

Cultural heritage documentation has become a recent priority for institutions and organizations in charge of its management and conservation. One approach could be the use of international standards such as CityGML data model applied to the representation of 3D and semantic information about cultural heritage objects.
This paper introduces the methodology currently followed in the ADISPA project which basically consists of three steps: generate, store and use the information modeled in CityGML. Besides, this paper analyses the existing standards and tools in order to share, reuse and exchange the information represented by CityGML data model between several applications for 3D modeling, annotation and 3D visualization.
La Carència (Valencia, España) y su territorio Resultados de la aplicación de metodologías digitales
Authors: Albiach Rosa , Orengo Héctor A. , Blasco Josep , Ejarque Ana
Published: January 2016

'La Carència. Chronological and urban change. Evaluation in its territorial context' is an archaeological project whose application of digital methodologies to the study of la Carència Ibero-Roman oppidum and its territory has been prominent during the last ten years. This application has been twofold: archaeological research has employed GIS analyses, photogrammetrical modelling of past landscapes and multispectral imagery analysis. Scientific dissemination has been enhanced by the use of aerial photogrammetry but 3D virtual modelling was also employed to develop a hypothetical reconstruction of the city walled area. In general the application of digital methodologies benefited archaeological analysis and, at the same time, helped developing the heritage value of both site and territory.
Anastilosis Virtual de “A Domus Do Mitreo De Lvcvs Avgvsti”
Authors: Colmenero Fernández Alicia , Rodríguez Cao Celso
Published: January 2016

Following the Discovery of a roman Domus and a mithreum at the Pazo de Montenegro in Lugo city,, a new technologies implementation project for recording and spreading heritage has been carried out for the temporary exhibition "Lucus Augusti´s mithreum Domus" at the "House of knowledge". A virtual route through this architectural space reconstructed in 3D is shown on an audiovisual presentation.
TRIMÁLAGA
Authors: Guerrero-Strachan Carrillo Jesús , Contreras López Miguel Ángel
Published: January 2016

The following communication tries to do the presentation of the project TRIMÁLAGA in the context of the present International Congress of Archaeology and Graphical Computer science, Heritage and Innovation. We believe that it is the ideal forum to announce our work. Basically with the project TRIMÁLAGA one tries to do a virtual model, a three-dimensional model of the Malaga of ends of the 18th century (using the new IT technologies that it offers to us s. The XXIst) taking as a reference the plane of 1791 of D. Joseph Carrión de Mula.
Lienzos del Salón de Abd al-Rahman III Madinat al-Zahra (Córdoba) y Dolmen de Menga en Antequera (Málaga), experiencias sobre digitalización 3D y divulgación de la documentación gráfica obtenida.
Authors: Baceiredo Rodríguez Víctor , Baceiredo Rodríguez Daniel
Published: January 2016

There is no doubt about the importance of having a correct graphic documentation as a first step for planing interventions ahead and to facilitate scientific research. 3 D digitalization is widely used nowadays and its combination with other techniques allows for reliable photorealistic models,with broad capabilities for research and circulation. In this article we present two projects of 3D digitalization and virtual documentation where the present state of two archeological sites, Abd al- Rahman III de Madinat al-Zahra (Córdoba) wall faces and the Dolmen of Menga in Antequera (Málaga) are described.
Do What is Important
Authors: Flowers James L.
Published: January 2016

Dr. James L. Flowers presented the 2014 AAAE Distinguished Lecture at the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Agricultural Education in Salt Lake City, Utah in May, 2014. The article is a philosophical work based upon the author’s experiences in the agricultural education profession.
Words Speak Louder than Action?: A Mixed-Methods Case Sudy
Authors: Vincent Stacy K. , Kirby Andrea T.
Published: January 2016

The purpose of this mixed-methods case study was to examine the dynamic of Culturally Responsive Pedagogy (Gay, 2010) among nine secondary agriculture teachers in ethnically diverse schools. By reviewing the diversity of student enrollment in the agriculture programs, the participants were separated by two groups: diverse and non-diverse. A hybrid coding system of axial and magnitude allowed an unbiased panel to quantify the comments of each teacher. Results showed a difference in magnitude codes between comments provided by teachers with a diverse student enrollment and teachers with a non-diverse student enrollment. A large difference existed among four of the six characteristics of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy (CRP) and a medium difference existed in the latter two. Recommendations toward teacher home visits, implementation of curriculum modifications and diverse community engagement were directed toward the participants and practicing secondary teachers. Additional research and opportunities for CRP among teacher training institutions are also recommended.
Benefits of Career Development Events as Perceived by School-Based, Agricultural Education Teachers
Authors: Lundry Jerrod , Ramsey Jon W. , Edwards M. Craig , Robinson J. Shane
Published: January 2016

Agriculture is the nation’s largest employer with more than 24 million people working in some phase of the agricultural industry; however, the knowledge and skills needed in today’s agricultural industry are lacking. Assuring future generations are agriculturally literate and taught the significance of agriculture is crucial. Systematic delivery of the secondary agricultural education program has the potential to highlight mathematics and science through classroom and laboratory instruction, provide hands-on work experiences, and develop life skills that will help students discover their career paths. Through Career Development Events (CDEs), agricultural education programs have the potential to prepare students for more than 300 careers in the science, business, and technology of agriculture. However, school-based, agricultural education teachers and students may not understand fully the technical and nontechnical skills learned through CDEs. A Delphi approach was used in this study to identify benefits of CDEs, as perceived by school-based, agricultural education teachers in Oklahoma. Findings revealed teachers perceived CDEs supported the mission of career and technical education through students’ attainment of valuable career and life skills that are beneficial for employment in the agricultural industry; less agreement, however, existed about CDEs leading students to make career choices.
Paxton Revisited: The Essence of the Lived Experiences of Urban Agricultural Education Students
Authors: Brown Nicholas R. , Roberts Richie , Whiddon Ashley S. , Goossen Carmelita E. , Kacal Amanda
Published: January 2016

The rapidly growing world population and need for more food and agricultural knowledge has inspired city dwellers to explore urban cultivation practices such as vertical farming and community gardening. Ultra-modern approaches to growing crops and livestock in urban highrise buildings has sparked the imagination of scientists, agriculturists, and engineers as well as rural and urban citizens in recent years. With this new piqued interest for urban agriculture, secondary urban Agricultural Education programs are in a prime position for growth. However, more research is needed to inform the profession regarding quality Agricultural Education growth in American cities. The purpose of this transcendental phenomenology was to discover the essence of the shared experiences of urban students who were persistently enrolled in Agricultural Education. The findings, conclusions, implications, and recommendations associated with the study are reported as five interpretive themes of meaning including: (a) disorienting experience, (b) critical assessment, (c) shared experiences, (d) thoughtful planning, and (e) projected transformation. The essence of the shared lived experiences of Thomas High School Agricultural Education students was discovered through the lens of the Transformational Learning Theory and can be described best as a Journey Toward Transformation.
Relevance of Student Teaching Skills and Activities from the Perspective of the Student Teacher
Authors: Smalley Scott W. , Retallick Michael S. , Paulsen Thomas H.
Published: January 2016

The purpose of this descriptive survey study was to determine the extent to which student teachers deem traditional student teaching skills and activities relevant as part of the capstone student teaching experience. The study population consisted of all (N = 140) fall 2012 and spring 2013 agricultural education student teachers in the North Central Region of the American Association for Agricultural Education (NC-AAAE). The findings shed light on student teachers’ perspectives regarding the relevance of student teaching activities. Student teachers considered the activities associated with the eight constructs in this study relevant or very relevant. Future research should determine if all teacher preparation programs require similar student teaching experiences. Little is known about how student teaching experiences are reviewed and how recommendations are handled at each teacher preparation institution. This study provides feedback to university agricultural education student teaching coordinators regarding the skills and activities student teachers believe are relevant to their capstone student teaching experience.
A Nationwide Assessment of the Scope and Impact of Agricultural Leadership Education
Authors: Velez Jonathan J. , McKim Aaron J. , Moore Lori L. , Stephens Carrie A.
Published: January 2016

Agricultural leadership education is an important component of agricultural education programs across the country; yet, a national study of the scope and types of programs offered has not been conducted since 2003. The purpose of the current study was to provide national and timely data regarding the scope and type of opportunities offered in agricultural leadership education. Of the 56 responding institutions, 41 indicated offering agricultural leadership education opportunities. The types of opportunities offered include leadership majors, minors, options, foci, industry programs, graduate student programs, undergraduate programs, and leadership courses. Leadership courses and minors were identified as the two agricultural leadership education opportunities with the highest student enrollment, serving an estimated 7,904 and 1,581 students respectively. Leadership minors were also found to serve the highest proportion of students outside of colleges of agriculture. Responding faculty members in agricultural leadership education perceived the continued growth of leadership opportunities within their institution. Additionally, the majority of responding faculty identified moderate to substantial support for their agricultural leadership education endeavors from their home department, university colleagues, and the agriculture industry.
Science Integrating Learning Objectives: A Cooperative Learning Group Process
Authors: Spindler Matt
Published: January 2016

The integration of agricultural and science curricular content that capitalizes on natural and inherent connections represents a challenge for secondary agricultural educators. The purpose of this case study was to create information about the employment of Cooperative Learning Groups (CLG) to enhance the science integrating learning objectives utilized in secondary agriculture programs. The objectives of the study were to determine if CLGs were an effective means for increasing: a) the number of science integrating learning objectives utilized in agriculture courses; and b) the number of science integrating learning objectives that require higher levels of cognitive processing in agriculture courses. Overall, the findings revealed that the CLG process lead to an increase in the total number of science integrating learning objectives and an increase in the number of science integrating learning objectives that require higher levels of cognition. Matched-sample t tests revealed that the increases in the number of science integrating learning objectives and objectives that require higher levels of cognition were statistically significant. It is recommended that researchers investigate methods for improving the specification, revision, and implementation of science integrating learning objectives used to guide student learning experiences in secondary agricultural programs of study.
An Instrumental Case Study of Effective Science Integration in a Traditional Agricultural Education Program
Authors: Baker Marshall A. , Bunch J.C. , Kelsey Kathleen D.
Published: January 2016

The integration of science and agriculture has been discussed since the inception of agricultural education. However, the standards-based focus in public secondary education and changing climate of agriculture has brought science integration back to the forefront. Though research has indicated that the integration of science into agricultural education is effective in improving student achievement in science, there are still challenges. The instrumental case study sought to understand how Mr. Lee effectively integrated science into a traditional program while maintaining the benefits and purpose of agricultural education. Six issues, deduced from literature related to the integration of science in agricultural education, were identified. Six themes emerged that elucidate the process of successful science integration. First, agricultural educators’ science content knowledge must be strengthened. Second, the pedagogy of scientific inquiry lacked components necessary for a rigorous curriculum. Third, agricultural educators who desire to integrate science should dig into their curriculum for existing science content. Fourth, collaboration among agriculture and science teachers can be fostered through involvement in the science department, and fifth the agricultural educator plays a fundamental role in curriculum planning to increase secondary science achievement. Finally, actual integration occurred in a more segmented way than proposed by Robert’s and Ball’s (2009) content and context dual-model.
Multicultural Competence: A Case Study of Teachers and their Student Perceptions
Authors: Vincent Stacy K. , Torres Robert M.
Published: January 2016

The purpose of this study is to describe the level of multicultural competence among secondary agriculture teachers in schools with a minimum of 30% ethnic minority student enrollment. Using the Multicultural Skills Awareness and Skill Survey – Teacher Form, teachers assessed their multicultural competence as did their students assess the teacher’s multicultural competence. For comparison purposes, teachers were grouped by the ethnic diversity of their FFA chapter membership: diverse and non-diverse FFA membership. From the findings, teachers within a diverse FFA membership had a higher multicultural competence level (by the teacher and the students) then did teachers within a non-diverse FFA membership. When combining both teacher groups together, the results suggest that students perceive their teachers to be more multicultural competent then the teachers perceive themselves. The results and recommendations are provided as to the development of teachers that are multicultural competent.
Inquiry-based Instruction: Perceptions of National Agriscience Teacher Ambassadors
Authors: Blythe Jessica M. , DiBenedetto Catherine A. , Myers Brian E.
Published: January 2016

To assist students in developing positive scientific attitudes and improve student scientific literacy, learning environments should utilize inquiry-based instruction (IBI). In order to further develop the implementation of IBI in agricultural education settings, this research sought to describe the perceptions of National Agricultural Teacher Ambassador Academy participants’ transitions to IBI. Utilizing focus groups, this research identified three themes concerning the implementation of IBI: the perceptions of time required to implementing IBI, perceptions of the transition from former teaching methods into IBI, and perceptions of the reactions from their school environment of participants’ implementation of IBI. Though participants reported initial personal and student struggles when transitioning to IBI, they also perceived that once students understood the processes associated with IBI students reported learning more than with other teaching methods. The findings indicate that a variety of professional development opportunities and supports must be provided for agricultural teachers implementing IBI in their classrooms.
Multiple Case Study of STEM in School-based Agricultural Education
Authors: Stubbs Eric A. , Myers Brian E.
Published: January 2016

This multiple case study investigated the integration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in three Florida high school agriculture programs. Observations, interviews, documents, and artifacts provided qualitative data that indicated the types of STEM knowledge taught. Variables of interest included student and teacher perceptions, teacher education, demographics, STEM integration, STEM knowledge, and student achievement and engagement. Each program taught students about a variety of STEM disciplines and careers. This study has added to the body of literature indicating student achievement in STEM can be increased by agricultural education. Science and technology were reliably integrated at high levels, but engineering and mathematics concepts were less consistently integrated across cases. Five case study propositions regarding the integration of STEM and the other variables of interest were accepted. Areas for further research within AG-STEM teacher education, teaching methods, and curriculum resources were suggested.
Perceptions of Critical Thinking, Task Value, Autonomy and Science Lab Self-efficacy: A Longitudinal Examination of Students' CASE Experience
Authors: Velez Jonathan J. , Lambert Misty D. , Elliott Kristopher M.
Published: January 2016

The purpose of this study was to begin examining the impact of the Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education (CASE). Under development since 2008, the curriculum is intended to integrate core academics and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) into agricultural education programs. This longitudinal descriptive correlational study (N = 173) sought to examine the perceptions of students enrolled in a CASE course specific to the constructs of critical thinking, task value, autonomy, and science lab self-efficacy. Results revealed no differences in construct means between points of assessment. Correlation of the constructs of interest with student characteristics revealed small correlations between gender, English Language Learner status, and activity in the FFA with task value, autonomy, and science lab self-efficacy. Conclusions and recommendations are discussed in light of both the findings and the exploratory nature of this study.
Ensuring Returns Management Software Effectiveness through Joint Development Orientation
Authors: Chen Haozhe , Daugherty Patricia J. , Jones Angela L.
Published: January 2016

Returns management has gained managerial and academic attention in recent years, but it still remains a significant challenge for many companies due to its unpredictable and irregular nature. The current study contributes to existing literature by focusing on the effectiveness of externally developed customizable software. Drawing upon the service dominant (S-D) logic and using empirical survey data, this study not only confirmed the positive impacts of returns management software effectiveness on firm market performance but also identified a joint development orientation as crucial to ensuring returns management software effectiveness.
The Relationship between Supply Chain Integration and Operational Performances: A Study of Priorities and Synergies
Authors: Yuen Kum Fai , Thai Vinh V.
Published: January 2016

Since the past decades, supply chain integration (SCI) has been a phenomenon of interest in the shipping industry. This article examines and ranks the effects of internal and external SCI on operational performances. Pairwise interactions among components of SCI were also studied. Expert interviews followed by a survey on 172 shipping companies in Singapore were conducted. Based on the results from regression analysis, it was found that external SCI contributes more positively to operational performances. Positive interactions between similar internal and external SCI components were also noted. The result indicates that firm performances can be maximized from establishing closer relationships with supply chain partners. Additional performances can also be realized from synergies that are generated from performing similar internal and external SCI activities. The current article has provided explanations for the sources of synergies in SCI and their role in driving firms' performances.
Aligning Comprehensive School Counseling Programs and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports to Maximize School Counselors’ Efforts
Authors: Emily Goodman-Scott , Jennifer Betters-Bubon , Peg Donohue
Published: January 2016

School counselors are tasked with contributing to a safe and preventative school climate serving students’ academic, career, and social/emotional needs through comprehensive school counseling program implementation. Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) prioritizes a positive school climate, is widely implemented in the United States, and has been recommended by influential educational stakeholders. School counselors can assist with PBIS implementation; however, no thorough description exists of the alignment between comprehensive school counseling programs and PBIS. In this article, the authors conceptualize this alignment, aiming to increase school counselors’ and stakeholders’ understanding of and advocacy for this alignment to maximize school counselors’ efforts. The article provides school counseling implications and recommendations.
Nutrient Dynamics in Wetland Organic Vegetable Production Systems in Eastern Zambia
Authors: Mafongoya P. L. , Jiri O.
Published: January 2016

The aim of this study was to determine effects of organic inputs on vegetable crops and on a subsequent maize crop grown in wetlands. The following treatments were applied to cabbage (Brassica oleracea) and onion (Allium cepa) crops: Gliricidia sepium (Gliricidia) biomass (8 t ha-1), Gliricidia biomass (12 t ha-1), cattle manure (10 t ha-1) with half recommended fertilizer rate, and recommended fertilizer rate (800 kg ha-1 basal dressing and 250 kg ha-1 top dressing fertilizer). The residual effect of the treatments was tested on a subsequent maize crop. The soil at the sites had low organic matter content (average 2%) and it was acidic (average pH 4.4). Soil inorganic N increased significantly from 11 mg kg-1 in the unfertilized crop to 22 mg kg-1 in the Gliricidia treatments after cabbage, and from 10.3 mg kg-1 to 37.2 mg kg-1 after the onion crop. There were significant differences (P<0.05) in onion and cabbage yields and in subsequent maize yield in both cabbage and onion plots. This study concluded that the application of high quality Gliricidia prunings lead to rapid release of N and higher vegetable yields. However, there is a high amount of residual N that can be leached.
Effects of carprofen, meloxicam and butorphanol on broiler chickens’ performance in mobility tests
Authors: Hothersall B , Caplen G , Parker RMA , Nicol CJ , Waterman-Pearson AE , Weeks CA , Murrell JC
Published: January 2016

Lame broiler chickens perform poorly in standardised mobility tests and have nociceptive thresholds that differ from those of nonlame birds, even when confounding factors such as differences in bodyweight are accounted for. This study investigated whether these altered responses could be due to pain, by comparing performance in a Group Obstacle test and a Latency to Lie (LTL) test of lame (Gait Score [GS] 2.5-4) and non-lame (GS 0-1) broilers administered analgesia or a saline control. We used exploratory subcutaneous doses of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), meloxicam (5 mg kg−1) or carprofen (35 mg kg−1) or the opioid butorphanol tartrate (4 mg kg−1). We included butorphanol to explore the possibility that NSAIDs could improve mobility by reducing inflammation without necessarily invoking an analgesic effect. Lameness was a significant predictor in all analyses. Neither the number of obstacle crossings nor latency to cross an obstacle was significantly changed by either NSAID, but LTL was longer in lame birds given carprofen and meloxicam than in lame birds given saline. LTL was associated with foot-pad dermatitis and ameliorated by both NSAIDs. Butorphanol did not affect LTL but appeared soporific in the obstacle test, increasing latency to cross and, in non-lame birds, reducing the number of crossings. Combined with data from other studies, the results suggest carprofen and meloxicam had some analgesic effect on lame birds, lending further support to concerns that lameness compromises broiler welfare. Further investigation of opioid treatments and lameness types is needed to disentangle effects on mobility and on pain.
Availability and use of designated hospital pens in Danish dairy herds
Authors: Houe H , Thomsen PT , Amdi C , Herskin MS , Forkman B , Jensen MB
Published: January 2016

The objective of this study was to describe the availability and use of designated hospital pens in Danish dairy herds and to analyse the association between availability and use of hospital pens and the herd-level incidence of reported disease treatments. Hospital pens were divided into either ‘individual hospital pens’ designed for only one animal or ‘group hospital pens’ designed for two or more animals. Questionnaires were sent to 350 dairy cattle herd owners. These questionnaires focused on four animal categories: dairy cows, heifers, males six months or older, and calves younger than six months. Depending on the category of animal, between 50 and 82% of the herds had access to individual hospital pens and between 39 and 65% of the herds had access to group hospital pens. Between nine and 24% of the herds did not have access to any type of hospital pens. The availability of hospital pens was generally higher for dairy cows than the other animal groups. There were significantly more reported treatments for hoof/leg disorders in herds with one or more cows in hospital pens at the day of visit.
Effects of stocking rate on measures of efficacy and welfare during argon gas euthanasia of weaned pigs
Authors: Fiedler KJ , Parsons RL , Sadler LJ , Millman ST
Published: January 2016

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of chamber stocking rate on facets of animal welfare and efficacy during euthanasia of weaned pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus) with argon gas. Two hundred and thirty-three weaned pigs designated for euthanasia at a commercial production farm were randomly assigned to group sizes of one, two, or six pigs. Gas euthanasia of each piglet group was performed in a Euthanex® AgPro chamber. The chamber was filled with argon gas for 6 min in order to reduce the oxygen concentration to less than 2%. Pigs were then placed into the pre-filled chamber and gas flow was continued at a high rate to displace introduced air and re-establish a fatally low residual oxygen concentration. Pigs remained in the chamber for 10 min and were then removed to test for signs of sensibility and life. There was no significant evidence of an effect of stocking rate on focal pig latencies to onset of neuromuscular excitation or last movement, as scored from video recordings. Solitary pigs were more likely to pace and make righting attempts in the chamber than paired or grouped focal pigs, although pigs in higher stocking rate treatments tended to retain posture longer. The results of this study do not support seclusion during argon gas euthanasia as a method of improving animal welfare. The portable chamber did not facilitate a truly pre-filled atmosphere for euthanasia, although the procedure used in this study was consistently effective.
Consumer attitudes to injurious pecking in free-range egg production
Authors: Bennett RM , Jones PJ , Nicol CJ , Tranter RB , Weeks CA
Published: January 2016

Free-range egg producers face continuing problems from injurious pecking (IP) which has financial consequences for farmers and poor welfare implications for birds. Beak-trimming has been practised for many years to limit the damage caused by IP, but with the UK Government giving notification that they intend to ban beak-trimming in 2016, considerable efforts have been made to devise feasible housing, range and management strategies to reduce IP. A recent research project investigated the efficacy of a range of IP-reducing management strategies, the mean costs of which came to around 5 pence per bird. Here, the results of the above project's consumer survey are presented: consumers’ attitudes to free-range egg production are detailed showing that, whilst consumers had a very positive attitude towards free-range eggs, they were especially uninformed about some aspects of free-range egg production. The contingent valuation technique was used to estimate the price premium consumers would be prepared to pay to ensure that hens do not suffer from IP: this was calculated as just over 3% on top of the prevailing retail price of free-range eggs. These findings reinforce other studies that have found that whilst consumers are not generally well-informed about certain specific welfare problems faced by animals under free-range conditions, they are prepared to pay to improve animal welfare. Indeed, the study findings suggest that producers could obtain an additional price premium if they demonstrate the welfare provenance of their eggs, perhaps through marketing the eggs as coming from birds with intact beaks. This welfare provenance issue could usefully be assured to consumers by the introduction of a mandatory, single, accredited EU-wide welfare-standards labelling scheme.
Pinch-induced behavioural inhibition (clipthesia) as a restraint method for cats during veterinary examinations: preliminary results on cat susceptibility and welfare
Authors: Nuti V , Cantile C , Gazzano A , Sighieri C , Mariti C
Published: January 2016

Cats are often subjected to minimally painful or forced procedures during routine clinical practice, which can be poorly tolerated, leading veterinary surgeons to need to offer physical restraint, usually aided by an assistant. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness and ultimate welfare implications of using clipthesia as a method of restraint during veterinary examination. This was carried out in a real clinical setting and compared to manual scruffing. Twenty-seven cats were restrained, during a veterinary examination, using two stationery clips placed on the skin along the cervical dorsal midline, whilst a group of 13 cats were restrained through gentle manual scruffing. Susceptibility to clipthesia (ie a positive clip score) was observed in 81.5% of cats, while a complete response was found in 40.7% of subjects. The presence or absence of a disease/condition did not affect the susceptibility. Heart rate and the number of cats showing mydriasis (pupillary dilation) was statistically higher during manual scruffing, whilst plasma cortisol did not differ between the two groups. The more responsive the cats were to clipthesia, the more they displayed kneading and purring. These preliminary findings suggest that clipthesia is not more stressful than manual scruffing in restraining cats during a veterinary examination. However, not all cats were found to be susceptible to this method of restraint. Further research is needed to clarify whether clipthesia should be implementated as a matter of course in veterinary practice from the point of view of welfare and safety.
Convergences and disparities of work orientations among recent graduates in Portugal
Authors: Chaves Miguel , Ramos Madalena , Santos Rui
Published: January 2016

We aimed to identify patterns of work value orientations in a sample of graduates from two universities in Lisbon, and assess whether differences in extrinsic and intrinsic orientations can be explained by structural determinants of material living conditions. We found three common patterns: “aspirational maximalism”; importance of the job to gain financial autonomy from parents; and greater importance of intrinsic rewards. Results suggest the variation in the importance of extrinsic and intrinsic values bears little correlation with differences in material living conditions, and that subjects tend to adjust their work value orientations to their assessment of objective employment rewards.
Low-temperature photoluminescence of 8H-SiC homoepitaxial layer
Authors: Hatayama Tomoaki , Henry Anne , Yano Hiroshi , Fuyuki Takashi
Published: January 2016

Low-temperature photoluminescence of a nitrogen-doped 8H-SiC epilayer homoepitaxially grown by a chemical vapor deposition method is reported. The polytype and stacking sequence of the epilayers were confirmed by transmission electron microscopy analyses. The identification of emission lines is discussed in terms of the temperature dependence of the luminescence spectra. Luminescence related to the free excitons and the nitrogen-bound excitons is observed, which allows the determination of the excitonic bandgap of the 8H-SiC polytype. In addition, the low binding energies found for the nitrogen-bound excitons imply shallow levels for the nitrogen donors.
Red phosphorescent trilayer organic light-emitting field-effect transistors with a wide recombination zone
Authors: Chang Jui-Fen , Chen Wei-Ren , Lai Yi-Chien , Chien Fan-Ching
Published: January 2016

We report on red phosphorescent trilayer organic light-emitting field-effect transistors (LEFETs), which exhibit ambipolar transport characteristics but strong emission in the unipolar hole regime, with an exceptionally wide recombination zone of 60–70 µm and a maximum external quantum efficiency of 0.21%. From the results of detailed electroluminescence characterization, we clarify how the energy-level matching condition and transport geometry of the heterostructure govern the charge distribution and recombination, and affect the overall device performance.
Metalorganic chemical vapor deposition and characterization of (Al,Si)O dielectrics for GaN-based devices
Authors: Chan Silvia H. , Tahhan Maher , Liu Xiang , Bisi Davide , Gupta Chirag , Koksaldi Onur , Li Haoran , Mates Tom , DenBaars Steven P. , Keller Stacia , Mishra Umesh K.
Published: January 2016

In this paper, we report on the growth and electrical characterization of (Al,Si)O dielectrics grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) using trimethylaluminum, oxygen, and silane as precursors. The growth rates, refractive indices, and composition of (Al,Si)O films grown on Si(001) were determined from ellipsometry and XPS measurements. Crystallinity and electrical properties of (Al,Si)O films grown in situ on c-plane GaN were characterized using grazing incidence X-ray diffraction and capacitance–voltage with current–voltage measurements, respectively. Si concentration in the films was found to be tunable by varying the trimethylaluminum and/or oxygen precursor flows. The Si incorporation suppressed the formation of crystalline domains, leading to amorphous films that resulted in reduced interfacial trap density, low gate leakage and ultra-low hysteresis in (Al,Si)O/n-GaN MOS-capacitors.