bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potent Immune Activation in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients upon Administration of An Oral Inducer of Endogenous Interferons that Acts via Toll-Like Receptor 7
Authors: Boonstra Andre , Liu Bi-Sheng , Groothuismink Zwier MA , Bergmann Jilling F , de Bruijne Joep , Hotho Daphne M , Hansen Bettina E , van Vliet Andre A , van de Wetering de Rooij Jeroen , Fletcher Simon P , Bauman Lisa A , Rahimy Mohamad , Appleman James R , Freddo James L , Reesink Hendrik W , de Knegt Robert J , Janssen Harry LA
Published: December 2011

Background

ANA773, an oral prodrug of a small-molecule Toll-like receptor (TLR)7 agonist, induces a dose-related decrease in serum HCV RNA levels in chronic hepatitis C patients.

Methods

The prodrug ANA773 was administered to healthy individuals and chronic hepatitis C patients. At different time points during the course of treatment, modulation of the phenotype and function of peripheral leukocytes were evaluated to determine the role of distinct immune cells on the clinical outcome of therapy.

Results

Early after administration of the TLR7 agonist, a mild transient reduction of the number of lymphocytes was observed in both healthy individuals and chronic hepatitis C patients. Moreover, repeated administration of ANA773 resulted in transiently reduced numbers of myeloid and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (DC) in blood. Interestingly, reduced plasmacytoid DC numbers as well as increased serum interferon (IFN)-α and IFN-γ inducible protein (IP)-10 levels were observed only in virological responders (≥1 log10 IU/ml reduction of HCV RNA levels upon ANA773 treatment), but were absent in virological non-responders. In vitro stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from virological responders showed a high frequency of IFN-α-producing plasmacytoid DC upon stimulation in vitro with ANA773, whereas no IFN-α was induced in non-responders.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that the viral load decline in chronic hepatitis C patients treated with the TLR7 agonist ANA773 is likely due to intrinsic differences in the induction of endogenous IFNs and IFN-stimulated gene products (IFN-α and IP-10) upon TLR7 ligation.
Conservare rem publicam. Guerre et droit dans le Songe de Scipion
Authors: Moatti Claudia
Published: December 2011

Résumé Alors que le De re publica ressemble à un traité politique grec, Le Songe de Scipion est un discours de guerre, où Cicéron offre un plaidoyer pro domo en faveur du sénatus consulte dit ultime. Précisément, l’idée de la conservation de l’État (conservare civitatem, patriam, rempublicam) se développe uniquement dans un contexte de guerre civile et de sédition, comme le confirme encore l’image récurrente du citoyen semper armatus , prêt à prendre les armes contre les séditieux. Ainsi, à la question de la continuité et de l’identité de la cité ou du peuple, à laquelle Aristote, les stoïciens ou les juristes romains ont tenté de donner une réponse politique ou juridique, Cicéron propose une réponse non « politique », qui correspond en fait à la conception idéologique de la res publica élaborée par la tradition optimate.
Presentación
Authors: Martínez Riaza Ascensión , Sala i Vila Núria
Published: December 2011

No disponible
La política monetaria de San Martín en el Perú: papel por una plata ausente
Authors: De Haro Romero Dionisio
Published: December 2011

El objeto del presente artículo es analizar las iniciativas monetarias que el gobierno de San Martín tuvo que desarrollar para resolver su peculiar paradoja monetaria: máquinas sin plata. El Banco Auxiliar de Papel Moneda desempeñó un papel central en la nueva orientación de la política monetaria, abriendo debates más allá de su breve y tortuosa existencia. Finalmente, errores de planteamiento, ausencia de condiciones objetivas y una gestión más que discutible, acabaron por ahogar y neutralizar los pretendidos esfuerzos reformistas.
First record and evidence of an established population of the North American mud crab Dyspanopeus sayi (Brachyura: Heterotremata: Panopeidae) in the western Mediterranean
Authors: Schubart Christoph D. , Guerao Guillermo , Abelló Pere
Published: December 2011

The panopeid crab Dyspanopeus sayi (Smith, 1869) is reported here from the Ebro Delta (Mediterranean coast of the Iberian Peninsula). Originally endemic to the Atlantic coast of North America, D. sayiz was involuntarily introduced into Britain, France and the Netherlands, and into the Adriatic and Black Sea within the last thirty years. Here we provide the first record of this species from the western Mediterranean Sea. Occurrences of ovigerous females at different localities of the delta and in different years provide evidence that the population is well established. Mitochondrial DNA confirms the identity of the species and indicates that the introduced population consists of at least three female lineages. The first zoeal stage of D. sayi was obtained in the laboratory from an ovigerous female captured in August 2010 with embryos in an advanced stage of development. The morphology of the zoea I is described here in detail and is similar to the one previously reported for native populations.
Comparative analysis of depth distribution for seventeen large pelagic fish species captured in a longline fishery in the central-eastern Pacific Ocean
Authors: Zhu Jiangfeng , Xu Liuxiong , Dai Xiaojie , Chen Xinjun , Chen Yong
Published: December 2011

The objective of this study was to estimate depth distribution of pelagic species captured in a longline fishery and to evaluate the difference in depth distribution among species. We estimated depth distribution for 17 frequently captured species based on a Chinese longline fishing trip targeting bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) in the central-eastern Pacific Ocean in February-November 2006. The depth distributions of 13 bycatch species were significantly different from that of bigeye tuna. Although most of the bycatch species were found to be distributed in water depths shallower than bigeye tuna (i.e. increasing hook depths can decrease catch rates of these species), the rates of catch rates declined with increasing hook depths may be different. The depth distributions were found to be not significantly different between genders for 7 species. There was no significant correlation between fish sizes and capture depths. The information derived from this study can play an important role in reducing bycatch in pelagic tuna longline fisheries in the central-eastern Pacific Ocean.
Cnidom analysis combined with an in vitro evaluation of the lytic, cyto- and neurotoxic potential of Cyanea capillata (Cnidaria: Scyphozoa)
Authors: Helmholz Heike , Wiebring Annika , Lassen Stephan , Ruhnau Christiane , Schuett Christian , Prange Andreas
Published: December 2011

The cnidocysts and the lytic, cyto- and neurotoxic potency of a large specimen of Cyanea capillata (L.) with 55 cm umbrella diameter were compared with those of a pooled C. capillata sample (average ø 14 cm) in order to investigate organismal developments at a cellular and biochemical level. Nematocysts of the type A-isorhiza in both fishing tentacles and oral arms and the O-isorhizas of oral arms were enlarged in the 55 cm specimen. Additionally, the number of nematocysts per battery in the fishing tentacles was increased. Increased gill cell toxicity and neurotoxic activity were demonstrated for the fishing tentacle venom of the 55 cm C. capillata in comparison with the smaller medusae. A two-fold higher haemolytic activity was detected for the venom of oral arms obtained from the large C. capillata compared with the oral arm venom prepared from the smaller medusae.
Framework for Evaluating the Fate, Transport, and Risks From Conventional Munitions Compounds in Underwater Environments
Authors: Craig Harry D. , Taylor Susan
Published: December 2011

AbstractLegacy underwater munitions may leak munitions constituents and, thereby, contaminate the environment and expose people to energetic compounds. This paper reviews the sources of underwater munitions, how munitions compounds are released, and their fate and transport
characteristics. Because some of these energetic compounds and their environmental transformation products are toxic, we also describe the types of data needed to evaluate potential human and ecological risks at underwater munitions sites.
Navy Marine Mammal Systems in Support of Munitions Clearance
Authors: Olds Bob , Harris Chris
Published: December 2011

AbstractSince the early 1970s, the U.S. Navy has utilized bottlenose dolphins to detect, locate, and neutralize moored, bottom, and buried sea mines. The dolphins’ highly evolved biological sonar is superb at finding mines in cluttered and highly challenging marine
environments. Recently, the Navy applied the dolphins’ mine-hunting capabilities to the mission of demining in the waters off the coast of New Caledonia. In November 2009, a team of dolphins, along with their handlers, were deployed to New Caledonia and worked alongside other mine-hunting
assets to clear mines that were planted during World War II. The dolphins’ extremely low false-positive rate made them ideally suited to sort through the large number of contacts generated by other assets and to mark the location of the actual mines. Through this highly successful and
unique operation, numerous mines were cleared and disposed of. Currently, there are plans to participate in similar types of demining exercises in the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro as well as in the Baltic region.
High-Resolution Imaging Sonar and Video Technologies for Detection and Classification of Underwater Munitions
Authors: Beaujean Pierre-Philippe J. , Brisson Lisa N. , Negahdaripour Shahriar
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe detection of and response to underwater munitions will undoubtedly require the appropriate combinations of fully integrated sensors and imaging systems and platforms, as well as navigation and positioning technologies, to handle the variability in bottom conditions,
water clarity and depth, size and type of munitions of interest, whether they are buried or proud. Where visibility allows, practically no sensing modality matches the details and information content from optical imaging systems for target localization, discrimination and identification. The
significant disadvantage of optical systems for underwater applications is the range limitation. Sonar imaging systems are of limited resolution but do not have such a severe range limitation, as acoustic energy propagates well through turbid waters.In this study, we have explored two
aspects of the munitions detection and classification process: (1) high-resolution mapping of an environment using a high-frequency sonar system to determine footprints of areas with munitions present and target localization in a wide-area survey and to perform detailed surveys for individual
detected items during a re-acquisition process and (2) Multiple-Aspect Fixed-Range Template Matching (MAFR-TM) for detection and classification of the potential target.The MAFR-TM approach was tested using (1) a singular target scene collected in a test tank, (2) a cluttered scene acquired
in the same test tank, and (3) a cluttered scene obtained in a realistic field environment (a marina). The munitions-like targets were cylinders made of steel or aluminum. The clutter was a collection of PVC tubes. Biological growth surrounded the target and artificial clutter in the marina.
The experimental results indicate that the detection algorithm performs fairly well with the tank data (100% of the targets are detected) and cluttered tank data (94.44%). The classification between metals and plastics, proper orientation and target localization is also of good quality: 94.4%
of the detected targets are properly classified as metal alloy if no clutter is present versus 82.35% in the presence of clutter. The algorithm performance in the marina is reasonably good, even though the overall performance drops: 61.11% of the targets are detected, and 68.18% of the detected
targets are properly classified as metal alloy.
Integrated Methods for Marine Munitions Site Characterization: Technical Approaches and Recent Site Investigations
Authors: Schultz Gregory M. , Keranen Joe , Billings Stephen , Foley John , Fonda Raul , Hodgson Jerry
Published: December 2011

AbstractInvestigation and remediation of munitions and explosives of concern (MEC) at marine sites are both time consuming and expensive. MEC assessment in marine environments has additional challenges compared to terrestrial sites, including the high cost of marine operations,
the general absence of surface sweeps prior to geophysical assessments, the difficulty of quick or effective site reconnaissance activities, and high levels of clutter in ports, harbors, and bays. Consequently, a high payoff exists for effective methods of feature extraction and data fusion
for improved assessment in marine settings. Recent site investigations have pointed to the potential of utilizing innovative geophysical sensing and new methods that directly link MEC experts to enabling technologies. We present two case studies to highlight the benefits of combining various
technologies to provide the information needed for comprehensive munitions site characterization. This approach has been successful for both time-critical response activities and longer-term remedial investigations.
Search and Recovery of Munitions by Divers
Authors: Rancich Tom
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe trend in the United States is to treat the underwater unexploded ordnance (UXO) problem the same as the land problem. This is fundamentally flawed. Not only must underwater sites be treated differently than land sites, but each underwater site must be treated
differently, bringing to bear all possible solutions to develop the best course(s) of action. Although many sites will have similar assets applied to the solution, there will be no cookie-cutter solution. Because of the dynamic nature of the underwater environment, an underwater UXO operation
is distinctly unique from a land operation. As the environment is dynamic, so must the solution be. Flexibility in planning and execution of the production operation is a necessity in underwater UXO activities. That fact requires a different type of work force; one trained and encouraged to
innovate and keen to be involved in the planning process. The problem facing the underwater ordnance industry is a production problem: achieving production that must be safe, efficient, cost effective, and beneficial. The underwater UXO industry is heavily populated with experts in tactical
operations involving defense explosives, i.e., mines, in military operations. That expertise must be balanced with professionals with production experience. This article will compile, analyze, and compare years of successful experience in underwater operations and UXO removal. At the conclusion,
readers will have a better understanding of problems encountered throughout the planning and execution of underwater UXO removal actions and subsequent solutions.
Importance of differentiating Mycobaterium bovis in tuberculous meningitis
Authors: Gonzàlez-Duarte Alejandra , Ponce de Leon Alfredo , Sifuentes Osornio José
Published: December 2011

The aim of the article is to describe the principal findings among patients with M.tuberculosis and M. bovis CNS infection. Mycoba - cterium tuberculosis is one of the most common infectious agents that cause death and neurological sequelae around the world. Most of the complications of CNS TB can be attributed to a delay in the diagnosis. Unfortu nately, there are no specific diagnostic tools to support an early diagnosis. Other prognostic factors different from delay in treatment have not been identified. Clinical, radiological and laboratory characteristics were analyzed retrospectively from the medical files of all the patients admitted with the diagnoses of tuberculosis. Of 215 patients admitted with systemic tuberculosis, 64 (30%) had a neurological infection. Positive cultures were found in 54 (84%) cases, 18 (33%) in the CSF and the rest in other fluids or tissues. Adenosin deaminase (ADA) enzyme determination was more sensitive than M. tuberculosis PCR in the CSF for supporting an early diagnosis. In addition to a later clinical stage and treatment lag, positive CSF cultures (P=0.001) and the presence of M. bovis (P=0.020) were prognostic factors for a worse outcome. Neither older age, the presence of tuberculomas versus meningeal enhancement, or HIV co-infection, was associated to a worse prognosis. The isolation of M. bovis subspecies was more common that previously reported, and it was associated to the development of parenchymal lesions (P=0.032) when compared to M. tuberculosis. In this study, positive CSF cultures for M. tuberculosis and further identifying M. bovis species were additional prognostic factors for worse outcome. Positive cultures in systemic fluids other than CSF, even when the patient had no obvious systemic manifestations, and ADA determination in the CSF were noteworthy diagnostic tools for the diagnosis.
A lithostratigraphic transect through the Cambro - Ordovician Franklin Mountain Formation in NTS 96D
(Carcajou Canyon) and 96E (Norman Wells), Northwest Territories
Authors: Turner E C
Published: December 2011

Lithostratigraphy of the Cambro-Ordovician Franklin Mountain Formation is presented for three platformal localities that form a transect perpendicular to depositional strike in NTS 96D and 96E. Previously established informal members are generally recognisable in
these sections, but their contacts are ill-defined and their characteristics are not distinctive enough that they can always be identified, particularly where exposure is poor. There is a significant possibility of diachroneity or geographic variability in the development of several of the informal
members, and of intraformational hiatuses. The formation was deposited under restricted conditions that limited fetch, wave-base, and biota. Storm-dominated conditions prevailed over a broad depositional area with little paleogeographic variation during accumulation of the lowermost part of the
formation. Increasing restriction and differentiation into an inner, more restricted zone, a hinge zone with ooid shoals, and an outer, slightly deeper-water lagoonal area, developed during deposition of the middle and upper parts of the formation. Chert and green clay seams appear at approximately
the same stratigraphic level in the upper part of the formation, and are associated with differences in diagenetic behaviour of nearby dolostones, strongly suggesting that the clays were mafic tuffs that contributed solutes (Si, Mg and Fe) to the enclosing sediment as they stabilised to clay.
Field-based assessment of the diagenesis of the entirely dolomitic Franklin Mountain Formation suggests a simple post-depositional history that probably involved reflux dolomitisation either during deposition of the formation or during the hiatus that separated its deposition from that of the
overlying Mount Kindle Formation. A better understanding of the Franklin Mountain Formation's depositional history east of the study area and of its lateral relationships to equivalent deep-water strata of the Misty Creek Embayment to the west and southwest would greatly enhance understanding of the
region's tectonostratigraphic, paleoclimatic, and fluid-flow history.
Methyl halide production by cultures of marine proteobacteria Erythrobacter and Pseudomonas and isolated bacteria from brackish water
Authors: Fujimori Takuya , Yoneyama Yuki , Taniai Gen , Kurihara Michiko , Tamegai Hideyuki , Hashimoto Shinya
Published: December 2011

Bacteria were investigated for the production of methyl chloride, methyl bromide, and methyl iodide from brackish water. Bacteria were isolated and incubated at 25°C, and the concentrations of methyl halides in the gas phase above cultured samples were determined using dynamic headspace gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Bacterial growth was monitored by measuring the optical density at 600 nm. Bacteria isolated from brackish water were identified by 16 Svedberg unit ribosomal‐ribonucleic acid (16S rRNA) gene sequence analysis. Five genetically different strains of bacteria belonging to Erythrobacter or Pseudomonas produced methyl chloride, methyl bromide, and methyl iodide for several days in the culture. Cultured strains of these genera also released methyl chloride, methyl bromide, and/or methyl iodide. Maximum production rates for methyl halide were observed in the culture of isolated bacteria (HKF‐1) belonging to Erythrobacter. The production rates for methyl chloride, methyl bromide, and methyl iodide by HKF‐1 were 537 ± 124, 67.4 ± 25.7, and 48.8 ± 9.8 pmol L−1 h−1, respectively. Aquatic bacteria could be a new source of methyl halides in marine environments.
Constrained microbial processing of allochthonous organic carbon in boreal lake sediments
Authors: Gudasz Cristian , Bastviken David , Premke Katrin , Steger Kristin , Tranvik Lars J.
Published: December 2011

We investigated sediment bacterial metabolism in eight lakes with different inputs of allochthonous and autochthonous organic carbon in south‐central Sweden. Sediment bacterial production, mineralization, and biomass were measured seasonally and along a lake depth gradient in lakes with different water and sediment characteristics. Sediment bacterial metabolism was primarily controlled by temperature but also by the quality and origin of organic carbon. Metabolism was positively correlated to measures of autochthonous influence on the sediment organic carbon, but did not show a similar increase with increasing input of allochthonous organic carbon. Hence, in contrast to what is currently known for the water column, increasing terrestrial organic carbon influence does not result in enhanced sediment bacterial metabolism. The role of allochthonous organic carbon as the main driver of sediment bacterial metabolism suggested so far is contrary to our findings. Meio‐ and macrobenthic invertebrate biomass were, at most, weakly correlated to bacterial metabolism and biomass, suggesting limited control of sediment bacteria by grazing. Bacterial metabolism in boreal lake sediments is constrained by low temperatures and by the recalcitrant nature of the dominant organic carbon, resulting in sediments being an effective sink of organic carbon.
The effect of changes in temperature and food on the development of Calanus finmarchicus and Calanus helgolandicus populations
Authors: Møller Eva Friis , Maar Marie , Jónasdóttir Sigrún H. , Nielsen Torkel Gissel , Tönnesson Kajsa
Published: December 2011

We studied the response in development times of Calanus finmarchicus and Calanus helgolandicus to changes in temperature and food conditions. Grazing experiments were performed at different temperatures for both species, and the results were implemented in a stage‐resolved zooplankton population model that predicted development times from biomass increments controlled by ingestion and metabolic losses. Predictions were validated against development data from the literature, and show that C. finmarchicus develops faster than C. helgolandicus below 11°C and slower above. The different relative development rates of the species are related to different temperature responses in ingestion rates. A temperature increase of 1°C to 2°C may have consequences for the relative contribution of C. helgolandicus and C. finmarchicus to the copepod community, and both seasonal and spatial displacements of the Calanus populations can be expected under climate change.
Assessment of Egyptian Agricultural Technical School Instructors’ Ability to Implement Experiential Learning Activities
Authors: Barrick R. Kirby , Samy Mohamed M. , Roberts T. Grady , Thoron Andrew C. , Easterly III
Published: December 2011

The purpose of this study was to assess the perceptions of ATS instructors in Egypt related to implementing experiential learning in the form of internships. In July 2007, 90 ATS instructors attended workshops focused on conducting internship experiences. Self–perceived competency of ATS instructors to implement internships was assessed immediately following inservice training. Approximately a year later (June 2008), ATS instructors’ self–perceived importance and application of internship competencies were assessed. A discrepancy score (Borich, 1980) was also calculated. Results indicated that: (a) at the conclusion of the initial workshop, ATS instructors felt competent to implement internship activities with their students; (b) a year later, ATS instructors felt that all the competencies had high importance, but their ability to apply the competencies was slightly lower; and (c) there were discrepancies on all competencies, with the largest discrepancies focused on explaining internships.
An Evaluation of Successful Collaboration Among Agricultural Science Teachers and Extension Agents in Texas
Authors: Murphrey Theresa Pesl , Harlin Julie F. , Rayfield John
Published: December 2011

The purpose of this research was to investigate collaboration between agricultural science teachers and Extension agents in Texas from the perspective of successful collaboration. Programs, leaders, and participants in both agricultural education and Extension can be impacted positively through collaboration. However, successful collaboration ultimately rests upon the commitment of individuals and the willingness of these individuals to work together and “collaborate” with one another. This study examined factors indicated in the literature as enablers of collaboration in the context of collaboration among agricultural science teachers and Extension agents in an effort to document best practices. Specific objectives included: (a) documentation of the environment in which successful collaboration was taking place, (b) description of areas of collaboration, (c) description of the impact of Internet–based technologies, and (d) identification of the major factors influencing collaboration. Findings provided insight into factors that can facilitate collaboration.
Agricultural Mechanics Laboratory Management Professional Development Needs of Wyoming Secondary Agriculture Teachers
Authors: McKim Billy R. , Saucier P. Ryan
Published: December 2011

Accidents happen; however, the likelihood of accidents occurring in the agricultural mechanics laboratory is greatly reduced when agricultural mechanics laboratory facilities are managed by secondary agriculture teachers who are competent and knowledgeable. This study investigated the agricultural mechanics laboratory management in-service needs of Wyoming secondary agriculture teachers who are responsible for managing agricultural mechanics laboratories. Data were collected with a Web-based questionnaire designed to determine teachers’ perceptions of the importance of 70 selected agricultural mechanics laboratory management competencies and their self-assessed ability to perform those competencies. The Borich (1980) needs assessment model was used to assess and evaluate the in-service needs of the teachers. This study found that Wyoming secondary agriculture teachers were in need of agricultural mechanics laboratory management in-service education in the areas of: first aid, correcting hazardous laboratory conditions, and general laboratory safety. Wyoming teacher educators, state agricultural education supervisory personnel, and local professional development coordinators should provide pertinent and continuous in-service education for Wyoming secondary agriculture teachers in the area of agricultural mechanics laboratory management through technical workshops, summer professional development conferences, and university instructed agricultural mechanics courses.
Organizational Climate of the American Association for Agricultural Education
Authors: McKim Billy R. , Rutherford Tracy A. , Torres Robert M. , Murphy Tim H.
Published: December 2011

Monitoring and evaluating programs and outcomes is common practice in educational arenas; less frequent in professional societies and organizations. A clear understanding of the climate of an organization is important, potentially providing leadership with an understanding of how to improve the functionality of an organization. The purpose of this study was to describe how individual members of the American Association for Agricultural Education (AAAE) perceived working together and to describe the level of support within the profession for the 2007–2010 version of the National Research Agenda (NRA). Overall, AAAE members’ perceptions varied greatly. Most members agreed to some extent that the AAAE organization allowed members to be involved in the sharing of ideas and information in a nonthreatening, supportive environment. Additionally, most members indicated that within the organization there was an expectation and support of new ideas and practices. However, results indicated AAAE members held mixed beliefs regarding the collective accountability for excellence in performance of shared outcomes within the organization. The NRA priorities were well-understood, useful, and worthwhile to a majority of the membership. Data suggested that the average member believed others in the profession were less supportive than they were of the NRA priorities.
An Exploration of Reflection: Expression of Learning Style in an International Experiential Learning Context
Authors: Lamm Alexa J. , Cannon Karen J. , Roberts T. Grady , Irani Tracy A. , Unruh Snyder Lori J. , Brendemuhl Joel , Rodriguez Mary T.
Published: December 2011

Experiential learning techniques have been used in agricultural education programs for decades. An essential part of this experiential learning process is reflection. Kolb (1984) stated “knowledge results from the combination of grasping experience and transforming it” (p. 41) in a process that involves using reflection. Few researchers have tried to understand how learning style affects reflection when experiential learning techniques are employed. Using Kolb’s theory of experiential learning, the researchers explored how adult learners reflected during an experiential learning program in Costa Rica, based on analysis of reflective journals. Participants also completed the Kolb’s learning style inventory to determine individual preferred learning styles. The researchers examined the journals of participants for evidence of their expressed learning style and used content analysis to interpret the categorical thematic expressions of the participants. Results indicated that themes surrounding learning style were evident throughout the journals and varying levels of reflection were discovered. The results of this research imply educators should consider multiple methods of reflection when developing experiential learning programs.
Getting to the Bottom Line: How Using Evaluation Results to Enhance Extension Programs can Lead to Greater Levels of Accountability
Authors: Lamm Alexa J. , Israel Glenn D. , Harder Amy
Published: December 2011

Extension has enhanced the lives of U.S. citizens through adult education in a myriad of ways. However, as budgets get tighter, accountability becomes increasingly more important. Over the years, Extension has reported low level impacts rather than the long–term successes that those working within the system know are occurring. Without enhanced evaluation–driven environments, Extension systems will continue to inadequately report programmatic successes, resulting in a lower perceived public value of Extension programs. The use of evaluation can create an atmosphere which encourages organizational thinking resulting in the types of accountability reports which are adequate for decision making. This study examined how Extension professionals’ perceptions of evaluation use related to their evaluation behaviors. The findings suggest a substantial percentage of Extension professionals are doing just enough evaluation to complete mandatory reports. It also showed that Extension professionals who valued their own personal use, but not necessarily organizational use of their evaluations, were more likely to conduct in–depth evaluations. Recommendations for enhancing evaluation driven work environments include clearer communication from administration demonstrating the value of evaluation beyond the role it plays in accountability and working directly with Extension professionals to promote evaluation–oriented conversations rather than just delivering state–led in–service trainings.
Interactions Among Instructional Efficacy, Motivational Orientations, and Adult Characteristics on Master Gardener Tenure
Authors: Strong Robert , Harder Amy
Published: December 2011

Master Gardeners serve Cooperative Extension as volunteer educators who deliver horticultural knowledge to citizens across Florida by teaching a broader amount of public constituents than can a single extension agent. The economic value of the Master Gardener participation to Florida Extension was nearly $9,000,000 in 2010. Very little research has been conducted to determine what affects Master Gardener tenure. This study utilized self-efficacy theory and Houle’s Typology on adult learning orientations as the overlapping framework to determine what predicts Master Gardener tenure. The research design was survey research, and stratified sampling was implemented to select the population of participants. A mail survey was employed as the data collection method, and the response rate received was 86.78%. Participant age, instructional efficacy, and specific learning orientations were found to significantly affect Master Gardener tenure. Instructional efficacy was the only variable that Master Gardener coordinators can enhance in participants in order to retain quality Master Gardeners. The continued participation from adults in the Master Gardener program improves the goals of Cooperative Extension. This study underscores the importance of preparing current and future Master Gardeners in teaching strategies to retain their participation in order to educate more of the state’s citizenry.
The Influence of Self–Esteem and Selected Demographic Characteristics on First Semester Academic Achievement of Students Enrolled in a College of Agriculture
Authors: Gaspard Mae B. , Burnett Michael F. , Gaspard Camile P.
Published: December 2011

The primary purpose of this study was to determine the influence of self–esteem and selected demographic characteristics on academic achievement among students at the freshman level in the College of Agriculture at Louisiana State University. The sample of the study was all students at Louisiana State University enrolled in the Introduction to Agriculture course which was a requirement for agriculture students at the freshman level. Three instruments were used for data collection. The Adult Form of the Coopersmith Inventory was administered at the beginning of the first semester of college enrollment. A researcher designed questionnaire was used to collect demographic information. A third instrument was a recording form on which data from the Office of the University Registrar were downloaded and stored. Using multiple regression analysis, a significant model was identified which explained 7.7% of the variance in academic achievement. The variable that had the greatest impact on academic achievement was membership in a departmental student organization. The variables membership in a service organization, participation in sports, and the pretest self–esteem score also entered the model.
Impacts of American Agricultural Education Student Teachers on Eleven Community Members in A New South Wales, Australia Community: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Bunch Tera , Stephens Carrie , Hart William
Published: December 2011

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influences of American agricultural education student teachers on a rural community in New South Wales, Australia. The study analyzed interviews with eleven participants of the American student teacher program in a rural New South Wales community. Results of the study were formulated by two researchers. Both researchers were student teachers in the New South Wales community for ten weeks and taught agriculture in one of the community’s two high schools. After one year, the researcher returned to the community and interviewed eleven individuals involved with the program. Interviewed participants were questioned based on a predetermined protocol. Interviews were transcribed, coded and categorized into themes by researcher two. Using participatory action research, the researchers were able to identify areas of influence suggested by participants. Participants identified nine areas of influence made by the American agricultural education student teachers within the school and community: cultural awareness, stereotypes, language, classroom distractions, teaching methods awareness, cultural changes in community members, student performance, community unification and impact of student teacher presence.
An Organizational Approach to Understanding Evaluation in Extension
Authors: Lamm Alexa J. , Israel Glenn D.
Published: December 2011

The majority of funding for Extension comes from local, state, and federal dollars; therefore the primary driver for evaluation is accountability for public funds. Evaluation has always been a part of Extension program implementation; however, these efforts have historically been considered a necessary component rather than a priority. The need for Extension to demonstrate public value is increasing due to county and state budget cuts. The ability to provide credible information depends primarily on the evaluation activities of Extension professionals. The purpose of this research was to use an organizational framework to examine how organizational evaluation structures influenced evaluation behaviors of Extension professionals. A survey was used to collect data from Extension professionals in eight state Extension systems to examine how their perceptions of specific organizational and individual evaluation factors influenced their engagement in evaluation behaviors. The results show changes at multiple levels within an Extension system can be used to predict behavior. Extension leaders can impact the level at which programs are evaluated by making changes to their own behavior and establishing a social culture that is more supportive of evaluation. In addition, an emphasis on evaluation skill development for Extension professionals is needed.
Teaching Effectively: Award Winning Faculty Share Their Views
Authors: Maxwell Lucas D. , Vincent Stacy K. , Ball Anna L.
Published: December 2011

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the phenomena of effective teaching for award winning faculty instructors at the University of Missouri. Nine university faculty members were selected to participate in this study based on their recognition as award winning instructors and by nomination from their respective college’s academic dean. Each participant took part in a semi–structured interview with a member of the research team. After analysis, several themes were identified and fell into two broad categories dealing first with the act of effective teaching and second, the act of becoming and evolving as an effective teacher. One sub–theme was the need to focus on students. While all acknowledged the importance of course content, they noted that if the focus is not on the student, content is of little consequence. Additionally, sub–themes indicated that effective teaching required dialogue, was relevant and led to critical thinking and progression which caused students to think about content in a new way. Further, themes describing teaching as scholarship and teaching and learning being a process of growth emerged. These themes provide valuable insight into how award winning
faculty instructors think about their teaching.
Effects of Inquiry–based Agriscience Instruction on Student Achievement
Authors: Thoron Andrew C. , Myers Brian E.
Published: December 2011

Testing to build research–based evidence to support teaching methodologies that promote student learning has become increasingly important in a standards–based educational system in the United States. One challenge is the lack of studies that support specific methodologies so teachers and administers can make professional development and curricular decisions. This quasi–experimental study investigated the effect of two teaching methods on student content knowledge achievement. Inquiry–based instruction was compared to the subject matter approach in 15 agriscience education classes found within seven different secondary schools across the United States. Utilizing student pretest score as a covariate, there was a statistically significant difference between groups on the posttest. Those students\ taught through inquiry–based instruction were reported as having higher content knowledge achievement than students taught through the subject matter approach
Improvement of aerosol optical depth retrieval from MODIS spectral reflectance over the global ocean using new aerosol models archived from AERONET inversion data and tri-axial ellipsoidal dust database data
Authors: Lee J. , Kim J. , Yang P.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. New over-ocean aerosol models are developed by integrating extensive AERONET inversion data and a database of the optical properties of tri-axial ellipsoidal dust particles. These models allow more accurate retrieval of aerosol optical depth (AOD) from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) for high AOD cases. Spectral AOD, single scattering albedo (SSA), and phase function, which are used to calculate a lookup table (LUT), are archived by combining inversion data from Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) Sun/sky radiometers and single-scattering properties from the tri-axial ellipsoidal dust database. The aerosol models are categorized from the AERONET data using the fine-mode fraction (FMF) at 550 nm and the SSA at 440 nm to resolve a variety of aerosol types throughout the globe. For each aerosol model, the changes in aerosol optical properties (AOP) are included as functions of AOD. Comparisons of AODs between AERONET and MODIS for the period from 2003 to 2010 show that the new aerosol models improve correlation compared to the MODIS Collection 5 products with a Pearson coefficient of 0.93 and a regression slope of 0.99 compared to 0.92 and 0.85, respectively, for the MODIS operational algorithm. Moreover, use of the new algorithms increases the percentage of data within an expected error of ± (0.03 + 0.05 × AOD) from 62 to 64% overall and from 39 to 51% for high AOD cases (AOD > 0.3). Errors in the retrieved AOD are characterized further with respect to the Ångström exponent (AE), scattering angle (Θ), and air mass factor (AMF). Overall, the new aerosol models reduce systematic errors in AOD retrieval compared with the Collection 5 data due to realistic AOP assumptions. In particular, the scattering angle dependence of the retrieved AOD for dust cases is significantly mitigated due to improved treatment of the nonsphericity of dust particles by the new algorithm.
Continuous detection and characterization of the Sea Breeze in clear sky conditions using Meteosat Second Generation
Authors: Lensky I. M. , Dayan U.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. The sea breeze (SB) is a thermally induced boundary layer phenomenon that occurs at coastal locations throughout the world. Previous satellite remote sensing studies used low-level clouds formed over the sea-breeze convergence zones to identify the SB. In this study continuous thermal infrared data from a geostationary satellite (Meteosat Second Generation) and concurrent field measurements were used to detect and characterize the SB in clear sky conditions during the summer. Surface data (wind speed and direction) from 11 sites over Israel for ten summer days in July 2010 for three different synoptic circulation categories were selected. In order to assess the impact of the synoptic induced flow on the SB, we looked for the best agreement between surface and satellite SB timing. An independent classification of synoptic categories performed for the ten summer days revealed two distinct patterns of the SB. During weak horizontal pressure gradient (Weak Persian Trough and High to the West), which enables full development of the SB, the timing of the SB from satellite and field measurements were well correlated (R2=0.75), as compared to unfavorable atmospheric conditions (Deep Persian Trough) yielding lower value (R2=0.5). The SB was identified by surface measurements in an earlier time of the day, with respect to the satellite column integrated measurements. Visualizing a product of time series analysis of the satellite data enabled clear distinction of SB behavior under different synoptic categories. Over desert regions the strong thermal contrast enables detection of the SB even under suppressing synoptic conditions (Deep Persian Trough). This method enables detection and timing of the SB over desert regions where clouds and field measurements are scarce, and is applicable worldwide.
Does precipitation susceptibility vary with increasing cloud thickness in marine stratocumulus?
Authors: Terai C. R. , Wood R. , Leon D. C. , Zuidema P.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. The relationship between precipitation rate and accumulation mode aerosol concentration in marine stratocumulus-topped boundary layers is investigated by applying the precipitation susceptibility metric to aircraft data obtained during the VOCALS Regional Experiment. The mean precipitation rate R over a segment of the data is expressed as the product of a drizzle fraction f multiplied by a drizzle intensity I (mean rate for drizzling columns). The susceptibility Sx is then defined as the fractional decrease in precipitation variable x = {R, f, I} per fractional increase in the concentration of aerosols with dry diameter >0.1 μm, with cloud thickness h held fixed. The precipitation susceptibility SR is calculated using data from both precipitating and non-precipitating cloudy columns to quantify how aerosol concentrations affect the mean precipitation rate of all clouds of a given h range and not just the mean precipitation of clouds that are precipitating. SR systematically decreases with increasing h, and this is largely because Sf decreases with h while SI is approximately independent of h. In a general sense, Sf can be thought of as the effect of aerosols on the probability of precipitation, while SI can be thought of as the effect of aerosols on the intensity of precipitation. Since thicker clouds are likely to precipitate regardless of ambient aerosol concentration, we expect Sf to decrease with increasing h. The results are broadly insensitive to the choice of horizontal averaging scale. Similar susceptibilities are found for both cloud base and near-surface drizzle rates and when the analysis is repeated with cloud liquid water path held fixed instead of cloud thickness. Simple power law relationships relating precipitation rate to aerosol concentration or cloud droplet concentration do not capture this observed behavior.