bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CloudRoots: Integration of advanced instrumental techniques and process modelling of sub-hourly and sub-kilometre land-atmosphere interactions
Authors: Vila-Guerau de Arellano Jordi , Ney Patrizia , Hartogensis Oscar , de Boer Hugo , van Diepen Kevien , Emin Dzhaner , de Groot Gesike , Klosterhalfen Anne , Langensiepen Matthias , Matveeva Maria , Miranda Gabriela , Moene Arnold , Rascher Uwe , Röckmann Thomas , Adnew Getachew , Graf Alexander
Published: May 2020

Abstract. The CloudRoots field experiment was designed to obtain a comprehensive observational data set that includes soil, plant and atmospheric variables to investigate the interaction between a heterogeneous land surface and its overlying atmospheric boundary layer at the sub-hourly and sub–kilometre scale. Our findings demonstrate the need to include measurements at leaf level in order to obtain accurate parameters for the mechanistic representation of photosynthesis and stomatal aperture. Once the new parameters are implemented, the mechanistic model reproduces satisfactorily the stomatal leaf conductance and the leaf-level photosynthesis. At the canopy scale, we find a consistent diurnal pattern on the contributions of plant transpiration and soil evaporation using different measurement techniques. From the high frequency and vertical resolution state variables and CO2 measurements, we infer a profile of the plant assimilation that shows a strong non-linear behaviour. Observations taken by a laser scintillometer allow us to quantify the non-steadiness of the surface turbulent fluxes during the rapid changes driven by perturbation of the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) by clouds, the so-called cloud flecks. More specifically, we find two-minute delays between the cloud radiation perturbation and ET. The impact of surface heterogeneity was further studied using ET estimates infer from the sun-induced fluorescence data and show small variation of ET in spite of the plant functional type differences. To study the relevance of advection and surface heterogeneity on the land-atmosphere interaction, we employ a coupled surface-atmospheric conceptual model that integrates the surface and upper-air observations taken at different scales: from the leaf-level to the landscape. At the landscape scale, we obtain the representative sensible heat flux that is consistent with the evolution of the boundary-layer depth evolution. Finally, throughout the entire growing season, the wide variations in stomatal opening and photosynthesis lead to large variations of plant transpiration at the leaf and canopy scales. The use of different instrumental techniques enables us to compare the total ET at various growing stages, from booting to senescence. There is satisfactory agreement between evapotranspiration of total ET, but the values remain sensitive to the scale at which ET is measured or modelled.
Modeling the hydrology and physiology of Sphagnum moss in a
northern temperate bog
Authors: Shi Xiaoying , Ricciuto Daniel M. , Thornton Peter E. , Xu Xiaofeng , Yuan Fengming , Norby Richard J. , Walker Anthony P. , Warren Jeffrey , Mao Jiafu , Hanson Paul J. , Meng Lin , Weston David , Griffiths Natalie A.
Published: May 2020

Abstract. Mosses need to be incorporated into Earth system models to better simulate peatland functional dynamics under changing environment. Sphagnum mosses are strong determinants of nutrient, carbon and water cycling in peatland ecosystems. However, most land surface models do not include Sphagnum or other mosses as represented plant functional types (PFTs), thereby limiting predictive assessment of peatland responses to environmental change. In this study, we introduce a moss PFT into the land model component (ELM) of the Energy Exascale Earth System Model (E3SM), by developing water content dynamics and non-vascular photosynthetic processes for moss. The model was parameterized and independently evaluated against observations from an ombrotrophic forested bog as part of the Spruce and Peatland Responses Under Changing Environments (SPRUCE) project. Inclusion of a Sphagnum PFT with some Sphagnum specific processes in ELM allows it to capture the observed seasonal dynamics of Sphagnum gross primary production (GPP), albeit with an underestimate of peak GPP. The model simulated a reasonable annual net primary production (NPP) for moss but with less interannual variation than observed, and reproduced above ground biomass for tree PFTs and stem biomass for shrubs. Different species showed highly variable warming responses under both ambient and elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations, and elevated CO2 altered the warming response direction for the peatland ecosystem. Microtopography is critical: Sphagnum mosses on hummocks and hollows were simulated to show opposite warming responses (NPP decreasing with warming on hummocks, but increasing in hollows), and hummock Sphagnum was modeled to have strong dependence on water table height. Inclusion of this new moss PFT in global ELM simulations may provide a useful foundation for the investigation of northern peatland carbon exchange, enhancing the predictive capacity of carbon dynamics across the regional and global scales.
Glacial history of Inglefield Land, north Greenland from combined in-situ 10Be and 14C exposure dating
Authors: Søndergaard Anne Sofie , Larsen Nicolaj Krog , Steinemann Olivia , Olsen Jesper , Funder Svend , Egholm David Lundbek , Kjær Kurt Henrik
Published: May 2020

Abstract. Exposing the sensitivity of the Greenland Ice Sheet (GrIS) to Holocene climate changes is a key prerequisite for understanding the future response of the ice sheet to global warming. In this study, we present new information on the Holocene glacial history of the GrIS in Inglefield Land, north Greenland. We use 10Be and in-situ 14C exposure dating to constrain the timing of deglaciation in the area and radiocarbon dating of reworked molluscs and wood fragments to constrain when the ice sheet retreated behind its present-day extent. The 10Be ages are scattered ranging from c. 92.7 to 6.8 ka whereas the in-situ 14C ages range from c. 14.2 to 6.7 ka. Almost half of the apparent 10Be ages predate the Last Glacial Maximum and up to 89 % are to some degree affected by nuclide inheritance. Based on the few reliable 10Be ages, the in-situ 14C ages and existing radiocarbon ages from Inglefield Land, we find that the deglaciation along the coast commenced c. 8.6–8.3 cal. ka BP in the western part and c. 7.9 ka in the central part, following the opening of Nares Strait and arrival of warm waters. The ice margin reached its present-day position c. 8.2 ka at the Humboldt Glacier and c. 6.7 ka in the central part of Inglefield Land. Radiocarbon ages of reworked molluscs and wood fragments show that the ice margin was behind its present-day extent from c. 5.8 to 0.5 cal. ka BP. After 0.5 cal. ka BP, the ice advanced towards its Little Ice Age position. Our results emphasize that the slowly eroding and possibly cold-based ice in north Greenland makes it difficult to constrain the deglaciation history based on 10Be ages alone unless it is paired with in-situ 14C ages. Further, combining our findings with those of recently published studies reveals distinct differences between deglaciation patterns of northwest and north Greenland. Deglaciation of the land areas in northwest Greenland occurred earlier than in north Greenland and periods of restricted ice extent were longer, spanning middle and late Holocene. Overall, this highlights past ice sheet sensitivity towards Holocene climate changes in an area where little information was available just a few years ago.
Extreme waves and climatic patterns of variability in the Eastern North Atlantic and Mediterranean basins
Authors: Morales-Márquez Verónica , Orfila Alejandro , Simarro Gonzalo , Marcos Marta
Published: May 2020

Abstract. The spatial and temporal variability of extreme wave climate in the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea is assessed using a 31-year wave model hindcast. Seasonality accounts for 50 % of the extreme wave height variability in North Atlantic Ocean and up to 70 % in some areas of the Mediterranean Sea. Once seasonality is filtered out, the North Atlantic Oscillation and the Scandinavian Index are the dominant large-scale atmospheric patterns that control the interannual variability of extreme waves during winters in the North Atlantic Ocean; and to a lesser extent, the East Atlantic Oscillation also modulates extreme waves in the central part of the basin. In the Mediterranean Sea, the dominant modes are the East Atlantic and East Atlantic/Western Russia modes which act strongly during their negative phases.
Near-surface Palaeocene fluid flow, mineralisation and faulting at Flamborough Head, UK: new field observations and U-Pb calcite dating constraints
Authors: Roberts Nick M. W. , Lee Jack K. , Holdsworth Robert E. , Jeans Christopher , Farrant Andrew R. , Haslam Richard
Published: May 2020

Abstract. We present new field observations from Selwicks Bay, NE England, an exposure of the Flamborough Head Fault Zone (FHFZ). We combine these with U-Pb geochronology of syn- to post-tectonic calcite mineralisation to provide absolute constraints on the timing of deformation. The extensional Frontal Fault zone was active at ca. 63 Ma, with protracted fluid activity occurring as young as ca. 55 Ma. Other dated tensile fractures overlap this timeframe, and also cross-cut earlier formed fold structures, providing a lower bracket for the timing of folding and compressional deformation. The Frontal Fault zone acted as a conduit for voluminous fluid flow, linking deeper sedimentary units to the shallow sub-surface, and exhibiting a protracted history of several million years. Most structures at Selwicks Bay may have formed in a deformation history that is simpler than previously interpreted, with a protracted phase of extensional and strike-slip motion along the FHFZ. The timing of this deformation overlaps that of the nearby Cleveland Dyke intrusion and of regional uplift in NW Britain, opening the possibility that extensional deformation and hydrothermal mineralisation at Selwicks Bay are linked to these regional and far-field processes.
Growth and Yield Response of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Varieties to Plant Density
Authors: Nwokwu Gilbert Nwogboduhu , Agbedo Odoh Ifeoma Lilian , Ngozi Egwu Patricia
Published: May 2020

A field experiment was conducted at the research field of Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources Management, Ebonyi State University Abakaliki during the 2018 farming season to determine the effect of plant density on growth, yield and yield components of groundnut varieties. The experiment was conducted in a 3x4 factorial laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The treatments comprised three groundnut varieties (SAMNUT 24, 25 and 26) and four planting densities (40,000, 80,000, 120,000, and 160,000 plants ha-1). Each treatment was replicated four times. The parameters measured were plant height, number of leaves per plant, number of branches per plant, days to 50% flowering, shoot dry weight, leaf area index, crop growth rate, relative growth rate, net assimilation rate, number of pod per plant, pod weight per plant, hundred seed weight, number of seeds per plant, shelling percentage and total yield per hectare. The results showed that groundnut varieties were significant in all growth and yield parameters assessed except number of days to 50% flowering, Relative Growth Rate, number of pod per plant, and hundred seed weight while planting density recorded significant effect on all the growth and yield parameters. There were also significant interaction effects of varieties and plant density on plant height, number of branches per plant, leaf area index, relative growth rate, pod weight per plant, number of seeds per plant, and total yield per hectare. This result indicated that SAMNUT 26 and plant density of 160,000 plants ha-1 recorded the highest yield of groundnut and can be recommended for the farmers in the study area.
UnSita Unfinished with Mama Sita
Authors: Mukhi Sunita S.
Published: May 2020

UnSita Unfinished with Mama Sita is an excerpt from The Devi Diva Triad, a solo performance presented at the United Solo Festival in Manhattan, 2014, in which I contend with three “divine” personas as shards of my kaleidoscopic self and the issues that I deal with every day as a diasporic woman of Sindhi Hindu origin born and bred in the Philippines, sojourned in the United States for thirty years, and now back in Manila. Sita personifies for me an iconic archetype that needs to be toppled from her exalted pedestal so that she can really tell you and I why we are here grappling with these perennial human/inhumane concerns of injustice and inequality. In this monologue, I refuse to celebrate Divali, the Hindu Festival of Lights. So Mama Sita, the paragon of Hindu womanhood and the Queen of the great epic Ramayana seeks to set my head straight.
Clinical results of conservative management in patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tear: a meta-analysis
Authors: Karasuyama Masaki , Gotoh Masafumi , Tahara Keiji , Kawakami Junichi , Madokoro Kazuya , Nagamatsu Takashi , Imai Takaki , Harada Nobuya , Kudo Yu , Shiba Naoto
Published: May 2020

Background: Several systematic reviews have reported on the conservative treatment of full-thickness rotator cuff tears; however, clinical results of this treatment still remain determined. Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Library, PEDro, and CINAHL databases were systematically searched for randomized clinical trials and observational studies. Two independent researchers reviewed a total of 2,981 articles, 28 of which met the criteria for inclusion in the study. Clinical outcome measures included Constant score, visual analog scale score for pain, range of motion, and short-form 36. The meta-analysis used a linear mixed model weighted with the variance of the estimate. Results: The meta-analysis showed a significant improvement after surgery. Pain score is 26.2 mm (1 month) to 26.4 mm (3 months) and 24.8 mm (12 months) (P<0.05); active abduction: 153.2º (2 months), 159.0º (6 months), 168.1º (12 months) (P<0.05); Constant score: 67.8 points (2 months) to 77.2 points (12 months) (P<0.05); short-form 36 “vitality” section: 57.0 points (6 months) and 70.0 points (12 months) (P<0.05). Conclusions: Our data confirmed the effectiveness of conservative treatment in patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears 12 months post-intervention. The results suggest that conservative treatment for patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears should be the first line of treatment before considering surgery.
A Study to Assess the Prevalence and Risk Factors of Hypertension among the Bank Employees of Rajkot City, Gujarat, India
Authors: Savani Nikita M , Chauhan Rajendra B , Chudasama Rajesh K
Published: May 2020

Background: Hypertension (HTN) is a modifiable and major risk factor for coronary artery disease, heart failure, cerebrovascular disease and chronic renal failure. Present study conducted to study the prevalence of hypertension among bank employees of Rajkot city and to study the associated risk factors of hypertension among them.
Methods: Rajkot city has around 160 different bank branches, including 35 private and 125 nationalized bank branches. Total 70 bank branches selected including all 35 private and similar number of nationalized bank branches (35) by using systemic random sampling. The present study was conducted from January to December 2017. Information regarding demographic profile and risk factors of hypertension was collected on pretested proforma.
Results: Out of total 800 employees, prevalence of hypertension was found 30.4% including 7.6% self reported and 22.8% detected in the study. Highest prevalence of hypertension was reported in 50-59 years age group followed by 20-29 years (26.3%). Hypertension found more among male (90.9%) and work experience less than 10 years (42.8%). Significant association found on assessing risk factors like history of addiction, not doing any physical exercise, obesity, high BMI and hypertension.
Conclusion: Hypertension was reported more in elder age group and Males among bank employees. Age and sex were found significantly associated with hypertension. Addiction (tobacco and alcohol), not doing any physical exercise, central obesity and high BMI status found significant risk factors for hypertension.
Prevalence of Substance Abuse in Rishikesh: A Community Based Study
Authors: Kumar Deepak , Kishore Surekha , Khapre Meenakshi , Usha Preeti , Rehan Abu , Reddy Navuluri K
Published: May 2020

Introduction: There are various problem which have harmful impact on health, these problem are mainly behavioural with multifunctional causation. Amongst such problem, addiction of substance abuse is on rising trend, overall globally. The study conducted to determine the prevalence of substance abuse in the community.

Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted in Rishikesh Tehsil. People of age group between 15-60 years residing in study area were recruited as study participants. Total sample size covered in this study was 804.Since the population of urban and rural area is almost equal, so to get equal representative from urban and rural area, 402 study participant were selected from each strata as rural and urban area respectively. The validated interview schedule were then analysed using appropriate statistical techniques like percentage, chi-square test and p-value.

Results: overall prevalence of substance abuse was found to be 37.4% out of which the prevalence of current users was 31.34% respectively.

Conclusion: The study revealed that in spite of having strict law for prohibition of substance abuse, people are still addicted. There is a need to change either in law or in behaviour of people at large.
Exploring the Effects of Climate Change on Net Revenue of Farmers: An Econometric Investigation Using Farm-Level Data in Cross River State, Nigeria
Authors: Angba C. W. , Baines R. N. , Butler A. J.
Published: May 2020

This paper addressed the effects of climate on the net revenue of farmers in Cross River State. The specific objectives of this paper are; to examine the level of yam production in Cross River State and, to determine the factors that affect farmers' net revenue. Data was collected from 209 farmers using a well-structured questionnaire. The analysis was done using the independent sample t-test, the Chi-square test and Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression. The findings revealed that the mean value of the respondents on the level of profit was N88,192.13, while the maximum and minimum amount were N110,000 and N50,000, respectively. The independent sample t-test showed that education produced a statistically significant difference in means. The Chi-square test showed that educational level (p-value =0.047), age (p-value=0.034), farming experience (p-value=0.061) and access to credit (p-value=0.088) have a relationship with the net revenue of farmers. The result from the OLS regression revealed that the variables that affect the net revenue of farmers are farming experience, household size, access to the weather forecast and tenure status. This research recommends that policymakers should emphasise how to improve these factors to enhance farmers' net income to increase self-sufficiency in food crop production.
Avaliação de Maturidade em Gestão de Projetos na Universidade Federal de Alagoas utilizando o Método Prado-MMGP
Authors: Campos Marina Costa , Dantas Anderson De Barros , Da Silva Luciana Santos Costa Vieira , Milito Cláudia Maria
Published: May 2020

A Universidade Federal de Alagoas (UFAL) utiliza projetos para alcance de seus objetivos institucionais. Evidencia-se, portanto, a necessidade de amadurecer essa competência e estabelecer uma metodologia de gerenciamento de projetos eficaz. Assim, esta pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar a maturidade da capacidade organizacional da UFAL em gerenciar projetos utilizando a metodologia Prado-MMGP indicando onde se deve investir para obter melhores resultados. A contribuição teórica dessa pesquisa se dá em função de ser o primeiro trabalho no contexto universitário a fazer o uso dessa ferramenta, o que se constitui em uma lacuna a ser explorada, além de servir de incentivo a adoção dessa metodologia por parte de outras Instituições de Ensino Superior. A pesquisa classifica-se como estudo de caso de caráter descritivo com uma abordagem quantitativa realizada a partir de uma survey. Foram alvo do levantamento a Pró-reitoria de Gestão Institucional (Proginst), o Núcleo de Tecnologia da Informação (NTI) e a Superintendência de infraestrutura (Sinfra) localizados nos campi Maceió e Arapiraca. Os resultados apontam que os setores onde há melhor avaliação em gestão de projetos são o NTI Arapiraca, seguido da Sinfra, NTI Maceió e Proginst. Foram identificados esforços iniciais, porém sem uma metodologia institucionalizada. A nota final da organização foi 1,64 em uma escala ordinal de 1 até 5, classificando-a como nível 2 de maturidade, o que indica que se deve investir em treinamento, na implantação de uma plataforma informatizada e na padronização de suas práticas.
Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act’s Perceived Performance Impact
Authors: Ayoola Olakunle Thomas
Published: May 2020

Petroleum-producing companies in Nigeria were forced to increase spending on Nigerian-sourced materials and services from $8 billion to $13 billion since 2010, due to the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act that was implemented in 2010 to support local firms and improve the companies’ performance. There is sparse research on how the act affected the companies’ performance. This descriptive correlational study addressed the gap in the literature. Survey data from 372 employees of the five major petroleum-producing companies in Nigeria was analyzed. The study results indicated that the act had a positive effect on the employees’ internal competence factor and the organizations’ operational performance factor. The results are significant in understanding the impact of the act on performance.
A Case Study Exploration of Strategies to Improve First-Line Supervisor Problem-Solving Abilities in the Retail Supermarket Industry
Authors: Jarvis John E. , Williams Irene A
Published: May 2020

First-line supervisors in U.S. retail organizations are unable to resolve nearly 34% of typical daily customer problems for their organizations. The purpose of this single-case study was to explore the strategies retail supermarket managers have used to improve first-line supervisor problem solving abilities within a retail supermarket company in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Data were collected from semistructured interviews with four retail store manager participants with a successful record of improving first-line supervisor problem solving abilities. Based on inductive data analysis and methodological triangulation of the data collected, four themes emerged after the data analysis: (a) the importance of communicating expectations with first-line supervisors, (b) coaching first-line supervisors on performance, (c) first-line supervisor learning and development, and (d) measuring first-line supervisor performance. Findings from this study warrant additional empirical exploration of strategies for improving first-line supervisor problem solving abilities.
Small Business Strategies for Sustainability Beyond 10 Years
Authors: Warren Gabriel E , Szostek Lynn
Published: May 2020

Small businesses are vital to the health of the U.S. economy, as they account for approximately 50% of all jobs and 99% of all firms. Historically, there has been a problem with small businesses being able to sustain their operations beyond 10 years. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, when averaged across all industries, approximately 75% of new businesses failed within the first 5 years. The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore the business strategies some small business owners use to sustain their company beyond 10 years of operation. Data were gathered through semistructured interviews and a review of financial documents with a purposive sample of eight small business owners. Transcript reviews and member checking were completed to assure credibility and trustworthiness. Based on the methodological triangulation of the data sources collected, four emergent themes were identified after completing the data analysis: (a) building relationships, (b) finding your passion, (c) enhancing business knowledge, and (d) ensuring financial management. Small business leaders and their stakeholders may use the findings to advance the evolution of sustainable business models that meet the needs of small business owners.
Abusive Supervision Detection as Part of Venture Capital Due Diligence of Management
Authors: Blum David
Published: May 2020

Abusive supervision (AS) costs U.S. businesses billions of dollars per year in lost productivity, increased absenteeism, and health care costs. To reduce these costs and to enhance the probability of a successful exist, independent venture capitalists (IVCs) need to be aware of the issue of AS among the management team during the due-diligence process. This study addresses a gap in literature related to IVCs being able to detect AS during due-diligence process of the management team. The research question was this: What tools, processes, and methods can IVCs use to detect AS during the due-diligence process of the management team? Four tools, processes, and methods were presented to help reduce the frequency of employee abuse and associated costs.
Successful Implementation of Pharmacy Retail Store Loyalty Reward Programs
Authors: Reinert Cristina D , Murray Jill A.
Published: May 2020

Loyalty reward programs are utilized within various industries as a key marketing strategy. A successfully implemented loyalty reward program benefits both the consumer and the company. The purpose of this multicase study was to explore strategies that pharmacy retail managers use to deliver loyalty reward programs. The theory of planned behavior was used as the conceptual framework to guide the study. Mobile technology, customer involvement, brand management, and tier-based rewards were the themes that emerged during data analysis. The findings are of interest to pharmacy retail managers and marketers because they are instrumental in implementing a successful loyalty reward program.
Strategies to Retain Millennial Employees at Full-Service Restaurants
Authors: Ruiz Candace A , Davis Anne
Published: May 2020

Some supervisors lack effective strategies to retain millennial-generation employees. The purpose of this multicase study was to explore effective strategies to retain culinary-educated millennial employees in a full-service restaurant. Nine millennials and three supervisors from three full-service restaurants in Denver, Colorado, consented to semistructured interviews concerning retention strategies. Herzberg’s two-factor theory served to guide the scope and the data analysis for the multicase study. Ten subcategories emerged from the three themes that aligned with Herzberg’s motivation factors, hygiene factors, and millennial values and attitudes. The 10 subcategories were developed suggesting effective strategies differ by supervisor. Among the 10 subcategories, the most prominent were (a) growth and advancement, (b) positive working conditions, and (c) quality and influence of the supervisor.
Strategies to Streamline the U.S. Army’s Acquisition Approval Process
Authors: Schlomer Donald E , Campbell Douglas G
Published: May 2020

This qualitative single-case study explored strategies that senior U.S. Army Commanders could use to reduce the approval time for an acquisition category (ACAT) III need document in the Joint Capabilities Integrated Development System (JCIDS). Data came from historical documents and semistructured interviews of 30 ACAT III requirement writers and senior U.S. Army commanders with expertise in JCIDS. The conceptual framework was Goldratt’s theory of constraints. Miles, Huberman, and Saldana’s data analysis method was used to identify themes. Six themes emerged that yielded six possible strategies to reduce approval time: (a) define and implement an objective goal, (b) simplify the process and decrease redundancy by reducing or eliminating irrelevant levels of review, (c) determine the optimum number of reviews necessary for the desired outcome, (d) determine if the chief of staff of the Army should be the approving authority for an ACAT III need document, (e) determine the appropriate offices and individuals that should be consulted about the need document during the world wide review process, and (f) enhance training for JCIDS personnel participating in the need approval process. These findings are already contributing to positive organizational and social change because they have already been adopted by the U.S. Army as the basis for a significant effort to streamline the acquisition process, save U.S. taxpayer funding, and enhance the combat efficiency of the U.S. Army, thereby increasing the safety and security of the United States and its citizens.
Developing Framework for the Implementation of Advanced Manufacturing Technologies in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
Authors: Bhise Dattatraya V , Sunnapwar Vivek K
Published: May 2020

Intense competition, demanding customers, and shortening product life cycles are prompting small- and medium-sized enterprises to invest in advanced manufacturing technologies (AMTs). Small manufacturers often depend on large manufacturers for orders and so require design as well as manufacturing flexibility on their part. One way of achieving the flexibility is through adoption of AMTs. The decision to invest in AMT is a major decision and thus requires proper consideration to all the aspects of the implementation process before a final commitment is made. Although the technical capabilities of AMTs are well proven, neither practitioner nor academics agree upon a framework for its successful implementation. Using Churchill’s model (Steps 1 and 2) and drawing a link from the available literature, a theoretical framework is developed for the successful implementation of AMTs in small- and medium-sized enterprises. Three implementation phases—namely, planning, preimplementation, and postimplementation—with 14 major issues have been developed; 52 constituent factors have been identified from these issues through literature review and interviews with industry professionals.
Soft Skills Needed for the 21st-Century Workforce
Authors: Dean Susan A. , East Julia I.
Published: May 2020

Technical skills are no longer enough for workers to compete in this highly competitive global work environment. Soft skills are of paramount importance. A multiple-case-study design through the lens of emotional intelligence formed the basis of the research study. The focus of the research was identification of the successful soft skills training strategies in the logistics industry. Three logistics organization leaders in the counties of Burlington, Middlesex, and Somerset, New Jersey, were participants in the study. Data were collected through semistructured interviews and the review of company documents Four themes emerged through data analysis of converging multiple data sources: (a) the use of a combination of group and individual training, (b) the identification of training needs by individual, (c) the use of a systematic method to resolve emotional behaviors at work, and (d) the importance of effective communication.
Adoption of Self-Service Technologies Among Banking Customers: A Revisit
Authors: Magotra Irbha , Sharma Jyoti , Sharma Supran Kumar
Published: May 2020

The introduction of self-service technologies (SSTs) in the banking industry has been emerging as one of the significant business drivers that facilitate customers in operating their bank accounts. Considering this, the present study has made an attempt to pierce the existing literature with reference to the adoption of SSTs among banking customers. Particularly, the intent of the present article is to explore various personal (e.g., optimism, socioeconomic characteristics) and technology characteristics (e.g., perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use) that affect the acceptance of SSTs among the banking customers. Based on a review of the literature, a conceptual model for SST adoption has been proposed, thereby suggesting a roadmap for future research based on the gaps identified in the research concerning this area.
A Structural Equation Model of Leader–Member Exchange, Employee–Supervisor Relationship, Performance Appraisal, and Career Development
Authors: Henkel William Joseph , Endres Al C
Published: May 2020

Some employees perceive that supervisors do not accurately reflect employees’ performance or effectively differentiate among employees’ performances during performance appraisals (PAs). Other employees believe the performance feedback they receive is not valuable for supporting their career development (CD). Leader–member exchange (LMX) and the distributive and interactional justice dimensions of organizational justice theories comprised the theoretical frameworks in this study for examining the significance of the relationships among LMX and employee–supervisor relationships (ESRs) and those relationships’ potential influence on employees’ CD through the PA process. Participants consisted of 44 defense contractor employees in the United States. Results from partial least squares analysis for the structural equation model indicated significant (p < .01) positive relationships between LMX, ESR, PA, and CD. Furthermore, the results indicated that a positive relationship between LMX and ESR can influence employees’ CD through the mediating effect of employees’ perceptions of their PAs. The implications for positive social change include the potential to improve communications between employees and supervisors for benefiting employees’ CD for improving employees’ families’ quality of life and employees’ contributions to their communities
Impact of EHR Technology Implementation on Physicians' Job Satisfaction
Authors: Bajwa Navneet Kaur , Singh Harjot , De Kalyan Kumar
Published: May 2020

The concept of an electronic health record (EHR) has been the solicitous subject of researchers’ discussion in recent times. The impact that a successful implementation of EHRs can have on physicians cannot be overstated. Factors which are critical to successful implementation of EHR systems are commonly known as crucial technology implementation factors (CTIFs). The present study investigates the CTIFs of EHR systems and also their impact on physicians’ job satisfaction and characteristics in North Indian multispecialty hospitals. The questionnaire has been distributed to physicians of 12 hospitals that have been using EHR technology. It has been concluded that five CTIFs—organizational support, training, software attributes, acceptance to change, and computer knowledge—play a more important role than that played by other factors. The factors have not been considered separately on the basis of preimplementation scenario and postimplementation phase. The study attempts to analyze the impact of EHR systems on job operational performance of physicians.
A Qualitative Case Study Exploring Hand-Hygiene Standards in an Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Augustine Lyndon , McCollum Walter , Brown Richard , Mourning-Star Phoenix
Published: May 2020

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are infections that occur in patients during their time of care in a hospital. Considerable emphasis is currently placed on reducing HAIs through improving hand-hygiene (HH) compliance among healthcare professionals because HAIs are a critical challenge to public health in the United States. By focusing on meeting Centers for Disease Control and Prevention HH standards, the purpose of this qualitative research was to explore how noncompliance with these standards and lack of technology usage affect HAIs in the intensive care unit. Additionally, the goal of this research was to explore behavioral factors and best practices that influence compliance rates in intensive care units. Thereafter, the researcher provided recommendations for healthcare leadership to address the phenomenon of HAIs
Increasing Cultural Awareness Through a Cultural Awareness Program
Authors: Baltes Beate , Hernandez David , Collins Christina
Published: May 2020

Racial tension motivates strife and violence in the metropolitan Detroit, Michigan, area. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a collaborative partnership, the Cultural Awareness Consortium (CAC), in making a positive impact on the attitudes of a group of diverse high school students regarding multicultural relations. The two theoretical frameworks guiding this study were Allport’s intergroup contact theory and intercultural competence theory originating from International Education and International Studies. The research questions concerned whether attending the CAC for 4 months, the treatment, changed students’ attitudes on multicultural relations, and whether a student’s gender or ethnicity was a predictor of changes in these attitudes. A single group, pre-experimental design with data collection from two administrations of the Student Multicultural Relations Survey was used in the study. Fifty-four students completed the survey, which yielded four multicultural relations scales (dependent variables), eight single-item attitudinal variables on multicultural issues, and two demographic variables (independent variables), and inferential analysis included t tests and multiple regression. According to study results, students’ attitudes on multicultural relations had changed significantly, and students talked to and mixed with students from different cultural backgrounds more after the treatment. Educational institutions providing experiences like the CAC can make a positive impact on students’ attitudes on multicultural relations. This can lead to positive social change as students increase their acceptance of others and take those attitudes and values with them into the workforce after they graduate, serving as role models of acceptance for their peers.
Predictors of Latino English Learners’ Reading Comprehension Proficiency
Authors: Grasparil Theresa A , Hernandez David A
Published: May 2020

Poor literacy achievement among English learners has contributed significantly to their high dropout rates, poor job prospects, and high poverty rates. The National Literacy Panel on Language Minority Children and Youth has suggested that English learners benefit from the same direct, systematic instruction in the five essential components of reading shown effective for native-English-speaking students: phonemic awareness, phonics, oral reading fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Implementing effective reading instructional practices for English learners may reduce the literacy achievement gap between English learners and native English speakers. In this study, we used multiple regression to examine data for 1,376 third-grade Latino English learners to determine the strength of oral English proficiency, oral reading fluency, and academic vocabulary knowledge as predictors of reading comprehension proficiency. Findings of this study indicate a mismatch between English learners’ instructional needs and a widely used reading program component, assessment of words correct per minute (as a measure of oral reading fluency). Significant conclusions of this study suggest that educators seeking to promote the reading comprehension proficiency of Latino English learners consider using WCPM assessments and activities cautiously and strive to allocate more time for instruction and assessment of the prosodic dimension of oral reading fluency and academic vocabulary knowledge and skills.
A Framework for Evaluating Learning Progressions on Features Related to Their Intended Uses
Authors: Kobrin Jennifer L. , Larson Sarah , Cromwell Ashley , Garza Patricia
Published: May 2020

In recent years, learning progressions (LPs) have captured the interest of educators and policy makers. There have been numerous efforts to develop LPs aligned to college and career readiness standards, to unpack these standards, and to provide more clarity on the pathways students follow to reach them. There is great variation, however, in the structure, content, and features of LPs, and these have implications for the LP’s most appropriate use. The purpose of this research was to devise a framework to understand and evaluate key features of an LP, including its structure, content, usability, and validity evidence. We maintain that educators and other stakeholders should understand these key features so they can evaluate whether an LP is appropriate for an intended use.
The Extent and Nature of Bullying in a Christian School
Authors: Hazeltine Brian , Hernandez David A
Published: May 2020

Bullying is a problem that has been studied in schools worldwide, but there is little research on bullying within Christian schools, a dearth which may stem from the assumption that Christian schools teach character traits that are inimical to bullying. Yet understanding the extent and nature of bullying in Christian schools may lead to a better understanding of ways to address the problem in all schools. Guided by social identity theory, which allowed for a focus on moral and character development, this study examined the extent and nature of bullying among 347 students in Grades 3 through 10 in a Christian school. Research questions addressed differences in bullying behaviors related to gender, grade, division, and the number of years a student has attended a Christian school. Data were analyzed from responses to the Olweus Bullying Questionnaire. One-way ANOVAanalysis of variance, chi-square, and t t tests indicated statistically significant differences in bullying behaviors based on gender, division, and years attending the school. Results indicated that girls were bullied more frequently than boys and by means of exclusion, rumors, sexual comments, and cyber bullying. Boys were more likely to bully than girls, and boys bullied primarily in physical ways and used racial comments more often than did girls. Bullying decreased from elementary to high school grades. The results of this study may be used to promote positive social change by alerting Christian school educators to the problem of bullying in their schools, and by assisting all educators in developing gender-specific programs to minimize the problem of bullying in general.
Book Review: 57 Ways to Screw Up in Grad School: Perverse Professional Lessons for Graduate Students
Authors: Horn Christiana
Published: May 2020

The selection of and transition to graduate school can be a daunting task for many students. Once accepted into a program, students continue to be faced with an assortment of challenges that they must overcome to graduate. Kevin Haggerty and Aaron Doyle, in their book, 57 Ways to Screw Up in Grad School: Perverse Professional Lessons for Graduate Students, offer graduate students key pieces of advice to propel them toward success. The book’s coverage of all stages of a graduate degree from applying to colleges to graduation and professional jobs makes it applicable for all graduate readers. Key points of evaluation include: the successful use of personal stories to convey meaning, the lack of a specialized focus toward one program, and the sometimes harsh but realistic tone that is used throughout the book.
Leveraging the Demands of edTPA to Foster Language Instruction for English Learners in Content Classrooms
Authors: Baecher Laura , Artigliere Marcus , Bruno Teresa
Published: May 2020

This article provides insight into how a required, clinically based national teacher performance assessment for candidates becoming English-as-a-second-language specialists in many U.S. states, the Education Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA), engenders a focus on language instruction in the content-based classroom. This assessment’s focus on language within the content areas provides a positive washback opportunity to strengthen teacher candidates' language instruction in teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) preparation programs connected to partner schools in which classrooms often provide sheltered content with minimal language instruction. We share how, in our large Masters of Arts program in TESOL, we have purposefully integrated the edTPA into supervised student teaching with positive results for teacher candidates as well as host classrooms.
Increasing Engagement of English Learners Through Universal Design for Learning
Authors: Eichhorn Melinda S. , Lowry Amanda E. , Burke Kristen
Published: May 2020

English learners (ELs) are the fastest growing segment of K–12 students. When ELs do not respond to instruction as quickly as their English-speaking peers, teachers may focus on their deficits and wrongly label them as having a learning disability. In this article on the universal design for learning engagement guidelines, we summarize how we have anticipated learning barriers and increased engagement with academic content for ELs in our practice. By teaching strategies for self-regulation and individual coping skills, providing guided practice and support to sustain effort, and giving students various ways to achieve the same goal in a safe learning environment, teachers of ELs and collaborative staff can engage students in their classrooms and schools. We explore universal design for learning for ELs through an assets-based approach and suggest strategies for elementary and secondary teachers to modify for ELs through illustrative case vignettes based on our classroom practice.
Outcomes of the BOSS Classroom Management Program Among Adults With Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Needham Mick , Ross Peter , Slonski Karen , Wells Steven , Wood Andrew W.
Published: May 2020

There is a current and growing need for evidence-based practices aimed at improving the social skills of adults with intellectual disabilities (ID). Despite an abundance of research on strategies to improve the social skills of young children with ID, there is limited research on interventions aimed at improving prosocial behaviors of adults with ID. A behavioral skills training approach was used to teach frontline, direct support professionals (DSPs) to implement a classroom management strategy called the Behavioral Opportunities for Social Skills (BOSS) program with adults with ID who lived in the community. The results showed that DSPs’ delivery of behavior-specific praise statements increased after they received training in the BOSS program. Increases in the prosocial behaviors of the adults with ID were also reported after the DSPs were trained. Social validity measures indicated that DSPs liked using the BOSS program, it was easy to implement, and the program was effective. The results of this study suggest that evidence-based social skills interventions developed for children and adolescents, including classroom management strategies, can be effective in improving prosocial behaviors of adults with ID with minimal adaptions.