Digital Commons Network^™

"Apps"—An Innovative Way To Share Extension Knowledge, Joseph S. Dvorak, Tanya C. Franke-Dvorak, Randy R. Price

Journal of Extension

Extension professionals across the country are continuously seeking innovative ways to reach clientele and to disseminate timely, educational information. A new avenue to reach clientele includes the use of smartphone "apps." The "Machinery Sizing" app, which was developed to ease the estimation of tractor horsepower to implement sizing for Extension clientele anytime, anywhere, is explained as a key example for Extension professionals to utilize apps in disseminating information to clientele. There are many benefits to using apps, including information availability wherever Internet service is available on the smartphone, ease of computations of equations, and automatic updates being sent to users.

Using Digital Classrooms To Conduct 4-H Club Meetings, Patricia West, Nicholas E. Fuhrman, A Christian Morgan, Dennis W. Duncan

Journal of Extension

Using computer technology and digital classrooms to conduct 4-H Club meetings is an efficient way to continue delivering quality 4-H programming during times of limited resources and staff. Nineteen Junior and Senior 4-H'ers participated in seven digital classroom workshops using the Wimba Classroom application. These digital classroom sessions were designed to improve Project Achievement development and increase competition scores. Eighteen of the nineteen 4-H participants increased Project Achievement scores by approximately 11%. Seven hours of travel time and 26 hours of instruction time were saved by utilizing digital classroom technology in a 3-month period.

Eat, Grow, Lead 4-H: An Innovative Approach To Deliver Campus-Based Field Experiences To Pre-Entry Extension Educators, Penny Pennington Weeks, William G. Weeks

Journal of Extension

Eat, Grow, Lead 4-H Club was created as a pilot program for college students seeking to gain experience as non-formal youth educators, specifically serving pre-entry level Extension educators through a university-based 4-H club. Seventeen student volunteers contributed an estimated 630 hours of service to the club during spring 2011. The club served 23 children of students living in on-campus housing at Oklahoma State University. The primary purpose for sharing this "idea at work? is to encourage university faculty to create similar programs to serve college students seeking careers as Extension educators.

South Carolina's Model For Initiating Hispanic 4-H Clubs, Robert Lippert, Kellye Rembert

Journal of Extension

Over the past 5 years, through the initiative of several county Extension agents, South Carolina 4-H has established a successful model for bringing Hispanic youth into our program. We have found the most effective method is to initiate contact and establish partnerships with the principals and ESOL instructors in the local schools. Through this collaboration, we have started several Hispanic 4-H clubs throughout the State with further expansion in process.

Enhancing Both Cooperative Extension And National Environmental Education Resources, Martha C. Monroe

Journal of Extension

State Extension programs can contribute to the successful adoption of national environmental education programs by making locally relevant resources available, creating reference materials to bridge between 4-H project books and other resources, and developing companion materials that supplement national materials with local issues and resources. Such activities provide opportunities to integrate research and teaching with Extension programs and build productive relationships with agencies and organizations. Seven strategies with examples from one state are explained.

Improving Alaskan Aviation Safety With Turf Runways, Stephen C. Brown

Journal of Extension

A leading cause of aviation accidents in Alaska is due to rock damage caused by taking off and landing on gravel runways. This article describes how Extension in Alaska planted a demonstration runway with an environmentally appropriate native grass to suppress rock damage to propellers, engines, control surfaces, and airframes. More than 200 runways have taken advantage of the program at an annual savings of 1.5 million dollars. The program has also resulted in national attention for the University of Alaska Fairbanks Mat-Su/Copper River Cooperative Extension Service District.

Extension's Online Presence: Are Land-Grant Universities Promoting The Tripartite Mission?, Shannon Arnold, Alexandra Hill, Nikki Bailey, Courtney Meyers

Journal of Extension

Land-grant universities were established with a tripartite mission: education, research, and outreach through the Cooperative Extension Service. The purpose of the study reported here was to evaluate the online presence and technological adoptions of Extension on land-grant university, college of agriculture, and state Extension websites. Almost half of the university websites did not contain a direct link to Extension, and only 10% highlighted Extension services. Many state Extension websites had some form of social media, but only 45% had a link to eXtension. The results demonstrate the need to expand Extension's Internet presence, particularly on land-grant university websites.

Impact Of A Dairy Beef Quality Assurance Extension Program On Producer Cull Cow Management Practices And Meat Quality Knowledge, Am Imler, Cc Carr, Mj Hersom, Dd Johnson, T A. Thrift

Journal of Extension

Dairy producers must implement culling strategies that optimize animal welfare and meat quality to maintain consumer confidence in beef products. A Dairy Beef Quality Assurance Extension program was conducted including varying educational delivery methods, incorporating industry personnel in teaching and discussion, and interactive demonstrations. All respondents indicated that they would adopt at least one new production practice to optimize welfare and/or meat quality. Additionally, all respondents indicated that the workshop was effective at teaching producers how to optimize welfare and meat quality and improve the value of cull dairy cattle, suggesting that similar programs would be successful in other states.

Social Media In Diabetes Education: A Viable Option?, Julie Cooper, Jill N. Cox, Marilyn A. Corbin

Journal of Extension

As Extension educators are encouraged to implement more cost-effective and efficient means of programming, the use of Web-based social media has become a popular option. Penn State Extension implemented a social media awareness survey among participants in its community-based diabetes education program to determine familiarity with this medium, along with rates of current and future use. Results indicated a level of comfort with email and Facebook options, while many preferred more traditional methods of communication. Future research is needed to determine if this online mode of learning may be more effective in targeting a younger Dining with Diabetes population.

Electronic Commerce Adoption In The Hardwood Industry, Kathryn G. Arano, Ben Spong

Journal of Extension

The U.S. hardwood industry must follow the lead of corporate America in adopting e-commerce to remain competitive domestically and globally. A mail survey was conducted to investigate e-commerce adoption and trends among West Virginia primary and secondary hardwood industries. About 47% of the respondents have adopted e-commerce in their business. Factors influencing e-commerce adoption include firm output, export activity, and industry type. The top three reasons for adopting e-commerce include greater exposure to potential customers, improvement of service to customers, and improvement of company's competitiveness. The three major concerns for not adopting e-commerce include profitability, information security, and cost.

Perceptions Of The Training Needs Of The Newest Members Of The Extension Family, Jacklyn A. Bruce, Jessica Anderson

Journal of Extension

The study reported here investigated the perceived importance and proficiency of leadership skills to new North Carolina Cooperative Extension agents. The researchers utilized a Web-based survey questionnaire that incorporated Leadership Skills Inventory (LSI) developed by Jones (2006). According to Moore (2003), the leadership skills are developed into six categories: human skills, emotional intelligence skills, conceptual skills, technical skills, communication skills, and industry knowledge skills. Overall, new Extension agents felt that communication and industry knowledge skills were ranked as the least important and least proficient skills.

Profiling H-2a Program Participants In Tobacco Farming: Implications For Extension, Jane H. Starnes, Shiferaw T. Feleke, Harwood D. Schaffer, Kelly J. Tiller

Journal of Extension

The challenge to meet tobacco's labor requirements by domestic sources has prompted tobacco growers to seek a foreign source of labor through the H-2A program. The H-2A program is the only legally sanctioned program allowing farm employers to bring foreign workers into the country to perform seasonal and temporary agricultural work. The article profiles H-2A program participants in major tobacco growing states. The results will help Extension personnel better understand their constituents' labor needs and inform the design of specific Extension programs and workshops in farm labor management, labor laws and regulations as well as labor cost-saving measures.

Technical Feasibility Of Small-Scale Oilseed And On-Farm Biodiesel Production: A Vermont Case Study, Emily J. Stebbins-Wheelock, Robert Parsons, Qingbin Wang, Heather Darby, Vernon P. Grubinger

Journal of Extension

This article investigates the technical feasibility of small-scale oilseed production and on-farm processing of biodiesel and livestock feed using primary data from two Vermont farms. Results indicate that small-scale production of sunflowers, canola, and soybeans, and on-farm processing of livestock feed and biodiesel are technically feasible, but yields depend on many factors. Increased local expertise, information-sharing among the farm and Extension communities, and improved access to harvesting and processing equipment can improve productivity and efficiency. Additional experience in seed drying and expeller pressing techniques should reduce fat content in the seed meal, improve meal value, and improve oil production efficiency.

Overview Of The Gems Model Of Volunteer Administration (Generate, Educate, Mobilize And Sustain), Ken Culp Iii

Journal of Extension

To organize and coordinate the efforts of many volunteers, a framework for volunteer engagement is needed. The "GEMS" Model of volunteer administration was developed to assist Extension professionals and volunteer coordinators to effectively administer volunteer programs without delivering the program themselves. The GEMS Model is illustrated in a spiral, depicting the continuous process of involving volunteers in community programs and organizations. GEMS consists of 18 steps, which exist in four distinct categories, including: Generate, Educate, Mobilize, and Sustain. The GEMS Model is a tool that will help volunteer administrators and leaders achieve the goals of the organization and its clientele.

A Smartphone Application For Landscape Plants: A Case Study And Guide To Developing A Decision-Making Application, Gail Hansen, Scott Purcell

Journal of Extension

Smart phone applications are rapidly gaining popularity, and Extension programs are eager to use this teaching tool. But developing an application can be time intensive and costly. Students in environmental horticulture at the University of Florida teamed with the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ program to develop an application with an extensive plant database. The students and information technology expert from the Florida-Friendly program documented their methodology and developed helpful guidelines for anyone considering an application. With the guidelines, Extension agents can evaluate the adaptability of their program to a database=linked application and determine the feasibility of creating a decision-making application.

Viticulture Education Via Blogging, Eric T. Stafne

Journal of Extension

Extension educators must become creative to increase impact at a reduced cost. A blog from the Oklahoma State University viticulture and enology program through Wordpress engaged industry members about grape growing. The most views were during March and June, important months in the season. Off-season months (October through January) resulted in fewer readers. Views were consistent throughout the workweek, but declined during the weekend. A visual complement to a blog entry, such as a photo, may encourage readers to view content. Overall, the blog expand the reach of the Oklahoma viticulture and education program at no added expense.

E-Newsletters: A Simple Way To Integrate Technology With Extension Programming, Luke Erickson, Lyle Hansen

Journal of Extension

Extension educators can easily include technology in regular programming. Several Extension faculty conducted a survey to determine the overall effectiveness of a electronic newsletter (e-newsletter). Results indicated that this e-newsletter had a wide viral reach, provided strong local impact in terms of confidence and behavior changes, increased website traffic, and helped establish a strong web presence. This e-newsletter also helped increase programming requests and strengthen relationships with local legislators and other leaders. The implication is that e-newsletters are cost-effective, time-friendly, and relatively non-technical tools for expanding the reach of local Extension programs, and for reaching online audiences.

Using On-Line Bulletin Boards To Gather Preliminary Information, Kathleen Kelley, Ramu Govindasamy, Jeffrey Hyde

Journal of Extension

Internet bulletin-board sessions can be used to collect preliminary, qualitative data. This method allows Extension personnel to gather responses from stakeholders about potential programming, consumer needs and desires, and preference for program delivery method without assembling participants in one location. Several other advantages exist, including time available for moderators and researchers to review participants' submissions and ability to alter questions, if needed. Disadvantages, compared to traditional face-to-face focus group session, exist; however, certain shortcomings can be overcome. Preliminary data collected can help Extension personnel identify issues to explore further including programming and opportunities for stakeholders.

Increasing Response Rates To Web-Based Surveys, Martha C. Monroe, Damian C. Adams

Journal of Extension

We review a popular method for collecing data—Web-based surveys. Although Web surveys are popular, one major concern is their typically low response rates. Using the Dillman et al. (2009) approach, we designed, pre-tested, and implemented a survey on climate change with Extension professionals in the Southeast. The Dillman approach worked well, and we generated response rates as high as 79%. However, the method was not problem-free. We share several lessons learned and recommendations for increasing response rates with Web-based surveys and draw attention to the importance of personalized and repeated contact for improving survey response rates.

Mixed-Mode Surveys: A Strategy To Reduce Costs And Enhance Response Rates, Daniel Tobin, Joan Thomson, Rama Radhakrishna, Luke Laborde

Journal of Extension

Mixed-mode surveys present one opportunity for Extension to determine program outcomes at lower costs. In order to conduct a follow-up evaluation, we implemented a mixed-mode survey that relied on communication using the Web, postal mailings, and telephone calls. Using multiple modes conserved costs by reducing the number of postal mailings yet maintained an acceptable response rate (67.1%). The case presented here provides further evidence that using mixed-mode survey techniques provides Extension with a tool to conduct rigorous survey research while adapting to budget constraints.

Markedly Different Expression In Mature Bovine Proacrosin Binding Protein (Sp32), Thunchira Thepparat, Suporn Katawatin, Thevin Vongpralub, Monchai Duangjinda, Sompong Thammasirirak, Apirak Utha

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Our study investigated proteins in bovine spermatozoa using 2-DE and LC MS/MS and found a markedly different expression in mature bovine proacrosin binding protein (sp32), which is the focus of the present study. Spermatozoa extract from nine fertile Brahman bulls was separated using 2-DE followed by Coomassie brilliant blue staining. From over 600 protein spots, a particular protein spot with two different patterns was detected at 32 kDa. The high relative protein content of spot Y1 (32 kDa pI 5.3, pattern A) was found in six bulls whereas the remaining three bulls expressed two small spots Y1 and Y2 (32 …

Development Of Semi-Nested Pcr For Detection Of 16s Rrna Gene Of Mycoplasma Hyosynoviae, Pacharee Thongkamkoon, Watcharachai Narongsak, Metta Makhanon, Kobayashi Hideki, Koshi Yamamoto

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

In Thailand, some breeders in pig farms have had osteoarthritis lesions for which M. hyosynoviae might be one of the causative agents. Therefore, the semi-nested polymerase chain reaction assay was developed for detection of Mycoplasma hyosynoviae in organs of pigs in Thailand using three oligonucleotide primers specific to 16S rRNA gene of M. hyosynoviae. The detection limit of purified DNA was 10 femtogram per reaction and of the simulated lung sample was 103 CFU per gram of sample. Preliminary study for tonsil-carrier state of M. hyosynoviae in slaughtered pigs revealed the presence of M. hyosynoviae in 5 out of 10 …

Ultrasound-Guided Transvaginal Follicular Aspiration And Development Of Vitrified-Thawed Thai Indigenous Beef Cattle (Bos Indicus) Oocytes After In Vitro Fertilization, Denpong Sakhong, Thevin Vongpralub, Suporn Katawatin, Saksiri Sirisathien

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

This study was done to evaluate the efficiency of ultrasound-guided transvaginal follicular aspiration without hormonal pre-stimulation for collecting the oocytes of indigenous Thai beef cattle (Bos indicus), and to assess the vitrification method for their preservation. All animals between 2.5-12 years were categorized according to age (i.e. heifer, young cow, and old cow). A medium-sized follicle (φ 3-8 mm.) had the greatest distribution among the various size classes (p≤ 0.05), and the mean of oocytes collected from each group was not significantly different. Postthawed survival was 60.78, 53.70 and 57.50%, with a cleavage rate of 38.71, 37.93 and 39.13%, and …

Risk Factors For Feline Lower Urinary Tract Diseases In Thailand, Rosama Pusoonthornthum, Pinit Pusoonthornthum, Carl A. Osborne

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Feline lower urinary tract diseases (FLUTD) is a diagnostic term for cats with hematuria, dysuria, pollakiuria, and partial or complete urethral obstruction. The aim of the present study was to identify risk factors for cats with LUTD. Cats with LUTD were evaluated by history, physical examination, urinalysis, radiography, and contrast radiography. Clinically normal cats consisted of vaccinated cats without clinical signs of LUTD admitted to the same veterinary hospital. Cats with a history of urinary tract disease, and those received special treatment for LUTD were excluded. All cats' owners filled out standardized questionnaires about breed, gender, age, environmental factors, and …

Report Of Lawsonia Intracellularis Infection In Dogs By Polymerase Chain Reaction, Sariya Asawakar, Suphot Watanaphansak, Tanong Asawakarn

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

The purpose of this study was to survey Lawsonia intracellularis in dogs in Thailand by using Polymerase chain reaction technique. Lawsonia intracellularis is obligatory intracellular bacterium which causes proliferative enteropathy in animals, including dog. Fecal samples from 48 dogs were collected from Bangkok, Pathumthani and Nakhon Ratchasima and tested for L. intracellularis by PCR technique. The dogs were classified into two groups according to the presence or absence of diarrhea. In the group of dogs with diarrhea (n= 11), 6 dogs were positive (54.4%) and in the group without signs of diarrhea (n= 37), 15 dogs were positive (40.5%). The …

Histology Of Extrahepatic Bile Ducts In The Iranian Chukar Partridge (Alectoris Chukar), Behzad Mobini, Kaveh Shirani Faradonbeh

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

A study on the histology of the extrahepatic bile ducts was conducted in eight female and eight male twentyweek- old healthy Iranian partridges (Alectoris chukar). The extrahepatic bile ducts possessed tunica mucosa, muscularis and serosa. The tunica mucosa of the extrahepatic bile ducts was lined by non ciliated simple columnar epithelium. The apical cytoplasm of epithelial cells was covered by a continuous striated border of microvilli. The goblet cells were absent in epithelium. Tunica mucosa formed some simple folds lining with tall columnar epithelium. The lamina muscularis mucosa was absent. All epithelial cells of the bile ducts reacted with acid …

What Is Your Diagnosis, Pranee Tuntivanich, Suwicha Chuthatep, Rampaipat Tungjitpeanpong

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

No abstract provided.

Perspectives Of General Education Teachers Who Work With Students With Autism, Beth Jolene Walters

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand how general education teachers perceive their experiences working with students in their classrooms who have been diagnosed with autism. The study addressed the following research question: How do secondary school general educators perceive their experiences working with students in their classroom who have been diagnosed with autism?

Six secondary general education teachers were interviewed by the researcher, and the audio-recorded interviews were later transcribed by her. Initially, she analyzed the data to determine codes and categories. Next, she worked collaboratively with her doctoral advisor to discern themes and assertions.

Six themes …

Preservice Teachers' Perceptions Of Their Knowledge And Application Of Response To Intervention, Carrie Dannelle Jepma

Theses and Dissertations

Response to Intervention (RTI) is a model for providing instructional and scientific-based interventions to all children who struggle. RTI uses data-based decision making for the interventions, instructional evaluation, intervention intensity and length of time, and evaluation and recommendations for any adjustments needed in instruction in both the problem-solving and standard protocol models. The difference between the two models of RTI is that the interventions are individualized for each student in the problem-solving model, but not the standard protocol model.

RTI has been used by schools and agencies with research to support that it meets the needs of children and is …

Six Discourse Markers In Tunisian Arabic: A Syntactic And Pragmatic Analysis, Chris Adams

Theses and Dissertations

The following study is a description and analysis of six discourse markers in Tunisian Arabic. In it I will attempt to determine the syntactic and pragmatic roles of each marker, describing its function in discourse. The final analysis will be based on the pragmatic model of relevance theory.

I have based my study on thirty-two (32) texts in Tunisian Arabic, looking at frequently-occurring discourse markers in these texts and analyzing them based on their discourse roles in terms of local cohesion and pragmatic inference.

The conclusions of this study focus on the conceptual and procedural content of each discourse marker. …