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Multiple Solutions Of A P(X)-Laplacian Equation Involving Critical Nonlinearities, Yuan Liang, Xianbin Wu, Qihu Zhang, Chunshan Zhao

Mathematical Sciences: Faculty Publications

In this paper, we consider the existence of multiple solutions for the following p(x)-Laplacian equations with critical Sobolev growth conditions

−div(|∇u| p(x)−2 ∇u) + |u| ^p(x)−2 u = f(x, u) in Ω,

u = 0 on ∂Ω.

We show the existence of infinitely many pairs of solutions by applying the Fountain Theorem and the Dual Fountain Theorem respectively. We also present a variant of the concentration-compactness principle, which is of independent interest.

Constitutionally Tailoring Punishment, Richard A. Bierschbach, Stephanos Bibas

Articles

Since the turn of the century, the Supreme Court has regulated noncapital sentencing under the Sixth Amendment in the Apprendi line of cases (requiring jury findings of fact to justify sentence enhancements) as well as under the Eighth Amendment in the Miller and Graham line of cases (forbidding mandatory life imprisonment for juvenile defendants). Although both lines of authority sound in individual rights, in fact they are fundamentally about the structures of criminal justice. These two seemingly disparate doctrines respond to structural imbalances in noncapital sentencing by promoting morally appropriate punishment judgments that are based on individualized input and that …

West Virginia Interpretive Guide Training: A Collaborative Effort, Kelly Balcarzyk, Kathryn Mckenney, Dave Smaldone, Doug Arborgast

Journal of Extension

West Virginia University's Extension Service partnered with the Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Resources Program to improve guide performance in West Virginia's tourism industry. The result of this partnership is a West Virginia Interpretive Guide Training program aimed at providing low-cost, widely available training to guides throughout the state. The course is divided into two components—a set of online modules and an in-person skill assessment workshop. We expect the benefits of completing the West Virginia Interpretive Guide Training to be similar to the benefits gained by completing national certification courses.

Meeting A Growing Demand: Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service's Early Childhood Educator Online Training Program, Stephen Green

Journal of Extension

Demand for professional development training in the early childhood field has grown substantially in recent years. To meet the demand, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service's Family Development and Resource Management unit developed the Early Childhood Educator Online Training Program, a professional development system that currently offers nearly 100 courses (142 contact hours) to child care professionals in multiple languages. Since 2010, over 300,000 online courses have been completed by child care providers and directors. Outcomes from the program demonstrate how technology can be used to augment Extension educators' face-to-face training efforts by dramatically expanding outreach to this growing audience.

Generating Potential Solutions For Dealing With Problem Volunteers, Jayla Brook Fry, Gail Ann Langellotto

Journal of Extension

Extension agents are often required to work with challenging volunteers or to problem-solve difficult volunteer scenarios. However, many Extension agents receive little to no training in conflict management. At the 2013 Extension Master Gardener Coordinators' Conference, a breakout session was held to discuss the management of difficult volunteers and related issues. Master Gardener Coordinators were given several potential "problem volunteer" scenarios to discuss, so that potential solutions could be developed and shared. Although we were not able to measure the efficacy of the potential solutions, they represent the combined wisdom and experience of Master Gardener coordinators from across the country.

Determining Interest In Youtube Topics For Extension-Authored Video Development, Jane A. Parish, Brandi B. Karisch

Journal of Extension

With an audience of over 1 billion users per month, YouTube is an attractive medium for delivering Extension programming. Amidst growing competition for viewership, determining content that is in demand by Extension clientele on YouTube is a daunting challenge that Extension educators face. The YouTube Search function of Google Trends and monitoring of existing YouTube views for related content can help guide topic selection in developing Extension-authored video content. Example applications of these tools are detailed to show how to select relevant YouTube topics with viral appeal and extend the reach of Extension programming.

Adoption Of Integrated Pest Management Practices Among Oklahoma Greenhouse Producers: A Case Study For Experiential Learning, Eric J. Rebek, Michael A. Schnelle, Kay D. Kelsey

Journal of Extension

An instruction- and experience-based workshop was conducted for Oklahoma greenhouse producers to teach principles of integrated pest management (IPM) for common arthropod pests of greenhouse crops. Workshop effectiveness was evaluated using a pre- and post-test instrument to measure changes in knowledge and attitudes about IPM and current use and intention to adopt IPM practices. Findings indicate the objectives were accomplished as participants reported significant increases in IPM knowledge, a marked acceptance of IPM practices, and a willingness to adopt IPM. Extension workshops that combine classroom instruction and hands-on demonstration can be used effectively to teach relevant concepts to stakeholders.

Measuring The Impact Of Termite Prevention Curricula In Hawaii Public Schools In An Area-Wide Extension Program, Makena Mason, Maria Aihara-Sasaki, J Kenneth Grace

Journal of Extension

The efficacy of Educate to Eradicate, a K-12 service-learning science curricula developed as part of a statewide, community-based Extension effort for termite prevention, was evaluated. The curricula use termite biology and control as the basis for science education and have been implemented in over 350 Hawaii public school classrooms with more than 12,530 students from 2001 to present. Student surveys and work samples were used to measure changes in student knowledge, behavior, and engagement. Use of school curricula in Extension programs reaches a large public audience and encourages long-term continuation of community pest prevention efforts.

The Similarities Between Volunteer Behavior And Consumer Behavior: A Study Of Volunteer Retention, Bryan Terry, Dale Pracht, Kate Fogarty, Tim Pehlke, Lauren J. Barnett

Journal of Extension

The study reported here sought to determine if volunteer behavior mirrored consumer behavior with respect to loyalty. It was established that in the same way that consumer satisfaction with a good or service leads to repurchase, satisfaction from a volunteer experience leads to higher volunteer retention and commitment to the organization. Recommendations are made to: (1) clearly and continuously communicate the significant role volunteers play in a young person's life; (2) provide new and challenging experiences for existing volunteers; and (3) ensure that all volunteers feel accepted by all members of the Extension office.

Recommendations For Establishing Extension Programming For Organic Farmers, Patrick Lillard, Jason Parker, Alan Sundermeier

Journal of Extension

As organic agriculture continues to grow, Extension is frequently being called to expand its efforts with organic farmers. However, this non-traditional audience has not historically requested or readily accepted information from Extension and will require Extension to use outreach methods more adapted for this grassroots-based audience. We conducted an extensive literature review of Extension efforts with organic farmers in order to develop recommendations for future Extension programming. The primary strand connecting them is the importance of developing informed Extension efforts by participating in existing organic farmer networks.

4-H Science Inquiry Video Series, Jeremy W. Green, Lynette Black, Patrick Willis

Journal of Extension

Studies support science inquiry as a positive method and approach for 4-H professionals and volunteers to use for teaching science-based practices to youth. The development of a science inquiry video series has yielded positive results as it relates to youth development education and science. The video series highlights how to conduct science-rich activities for classroom-based education and afterschool programs and through 4-H club settings. With access to the videos as a training tool to teach the science inquiry process, 4-H professionals and volunteers have greater potential to provide meaningful, intentional, and impactful learning opportunities in science for youth participants.

Community Involvement To Reduce Insect Threats To Urban Forests, Angela M. O’Callaghan, Joanne Skelly

Journal of Extension

While urban trees increase property values and improve human health, healthy urban trees also reduce potential infestation of nearby native forests. We developed a collaborative program to raise public consciousness of risks to trees from invasive insects before injury has occurred. The Nevada Department of Agriculture entomologist trained Extension Master Gardeners to recognize the threats, signs, and symptoms of alien arthropod species. They then taught classes in venues around the state, bringing awareness of potential problems. By 2013, over 700 professionals and local residents had attended a class, increasing the number of educated and concerned observers around Nevada.

The University Of Florida Ifas (Uf/Ifas) Aquatic Weed Control Short Course: A Statewide Training Program For Pesticide Applicators, Lyn A. Gettys, Fred M. Fishel, William T. Haller, Jhanna Gilbert

Journal of Extension

The University of Florida IFAS Aquatic Weed Control Short Course is an Extension program that has been in existence since the 1980’s. A primary goal of the program is to provide training to Florida’s licensed pesticide applicators and individuals seeking initial licensing. Historically, surveys reveal that the vast majority gained useful knowledge and insights applicable to their situations, their expectations for learning were met, and they were overwhelmingly satisfied with their experience. Stakeholders include individuals from a diversity of employment sectors with varying levels of experience. Results show that the needs of these stakeholders are being met by the annual …

Partnering With School Nutrition Professionals To Promote Fruit And Vegetable Intake Through Taste-Testing Activities, Sherri M. Cirignano, Luanne J. Hughes, Corey J. Wu-Jang, Kathleen Morgan, Alexandra Grenci, Leeanne Savoca

Journal of Extension

The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act (HHFKA) of 2010 sets new nutrition standards for schools, requiring them to serve a greater variety and quantity of fruits and vegetables. Extension educators in New Jersey partnered with school nutrition professionals to implement a school wellness initiative that included taste-testing activities to support schools in achieving the milestones established by the HHFKA. Results indicated that "previewing" foods may influence students' interest in, and acceptance of, new foods, opening up outreach and partnership opportunities for Extension educators to consider when working to promote school wellness.

Does Evaluation Competence Of Extension Educators Differ By Their Program Area Of Responsibility?, Nav R. Ghimire, Robert A. Martin

Journal of Extension

Raising evaluation capacity is not an easy task unless the evaluation competence of Extension professionals in each program area is identified. The study reported here identified whether level of knowledge and skills and needs for further training in program evaluation vary for Extension educators based on their program area. A total of 752 Extension educators participated in the study through an online survey. Differences were observed for evaluation competence and further training needs between Extension educators among program areas. Therefore, offering training for Extension educators based on evaluation competence and the area of responsibility is recommended for optimum training outcomes.

Utilizing A State Level Volunteer Recognition Program At The County Level, Fran Korthaus Mccall, Ken Culp Iii

Journal of Extension

Volunteer recognition is an important component of Extension programs. Most land-grant universities have implemented a state volunteer recognition program. Extension professionals, however, are too overburdened with meetings, programs, and activities to effectively recognize volunteers locally. Utilizing a state model is an efficient means of recognizing volunteers. This article presents an idea that Extension professionals can utilize to implement a statewide volunteer recognition program on the county level. The first step is to appoint a volunteer recognition committee that will utilize the state recognition categories and identify and nominate worthy volunteers for their programmatic contributions at both the county and state …

Food Preservation Mini-Modules Offer Options For Learners And Extension Staff, Suzanne Driessen

Journal of Extension

Renewed interest in growing and purchasing locally grown foods quadrupled requests for food preservation classes. Economic times tightened budgets, decreasing staffing levels of Extension educators. Offering options via the Internet was a natural progression to meet the increased demand. Extension educators created 20 5-minute online video-like Food Preservation Mini-Modules (http://www1.extension.umn.edu/food-safety/preserving/modules/). Over 10,000 home preservers have viewed the online modules. One hundred percent of the participants indicate use of this Internet technology was a good way to receive food preservation information. This article describes how diversifying program portfolios by offering online and classroom options provides choice for the learner and Extension …

Straw Bales As A Planting Medium, Darcy Tessman, Kimberly Gressley, Richard Gibson

Journal of Extension

The childhood obesity epidemic in America is a national health crisis (Let's Move, 2008). Areas across the nation exist with low access to healthy food by either being low income or more than a mile from a supermarket. Gardening has become a popular route to provide access to healthy foods. However, arid conditions and poor soils in the Southwest contribute to an on-going and challenging effort to grow fresh food supplies. To alleviate these problems, Extension agents teach that straw bale gardens offer an easy planting medium with multiple advantages.

The Pkrc's Value As A Professional Development Model Validated, Dale Larson

Journal of Extension

After a brief review of the 4-H professional development standards, a new model for determining the value of continuing professional development is introduced and applied to the 4-H standards. The validity of the 4-H standards is affirmed. 4-H Extension professionals are encouraged to celebrate the strength of their standards and to engage the wider field of professional development in dialogue.

Visit Nj Farms: An Online Resource To Support Statewide Marketing Of Agritourism, Brian J. Schilling, Lucas J. Marxen

Journal of Extension

The popularity of agritourism is growing nationally. Central to the success of any agritourism operation is effective marketing. Visit NJ Farms is an interactive website designed as a centralized marketing platform for New Jersey agritourism operators. The website was developed to provide farmers with an easy-to-use tool to enter farm information, agritourism activities, and special events in a searchable database of statewide agritourism activities. Individuals interested in visiting a farm are able to search for specific agritourism activities or browse special on-farm events. Website visitors can select farms of interest to visit and develop customized travel itineraries with driving directions.

Molecular Characterization Of Chicken Infectious Anemia Virus Outbreaks During 2008-2011 In Thailand, Wisanu Wanasawaeng, Jirayu Buatong, Supawadee Chaichote, Niwat Chansiripornchai

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

The present study aimed to characterize chicken infectious anemia virus isolated from various outbreaks in Thailand during 2008-2011, and compare them with other strains from the GenBank database using molecular and bioinformatic techniques. For this purpose, thirteen samples were collected from eight commercial farms affected by chicken infectious anemia outbreak. All were positive by PCR and grouped in 2 clusters with phylogenetic analysis based on nucleotide sequencing, consistent with amino acid sequence analysis of the VP1 gene in the hypervariable region. All of the thirteen strains were closely related to Chinese and Japanese strains with a high percentage of sequence …

Delayed Post-Ovulatory Progesterone Rise In Thai-Holstein Dairy Heifers: Association With Endocrine Events Around Oestrus, Effects On Conception Rate And Possibility For Progesterone Supplement Post-Insemination, Sudsaijai Kornmatitsuk, Bunlue Kornmatitsuk, Yindee Kitiyanant

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

The current research aimed to further study the delayed post-ovulatory progesterone (P4) rise in Thai-Holstein dairy heifers in the points of an association with endocrine events around oestrus (experiment 1), effects on conception rate and possibility for P4 supplement post-insemination (experiment 2). In experiment 1, the P4 levels in the delayed P4 heifers reached 1 ng/ml later than in the normal ones (6.8±0.4 vs 3.3±1.5 days after oestrus, resp.) (p = 0.053). At ovulation the pre-ovulatory follicles of the delayed P4 were smaller than of the normal P4 heifers (11.8±0.5 vs 13.1±0.2 mm, resp.) (p = 0.013). The levels of …

Comparison Of Nutrient Contents, Digestibility And Fecal Output Of Concentrate Rations (Gel) For Dog, Uttra Jamikorn

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

The purposes of this current study were to compare the amount of nutrient contents and digestibility between different concentrate ration brands and their effects on fecal output. These concentrate rations mean the diets formulated in order to improve the nutritive status of the animals. In this study, nine mature female mongrel dogs were randomly subjected into three groups of the triplicated 3x3 Latin square design. Three brands of concentrate ration in form of gel were used as dietary treatments. Nutrient contents (on DM basis), body weight, fecal output, and apparent digestibility of nutrients were determined. Percentages of dry matter, organic …

An In Vitro Comparative Study Of Aflatoxin B1 Adsorption By Thai Clay And Commercial Toxin Binders, Bundit Tengjaroenkul, Urai Tengjaroenkul, Natapol Pumipuntu3, Komkrich Pimpukdee, Sawitree Wongtangtintan, Piyawat Saipan

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Twenty samples of Thai clay from fourteen provinces and seven commercial toxin binders were investigated for their adsorption capacity of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in vitro. Each sample of 5 mg/l AFB1 solution was shaken at 250C for 24 hours and supernatants of centrifuged samples were analyzed for concentrations of AFB1 using a UV spectrophotometer. Adsorption capacity was calculated and applied to isothermic equations. The results indicated that Thai clays was capable of sequestering AFB1 from aqueous solution differently and Thai clay from Lopburi and Lamphun provinces had the highest adsorption capacity, similar to commercial binders. S-shaped isothermic curves were observed …

Pathogenicity And Transmission Of Thai Hpai-H5n1 In Japanese Quails, Thawat Lekdumrongsak, Wijit Banlunara, Rachod Tantilertcharoen, Nutthawan Nonthabenjawan, Komkiew Pinpimai, Jiroj Sasipreeyajan, Alongkorn Amonsin

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Pathogenicity and transmission of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza subtype H5N1 viruses (HPAI-H5N1) depend on the strains and infection doses of the viruses. In this study, experimental infection was performed to determine pathogenicity and transmission of the Thai HPAI-H5N1 in Japanese quails. One hundred and seven quails were divided into 4 groups, experimental groups 1-3 (n = 32 per group) and negative control group (n = 11). At the age of 9 weeks, 16 quails each from groups 1-3 were inoculated with 107, 105 and 103 EID50 of Thai HPAI-H5N1, A/chicken/Thailand/CUK2/04(CU-K2) virus. Twenty-four hours later, 16 quails were added as contact …

Determination Of Antimicrobial Susceptibility, Antimicrobial Resistance Genes And In Vivo Testing Of Antimicrobial Susceptibility Of Avibacterium Paragallinarum, Tippayaporn Noonkhokhetkong, Kridda Chukiatsiri, Jiroj Sasipreeyajan, Niwat Chansiripornchai

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Avibacterium paragallinarum is the causative agent of infectious coryza, an acute upper respiratory disease in chickens. The aim of this study was to characterize the antimicrobial susceptibility, resistance genes and the in vivo testing of antimicrobial susceptibility in chickens. Eighteen A. paragallinarum isolated in Thailand were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility by broth microdilution method. A high prevalence of resistance MIC pattern to oxytetracycline, doxycycline, streptomycin, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim was found. Thirteen isolates showed multiple antimicrobial drug resistance (66.7%). Resistance genes of tet(A), tet(B), tet(M), erm(A), erm(B), blaROB-1 and sul2 were found and the resistance genes of tet(A), tet(B) and …

Enhancing Specific Antibodies Using A Developed Sub-Unit Pcv2b Vaccination In A Pcv2-Affacted Herd, Suphattra Jittimanee, Suparlark Nuntawan Na Ayudhya, Roongtham Kedkovid, Komkrich Teankum, Sanipa Suradhat, Roongroje Thanawongnuwech

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) causes multisystemic diseases called porcine circovirus associated disease (PCVAD) in pigs leading to a significant economic loss in the swine industry. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of a developed sub-unit PCV2b vaccine using a recombinant truncated capsid protein expressed in Escherichia coli in PCVAD-affected pig farms. Five-week-old conventional pigs were allocated into 2 groups: vaccinated (n = 55) and control (n = 55) groups placed in the same building. The vaccinated pigs were given two shots of a developed vaccine with 2-week interval on day 0 and 14. Serum samples …

Critical Factors On Chemical Properties And Heavy Metals In Water For Livestock Farms In Thailand, Teeraporn Makaroon, Suwicha Kasemsuwan, Nattavut Ratanavanichrojn, Hathairad Hananantachai, Rachaneekorn Mingkhwan, Sutha Khaodhiar, Phitsanu Tulayakul

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

This study aimed to investigate chemical quality of animal drinking used in livestock farms in Thailand. Samples and information from 68 pig farms, 35 chicken farms and 9 duckling farms were collected during March to August 2011. Water quality data were analyzed and compared with standard levels using the Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon Signed Rank Tests. Results revealed that median chemical values of water for livestock were generally within standard levels, except manganese and iron, which were detected in surfacewater with median values of 0.183 and 0.506 ppm, respectively, and are both higher than standard limits for drinking water. Median …

Efficacy And Safety Of Different Live Mycoplasma Gallisepticum Vaccines In Layer Chickens, Somsak Pakpinyo, Suwarak Wanaratana, Kreangkrai Sangthongdang, Marcelo Paniago

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

The efficacy and safety of different live Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) vaccines were determined. One hundred and fifty six-week-old female layer chickens were equally divided into 6 groups. Groups 1-6 received F (two groups), 6/85 and ts-11 strains, positive and negative control, respectively. At 8 weeks old, 5 birds/group were sacrificed and gross thoracic airsac lesion scores (GTALS) and microscopic tracheal lesion scores (MTLS) were blindly evaluated. At 12 weeks old, groups 1-5 were challenged through an eye dropping with approximately 1x106 CFU of MG Thai isolated. At 13 and 14 weeks old, 10 birds/group were swabbed in the palatine fissure …

Field Efficacy Of Potassium Peroxymonosulfate (Pms) Oxidizing Disinfectant (Virusniptm) Against Porcine Circovirus Type 2 (Pcv2) In Gilt Acclimatization Unit, Korakrit Poonsuk, Jirapat Arunorat, Sasiwimon Talummuk, Rapeepat Kunalintip, Woravit Anuvongnukroh, Roongroje Thanawongnuwech

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Virusnip™ is one of the commercial potassium peroxymonosulfate disinfectants widely used in swine farms. This disinfectant is well studied and proves to be excellent in antimicrobial activity previously. However, there is no information about its efficacy under field condition. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the virucidal activity of Virusnip® against PCV2 in farm condition. Consequently, 1:200 concentration of VirusnipTM was sprayed for 15 minutes once or twice daily depending on the acclimatization period in gilts isolation units compared to the untreated group in the same building. Environmental swabs and oral fluid samples were collected and pooled …