Impact of Simulated Insect Defoliation and Timing of Injury on Cabbage Yield in Minnesota

In 1992 and 1994, field studies were done to assess the tolerance of transplanted cabbage to simulated insect defoliation and to determine if the defoliation level and growth stage at which defoliation begins influences final yield. In both years, 6 defoliation levels ranging from 0-100% were applied to transplanted cabbage at 4 time intervals. The time intervals began at transplanting, pre-head and head stages and continued until either head stage or harvest. For both years, the only time interval with significantly higher yield than the trans- plant to harvest interval (longest interval) was the head to harvest interval (shortest interval) and significant yield loss occurred only when defoliation was \u3e12.5%. Results suggest that transplanted cabbage can withstand relatively low levels of defoliation before yield loss occurs but that yield loss is also related to the duration over which defoliation occurs. In early growth stages, to protect yield, pest management practices should focus on reducing the interval over which damage occurs. The use of cultural practices that delay the onset of defoliation or allow avoidance of pests could protect yield. These strategies may include using transplants to shorten the time from planting to harvest or using planting dates that allow significant plant growth (i.e., head stage) before defoliators are able to infest the crop and cause significant damage. In addition, management strategies that reduce pest populations can also protect yield but at the head stage should switch to managing pests to protect marketability by reducing aesthetic damage and head contaminants

Feasibility and Acceptability of an English-as-a-Second Language Curriculum on Hepatitis B for Older Chinese American Immigrants

Asian immigrants to the U.S. have an increased prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection compared to native born individuals; an estimated 10 percent of Chinese immigrants are infected with HBV. Using qualitative data from focus groups, we developed an English-as-a-Second Language (ESL) curriculum that aimed to improve knowledge about key hepatitis B facts. The curriculum was pilot-tested among 56 students aged 50 and older from intermediate-level ESL classes at a community-based organization that serves Chinese immigrants. Post-curriculum data showed increases in knowledge that hepatitis B can cause liver cancer (73% at pre-test vs. 91% at post-test; p value = 0.01) and that individuals can be infected with hepatitis B for life (34% vs. 81%; p valu

The Venezuelan Crisis Within the Context of US Interventions in Latin America

Venezuela, due to economic and political sabotage, has been experiencing a humanitarian crisis since the late part of 2018. This oil-exporting nation was faced with economic decline after 9/11, the 2008 economic recession and again in 2014; as a result of oil prices tanking. Under Cesar Chavez’s presidency the Venezuelan Bolivar faced destabilizing inflation rates surged in part by the ‘economic war’ against private enterprise and the bourgeoisie class, as well as a lack of diversification of exports and a dependency on imported goods. After Chavez\u27s death in 2013, Nicolás Maduro took office and social unrest intensified. Since 2014: Over three million Venezuelans have fled the country. Shortages of basic goods have become a daily occurrence. With 90 percent of its of its citizens are living in poverty, 85 percent of medicines are scarce and 61.2 percent of Venezuelans report going to bed hungry. Claims of human rights violations, such as, arbitrary arrest and killings by government security forces. Venezuela been experiencing political turmoil, 2016-today. The US State Treasury has enacted sanctions against Venezuela\u27s banking and financial sectors, their leading industry PDVSA, government officials, businesses and towards any nation aiding the Maduro government. Operación Libertad In the midst of these devastating crises the current administration promises to aid the Venezuelan people in their search for liberty and freedom from a ‘usurper regime’; by placing their full support behind the leader of the opposition and president of the National Assembly, Juan Guaidó. The US has initiated an international pressure campaign to force Maduro’s resignation. And is using humanitarian aid warfare tactics to influence the minds and hearts of desperate Venezuelans. Administration officials have purposely worsen the living conditions of Venezuelan citizens in order to invoke regime change. The American intervention in Venezuela is an opportunist scheme meant to exploit the current crises in order to further a neoliberal capitalist agenda and deliver president Trump an international political win before the 2020 elections. The US once again is following traditional policies and practices of the Monroe Doctrine to intervene Latin American affairs. Support is provided with the examples of Guatemala (1954), Dominican Republic (1965), Chile (1973) and Argentina (1975-76) and Venezuela’s 2002 coup attempt

A Look Inside Community Technology Centers (CTCs): Understanding how CTCs create curriculum in the Chicagoland area

This study identifies how CTCs select curriculum based on five categories when serving underserved populations. The purpose of study is to understand how CTCs currently serve communities in order to best identify how customized programs can alleviate barriers for individuals. The digital divide continues to expand whenever new technology and software is released into the market

Digitally Segregated Understanding Technology Readiness In Preparation For Higher Education Success

The Digital Divide is the gulf between those that have access and use of technology and those that do not. The Digital Divide is a multilayered issue impacting low-income persons, low literacy persons, seniors, and persons with disabilities. The new emphasis is on whether people know how to use technological devices and the Internet for multiple purposes, especially to function and progress in daily society. This dissertation study focuses on technology readiness in preparation for higher education, specifically examining: 1) experiences students had prior to attending the HP3 program, 2) factors that influenced student preparedness for engaging in college-level technology based curriculum, and 3) current experiences within the HP3 program. The study used mixed-methods to explore 27 participants’ experiences using survey and interview data. Overall, the students in the program, despite low income status, were fairly high in Technology Readiness. Students were capable and experienced in using technology for personal reasons prior to attending college and were aware of the college and community technology supports available to them. Students were challenged by the need to use specific technological platforms within the college curriculum. Learning the specific technologies needed to succeed in completing the HP3 program, and accessing needed supports to do so, proved to be a challenge when considering the dynamics of community contexts in which students live. It is not surprising to find that, through a quantitative multiple regression analysis, results indicate that higher levels of Grit predicted successful GPAs among this sample. In addition, results related to current experiences of the program reveal that the HP3 program staff go above and beyond to support the learning needs of their students through adjusting program components throughout their experience. Future directions include research on empowerment related to technology

The Stars of Freedom

Introduction: In pre-Civil War America, escaping slaves learned elementary astronomy, journeyed toward the Big Dipper, and made their way to freedom. (Reproduced from: Sky & Telescope, Gloria D. Rall, published by American Astronomical Sociey, Feb. 1995.

The Association of Demographic Characteristics and Social Vulnerability with COVID-19 Outcomes

The Association of Demographic Characteristics and Social Vulnerability With COVID-19 Outcomes by Gloria Boone (Under the Direction of Gulzar Shah) ABSTRACT This research explored 102 Illinois counties\u27 COVID-19 data to determine whether demographic characteristics and social vulnerability are associated with increased vulnerability to COVID-19 infections and deaths. COVID-19 is disproportionately impacting vulnerable groups and has been deadlier for African American and Hispanic people. The findings of this research will contribute to the knowledge base regarding social vulnerability and assist public health officials in targeting resources and designing interventions. This study used a retrospective cross-sectional design to assess demographic characteristics of race, gender, ethnicity, and social vulnerability to the increased likelihood of COVID-19 infections and deaths. Multiple regression was performed to assess COVID-19 outcomes with race, ethnicity, and gender. Results of the study found a positive association for COVID-19 infections with race, gender, minority status, poverty level, per capita income, children 17 and younger, disability status, and multi-unit housing. Results of the study also found positive associations for COVID-19 deaths in race, gender, minority status, English proficiency, poverty level, per capita income, children 17 and younger, households with a disability, and multi-unit housing. INDEX WORDS: Coronavirus, COVID-19, Ethnicity, Health disparities, SARS-CoV-2, Severe acute respiratory syndrome infection, Social vulnerability, Social vulnerability inde

A Study to Determine the Effectiveness of the Leadership Learning Website at Bank of America

To solve this problem the following goals were established: 1. Determine the effectiveness of the leadership learning website for Consumer Products leaders at Bank of America; 2. Identify the various learning options that are most frequently used by Bank of America leaders in the Consumer Products lines of business; 3. Recommend web solutions to improve future leadership training of Consumer Products leaders

Menstrual disorders in rural Gambia.

As part of a community-based reproductive morbidity survey in rural Gambia, the prevalence and association of menstrual disorders with sociodemographic characteristics and other reproductive morbidities, and with knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs concerning menstrual problems were assessed. A questionnaire was administered by a field-worker and by a gynecologist, who also examined the women. Semistructured interviews were conducted to assess knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs in a subsample. Of 607 menstruating women not using hormonal contraceptives, 16 percent complained to the gynecologist of irregular cycles, 14 percent of dysmenorrhea, 8 percent of spotting, and 4 percent of heavy or prolonged bleeding. Each complaint was associated with other reproductive morbidities. A minority of women with menstrual problems had sought health care, and menstruation was revealed to be a highly personal and secretive topic in this population. Menstrual disorders constitute an important unaddressed area of reproductive health service needs in developing countries for which relatively simple and inexpensive therapies are often available. Information, education, and support combined with clinical management of menstrual problems should be core elements of reproductive health programs