The Effect of Social Media on Consumer Perceptions of the Beef Industry

As the American population has transitioned from rural life to more urbanized settings, a divide has appeared between consumers and the agriculture industry. Consumers now receive the majority of information about agriculture through traditional media outlets and social media platforms. Social media is known for having the ability to rapidly disseminate information, which in the case of agriculture and its sub-industries is often inaccurate and leads to negative short- and long-term effects. In order to fully understand the impact of social media on the beef industry, a study was conducted to assess changes in consumer perceptions and behaviors. The study utilized a survey that was completed by 300 students from the University of Tennessee. This study sought to describe the effect of social media on consumer perceptions of the beef industry. Results showed consumers are reliant on social media to gather information about current affairs including beef safety incidents and that the information they gather had a predominantly negative effect on their perceptions. Following the pink slime controversy of 2012, consumers felt the information they received on social media about the beef product led to negative perceptions of the industry and changes in their buying and eating habits over short- and long-term periods

Connect the Disconnected: Enhance Teaching and Learning with an Implementation of Culturally Responsive Lesson Planning Practices which Improves Instructional School Climate and Accountability Data

Unsavory behavior data and high absenteeism from classes indicated that some teachers were failing to effectively meet the behavior/academic needs of the most challenging students who attended this elementary school. These students needed individualized services specifically tailored to meet their special needs. It was also noted that these students were more opt to learn when strong relationships/rapport existed between their teachers and them. A revised lesson plan policy that required teachers to infuse culturally responsive teaching strategies was implemented. A qualitative research design which included data reviews, professional development with exit slips and teacher interviews were utilized as the research methodology to determine the success of this implementation. Students remained inside their classrooms learning and incident referrals were reduced

Work Smarter, Not Harder: Reshape Elementary School Scheduling Practices with an Implementation of a Parallel Block Scheduling System as a Means to Effectively and Efficiently Reach School Goals

The teachers at this elementary school worked hard, but did not appear to know how to work smart. They struggled with time management, priority and goal setting and the creation of class schedules that met the required subject allocations for core subjects. They had difficulty with effective integration of specialty classes, and meeting the diverse academic/behavior needs of their students. A school-wide revised scheduling system was developed and implemented in an effort to help teachers to work smarter and not harder. The implementation of a Parallel Block Scheduling System provided adequate instructional time for the core subjects, intervention, enrichment, special services, encore classes, and common planning time for teachers during the school day. As a result of this implementation, teachers were able to improve the quality use of school time, effectively meet students’ needs, improve overall academic achievement and reach school goals

The Effective Educator: Reshape the Quality of Teachers\u27 Instructional Practices with the Implementation of Charlotte Danielson\u27s Framework for Teaching

This school’s dismal data indicated that there were major issues related to the quality of teaching and learning. Excuses/refusals to own the data indicated that teachers experienced difficulty making the critical connection between their instructional practices and its impact on students’ learning. Danielson’s Framework for Teaching was implemented to determine if improvements in this school’s accountability data would occur if teachers gained an understanding of their professional responsibilities and improve instructional practices. A combination of a qualitative and quantitative research design which included observations, data collections/document reviews, and interviews were utilized as the research methodology to determine the success of this implementation. In June 2015, this school had the highest academic gains in the core subjects in its region

Effect of Preventive Home Visits by a Nurse on the Outcomes of Frail Elderly People in the Community: a randomized controlled trial

Background: Timely recognition and prevention of health problems among elderly people have been shown to improve their health. In this randomized controlled trial the authors examined the impact of preventive home visits by a nurse compared with usual care on the outcomes of frail elderly people living in the community. Methods: A screening questionnaire identified eligible participants (those aged 70 years or more at risk of sudden deterioration in health). Those randomly assigned to the visiting nurse group were assessed and followed up in their homes for 14 months. The primary outcome measure was the combined rate of deaths and admissions to an institution, and the secondary outcome measure the rate of health services utilization, during the 14 months; these rates were determined through a medical chart audit by a research nurse who was blind to group allocation. Results: The questionnaire was mailed to 415 elderly people, of whom 369 (88.9%) responded. Of these, 198 (53.7%) were eligible, and 142 consented to participate and were randomly assigned to either the visiting nurse group (73) or the usual care group (69). The combined rate of deaths and admissions to an institution was 10.0% in the visiting nurse group and 5.8% in the usual care group (p = 0.52). The rate of health services utilization did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. Influenza and pneumonia vaccination rates were significantly higher in the visiting nurse group (90.1% and 81.9%) than in the usual care group (53.0% and 0%) (p \u3c 0.001). Interpretation: The trial failed to show any effect of a visiting nurse other than vastly improved vaccination coverage

Coaching and Philanthropy: An Action Guide for Grantmakers

Describes the emerging practice of one-on-one coaching for nonprofit leadership development; its purposes, benefits, and challenges; and practical guidance for grantmakers in supporting and advancing it. Includes case summaries and recommendations

Screening Seniors for Risk of Functional Decline: Results of a Survey in Family Practice

To measure functional status, determine risk of functional decline and assess consistency between responses and standardized instruments. Design: A mailed survey which measured functional impairment, recent hospitalization and bereavement. A positive response on at least one of these factors indicated that the individual was “at risk” for functional decline. A random sample (n=73) of “at risk” subjects (specifically, family practice patients aged 70 and older) were assessed by a nurse. Results: The response rate was 89% (369/415), 59% of seniors were female and the mean age was 77.1 (SD=5.5) years. Self-reported risk, based on activities of daily living (ADLs), was associated with impairment in at least one basic ADL (p\u3c0.0005) using a standardized instrument. The positive predictive value of the survey for ADL impairment was 65%. Conclusion: Response to a mailed survey was high and self-reported ADL risks were consistent with findings from standardized assessment tools