Pork Managers' Perception of Labor Management Practices and Their Risks

Although managing labor has become important for farm operations success, training and education for farm managers focuses on agricultural production management and few studies provide an empirical basis on how agricultural labor management differs from labor management in other industries. With the exception of Hurley et al., little is known about labor management practices in pork production, specifically. This study used the focus group discussion method with four focus group meetings in Michigan and two in Kansas in 2006. The average group size was four participants. All group discussions were tape-recorded and transcribed. The ATLAS-TI software was used to support the data analysis. Labor management topics discussed were as follows (order based on the amount of discussion dedicated to each topic): (1) performance management, (2) compensation, (3) recruitment, (4) training, (5) working conditions and organizational structure of farms, (6) selection, (7) hiring immigrant employees, (8) discipline, (9) performance evaluation, (10) social environment, and (11) labor law. Labor management practices, labor attributes, and work characteristics were analyzed within each category and characterized as risk reducing or risk increasing, according to managers perceptions. An educational pilot workshop was developed based on the focus group discussions and delivered in both Michigan and Kansas. Topics covered in the workshops included recruitment and selection, training, employee evaluation, compensation, conflict management, discipline and termination, communication, and motivation. Workshops were evaluated both immediately afterwards, through written anonymous workshop evaluations and through phone interviews. While most participants were able to point to specific content learned and had started to implement changes, hoping to increase productivity and/or reduce costs, few were able to quantify the monetary value of those changes.Labor and Human Capital, Livestock Production/Industries,

Distributional effects and individual differences in L2 morphology learning

Second language (L2) learning outcomes may depend on the structure of the input and learners’ cognitive abilities. This study tested whether less predictable input might facilitate learning and generalization of L2 morphology while evaluating contributions of statistical learning ability, nonverbal intelligence, phonological short-term memory, and verbal working memory. Over three sessions, 54 adults were exposed to a Russian case-marking paradigm with a balanced or skewed item distribution in the input. Whereas statistical learning ability and nonverbal intelligence predicted learning of trained items, only nonverbal intelligence also predicted generalization of case-marking inflections to new vocabulary. Neither measure of temporary storage capacity predicted learning. Balanced, less predictable input was associated with higher accuracy in generalization but only in the initial test session. These results suggest that individual differences in pattern extraction play a more sustained role in L2 acquisition than instructional manipulations that vary the predictability of lexical items in the input

AIMCA-OAS: Enhancing Aid to Landmine Survivors

Since 1997, the Organization of American States’ Comprehensive Action against Anti-personnel Mines (Acción Integral contra Minas Antipersonal or AICMA) has been increasing aid to landmine survivors and their families. Through vocational training, physical and psychological rehabilitation, job placement, social reintegration and emergency treatment, AICMA-OAS has provided hundreds of landmine survivors with the help they need to once again become active members in their communities

Subtractive Bilingualism in Bilingual Students in Ecuadorian Classrooms

El bilingüismo sustractivo se define como una forma de bilingüismo en la que el aprendizaje de un segundo idioma interfiere con el primer idioma. Se ha observado que se ha prestado poca atención a explicar y entender el bilingüismo sustractivo en estudiantes bilingües. Los objetivos de esta investigación descriptiva son analizar los factores reportados que influyen en el bilingüismo sustractivo y explorar su evolución a través del análisis de las experiencias de los participantes. Para esta investigación descriptiva se trabajó con cinco participantes a los cuales se les realizó entrevistas semi-estructuradas. Los resultados indican que la instrucción formal de los participantes en inglés y español, la exposición a los idiomas inglés y español en el hogar y la escuela, y las estrategias y métodos utilizados para mantener el bilingüismo fueron identificados como principales factores que influyeron en su bilingüismo sustractivo. Además, las experiencias de los participantes revelaron que la mayoría de ellos presentan bilingüismo sustractivo en su idioma nativo (inglés).Subtractive bilingualism is defined as a form of bilingualism in which the learning of a second language interferes with the first language. It has been observed that little attention has been paid to explaining and understanding bilingual students’ subtractive bilingualism. The objectives of this descriptive research are to analyze the reported factors that influence subtractive bilingualism and to explore its evolution through the compilation and analysis of participants’ experiences. This descriptive research was conducted with five participants who were applied semi-structured interviews. The findings indicate that participants’ formal instruction in English and Spanish, the exposure to the English and Spanish languages at home and school, and the methods used to maintain their bilingualism were identified as the main factors that influenced participants’ subtractive bilingualism. Moreover, participants’ experiences revealed that most of them presented subtractive bilingualism in their native language (English).0000-0002-9330-462

Design and use of an environmental control platform for studying vascular cell function in three-dimensional scaffolds

Thesis (S.B.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, 2007.Includes bibliographical references (p. 33).Endothelial and smooth muscle cells are the core of the vascular system. Vessels are created and repaired through the processes of angiogenesis and arteriogenesis. Endothelial cells are the initial cells that migrate and proliferate during the process, followed by smooth muscle cell movement and differentiation. The recruitment of smooth muscle cells is not fully understood, and if understood would unlock a crucial step in the growth and remodeling of vessels. Endothelial and smooth muscle cells have been extensively studied in two dimensional models and the physiologic factors that affect their function and survival have been well documented. In living organisms, vascular tissue, consisting primarily of endothelial and smooth muscle cells, grows in three dimensions where it is constantly exposed to biochemical and biomechanical stimuli. Thus, a controllable three dimensional environment is desired to study these interactions. The cells do not move instantaneously or in direct paths, hence, it is beneficial to be able to study the cells at multiple time points and over long periods of time. Most in vitro studies have not been conducted for more than 100 hours, while in vivo experiments have been continued for months.(cont.) To fully understand in vitro growth of smooth muscle cells, the growth should be monitored continually and the observation technique must be able to support to this. Accordingly, we have developed a microscope stage environmental chamber that houses a three dimensional bioreactor for vascular tissue engineering in order to monitor tissue function in real-time. We have demonstrated the capabilities of the environmental control chamber by growing smooth muscle precursor cells (10Tl/2 cells) in the three dimensional bioreactor and monitored the cells for growth, migration and proliferation. Critical to the chamber design was the control of temperature, carbon dioxide concentration, and humidity. Furthermore, smooth muscle precursor cell (10T1/2 cell) migration and morphology was observed in response to varying concentrations of Platelet Derived Growth Factor-BB (PDGF-BB), an endothelial cell-derived growth factor that is important for smooth muscle recruitment to remodeling blood vessels. Using a migration assay technique that observes the general trends of cell movement through the device, the cells exposed to PDGF-BB have been noted to move more than the cells grown in media without a growth factor. The cells tend to migrate towards the PDGF-BB with great variability.by Iliana Jaatmaa.S.B

Vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1 (Vkorc1) haplotype diversity in mouse priority strains

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Polymorphisms in the vitamin K-epoxide reductase complex subunit 1 gene, <it>Vkorc1</it>, could affect blood coagulation and other vitamin K-dependent proteins, such as osteocalcin (bone Gla protein, BGP). Here we sequenced the <it>Vkorc1 </it>gene in 40 mouse priority strains. We analyzed <it>Vkorc1 </it>haplotypes with respect to prothrombin time (PT) and bone mineral density and composition (BMD and BMC); phenotypes expected to be vitamin K-dependent and represented by data in the Mouse Phenome Database (MPD).</p> <p>Findings</p> <p>In the commonly used laboratory strains of <it>Mus musculus domesticus </it>we identified only four haplotypes differing in the intron or 5' region sequence of the <it>Vkorc1</it>. Six haplotypes differing by coding and non-coding polymorphisms were identified in the other subspecies of <it>Mus</it>. We detected no significant association of <it>Vkorc1 </it>haplotypes with PT, BMD and BMC within each subspecies of <it>Mus</it>. <it>Vkorc1 </it>haplotype sequences divergence between subspecies was associated with PT, BMD and BMC.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Phenotypic variation in PT, BMD and BMC within subspecies of <it>Mus</it>, while substantial, appears to be dominated by genetic variation in genes other than the <it>Vkorc1</it>. This was particularly evident for <it>M. m. domesticus</it>, where a single haplotype was observed in conjunction with virtually the entire range of PT, BMD and BMC values of all 5 subspecies of <it>Mus </it>included in this study. Differences in these phenotypes between subspecies also should not be attributed to <it>Vkorc1 </it>variants, but should be viewed as a result of genome wide genetic divergence.</p

Follow-up of vestibular function in bilateral vestibulopathy

Objective: Bilateral vestibulopathy (BV) leads to a bilateral deficit of the vestibulo-ocular reflex and has various aetiologies. The main goal of this study was to determine the frequency and degree of recovery or worsening of vestibular function over time.Methods: 82 patients (59 males, 23 females; mean age at the time of diagnosis 56.3 (SD 17.6) years) were re-examined 51 (36) months after the first examination. All patients underwent a standardised neuro-ophthalmological and neuro-otological examination. Electronystagmography with bithermal caloric irrigation was analysed by measurement of the mean peak slow phase velocity (SPV) of the induced nystagmus. Patients evaluated the course of their disease in terms of balance, gait unsteadiness and health related quality of life.Results: Statistical analysis of the mean peak SPV of caloric induced nystagmus revealed a non-significant worsening over time (initial mean peak SPV 3.0 (3.5)°/s vs 2.1 (2.8)°/s). With respect to subgroups of aetiology, only patients with BV due to meningitis exhibited an increasing, but non-significant SPV (1.0 (1.4)°/s vs 1.9 (1.6)°/s). Vestibular outcome was independent of age, gender, time course of manifestation and severity of BV. Single analysis of all patients showed that a substantial improvement ⩾5°/s occurred in two patients on both sides (idiopathic n = 1, Sjögren's syndrome n = 1) and in eight patients on one side (idiopathic n = 6, meningitis n = 1, Menière's disease n = 1). In 84% of patients there was impairment of their health related quality of life (42% slight, 24% moderate, 18% severe). Forty-three per cent of patients rated the course of their disease as stable, 28% as worsened and 29% as improved.Conclusions: Our data support the view that more than 80% of patients with BV do not improve. Thus the prognosis of BV is less favourable than assumed

Prognostische Bedeutung von CD28-Autoantikörpern bei Patienten mit malignem Melanom unter Therapie mit Ipilimumab

Prognostic significance of CD28 autoantibodies in patients with malignant melanoma under therapy with ipilimumab For an effective response, the two opponents CD28 and CTLA-4 on T cells are crucial. While the CD28 receptor as a costimulatory receptor has the role as a catalyst during the immune response, CTLA-4 has blocking effects and downregulates the immune response after activation. In previous studies, autoantibodies against CD28 were detected in patients with atopic diathesis and in patients with autoimmune diseases. Immunomodulatory therapies with e.g. interferon appear to induce the occurrence of autoantibodies against CD28. Studies including patients with malignant melanoma showed a correlation between the occurrence of CD28 autoantibodies and interferon treatment. It is thinkable that CD28 autoantibodies may act immunostimulating by activating T cells as superagonists. On the other hand is also thinkable that these antibodies lead to immunosuppression by preferential activation of regulatory T cells or by blocking the CD-28 receptor directly. The occurrence and the relevance of CD28 autoantibodies in patients with malignant melanoma under therapy with ipilimumab have not yet been examined. Ipilimumab is approved for the treatment of patients with metastatic melanoma. The substance modulates the immune system by blocking the CTLA-4 receptor and this indirectly leads to a persistent immune stimulation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the incidence and prevalence of CD28 autoantibodies in melanoma patients treated with ipilimumab and their possible effects on progression-free and overall survival. Seventeen of 19 patients included in this study died during the observation period. Eighteen patients developed a progressive disease during or after treatment with Ipilimumab. In nine patients (47.4 %) CD28 autoantibodies were detected in serum samples conected under therapy. Eight patients (44.1 %) developed a seroconversion during the therapy with Ipilimumab. In one patient (5.3 %) CD28-autoantibodies were detected prior to therapy with ipilimumab. The titer of CD28 autoantibodies showed a correlation between therapy with Ipilimumab and the occurrence of CD28 autoantibodies, as therapy with ipilimumab appears to induce the production of CD28 autoantibodies. The median progression-free survival of stage IV patients was 85 days for patients with CD28 autoantibodies and 69 days for patients with no CD28 autoantibodies. On average, the stage IV patients without CD28 autoantibodies showed no progression for 114 days, while patients with CD28 antibodies had no progression of disease for 67 days. The differences were not statistically significant. The median overall survival of stage IV patients was 183 days for patients without CD28 antibodies, compared to 216 days for patients with CD28 abs. The median overall survival of patients with stage IV disease was 231 days for patients with CD28-autoantibodies compared to 183 days for patients without CD28-autoantibodies. The differences were not statistically significant. The present study could show that the presence of CD28 autoantibodies on its own represents no prognostic factor. In the meantime, other experimental investigations that were not part of this study, identified not yet a characterised serum component, that was able to trump the inhibitory effect of CD28 abs on T cells in vitro.Für eine funktionierende Immunantwort sind die beiden Gegenspieler CD28 und CTLA-4 von entscheidender Bedeutung. Während dem CD28-Rezeptor als costimulatorischem Rezeptor die Rolle eines Katalysators während der Immunantwort zukommt, hat CTLA-4 blockierende Wirkungen und regelt die Immunantwort nach Aktivierung wieder herab. Autoantikörper gegen CD28 konnten zuvor bei Patienten mit atopischer Diathese und bei Patienten mit Autoimmunerkrankungen nachgewiesen werden. Immunmodulierende Therapien, z.B. mit Interferonen scheinen das Auftreten von Autoantikörpern, u.a. gegenüber CD28, zu induzieren. Untersuchungen an Patienten mit malignem Melanom konnten einen Zusammenhang zwischen dem Auftreten von CD28-Autoantikörpern und einer Interferonbehandlung nachweisen. Es ist möglich, dass CD28-Autoantikörper immunstimulierend wirken, indem sie als Superagonisten T-Zellen direkt ohne weitere Signale aktivieren. Andererseits ist ebenfalls denkbar, dass diese Antikörper immunsuppressiv wirken, indem sie z. B. präferentiell die Aktivierung regulatorischer T-Zellen fördern oder aber den CD-28-Rezeptor direkt blockieren. Das Vorkommen und die Bedeutung von CD28-Autoantikörpern bei Patienten mit malignem Melanom unter einer Therapie mit Ipilimumab sind bislang noch nicht untersucht worden. Ipilimumab ist zur Behandlung von Patienten mit metastasiertem Melanom zugelassen. Die Substanz greift in das Immungeschehen ein, indem sie den CTLA-4-Rezeptor auf T-Zellen blockiert und damit indirekt eine fortbestehende Immunstimulation erlaubt. Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit war es, die Inzidenz und die Prävalenz von CD28-Autoantikörpern bei Melanompatienten unter Therapie mit Ipilimumab und deren mögliche Auswirkungen auf das progressionsfreie und das Gesamtüberleben zu untersuchen. Von 19 in dieser Studie eingeschlossenen Patienten verstarben 17 während des Beobachtungszeitraumes. Bei 18 Patienten konnte eine Krankheitsprogression während oder nach der Ipilimumabbehandlung nachgewiesen werden. Bei neun Patienten (47,4 %) konnten CD28-Autoantikörper im Serum nachgewiesen werden. Acht Patienten (44,1 %) wiesen im Verlauf der Ipilimumabtherapie eine Serokonversion auf. Ein Patient (5,3 %) war bereits vor Therapiebeginn CD28-positiv. Die Titerverläufe der CD28-Autoantikörper zeigten einen Zusammenhang zwischen der Ipilimumabtherapie und dem Auftreten der CD28-Autoantikörper. Die Ipilimumabtherapie scheint die Produktion der CD28-Autoantikörper zu induzieren. Der Median des progressionsfreien Überlebens im Stadium IV der Tumorerkrankung betrug für Patienten mit CD28-Autoantikörpern 69 Tage, für Patienten ohne nachweisbare CD28-Autoantikörper 85 Tage. Im Mittel waren Patienten im Stadium IV ohne CD28-Autoantikörper 114 Tage progressionsfrei, während es bei den Patienten mit positivem Antikörpernachweis 67 Tage waren. Die Unterschiede waren statistisch nicht signifikant. Der Median des Gesamtüberlebens der Patienten im Stadium IV betrug 183 Tage für Patienten ohne Antikörpernachweis im Serum, im Vergleich zu 216 Tagen bei Patienten mit Antikörpernachweis. Das mittlere Gesamtüberleben der Patienten im Stadium IV betrug 183 Tage für CD28-negative Patienten verglichen mit 231 Tagen für CD28-positive Patienten. Die Unterschiede waren statistisch ebenfalls nicht signifikant. Die vorliegende Arbeit zeigt, dass das Vorhandensein von CD28-Autoantikörpern alleine genommen keinen prognostischen Faktor darstellt. Zwischenzeitlich konnten andere experimentelle Untersuchungen, die nicht Gegenstand dieser Arbeit waren, zeigen, dass im Serum von Melanompatienten mit und ohne CD28-Autoantikörper eine weitere Komponente vorhanden sein kann, die in vitro den inhibitorischen Effekt der CD28-Autoantikörper auf T-Zellen antagonisiert

Diversidad y abundancia de fitoplancton en relación con parámetros físicos presente en el río Javita, Santa Elena- Ecuador

El fitoplancton está compuesto por organismos microscópicos unicelulares con capacidad fotosintética que viven en suspensión en la columna de agua y pueden ser solitarios o coloniales. El presente trabajo de investigación se desarrolló en el Río Javita que tiene una ubicación geográfica cerca de Jambelí y Palmar en el Cantón Santa Elena, en el cual en los meses de abril hasta julio han tenido cambios, en la disponibilidad de temperatura pH y transparencia, las variaciones del medio ambiente que afectan directamente en las cantidades de fitoplancton en ambiente acuático. El objetivo principal del estudio de investigación es el análisis cualicuantitativos con las variables físicas de la diversidad y abundancia del fitoplancton, demostrando la variabilidad de las especies a nivel superficial, aplicando una metodología de campo recolectando 18 muestras y en laboratorio la identificación taxonómica, conteo y cálculo de biovolúmenes de organismos fitoplanctónicos. Entre los resultados se encontraron la identificación de especies Fitoplanctónicas en el que se recolecto especies dominantes como Plankthotrix sp, Chaetoceros coartatus, Ceratius furca, además, reflejando la densidad poblacional de los organismos fitoplanctónicos más abundante en julio, alcanzando 4839 cel. (100m3 ) -1 , en el cual el mes de tipos característicos de la zona responden a las alteraciones en el medio acuático por medio de la correlación entre los factores físicos y las variables de la investigación. El fitoplancton sigue jugando un papel importante en lo que respecta a la contaminación. Estos organismos responden a las más variadas modificaciones, por lo que a menudo se utilizan como bioindicadore