Effectiveness of zinc supplementation on diarrhea and average daily gain in pre-weaned dairy calves: A double-blind, block-randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

The objective of this clinical trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of zinc supplementation on diarrhea and average daily weight gain (ADG) in pre-weaned dairy calves. A total of 1,482 healthy Holstein heifer and bull calves from a large California dairy were enrolled at 24 to 48 hours of age until hutch exit at approximately 90 days of age. Calves were block-randomized by time to one of three treatments: 1) placebo, 2) zinc methionine (ZM), or 3) zinc sulfate (ZS) administered in milk once daily for 14 days. Serum total protein at enrollment and body weight at birth, treatment end, and hutch exit were measured. Fecal consistency was assessed daily for 28 days post-enrollment. For a random sample of 127 calves, serum zinc concentrations before and after treatment and a fecal antigen ELISA at diarrhea start and resolution for Escherichia coli K99, rotavirus, coronavirus, and Cryptosporidium parvum were performed. Linear regression showed that ZM-treated bull calves had 22 g increased ADG compared to placebo-treated bulls (P = 0.042). ZM-treated heifers had 9 g decreased ADG compared to placebo-treated heifers (P = 0.037), after adjusting for average birth weight. Sex-stratified models showed that high birth weight heifers treated with ZM gained more than placebo-treated heifers of the same birth weight, which suggests a dose-response effect rather than a true sex-specific effect of ZM on ADG. Cox regression showed that ZM and ZS-treated calves had a 14.7% (P = 0.015) and 13.9% (P = 0.022) reduced hazard of diarrhea, respectively, compared to placebo-treated calves. Calves supplemented for at least the first five days of diarrhea with ZM and ZS had a 21.4% (P = 0.027) and 13.0% (P = 0.040) increased hazard of cure from diarrhea, respectively, compared to placebo-treated calves. Logistic regression showed that the odds of microbiological cure at diarrhea resolution for rotavirus, C. parvum, or any single fecal pathogen was not different between treatment groups. Zinc supplementation delayed diarrhea and expedited diarrhea recovery in pre-weaned calves. Additionally, zinc improved weight gain differentially in bulls compared to heifers, indicating a research need for sex-specific dosing

Accuracy Assessment of Land Cover Maps Derived from Multiple Data Sources

Maximum Likelihood (ML) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) supervised classification methods were used to demarcate land cover types within IKONOS and Landsat ETM+ imagery. Three additional data sources were integrated into the classification process: Canopy Height Model (CHM), Digital Terrain Model (DTM) and Thermal data. Both the CHM and DTM were derived from multiple return small footprint LIDAR. Forty maps were created and assessed for overall map accuracy, user\u27s accuracy, producer\u27s accuracy, kappa statistic and Z statistic using classification schemes from U.S.G.S. 1976 levels 1 and 2 and T.G.l.C. 1999 levels 2 and 4. Results for overall accuracy of land cover maps derived from multiple sources ranged from 13.67 to 57.56 percent for U.S.G.S. level 2 and T.G.l.C. level 4 across ML and ANN classifications. Results for overall map accuracy ranged from 26.00 to 72.33 percent for U.S.G.S. level 1 and T.G.I.C. level 2 across ML and ANN classifications. Land cover maps, derived using ML classification methodology, were consistently more accurate than land cover maps derived using an ANN classification algorithm

Environmental management systems and sustainability in SMEs

Environmental sustainability in manufacturing sector has been allocated a major consideration in the international literature. Due to growing concerns over the high effect of SMEs on world manufacturing industries and their contribution to pollution; this research attempts to focus on the key parameters that interact in the application of environmental management system, taking into account the main features of SMEs and also the integral role of industrial entrepreneurs in inspiring their firms’ approaches. The paper explores the potential opportunities which enable these enterprises to move towards organizations with high level of responsibility regarding environmental protection in order to provide a healthier life for future generations. Case investigation is carried out on an adhesive manufacturing company, which covers a notable market share within the sector. The research identifies that the company requires developing both internal and external entities within an explicit plan to revolutionize the recruitment patterns. Given the lack of adequate studies in adhesive technology, more researches are recommended in the future to consider the sustainable innovations on a broader sample of adhesive manufacturing companies to perform the life-cycle analysis due to the harmful organic compounds and toxic vapours of the adhesive products

Arts-Based Training Program Effectiveness: A Teaching Methodology in an Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program

Arts-based training programs can aid in building observational skills, communication, team building, and leadership through targeted analysis of works of art. Furthermore, arts-based training programs are unique in that they highlight non-technical skills (NTS). The goal of this study was to investigate the extent to which NTS were developed through an arts-based training program among entry-level occupational therapy doctorate (OTD) students. This study used a mixed methodological approach to analyze retrospective data. Quantitative analysis of the Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Skills (KIMS) assessment was conducted. Qualitative analysis was completed through analysis of the participants’ reflection papers. Quantitative results (n = 69) from the KIMS show significance (p = 0.011; 0.013), and qualitative analysis (n = 32) resulted in five central themes: evolution of thinking, holistic approach, diverse perspective, lived reality of context, and development of NTS (collaboration, self-awareness, mindful of others, creativity, and effective communication). Quantitative and qualitative findings suggest arts-based training programs can improve students’ ability to reduce their bias through implementation of a mindfulness lens. Results and recommendations from this study can be used as an example for occupational therapy academic programs to implement an evidence-based teaching methodology

Multi-Source Image Classification

Since multi-source image classifications have the ability to exceed single source processes, such as traditional unsupervised classification methods, this paper will present the integration of four types of data: Lidar, elevation, multispectral and thermal. Using multi-source data and maximum likelihood classification methodology, as well as all possible permutations of data types, this paper will discuss ways to increase accuracy assessments of forested areas in east Texas and find the best combination of data sources

Measurement Matters: A commentary on the state of the science on patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) in autism research

High quality science relies upon psychometrically valid and reliable measurement, yet very few Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) have been developed or thoroughly validated for use with autistic individuals. The present commentary summarizes the current state of autism PROM science, based on discussion at the Special Interest Group (SIG) at the 2022 International Society for Autism Research (INSAR) Annual Meeting and collective expertise of the authors. First, we identify current issues in autism PROM research including content and construct operationalization, informant-structure, measure accessibility, and measure validation and generalization. We then enumerate barriers to conducting and disseminating this research, such as a lack of guidance, concerns regarding funding and time, lack of accessible training and professionals with psychometric skills, difficulties collecting large representative samples, and challenges with dissemination. Lastly, we offer future priorities and resources to improve PROMs in autism research including a need to continue to evaluate and develop PROMs for autistic people using robust methods, to prioritize diverse and representative samples, to expand the breadth of psychometric properties and techniques, and to consider developing field specific guidelines. We remain extremely optimistic about the future directions of this area of autism research. This work is well positioned to have an immense, positive impact on our scientific understanding of autism and the everyday lives of autistic people and their families

Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism Small and Medium Enterprises. Evidence from Europe and Latin America

While there is a growing literature related with corporate social responsibility (CSR) in hospitality and tourism large firms, much remains to be done in the case of CSR in tourism small and medium enterprises (SMEs). In this paper we provide three studies regarding this particular aspect through the evidence present in different destinations: Catalonia, European natural parks and Chile. Among the conclusions that can be highlighted is the prevalence of altruism in the reasons for being responsible, the introduction of increasingly advanced measures or their impact on different business variables, and the link to financial performance

East Bay Coalition for the Homeless: Branding Study and Marketing Strategy

There are a number of potential positioning strategies. The two which make the most sense for the EBCH are to “position the EBCH away from others in the category” and to “position the EBCH as unique.” These strategies have the advantage of setting the EBCH apart from the other organizations that address homelessness. Occupying its own “position” in the minds of potential and current donors is not only an effective communications/marketing strategy but also a less costly one because it avoids head-to-head competition and comparisons