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Understanding the 2020 GOP Primary in Texas’ 13th Congressional District – Includes the July 2020 Runoff Election
No full textThis paper examines the 2020 Republican primary election, including runoff, in the 13th Congressional District in northern Texas and the Texas Panhandle
Roller Coasters, Popcorn, and Funnel Cake: Customer Service in Amusement Parks
No full textThe prominence of amusement parks has grown over the last several decades.
Amusement parks fall into the service-based industry, thus the performance of the employees is even more important as they play a direct role in a customer’s satisfaction with an experience. The customer satisfaction index scale has been created many times and was adapted for amusement parks for this study. Organizational identification was another scale adapted for amusement park-goers. These scales were used in the survey to assess the connection individuals have with the park they chose and their attitudes toward their chosen park’s customer service. This study surveyed participants who had attended amusement parks within the last year. It was used to answer the hypotheses and research questions.
Employees did not negatively affect the overall customer satisfaction index scores. Customers with higher organizational identification were more satisfied than those with lower organizational identification scores. Age was the demographic that did not have statistically significant difference in any test (CSI, OI, or complaints). Gender was not statistically significant in organizational identification or complaints but was significant in customer satisfaction. Distance and park chosen was statistically significant in customer satisfaction and organizational identification, but not in complaints. Parks owned by multi-park companies had participants plan to return more than those owned by companies with a single park
Impact of Sustained Scholarship: Enduring Opportunities for High-Quality Education
No full textData Collection Methodology: The mixed-methods research study collected qualitative and quantitative data gleaned from both online surveys and targeted semi-structured interviews conducted face-to-face. All adult participants were recruited through an email inviting them to participate in the online survey. Minor participants (younger than 18 years of age) were recruited after their parent or guardian gave permission for them to participate in the research study. The participants in the study included the following three subgroups: 1) Scholarship Recipients - both adult and minor 2) Parents of Scholarship Recipients 3) Faculty/Staff of the School Faculty and staff, parents, and adult scholarship recipients responded to online survey questions, while minor recipients were asked face-to-face interview questions at the target school. The total number of participants was 26, including 16 faculty and staff, five parents, and five scholarship recipients (three minor students and two adult former students).
Expected Findings: Data collected in this study revealed that diversification of the student population by race, background, and socio-economic may help students identify more easily with the world around them and be more accepting of different cultures. Both parents and students responded that the school’s curriculum and smaller classrooms were beneficial for high-quality education and academic independence. Though the scholarship recipients interacted with their peers just like other students, sometimes they needed extra support for assignments due to not having easy access to computers or additional school supplies. Research findings highlighted the fact that even though the scholarship funds covered the students’ tuition, there were additional expenses that were sometimes prohibitive for the scholarship recipients, such as the cost of uniforms, field trips, and unplanned costs. Faculty participants shared that some students faced food insecurity issues and were challenged at times with issues involving social inclusion and meeting higher academic expectations. Conclusions drawn from the data reveal that a positive school culture enables all students to feel a sense of belonging, participate actively in the educational community, and develop a meaningful social relationships.Abstract: The mixed-methods research study was designed to identify outcomes of sustained scholarship support on a targeted group of students. The investigation explored the influence of receiving ongoing scholarship funds on the recipients, their families, and on the school’s culture. The identified sample of students attended a non-profit private preschool and was then awarded a scholarship to attend a private, faith-based preparatory institution serving students from pre-kindergarten to eighth grade in a rural hub city. Two scholarships are given annually to preschool students who have demonstrated academic potential and whose families actively engage in their child’s education. Data was collected from 26 study participants from three subgroups: 1) adult and minor scholarship recipients, 2) parents of scholarship recipients, and 3) faculty and staff of the preparatory school. Adult participants responded to online survey questions, while minor recipients were asked face-to-face interview questions at the school. Data analysis revealed that diversification of the student population by race, background, and socio-economic may help students identify more easily with the world around them and be more accepting of different cultures. Analysis of the data also highlighted that even though the scholarship funds covered the students’ tuition, there were additional expenses that were sometimes prohibitive for the scholarship recipients, such as school uniforms, field trips, and unplanned costs. Conclusions drawn from the data reveal that a positive school culture enables all students to feel a sense of belonging, participate actively in the educational community, and develop meaningful social relationships
A Campaign to Improve Seasonal Flu Immunization Compliance in a University Nursing Health and Wellness Clinic
No full textMajor findings: 1. Seasonal flu immunization is often considered an inconvenience and low priority 2. Taking the flu shot to the community (offices and workplaces) increased immunizations by 38% during the 18-19 flu season.Abstract Seasonal influenza can result in enormous physical and economic burdens. Healthy People 2020 reports that substantially fewer than the recommended 70% in most age groups actually receive the immunization (Bekkat-Berkani & Romano-Massotti, 2018). The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether the WTAMU Nursing Health and Wellness Clinic seasonal flu campaign was considered advantageous to those who received it on campus. A brief survey was developed for distribution to those who received the influenza immunization during the 2018-2019 flu season. Making the flu vaccine convenient and inexpensive/free has been an effective mechanism to improve immunization acceptance in our community. Response rate for the survey was 61% or 106 individuals with 47 (44%), reporting that they would not have sought out the seasonal flu immunization had it not been made available on the university campus. More importantly, when the 106 participants were asked where on campus they received their immunization, only 43 (41%) physically came to the nursing clinic, while 63 (59%) were provided the vaccine in their departmental workplace. Of those individuals receiving immunization in their office or workplace, 24 (38%) reported that had it not been provided in this venue, they would not have gone to the nursing clinic or elsewhere to be immunized. Of those responding to the survey, 65 individuals reported having received an influenza immunization during the 2017-2018 season. The remaining 41 respondents either could not recall or denied receiving the vaccine. However, when asked about their intentions to be immunized in the 2019-2020 season, 98 participants related positive intention to receive the seasonal flu immunization
Comparative Efficacy of Metaphylaxis and Respiratory Vaccination in High-Risk, Newly Received Feedlot Cattle
No full textOur objective was to compare metaphylaxis with tulathromycin (META) and vaccination with a pentavalent modified-live virus respiratory vaccine (MLV) in high-risk feedlot calves. Beef bulls (n = 372) and steers (n = 106) were blocked by truck load, stratified by initial BW (234 ± 1.32 kg), health status and sex, and randomly assigned to treatments arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial: 1) no META or MLV; 2) META administration on d 0 (META), 3) MLV administration on d 0 with revaccination on d 14 (MLV), and 4) META and MLV administration (META+MLV). Interactions and main effects were analyzed within a generalized complete block design using a mixed statistical model with 10 pen replicates/treatment. Body weight and feed refusals were recorded on d -1, 0, 14, 28, 55 and 56 to determine interim and overall (d 0 to 56) gain performance, dry matter intake, and gain to feed ratio. A subset (n = 256) was affixed with a 3-axis accelerometer ear-tag to quantify activity and rumination time. A 7-d post-metaphylactic interval was implemented for META and BRD cases were determined by treatment-blinded, trained investigators. Interactions were tested first, followed by the main effects of META and VAC if the interaction for a given dependent variable was non-significant (P > 0.05). The META groups had greater ADG from d 0 to 14, 14 to 28, and overall (P ≤ 0.01). Body weight on d 14, 28, and 56 was increased (P < 0.01) for calves in the META group with a 13.52 kg increase on d 56. For each interim period and overall, DMI was greater (P < 0.01) for META, but not MLV (P ≥ 0.11). The BRD morbidity rate was less for META (18.5 vs. 51.2%; P < 0.01); however, it was not improved for MLV (P = 0.37). Increased daily rumination time was observed for META (P < 0.05). A META × day interaction existed (P = 0.01) for daily rumination time and greater rumination minutes occurred for META groups from d 9 to 20 and on d 22, 24, 26, 27, and 29 (P < 0.05). Health and performance of high-risk feedlot cattle was improved by META, but not MLV
Unconventional Mobile Domiciles
Get PDFABSTRACT
My thesis explores the fascination I have towards unconventional mobile domiciles, or, in other words, non-traditional residences that are also moveable or mobile. My adolescent years were unconventional, as I was raised by parents who maintained a variety of odd jobs and lived a transient life, especially as missionaries. During my adolescence we lived in Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and Canada. During our travels, we often housed in personalized recreational vehicles, often cobbled together from recycled or found materials. My thesis exhibition examines the meanings—social, personal, and creative—that one can find in these strange and dynamic structures.
My art portrays “domiciles” or residences that are attached to vehicles that normally wouldn’t be found within the common range of housing structures. By avoiding conventional mobile homes, recreation vehicles, and other mass-produced manufactured mobile houses, I am able to explore the endless combinations of creative domiciles and a wide variety of modes of transportation, thereby creating a new language of domesticity and mobility, home and movement. The meanings I hope viewers find in my work include questions of conventions—what makes something normal or conventional, and are these norms always the best way to live? What does it mean to have a home? Does a home always have to be fixed in space or can it be mobile and dynamic? If it can be unfixed in time and space, how then do humans relate to their domiciles? What does it mean to reside somewhere? I believe these questions go to the very core of our humanity and our relationship as humans within our environment
At-Home Fathers, Breadwinning Mothers: Relational Dialectics in Lived vs. Mediated Experiences of Fathers as Primary Caregivers
Get PDFData Collection Methodology: Semi-structured interviews with stay-at-home father participants were conducted in the spring of 2019. Seven at-home fathers were recruited via network and snowball sampling originating with calls for participation posted to social media. A qualitative content analysis of two broadcast TV entertainment shows that feature fathers in a primary caregiver role – Parenthood and Man with A Plan – is also planned.
Expected Findings: Preliminary analysis of the interviews with at-home fathers suggests that fathers who indicated that being an at-home dad was a proactive choice or decision for them expressed more comfort with owning that role as part of their identity than did fathers who felt the role was placed upon them due to circumstances. Having an accepting social group and outlet may also play a role in at-home dad satisfaction. This suggests that fathers do face internal struggles related to inhabiting a caregiving role that plays against gender stereotypes. Fathers who are able to frame their fatherly role as something they embrace may experience greater satisfaction as a parent – which could have implications for the rest of their families. Dads mention the ability to be closely involved in their children’s lives as a primary benefit of being an at-home dad. The fathers interviewed overall believed the decision for them to be at home had benefits for their wives’ respective careers related to the fathers’ carrying the mental load related to parenting for their spouses while they were at work. Some of the fathers interviewed expressed intention to re-enter the workforce and wondered how their current parenting role might affect re-entry.While a growing body of research demonstrates the importance of involved fathers in healthy child development (Child & Family Research Partnership, 2018), very involved fathers – those acting as primary caregivers for their children – must contend with a number of stereotyped societal expectations about hegemonic masculinity, which in the U.S. place men in the traditional “breadwinner” role (Ammari & Schoenebeck, 2016; Medved, 2016; Parker & Stepler, 2017). Fathers who do stay home often report feelings such as identity struggle, career derailment, social stigma, and social isolation (Ammari & Schoenebeck, 2016; Beaubien, 2018; Cripe, 2007; Livesay, 2008a; Ludden, 2013; Harrington et al., 2012) that may come from adopting a role inconsistent with their primary socialization (Coskuner-Balli & Thompson, 2012). At the same time, the willingness of fathers to challenge these societal norms and assume primary caregiving duties can have a significant positive impact on the career trajectories of their breadwinning partners (Beaubien, 2018; Harrington et al., 2012), and also challenge or reduce gender stereotypes over time (Chesley, 2011; Harrington et al., 2012; Medved, 2016). A source for social construction of gender roles and parenting schema may be mediated depictions of parenthood, which may both reflect and perpetuate parenting and gender role stereotypes. Similarly to schema, mental models, or individualized cognitive frameworks people hold regarding the “general idea of a specific phenomenon” and are used to interpret or evaluate subsequent information, are often produced through media viewing (Mastro, Behm-Morawitz & Ortiz, 2007). However, research suggests that in the case of mothers, mediated representations of motherhood do not accurately reflect the lived experience of at-home mothers, while still shaping the parent’s thinking and feeling about the self (Orgad, 2016). Although the experiences of both working and stay-at-home mothers have been explored in the literature, (e.g. Buzzanell, Meisenbach, Remke, Liu, Bowers & Conn, 2005; Orgad, 2016; Meisenbach, 2010), more work is needed to better understand how stay-at-home fathers negotiate the identity struggle that comes with taking on a role that challenges hegemonic masculinity. This mixed-methods study will build on previous scholarship that has examined relationships between media portrayals and the lived experiences of stay-at-home mothers to extend this line of inquiry to stay-at-home fathers
Egypt's Reliance on Imported Wheat: Concerns, Challenges and Opportunities
Get PDFExpected findings: There is a potential to reduce the gap between consumption and production through various production strategies and curtail reliance on imported wheat.This exploratory study aims at the evaluation of different aspects of food security and provides insights and valuable information about concerns, challenges and opportunities for agricultural production especially wheat in Egypt. With a population of 96 million and annual population growth at 2.27%, Egypt is considered one of the fastest-growing nations in the African continent. Egypt’s total land area is 1,000,450 sq. km and the population covers only the 10 percent while the rest of the country is desert. The agriculture sector of Egypt is a major component of the Egyptian economy, contributing 14.5 percent of the country’s gross domestic product. The agricultural sector accounts for 28 percent of all jobs, and over 55 percent of employment in Upper Egypt is agriculture-related. Egypt’s agriculture sector is dominated by small farms using traditional practices. Field crops contribute about 75 % of the total value of Egypt’s agricultural production, while the rest comes from livestock products, fruits and vegetables, and other specialty crops. Major field crops include corn (maize), rice, wheat, sorghum, and fava (broad) beans. Despite a considerable output, the cereal production in Egypt falls short of the country’s total consumption. A substantial amount of foreign exchange is spent annually on the import of cereals and milling products. Egypt is one of the major producers of wheat in Africa, with 8.8 million tons in 2017 against its consumption of 18.96 million tonnes. Hence, Egypt is the second-largest importer in the world with more than 10 million tonnes in 2017. One of the main challenges of wheat production in Egypt is the available land area. The total arable area is 3.3 million hectares. It is extremely productive and can be cropped two or even three times per year. Most land is cropped at least twice a year, but agricultural productivity is limited by salinity, which afflicts an estimated 35% of cultivated land, and drainage problems. Another challenge to Egypt’s agriculture is the shortage of water. Water is a very scarce resource in the region, the major source of this essential commodity is the Nile River. The second threat and the most imminent is the growth of the population. By 2050, Africa’s population is expected to grow by an additional 1.3 billion people, the equivalent of today’s China. For the case of Egypt, the population is expected to reach over 100 million in 2025, lowering the per capita water availability from 1123 m3 in 1990 to 630 m3 in 2025. This shows that the challenge now for Egypt is to look for perennial solutions to lower its dependency on the Nile water supply and to find sustainable alternatives like desalination. This study focuses on the demand and supply determinants of wheat by using data from 1961 through 2017 and to identify strategies to reduce the gap between country's wheat production and imports in the future in order to address food security challenges and curtail its heavy reliance on imported wheat. The statistical procedures have been applied to analyze and predict the production and consumption of wheat given the estimated population growth of the country up until 2050. The study also provides an overview of all the available opportunities and challenges facing agricultural production and different aspects of food security in Egypt
Advercasting: The Effectiveness of Podcast Ads
Get PDFIn order to address the above-mentioned research questions, a Qualtrics survey was
administered online to undergraduate students between the ages of 18-30. This study is
specifically interested in examining podcast behavior and attitudes from young adults. College
students have grown up with digital technology and, as such, are an important user segment for
new media technology research. Survey questions measured demographics, attitudes and
motivations for podcast usage, adoption behaviors, perceived social norms, and advertising
preferences.Podcast listeners are on the upswing as our podcast series options. Today’s American
listeners equal approximately 90 million monthly listeners (Midroll, 2019) who can choose
amongst 750,000 shows and more than 30 million episodes (Winn, 2019). One reason for the
large variety of podcast content is due to the lack of broadcasting regulations that are not
mandated for podcasters (Henning, 2017). Moreover, the majority of podcasts are free of cost,
portable, convenient, entertaining, educational, and have a storytelling quality that listeners crave.
Henning (2017) states that podcasts also serve as a new business model for various organizations
due to the prevalency of advertisers clamoring to get their messages into podcasts.
This growth in podcast popularity has numerous implications for advertisers. Midroll
conducted a survey about podcast listening habits where more than 150,000 active podcast
listeners answered questions about their advertising preferences, regardless of medium. Results
indicated that more than 50% of survey participants either sometimes or always avoided ads on
television, billboards, radio and digital yet, 81% of participants revealed they are sometimes or
always attentive to podcast ads (Midroll, 2019). What’s more, is that a majority of these listeners
purchased a product due to an ad they heard on a favorite podcast. This study aims to extend the
research on podcasting and advertising by exploring how advertising is perceived by listeners in
terms of how they interact with ads, their advertising preferences, and their feelings of
relatability between ad messaging and specific podcast content. Thus, the following research
questions are posed:
RQ1: How do listeners respond to advertising in podcasts (skip, watch, support, call-to-action
variables)?
RQ2: Where do listeners prefer advertising in a podcast (beginning, middle, end)?
RQ3: What type of promotional messages do podcast listeners prefer?
RQ4: How do listeners feel about advertising message congruency within podcast content?
Previous research has been conducted about podcasts with advertising as a key ingredient
in the articles, including advantages of podcast advertising for brands (Brands, 2005), more
active listeners who are more likely to support brands that engage in podcast advertising
(McClung & Johnson, 2010), and how independent podcasters use advertising for financial gain
(Markman & Sawyer, 2014). This study differs in that its goal is to unveil the effectiveness of
podcast advertising. While advertising industry publications, like AdWeek and AdAge, overflow
with podcast advertising musings, this article will add to the academic literature within
advertising and broadcasting, which is just beginning to expand
Administration of growth-promoting implants and days on feed affected allometric growth coefficients, fabrication yields, and economic returns of serially harvested beef steers
Get PDFThe objective of the first part of this study was to quantify differences in fabricated primals, subprimals, and carcass components of implanted and non-implanted steers. Steers (n = 80; initial BW 271 ± 99 kg) were paired and randomized to harvest date (d 0, 42, 84, 126, 168, 210, 252, 294, 336, 378). Individuals were randomized to treatment of CON (negative control) or REV (Revalor-XS; Merck Animal Health; Madison, NJ on d 0 and 190). One side of each animal was fabricated after a 48 h chill into primals, denuded subprimals, lean trim, trimmed fat, and bone; weights were recorded individually. Data were analyzed via mixed models. Implants increased cold side weights (CSW) 7.7%, bone yield 4.9%, and red meat yield 8.5% (P < 0.03), with no differences in fat yield (P = 0.78). Brisket and foreshank primals were increased 6.9% and 7.2%, respectively (P ≤ 0.02) from implanted cattle. Chuck primals from REV steers were 8.4% heavier, with similar trends in the arm roast, flat iron, petite tender, chuck eye roll, and mock tender (P ≤ 0.02). Rib primals of REV steers were 5.2% heavier, and the ribeye roll and rib blade meat showed an increase (P ≤ 0.04). Plate primals did not differ between treatments (P = 0.13). However the inside skirt, outside skirt, and outside skirt as % CSW were heavier (P ≤ 0.04) from REV steers. Loin primals from REV steers were 7.0% larger, along with the striploin, tenderloin, top sirloin butt, top sirloin butt cap, and bottom sirloin tri tip subprimals (P < 0.01). The flank primal of REV steers was 8.6% heavier, bottom sirloin flap and flank steak were also heavier (P ≤ 0.04), and the elephant ear tended to be heavier (P = 0.08). Round primals from REV steers were 6.3% heavier, and the top round, eye of round, bottom round, and knuckle were all heavier (P ≤ 0.03) than CON. Length of feeding period notably affected weights for all primals with exception of the chuck, loin, and several components of the sirloin. Fat as % CSW increased at 0.043% per day, whereas bone and red meat yield decreased at -0.013% and -0.023% per day, respectively. These data indicate implanted steers are more likely to have heavier side weights, higher bone yield, and increased red meat yields. Additionally, heavier primals and subprimals were observed in implanted steers.
The objective of the second section of this study was to quantify allometric growth coefficients of non-carcass and carcass components of implanted or non-implanted Charolais × Angus steers in relation to empty body weight (EBW). Steers (n = 80; initial BW 271 ± 99 kg) were paired, randomized to harvest date (d 0-42-84-126-168-210-252-294-336-378), and individuals within pairs were randomized to CON (negative control) or REV (Revalor-XS on d 0 and 190) treatments. Weights (g) of non-carcass and carcass components were log transformed and consolidated to arithmetic means by treatment and harvest date. Growth coefficients were calculated using the allometric equation Y=bXa, which when log transformed is represented as Y=b+aX where Y= log(non-carcass or carcass component), X= log(EBW), a= log(slope), and b= log(intercept); the empty body grows at a rate of 1. Treatment outcomes were compared via independent t-test. Tendencies for faster growth of REV steers were detected in non-carcass components between treatments in the kidney (P = 0.06) and lungs/trachea (P = 0.09). Non-carcass components with lowest growth coefficients included small intestine (0.02), large intestine (0.12), and brain and spinal cord (0.13). However, kidney-pelvic-heart fat (2.01) accumulated at more than 2 times the rate of the empty body, whereas cod fat (1.42) and GIT fat (1.61) grew faster than the empty body. Growth coefficients were greater (P < 0.01) for REV in two carcass components (chuck eye roll, eye of round), whereas CON was greater (P < 0.01) in one component (flank steak). Although not different (P > 0.62), growth coefficients of carcass primals were numerically greater for REV steers with exception of the rib. All primals except the round (0.81) and foreshank (0.87) exhibited growth coefficients greater than the empty body (flank, 1.47; plate, 1.45; brisket, 1.18; rib, 1.18; loin, 1.04; and chuck, 1.03). Conversely, pectoral meat (0.19), bottom sirloin flap (0.56), heel meat (0.59), sirloin tip (0.66), and mock tender (0.69) subprimals all exhibited growth coefficients notably less than the empty body. Although not different, total lean was deposited more quickly in REV steers (0.95 vs 0.88; P = 0.45), whereas total fat (2.17 vs 1.98; P = 0.35) and total bone (0.92 vs 0.75; P = 0.29) were faster growing for CON steers. These data indicate total body fat exhibited the greatest growth coefficients compared to empty body. Whereas, there were minimal differences in growth coefficients of steers in regards to treatment.
The objective of the third section of this study was to compare the profitability of finished steers produced and processed in either a non-hormone treated (NHTC) or traditional implant program and marketed at various end points. Steers (n=80; Charolais×Angus) were paired by genetic group, estimated finished body weight, frame score, and d to target BW. Pairs were randomized to harvest date (d 0-42-84-126-168-210-252-294-336-378) and individuals within pairs were randomized to CON (negative control) or REV (Revalor-XS on d 0, 190). Live, carcass, subprimal, non-carcass drop, and overhead prices were consolidated from USDA Mandatory Price Reports and industry contacts. Data were analyzed via mixed models. Initial cost varied (P < 0.01) between treatments as CON steers demanded premiums for NHTC and source verification. Feed costs were similar, and total production costs tended to be greater for CON (P = 0.09). Cattle marketed live or in the beef were of greater (P < 0.01) value for REV, as no premium was offered for NHTC steers. Quality grade adjustments tended to discount REV more heavily (P = 0.06), yield discounts tended to be greater for CON (P = 0.10), and weight based grid adjustments were unaffected by treatment (P = 0.53). Adjusted carcass value favored CON steers (P < 0.01) due to the NHTC premium. When sold on a live, in the beef, or grid basis, neither treatment yielded positive return. All variables with exception of initial cattle cost were different across DOF (P < 0.01). Non-carcass drop values were greater (P = 0.03) for REV. Boxed beef values were greater (P < 0.01) for CON. Processor net returns were calculated by difference in revenue (boxed beef plus non-carcass drop) and expense (overhead [-$190/carcass] plus procurement of the grid purchased carcass). Net return for processors was similar between treatments (P = 0.65). These data indicate implanted steers returned greater revenue when marketed on a live or in the beef basis, whereas NHTC steers returned more value when marketed on a grid basis, although neither treatment was profitable. Additionally, there was no difference between treatments in regards to the profitability of beef processors