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Strategies Affecting Performance and Profitability of May-Born Steers
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This study compared the performance and economic outcomes of differing backgrounding and feedlot systems in May-born yearling steers. We hypothesized reduced supplementation with adequate forage availability while backgrounding weaned steers will yield a similar carcass with greater profitability. It was hypothesized yearling steers backgrounded on pasture before finishing in feedlot would have a more valuable carcass that is more profitable than steers that enter the feedlot immediately. Weaned steer calves were backgrounded with ad libitum hay and 4 lb/d supplement in drylot or on pasture with 1 lb/d supplement. As yearlings, half of each backgrounding group immediately entered the feedlot or were allowed to develop on pasture before entering the feedlot. In summary, producers with pasture available for weaned and yearling steers can risk a slow rate of gain for greater body weight at slaughter and a greater return on investment
Reconciling the Paradox of Positive Profit and Negative Cash Flow
Get PDFOne of the paradoxes of business that accrual accounting sorts out is the reconciliation between cash flow (liquidity) and profit. The rest of this article is a summary of a case study/example utilized in Farm and Ranch Management to explain how profits and cash flow can be opposite, how this can be analyzed, and how the concept of financial feasibility and investment analysis can be used to make strategic farm and ranch decisions
Understanding the Dynamics of Formal Mentoring in Professional Identity Development of Early Career Extension Professionals: A Phenomenological Approach
No full textFormal mentoring plays a crucial role in shaping the professional identity of early-career extension professionals; however, limited research has explored how these dynamics affect professional identity development within formal mentorship structures. This study uses a transcendental phenomenological approach to understand how mentees and mentors perceive the impact of formal mentoring on professional identity development within the Nebraska Extension system. Using criteria-based random sampling and snowball sampling, the study engaged 10 mentees and 10 mentors, employing semi-structured interviews, focus groups utilizing ripple effect mapping, and document analysis of mentoring agreements, program guidelines, and mentoring checklists. Following Moustakas\u27 (1994) transcendental phenomenology framework, data analysis is a structured process, including Epoche, bracketing, horizontalizing, clustering horizons into themes, and constructing a coherent textural description. MAXQDA software facilitated the organization of findings, culminating in five major themes with fifteen subthemes. Major themes are Navigating the Dynamics of Formal Mentoring, Learning Through Mentoring, Shaping Professional Identity and Purpose, Encountering Challenges in Mentoring, and Voicing Suggestions for a More Effective Mentoring Experience. The results highlight how structured mentoring increases self-awareness, confidence, professional skills, and a sense of belonging in mentees that reinforce their commitment to job roles and the organizational mission. Participants focused that while formal mentorship offers essential guidance, the presence of trust, openness, and emotional support increased the effectiveness of mentoring relationships. Moreover, flexible mentor pairing, work shadowing, and guidance on essential job functions, such as needs assessments and impact evaluation, emerged as critical elements for a new hire extension professional in early career.
Advisor: Nathan W. Conne
Hancock/Dana Strategic Analysis Podcast
No full textThrough a series of interviews, part one of the podcast provides a look into the internal and external strategic factors of a mid-size accounting firm, Hancock/Dana. Partners and staff discuss the firm\u27s history, culture, mission, and values, emphasizing the importance of client relationships and internal development through a one firm model. They also address the challenges and opportunities presented by industry trends, technology like AI, and competition, highlighting strategies for talent retention, operational efficiency, and client satisfaction. The conversations reveal how the firm aims to maintain a sustainable competitive advantage in the evolving accounting landscape.
Based on my interviews with leadership, part two of the podcast outlines Hancock/Dana\u27s core strengths, emphasizing their relationship-driven business model, positive culture, and commitment to strategic adaptability and technological integration. I identify key challenges facing the accounting industry, including talent shortages, seasonality, the impact of AI, the rise of virtual firms, and evolving client expectations. To address these challenges, I present specific, innovative recommendations aimed at enhancing the firm\u27s competitive edge and ensuring long-term sustainability through initiatives focused on talent development, workload management, technology adoption, and community engagement
A Multi-isotope Investigation of Mammoth Diet, Habitat, and Movement Patterns in the Central Great Plains, U.S.A.
No full textDuring the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), the Great Plains in Nebraska consisted of wooded parklands and grasslands, whereas spruce (Picea) forests, parklands, and steppe grasslands dominated east of the Missouri River. I analyzed bulk carbon (δ13C), oxygen (δ18O), and strontium (87Sr/86Sr) isotopes from tooth enamel in isolated mammoth (Mammuthus) molars to compare diet and movement patterns in two late Pleistocene assemblages: one in Nebraska (n = 24), and one in western Iowa and Missouri (n = 17). Furthermore, I identified a morphometric subset of molars as belonging to either M. primigenius (woolly mammoth, n = 19) or M. columbi (Columbian mammoth, n = 12) for species-specific isotope comparisons. Carbon isotope data indicate that C3 plants were primarily consumed, although eight mammoths in Nebraska yielded a mixed C3/C4 signal. I find no statistically significant differences in C3 diet (δ13C \u3c -8‰), δ18O, or 87Sr/86Sr between assemblages, or between species in either assemblage. Most identified mammoths that consumed C4 vegetation were M. columbi, whereas M. primigenius fed almost exclusively on C3 plants. Carbon and strontium isotopes in the Iowa and Missouri assemblage suggest six mammoths occupied areas several hundred kilometers northeast of southwest Iowa where they died, whereas all others in the assemblage show local values suggesting relatively small home ranges. Most individuals from Nebraska also possess 87Sr/86Sr values indistinguishable from modern plant values. However, one M. primigenius individual from southern Nebraska possesses anomalously high 87Sr/86Sr (0.71260), and low δ18OVSMOW (15.23‰), suggesting a trek of over 500 km to the Rocky Mountains in Colorado or Wyoming, or the Black Hills in South Dakota. A 87Sr/86Sr value of 0.71155 in a tooth fragment collected in southwestern Nebraska also suggests some occupancy outside of the local area. Additionally, my strontium data indicate that, like modern elephants, most mammoths did not travel long distances, although some individuals did.
Advisor: Ross Secor
Adolescent Online Leisure, Media Literacy, Online Victimization, and Multifaceted Well-Being during COVID-19: The Role of Parental Support
No full textThe rapid advancement of the internet and digital technology has provided opportunities for adolescents to conduct leisure activities online on a daily basis. However, research on adolescent technology use and mental health often highlights negative effects without carefully examining the specific mechanisms, which overlooks the complexity of effects of online behaviors on adolescent well-being and the importance of developing adolescents’ media literacy skills. Moreover, despite the crucial role of family dynamics in adolescent development, research on how parental support and involvement might affect adolescent technology use and well-being is still limited. The current study retrieved data from Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), examined 295,843 adolescents across 50 countries/economies in Model 1 and further investigated 27,532 adolescents from 6 countries/economies in Model 2, explored the direct and indirect effects among adolescent online leisure (e.g. gaming, browsing social media), media literacy, emotional distress from online victimization, and multifaceted well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic, identified parental support profiles, and examined different profiles’ moderating effects.
The results enriched the socioecological framework, and partially supported cultivation theory, general strain theory, and social support theory, indicating that adolescents’ exposure to unwanted online content when conducting online leisure activities could contribute to emotional distress and further impact their well-being. Notably, online leisure can have a positive direct effect on adolescent well-being due to its leisurely nature, while media literacy can have a negative effect on well-being through exposure to online victimization, despite its protective nature. Latent profile analysis results revealed four profiles based on parental involvement and adolescent perceived parental support: Supportive group, Moderate group, Controlling group, and Neglectful group. Moderated mediation analysis results showed that excessive parental involvement without emotional support cannot benefit adolescent well-being nor be protective of negative online experiences. The present study calls for more attention from researchers on making unbiased assumptions and detailed investigations regarding adolescent online leisure, and focusing more on developing media literacy and digital skills. Future interventions should consider how parental involvement and support shape adolescents’ ability to navigate the online environment and mitigate online stressors, ensuring that promoting media literacy efforts are adapted to different family contexts.
Advisor: Yan Ruth Xi
Familismo and Family Achievement Guilt in Latine College Students: Relationships with Psychopathology and Wellbeing
No full textThe purpose of this dissertation was to examine the relations between familismo, family achievement guilt, subjective wellbeing, and anxious and depressive symptoms in a sample of Latine young adults enrolled in college in the United States. Familismo has previously been linked to educational success and psychological and behavioral health. On the other hand, family achievement guilt has been linked to low self-esteem and internalizing symptoms. However, it is unclear how these factors interact to impact the psychopathology (i.e., anxious and depression symptoms) and psychological wellbeing (i.e. subjective wellbeing) of Latine young adults in college. Data were collected from 83 Latine young adults enrolled in 2–4-year college or universities in the United States. The results from this study further enhance the understanding of how Latine cultural values and roles impact the mental health and wellbeing of Latine college students pursuing higher education. Implications for the mental health support of Latine individuals in institutions of higher education are discussed.
Advisor: Beth Dol
Applications of Preclinical Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury and Understanding Carotid Artery Atherosclerosis
No full textAdvances in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provide the opportunity to investigate research questions that have been left unanswered. In the cases of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and carotid artery atherosclerosis, MRI is a resource for non-invasively viewing the phenomena taking place. Additionally, potential interventions and treatments can be observed without harm to the subject. This dissertation expands the understanding of two preclinical applications of MRI: traumatic brain injury and carotid artery atherosclerosis in mouse models.
TBI is a leading cause of death and disability for individuals between 15–45 years of age and effective pharmaceutical interventions for treating the secondary damage associated with TBI are limited. Here, we investigate using MRI a potential treatment’s effect in a TBI mouse model. In the study we observed the extent of vasogenic edema formation using T2-weighted images. Furthermore, advanced MRI techniques were explored for evaluating the microstructure and metabolite composition of the brain. The results suggest that a copolymer nanoparticle (NPC3) has the potential to mediate edema.
In carotid artery atherosclerosis, MRI was applied to measure the lumen area of the carotid artery in a mouse model. To better understand the environment conducive to plaque formation and regression a cuff was placed on the left carotid artery. Upstream and downstream lumen areas relative to cuff placement were determined with a gradient echo pulse sequence. The measurement revealed that lumen areas returned to baseline sizes after cuff removal, which is evidence that cuff removal after five-weeks restores carotid artery lumen patency.
This dissertation demonstrates how advanced MRI techniques can be used to gain insights into two major areas of preclinical research: traumatic brain injury and carotid artery atherosclerosis. By combining structural, diffusion-based, and spectroscopic imaging modalities, MRI reveals both microstructural damage and metabolic disruption following TBI, and that treatment with NPC3 may offer a neuroprotective effect. Similarly, in the carotid artery model, non-invasive MRI enabled precise, longitudinal assessment of vascular remodeling in response to mechanical injury and recovery. Together, using the power of MRI to non-invasively monitor pathophysiological processes and therapeutic responses in vivo, this work provides original imaging evidence of nanoparticle mediation of vasogenic edema in TBI and the tracking of lumen area in a plaque regression model of atherosclerosis.
Advisor: Forrest M. Kievi
Blood-red and Flaming and True
No full textBlood-Red and Flaming and True contains poems that explore the immense feelings of love and loss tied to the relationship between parent and child. They chronicle my experience raising a neurodivergent child, as well as undergoing infant loss and navigating a U.S. medical system that is renowned for putting women and people capable of giving birth—especially BIPOC—at greater risk than other countries with similar resources. Through poems that inhabit a variety of forms, I sift through grief and joy while attempting to tap into the sublime state that underlies extreme loss and love. Throughout, I investigate how lyric poetry is uniquely suited to help people process bereavement, which is an argument the poet Gregory Orr makes in his book Poetry as Survival. While grief is a unifying experience, it can also be isolating in a U.S. American cultural context, conferring a feeling of embarrassment to the bereaved. The poems of Blood-Red and Flaming and True intend to act as an antidote to the wordlessness of shame by showing how a family in crisis need not be portrayed as hopelessly fragmented or broken. Rather, through foregrounding attention to image and sound, as well as grounding these poems in the landscapes of coastal Florida, the floral lushness of Alabama, and the urban gardens of Omaha, Nebraska, I show how the speaker of these poems finds her way again after deep grief.
Advisors: Stacey Waite and Hope Wabuk