Baker College

Ample research has identified several features of a learning experience likely to enhance student learning, including collaboration, open-ended exploration, and problem-based learning in real-life scenarios. Missing is a model of how instructors might combine these elements into a single project that works flexibly across disciplines and institutions. This article fills this gap by offering such a model and reporting on its effectiveness in fostering student engagement. It describes a project that instructors at four colleges and universities in Flint, Michigan (USA) piloted during the height of the Flint water crisis. The project asked students to apply class content to the real-world problem unfolding around them, and offered students an opportunity to collaborate with peers. We collected qualitative and quantitative data on students’ reactions to the project, and found that the project succeeded in engaging students. We offer recommendations for how instructors can create similar projects in their own classrooms.

SUMMARY Bradykinin applied directly to the epicardium evokes a reflex increase in blood pressure by stimulating sympathetic afferent nerve endings in the heart, but injected into the coronary artery it evokes vagally mediated reflex decreases in heart rate and blood pressure. The afferents initiating these latter depressor effects have not been identified. We have attempted to determine which vagal sensory nerve endings in the heart are stimulated by bradykinin. In anesthetized dogs, we recorded impulses from afferent vagal fibers with endings in the heart and aorta and injected bradykinin (0.3-1.0 /ig/kg) into the left atrium. Neither A- nor C-fiber mechanoreceptors nor aortic body chemoreceptors were stimulated directly by bradykinin, any changes in firing of a trial or ventricular mechanoreceptors, or of aortic baroreceptors or chemoreceptors, being secondary to the cardiovascular effects of brady-kinin. However, 16 of 20 irregularly discharging vagal C-fibers with chemosensitive endings in the left ventricle, left atrium, and aorta were stimulated by bradykinin; firing increased from 0.2 ± 0.1 to 7.8 ± 1.4 (mean ± SE) impulses/sec and usually remained above control for about 30 seconds. These chemosensitive endings were not stimulated by ventilating the lungs with 5 % O2 in N2, but they were stimulated by injecting capsaicin or phenyl diguanide into the left atrium. Four chemosensitive endings in the ventricular epicardium were also stimulated by dripping bradykinin (1 pg/ml) onto the heart.

Drowsiness when in command of a vehicle leads to a decline in cognitive performance that affects driver behavior, potentially causing accidents. Drowsiness-related road accidents lead to severe trauma, economic consequences, impact on others, physical injury and/or even death. Real-time and accurate driver drowsiness detection and warnings systems are necessary schemes to reduce tiredness-related driving accident rates. The research presented here aims at the classification of drowsy and non-drowsy driver states based on respiration rate detection by non-invasive, non-touch, impulsive radio ultra-wideband (IR-UWB) radar. Chest movements of 40 subjects were acquired for 5 m using a lab-placed IR-UWB radar system, and respiration per minute was extracted from the resulting signals. A structured dataset was obtained comprising respiration per minute, age and label (drowsy/non-drowsy). Different machine learning models, namely, Support Vector Machine, Decision Tree, Logistic regression, Gradient Boosting Machine, Extra Tree Classifier and Multilayer Perceptron were trained on the dataset, amongst which the Support Vector Machine shows the best accuracy of 87%. This research provides a ground truth for verification and assessment of UWB to be used effectively for driver drowsiness detection based on respiration.

The objective of this review is to introduce equine clinicians to the rapidly evolving field of clinical genomics with a vision of improving the health and welfare of the domestic horse. For 15 years a consortium of veterinary geneticists and clinicians has worked together under the umbrella of The Horse Genome Project. This group, encompassing 22 laboratories in 12 countries, has made rapid progress, developing several iterations of linkage, physical and comparative gene maps of the horse with increasing levels of detail. In early 2006, the research was greatly facilitated when the US National Human Genome Research Institute of the National Institutes of Health added the horse to the list of mammalian species scheduled for whole genome sequencing. The genome of the domestic horse has now been sequenced and is available to researchers worldwide in publicly accessible databases. This achievement creates the potential for transformative change within the horse industry, particularly in the fields of internal medicine, sports medicine and reproduction. The genome sequence has enabled the development of new genome-wide tools and resources for studying inherited diseases of the horse. To date, researchers have identified 11 mutations causing 10 clinical syndromes in the horse. Testing is commercially available for all but one of these diseases. Future research will probably identify the genetic bases for other equine diseases, produce new diagnostic tests and generate novel therapeutics for some of these conditions. This will enable equine clinicians to play a critical role in ensuring the thoughtful and appropriate application of this knowledge as they assist clients with breeding and clinical decision-making.

Solid residues produced by processing food waste via Microaerobic Fermentation (MF) and by Black Soldier Fly larvae (BSFL) have been proposed as soil fertilizers. Yet, little is known about their effects on plant growth. This study compares the growth of corn plants (Zea mays) in soil amended with MF or BSFL residue, with effects of aerated compost on corn growth over ten weeks. Corn plants grown in soil amended with MF residues were 109% taller and had 14% more leaves than those grown in traditional aerated compost (Cedar Grove). But plants grown in BSFL residues were stunted, growing 39% shorter and having 19% fewer leaves on average. Only height data was statistically significant. Results indicate that MF produced from food scraps is a suitable soil amendment product, but BSFL solid residue from a similar source is phytotoxic when amended, untreated, into soil in a ratio of one part residue to two parts soil. More research on additional post-processing methods for BSFL solid residue is needed.

Executive Summary This article looks at the evolution of telework in the United States as well as the benefits and potential problems associated with this growing phenomenon. One of these issues, effective leadership of teleworkers, is the focus of the article. The authors suggest that Situational Leadership™, a leadership model which has been in use since the late 1960s, is an appropriate tool for leaders to use in successfully influencing their off-site workers. Situational Leadership™ is explained and applied to a variety of telecommuting scenarios.

This paper assesses the intellectual advancement of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) scholarship as one of the five research streams of the Management Information Systems (MIS) discipline. It particularly demonstrates the vitality and maturity that the HCI stream (or sub-discipline) has achieved in recent years, and adds to the few studies that draw an overarching picture of HCI. This study uses the same approach as that of Zhang and Li (2005), and delineates the intellectual development of HCI research in MIS by employing a multifaceted assessment of the published HCI articles over a period of 19 years (1990-2008) in eight primary MIS journals. In addition, this study includes several journal special issues and two book collections in the assessment. Twenty-four specific questions are addressed to answer the following five mega-research questions about the HCI sub-discipline: (1) What constitutes HCI’s intellectual substance? (2) What relationships does HCI have with other disciplines? (3) How is HCI evolving? (4) What are the patterns of HCI publication in the primary MIS journals? And, (5) Who are the contributing scholars? A number of areas for future research are predicted, along with a discussion of potential future directions for the sub-discipline. This study is of interest to researchers in the HCI sub-discipline, the MIS discipline, and other related disciplines to inform future research, collaboration, publication, and education. It should also be of interest to doctoral students for identifying potential topics for dissertation research and to identify academic institutions for future employment where such research is understood, appreciated, and encouraged.

GTP-binding (G) proteins regulate the flow of information in cellular signaling pathways by alternating between a GTP-bound "active" state and a GDP-bound "inactive" state. Cdc42, a member of the Rho family of Ras-related small G-proteins, plays key roles in the regulation of cell shape, motility, and growth. Here we describe the high resolution x-ray crystal structure for Cdc42 bound to the GTP analog guanylyl beta,gamma-methylene-diphosphonate (GMP-PCP) (i.e. the presumed signaling-active state) and show that it is virtually identical to the structures for the signaling-inactive, GDP-bound form of the protein, contrary to what has been reported for Ras and other G-proteins. Especially surprising was that the GMP-PCP- and GDP-bound forms of Cdc42 did not show detectable differences in their Switch I and Switch II loops. Fluorescence studies using a Cdc42 mutant in which a tryptophan residue was introduced at position 32 of Switch I also showed that there was little difference in the Switch I conformation between the GDP- and GMP-PCP-bound states (i.e. <10%), which again differed from Ras where much larger changes in Trp-32 fluorescence were observed when comparing these two nucleotide-bound states (>30%). However, the binding of an effector protein induced significant changes in the Trp-32 emission specifically from GMP-PCP-bound Cdc42, as well as in the phosphate resonances for GTP bound to this G-protein as indicated in NMR studies. An examination of the available structures for Cdc42 complexed to different effector proteins, versus the x-ray crystal structure for GMP-PCP-bound Cdc42, provides a possible explanation for how effectors can distinguish between the GTP- and GDP-bound forms of this G-protein and ensure that the necessary conformational changes for signal propagation occur.

Blockchain technology has received wide attention during recent years, and has huge potential to transform and improve supply chain management. However, its implementation in the SSCM (Sustainable Supply Chain Management) strategy is sophisticated, and the challenges are not explored very well, especially in the Moroccan context. To this end, the chief objective of the current endeavor is to investigate the barriers that hinder the adoption of blockchain technology in SSCM from the Moroccan industry and service sectors’ perspective. Based on a comprehensive literature search and the use of experts’ viewpoints, the barriers affecting the successful implementation of blockchain are classified into three categories called TEO: technological and system, environmental, and intra-organizational dimensions. In this context, a fuzzy group decision-making framework is organized by combining DEMATEL (Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory) and IFAHP (Intuitionistic Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process). The IFAHP technique helps to determine the importance/priorities of barriers affecting blockchain adoption, while the DEMATEL technique forms the cause–effect interconnections between these barriers and classifies them concerning the degree of importance and relationships. The results reveal that ‘government policy and support’ and ‘challenges in integrating sustainable practices and blockchain technology through SCM’ are significant adoption barriers of blockchain in Moroccan SSCM. The proposed solution can support industrial decision makers to form flexible short- and long-term decision-making strategies to efficiently manage a sustainable supply chain.

The role that part‐time faculty play in higher education is changing. No longer are part‐time faculty used on an occasional basis at a few institutions. These individuals now play a critical part in the delivery of higher education to students. This study was developed to answer questions regarding how the performance of adjunct faculty is evaluated. The researcher gathered data on what sources of information were used to evaluate adjunct faculty, and how this information was used by various administrators during evaluation and reappointment decisions. The underlying goal was to develop a better understanding of current evaluation practices so that higher education administrators can ensure that quality learning opportunities are available in the classroom.

A small insert genomic library was constructed in the pUC18 plasmid vector using white blood cells from one Thoroughbred stallion as the source for DNA.The donor horse DNA was cut with restriction enzyme Sau3 A and size selected by purification on an agarose gel to yield fragments of approximately 500 bp.The size selected DNA was phosphatased to prevent insert concatemerization and then ligated into the vector.The vector was then used to transform electrocompetent DH10B Escherichia coli cells.The library was screened using a radiolabeled mixture of four di-nucleotide repeats (GC 15 , GA 15 , GT 15 , AT 15 ) as a probe.Positive bacterial colonies were re-screened and isolated.Plasmid insert DNA was sequenced using automated cycle sequencing at the Cornell Biotechnology Sequencing Facility.PCR primers in the

Cryptosporidium, a parasite known to cause large drinking and recreational water outbreaks, is tolerant of chlorine concentrations used for drinking water treatment. Human laboratory-based surveillance for enteric pathogens detected a cryptosporidiosis outbreak in Baker City, Oregon during July 2013 associated with municipal drinking water. Objectives of the investigation were to confirm the outbreak source and assess outbreak extent. The watershed was inspected and city water was tested for contamination. To determine the community attack rate, a standardized questionnaire was administered to randomly sampled households. Weighted attack rates and confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Water samples tested positive for Cryptosporidium species; a Cryptosporidium parvum subtype common in cattle was detected in human stool specimens. Cattle were observed grazing along watershed borders; cattle faeces were observed within watershed barriers. The city water treatment facility chlorinated, but did not filter, water. The community attack rate was 28·3% (95% CI 22·1-33·6), sickening an estimated 2780 persons. Watershed contamination by cattle probably caused this outbreak; water treatments effective against Cryptosporidium were not in place. This outbreak highlights vulnerability of drinking water systems to pathogen contamination and underscores the need for communities to invest in system improvements to maintain multiple barriers to drinking water contamination.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify and test the determinates of earnings opacity internationally. The determinates are hypothesized to be the elements of social, economic and accounting order in each of the 34 countries of the study. Design/methodology/approach A sample of 34 countries’ data was collected and data estimation and several statistical and correlations were performed. Findings Earnings opacity internationally is negatively related to the levels of economic freedom and quality of life, and positively related to rule of law, economic growth and level of corruption. Further, the findings are surprising that the level of disclosure, the number of auditors per 100,000 inhabitants and the adoption of international accounting standards (as elements of the accounting order) are not significantly related to earnings opacity internationally. It is the social and economic climate rather than the technical accounting climate that is at the core of the lack of accounting quality in general and earnings opacity in particular. Originality/value Elements of accounting order do not seem to affect earnings opacity as much as social and economic characteristics. It is the economic and the social context rather than the technical that explicates better the level of accounting quality in general and the level of earnings opacity in particular in a given country. Earnings opacity is higher as a result of higher rule of law, economic growth and level of corruption, and lower as result of higher level of economic freedom and quality of life.

Every year about one million people die due to diseases transmitted by mosquitoes. The infection is transmitted to a person when an infected mosquito stings, injecting the saliva into the human body. The best possible way to prevent a mosquito-borne infection till date is to save the humans from exposure to mosquito bites. This study proposes a Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning based system to detect the presence of two critical disease spreading classes of mosquitoes such as the Aedes and Culex. The proposed system will effectively aid in epidemiology to design evidence-based policies and decisions by analyzing the risks and transmission. The study proposes an effective methodology for the classification of mosquitoes using ML and CNN models. The novel RIFS has been introduced which integrates two types of feature selection techniques - the ROI-based image filtering and the wrappers-based FFS technique. Comparative analysis of various ML and deep learning models has been performed to determine the most appropriate model applicable based on their performance metrics as well as computational needs. Results prove that ETC outperformed among the all applied ML model by providing 0.992 accuracy while VVG16 has outperformed other CNN models by giving 0.986 of accuracy.

This study looks at how marginalized gay and lesbian people experience social pressures to conform to hetero-normative culture, how those pressures may lead to negative states, and how positive experiences in online virtual worlds would provide benefits over time and, presumably, become transferable into real life. I will show that engagement with Second Life can be a positive experience and that this positive experience can extend beyond the virtual world to provide lasting benefits in real life. The implications for educators are impressive. In creating virtual world communities, educators, psychologists, and other researchers can provide a safe harbor in which marginalized people can more fully explore their identities and develop the positive coping skills needed to deal with real world stigmatizing influences, which originate within the social environment. For scientists and technology innovators, the creation of virtual world communities and gaming/training programs would be an exciting path to explore, especially for those interested in social justice concerns.

In response to the apparent rise in chemsex in the Netherlands Mainline Foundation interviewed 27 MSM about their crystal meth use and/or experience with injecting in a sexual context. These men were interviewed about their motivation for methamphetamine use, their sexual risk-taking behaviour, methods and context of their drug use, and their information- and care needs. In 2015 this resulted in the status report Tina and Slamming: MSM, Crystal Meth Use and Intravenous Drug Use in a Sexual Context. Following the publication of this report Mainline foundation has been offering harm-reduction intervention for MSM and promoting the development of a continuum of care by building networks, training professionals and investing in advocacy. In our view, a continuum of care means the availability of a sufficient level of qualitative and effective preventive interventions, harm reduction services and treatment facilities that are connected, can track and intervene in the 'lifecycle' of individual drug use, and are easily accessible by the target group. This case study describes the various interventions of Mainline foundation, that make up their continuum of care approach concerning chemsex issues.

An extensive literature in management education addresses the pedagogical technique of showing video clips from feature films, animated films, and television shows. The bulk of this literature either asserts the benefits of using video clips or identifies specific clips and discusses how those clips can be effectively used to teach various management and organizational behavior topics. The assumption in all of this work is that the instructor will locate the video clips to be used. The authors present an alternative approach that has students locate video clips in groups, and discuss the numerous advantages of this approach for both instructors and students. In addition to describing the general approach, the authors elaborate on a number of possible variations and reflect on the lessons learned from implementing this approach in two independent courses at two different universities.

Executive Summary The evolution and mechanics of mentoring are examined as a prelude to arguing that mentoring is a natural component of effective leadership. Pro-social behavioral roots for mentoring are discussed and informal and formal mentoring programs are compared. The goals, merits, and problems with mentoring are explored. Employee opinions about mentoring are reported as uniformly positive and newly gathered opinions from mentoring students and hospitality industry managers are discussed. Conclusions include that mentoring is a natural part of the leadership dynamic and that mentoring of any kind is beneficial to employees. Suggestions are made as to how to improve the mentoring talents of leaders.

The benefits of simulation in nursing education are well documented. Nursing students learn in a safe environment that enhances critical thinking and collaboration. Barriers to simulation include cost, resources, and fear of technology. This article describes how to design and implement a quality simulation program for less than $20,000.

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between high school sport participation among university students and whether previous sports participation was associated with current levels of exercise-self efficacy, resilience, and psychological need satisfaction physical activity behaviors. Participants: College freshmen (n = 152) in the United States responded to an electronic survey sent out by their university. Methods: Participants completed a set of questionnaires assessing resilience, psychological need satisfaction in exercise, self-efficacy, and current PA. Results: Analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis H tests, independent samples t-tests, and ordinary least squares regression modeling were used. Total PA and having met moderate PA guidelines were both associated with exercise SE and PNSE. HS GPA, total PA, and being a college athlete were associated with both resilience and exercise SE. Conclusions: Sport participation may serve as an effective method for students to develop exercise SE, resilience, and PNSE. The development of these skills may support lifelong PA behaviors.