DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Partners in the Parks: Field Guide to an Experiential Program in the National Parks. Second Edition

Heather Thiessen-Reily et al. — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 16:05:19 PDT

Contents

Dedication: The National Park Service
Jerry Herron and Hallie Savage
Acknowledgments
About the Authors

Foreword
Heather Thiessen-Reily
Message from the Co-Chairs of the Partners in the Parks Committee
Kathleen King and Bill Atwill
King’s Canyon
Emily Blair

CHAPTER 1 A Ranger’s Welcome
Connie Rudd
Field Notes
Unexpected Discoveries at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison
National Park (Dana Reid)

CHAPTER 2 Origin and Evolution
Heather Thiessen-Reily and Joan Digby
Field Notes
Building for the Future (Dalton Dorrell)

CHAPTER 3 Stepping into the Wild
Heather Thiessen-Reily and Joan Digby
Field Notes
The Unexpected Wilderness of Sequoia National Park
(Johnny MacLean, Brian White, and Alysia Schmidt)
Defining Wilderness (Josh LaMore)

CHAPTER 4 Urban Landscapes
Joan Digby and Heather Thiessen-Reily
Field Notes
From Fire Island to Gateway: Evolution of an Urban Partners in the Parks (Melissa Antinori and James P. Clarke)

CHAPTER 5 Expanding Horizons Closer to Home
Heather Thiessen-Reily and Joan Digby
Field Notes
Immersion in Nature—Quite Literally: U.S. Virgin Islands
(Joan Digby with Kathleen Nolan and Kristy Biolsi)

CHAPTER 6 Partnerships and Process: A Step-by-Step Guide to
Initiating a PITP Program
Heather Thiessen-Reily and Joan Digby
Field Notes
Partnerships in the Park: Building a Community in Olympic
National Park (Alison Mills Willis, Laura Harrington, and Brook Kelly)

CHAPTER 7 Gearing Up
Heather Thiessen-Reily and Joan Digby
Field Notes
Everglades 2013/2014: Slogging through the Slough and Other
Favorite Experiences (Kathleen King)

CHAPTER 8 Group Soup and Creature Discomforts
Joan Digby and Heather Thiessen-Reily
Field Notes
On Top of the World: Backpacking in the Sierra Nevada Mountains (Chloe Margulis)

CHAPTER 9 Preparing, Experiencing, and Assessing Learning
Heather Thiessen-Reily and Joan Digby
Field Notes
Partners in the Parks: An Adventure in the Black Canyon Comes Home (Anjelica Harlow)

APPENDICES
A. Partners in the Parks Programs to Date
B. PITP Service-Learning Projects
C. Partners in the Parks Best Practices Manual
D. Sample Project Proposal and Final Budget Report
E. Letter and Application for Academic Fee Waiver
F. Key to Animal Tracks in the Field Notes
About the NCHC Monograph Series

Returns to Taxpayers' Research Expenditures: A Case in Point

Richard K. Perrin — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 14:10:30 PDT

For more than a century, taxpayers in Nebraska and across the nation have invested in agricultural research through the University of Nebraska's Agricultural Research Division (ARD). In the past two fiscal years, the ARD received an average of $27 million from state taxpayers and $13 million from federal taxpayers - a total of $40 million per year. In the study described below, we found that the annual net benefit from just one ARD research effort is about equal to this entire public expenditure.

What Crop Should be Grown If the Drought Continues?

Douglas H. Jose — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 14:10:21 PDT

Drought! Although it is a dreaded word in Nebraska we have not had to deal with a serious drought for many years. As of late January there is virtually no moisture in the soil profile. It is about 9 months before harvest and our moisture conditions can change significantly in that period. However, crop selection and crop insurance decisions will soon need to be made. The deadline to purchase crop insurance for spring seeded crops is March 15. In light of the low soil moisture conditions, should non-irrigated growers plant corn or grain sorghum? Over the past 10 years there has been a sustained and significant shift in the 搕raditional?grain sorghum areas to corn.

Trends in Retailing Activity Across Nebraska

Bruce Johnson et al. — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 14:10:15 PDT

The structural trend in production agriculture towards fewer and larger farms has had its counter-part in the retailing sector of the state as well. Over the past 30 years, the total retailing pie has increasingly shifted to the larger retailing centers across the State. The smaller retailing centers, particularly, have experienced greater retailing leakage. Moreover, these general shifts have seemed to continue unabated regardless of the overall economic conditions of their regions.

The Relationship Between Captive Supplies and Spot Cattle Prices: Is it Causation or Merely Correlation?

Azzeddine M. Azzam — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 14:10:09 PDT

Attempts by agricultural economists to estimate the relationship between captive supplies and spot cattle prices span over thirty years. What we know is that the relationship is negative. That is, when captive supply usage goes up, spot cattle prices go down. What we don’t know is whether or not the negative relationship means that an increase in captive supply usage causes a decline in cattle prices, thus hurting independent cattle producers. Results of a recent investigative research report, using an extensive data set from the Texas Panhandle, suggests that the observed negative relationship should not be taken as causation.

Changes Continue ?Some Observations

Wade Nutzman — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 14:10:03 PDT

As we enter the new century, one wonders what type of changes ag producers will face. What are some of the main factors that will shape the future? Will many things stay the same as they have been in the past? I started making notes of some of these concepts a few weeks ago. From my perspective, some items on this list deserve mention. These are things that I have heard producers talk about when I have worked with them over the past few years. Some are my observations of what is 慸own the road?for Nebraska agriculture.

Special Master Decision in Republican River Lawsuit

David J. Aiken — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 14:09:58 PDT

On January 28, 2000 the Special Master issued his first ruling in the Kansas v. Nebraska and Colorado lawsuit on the Republican River Compact. The ruling establishes that groundwater pumping in Nebraska will be part of the lawsuit. While the ruling is a legal setback for Nebraska, it does not come as a surprise.

Farmers's Preferences for the Structure of Agriculture, Communities and Employment in the Future

John C. Allen et al. — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 14:09:51 PDT

Tensions continue to develop as farmers and ranchers face changing international marketing conditions, changes in their communities and changes in the overall structure of food and fiber production. In the most recent Nebraska Rural Poll, farmers and ranchers were asked their preferences about the future as well as their expectations for what is to come.

PRICE ENHANCEMENT AND RISK MANAGEMENT

Roger Selley — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 14:09:45 PDT

In the recent 2000 Corn-Soybean Expo Marketing workshops participants were given an opportunity to market corn and compare their decisions with others. The workshop is described below, along with some of what we learned. Participants were asked to decide whether they wanted to purchase CRC multi-peril crop insurance and how much corn they wanted to cash forward contract from early April to late July for harvest-time delivery. For workshops in predominately irrigated areas, participants were given past corn yields for a 500-acre farm with a 10- year average yield of 165 bushels per acre based on actual yields from a University of Nebraska farm near Clay Center. Corn production that wasn't forward priced would be sold at harvest and any shortfall of contracted production would have to be purchased at 5 cents above the harvest cash price. Cash forward prices were announced to participants two weeks at a time up to the end of July. Cash forward commitments were collected before the next price was announced. The actual year was not announced until harvest time. At that time the yield and harvest cash price were announced, using 1990 prices and yields.

Nebraska’s Agricultural Real Estate Market Holds Steady

Bruce Johnson — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 14:09:39 PDT

Despite the generally poor commodity prices during most of 1999, the markets for agricultural land remained relatively unchanged in terms of value levels and cash rental rates. Preliminary results from the February 1, 2000 UNL land market survey indicate a state all-land average value of $696 per acre, less than a 1 percent increase from 12 months earlier (Figure 1 and Table 1). For the state as a whole, the various classes of cropland moved slightly in both directions of year-earlier levels, with the 12-month changes being hardly more than the recent daily gyrations of the stock market. And though some areas of the state experienced somewhat larger declines, none were more than 10 percent – the level considered by stock market analysts as a market correction. Clearly, depressed crop commodity prices toned down local markets for cropland; but survey reporters also noted the countervailing influence of the federal farm program payments which helped cash flow conditions during the year.

Transgenic Sugarbeets: Potential for Increased Farm Income

Dillon Feuz — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 14:09:33 PDT

Sugarbeets are grown on nearly 1.5 million acres in the United States, with a production value in excess of $1.1 billion for the 1997 crop year. In Nebraska, sugarbeets are grown on over 65,000 acres in a dozen western counties generating over $36 million dollars in farm revenue. There are two active sugar refineries in the area that contribute to the local economy in terms of value added activity.

Feedgrain Prices, Hog Production and Fixity

Glenn A. Helmers — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 14:09:27 PDT

One of the characteristics of the feedgrain sector in recent years has been its large year to year price fluctuations. There are two possible causes for these fluctuations in prices: 1) short-run (one year or less) changes in domestic and export demands, and (2) weather-related shifts in the supply of feedgrains in the face of a feedgrain demand, which exhibits little price responsiveness in the short-run. While both aspects may be involved, here we will examine only the second issue of why fluctuations in domestic feedgrain supply result in such wide fluctuations in prices, due to feedgrain demand being so unresponsive to short-run prices.

Fuel Prices and Farm Costs

Larry L. Bitney et al. — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 14:09:20 PDT

We have received questions lately on the impact of increased fuel prices on Nebraska's agricultural producers. While the direction is certain, the magnitude of the effect is a difficult question to answer. Strategies employed by individual producers that we have visited with range from a few who locked in diesel fuel prices at lower levels, to those who were waiting as long as possible to buy their fuel for spring work.

Divide and Conquer Marketing

Deb Rood — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 14:09:14 PDT

Why is commodity marketing so hard to learn? Whenever you start you become overwhelmed with information. You hear from one advisory telling you to sell puts, another is telling you to buy calls. You are told to cover your costs of production. They want you to watch the charts for a head and shoulders, which you thought was in the shampoo isle at the grocery store. Learning marketing can be confusing and daunting, causing many producers to just give up. But the hard fact is, that if you are selling grain or livestock some basic knowledge in marketing is a must. So how do you corral all this information and bring some kind of order to chaos?

Producer Ownership in the Marketing Chain

Allen Prosch — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 14:09:04 PDT

Pork producers continue to seek avenues to retain ownership of their product as it moves along the “Pork Supply Chain.” The activities being considered have the potential to improve the return that producers receive for their products. Many of the activities have broader implications to all production agriculture.

New Generation Cooperatives

Jeffrey S. Royer — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 14:08:58 PDT

New Generation Cooperatives (NGCs) are farmerowned cooperative organizations generally characterized by an involvement in value-added processing activities and a linkage of producer capital contributions to product delivery rights. Although the earliest NGCs were established in the North Central United States, particularly in North Dakota and Minnesota, interest in this organizational form has spread to other regions of the country because of the perceived success of many of these cooperatives. Recently, NGCs have been involved in traditional value-added activities such as corn sweetener production, sugar beet processing, pasta production and hog operations, as well as activities related to emerging niche markets such as bison processing, tilapia production, organic milling and speciality cheese processing. Producers generally form NGCs to develop new value-added products in order to access a greater share of consumer food expenditures.

Endangered Species, the Platte Cooperative Agreement, Environmental Assessment and Nebraska Water Rights

David j. Aiken — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 14:08:52 PDT

On July 1, 1997, the states of Nebraska, Colorado and Wyoming, and the U.S. Department of the Interior signed the "Cooperative Agreement for Platte River Research and Other Efforts Relating to Endangered Species Habitat Along the Central Platte River, Nebraska," more commonly known as the Platte River Cooperative Agreement (PRCA). The PRCA is a proposed framework for cooperatively addressing Platte River endangered species issues. In order to implement the PRCA, the endangered species recovery program that the PRCA proposes must be reviewed and federally approved under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the federal National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). One of NEPA's requirements is that federal agencies consider alternatives to the proposed action, in this case the PRCA endangered species recovery plan, including the no-action? alternative. Recent newspaper accounts describe the rather severe water rights implications of implementing the no-action alternative, i.e., the implications of not implementing the PRCA. This article briefly discusses the PRCA, the NEPA and ESA review processes, water rights implications of the ESA, and policy challenges facing Nebraska in implementing the PRCA.

1999 FARM & RANCH PROFITABILITY

Gary Bredensteiner — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 14:08:46 PDT

For the past 5 years, the Nebraska Farm Business Association (a Cooperative Extension program) and the Nebraska Farm and Ranch Management (a Nebraska Community College program) have used the same computer program to provide business financial analysis information to cooperating farms and ranches. Each of those 5 years, average data has been compiled and published in a year-end report provided free to cooperators and offered for sale to the general public. Following are a few excerpts and observations from the 56 page publication.

Planning for Beef Cattle Operations in the Face of Drought

Richard T. Clark — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 14:08:40 PDT

Parts of Nebraska are extremely dry. Even timely rains are not likely to result in normal crop and grass production on non-irrigated ground. Livestock operations dependent on grass from April through the remainder of the year are greatly susceptible to problems. Below normal grass production will mean lower carrying capacities. Rainfall shortage may also impact livestock drinking water in areas with shallow wells and areas that depend on small earthen dams. Early planning usually offers more options since the options are often time dependent. But late planning is better than no planning.

An Economic Development Strategy for Rural Nebraska: Recommendations from the Nebraska Rural Development Commission

Sam Cordes — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 14:08:35 PDT

Earlier this year the Nebraska Rural Development Commission released a report titled Determining the Future of Rural Nebraska. The stated goal of the report is ?..to stimulate discussion, debate and consensus regarding what we should be doing locally, regionally, and at the state level and nationally to create our future for the next millennium.?This 53 page report provides a wealth of information and ideas for anyone who is interested in the future of rural Nebraska.*

U.S. Economy Less Robust

Roy Frederick — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 14:08:29 PDT

The U.S. economy is a lot like the human body. Experts know a great deal about both. That doesn’t mean, however, that quick remedies are possible for every ailment that comes along.

Telecommunications Act of 1996: Issues That Effect Nebraskans

John J. Allen — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 14:08:23 PDT

With the passage of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, the pace of regulatory change increased exponentially. The impact on rural areas is significant; the issues specific to Southern states and communities unique. This report provides a brief history of telecommunications regulation and an overview of the key elements of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Innovations in state telecommunications regulations, as well as a summary of actions taken by Southern states since the 1996 Act was adopted, are discussed. After this whirlwind tour of telecommunications regulation, the report examines the evidence for the importance of telecommunications technology in rural areas and reviews key technology innovations that hold promise for rural areas. Finally, a checklist of items that state and local decision-makers need to consider when defining telecommunications policy for their regions is presented. This report is intentionally brief; where appropriate, references to web sites or other resources are provided. In addition, a review of topics that have been addressed by public service commissions in Southern states reveals that different states have addressed various issues in unique ways.

Preharvest Soybean Marketing Strategies

George H. Pfeiffer et al. — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 14:08:09 PDT

Soybean producers who decide to use the futures markets to price their crop face a number of important decisions. Among the choices they face are whether to use futures or options on futures, when should positions be established and liquidated, which futures months are most appropriate and what particular marketing strategies or combinations of strategies to employ. Ongoing research in Nebraska on soybean marketing strategies from the early 80's through the present has revealed evidence that relatively simple marketing strategies employing futures markets can be profitable for producers, and that the most profitable strategies have been relatively consistent over time. As can be seen on the chart below of the November soybean futures price from 1989 through 1998, definite seasonality appears on average, with peak prices generally occurring in mid-spring, and rather steadily declining prices during the growing season until harvest. Declining prices are punctuated on average with an early summer rally, perhaps explained by trader concerns about adequate moisture, and an early fall rally perhaps explained by trader concerns about potential early frosts.

Who Is Buying Nebraska Farmland?

Bruce Johnson et al. — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 14:08:02 PDT

As part of our ongoing monitoring and analysis of Nebraska抯 agricultural land market, we have tracked for several years the patterns and trends of actual real estate transactions. Each year, our reporters from around the state provide us with detailed information on about 500 transactions which have occurred during the previous 12 months. They report on sales which they deem as armslength and typical for their locality. Given that only about three percent of the state's agricultural land base changes ownership each year, the tracts reported in our survey represent about 10 percent of the total annual transactions? a size adequate to draw inferences for the market as a whole.

Responding to Financial Stress

Larry L. Bitney — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 14:07:56 PDT

Drought, low grain prices and high fuel prices are on the minds of many Nebraska farm families this summer. The impact of these events will of course be different by area of the state, by enterprise mix on each farm and the financial position of the business coming into this year. Unless managed properly, these events are likely to lead to financial difficulty this fall or next spring.

Farm Use of Computers and Internet

Matt Spilker — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 14:07:50 PDT

The availability of personal computers and the Internet has changed the business climate on farms and ranches across the United States. Record keeping, business analysis, communications and marketing are a few notable examples of potential computing applications. But how many in the farm sector have taken advantage of this potential tool?

Acreage Trends Mixed for GMOs

Roy Frederick — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 14:07:44 PDT

USDA’s June Crop Report made headlines mostly because the corn acreage planted for 2000 exceeded expectations. At 79.6 million acres, the total was at least 1 million acres higher than most pre-report guesses. Prices skidded, helped along by reports of timely rains throughout the Corn Belt.

What Can We Expect from the Markets for the Next Few Months

Lynn Lutgen — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 14:07:38 PDT

When we started into June we had the chance of fluctuating markets due to drought in some areas and hot weather coupled with inadequate subsoil moisture in other areas of the United States. Then the rains started, and since then we have had general widespread and very adequate rainfall. Now that is not to say that some areas such as Southwestern Nebraska are not suffering from drought conditions, but for most of the U.S. the drought and chance of drought has certainly been curtailed.

Industrialization and Globalization: A Battle Over Values?

Gary D. Lynne — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 14:07:32 PDT

About a year ago a French farmer proclaimed, while he checked himself into jail for his part in vandalizing a new McDonald’s restaurant, “My struggle remains the same . . . the battle against globalization, and for the right of people to feed themselves as they choose'' (New York Times, August 29, 1999). Such protests reflect even more fundamental underlying concerns for food produced in ways not always meeting higher level needs, e.g., not satisfying the cultural needs for the French, a country in which the event of a meal is often just as important as the food itself. The concept of “fast food” does not fit well. In addition, again Europe, we see rejection of the genetically modified organisms being introduced into the food supply. We also experienced first hand, through our home television sets the protests against the International Monetary Fund and World Trade Organization in the Seattle riots. These organizations are seen by some as threats to local choice. We also seem to be experiencing, at more fundamental levels, perhaps excessive industrial concentration; decline in rural communities; and oft times polluted environments. No wonder, then, that we sometimes see a sense of gloom in the food system and especially among farm/ranch youth and students who might otherwise pursue food system careers.

Direct Farm Marketing - Rural Economic Development Opportunities

Marilyn Schlake — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 14:07:26 PDT

Direct farm marketing is once again on the rise. Enterprising producers across the nation are developing a renewed interest in direct sales for numerous reasons - - low farm-gate prices, increased interaction between farming communities and growing suburbs, increased interest in food safety and the environment and a willingness of consumers to purchase food products at a premium price. Direct marketing potentially means preserving small farms, strengthening the social relations between rural and urban citizens and rural economic development.

To Diversify or Not? A Lesson from a Harvard Research Study

Ram Valluru — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 14:07:21 PDT

Not long ago in 1998, Doug Jose and I conducted 16 focus group interviews with a diverse set of beginning farmers across the state, to learn about the main constraints and opportunities for beginning farmers. Despite the diversity, a common thread seems to run across the fabric of these farmers: a strong goal to have the country lifestyle and independence. Almost all the farmers expressed a severe resource crunch. Two thirds of the producers that were interviewed expressed that they were struggling to make a decent living on the farm, netting at least $ 35,000 per year. As an economist, I began to think of a possible universal solution for all these resource strapped producers who just loved to farm. The solution I arrived at was fuzzy and unconfirmed until I read the book “The Origin of the Entrepreneurial Species,” by Dr. Amar V. Bhide (Oxford University Press).

Are There Opportunities to Enter Production Agriculture Today?

Dave Goeller — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 14:07:15 PDT

Most persons would not be surprised that the average age of Nebraska farmers is increasing. In 1982 there were approximately 1.5 farmers under age 35 for every farmer over age 65. In 1997 the relationship of younger farmers to older farmers had reversed. The latest Nebraska census of agriculture indicates there are about 2.5 farmers over age 65 for every farmer under 35. Approximately 41% of the land and farm machinery in Nebraska ($14 billion) is owned by those 55 years of age or older. That age group owns approximately 46% of Nebraska’s cow herds as well as about 27% of the breeding hogs. The vacuum created by the retirement of these Nebraska producers is going to be filled by someone. Will it be by existing producers who will continue to get bigger? Or, is there potential to bring new farmers/ranchers into agriculture?

State’s Net Farm Income Levels Tell Quite A Story

Bruce Johnson et al. — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 14:07:08 PDT

Nebraska’s 1999 net farm income levels document what people in the industry already knew – 1999 was not a good year for the agricultural economy. According to the recently released 1999 USDA net farm income statistics, Nebraska’s 1999 aggregate net farm income was estimated at $1.66 billion. This total falls 10 percent below the 1998 figure and nearly 18 percent below the annual average of the 1990’s (Table 1).

Some ABCs on Commodity Loans and LDPs

Roger Selley — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 14:07:02 PDT

The objective of the loan rate has been to provide eligible producers the equivalent of a minimum price. When the market price remains below the loan rate a nonrecourse loan accomplishes this objective by allowing the producer (borrower) to forfeit the grain provided as security and cancel a loan that was made at the loan rate. The grain must be in storage under loan for 9 months before forfeiture is an option. The net result with forfeiture is the producer realizes the loan rate (accrued interest is forgiven) less storage costs. The marketing/promotion assessment is also deducted from the loan proceeds, as is a loan service fee plus any bin measurement fees. If the market price rises above the loan rate the producer can repay the loan at anytime, plus accrued interest and market or feed the grain.

AGRICULTURE, TRADE AND THE WTO

Wesley Peterson — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 14:06:56 PDT

The Uruguay Round (UR) of trade negotiations, conducted under the auspices of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), ran from 1986 to 1994. The final UR agreement brought agriculture under the full discipline of the GATT for the first time. It also established the World Trade Organization (WTO) which incorporates all of the earlier agreements included in the GATT as well as the Agreement on Agriculture and several other components. These agreements were officially signed in Marrakesh, Morocco in 1995 and entered into force that same year after they were ratified by national governments, including that of the United States.

Is Grass the Cheapest Feed?

Richard T. Clark — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 14:06:50 PDT

A recent IRM meeting with cattle producers in Gering highlighted the fact that different producers have different approaches to answering this question. It was quite obvious that the answer is “it depends.” It depends on the availability and cost of alternative sources of nutrition for the animal, labor costs and producer goals.

Employee Motivation

Lance L. Cummins-Brown — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 14:06:45 PDT

Currently in the state of Nebraska, there is a shortage of agricultural workers. As Nebraska’s population continues to move east, and the size of grain and livestock operations continue to increase, finding and retaining employees will become a necessity for more agricultural producers. Research is being conducted at the University of Nebraska to improve the leadership skills of producers. Even though there are many skills successful leaders need to have, one of the most important is being able to motivate your employees. A recent study looked at the relationship between an employee’s source of motivation and the type of behaviors they demonstrate while at work. This study has helped us to better understand what motivates agricultural workers in the state of Nebraska and allows us to make suggestions to employers on how to effectively motivate their employees. In the following paragraphs the results of this study and the implications for producers will be discussed.

Improved Beef Demand Benefits Nebraska Cattle Producers

Richard T. Clark — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 14:06:39 PDT

From 1979 until 1997 inflation-adjusted, retail beef prices in the U.S. declined by over 30%. During this same time period, per capita consumption declined about 10 pounds. These two facts, declining prices and declining consumption, lead to the conclusion that demand for beef in the U.S. declined over this time period.

Renting Grain Storage Facilities

Larry Bitney et al. — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 14:06:32 PDT

Renting a grain bin from a neighbor may be the answer to a producer’s grain storage needs. Retired farmers, those who have excess storage capacity, and those who have scaled back their operations may want to generate some income from renting out their bins. In most cases the parties involved want to know, “What is a fair rental rate?”

Marketing: A Changing Concept in Changing Times

Allen Prosch — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 14:06:27 PDT

Pork Powerhouses 2000, the annual report from Successful Farming magazine changed this year when they recast the report as the 50 largest commercial pork producers in North America. Recognizing the movement of pork production in the international sector, while not innovative in itself, indicates the changes in agriculture taking place in the world. The minimum number of sows to make the list increased sixty-six percent (66%) from 1999's 7,200 sows to 12,000 sows this year. Eight Canadian firms made the list this year with a total of 202,200 sows.

The Effects of Biotechnology on Concentration and Structure in the Agricultural Inputs Industry

Konstantinos Giannakas et al. — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 14:06:21 PDT

In the last five years, biotechnology has emerged as a major focus of interest in agriculture. This article focuses on one of the many questions that have arisen around this new technology. In particular, the purpose of the paper is to identify the scope and significance of the links between biotechnology and the structure and conduct of the agricultural inputs industry and to develop a framework for analyzing the distribution of the benefits of innovations due to biotechnology.

Carbon Sequestration: What’s It all About?

Douglas H. Jose — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 14:06:15 PDT

The following article is based on an interview I did with Professor Dan Walters on the Market Journal video broadcast on October 16. The full interview can be viewed by going to the Rural Routes website (ruralroutes.unl.edu) and clicking on “broadcast” under the “October Market Journal” heading.

Producer Protection Act of 2000

David J. Aiken — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 14:06:09 PDT

Agricultural production contracts are becoming more widespread in Nebraska. (Contract production should be distinguished from custom farming, which is not at issue here). Under ag production contracts, farmers may contract to produce crops or livestock typically for processors. Contracting is widespread in the broiler industry, and is becoming more common in the swine and beef industry, and for some crops. The Producer Protection Act of 2000 (PPA) is a proposed model state statute prepared by the National Association of Attorney Generals to deal with legal issues associated with agricultural contracting. The PPA was developed in order to avoid some problems that have arisen with contracting in the broiler industry. Legislative proposals based on the PPA are likely to be introduced in the 2001 session of the Nebraska Unicameral. The PPA is 15 single-spaced pages long, and this newsletter provides only a brief summary of the legal issues raised. The PPA would provide substantially more legal protection to contract growers than they would likely receive under a typical production contract.

Value-Added and the Declining Farm Share of Consumer Expenditures for Food

Jeffrey S. Royer — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 14:06:02 PDT

The farm share of consumer expenditures for food has fallen substantially over the past five decades. As shown in Figure 1, consumer expenditures for domestically produced farm foods increased from $50.9 billion in 1952 to $618.4 billion in 1999. The farm value of these foods increased from $20.4 billion to $120.5 billion during the same period, representing a decline in the farm share from 40 percent to 20 percent.

Projecting Cash Needs and Production Costs

Roger Selley — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 14:05:56 PDT

Some producers suggest they prepare a cash flow if needed for their lender, but otherwise find the projection too dependent upon unknowns to be useful. Earlier newsletters have suggested using projected cash flow commitments to determine the level of crop insurance coverage. Much of the information required to prepare a cash flow projection can also be used to prepare a projected return over variable costs (gross margin) for individual enterprises. Gross margins can be used to project, for example, which crops will be most profitable.

Potential Cost of Agricultural Water for Meeting In-stream Flow Demands

Raymond J. Supalla — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 14:05:49 PDT

In 1997 the states of Colorado, Nebraska and Wyoming signed a Cooperative Agreement (CA) which called for making 130,000 to 150,000 acre feet of additional water available for meeting endangered species needs along the Big Bend Reach of the Platte River. Three projects, one in each state, will contribute 70,000 acre feet towards this goal. The remaining 60,000 to 80,000 acre feet must be acquired thorough other means, the most likely being the purchase or leasing of rights to what is now irrigation water. If the CA is eventually implemented, all purchases and leases of irrigation water will be negotiated on a willing buyer and willing seller basis. The cost of the endangered species water will be shared by the three states and the federal government. Those interested in buying endangered species water are concerned about what it might cost, and those interested in selling are interested in potential profits.

Faculty Exchange Program In Second Year at UNL

Lynn Lutgen — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 14:05:43 PDT

The Agricultural Economics Department joined USDA in a Faculty Exchange Program (FEP) with the Ukraine and Russia in the spring of 1999. Each year four professors from the Ukraine and Russia arrive in Lincoln in August and leave the middle of December. While in Nebraska they take classes, travel, and develop class outlines and news articles that they will use when they return home. This year we have three professors visiting from the Ukraine and one from Russia. The following are their impressions of the U.S. and Nebraska, along with some thoughts on the Faculty Exchange Program.

Amartya Sen and World Food Day 2000

Bettina Klaus — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 14:05:38 PDT

As every year, World Food Day took place on October 16th. Being relatively new to UNL (and the U.S.), and being an assistant professor in the Economics Department (joint with the Agricultural Economics Department) with research interests in social choice and game theory, the probability that I would get involved with World Food Day were slim. However, somehow it caught my eye that the yearly teleconference that accompanies World Food Day featured the 1998 Nobel prize winner for economics, Professor Amartya Sen. The 2000 World Food Day’s teleconference topic was “Poverty and Hunger: The Tragic Link” and in a superb way it linked Professor Sen’s contributions to welfare economics and his economic insights with the complex subject of hunger and famines. In this article I would like to reflect on some of Professor Sen’s views on hunger and famines. My main sources of information are the study/action package that was distributed by Georgia State University (see http://www.gsu.edu/~wwwwfd/) for this year’s World Food Day and Professor Sen’s 1981 book “Poverty and Famines: An Essay on Entitlement and Deprivation,” Oxford: Claredon Press.

Cooperative & Nebraska “Blue Sky” Statutes

David J. Aiken — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 14:05:31 PDT

Cooperative fever is sweeping Nebraska. Agricultural producers are looking for ways to add value to what they produce, often through forming “new generation” cooperatives or by forming limited liability companies (LLCs). New generation cooperatives differ from traditional cooperatives in that new generation cooperatives typically (1) have closed membership and (2) process goods produced by co-op members. New generation cooperatives are more like citrus and other fruit cooperatives that have existed in other parts of the country. The Nebraska Unicameral is providing financial assistance to assist developing these kinds of value-added efforts through LB1348, the “Agricultural Opportunities and Value-Added Partnerships Act.” LB1348 was enacted in 2000 and is administered by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture. For questions regarding LB1348 grants, call the NDA at (800) 422-6692.

African Poetry Book Fund-African Poetry Library Manual: How to manage and set up the library.

Lorna M. Dawes et al. — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 13:18:28 PDT

The African Poetry Library Initiative, an initiative of the African

Poetry Book Fund, is a collaborative venture to establish

accessible and user-friendly small poetry libraries on the African

continent to support aspiring and established poets and to give

them access to contemporary poetry in books and journals, and

to serve as a resource for poets interested in publication in Africa

and around the world. The initiative will be guided by

collaboration between US and UK publishers of poetry, literary

arts organizations, poet’s libraries and literary journals and

African libraries, writers co-ops or cultural centers, and poets and

will be coordinated by the African Poetry Book Fund and the

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries. This manual provides directions for the libraries to help in the setting up and management of the library

Linguistics and LIS: A Research Agenda

Mary K. Bolin — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 13:18:23 PDT

Wheat and Feed Grains in the Great Plains and Northwest: Supply Response and Resource Use

G. A. Helmers et al. — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 12:08:45 PDT

The basic objective of the research reported here is to estimate supply response with varying product prices for wheat and feed grains. Within a framework of representative farm income maximization, changing product price relationships lead to supply adjustments which are aggregated and expressed as normative supply functions. Another objective is to analyze the resource use and net returns with varying prices for wheat and feed grains. The analysis of resources considers changes in overall levels of resources demanded in response to changing wheat and feed grain prices. Similarly, the analysis of net returns examines differences in net returns in response to changing product prices. Another purpose of the research reported here is for use in studying comparative production advantage and probable trends. Area differences in supply functions and adjustment paths lead to implications regarding the changing production structure of the Great Plains and Northwest. The broad area of governmental policy and programs is heavily dependent upon supply analyses of this nature.

11th New World Luminescence Dating Workshop Scientific Program and Abstracts and Field Trip Guide Book

P.R. Hanson et al. — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 11:16:01 PDT

Intrinsically Photosensitive Retinal Ganglion Cells

Gary E. Pickard et al. — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 14:55:28 PDT

Intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) respond to light in the absence of all rod and cone photoreceptor input. The existence of these ganglion cell photoreceptors, although predicted from observations scattered over many decades, was not established until it was shown that a novel photopigment, melanopsin, was expressed in retinal ganglion cells of rodents and primates. Phototransduction in mammalian ipRGCs more closely resembles that of invertebrate than vertebrate photoreceptors and appears to be mediated by transient receptor potential channels. In the retina, ipRGCs provide excitatory drive to dopaminergic amacrine cells and ipRGCs are coupled to GABAergic amacrine cells via gap junctions. Several subtypes of ipRGC have been identified in rodents based on their morphology, physiology and expression of molecular markers. ipRGCs convey irradiance information centrally via the optic nerve to influence several functions including photoentrainment of the biological clock located in the hypothalamus, the pupillary light reflex, sleep and perhaps some aspects of vision. In addition, ipRGCs may also contribute irradiance signals that interface directly with the autonomic nervous system to regulate rhythmic gene activity in major organs of the body. Here we review the early work that provided the motivation for searching for a new mammalian photoreceptor, the ground-breaking discoveries, current progress that continues to reveal the unusual properties of these neuron photoreceptors, and directions for future investigation.

Boron-Rich Semiconducting Boron Carbide Neutron Detector

Andrew D. Harken et al. — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 14:53:10 PDT

Data on the neutron detection capabilities of a variety of boron carbide/Si heterojunction diodes is presented. The pulse height spectra are compared with previously measured conversion layer devices and the variations in shape and position of the peaks are discussed.

Data sets for “PUBH-D-17-00335R2 Effects of Selected Socio-demographic Characteristics on Nutrition Knowledge and Eating Behavior of Elementary Students in Two Provinces in China”

Ling Qian et al. — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 13:35:48 PDT

The 2 attached digital files are placed in UNL Digital Commons for access by readers of open access journal BMC Public Health < https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/ >. The data set supports the analysis reported in the study “PUBH-D-17-00335R2 Effects of Selected Socio-demographic Characteristics on Nutrition Knowledge and Eating Behavior of Elementary Students in Two Provinces in China” by Ling Qian, MD PhD; Fan Zhang, MD PhD; Ian M. Newman, PhD; Duane F. Shell, PhD; Weijing Du, MD PhD.

The paper has been accepted by BMC Public Health. It is the journal’s policy that the data on which the conclusions are based are available publicly. The authors Ian M. Newman and Duane F. Shell are UNL faculty in the Department of Educational Psychology.

The files are:

Primary School Nutrition Data Code Manual No school names.docx (MS Word)

and

xiaoxue1ThirdGradeData_Time1.xl (MS Excel)

(Attached below.)

Rev. of "McCarthy," play by Jeff Goldsmith with James Pickering as Sen. Joseph McCarthy

William Grange — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 12:19:17 PDT

Review of McCarthy by Jeff Goldsmith, directed by Frank Condon, with James Pickering as Sen. Joseph McCarthy.

“The Popular Repertory and the German-American Audience: the Pabst Theater in Milwaukee, 1885-1909”

William Grange — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 12:19:13 PDT

German-language theatre in Milwaukee reached its pinnacle in 1895 with the construction of the Pabst Theater, and there it flourished until 1909. The first theatre performances in Milwaukee, however, had taken place at mid-point in the nineteenth century.

"Rules, Regulations, and the Reich: Comedy under the Auspices of the Propaganda Ministry"

William Grange Prof. Dr. — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 12:19:10 PDT

On September 22, 1933 the National Socialist cabinet, under Chancellor Adolf Hitler, passed the Reich Cultural Chamber Law (the Reichskulturkammergesetz), giving Propaganda Minister Joseph Goebbels charge of an organization the new Law created, the Reich Cultural Chamber. Theatre Chamber reserved the right to license productions for any theatre performance; but like most bureaucracies, it expanded its domain of authority, increased its budgetary needs, and consolidated its power. The Reich Theater Act (Reichstheatergesetz) in 1934 sustained those efforts. On September 15, 1935 the Theatrical Trade Guild (Fachschaft Bühne) was founded in accordance with the so-called Nuremberg Laws, which redefined the legal status of several classes of citizens within Germany. Goebbels named Dr. Rainer Schlösser Reich Dramaturg, with authority over all aspects of repertoire selection in the Reich..

Farm Types in Nebraska, as Determined by Climatic, Soil, and Economic Factors

R. R. Spafford — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 10:38:17 PDT

This bulletin treats chiefly of Nebraska agricultural areas as determined by climatic, soil, and economic factors. Most of the subject matter centers about the kind of farm crops grown and their yields. Cultural practices applied to crops are only incidentally considered. Most of the data used are from the Thirteenth Census of the United States and cover the crop year 1909. The small amount of data not derived from this source comes largely from field studies in this State and is used merely to support certain methods of treating census data.

Legal Aspects of Financial Distress: Refinancing Issues

David J. Aiken — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 06:40:28 PDT

Nebraska hog producers are currently facing prices that have reached historic lows. Some producers may be discussing financing options with their lenders and other creditors. This newsletter identifies some issues to consider when refinancing operating (and other) agricultural loans. Always consult an attorney before signing or negotiating legal documents, such as loan agreements.

Nebraska Highlights from the 1997 Census of Agriculture

Bruce Johnson — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 06:40:20 PDT

Early results from the National 1997 Census of Agriculture were released to the public over the Internet February 1st. The Ag Census, which is conducted at five-year intervals, serves as a key benchmark of structural conditions and trends in agriculture. In addition, it provides valuable detailed information about production agriculture down to state and county levels.

ARE THE MARKET LOWS IN FOR WHEAT?

Lynn Lutgen — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 06:40:12 PDT

On July 12, 1999 USDA released it’s crop production report. The report indicated that all wheat production is down nine percent from 1998. The 1999 U.S. wheat crop is now estimated at 2.333 billion bushels, which is 217 million less than the 1998 harvest.

Barriers to U.S.-European Agricultural Trade

George H. Pfeiffer — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 06:40:03 PDT

Serious threats to continuation of good trade relations between the U.S. and the European Union (EU) have arisen recently affecting both plant and animal products. The ostensible justification for European import bans on U.S. beef is based largely on the use of hormones and growth stimulants by U.S. cattle producers, a practice that is not permitted in Europe. Threats to the export of grain and oil seed products as well as the seeds themselves are related to European reluctance to introduce genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the food supply. A cynical view of the existence of trade barriers is that they have been erected largely as a means of insulating European farmers from world competition. A more complete examination of the issues at stake, however, reveals a more complex set of differences and problems.

Declining Profit Margins - A 10 Year Trend

Larry Bitney — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 06:39:54 PDT

In the May 12 issue of this newsletter, Gary Bredensteiner discussed the drop in farm income for 1998. He used data from the Nebraska Farm Business Association (NFBA) and the Nebraska Farm and Ranch Management Program (NFRMP) annual summaries to show the impact on typical farms. Low prices for all major commodities was the primary cause of the sharp reduction in income for 1998.

Providing the EDGE for Small Businesses

Marilyn Schlake — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 06:39:45 PDT

Over the past decade, the explosive impact of small businesses on the United States economy has drawn the attention of policy makers and economic developers alike. And, with good reason! Information from the 1992 Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy showed that in Nebraska microbusinesses (businesses that employed less than 5 employees) accounted for more than 91% of all businesses in the state and contributed 20% of the state抯 payroll and proprietors?income. These businesses are located in communities and on the farms. They are auto repair shops, bakeries, jelly makers, tool and die shops, restaurants and crafters, just to name a few. The list is endless, but the impact reaches far into the community, providing jobs and economic security.

ARE THE MARKET LOWS IN FOR WHEAT?

Lynn Lutgen — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 06:39:36 PDT

On July 12, 1999 USDA released it抯 crop production report. The report indicated that all wheat production is down nine percent from 1998. The 1999 U.S. wheat crop is now estimated at 2.333 billion bushels, which is 217 million less than the 1998 harvest.

Some Thoughts About the Number and Size of Farms in Nebraska

Roy Frederick — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 06:39:28 PDT

The 1997 Census of Agriculture indicated that Nebraska had 51,454 farms at the end of that year. (A farm is a place from which $1,000 or more of agricultural products are sold annually). This is the smallest number of farms since early in the state抯 history.

Declining Crop Diversity and Increasing Industrialization

Larry Cutforth et al. — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 06:39:18 PDT

For centuries, farmers have used crop rotations to diversify crop production. During the last 30 years, most crop rotations have been eliminated as part of the shift toward enterprise specialization. Chemical inputs, improved hybrids and varieties and large field machinery have increased productivity and pushed the production of the major commodity crops with ever fewer farmers. The continued shift toward less diverse and industrialized farming is considered by many experts to be inevitable, as well as essential to support a growing world population on a diminishing agricultural land base (Urban, 1991).

Structural Change in the Pork Industry - Another Perspective -

Mike Turner — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 06:39:08 PDT

Observers of the pork industry have had ample opportunity to explain what has transpired during the 1990's. It has been a period of dramatic and remarkable change. Concentration in production and processing has been a major part of the story. Approximately 8 percent of U.S. hog production was contributed by Mega hog farms at the beginning of the decade to over 50% by firms with 10,000 sows or more by 1999. The reasons for this remarkable growth in concentration are undoubtedly many.

Dairy Options Pilot Program

Rama S. Valluru — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 06:38:56 PDT

Dairy producers are more prone to production, marketing and financial risks than ever because they have few marketing alternatives, despite the highly volatile milk prices. Considering the precarious situation that dairy farmers face, USDA's Risk Management Agency (RMA) has launched a novel costshare program in select states and counties across the nation that allows farmers to try and use futures and options markets. The program, Dairy Options Pilot Program (DOPP), at a cost of $11 million is a first of its kind. Launched under the 1996 FAIR Act, it was first announced on June 8, 1998 by the Secretary of Agriculture, Dan Glickman. The program helps dairy producers to create their own financial safety net by purchasing exchange-traded options on the price of their milk.

Cost of Augmenting Stream Flow Through Reduced Groundwater Pumping

Raymond J. Supalla et al. — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 06:38:47 PDT

There is currently considerable speculation and concern over the possibility of using reduced groundwater pumping to augment stream flow. This option has been raised as a possibility for helping Nebraska meet its compact obligations on the Republican River and as a means of providing part of the instream flow needs in the Big Bend reach of the Platte. The merits of this option depend on hydrology, value judgements regarding property rights and entitlements and on the economic cost of reduced pumping. This paper addresses only the question of economic cost.

Flexible Cash Leases: Some Additional Considerations

Roger Selley — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 06:38:34 PDT

In the February 24, 1999 issue of this newsletter, John Cole discussed the idea of flexible cash leasing and described some examples for adjusting cash rents. Several of us have continued to discuss the flexible cash lease and have further explored its application. Part of our interest in flexible cash leases has been due to the relatively infrequent rate at which cash rents are adjusted (an average of once every 5 years in Nebraska) and a shift that has been taking place from crop-share rents to fixed cash rent. Some of what we have discovered in looking more closely at flexible cash leasing is shared below.

1999 Nebraska Livestock Legislation

David J. Aiken — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 06:38:26 PDT

Several bills dealing with livestock issues were enacted in 1999, including LB882 (temporary zoning), LB870 (livestock waste permits) and LB835 (livestock contracts).

Valuing a Replacement Heifer

Richard Clark — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 06:38:17 PDT

Fall is an important time for Nebraska beef cattle producers. Decisions are often made about retaining or acquiring replacement females for either sustaining or growing the beef cow herd. Just how many bred heifers or heifer calves should be retained or acquired will depend on the replacement rate for the mature cows and whether or not the producer is planning to change total cow numbers. An important aspect of the retention (or buying) decision is the value of a bred female.

Take Time to Listen

Deb Rood — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 06:38:08 PDT

Harvest is one of those times when it抯 the best and worst of times on a family farm. The anticipation of harvesting your crops is always a highlight for families, the stress of actually getting it done can be overwhelming. One of the things family members can do to make harvest less stressful is to take time to listen to each other. Good communication between family members can make harvest one of the best times. Especially if you know exactly what part you need for the combine. Here are a few tips to help you become a better listener:

Cropshare Lease Arrangements for Intensive Dryland Cropping Systems

Paul A. Burgener — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 06:37:59 PDT

Changes in U.S. agricultural policy implemented following the 1996 Farm Act have allowed producers to consider different cropping systems without restrictions on farm program payment eligibility. As a result, planting decisions have been shifting in response to market prices, conservation compliance and production goals. Some dryland crop producers are using more intensive dryland crop rotations to potentially increase farm income levels. In the past three years, Western Nebraska has seen a decrease in the number of acres planted to wheat, and an increase in the number of acres planted to sunflowers, proso millet, dryland corn and other specialty crops.

What's Your Family Living Expense per Bushel?

Larry Bitney — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 06:37:50 PDT

A speaker at the Women in Agriculture conference in Kearney last month said a woman told him that her family’s living expense was 39 cents per bushel of corn. This made me curious as to how some of our data compared. First, I looked at an example farm situation on a worksheet which we use to help producers allocate their costs to individual enterprises. Surprisingly, the family living expense was also 39 cents per bushel of corn. It was 94 cents per bushel of soybeans and $4.50 per hundredweight of hog production.

Feed Cost – Critical to Pork Producers

Allen Prosch — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 06:37:41 PDT

While low grain prices are burdensome for grain producers, they offer some relief for pork producers. Until live hog supplies decrease, producers are faced with a poor outlook for prices. Therefore, keeping control of input cost, especially feed cost, will be critical to success.

Pricing Agricultural Products and Commodities

Jim Kendrick — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 06:37:32 PDT

The price of corn at most any location is based on the price of Chicago Board of Trade corn futures. There, corn is assumed to be #2 yellow and is a commodity that is carefully specified as to its quality anywhere in the world.

Summary of 1998 Income and Expenses From 12 Monitor Dairy Herds in Nebraska

Krishna R. Boddugari, et al. — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 06:37:23 PDT

A survey was conducted involving 12 monitor dairy farms in Nebraska. The size of the farms ranged from 160 to 625 cows, and all of the farms had dairy as the primary enterprise. The farmers were asked to complete input forms that were sent to them. The data was then analyzed using a spreadsheet program developed at the University of Missouri. Income and expenses involved only in the dairy enterprise were considered. Values for some expense items that were common to both the dairy and crop enterprises were split proportionately based on the percentage use on the dairy. This number was provided by the farmer. The cost incurred in raising the heifers on the farm was deducted from the expenses to compute the cost of producing milk.

A Time To Rethink School Financing

Bruce Johnson et al. — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 06:37:14 PDT

In our recently-completed study “Agricultural Property Taxation: A Comparative Analysis,” we have found that Nebraska ranks at the very top of the major agricultural states in terms of property tax burden on agricultural property. For the year 1998, Nebraska’s taxes per $100 of full market value of agricultural land averaged $1.16. This was 63 percent higher than the 19 major agricultural state averages of $0.71 and 71 percent higher than the 1998 average for the regional states (Nebraska and its six bordering states). If Nebraska had decreased taxes levied per $100 of full market value to the average of the 19 major agricultural states, annual net farm income for Nebraska would have increased more than 6 percent in this decade.

Seed for 2000: GMO or No?

Roger Selley — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 06:37:05 PDT

Public response to genetically modified organisms, GMOs, has prompted concern about the market for GMOs and non-GMOs. Proponents argue that GMOs are safe and consumers and producers will benefit from GMOs. However, all technology has some risk. The risks that opposition groups are concerned about are wide ranging. There is concern that gene transfer itself is undesirable and could have some unintended effects on the genetic material. Others have environmental concerns. Some of the opposition to herbicide-ready soybeans, for example, derives from a concern that additional herbicide may be used with GMOs. Similarly, Bt corn may have some negative effects on beneficial insects. There are counter arguments put forward by proponents, for example, that if Bt corn weren't available, insecticides would cause more damage to beneficial insects than will Bt corn, and that the risk of a gene insertion having negative results has to be weighed against the benefits of greater food production.

Two "Oldies but Goodies" - Still Timely

Deb Rood — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 06:36:56 PDT

Difficult times in agriculture can strain family relationships. Here are two "oldies but goodies" that are still topical today.

Livestock Waste Control Facility Inspection and Permit Requirements

David J. Aiken — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 06:36:47 PDT

Nebraska livestock waste control facility statutes require all livestock operations with at least 300 animal units (AUs) to be inspected by the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to determine whether livestock waste pollutes surface or groundwater. Livestock operations with less than 300 AUs are exempt from the feedlot permit and inspection requirements, unless those operations have had a confirmed discharge into waters of the state or a high potential for such a discharge. In such cases, DEQ must notify the livestock operation owner by certified mail. If an exempt producer has already requested a DEQ inspection, that request was automatically canceled in 1999 feedlot legislation.

VISITING PROFESSORS FROM THE UKRAINE AND RUSSIAN

Lynn Lutgen — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 06:36:38 PDT

The Department became involved in a faculty exchange program this summer. Four visiting professors joined us in August and will leave on December 14 to return to their respective universities. They have taken classes, traveled and developed class outlines and news articles that will be used when they return home. Following are some of their impressions and things they have done during their visit to the United States. I thought the readers might be interested in some of their thoughts.

Pricing Corn in 2000

Mike Turner — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 06:36:28 PDT

Begin thinking about pricing next year抯 corn crop (2000) as an important New Year抯 Resolution. For the third consecutive year, harvest time prices may be below the cost of production for even the most efficient Nebraska producers. As a result, producers will again be obliged to combine cash receipts from the sale of corn along with government program benefits (i.e., loan deficiency payments, transition payments and potential agricultural emergency program benefits) in an attempt to cover the cost of production.

Ownership Costs of Depreciable Assets

Glenn A. Helmers — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 06:36:20 PDT

The distinction between fixed vs. variable assets has long been a troublesome concept in understanding economic and financial behavior. The traditional distinction between fixed vs. variable costs is that fixed costs are unaffected by use, while variable costs are directly related to use. While this concept is useful, problems occur in classifying assets according to fixity as well as implementing it. It has become increasingly recognized that "fixed cost" components such as depreciation and interest on investment are actually impacted by use. This is one reason that for assets such as farm machinery, the terminology of "ownership-operating" costs is replacing "fixedvariable" costs. Adding to the complexity is the increasing understanding and use of another cost concept termed "setup" costs which does not fall into a fixed-variable classification.

Pork Producers Face Challenges

Allen Prosch — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 06:36:11 PDT

There is a lot of discussion about producers retaining ownership of their product as it moves to the end consumer. It is generally assumed that retaining ownership will allow the producer to generate additional income by participating in a bigger share of the final value. However, the price that the consumer pays does not come without cost. As producers examine the complexities of retaining ownership, the added risk and cost of these activities become more apparent.

Results of the First International Winter Wheat Performance Nursery

J. E. Stroike et al. — Wed, 05 Jul 2017 20:18:34 PDT

The International Winter Wheat Performance Nursery was organized by the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station and the Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under a contract with the Agency for International Development, U.S. Department of State. There has been informal cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization, United Nations, and the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Mexico, D. F. Specific objectives of the nursery are to: (1) Test the adaptation of winter wheat varieties under a range of latitudes, daylengths, fertility conditions, water management and disease complexes (2) Identify superior winter varieties to serve as recipient genotypes for high protein and high lysine genes (3) Test the degree of expression and stability of the high protein and high lysine traits in an array of environments.

Commercial Fertilizers for Winter Wheat in Relation to the Properties of Nebraska Soils

R. A. Olson et al. — Wed, 05 Jul 2017 19:39:09 PDT

It is the purpose of this bulletin to report the investigations that have been made correlating soil properties and fertilization practices with yields of winter wheat. Since the success or failure of fertilization practices is so dependent on specific soil conditions, an attempt has been made here to further characterize the major soils of the different sections of the state which are devoted to wheat production and to analyze fertilizer practices and results in relation to the soil properties determined. The data are summarized for the four sections of the state designated as southeastern, east-south-central, west-south-central and western Nebraska. These subdivisions have been made because of variations in soils, climate and customary soil management practices; thus, each section is reasonably uniform as to these factors.

Relation of Environment and other Factors to Potato Wilt Caused by Fusarium Oxysporum

R. W. Goss — Wed, 05 Jul 2017 17:36:50 PDT

The present work was undertaken to determine the influence of some environmental factors on the infection and progress of the disease potato wilt. The work has not progressed to the point of determining the exact relation of each of these factors. However, the results thus far obtained are presented here in order to direct attention to the nature and distribution of the disease in relation to the environmental conditions under which certain types of infection take place.

Pilogalumna cozadensis, a New Species of Galumnid from Nebraska, U.S.A.

F. Reese Nevin — Wed, 05 Jul 2017 12:55:26 PDT

In working with the galumnids in my collection of oribatid mites I found that a number of specimens from Nebraska showed several characteristics which differentiated them from other species of pilogalumnids. The description and drawings of the new species is based upon a study of these specimens.

Distributional Notes on Parasitic Mites

William F. Rapp Jr. — Wed, 05 Jul 2017 12:42:16 PDT

Although much has been written on the systematics of mites little, to date, has been published regarding their distribution. Strandtman and Wharton (1958) have given distributional data on a large area basis i.e. United States, Mexico, etc., but have given only little specific distribution. Unfortunately much of our knowledge relative to mite distribution is limited to a knowledge of type localities. In the case of parasitic mites one cannot assume that the distribution of the parasite is the same as the host. Unfortunately at this time, we do not know what factors limit the distribution of parasitic mites.

The following is a list of parasitic mites taken in Nebraska. The names of the mites are in accordance with Strandtman and Wharton (1958), the mammal names are in accordance with Miller and Kellogg (1955) and the birds in accordance with Rapp et al. (1958).

A search for new phenomena in pp collisions at √s = 13TeV in final states with missing transverse momentum and at least one jet using the α_T variable

Wed, 05 Jul 2017 12:34:14 PDT

A search for new phenomena is performed in final states containing one or more jets and an imbalance in transverse momentum in pp collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 13 TeV. The analysed data sample, recorded with the CMS detector at the CERN LHC, corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 2.3 fb−1. Several kinematic variables are employed to suppress the dominant background, multijet production, as well as to discriminate between other standard model and new physics processes. The search provides sensitivity to a broad range of new-physics models that yield a stable weakly interacting massive particle. The number of observed candidate events is found to agree with the expected contributions from standard model processes, and the result is interpreted in the mass parameter space of fourteen simplified supersymmetric models that assume the pair production of gluinos or squarks and a range of decay modes. For models that assume gluino pair production, masses up to 1575 and 975 GeV are excluded for gluinos and neutralinos, respectively. For models involving the pair production of top squarks and compressed mass spectra, top squark masses up to 400 GeV are excluded.

Ectoparasitic Mites of the Genus Gigantolaelaps (Acari: Mesostigmata: Laelapidae) Associated with Small Mammals of the Genus Nephelomys (Rodentia: Sigmodontinae), Including Two New Species from Peru

Donald D. Gettinger et al. — Wed, 05 Jul 2017 10:45:12 PDT

An extensive survey of small mammals and ectoparasites along an altitudinal transect in the Manu Biodiversity Reserve in Peru found the sigmodontine rodent genus Nephelomys infested by mites of the genus Gigantolaelaps Fonseca, 1939. Two distinct species co-occurred exclusively in the pelage of Nephelomys keaysi, G. inca Fonseca and G. minima n. sp. Nephelomys levipes, which replaces N. keaysi at higher elevations, was infested exclusively with a single new species, G. nebulosa n. sp. In this paper, we formally describe these new mite species, and provide more information on the morphology of G. inca.

Farmers’ perspectives on resistance in western corn rootworm to CRW-Bt corn in Midwest USA

David A. Andow et al. — Tue, 04 Jul 2017 21:14:25 PDT

Resistance in western corn rootworm to transgenic corn hybrids was first confirmed in 2011 in Midwestern USA, and threatens their continued use. Farmers are often the first line of resistance detection, so their understanding and attitudes toward this issue are critical for improving resistance management. We conducted telephone focus groups during 2013 with farmers who had experienced rootworm resistance. There were four stages in dealing with unexpected rootworm injury: Awareness of a problem, diagnosis, confirmation, and recommendations. Most farmers discovered the problem themselves, but this usually happened too late in the growing season to limit yield loss. Once aware of a problem, farmers first sought help diagnosing the problem from their seed dealer, chemical rep, and/or crop consultant. They considered the problem to be a significant one, both because of its severity and suddenness, and were concerned about their difficulty in obtaining a correct diagnosis. They eventually used extension entomology specialists to confirm the diagnosis. Farmers gathered recommendations from independent consultants, input suppliers, and extension and indicated that they would aggressively deal with the problem, because they were not sure of what would work to protect their crop. They recommended that public extension put more emphasis on increasing awareness of the problem, assessing the extent of the problem and being an unbiased source of information. However, farmers were unlikely to report rootworm injury if the perceived barriers to reporting outweighed the perceived incentives. These barriers were emotional ones, including being unsure who to trust, fear that reporting will be time-consuming, and shame that they did something wrong. The incentive was access to credible advice. They did not automatically acknowledge the broader social benefits of reporting. Thus, extension probably needs to be explicit about these broader benefits to obtain information about the extent of the problem. With the conflicting demands and multiple information sources, it will be a challenge for extension to involve farmers to improve resistance monitoring and management.

Pest Management Practices of Crop Consultants in the Midwestern USA

Robert Wright et al. — Tue, 04 Jul 2017 21:14:17 PDT

A mail survey was conducted of independent crop consultants in 12 midwestern U.S. states working in corn (Zea mays L.), soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merrill], wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench.) during 1993. The survey was conducted to document the acreage of crops monitored by crop consultants, and some of their operational characteristics. Kansas and Nebraska had the greatest reported acreage of crops scouted, over 3 million and 1 million acres, respectively. Total acres scouted were highest for corn, followed by soybeans, wheat, alfalfa (Medlcago sativa L.), and sorghum. Acres contracted with crop consultants varied from 0.4 to 40.0% of the total 1993 harvested acres, depending on state and crop. The most common interval reported between field visits was once a week. Averaged over all states, the highest consulting fees were charged for alfalfa ($4.80), with less charged for corn ($4.31), sorghum ($4.26), soybeans ($4.07), and wheat ($3.74). There was a great range in fees within crops across the region (e.g., corn fees varied from S3.21-6.13/acre). Planting time application of insecticides was the most commonly used corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte and D. barberi Smith & Lawrence) control. Postemergence applications of insecticides for larval rootworms (cultivation time applications and chemigation) were used primarily in Kansas and Nebraska. Foliar sprays for adult corn rootworm control were also most common in these states. Use of crop rotation varied greatly across the region (23.8-83.7% of acres were corn after another crop). Additionally, across all states except Missouri, there was a significant correlation between frequency of rotation in corn and insecticide use against corn rootworms; Le., states with higher frequencies of rotated corn treated a lower percentage of corn acreage for corn rootworm control. The diversity of crop consultant activity across the region has implications for future adoption of IPM practices on midwestern field crops.

High Levels of Resistance in the Common Bed Bug, Cimex lectularius (Hemiptera: Cimicidae), to Neonicotinoid Insecticides

Alvaro Romero et al. — Tue, 04 Jul 2017 13:34:44 PDT

The rapid increase of bed bug populations resistant to pyrethroids demands the development of novel control tactics. Products combining pyrethroids and neonicotinoids have become very popular for bed bug control in the United States, but there are concerns about evolution of resistance to these compounds. Laboratory assays were used to measure the toxicity of topical applications of four neonicotinoids to a susceptible population and three pyrethroid-resistant populations. Activity of esterases, glutathione S-transferases, and cytochrome P450s of all strains was also evaluated. High levels of resistance to four neonicotinoids, acetamiprid, imidacloprid, dinotefuran, and thiamethoxam, relative to the susceptible Fort Dix population, were detected in populations collected from human dwellings in Cincinnati and Michigan. Because activity of detoxifying enzymes was increased in these two populations, our results suggest that these enzymes have some involvement in neonicotinoid resistance, but other resistance mechanisms might be involved as well. Detection of high levels of resistance to neonicotinoids further limits the options for chemical control of bed bugs.

Quantifying an aquifer nitrate budget and future nitrate discharge using field data from streambeds and well nests

Troy E. Gilmore et al. — Tue, 04 Jul 2017 11:30:17 PDT

Novel groundwater sampling (age, flux, and nitrate) carried out beneath a streambed and in wells was used to estimate (1) the current rate of change of nitrate storage, dS_NO₃ /dt, in a contaminated unconfined aquifer, and (2) future [NO₃^–]_FWM (the flow-weighted mean nitrate concentration in groundwater discharge) and f_NO₃ (the nitrate flux from aquifer to stream). Estimates of dS_NO₃ /dt suggested that at the time of sampling (2013) the nitrate storage in the aquifer was decreasing at an annual rate (mean = –9 mmol/m²yr) equal to about one-tenth the rate of nitrate input by recharge. This is consistent with data showing a slow decrease in the [NO₃^–] of groundwater recharge in recent years. Regarding future [NO₃^–]_FWM and f_NO₃ , predictions based on well data show an immediate decrease that becomes more rapid after ~5 years before leveling out in the early 2040s. Predictions based on streambed data generally show an increase in future [NO₃^–]_FWM and f_NO₃ until the late 2020s, followed by a decrease before leveling out in the 2040s. Differences show the potential value of using information directly from the groundwater—surface water interface to quantify the future impact of groundwater nitrate on surface water quality. The choice of denitrification kinetics was similarly important; compared to zero-order kinetics, a first-order rate law levels out estimates of future [NO₃^–]_FWM and f_NO₃ (lower peak, higher minimum) as legacy nitrate is flushed from the aquifer. Major fundamental questions about nonpoint-source aquifer contamination can be answered without a complex numerical model or long-term monitoring program.

Impact of macropores and gravel outcrops on phosphorus leaching at the plot scale in silt loam soils

Derek M. Heeren et al. — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 11:52:05 PDT

In response to increased nutrient loads in surface waters, scientists and engineers need to identify critical nutrient source areas and transport mechanisms within a catchment to protect beneficial uses of aquatic systems in a cost-effective manner. It was hypothesized that hydrologic heterogeneities (e.g., macropores and gravel outcrops) in the vadose zone play an integral role in affecting flow and solute transport between the soil surface and shallow alluvial aquifers. The objective of this research was to characterize phosphorus (P) leaching through silt loam soils to alluvial gravel aquifers in the floodplains of the Ozark ecoregion at the plot scale. Solute injection experiments used plots (1 m x 1 m, 3 m x 3 m, and 10 m x 10 m) that maintained a constant head for up to 52 h. Solutes in the injection water included P (highly sorptive), Rhodamine WT (slightly sorptive), and chloride (conservative). Electrical resistivity imaging identified zones of preferential flow. Fluid samples from observation wells indicated nonuniform subsurface flow and transport. The surface soil type, ranging from silt loam to clean gravel outcrops, had a significant impact on P leaching capacity, with gravel outcrops resulting in high infiltration rates and rapid solute detection in wells (e.g., 4 min). Even in silt loam soils without gravel outcrops, macropore flow resulted in rapid transport of P. Maximum transport velocity for soluble reactive P in one silt loam plot was 810 cm h-1, compared with a mean pore water velocity in the range of 25 to 130 cm h-1. Soluble reactive P concentrations in observation wells reached up to 0.54 mg L-1 in silt loam plots and 1.3 mg L-1 in gravel outcrop plots, demonstrating that a highly sorbing solute can be mobile.

"The Blondest of the Blondes"

William Grange Prof. Dr. — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 11:20:23 PDT

The German theatre underwent a revolution of shattering magnitude in 1933 when the National Socialists assumed power. The Nazis had an avid interest in theatre as an expression of “the peoples’ will,” even as they viewed the theatre of the Weimar Republic as a Babylon of “hyper-modern, bolshevistic, mollusk-like, and neurasthenic aesthetics.”

"Ersatz Comedy in the Third Reich"

William Grange Prof. Dr. — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 11:20:19 PDT

The idea performing comedy, and performing a lot of comedy, during one the most systematic reigns of terror the world has ever known may at first blush seem somewhat degraded. The perception of most people, especially in the English-speaking world, is that “German comedy” in the first place is an oxymoron. The fact is, however, that 42,000 productions were staged between 1933 and 1944 in the Third Reich, and the majority of them were comedies. The most frequently performed were plays by the now forgotten likes of August Hinrichs, Maximilian Böttcher, and Fritz Peter Buch, Jochen Huth, and Charlotte Rissmann. Who were these playwrights?

“Forum: Humour”

Peter Burke et al. — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 11:20:16 PDT

An intellectual roundtable published by Oxford University Press on behalf of German History Society, with colleagues Profs. Peter Burke (Cambridge University, England), Martina Kessel (University of Bielefeld, Germany), Joanathan Waterlow Oxford University, England).

“Promise Me Nothing on Heroes’ Square: Marianne Hoppe’s Twentieth Century"

William Grange Prof. Dr. — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 11:11:06 PDT

On the occasion of Marianne Hoppe=s death in Siegsdorf, Bavaria on October 23, 2002, obituaries in several German newspapers recalled her as one of the great stars of the Third Reich. Most recalled her rise under the Nazis, and some inferred that she attained stardom largely for the wrong reasons. Her marriage to Hermann Goering's favorite actor and director, Gustaf Gründgens (1899-1963), was a political cloud that hovered over her until her death. Her frank admission that she was aware of the regime=s persecution, terror, and concentration camps did little to dispel persistent misgivings about her, even as she continued to act on stage, screen and television for decades after her divorce from Gründgens in 1946.

"Oskar Blumenthal and the Lessing Theater in Berlin, 1888-1904"

William Grange Prof. Dr. — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 11:05:16 PDT

Oskar Blumenthal (1852-1917) was Berlin’s most feared theatre critic in the early years of the new German Reich. He had the audacity of referring to Goethe as “an egghead” who had no understanding of what made plays effective for audiences, and in other critiques he ridiculed Kleist, Hebbel, and other “important” playwrights—prompting an adversary publicly to call him a “one-man lynch mob.” In the 1880s Blumenthal himself began writing plays, and he was so successful that many self-appointed cultural guardians accused him of damaging the German theatre beyond repair. His became the most frequently performed plays on any German stage well into the new twentieth century, and when he built the Lessing Theater in 1888 he became a theatrical entrepreneur whose triumphs were unsurpassed. Then he leased the Lessing to the man who had criticized him most vociferously and general rejoicing followed “Bloody Oscar” into retirement. Extremely few since Oskar Blumenthal have matched his record as influential critic, successful playwright, and prosperous theatrical entrepreneur. Even fewer have any idea who he was, when he lived, or what he accomplished.

Demographic Variables and Job Performance of Librarians in University Libraries in South East Nigeria

cyprian ifeanyi ugwu et al. — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 10:46:49 PDT

This study aims at determining the relationship between demographic variables and the job performance of librarians in university libraries in South East Nigeria. The study was based on correlational research design. A total of 100 Librarians working as supervisors in the university libraries participated in the study. The instrument for data collection was questionnaire. Mean, Standard Deviation (SD) and Spearman’s ranked order coefficient were used to analyze the data collected while ANOVA and multiple regressions were used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 probability levels. The findings revealed high job performance of librarians with respect to their task and extra roles. The results of the study also showed that only age, education, job position and work experience were found to be significant predictors of librarians’ task-based and contextual performance with education as the most significant predictor. These four variables were found to contribute as much as 56% of the variations in the overall job performance of librarians, while the remaining 44% could be explained by other factors. This paper, therefore, recommends that deployment of staff for their task and extra roles leading to increased job performance should be based on educational qualifications, age, work experience and job ranks.

Information access and evaluation skills of secondary school students in Ghana

Patience Yeboah et al. — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 10:46:45 PDT

Information Literacy (IL) is a necessary skill needed by students to survive in the dynamic information environment of the 21^st century. This study explored the IL skills of secondary school students in Ghana with specific focus on students’ abilities in finding and evaluating information. The study was conducted in two “first-class” secondary schools in the Kumasi Metropolis of the Ashanti Region of Ghana; Opoku Ware Senior High School and Yaa Asantewaa Girls’ Senior High School. A survey instrument was developed to assess the skills of the students in that regard. Questionnaires were distributed to an overall sample size of one hundred and seventy (170) students in the two schools. In addition, four teaching staff of the schools were also interviewed to corroborate the findings from the students. The findings revealed that students in the two schools lack the ability to effectively access information for their academic work. The study also discovered that students in the participating schools lack the basic skills to differentiate good information from bad ones. The study recommends, among others, the integration of IL into the secondary school curriculum in Ghana; and collaboration between librarians, teaching staff and the Ghana Education Service to promote IL among students to promote lifelong learning.

World Mobile Research: A Scientometric Assessment of Research Publications Output during 2007-16

Brij Mohan Gupta Dr et al. — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 10:42:10 PDT

The paper examines 140375 global publications on world mobile research, as covered in Scopus database during 2007-16. The field of world mobile research witnessed an annual average growth rate of 1.68%. The top 20 most productive countries individually contributed global share from 1.14% to 20.52%, with largest global publication share coming from China (20.52%), followed by USA (17.09%), etc. Together, the top 20 most productive countries accounted for 95.05% of global publication output during 2007-16. The international collaborative publications share of top 20 most productive countries varied from 6.30% to 47.88% in world mobile research during 2007-16 Computer science, among broad subjects, contributed the largest publication share of 67.69%, followed by engineering (42.65%), social sciences (13.80%), mathematics (8.59%), medicine (5.47%), physics & astronomy (3.26%), business, accounting & management (2.86%), biochemistry, genetics & molecular biology (2.24%), materials science (2.22%0 and decision science (1.51%) during 2007-16. The top 20 most productive organizations and authors together contributed 13.14% and 1.35% share of global publication output during 2007-16. Among the total research output of 45213 papers in journal medium, 19.36% share appeared in top 20 journals during 2007-16. Of the total global mobile research output, 503 registered as highly cited papers, with 100 to 100+ citations per paper, averaging to 180.04 citations per paper.

Information Literacy Skills, Alternative Format Availability and Information Sources Utilization by Visually Impaired Secondary School Students in South-West, Nigeria

STEPHEN OLUFEMI OLAOPA MR — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 10:42:07 PDT

Provision and utilization information resources of various types are important in every educational setting to sustain learning activities. The study investigated factors affecting information resources utilization such as information literacy skills and availability of alternative format by visually impaired students in South-West. Descriptive survey design was adopted and the study population consisted of 164 visually impaired students in eight secondary schools selected for the study. Total enumeration sampling technique was adopted for this study. The questionnaire tagged ‘Visually Impaired Persons Questionnaire (VIPQ) was the instrument used for data collection. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics for the four research questions and five research hypotheses were tested using Pearson product moment correlation and multiple regressions, respectively. The questionnaire was pre-tested and reliability coefficient of 0.71, 0.75 and 0.81 was found for information literacy skills of the visually impaired, alternative formats availability and utilization of information resources, respectively. Braille books [84 (52.2%)] and large print books/serial [69 (43.3%)] were the readily available alternative format of information to students with visual impairment. Books [116 (73%)] and internet sources [62 (39.0%)] constitute the most frequently used information resources. The result showed relationship that information literacy skills of persons with visual impairment have significant relationship with information resources utilization in the selected libraries (r = 0.248**; p < 0.05); alternative format availability has relationship with the with information resources utilization (r = 0.068; p<0.01). The study recommended among others, provision of information resources in alternative formats for persons with visual impairment in school libraries coupled with incorporation of information literacy skills into their curriculum for the visually impaired students so as to ensure long-life learning and utilization of information resources.

Authorship Pattern and Collaboration Coefficient of India in Biotechnology research during 2001-2016: Based on Scopus Database

Manendra Kumar Singh — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 10:42:03 PDT

The study presents the growth trend about authorship pattern and author collaboration in the Biotechnology for sixteen years with the sample of 18918 articles which have been collected from Scopus database during year 2001-2016. A predefined search string has been used for data download. The five scientometric tools collaboration coefficient (CC), authorship pattern (AP), activity index (AI), Relative Growth Rate (RGR) and Doubling time of Literature (Dt.) have been used for the data analysis. The average number of authors per article for India has been counted as 4.92. In the study, the collaboration coefficient for 16 years (2001-2016) is noticed as 0.63 for India. The study shows that multi- authorship articles are higher in average and they are dominant over single authorship pattern. The science growth rate is always useful for the study, so that relative growth rate and doubling time of literature tools have been used for the study to explore needs of manpower and finance for future and present research activity. The mean of relative growth rate for sixteen year shows the decreasing rate and for last four years its pattern of publication is stable. The corresponding doubling time for different years [Dt (P)] gradually fallowed the increasing pattern. It has been found that majority of the Biotechnology researchers are working through team research or collaborative research rather than individual research. The average activity index of India for sixteen years is counted as 91.78. The highest AI year for India is 2016 with 180.3 whereas the lowest counted in 2001 with 42.38. The international collaboration pattern shows for India, United States is the most favoured nation.

Collaborative Teaching as a Strategy for Imparting Information Literacy in Students: Faculty – Librarian Perceptions.

Harriet Uche Igbo et al. — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 10:42:00 PDT

The study examined the perception of the teaching faculty and librarians on collaboration as a strategy for imparting information literacy to the undergraduate students of Nigerian universities. The descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. Two questionnaires were used to collect the data from samples of 150 lecturers and 64 librarians which were drawn from population of 2526 lecturers and 64 librarians. The stratified proportionate sampling technique was used to draw the sample that represented the faculty while the entire population of the librarians was sampled due to the small size. The findings revealed that the teaching faculty and librarians perceive collaborative teaching as relevant means of improving students overall learning. While the librarians expressed readiness to collaborate with the teaching faculty in all the stages of the teaching process from lesson planning to evaluation of learning outcomes, the teaching faculty showed some sense of apathy with respect to entering into full collaboration with librarians in teaching especially in areas of lesson planning and evaluation. This implies that the faculty does not either have full grasp of the procedures for developing student’s information literacy or the contributions of the librarians in this regard. It was recommended among others that the Nigerian Library Association and university libraries should embark on advocacy programmes to sensitize the stakeholders in the Nigerian education system and university administrations to encourage collaborative teaching between the faculty and librarians

Information Need and Information Seeking Behaviour of Villagers of Lucknow, India

Dr. Shilpi Verma et al. — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 10:41:55 PDT

Information seeking is viewed as cognitive exercise and information need is now becoming basic need of the human beings. The papers deals with information needs and information seeking behavior of the villagers who are playing a major role in economic condition of the country, but what resources they are getting for satisfying their information need. The condition of villages is not so good in terms of information gathering. Therefore the paper highlights the status of information need the information behavior of villagers in Mohanlalganj Block, Lucknow City, India.

Application of Bradford's law of Scattering to the Literature of Microbiology in India

Gouri N. Gourikeremath Miss et al. — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 10:41:52 PDT

The present paper investigates Bradford’s Law of scattering for the ‘Microbiology’ literature in India for the period 2002-2016 as accessible in the Web of Science Core Collection database. A total of 25,744 articles related to Microbiology literature published in journals during the study period is retrieved. The data has been examined with respect to year-wise publication productivity, Relative Growth Rate (RGR) and Doubling Time (DT) of literature. The time series analysis is also used to predict the future growth of literature. The 25,744 articles are scattered in 328 journals. A top ranked journals list was prepared and it unveiled that the Bio-resource Technology Journal has emerged as the most preferred journal with 1,610 (6.25%) articles followed by Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology with 1,019 (3.95%) articles and World journal of Microbiology Biotechnology with 746 (2.89%) articles. Theoretical aspects of Bradford’s Law of Scattering are verified and manifested that the data does not fit to the present sample. The Leimkuhler model is applied and it proved to the data set for the Bradford Multiplier (k) at 14.17. The Bradford law is also verified through graphical formulation by drawing the graph and is found to approve all the three characteristics.

Reading and the Good Life: An Analysis of Print and Digital Readers in Suburban Libraries

YIJUN GAO et al. — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 10:41:48 PDT

Life-long reading has positive effects on our lives and health. This study examines the ways in which adult library patrons read today. Using circulation statistics from four public libraries in the north suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, we explore the differences in reader preferences between traditional print reading (print book checkouts) and e-reading (eBook downloads). This data analysis provides insights on adult patrons’ use of public libraries today (i.e. the most likely genre to be checked out are fiction and the preferred reading method is print). This paper also offers some practical suggestion on libraries’ collection development, as well as readers’ engagement and retention as they relate to technological advancements on book format.

Review of Google scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus search results: The case of inclusive education research

Syed Rahmat Ullah Shah Doctoral student et al. — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 10:41:44 PDT

This study presents a bibliometric analysis of research on inclusive education focusing on the development, scholarly publishing, and various influences on the body of knowledge (information sources, authors, institutions, and countries). Data for this study were collected from three reference and citation-enhanced indexing databases, i.e., Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science. There was diversity in terms of variations of results from one database to the other. This research will be valuable for academia and researchers alike in the field of inclusive education. The researchers in scholarly communication research area, policy makers, and those involved in measuring researchers’ performance for promotions and awards on the basis of publications and citations indicators may also benefit.

Correlational Analysis of Motivation, Emotional Intelligence and Human Capital Development on Librarians’ Job Satisfaction and Productivity in Public University Libraries in Nigeria

Japheth Abdulazeez Yaya Dr — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 10:41:40 PDT

This study investigated the correlational effects of motivation, emotional intelligence and human capital development on the job satisfaction of librarians in Nigerian public universities. A correlational survey research design was adopted. The study population consisted of 1,254 librarians in public university libraries in Nigeria, from which 923 were selected using simple random sampling. The research instrument used was a self-developed questionnaire. A response rate of 67.2% was achieved. Data were analysed using descriptive (percentage, mean, average mean and standard deviation) and inferential (MANOVA) statistics.The study revealed significant relationship among the combined contributions of motivation, emotional intelligence and human capital development on job satisfaction and productivity of librarians in public university libraries in Nigeria. It concluded that contrary to general belief, job satisfaction and productivity levels of librarians in university libraries was high. It was recommended that university library management should continue to promote values such as improved job satisfaction of its workforce.

Psychological Factors and the Use of E-Library Resource among Undergraduates in South-West Nigeria

Fehintoluwa E. Omosebi Mrs. et al. — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 10:37:33 PDT

Introduction: This study investigates the psychological factors and the use of E-library resource among undergraduates in south-west Nigeria.

Methodology: The study adopted a correlational survey research design and a sample size of 900 respondents was used but 800 questionnaires were retrieved. The target population for the study comprised of undergraduate students in private universities in Southwest Nigeria which cuts across Ekiti, Lagos, Ondo, Osun, Ogun and Oyo states. A simple random sampling technique was adopted for the purpose of this study. The questionnaire was the main instrument used for data collection and was divided into four sections namely demographic characteristics, information literacy and use of e-library among students in the private universities in Nigeria.

Conclusion: The result of the study showed that undergraduateshave positive attitude towards the use of computer. Also, the most used e-library resources is the CD-ROM databases while E-theses & dissertations is the least used. In addition, only introvert personality traits have significant influence on use of e-library among students while extrovert personality traits do not. Moreover, computer attitude of students from the selected private universities in Nigeria affect their use of e-library.

Recommendations: The study recommends that , activities that would be geared towards ensuring positive attitude of students in the use of e-resources and use of computer should be introduced such as giving students assignments, and telling them to use the IT lab, etc.

BURA: An Open Access Multilingual Information Retrieval and Representation System for Indian Higher Education and Research Institutions

Bijan Kumar Roy et al. — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 10:37:29 PDT

The paper describes the growth and development of open access repositories (OARs) in India. The paper proposes a Unicode-compliant information retrieval and representation (IRR) system viz. BURA (Burdwan University Research Archive) for Indian Universities. It has been developed using a number of open standards and open source software (OSS). This Unicode-compliant interface allows administrators to perform various system level operations as well as end users can browse and search resources in Bengali language. Also, describes the necessity of integrating Indic-script based SKOS-enabled subject access system (here DDC – Dewey Decimal Classification) into the proposed model in order to fulfil the subject search of the users. Finally, offers a single window search interface for harvesting metadata from multiple interoperable OARs.

INFORMATION USE AND QUALITY SERVICE OF THE NIGERIAN POLICE

Olajumoke R. Olawoyin, et al. — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 10:37:26 PDT

Information use of police force occurs when information acquired by the police to satisfy an information need based on task assigned to them is actually put to use. Information is therefore useful and valuable if after receiving it, it changes things, decisions, behaviour or one’s character and solves the problem for which the information is sought.

Survey research design was adopted for the study. The study population comprised 2,305 police officers in Alimosho Local Government Police Division. Stratified random sampling method was used to select 227 police officers. Questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection. Data collected was analyzed using frequency distribution, mean, standard deviation; and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) was used for the test of hypotheses.

The study established that the police officers use information for three major situations; victims and suspects, unusual circumstances and actualities and quotes (mean=3.72) for all. The result of the quality of service showed that the police ensured that clients’ voices count in all cases (mean=2.98). There was positive significant relationship between the information use and quality service of Nigeria police (r =.117, p >.05).

A large proportion of use of relevant and adequate information has helped the police to solve problems needed on security and protection of individual citizens and also improve their services. This has helped in the delivery of quality service to the citizens.

The study therefore recommended that the Government should create a policy that will enable free flow of information between the citizens and the police force, and make available access to internet facilities in their various stations for relevant information needed for their effective use on tasks as this will lead to achieving quality of their services to the citizen, and increase the achievement of their goals and objectives.

Using Mobile-Based Social Networks by Iranian Libraries: The Case of Telegram Messenger

Amir Reza Asnafi et al. — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 10:37:22 PDT

The purpose the present research was to examine the use of Telegram Messenger as a mobile-based social network in Iranian academic libraries. Data were collected from March 2016 to May 2016. Telegram channels of different libraries were identified through the websites of the National Library of Iran and individual academic libraries. quantitative analyses were carried out on the data. Researchers joined these channels to examine their content. Descriptive statistics was used for data analysis. The results showed that files, news and information, book introductions, and literary quotes were the main materials shared on these channels. Most posts contained images. The central library of Sharif University of Technology used hashtags for most of its posts. Moreover, libraries with more activities and programs shared more book introductions and reports. University libraries shared more technical materials such as research methodology, essay writing, and database information. However, posts from other libraries were mostly non-technical. Mobile-based services have had a significant influence on academic libraries around the world. The findings have enabled us to better understand impact of using mobile-based services in Iranian libraries.

Evaluation of Use of E-Resources by Academic Staff of Navrongo Campus of University for Development Studies through Workplace Information Literacy Programmes

Joana Pwadura Ms et al. — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 10:37:18 PDT

The study was carried out to determine how beneficial the Information Literacy Workshops have been to the staff of University for Development Studies (UDS). The study was conducted at the Navrongo Campus of UDS which houses two faculties: Applied and Mathematical Sciences. The study used the survey research method and a purposive sampling procedure to sample the lecturers for a period of two weeks in May 2014. The main instrument for data collection was a questionnaire. The study found out that generally there is a high level of ICT skills among the lecturers in computer usage. The study further established that for the past decade, lecturers have been using e-resources but less frequently. The study also revealed that majority 88.9% of lecturers make significant use of the databases especially Science Direct mostly for educational /teaching purposes while 73.3% of them do so by accessing and using full text journal articles. It also came out clearly that lecturers found the e-resources training very beneficial with a majority 75.6% asking for more training two or three times in a year. It then identified challenges lectures face in using e-resources include: download delays, failure to find the information, frequent power outages and inadequate search skills.

The iSchools: A Study

ABHIJIT CHAKRABARTI et al. — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 10:37:15 PDT

Information School, popularly known as iSchool, played a vital role in the arena of the Information Science. An information school popularly known as iSchools or iSchool or “School of Information”, “Department of Information Studies” and “Information Department” is a nonprofit making university level organization and professional association whose sole objective is to nurture information and technology. iSchools organization, set up in 2005, is a collective effort of iSchools to advance the field of information in the 21^st century. Actually information schools refer to the members of the iSchools organization, which is formerly known as iSchools project, governed by the iCaucus (The group of Deans). The group members share their views focusing on the facets of information systems, Library and Information Science, informatics. The paper examines the role of the iSchool in the arena of Information Science. A brief history of iSchool movement is stated here. The paper describes the vision and goals of iSchool. Three major functions of iSchool are also enumerated here. The paper presents a detailed analysis of fifty seven iSchool member institutions and iConference and criteria for membership of iSchool. Some suggestions are stated to conclude the paper, at the end.

The Use and Non-Use of Magazines and Journals in an Academic Library

David A. Cabonero et al. — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 10:37:12 PDT

The study aimed to explore the use and non-use of magazines and journals at Saint Mary’s University Learning Resource Center. Through a researcher-made survey questionnaire, data were gathered from 40 faculty and 46 student respondents from the four undergraduate schools. The descriptive method was used to determine the reasons for use and registration use of magazines and journals while qualitative method was used to elicit the recommendations for their effective use.

The study revealed that out of the 86 respondents, 47.7% do register magazines before using them and 52.3% do not . The primary reasons for using magazines and journals are for: 1) personal or leisure reading; 2) research; and assignments while the primary reasons for not using them are: 1) they prefer internet; 2) lack of time in visiting the library; and 3) use of magazines and journals are not required in class. There are more faculty than students and more females than males who use magazines while in terms of school, they almost use equally. Both the faculty and students like to improve the use of magazines and journals through the schools and in classes.

Influence of social networking sites on students’ academic and social lives: The Ghanaian Perspective.

Nasir Koranteng Asiedu — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 10:30:55 PDT

This study investigates and analyses the positive and negative effects of social media on students’ academic and social lives. With the adoption of survey methodology, 204 students from University of Ghana and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology were randomly selected to participate in this study. The results of this study indicate that the positive effects of social media outweigh its negative counterpart hence, students should not be entirely discouraged from visiting social media sites.

Among the following are some of the positive and negative effects of social media revealed in the study; the ability to seek the views of course mates on a certain topic at the comfort of their rooms , the opportunity to make more friends than in real life and the ability to be able to participate in group discussions were found to be the positive effects of social media on students in both institutions while reduction in the level of concentration in class, wasting of valuable time that could have been used to study, reduction in physical interaction (face-to-face interaction) and the promotion of shorthand writing which has the ability to affect the writing of good grammar were also found to be the negative effects of social media usage on students in both institutions.

Perceived Emotions in the Information Seeking Behaviour of Manchester Metropolitan University Students.

Aondoana Daniel Orlu et al. — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 10:30:51 PDT

Emotions form a part of the individual variables that play a key role in the determination of information seeking behaviour of an individual. Anxiety and uncertainty characterize the initial phases of the process of searching for information. The affective indications of uncertainty, frustration, and confusion lead to vague and imprecise thoughts regarding a problem or topic. However, a shift to focused knowledge leads to a decline in uncertainty and increase in confidence. The current study relies on a single holistic case study in which students of Manchester Metropolitan University are the case and their emotional response to search.Consequently, the study follows a descriptor-explanatory design that involves the description of the phenomenon through a review of literature and explanations of such occurrence through primary data collected via interviews with participants.The researcher conducted face-to-face interviews for individual. The findings confirm earlier observations regarding the emotional response to the search process during the initial stages. As indicated by several respondents, the initial stages of searching are complicated because of the uncertainty about the topic and the vagueness of thoughts. At this stage, the respondents confirm their need for information, which occurs through the identification of the research gap and the search for background information. Apprehension at this stage emanates from the confusion regarding the lack of focus on the search of information. This work is a continue research on emotions, within the context of library and information management.

Developing an Instrument for the Validation of Competencies: The Case of Medical Librarians

Mumtaz Ali Anwar et al. — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 10:30:44 PDT

Reliable and valid tests / instruments are the foundation of good research. They need to be developed carefully following acceptable scholarly procedures. The procedure for developing a test / instrument is a long and complicated one. This paper describes in detail the process of developing an instrument for the identification and validation of competencies required for medical librarians. The understanding of the process of designing an instrument is important as it helps in assessing its validity and reliability. Therefore, this paper describes in detail the various steps that were undertaken to develop the instrument.

Utilization of Library Management Software College Library in Assam: A Reference with Koha and SOUL

Hirak Jyoti Hazarika — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 10:30:41 PDT

The purpose of this paper is to find out the level of use and implementation of Information Communication Technology in College Library. The study is based on some of the selected College of Assam that has used SOUL and Koha Library Management Software for Library automation. The study also shows how the user is connected through ICT. This Paper discusses changing dynamics of user community approach to information seeking, and their dynamic behavior to information needs and search, which invariably point towards emerging technologies like social media tools and other open source software to make library services responsive. This paper also shows that college library are providing Web-OPAC or Mobile OPAC for data sharing and whether they have used union catalogue system for data entry or not and that what kinds of problems librarian faces while utilizing the Library management software i.e. Koha & SOUL.

Do Index Pages Attract Higher Backlinks? : An Analytical Study of Library Websites

Akhandanand Shukla — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 10:30:38 PDT

The study examines the number of backlinks to the websites of libraries belonging to Central Universities of India. The study has presented seven categories of library webpages based on their features. The study was conducted in five rounds to get the primary data through four selected search engines. Analysis is presented for each search engine separately. Study concludes that index page/home page of library websites attracts more number of backlinks than any other webpages of library websites. Search engine Yahoo Site Explorer retrieved highest number of backlinks for library websites.

International Research - Journal of Library and Information Science: A Bibliometric Analysis

Akhandanand Shukla et al. — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 10:30:34 PDT

Paper studies bibliometric analysis of Indian open access LIS journal for five years from 2011 to 2015. Total 218 published articles were examined and analyzed for distribution of articles, authorship pattern, degree of collaboration, and geographical distribution of articles has been done. Inferences has been drawn from the analysis that journal prevalent two authorship patterns with 0.66 degree of collaboration, India as top most contributor of the articles for the journal and amongst foreign countries Nigeria is the highest contributor. Tamil Nadu is the highest contributor amongst Indian states and union territories. Journal Articles were found most prevalent source of information for writing research papers and used as citation. Calculated half-life of the journal citations found to be 9.54 years.

THE ROLE OF ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN THE ACCREDITATION OF UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMMES: A CASE STUDY OF FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY MINNA, NIGER STATE.

Joseph Manasseh Men et al. — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 10:30:30 PDT

This study sets to find out the role of academic libraries in the accreditation of undergraduate programme. The study is anchored by five objectives and is limited to Federal University of Technology, Minna with academic librarians as target respondent. The study adopted census design method as means of gathering data with a target population of 97 staff of the library and a total enumeration was used for the research. The questionnaire was used as instrument of data collection. One hypothesis was tested at 0.05 level of significant and data was presented in frequency, Tables and percentages. The hypotheses were analyzed using T-test method. The finding reveals that libraries are actively involved in all accreditation process since it makes available and accessible information resources that are necessary and critical for accreditation. It was concluded that a number of constraints such as inadequate funding and erratic power supply affect library role in accreditation. The study recommended sufficient financial support should be given to academic libraries to enable them function effective, alternative power supply should be worked on for library to have a stable power supply, enough skilled personnel with background knowledge in librarianship should be put in charge of the library and academic libraries should also invest in acquisition of electronic resources, as the world is going digital.

A Scientometric analysis of the ‘Journal of King Saud University-Computer and Information Sciences’

Akhtar Hussain — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 10:30:27 PDT

A scientometric analysis of the Journal of King Saud University-Computer and Information Sciences (JKSU-CIS) 2004-2015 has been conducted. The study explains on the various aspects of the Journal, such as its distribution of article by year, authorship patterns, authors’ degree of collaboration, authorship productivity pattern, distribution of citations by bibliographical forms, subject distributions, citation patterns, rank of cited authors, and geographical distributions of authors. This paper also highlighted institution by distributions and application of Bradford’s law of scattering. The results of this study provide a better understanding of patterns, trends and other important factors as a basis for directing research activities, sharing knowledge and collaborating in the area of computers science research

INTERNET USE PATTERN AMONG THE FACULTIES OF D.M’S COLLEGE: A CASE STUDY

Dr. Jayaprakash H — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 10:30:23 PDT

‘Information is Power’ and this information is derived either from Print media or Electronic media, when we say electronic media without Internet we are helpless in getting relevant and latest information. The present study explores Internet Use Pattern among the faculties of Dnyanprassarak Mandal’s College and Research Centre, Mapusa, Goa. A survey method of research was used for the present study. Questionnaire was designed for the purpose of data collection, 65 questionnaires were distributed and 51 filled in questionnaires were collected from the faculty members. The result of the study showed that, majority of the faculty members under the study are using Internet daily and information they are getting on the internet is relevant to their study purpose. At the same time researcher suggested to make optimum use of electronic resources in the library, librarian has to conduct training programme for faculties and to increase the available infrastructure in the library with high internet bandwidth.

Citation Network Analysis of Science Doctoral Theses in the Faculty of Science, University of Ibadan

Malik Oyewale Salami Mr et al. — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 10:26:18 PDT

Objective - This paper investigated the intellectual structure of the cited journals by science doctoral students in the University of Ibadan, Nigeria through field-mapping mechanism namely co-citation analysis. The study also explored the relationship and its strength between the science disciplines in terms of journals that were co-referenced through bibliographic coupling analysis. The deployment of bibliographic coupling techniques with co-citation analysis was adopted to model the pattern of scientific communications among scientists and scholarly journals.

Methods - The scholarly citation data were collected from science doctoral theses submitted between 2006 and 2013 across ten disciplines in the Faculty of Science, University of Ibadan. Variety of data techniques were deployed such co-citation analysis, factor analysis, and bibliographic coupling to identify the characteristics of the citation network, the subgroups that constituted the intellectual structure of the cited journals by science doctoral students, most influential journals, and degree of relation between science disciplines.

Results - The bibliometric citation network analysis of science doctoral students revealed that 1,290 journals were co-cited and 40.62% journals were co-referenced within two or more disciplines. Factor analysis revealed seven subgroups and network diagram largely matches the first subgroup which constitutes 88% of the journals with total variance explained of 51.21% while other subgroups were beclouded.

Conclusion - The analysis provide insights about citation network structure, the influence of some journals and the fair rate of indices of cross disciplinary journals, which is a good harbinger of relationship among science disciplines, though degree of association with each other differs. Meanwhile, explicit identification of specialties (subgroups) from factor analysis is still subjected to further investigations perhaps using authors as a unit of analysis.

Keyword: bibliometrics, citation network, co-citation analysis, information science, scholarly communication, knowledge representation

Appraisal of Electronic Readiness Resources for Information Services Delivery, Utilization, Benefits and Challenges for Museums and Monuments in Nigeria

Joshua Onaade OJO — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 10:26:14 PDT

This paper attempts to analyse the appraisal of electronic readiness for information delivery services, utilization, benefits and challenges for development of Museums and Monuments in Nigeria. Descriptive survey research was adopted for this study; the target population for the research was 784 museums professionals. Out of six-geopolitical zone which made up of Nigeria, two-geographical zone of national museum were selected for random sampling. Total enumeration sampling technique was used for the purpose of sampling procedure. Findings revealed that appraisal of e-readiness is important to Museum because of its level of availability and strong predictor on how well a museum can perform in the service delivery. Hypothesised relationship was tested using Pearson Moment Correlation Multiple Regression Analysis including Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA). Results had also shown that there was significant relationship between appraisal of e-readiness resources, (that is r=597***, N=200, <01). It also means that electronic information resources service delivery, benefits of using electronic and challenges of using electronic resources were significant (F(5,194)=32,116; R=.673, R2=.453, Adji.R2=0.439; R<.05). It implies that museums professionals need to adequately and effectively use electronic resources, in the course of establishing the significance effect of e-readiness utilization of service delivery or otherwise. The result substantiated the complimentary roles of appraisal of e-readiness resources and the benefits of using the available e-resources. The study had shown that some challenges of using electronic resources had significant effect on e-readiness. This means that an e-readiness appraisal would provide policy makers with a detailed scored card of their economy’s competitiveness relative to its international counterparts.

Knowledge and Use of Electronic Information Resources by Medical Students at Al-Jouf University in Saudi Arabia

Aquil Ahmed et al. — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 10:26:10 PDT

Electronic resources are becoming an integral part of the modern education system, especially in higher education settings. Due to the need of medical professionals for high quality, authoritative, relevant, accurate and timely information, students studying in healthcare institutions need to know the various e-resources and the best suitable way to track and access them in order to support their learning and evidence-based medical practice. The present study has tried to assess and compare the awareness and usability level of medical students of two different colleges at Al-Jouf University in using the subscribed electronic resources. The main purpose was to determine students' knowledge and use of e-databases, and to identify the areas in which further training and research needed. A questionnaire, supplemented by an unstructured interview was used to collect data from 300 randomly selected undergraduate medical students. The study found that the awareness and utilization level of students related to available e-databases varied significantly especially when comparing individual colleges and databases. The overall knowledge and use of e-databases by medical students was much higher than the dental students and those who were aware of the existence of e-resources found using e-books' databases more than those containing journal publications and EBM. The overall low response from dental students and lack of e-resources useful to them, are very much evident from the study. The study also found that those dissatisfied with the subscribed e-resources tend to use general search engines and databases of other university in order to meet their information needs. The paper concludes that the medical students lack the necessary information literacy skills needed to meet their academic and research requirements. It is recommended that the medical librarians and faculty should come together and intensify their efforts through proper information literacy programs in order to educate students how to use these resources effectively.

The Susan Barbara Tallmon Sargent Collection: a biographical and genealogical guide to a digitized manuscript collection at the University of Utah’s J. Willard Marriott Library

Ken Rockwell — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 10:26:04 PDT

: Description of the Susan Barbara Tallmon Sargent Collection, a manuscript collection now available online through the University of Utah’s Marriott Library. The collection contains correspondence, reports, and other documents about medical missionaries in China, as well as correspondence of the Tallmon family of Iowa, California, and Oregon. This article is particularly useful in identifying the many writers and recipients of letters and reports in the collection.