ChUM: Chart Update Mashup

The Chart Update Mash up (ChUM™) consists of various APIs/Technologies that when brought together allow for intuitive georeferenced visualization of the Critical Chart Updates published by the Office of Coast Survey (OCS). Each component of ChUM™ will be described in this paper with an explanation of how each piece works together to form ChUM™. Figure 1 shows the basic building blocks that make up ChUM™. At the base of the structure (in blue) is the data that OCS disseminates to the public via its website/web-services: Raster Nautical Charts, the CRIT data (critical corrections to the chart), and the Coast Pilot. There are three 3rd party API’s (Application Programming Interface)/plug-ins that are used: the Google Maps API v3, the DataTables plug-in, and the NauticalChartsAPI (NCAPI). The NCAPI is an API created by the University of California, San Diego’s Coastal Observing Research and Development Center (CORDC) and it deals directly with fetching and preparing the Raster Nautical charts for use in Google Maps. The DataTables is a plug-in for the jQuery JavaScript library and it is populated with data from the OCS CRIT data. The NauticalChartsAPI UI (User Interface), NCAPIUI, was created by combining the NCAPI, DataTables, and the Coast Pilot data into one API that contained widgets for an intuitive interface that is similar in look and function as the Google Maps widgets. Google Map API is used for its geo-referenced environment and for its familiar controls that are built-in: namely, the panning, zooming, markers/info boxes and various background-overlay options

Using a Cruise Report to Generate XML Metadata

Since 2005 metadata generation at the Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping/Joint Hydrographic Center has slowly evolved from a painful and tedious process of copying and pasting, to generate hundreds of files, to using an automated system that generates 90% of the needed metadata from the data collected on cruises. However there remained one piece missing to the automated system- the wordy part of the metadata that deals with information such as the attribute accuracy report, abstract and the process description. This information cannot be mined from the raw survey data. This paper illustrates how to generate a template from a Microsoft Word based cruise report that can be used in conjunction with another template (generated from the raw data collected on a cruise) to create XML metadata ready for submission to the NOAA/National Geophysical Data Center

Google Earth Visualizations: Preview and Delivery of Hydrographic and Other Marine Datasets

Existing hydrographic data analysis and visualization tools are very powerful, but lack easy access to web data management tools. Virtual globe software provides a gateway to a host of important data products in formats usable by specialized tools such as CARIS, Fledermaus, and Arc/Info. With virtual globe interfaces, users see complimentary and consistent geographic representations of available data in an easy-tonavigate format. We present a preview of visualizations that build upon virtual globe software. These examples are viewed in Google Earth, but could also be implemented in a number of alternative programs (e.g. NASA World Wind, Dapple, OSSIM Planet). We have assembled Google Earth visualizations from three datasets to illustrate each of the four primary types of data (handle point, line, area, and time data). The USCG Marine Information for Safety and Law Enforcement (MISLE) database of ship incidents illustrates point data. A short sample of the USCG National Automatic Identification System logs (N-AIS) demonstrates rendering of line data. Area data is exemplified in the United Nations Convention f the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) multibeam bathymetry. Point, line and area data are combined to present a preview of S57 chart information. Finally, the MISLE database uses time to show maritime incidents that occurred in US waterways. The visualizations for our initial work were created with hand coding and small scripts. However, tools such as Fledermaus and RockWare have added Google Earth export functionality that makes authoring Google Earth resources easy to construct. For large dataset that require additional processing and analyses, Google Earth visualizations can offer users a range of download formats and suggest what software to use. We believe that this virtual globe-based-approach can make geospatial data sets more widely accessible via the world-wide-web

Assessment of Occupational Competence in Dementia: Identifying Key Components of Cognitive Competence and Examining Validity of the Cognitive Competency Test

Considering the links between dementia and everyday living, occupational therapists are called upon to make recommendations regarding appropriate living arrangements for persons with dementia. Re-framed as occupational competence, this is often accomplished by an evaluation of cognitive competence. Within the context of an aging population, a key question is how to best inform decisions regarding occupational competence, using cognitive competence as an indicator. The Cognitive Competency Test (CCT) is a tool used to evaluate cognitive competence and inform judgments about occupational competence in individuals with dementia. This thesis incorporates two studies that identified cognitive components that predict occupational competence in individuals with dementia, and examined the construct validity of the CCT, using a framework developed by Samuel Messick. A Delphi study, conducted amongst Canadian occupational therapists with experience in dementia care, generated a consensus regarding the components of cognitive competence essential to predict occupational competence in persons with dementia. A second study employed a retrospective chart review and examined the dimensional structure of the CCT and its relationship with other clinical measures typically used in dementia care. Occupational therapists identified ten cognitive components essential to predict occupational competence in individuals with dementia. The structure of the CCT is a unitary factor that demonstrates correlations to some clinical measures commonly used in dementia care. These findings give some support to the validity of the CCT and have implications for development of new measures and education regarding cognitive competence, pointing to the need to address other factors identified in the Delphi

Increasing Advance Directive Completion

Advance directive completion is a key component of primary care. Advance directive completion is associated with greater healthcare satisfaction and lack of completion may lead to unnecessary care. This project sought to increase awareness/completion of the advance directive by increasing patient education with a single-page, easy to read pamphlet.https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/fmclerk/2120/thumbnail.jp

AUTISM SCREENING KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE IN SOUTHEAST KANSAS

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by delays in social communication and interaction as well as restricted repetitive behaviors, interest, and activities. According to the most recent reports from the CDC (2018), it is estimated that 1 in 68 children are diagnosed with some form of ASD in the United States. Research has shown that early identification and intervention can significantly improve outcomes in those individuals diagnosed. As a result of this research, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has recommended routine screening on all children for ASD at the age of 18 months and again at 24 months using a standardized autism-specific tool. This descriptive research design examined the autism screening and referral practices of providers in the southeast Kansas counties of Montgomery, Allen, Labette, Cherokee and Crawford using a paper survey. Results of the study show that providers in Southeast Kansas are aware of the AAP guidelines regarding screening and feel that screening every childhood for autism is important. However, these providers are not screening children for autism using an autism specific screening tool nor do they feel confident in screening for autism. Providers in this area had a strong desire to learn more about autism screening guidelines and specific autism screening tools

Understanding the Role of Social Norms in Organ Donation Decision Making Among African American Adults

Background: African Americans (AAs) comprise a disproportionate number of those waiting on the national transplant list and are underrepresented among registered organ donors. While barriers to organ donation are well understood, little research has explored factors that facilitate interest in donation. Because AAs are often characterized by strong extended relationships and shared decision-making, social norms may be an influential factor in donation behavior. Utilizing the Theory of Reasoned Action, this study demonstrated the application of theory to understand the role social norms play in donation decisionmaking, among AAs. Methods: Self-administered questionnaires were completed by 425 AA adults residing in the metropolitan Atlanta area. Social norms were measured using a Likert scale consisting of two items that addressed perceptions of favorability of donation and levels of influence a loved one has over the participant’s donation decision making. Main outcomes assessed were donation intentions and expression of donation intentions via designation on one’s driver’s license. Results: Logistic regression results indicate that a loved one’s level of favorability of donation is associated with both intention (OR=2.14, p≤0.01) and expression (OR=1.71, p≤0.01); however, findings approached significance with the level of influence a loved one has on intentions (OR=1.47, p=0.07) but was not associated with expression (p\u3e0.05). Conclusions: The results suggest that a loved one’s level of favorability has an effect on donation decision making, but, conversely, a loved one’s level of influence does not impact donation decision making. Focusing on social norms and encouraging communication may prove useful for future interventions to improve engagement in donation among AAs

Molecular survey of helminths infecting ground dwelling birds in the grouse subfamily Tetraoninae

Alaskan grouse and ptarmigan (Galliformes) are important avian game species in Alaska. Interestingly, gallids harbor a fairly diverse helminth fauna, particularly cestodes, which may make birds with high parasite loads more susceptible to predation. Unfortunately, there is limited information available on the helminth fauna of Alaskan gallids, and no molecular surveys. The present study aims to develop baseline data on diversity of intestinal and subcutaneous (filariid) helminth infections in galliforms using morphological and molecular (DNA) approaches. These data can then be used to better understand changes in helminth community structure given current environmental volatility. The intestines, cloaca, liver and kidneys of 83 Alaskan gallids (ptarmigan: Lagopus lagopus, L. muta, L. leucura and grouse: Falcipennis canadensis, Bonasa umbellus, Tympanuchus phasianellus, and Dendragapus fuliginosus) and blood/tissues of 564 birds were examined for the presence of helminths (nematodes, cestodes, digeneans). Ten helminth species, including 3 digeneans, 4 cestodes, and 3 nematodes, were found infecting 83 dissected birds. Prevalence of infection was 80.7% across all species. F. canadensis, L. lagopus, and L. muta harbored the highest species richness. PCR and sequencing of 28S rDNA and COI mtDNA verified morphological species designations from DNA extracted from the adult helminths. Real Time PCR using TaqMan probes targeting the 18S rDNA gene was used to test for the presence of filarial nematodes in 564 blood/tissue DNA samples. Prevalence of infection overall was 8.9%. F. canadensis, L. lagopus, L. muta, and T. phasianellus harbored the highest infection rates (F. canadensis @ 25.9%, T. phasianellus @ 16.7%, L. muta @ 3.7%, L. lagopus @ 3.1%). This is the first molecular survey of Alaskan grouse and ptarmigan parasites

Gender Differences in Task Switching: An Event-Related Potential Study

The current study examined the possible differences in several brainwaves and behavioral reaction times between males and females in relation to task switching. Previous research has shown gender differences in various aspects of cognition including task switching. Task switching refers to the ability to cognitively switch from processing one task to processing another, completely different task. The current study utilized a color-shape target switching paradigm and event-related potentials to analyze possible gender differences. The results of the study showed no gender differences in relation to reaction times, P2 and P3b brainwave latencies or amplitudes. However, the study found a difference in the N2 component between genders. Moreover, the study found differences in the topographic distribution of ERP components which may indicate that gender differences in cognition are not necessarily in strength of neural activation but rather in spatial patterns of activation

Biotic and Abiotic Dehalogenation of Halogenated Methanes: Trichlorofluoromethane, Dichlorodifluoromethane, and Tetrachloromethane

Trichlorofluoromethane (CFC-11), dichlorofluoromethane (CFC-12), and tetrachloromethane (CT) are fully halogenated methanes that were produced as refrigerants in the early part of the 1900s and later used in many industrial processes. They are ozone-depleting agents and common groundwater contaminants. They are volatile chemicals that are moderately soluble in water. Due to their volatility when released to the environment, they are predominantly found in the atmosphere, though they also dissolve into the groundwater. In anaerobic environments, they can undergo dehalogenation reactions with several redox-active compounds. This dissertation presents results from two treatability studies from sites contaminated with CFC-11, CFC-12, and CT. Additionally, the effect of pH on the dehalogenation of CFC-11, CFC-12, and CT is examined, and a sulfidogenic enrichment culture grown in the presence of CT is characterized. The first treatability study indicates that the addition of reactive iron species (i.e., zero-valent iron or ferrous sulfide) combined with the bioaugmentation culture KB-1 Plus and lactate can facilitate the transformation of CT into non-halogenated end products. The most effective remediation strategy for CT observed during the treatability study for the second contaminated site was the addition of zero-valent iron; this facilitated the transformation of CT to chloroform (CF). CF is a non-desirable end product, and additional remediation efforts are recommended for the second contaminated site. A shift in the type of transformation products formed during the reduction of CFC-11, CFC-12, or CT by super-nucleophilic cobalamin was observed as pH increased. Mackinawite and vivianite were identified as the two precipitate phases formed in the presence of the sulfidogenic enrichment culture. Vivianite formation likely occurs via precipitation with the phosphate present in the medium, and that mackinawite forms via precipitation with hydrogen sulfide produced by the sulfidogenic bacteria present in the enrichment. Additionally, a greater decline in CT was observed in microcosms that contained active enrichment culture than in heat-killed controls, suggesting that the consortium aids in the degradation of CT, probably via mackinawite formation, as it is a reactive iron species