Getting what you want: A compelling, reusable, one-page message.

Using examples from planning and evaluation, government and business models, presenters will share tactics and strategies for simple, concise communications on important issues. Participants will practice by developing a one-page position paper, briefing paper or decision memo

Recognizing and Managing Common Crop Disease in South Dakota

Diseases of plants may be expressed differently under varying environmental conditions or in various host species. Disease is the outward expression of an infection, yet in some cases there may be no outward evidence of disease. Outward expression may be some deviation from normal growth, change in appearance, or alteration of the quality or value of the crop. Plant diseases may be caused by biotic agents, infectious microorganisms, or abiotic causes such as chemical deposition, nutrient imbalances, or environmental factors. This publication concentrates on biotic or infectious diseases and provides information on common abiotic problems. Infectious plant diseases may be caused by fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes, or phytoplasmas. Each of these microorganisms has characteristics that can be keyed on in the control or management process. The most common cause of plant diseases are fungi. Outward indications may be present that indicate there is something wrong with a plant. Most often you observe symptoms of a disease—the reaction of the plant to a pathogen. Symptoms are defined as any perceptible change in host structure or function that indicates disease or disorder. Slimy, dark, roots; lodging; holes in the leaves; and blasted heads are all examples of symptoms. The pathogen that is causing the disease may or may not be visible. Sometimes the pathogen can also be seen. When the pathogen or a structure of the pathogen is present it is referred to as a sign. Signs may appear as an ooze, a cottony mass, or sometimes a black or pink mass on the plant. Some types of bacteria, fungi, nematodes, and viruses cause plant diseases. Weather and unfavorable growing conditions may interact with the pathogen to increase or decrease severity of the problem. The diseases listed here are historically found in South Dakota. Depending on the crop varieties planted or currently prevalent forms of the pathogens, diseases may become more or less important over the years. Occurrence of the diseases listed is reported as widespread, common, fairly common, or rare in South Dakota. The symptoms of each disease are described and the period when the disease is most common is provided for each crop. Be sure to monitor fields between the dates given for the presence of specific diseases

Common Root and Crown Rot Diseases of Wheat in South Dakota

Disease Impact Root and crown rotting diseases are among the most common and destructive diseases of wheat in South Dakota. They are present in every growing season and are estimated to cause as much as 3-4% crop losses in an average year. Losses may be greater in years with environmental conditions favoring specific root or crown diseases

Using Rheo-Small-Angle Neutron Scattering to Understand How Functionalised Dipeptides Form Gels

We explore the use of rheo-small-angle neutron scattering as a method to collect structural information from neutron scattering simultaneously with rheology to understand how low-molecular-weight hydrogels form and behave under shear. We examine three different gelling hydrogel systems to assess what structures are formed and how these influence the rheology. Furthermore, we probe what is happening to the network during syneresis and why the gels do not recover after an applied strain. All this information is vital when considering gels for applications such as 3D-printing and injection

Assessing the Impact of an Online Training Module on Knowledge, Practice, and Perceived Attitude Regarding Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome among Pediatric Nurses

Problem Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) is increasing in the United States and affects more than 24,000 infants annually. NAS is a disorder that causes infants to experience withdrawal and neurological symptoms. Management of NAS requires nurses to have a high level of knowledge, education, and assessment skills. The day to day care for infants with NAS can be emotionally and physically demanding as infants are very difficult to console, manage and treat. Population prejudice and ethical burden may cause stigmatization to occur. Inconsistencies in evidenced-based practice and absence of standardized clinical practice guidelines increase length of stay, symptoms, costs, and may cause developmental delay in infants. Nurses need focused training regarding the management of NAS. There is little research published assessing the knowledge, practice and attitudes of nursing staff and how they relate to appropriate care of the infant with NAS and the mother with opioid use disorder. Purpose and Objectives The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of an online training module on pediatric nurses’ knowledge, practice, and perceived attitude regarding neonatal abstinence syndrome. The objectives of this training module are to improve nurses’: knowledge of addiction and NAS, skills of NAS management, and attitudes regarding maternal addiction and care of infants with NAS. Design The project will be a pre-post survey design with an online training module and self-evaluation that assesses the knowledge, practice, and attitudes of NAS. The project will utilize the PDSA model and the theoretical framework will be based on the Bandura’s Self-Efficacy and Social Learning Theory. Population/Sample/Setting The setting is an inpatient children’s Magnet hospital and teaching facility. The population will be approximately 35 nurses from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, NAS nursery, and pediatric unit. Variables studied/Intervention The project will utilize a NAS survey tool that incorporates a Likert Scale, 2 case studies and 2 open-ended questions. This tool will be used as the pretest and posttest. The intervention will be an online training module. Method The methods used to evaluate the data will be a paired t-test or non-parametric equivalent to check for mean differences in pre and post survey responses and descriptive statistics to identify demographic items including units and skill levels. Projection of Findings The projected findings of this project are that nurses who use this online training module will improve their knowledge, skills, and attitudes regarding NAS care and management. Conclusion/Future Implications for Practice The online training module can be applied to future unit orientation and review for yearly competency for nurses to improve the care for infants with NAS and pregnant mother’s with substance use disorder. Infants with NAS require skilled nursing interventions as well as knowledge of withdrawal and addiction. The training will help nurses improve their knowledge, practice, and attitude of NAS. The training will also help nurses understand components of addiction to improve care of infants with NAS and their mothers