Spatial similarities and differences of attributes of three subwatersheds within the middle Smoky Hill river watershed and their relationship to instream total suspended solids

The objective of this study was to spatially analyze the attributes of three subwatersheds, Hydrological Unit Code 12 (HUC 12), of the Middle Smoky Hill River Watershed in west-central Kansas and relate the variances of the attributes to the concentrations of total suspended solids (TSS) entering the Smoky Hill River during storm events. This was accomplished by comparing land cover, including cropland, grassland, and urban factors; agricultural practices, such as tillage methods, condition of terraces, and the presence of grass waterways; geomorphology, including soil types, topography, and visible erosion; and lastly, precipitation variance. The three HUC 12s that were studied were Buffalo Creek, Landon Creek, and Oak Creek. Cumulative results found that when statistically ranking characteristics of the HUCs from most to least desired, the mean rank of Buffalo Creek was 1.6, which was statistically lower (t = -2.51) than Oak Creek with a mean rank of 2.2, which was statistically equal (t = -0.11) to Landon Creek with a mean rank of 2.2. Therefore, out of the three watersheds, Buffalo Creek contained the most desired attributes that minimized erosion. According to the statistics in this study, the primary determining factors as to the increased TSS concentrations for Landon and Oak Creek are an increase in the number of fields with visible erosion, increase in population density, increased amount of impervious surface, and a greater proportional area of highly erodible soils

Population Dynamics and Trends of an Endangered Seabird: Tufted Puffins (Fratercula cirrhata) in Washington

In Washington, Tufted Puffin (TUPU) populations have undergone widespread colony abandonment along with an order of magnitude population decline consistent with a general pattern of regional range contraction (Pearson et al., submitted). The primary objective of my research was to gain an understanding of the TUPU breeding population dynamics and trends on 3 active breeding sites in Washington (Destruction, Protection, and Smith Islands) by conducting an interannual comparison of variability in burrow occupancy and breeding success

Bridges in Urban Planning and Architectural Culture

AbstractBridges obviously serve multiple functions but the primary purpose is to traverse a terrain obstacle to get goods and/or people across to the other side. Bridges are often viewed as an indicator of progress in technical capability, engineering skills as well as a symbol of economic potential of a particular city, region or a country. Often, this is the reason why many urban bridges become the most important infrastructure in some cities. This paper discusses several examples of bridges which have made a significant impact on the perception of a city and resulted in substantial changes to landscape configuration. The following available research methods of evaluation were used: analysis of literature, observational in-situ studies of objects and own research. Analysis were performed on dozens of bridges constructed over the centuries. The example selection was directed to the well-known objects, the spectacular new implementations or icons of bridge architecture. The study involved both contemporary and historical objects

Population Dynamics and Trends of an Endangered Seabird: Tufted Puffins (Fratercula cirrhata) in Washington

In Washington, Tufted Puffin (TUPU) populations have undergone widespread colony abandonment along with an order of magnitude population decline consistent with a general pattern of regional range contraction (Pearson et al., submitted). The primary objective of my research is to gain an understanding of the TUPU breeding population dynamics and trends on 3 active breeding sites in Washington (Destruction, Protection, and Smith Islands) by conducting an inter-annual comparison of variability in burrow occupancy and breeding success. This research complements concurrent TUPU diet research in Prof. Hodum’s lab which will inform conservation planning for TUPU populations

Evaluating the Use of Community Health Workers to Provide Maternal Healthcare Services in Haiti

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of community health workers (CHWs) who provide maternal health care in reducing maternal mortality rates in Haiti. Methods: This study consists of three components: (1) a literature review to describe the Haitian health system and the current role of CHWs in providing maternal healthcare; (2) stakeholder interviews to solicit varied perspectives on the viability of engaging CHWs to provide maternal healthcare services in Haiti; and (3) a conceptual model to estimate the impact of two CHW interventions, promotion of skilled care for childbirth and intermittent preventive treatment of malaria (IPTp), on the maternal mortality ratio (MMR). Results: Haiti's fragmented health system is ill-equipped to address the health needs of its population. Poor outcomes, such as high MMR, are due in part to a lack of human resources. The presence of CHWs offers an opportunity to fill a gap in resources and reduce MMR. By offering prenatal care services at the community level, CHWs may be able to lower rates of maternal mortality and link patients with the formal healthcare system. Conclusions: CHWs are currently involved in the implementation of both governmental and non-governmental healthcare programs in Haiti. They serve as the link between communities and the formal healthcare system; however, their capabilities in maternal healthcare are limited. Due to a combination of social norms and lack of technical competencies, CHWs are ill-suited to provide childbirth assistance or other highly skilled maternal healthcare services. However, given their position in the community, knowledge of the local context, and increased integration into the formal healthcare system, CHWs are well positioned to provide prenatal healthcare services and connect women to better skilled maternal health care.Master of Science in Public Healt

Use of Qualitative Research in Architectural Design and Evaluation of the Built Environment

AbstractErgonomics is everywhere design. Aim of each architect should be the optimization and efficiency of the proposed design solutions, the correct diagnosis and meet the needs of users, the implementation of priority investment objectives as a business, future thinking in terms of sensitivity to changes in object and to anticipate all the consequences of their decisions. In today's world, the basis of all activities is knowledge. Development of the Internet led easy access and transfer of knowledge. At the same time excess and information overload can cause confusion. It is essential to proper diagnosis, which knowledge is valuable and useful. The built environment and its users are a direct source of knowledge for design. In order to acquire this knowledge be used qualitative research (quality: technical, functional, organizational, behavioral, economic), observation, surveys, interviews, way-finding, participations, etc. On the basis of 15 years of experience in the field of qualitative research conducted in many places, their own projects and in the classroom with students of architecture, the authors have developed their own methods of knowledge acquisition from the built environment. These methods are mainly based on a simplified POE (Post Occupancy Evaluation) adapted to Polish conditions. The paper presents selected research projects in the field of architecture conducted at the Faculty of Architecture at the Silesian University of Technology. The Faculty has been involved in quality analyses of the built environment since the nineties of the twentieth century

An experiment to ascertain the effect of maturation and educational experience on Air Force Officer Qualifying Test scores

The United States Air Force uses a test constructed by Air Force personnel to test all individuals seeking entrance into Air Force officer training programs. This test is titled "The Air Force Officer Qualifying Test" (AFOQT). There are two major classes of candidates who are required to take the test: the college graduate who applies for admittance to the Officer Training School (OTS) located at San Antonio, Texas, and the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) cadet located in detachments on college and university campuses throughout the United States. In the fall of 1967 officials of the Testing Branch, Headquarters, Air Force ROTC, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, noticed that college graduates applying for OTS were scoring approximately twenty points higher on the AFOQT than were Air Force ROTC cadets. The question was asked, "Why should there be such a wide variance in test scores on the same test by two seemingly comparable groups?" One answer proposed was that the college graduate was two to three years older than the cadet and in those extra years had gained maturity and valuable educational experience that enabled him to elevate his score by an average of twenty points. It was the purpose of this study to determine empirically what effect two to three years of maturation and educational experience have on scores obtained on the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test. The test-retest method was used. Four hundred fifteen cadets who had been previously identified as either ground officer candidates or flying officer candidates and whose initial AFOQT test scores as freshmen were available to the Test Control Section, Testing Branch, Headquarters, AFROTC Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, were retested within 150 days of completion of degree requirements to coincide with Officer Training School eligibility. The cadets were selected from AFROTC detachments nationwide and from all type institutions to insure a valid and representative sample. After retesting, comparisons were made between Officer Quality Composite, Pilot Composite, and Navigator- Technical Composite scores and significant differences, if any, established and recorded. Twelve conclusions were made, based on the thesis data, that generally support the basic hypothesis

Cervical dystonia incidence and diagnostic delay in a multiethnic population.

BackgroundCurrent cervical dystonia (CD) incidence estimates are based on small numbers in relatively ethnically homogenous populations. The frequency and consequences of delayed CD diagnosis is poorly characterized.ObjectivesTo determine CD incidence and characterize CD diagnostic delay within a large, multiethnic integrated health maintenance organization.MethodsWe identified incident CD cases using electronic medical records and multistage screening of more than 3 million Kaiser Permanente Northern California members from January 1, 2003, to December 31, 2007. A final diagnosis was made by movement disorders specialist consensus. Diagnostic delay was measured by questionnaire and health utilization data. Incidence rates were estimated assuming a Poisson distribution of cases and directly standardized to the 2000 U.S. census. Multivariate logistic regression models were employed to assess diagnoses and behaviors preceding CD compared with matched controls, adjusting for age, sex, and membership duration.ResultsCD incidence was 1.18/100,000 person-years (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.35-2.0; women, 1.81; men, 0.52) based on 200 cases over 15.4 million person-years. Incidence increased with age. Half of the CD patients interviewed reported diagnostic delay. Diagnoses more common in CD patients before the index date included essential tremor (odds ratio [OR] 68.1; 95% CI, 28.2-164.5), cervical disc disease (OR 3.83; 95% CI, 2.8-5.2), neck sprain/strain (OR 2.77; 95% CI, 1.99-3.62), anxiety (OR 2.24; 95% CI, 1.63-3.11) and depression (OR 1.94; 95% CI, 1.4-2.68).ConclusionsCD incidence is greater in women and increases with age. Diagnostic delay is common and associated with adverse effects. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society

The effect of intensive insulin therapy on the body mass index and lipids in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus - retrospective analysis

WSTĘP. Celem pracy jest analiza retrospektywna efektów leczenia metodą intensywnej insulinoterapii u chorych na cukrzycę typu 1, a w szczególności wykazanie wpływu tej metody leczenia na wskaźnik masy ciała (BMI, body mass index), profil lipidowy, wyrównanie cukrzycy i dobowe zapotrzebowanie na insulinę. MATERIAŁ I METODY. Analizie poddano historie chorób osób z cukrzycą typu 1 hospitalizowanych w Klinice Chorób Metabolicznych Szpitala Uniwersyteckiego w latach 1995&#8211;1999. Podczas hospitalizacji u wszystkich chorych wdrożono model intensywnej insulinoterapii (IIT) oraz przeprowadzono cykl szkoleń. WYNIKI. U 72 chorych w wieku 31,85 &plusmn; 11,88 lat (37 kobiet i 35 mężczyzn) po okresie 1&#8211;4 lat oceniono wyniki badań kontrolnych. Stwierdzono statystycznie istotny wzrost wskaźnika BMI po okresie 1&#8211;4 lat leczenia IIT (22,84 &plusmn; 3,05 vs. 24,07 &plusmn; 3,29 kg/m2, p < 0,001). Statystycznie istotnie podwyższyło się stężenie cholesterolu całkowitego (4,75 &plusmn; &plusmn; 1,10 vs. 5,07 &plusmn; 1,21 mmol/l, p < 0,05), a także stężenie cholesterolu frakcji HDL (1,44 &plusmn; 0,49 vs. 1,63 &plusmn; &plusmn; 0,38 mmol/l, p < 0,05). Nie stwierdzono istotnych różnic w zakresie stężenia triglicerydów, cholesterolu frakcji LDL oraz wskaźnika aterogenności. Po okresie 1&#8211;4 lat stosowania IIT stwierdzono statystycznie istotną poprawę wyrównania cukrzycy (HbA1c: 8,50 &plusmn; 2,37 vs. 7,40 &plusmn; 1,69%, p < 0,01), a tak- że statystycznie istotną dodatnią zależność pomiędzy BMI i stężeniem cholesterolu frakcji LDL (r = 0,41, p < 0,005) oraz HbA1c i stężeniem triglicerydów (r = 0,53, p < 0,05) w badaniach końcowych. WNIOSKI. Przeprowadzona analiza wskazuje, że wprowadzenie IIT do leczenia chorych na cukrzycę typu 1 pozwoliło na lepszą kontrolę glikemii. Niekorzystnym zjawiskiem był przyrost masy ciała wyrażony wskaźnikiem BMI, któremu nie towarzyszył aterogenny profil lipidów, o czym świadczy wzrost stężenia cholesterolu frakcji HDL. Korzystne zmiany profilu lipidowego, mimo wzrostu BMI, mogą wynikać z lepszego wyrównania cukrzycy, osiąganego w czasie leczenia IIT.OBJECTIVE. The purpose of the study was a retrospective analysis of intensive insulin therapy in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus with special consideration of its effects on the body mass index (BMI), lipid profile, diabetes control and daily insulin requirement. RESEARCH DESING AND METHODS. Case histories of type 1 diabetics hospitalised in the Department of Metabolic Diseases between 1995 and 1999 were analysed. Each hospitalised patient received intensive insulin therapy (IIT) and attended a course on diabetes education. RESULTS. In 72 patients (37 women and 35 men) with a mean age of 31,85 &#177; 11,88 years the results of control examinations were evaluated at 1 to 4 years after IIT. BMI was found to increase significantly (22,84 &#177; 3,05 vs. 24,07 &#177; 3,29 kg/m2, p < 0,001). Total cholesterol was significantly higher (4,75 &#177; &#177; 1,10 vs 5,07 &#177; 1,21 mmol/l, p < 0,05), similar to HDL cholesterol (1,44 &#177; 0,49 vs. 1,63 &#177; 0,38 mmol/l,

The effect of intensive insulin therapy on the body mass index and lipids in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus : retrospective analysis

WSTĘP. Celem pracy jest analiza retrospektywna efektów leczenia metodą intensywnej insulinoterapii u chorych na cukrzycę typu 1, a w szczególności wykazanie wpływu tej metody leczenia na wskaźnik masy ciała (BMI, body mass index), profil lipidowy, wyrównanie cukrzycy i dobowe zapotrzebowanie na insulinę. MATERIAŁ I METODY. Analizie poddano historie chorób osób z cukrzycą typu 1 hospitalizowanych w Klinice Chorób Metabolicznych Szpitala Uniwersyteckiego w latach 1995-1999. Podczas hospitalizacji u wszystkich chorych wdrożono model intensywnej insulinoterapii (IIT) oraz przeprowadzono cykl szkoleń. WYNIKI. U 72 chorych w wieku 31,85 ± 11,88 lat (37 kobiet i 35 mężczyzn) po okresie 1-4 lat oceniono wyniki badań kontrolnych. Stwierdzono statystycznie istotny wzrost wskaźnika BMI po okresie 1-4 lat leczenia IIT (22,84 ± 3,05 vs. 24,07 ± 3,29 kg/m2, p < 0,001). Statystycznie istotnie podwyższyło się stężenie cholesterolu całkowitego (4,75 ± ± 1,10 vs. 5,07 ± 1,21 mmol/l, p < 0,05), a także stężenie cholesterolu frakcji HDL (1,44 ± 0,49 vs. 1,63 ± ± 0,38 mmol/l, p < 0,05). Nie stwierdzono istotnych różnic w zakresie stężenia triglicerydów, cholesterolu frakcji LDL oraz wskaźnika aterogenności. Po okresie 1-4 lat stosowania IIT stwierdzono statystycznie istotną poprawę wyrównania cukrzycy (HbA1c: 8,50 ± 2,37 vs. 7,40 ± 1,69%, p < 0,01), a także statystycznie istotną dodatnią zależność pomiędzy BMI i stężeniem cholesterolu frakcji LDL (r = 0,41, p < 0,005) oraz HbA1c i stężeniem triglicerydów (r = 0,53, p < 0,05) w badaniach końcowych. WNIOSKI. Przeprowadzona analiza wskazuje, że wprowadzenie IIT do leczenia chorych na cukrzycę typu 1 pozwoliło na lepszą kontrolę glikemii. Niekorzystnym zjawiskiem był przyrost masy ciała wyrażony wskaźnikiem BMI, któremu nie towarzyszył aterogenny profil lipidów, o czym świadczy wzrost stężenia cholesterolu frakcji HDL. Korzystne zmiany profilu lipidowego, mimo wzrostu BMI, mogą wynikać z lepszego wyrównania cukrzycy, osiąganego w czasie leczenia IIT.OBJECTIVE. The purpose of the study was a retrospective analysis of intensive insulin therapy in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus with special consideration of its effects on the body mass index (BMI), lipid profile, diabetes control and daily insulin requirement. RESEARCH DESING AND METHODS. Case histories of type 1 diabetics hospitalised in the Department of Metabolic Diseases between 1995 and 1999 were analysed. Each hospitalised patient received intensive insulin therapy (IIT) and attended a course on diabetes education. RESULTS. In 72 patients (37 women and 35 men) with a mean age of 31,85 ± 11,88 years the results of control examinations were evaluated at 1 to 4 years after IIT. BMI was found to increase significantly (22,84 ± 3,05 vs. 24,07 ± 3,29 kg/m2, p < 0,001). Total cholesterol was significantly higher (4,75 ± ± 1,10 vs 5,07 ± 1,21 mmol/l, p < 0,05), similar to HDL cholesterol (1,44 ± 0,49 vs. 1,63 ± 0,38 mmol/l, p <0,05). No significant differences were seen in triglycerides, LDL cholesterol and atherogenic index. At 1-4 years after IIT diabetes control was significantly improved (HbA1c: 8,50 ± 2,37 vs. 7,40 ± 1,69%, p < 0,01). There was a significant positive correlation between BMI and LDL cholesterol (r = 0,41, p < 0,005) and between HbA1c and triglycerides (r = 0,53, p < 0,05). CONCLUSIONS. The retrospective analysis shows that IIT in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus improved glycaemia control. Body weight gain expressed as BMI was an unfavourable effect. The increased BMI was not associated with the atherogenic lipid profile based upon increased HDL cholesterol. The favourable changes in the lipid profile despite the increased BMI may result from improved diabetes control due to IIT