CHARACTERIZATION OF URBAN WETLAND VEGETATION AND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

Urban wetlands are important ecosystems that moderate flooding risks and improve water quality. Vegetation is a key component of urban wetlands; plants promote sedimentation, play critical roles in biogeochemical cycling, and provide food and habitats for other organisms. My research focuses on the standing vegetation and seed banks of urban wetland plant communities. Urban wetlands in south-central New York had a higher percent cover of invasive species in the standing vegetation and significantly lower species richness; however, native species were also common in urban flora. These sites had a high percentage of obligate wetland species, and most closely resembled emergent wetlands in their vegetation composition. Like the standing vegetation, urban wetland seed banks were dominated by obligate wetland species. Although these seed banks may be viable and can contribute to the revegetation of disturbed sites, a high percentage of invasive species may limit the establishment of native populations. We evaluated the effects of a complete regrade and expansion of an urban retention wetland on its seed bank and standing vegetation. The density and species composition of seedlings that emerged from the seed bank were determined under drawdown and flooded conditions from sediment cores collected before (2011) and after (2014) the regrade. The standing vegetation composition was recorded just prior to the regrading, and twice in each growing season (2012-2014) after the regrade. Seedling densities were reduced nearly 66% after the regrade, and seedling density significantly decreased in the drawdown treatment. Species richness in the standing vegetation decreased immediately after the regrade and rebounded over three years. This indicates that a regrading project can substantially reduce seedling density of an urban wetland seed bank, but standing vegetation can show signs of recovery within a short time span, perhaps due to the presence of a prolific bud bank. My work shows that urban wetlands are different from natural wetlands in south-central upstate New York. Although invasive species are common in urban wetlands, some native species can establish and survive under urban conditions, and these species should strongly be considered in planting schemes of wetland creation or rehabilitation projects in urban landscapes

THE GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION OF POLYPLOIDY IN A PACIFIC NORTHWEST PLANT

Polyploidy is an important evolutionary mechanism of speciation in plants. Because polyploids may evolve cryptically, there can be several levels of ploidy in a species. The distribution of polyploid species is the first step in understanding the role of polyploidy in plant speciation. I examined the geographic distribution of polyploidy in Heuchera cylindrica (Saxifragaceae) by using flow cytometry to determine the ploidy level of 595 individuals from 39 populations spread across the geographic range of the species. Only single cytotype populations of diploids or tetraploids were found, and no triploids were observed. In contrast to other studies of polyploid distribution, diploids and tetraploids of H. cylindrica were allopatric. I conclude that the allopatric distribution of cytotypes may be a result of the historical biogeography of the area

Antecedent Techniques Used to Regulate Aggressive Behavior in Patients with Brain Injuries: A Teaching Module

An estimated 1.7 million individuals sustain a brain injury each year (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, 2010). Some behaviors associated with brain injuries include: decreased academic performance, severe aggression, self-injurious behavior, and suicidal and homicidal ideation (Finfgeld-Connet, 2009; Pace, Dunn, Luiselli, Cochran, & Skowron, 2005). The aforementioned behaviors pose a risk to the well-being of patients, therapists, healthcare providers and caregivers. The purpose of this scholarly project was to explore current methods used to minimize dangerous behavioral clients and ultimately provide a teaching module of antecedent techniques - a form of intervention used in order to reduce a behavior (Pace et al., 2005) - to therapists, care givers, healthcare workers, and any other persons who interact on a consistent level with brain injured individuals. A thorough literature review of antecedent interventions used with individuals who have sustained a brain injury was conducted with a focus on young and middle aged adults using PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Google Scholar, and the Academic Search Premier databases. Some key terminology used during the literature search included: antecedent, brain injury, occupational therapy, and behavioral management. It was discovered that maladaptive behaviors of those with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) limit their participation in daily activities. Often times, healthcare workers, therapists, and caregivers withstand the worst of aggressive behaviors brought on through symptomology of a brain injury. While literary authors thoroughly described the behaviors and limitations that may occur following a brain injury, a paucity of educational workshops to educate professionals and caregivers was noted. Guided by the Model of Human Occupation, this educational workshop addresses the roles, habits, and routines of individuals with TBIs. Constructivism and Social Learning Theory were used to guide the product creation. The culmination of the literature review resulted in the creation of a teaching module entitled Antecedent Techniques Used to Regulate Aggressive Behavior in Patients with Brain Injuries: A Teaching Module. Antecedent Techniques Used to Regulate Aggressive Behavior in Patients with Brain Injuries: A Teaching Module is a workshop designed to provide healthcare workers with greater understanding and application of antecedent techniques that can be used in conjunction with other interventions for individuals with TBIs who exhibit aggressive behaviors. The workshop includes a two-hour literature review on brain injury followed by a one-hour implementation session to integrate and rehearse strategies learned. Examples of antecedent techniques in this scholarly project include: desensitization, creating a just-right challenge, environmental modifications, patient-centered care, participation in meaningful activities, assisting the individual in management of difficult situations, and normalization of behaviors (Feeney et al., 2001 & Finfgeld-Connet, 2009; Pace et al., 2005). Approximately 60% of individuals with a mild brain injury exhibit aggressive tendencies towards themselves or others (Rao et al., 2009). Through the use of these antecedent intervention techniques, we anticipate healthcare workers will ultimately be able to decrease problematic behaviors, increase therapeutic gains, and improve overall safety of people with traumatic brain injuries and others who are involved in their lives and occupations

Comparison of Body Composition Assessment Techniques in Women’s Collegiate Swimmers and Divers

Poster from the 2019 Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo. Poster Session: Professional Skills; Nutrition Assessment & Diagnosis; Medical Nutrition Therapy

Body Composition Assessment in Masters Level Swimmers

Body composition of collegiate swimmers has been extensively studied; however, there are limited reports of body composition among Masters swimmers. This study compared the accuracy of air displacement plethysmography (ADP) and bioelectrical impedance (BIA) to the gold standard method of underwater weighing (UWW) in Masters level swimmers. The relationship between percent body fat (%BF) and body mass index (BMI) was also assessed. Recruitment (n = 6 females, 11 males) occurred at two Masters swim clubs. Pearson correlation coefficients revealed no significant differences between ADP, BIA, and UWW (p \u3e 0.05). For both female and male Masters swimmers, the mean %BF was in the healthy range (30.4 ± 11.7% female, 21.3 ± 8.0% male); however, BMI was in the overweight range (27.0 ± 7.2 kg/m2 female, 26.4 ± 4.8 kg/m2 male). These findings suggest that while ADP, BIA, and UWW were comparable methods for assessing %BF in Masters swimmers, BMI did not adequately represent body composition and health risk for Masters swimmers

Smartphone Addiction and Cultural Dimensions

Smartphone addiction is causing severe damage to individuals and societies alike. Previous studies have mainly focused on the effects of smartphone addiction, but they hardly focused on the cultural aspects leading to addiction. This study attempts to fill this void by shedding light on how Hofstede's four cultural dimensions, including 1) individualism-collectivism, 2) masculinity-femininity, 3) power distance, and 4) uncertainty avoidance, affect individuals' smartphone addictive behavior through the lens of attachment and coping theories. We offer suggestions for future research and practical implications based on these findings

Smartphone addiction and cultural dimensions

Smartphone addiction is causing severe damage to individuals and societies alike. Previous studies have mainly focused on the effects of smartphone addiction, but they hardly focused on the cultural aspects leading to addiction. This study attempts to fill this void by shedding light on how Hofstede\u27s four cultural dimensions, including 1) individualism-collectivism, 2) masculinity-femininity, 3) power distance, and 4) uncertainty avoidance, affect individuals\u27 smartphone addictive behavior through the lens of attachment and coping theories. We offer suggestions for future research and practical implications based on these findings

Patient Safety Climate: Variation in Perceptions by Infection Preventionists and Quality Directors

Background. Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are an important patient safety issue, and safety climate is an important organizational factor. This study explores perceptions of infection preventionists (IPs) and quality directors (QDs) regarding two safety microclimates, Senior Management Engagement (SME) and Leadership on Patient Safety (LOPS), across California hospitals. Methods. This was an analysis of two cross-sectional surveys. We conducted Wilcoxon signed-rank test, univariate analyses, and a multivariate ordinary least square regression. Results. There were 322 eligible hospitals; 149 hospitals (46.3%) responded to both surveys. The IP response rate was 59%, and the QD response rate was 79.5%. We found IPs perceived SME more positively than did QDs (21.4 vs. 20.4, P < 0.01). No setting characteristics predicted variation in perceptions. Presence of an independent budget predicted more positive perceptions of microclimates across personnel types (P < 0.01). Conclusions. Differences in perceptions continue to exist between essential leaders in acute health care settings which could have critical effects on outcomes such as HAIs. Having an independent budget for the infection prevention and control department may enhance the overall safety climate and in turn patient care

Toward Control? The Prospects and Challenges of Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine Introduction.

With a newly World Health Organization (WHO)-prequalified typhoid conjugate vaccine (TCV), Gavi funding for eligible countries, and a WHO policy recommendation for TCV use, now is the time for countries to introduce TCVs as part of an integrated typhoid control program, particularly in light of the increasing burden of antimicrobial resistance. Continued vaccine development efforts will lead to secure supply of low-cost vaccines, and ongoing vaccine studies will provide critical vaccine performance data and inform optimal deployment strategies, in both routine use and in outbreak settings. TCV programs should include thoughtful communication planning and community engagement to counter vaccine hesitancy

High abundance of a single taxon (amphipods) predicts aquatic macrophyte biodiversity in prairie wetlands

Conservation programs often aim to protect the abundance of individual species and biodiversity simultaneously. We quantified relations between amphipod densities and aquatic macrophyte (large plants and algae) diversity to test a hypothesis that biodiversity can support high abundance of a single taxonomic group. Amphipods (Gammarus lacustris and Hyalella azteca) are key forage for waterfowl and are declining in the Prairie Pothole Region of North America. We sampled a large gradient of amphipod densities (0–7050 amphipods/m3) in 49 semi-permanent wetlands, and 50% of the study wetlands had high amphipod densities (\u3e 500 amphipods/m3). Generalized linear models revealed G. lacustris and H. azteca densities increased exponentially with macrophyte diversity indices. Further, H. azteca densities were greatest at moderate levels of submersed vegetation biomass. Community analyses showed both amphipod species were positively associated with diverse macrophyte assemblages and negatively associated with high coverage of cattails (Typha spp.), a taxon that creates monotypic stands, as well as bladderwort (Utricularia spp.), a carnivorous plant. Our results indicate that amphipods could be used as an umbrella species for protecting diverse macrophyte communities in semi-permanent and permanent wetlands of North America’s Prairie Pothole Region