ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF PHOSPHORUS - REDUCING TECHNOLOGIES IN PORK PRODUCTION

Soil phosphorus levels have increased as pork production has become concentrated. Phosphorus-based manure management regulations for land application have been proposed by policy makers. The objective of this study is to determine benefits/costs of adopting two alternatives for reducing phosphorus: synthetic amino acids or phytase. An optimization model is constructed to determine optimal excreted nitrogen and phosphorus from alternative feed ingredients. Results are derived using different manure storage and application systems. While the two alternatives are not least-cost ingredients, they become profitable when producers are constrained by land. An important result is that the net cost of manure is negative.Livestock Production/Industries,

OPTIMAL HOG SLAUGHTER WEIGHTS UNDER ALTERNATIVE PRICING SYSTEMS

Three hog genotypes are simulated to determine how producer profits, economically optimal slaughter weights, and carcass component weights change under three pricing models. Live weight pricing pays more for the fatter barrows whereas a three component (separate payments for fat, lean, and byproducts) and six component (separate payments for major primal cuts, other lean, fat, and byproducts) pricing system pay more for the leaner gilts. Implications for selection of genetic stock and pricing system are presented.Swine production management, Hog pricing systems, Hog marketing, Livestock Production/Industries,

NUTRITION AND THE ECONOMICS OF SWINE MANAGEMENT

Current methods of formulating animal rations lead to excess nutrient excretion which can potentially lead to excess manure nutrients and an increase in economic costs. These methods do not recognize the impact of diminishing returns. The objective is to simultaneously optimize feed ration composition and replacement. The results, when compared against results from a survey of feed companies, indicate that using a profit maximization rather than live weight growth maximization criterion targets nutrients to an animal's actual needs and, hence, fewer nutrients are excreted and higher returns for producers are obtained.nonlinear growth modeling, pigs, replacement, swine, Livestock Production/Industries,

Families may benefit from spiritual care in acute settings when loved ones are coming to the end of their lives

This is a commentary on Hennessy N, Neenan K, Brady V, et al. End of life in acute hospital setting—A systematic review of families' experience of spiritual care. J Clin Nurs 2020;29:1041–52

An exploration of the barriers and enablers of using electrically assisted bikes (e-bikes) in the development of a stroke intervention for people after stroke

Background: Recently there has been an increased interest in the development of innovative approaches within stroke rehabilitation interventions to ensure long term maintenance of physical activity levels within the stroke population. Electrically assisted bikes (e-bike) have been shown to be an alternative form of physical activity for sedentary individuals and those with physical limitations. Currently the research into the use of e-bike by stroke survivors is limited and has not been explored within the context of stroke intervention design. This study explored the barriers and enablers to using an e-bike by stroke survivors in the development of a stroke rehabilitation intervention. Methods: A mixed methods case study approach using semi-structured interviews and e-bike usage data was used. Six stroke survivors with the ability to walk with or without assistance, were recruited from stroke support groups. Subject to approval from their doctor, participants had the opportunity to loan either an e-bike or e-trike for a duration of up to three months. Data collection was carried out over three phases: Pre-loan, during the e-bike loan and post e-bike loan. Semi-structured interviews were conducted pre and post loan to identify barriers and enablers and were analysed within the framework of a behaviour change model (the COM-B model). Results: Of the six participants, only three went on to loan an e-bike and participate in the post-loan interview. Reasons for withdrawal were because of a lack of storage space, non-approval from their doctor and not feeling comfortable using the e-bike. The analysis using the COM-B model identified that the most common barriers were in relation to the effects of physical impairment, knowledge about the e-bike and fear as a negative emotion. The main enablers were the effect that the e-bike had on fatigue, social support and the belief that using the e-bike was a mode of physical activity that was enjoyable and good for their health. Conclusion: The stroke survivors identified several barriers and enablers to using the e-bike. If e-bikes are going to be used as part of a stroke rehabilitation intervention the barriers need to be addressed and build on the enablers to increase physical activity levels post-stroke

A Co-Design Partnership to Develop Universally Designed ICT Applications for People with Intellectual Disability

Abstract. Co-design has its roots in the Participatory Design techniques developed in Scandinavia in the 1970s. Co-design reflects a fundamental change in the traditional designer-client relationship. A key tenet of co-design is that users, as \u27experts\u27 of their own experience, become central to the design process. This reflects the role of the user at the heart of Universal Design. This paper describes an on-going co-design partnership between undergraduate ICT students and Community Partners who support individuals with Intellectual Disabilities. The aim of this work is to develop assistive technology applications and/or products which meet the requirements of the Community Partners. The core development philosophy is Universal Design. The project work forms part of the academic requirements for undergraduate assessment in computing courses and must fully meet the prescribed learning outcomes. The Community Partners initiate the process by outlining preliminary requirements for the Projects using online accessible videos. In partnership with the students they engage and participate in design, development and testing workshops throughout the lifecycle of the project. Some of the necessary preparations and agreements are described, which are required before these co-design partnerships can work for the mutual benefit of all concerned. The experiences and outcomes of completed projects are reflected upon and the potential benefits of promoting Universal Design through co-design partnerships between the ICT developers of the future and the Community Partners are considered. Examples of projects undertaken include Accessible Login and Shopping Assistant.

Psychometric validation of the needs assessment tool : progressive disease in interstitial lung disease

ABSTRACT The inter-rater/test–retest reliability and construct validity of a palliative care needs assessment tool in interstitial lung disease (NAT:PD-ILD) were tested using NAT:PDILD- guided video-recorded consultations, and NAT:PD-ILD-guided consultations, and patient and carer-report outcomes (St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ)-ILD, Carer Strain Index (CSI)/Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool (CSNAT)). 11/16 items reached at least fair inter-rater agreement; 5 items reached at least moderate test–retest agreement. 4/6 patient constructs demonstrated agreement with SGRQ-I scores (Kendall’s tau-b, 0.24–20.36; P<0.05). 4/7 carer constructs agreed with the CSI/CSNAT items (kappa, 0.23–20.53). The NAT:PD-ILD is reliable and valid. Clinical effectiveness and implementation are to be evaluated