A Review of Contemporary U.S. Wild Horse and Burro Management Policies Relative to Desired Management Outcomes

Legally defined “wild” horse (Equus ferus caballus ) and burro (E. asinus ; WHB) populations in the United States exceed established population objectives. The context of WHB policy and management can be categorized into ecological, geographical, legal, social, and political perspectives. Ecologically, all WHB populations in the United States are considered feral animals, but certain populations are afforded protection and management by the federal Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act (WFRHBA) of 1971. The current policy and management paradigms under which the WFRHBA is being implemented has contributed to rangeland degradation, poor WHB health, and impacts to native wildlife. This commentary reviews WHB management policies and expresses the need for policy changes to improve management outcomes and sustainability of WHBs, public rangelands, and native wildlife

Missed Treatments of Hemodialysis Patients after Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico

The consequences of a natural event such as a hurricane can especially have a negative impact on vulnerable patients such as hemodialysis patients. In former incidences such as Hurricane Katrina, factors such as living relocations disrupted hemodialysis patients’ ability to adhere to their thrice-weekly treatments (Anderson et al, 2009). In this study, 44% of the 386 hemodialysis patients who experienced Hurricane Katrina reported missing one or more dialysis sessions. Thus, the hurricane had significant negative influence on patients’ attendance at the dialysis clinic. In the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico suffered extensive road blockages, electricity shortages, and lacking natural resources. Recovery procedures such as clearing of roads were not completed until several months afterward. By October, there was still a significant portion of people without sufficient resources. The primary objectives of this study are to assess the percentage of hemodialysis patients who missed dialysis sessions in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria and the social factors influencing their missed sessions. From a total of 16 facilities, three dialysis clinics in cities most highly impacted by the hurricane will be selected to participate. Data will be collected through patient interviews, surveys, and charts, to examine potential demographic characteristics and social factors that may have affected the patients’ attendance to these dialysis facilities. If there is a significant correlation between the social factors and missed treatments, then management strategies can be suggested to help hemodialysis patients adjust to post-disaster conditions and help develop planning strategies in case of future natural disasters

An Analysis of the Performance of Foams Used in Hurling Helmets

Abstract Head injuries can occur in most sporting activities. The seriousness of these injuries can vary greatly depending on the sport. Many sports such as American football, cricket, baseball and hurling try to reduce this risk by designing helmets that are suitable to be worn by the players. The National Standard Authority of Ireland (NSAI) has recently made great strides in this area with the introduction of the first comprehensive standard adopted for the sport I.S. 355:2006, which sets out new testing procedures that all new helmets must meet. The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) has also stated its intention to make the wearing of sports helmets compulsory up to minor level. The hope is that in time all the players will become comfortable with wearing helmets which has been found to be a major reason for the current low wear rates. [2] This paper covers the testing and modelling of energy absorbing materials to ascertain the optimum thickness, and density of foam within the helmet. Static tests are carried out on a compression test machine to obtain stress/strain properties. The foams are tested on a purpose built drop test rig; the displacement, impact force, velocity and acceleration are measured using LabView and a high speed camera with TEMA analysis software to gain a greater understanding of the impact mechanics of each material. The foams are modelled, both statically and dynamically, using finite element analysis. The static model uses theANSYS implicit solver, while the dynamic model uses ANSYS/LS-DYNA to create and validate an appropriate foam material model. The displacement, velocity, and energy results from the finite element model and the test results are analysed and compared so that the optimum density and thickness of foam can be obtained

Keith Percefull in a Junior Recital

This is the program for the junior voice recital of Keith Percefull, accompanied by Suzanne Norris on the piano. The recital was held on April 8, 1994, in the Recital Hall of the Mabee Fine Arts Center

Contemplative Practices: A Strategy to Improve Health and Reduce Disparities.

Health has many dimensions, and intolerance and lack of compassion may contribute to the poor health and disparities in our nation. Tolerance can convey an inherent paradox or dissonance that can be associated with stress. However, tolerance has a dimension of acceptance, an acknowledgement and acceptance of what "is" at the present moment, that can relieve tension associated with differing beliefs and practices. Compassionate consideration of others can be combined with acceptance to create harmony within and across individuals. In this article, we explore how contemplative practices can cultivate tolerance and compassion and contribute to improvements in individual and population health

Kidney Disease in Disadvantaged Populations

Disadvantaged populations across the globe exhibit a disproportionate burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) because of differences in CKD occurrence and outcomes. Although many CKD risk factors can be managed and modified to optimize clinical outcomes, the prevailing socioeconomic and cultural factors in disadvantaged populations, more often than not, militate against optimum clinical outcomes. In addition, disadvantaged populations exhibit a broader spectrum of CKD risk factors and may be genetically predisposed to an earlier onset and a more rapid progression of chronic kidney disease. A basic understanding of the vulnerabilities of the disadvantaged populations will facilitate the adaptation and adoption of the kidney disease treatment and prevention guidelines for these vulnerable populations. The purpose of this paper is to examine recent discoveries and data on CKD occurrence and outcomes in disadvantaged populations and explore strategies for the prevention and treatment of CKD in these populations based on the established guidelines

Readability of PTA Textbooks and Reading Comprehension Rates of PTA Students

The purpose of this study was to determine if correlations exist between independent reading comprehension levels of students measured by the Nelson Denny Reading Test (NDRT), readability of textbooks used for instruction and the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) in a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program.Applications of NDRT, readability formulas, and textbooks were identified.NDRT, course, and NPTE scores of 161 graduates of the PTA program were used. Multiple readability formulas were applied to five textbooks. Correlations were calculated.Mean NDRT- total score was 14.67. Three of five textbooks had higher readability levels than the mean NDRT reading comprehension levels of students. A moderate positive correlation existed between NDRT and NPTE scores