Transport Analysis of Copper in Boac River Marinduque, Philippines

In 1996, over 1.6 million cubic meters of mine tailings were released along Boac River, Marinduque, Philippines declaring it biologically dead.  Numerous studies found traces of heavy metals along this river, and bioaccumulation became a problem. Several heavy metals contaminating the river were reported to be ingestible by humans; one of which is Copper (Cu). With that, this study investigated Cu dispersion in the downstream area of Boac River.  This was first done by coordinating with the “Development of Health Index: Vulnerability to Extreme Environmental Events for Marinduque island.” (D-HIVE) project in collecting the water quality data, rainfall data, and digital elevation models (DEMs).  Using the Hydrologic Engineering Center’s River Analysis System (HEC-RAS) 6.2, the analyses were conducted by inputting the collected data.  The flood hazard maps showed minimal spread in high-elevation areas and distinct spread in low-lying areas.  The highest flood velocity was in the starting and middle points of the watershed, indicating these areas have the highest potential to lift Cu content and transport it into the downstream area and floodplain. The spatial variability maps showed that pH increases while Cu content decreases as water flows toward the downstream area. Overall, this study successfully determined the dispersion of Cu along Boac River

Transport Analysis of Copper in Boac River Marinduque, Philippines

In 1996, over 1.6 million cubic meters of mine tailings were released along Boac River, Marinduque, Philippines declaring it biologically dead.  Numerous studies found traces of heavy metals along this river, and bioaccumulation became a problem. Several heavy metals contaminating the river were reported to be ingestible by humans; one of which is Copper (Cu). With that, this study investigated Cu dispersion in the downstream area of Boac River.  This was first done by coordinating with the “Development of Health Index: Vulnerability to Extreme Environmental Events for Marinduque island.” (D-HIVE) project in collecting the water quality data, rainfall data, and digital elevation models (DEMs).  Using the Hydrologic Engineering Center’s River Analysis System (HEC-RAS) 6.2, the analyses were conducted by inputting the collected data.  The flood hazard maps showed minimal spread in high-elevation areas and distinct spread in low-lying areas.  The highest flood velocity was in the starting and middle points of the watershed, indicating these areas have the highest potential to lift Cu content and transport it into the downstream area and floodplain. The spatial variability maps showed that pH increases while Cu content decreases as water flows toward the downstream area. Overall, this study successfully determined the dispersion of Cu along Boac River

Web-Based Skin Cancer Prevention Training for Massage Therapists: Protocol for the Massage Therapists Skin Health Awareness, Referral, and Education Study

Background: Skin cancer, the most common cancer in the United States, is costly and potentially deadly. Its burden can be reduced by early detection and prevention activities. The scope of skin cancer requires going beyond traditional health care providers to promote risk reduction. Partnering with the nonbiomedical workforce, such as massage therapists (MTs), may reach more individuals at risk. MTs see much of their clients' skin and are amenable to performing skin cancer risk reduction activities during massage appointments. Objective: The objective of this study is to describe the Massage Therapists Skin Health Awareness, Referral, and Education protocol, presenting an overview of our systematic approach to developing rigorous e-training for MTs to enable them to be partners in skin cancer risk reduction. We also describe procedures for usability and feasibility testing of the training. Methods: We developed an integrated electronic learning system that includes electronic training (e-training) technology, simulated client interactions, online data collection instruments, and in-person assessment of MTs' application of their training. Results: A total of 20 participants nationally scored the e-training as high for usability and satisfaction. We have screened an additional 77 MTs in Arizona for interest and eligibility, and currently have 37 enrolled participants, of whom 32 have completed the Web-based training. Conclusions: The structured and rigorous development approach for this skin cancer risk reduction and brief behavioral intervention e-training for MTs begins to fill a gap in skin cancer risk reduction research. Iterative usability testing of our asynchronous Web-based training resulted in positive participant response. Our e-training approach offers greater learner accessibility, increased convenience, and greater scalability than the few existing programs and has the potential to reach many MTs nationally.Arizona Biomedical Research Centre through the Arizona Department of Health Services [ABRC/ADHS16-162518]; National Institutes of Health-National Cancer Institute (NIH-NCI) Cancer Center Support Grant [P30 CA023074]open access journalThis item from the UA Faculty Publications collection is made available by the University of Arizona with support from the University of Arizona Libraries. If you have questions, please contact us at [email protected]

Resurfacing Historical Scientific Data: A Case Study Involving Fruit Breeding Data

Objective: The objective of this paper is to illustrate the importance and complexities of working with historical analog data that exists on university campuses. Using a case study of fruit breeding data, we highlight issues and opportunities for librarians to help preserve and increase access to potentially valuable data sets. Methods: We worked in conjunction with researchers to inventory, describe, and increase access to a large, 100-year-old data set of analog fruit breeding data. This involved creating a spreadsheet to capture metadata about each data set, identifying data sets at risk for loss, and digitizing select items for deposit in our institutional repository. Results/Discussion: We illustrate that large amounts of data exist within biological and agricultural sciences departments and labs, and how past practices of data collection, record keeping, storage, and management have hindered data reuse. We demonstrate that librarians have a role in collaborating with researchers and providing direction in how to preserve analog data and make it available for reuse. This work may provide guidance for other science librarians pursing similar projects. Conclusions: This case study demonstrates how science librarians can build or strengthen their role in managing and providing access to analog data by combining their data management skills with researchers’ needs to recover and reuse data. The substance of this article is based upon a panel presentation at RDAP Summit 2019

Geo-Archaeological Assessment of Foundation Fills, Kasthamandap, Nepal

First paragraph: On 25th April 2015 at 11.56 the Gorkha earthquake, magnitude 7.8, struck Nepal resulting in widespread devastation, loss of life and disruption of livelihoods in the Kathmandu Valley (Coningham et al., 2015). This human and cultural disaster had far-reaching social consequences and destroyed or substantially damaged the seven sites of the Kathmandu Valley UNESCO World Heritage Sites (WHS). This aspect of the disaster is universally significant as these sites are 'exceptional testimony to the traditional civilisations of the Kathmandu Valley’ and contribute significantly to the understanding of South Asian cultural heritage more broadly (UNESCO, 2017). The loss and damage of these sites also has great local significance, as worship in these living monuments is an important part of local daily religious practices in Nepali cultural and fundamental to the lives of thousands

Supporting users in their pursuit and use of our e-books: Perspectives from one large academic library

More e-books in a library’s collection means major changes in the individual user’s experience. At the University of Minnesota Libraries, we are taking several steps to support our users as they expand their worlds to include e-books. After an initial trial 2 years ago, we have moved into the arena of demand-driven acquisition for e-books by displaying selected records in MNCAT, our catalog, and allowing users to trigger purchases after a prescribed set of views. Purchase and use records are closely monitored. To assess whether we should make changes to MNCAT or take other steps that could enhance a user’s ability to locate books in e-format, we have reviewed the literature and investigated what other large academic libraries have done. In order to both serve users directly and help library staff provide quick and accurate information, we have developed a Web site that provides details about several of the large e-book packages to which we subscribe. It covers features such as number of simultaneous users, compatibility with various e-readers, and steps for printing and downloading, if they are available. Lastly, the librarians who are liaisons to the College of Education and Human Development are working with the College’s iPad initiative, which provides a device to each incoming undergraduate student. We are beginning to develop materials and strategies that complement the College’s efforts to assist instructors and students in the most effective use of e-books and other library materials on their iPads.To access the full presentation for this session, click on the Download button located to the right

Union Administrative Practices: A Comparative Analysis

In response to growing challenges, many labor organizations are reevaluating themselves in an effort to become more efficient and effective. Their efforts, however, are limited by their frames of reference. Seldom do unions compare practices across labor movements. To expand these frames of reference we compare union administrative practices in three countries: Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Two specific areas of union administration are examined — human resource/personnel practices and strategic planning. Results from these countries are presented and analyzed to identify and explain similarities and differences

A Survey of Licensed Massage Therapists’ Perceptions of Skin Cancer Prevention and Detection Activities

Background: Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the US. Training massage therapists (MTs) in skin cancer prevention and detection cre-ates opportunity for reducing skin cancer burden. Little is known about MTs’ perceptions of skin cancer prevention and detection, their discussions of these topics with clients, or their referral recom-mendations for suspicious skin lesions. Purpose: We surveyed MTs’ perceptions of their role in engaging in conversations about skin cancer prevention, viewing the skin for suspicious lesions, and referring clients with such lesions to health care providers.Setting, Participants, Research Design: We ad-ministered an online survey from 2015–2017 of licensed MTs practicing in the US and at least age 21 years (n = 102); quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed in 2017.Main Outcome Measures: The main variables assessed were MTs perceptions of (a) appropriate-ness for asking clients about skin cancer history, skin cancer prevention, suspicious lesion referral and follow-up; and (b) comfort with recognizing and discussing suspicious lesions, recommending a client see a doctor for suspicious lesion, and discussing skin cancer prevention.Results: Quantitative data revealed that most MTs were amenable to discussing skin cancer prevention during appointments; few were en-gaging in these conversations. MTs were more comfortable discussing suspicious lesions and recommending that a client see a doctor than they were sharing knowledge about skin cancer and sun safety. Categories based on qualitative content analysis were: sharing information for the client’s benefit, and concerns about remaining within scope of practice.Conclusions: MTs have boundaries for skin cancer risk-reduction content to include in a client discussion and remain in their scope of practice. These findings will help support a future educa-tional intervention for MTs to learn about and incorporate skin cancer risk-reduction messages and activities into their practice

Imagining technology-enhanced learning with heritage artefacts: teacher-perceived potential of 2D and 3D heritage site visualisations

Background: There is much to be realised in the educational potential of national and world heritage sites. Such sites need to be supported in sharing their resources with a wide and international public, especially within formal education. Two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) heritage site visualisations could serve this need. Our study focuses on the teacher-perceived possibilities and benefits for education around such visualisations. Purpose: We describe how a group of UK teachers perceive the potential of cross-curricular learning that could arise from an Italian world heritage site. The teachers commented on 2D visualisations of artefacts from this site, as well as the design of a 3D immersive environment to serve educational purposes. We consider as follows: (1) how the cross-curricular teaching potential of such resources is perceived, and (2) what design features of a 3D immersive environment teachers suggest are needed for educational explorations. Sample: We recruited 10 teachers from the Midlands region of the UK and carried out semi-structured interviews. Methods: Interviews were transcribed and a thematic analysis applied to the conversations. Questioning was grounded in the examination of 2D and 3D visual resources. This provoked cross-curricular and educational design thinking. Results: Teacher responses highlighted a wide range of cross-curricular possibilities. However, they expressed a more ‘assimilative’ than ‘accommodative’ approach when relating resources to the curriculum. Such ‘assimilation’ involved seeing the site artefacts as raw material for more instrumental ‘curriculum activities’ (e.g. within art and design, geography, maths or literacy) rather than a more accommodative approach whereby curricular disciplines were exercised to make new meaning from the artefacts. In relation to 3D technology design, most teachers highlighted three technology features that would render it well matched to educational practice and three educational benefits over non-3D immersive environments. Conclusions: Teachers can easily imagine a rich range of opportunities to utilise 2D and 3D heritage site artefacts within the curriculum. However, the largely assimilative nature of this cross-curricular appropriation suggests the value of providing more guidance and support to teachers in the interpretation and application of artefacts. Their design suggestions can usefully inform construction of educational features within 3D immersive technologies that support heritage site experiences

Pan-Cancer Analysis of lncRNA Regulation Supports Their Targeting of Cancer Genes in Each Tumor Context

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are commonly dys-regulated in tumors, but only a handful are known toplay pathophysiological roles in cancer. We inferredlncRNAs that dysregulate cancer pathways, onco-genes, and tumor suppressors (cancer genes) bymodeling their effects on the activity of transcriptionfactors, RNA-binding proteins, and microRNAs in5,185 TCGA tumors and 1,019 ENCODE assays.Our predictions included hundreds of candidateonco- and tumor-suppressor lncRNAs (cancerlncRNAs) whose somatic alterations account for thedysregulation of dozens of cancer genes and path-ways in each of 14 tumor contexts. To demonstrateproof of concept, we showed that perturbations tar-geting OIP5-AS1 (an inferred tumor suppressor) andTUG1 and WT1-AS (inferred onco-lncRNAs) dysre-gulated cancer genes and altered proliferation ofbreast and gynecologic cancer cells. Our analysis in-dicates that, although most lncRNAs are dysregu-lated in a tumor-specific manner, some, includingOIP5-AS1, TUG1, NEAT1, MEG3, and TSIX, synergis-tically dysregulate cancer pathways in multiple tumorcontexts