From Archive to Evidence: Historians and Natural Resource Litigation

Within the field of natural resource law are several specific areas that are well suited for the historian’s skillset and knowledge. The deployment of the historian’s tool box when conducting research in the legal world, however, can result in deliverables which vary significantly from those found in the academy, as they range widely in both size and scope and do not always use the full range of a historian’s skills. New technological platforms provide consulting historians with creative opportunities to disseminate valuable information and sources and enhance important scholarly debates

Long-term Survival and Reproduction in a North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis) with an Intraperitoneal Radio-Transmitter

Intraperitoneal implantation of radio-transmitters is a useful method of monitoring free-ranging aquatic and semi-aquatic mammals; however, some researchers are concerned about the physiological effects of such implants. Few studies have investigated the long-term consequences of intraperitoneal implants on survival or reproductive performance. An adult female North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis) surgically equipped with an intraperitoneal radio-transmitter and released in northwestern Pennsylvania in June 1990 as part of a reintroduction project was killed in March 1999. The North American River Otter was estimated to be 10 years old and was pregnant with two fetuses at the time of her death. Our observation suggests that wild North American River Otters surgically equipped with intraperitoneal radio-transmitters can live long after implantation of the radio-transmitter and continue to reproduce successfully

Interactions between imagined movement and the initiation of voluntary movement: A TMS study

Objective: The purpose was to examine motor imagery-induced enhancement in corticospinal excitability during a reaction time (RT) task. Methods: Nine young and healthy Subjects performed an isometric finger flexion tasks in response to a visual imperative cue. In the pre-cue period, they were instructed to: (I) rest; (2) imagine flexing their fingers isometrically (ImFlex): or (3) imagine extending their fingers isometrically (ImExt). Surface EMGs from the finger flexors and extensors were monitored to ensure EMG silence before movement onset. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was used to evaluate changes in motor-evoked potentials (MEP) in the finger flexor and extensor muscles during the response phase. TMS was delivered either with the imperative cue, or 120 ms before and after the imperative cue. Results: RT was slower when they were imagining finger extension prior to the visual imperative cue. MEPs were significantly increased for the finger flexors during imagined finger flexion and for the finger extensors during imagined finger extension at both TMS delivery time points, reflecting movement specific enhancement in corticospinal excitability during motor imagery. When TMS was delivered 120 ms after the cue, finger flexor MEN were further facilitated under the Rest and ImFlex conditions, but not under the ImExt condition, suggesting additive interactions between imagery-induced enhancement and early rise in corticospinal excitability during the initiation of a reaction time response. Conclusions: Our results provide neurophysiological evidence mediating dynamic interactions between imagined movement and the initiation of voluntary movement. Significance: Motor imagery can be integrated into a rehabilitation protocol to facilitate motor recovery. (C) 2009 International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved

Beyond service education: Impacting the human experience with sustained training utilizing the Experience Model of Communication

Patients scheduling or checking in for medical appointments often share with frontline employees’ details of their stories, including their worries, prior negative experiences, and hopes. These interactions require employees to not only complete their task, but also to be mindfully present, picking up on important social cues and showing appropriate emotional congruence and empathic understanding. Based on a review of recorded patient calls, a gap was identified in the communication skills of desk and scheduling staff at this large academic medical center, and a sustained training program was created to fill this gap. The training is centered on an evolving set of theoretical principles and skills that have come to be known as the Experience Model of Communication (XMOC). We wanted to understand if training in XMOC, a set of skills essential for healthcare providers, would also be beneficial for frontline staff. The training was evaluated with pre/post surveys, listening sessions, an annual evaluation, and quarterly tracking of patient experience scores, and findings suggest that the training content has had a positive impact. We continue to build and evaluate the training program to identify and refine the elements that make up XMOC and the most effective ways to transfer that learning to the staff who benefit. Experience Framework This article is associated with the Staff & Provider Engagement lens of The Beryl Institute Experience Framework (https://www.theberylinstitute.org/ExperienceFramework). Access other PXJ articles related to this lens. Access other resources related to this lens

Implicit Gender Bias, Engagement, and Protective Factors in STEM Faculty

The present study assessed implicit gender bias and job engagement among STEM faculty at a mid-size liberal arts university. Forty-nine faculty in each of the departments of natural and social sciences were assessed for implicit gender bias and job engagement. We found that men had greater implicit gender bias than women in the natural sciences. In addition, women in natural science departments felt marginally less engaged than women in social science departments. Women’s disengagement was positively associated with imposter phenomenon and perceived lack of control in departmental decisions. However, women who actively participated in a women’s organization or had an advocate had more positive psychological outcomes. These findings suggest that although women STEM faculty, particularly in the natural sciences, experience challenges, support provided by women’s organizations or advocates may be an important strategy to reduce the effects of these challenges

Strength of Steel-to-Steel Screw Connections - Update to Provisions

The objective of this research was to review the existing provisions of the AISI S100-16 North American Specification for Cold-Formed Steel Structural Members [1], for screw connections loaded in shear and tension (but not combined actions). This study performed a comprehensive analysis of available steel-to-steel screw connection strength test data, totaling 702 shear tests, 143 pull-over tests, and 335 pull-out tests. The tested strength of these connections was compared to the predicted strength from the existing strength equations in the AISI S100-16 Standard. The validity of the existing equations was evaluated based on how well the predicted strengths matched the tested strengths. From this analysis, recommended adjustments to the equations, factors of safety, and/or resistance were determined and reported. This study found that the existing equations in AISI S100-16 for screw connections loaded in shear do not need to be revised, although the resistance factors for both LRFD and LSD could be increased. For the limit state of pull-over, the existing equations in AISI S100-16 do not need to be revised, while the resistance and safety factors for pull-over could be revised, with distinction between connections with ductile steel and connections with low-ductility steel. This study did not look at the effect of geometry on pull-over, and further investigation is recommended. For the limit state of pull-out, the analysis of available test data indicates that the current nominal strength prediction equation in AISI S100-16 should be revised by including an adjustment factor into the equation. The proposed adjustment factor results in increased usable strength in connections with sheet thickness greater than 0.04 inches. It was found that the pullout resistance factors could be increased slightly.This project was undertaken as an AISI Student Fellowship with funding provided by the American Iron and Steel Institute and the Steel Deck Institute

Estimating the effect of moving meat-free products to the meat aisle on sales of meat and meat-free products: A non-randomised controlled intervention study in a large UK supermarket chain

Background Reducing meat consumption could bring health and environmental benefits, but there is little research to date on effective interventions to achieve this. A non-randomised controlled intervention study was used to evaluate whether prominent positioning of meat-free products in the meat aisle was associated with a change in weekly mean sales of meat and meat-free products. Methods and findings Weekly sales data were obtained from 108 stores: 20 intervention stores that moved a selection of 26 meat-free products into a newly created meat-free bay within the meat aisle and 88 matched control stores. The primary outcome analysis used a hierarchical negative binomial model to compare changes in weekly sales (units) of meat products sold in intervention versus control stores during the main intervention period (Phase I: February 2019 to April 2019). Interrupted time series analysis was also used to evaluate the effects of the Phase I intervention. Moreover, 8 of the 20 stores enhanced the intervention from August 2019 onwards (Phase II intervention) by adding a second bay of meat-free products into the meat aisle, which was evaluated following the same analytical methods. During the Phase I intervention, sales of meat products (units/store/week) decreased in intervention (approximately −6%) and control stores (−5%) without significant differences (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1.01 [95% CI 0.95–1.07]. Sales of meat-free products increased significantly more in the intervention (+31%) compared to the control stores (+6%; IRR 1.43 [95% CI 1.30–1.57]), mostly due to increased sales of meat-free burgers, mince, and sausages. Consistent results were observed in interrupted time series analyses where the effect of the Phase II intervention was significant in intervention versus control stores. Conclusions Prominent positioning of meat-free products into the meat aisle in a supermarket was not effective in reducing sales of meat products, but successfully increased sales of meat-free alternatives in the longer term. A preregistered protocol (https://osf.io/qmz3a/) was completed and fully available before data analysis.</p

Gait Mechanics are Influenced by Quadriceps Strength, Age, and Sex after Total Knee Arthroplasty

Although most patients are satisfied with outcomes after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), many retain preoperative altered gait mechanics. Identifying patient characteristics associated with gait mechanics will improve rehabilitation strategies and enhance our understanding of movement disorders. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify which patient characteristics are related to gait mechanics in the surgical limb during walking post-TKA. Patient characteristics included age, body mass, sex, quadriceps strength, self-reported function, and knee pain. General linear regression was used to compare patient characteristics associated with gait mechanics, after controlling for gait speed, functional capacity and time from surgery. We tested 191 patients cross-sectionally at 6–24 months after primary, unilateral TKA. Quadriceps weakness in the surgical limb was associated with less peak vertical ground reaction force (PvGRF) (β = .245, p = .044), knee extension moment (β = .283, p = .049), and knee extension excursion (β = .298, p = .038). Older age (β = .168, p = .050) was associated with less PvGRF. Quadriceps strength in the nonsurgical limb (β = −.357, p = .021) was associated with greater knee extension excursion in the surgical limb. Females with TKA (β = −.276, p = .007) had less knee flexion excursion compared to males. Faster gait speed was also associated with greater PvGRF (β = .585, p \u3c .001), knee extensor moment (β = .481, p \u3c .001), and knee flexion excursion (β = .318, p \u3c .001). Statement of Clinical Significance: This study showed quadriceps weakness, slower gait speed, older age and being female were related to altered gait mechanics post-TKA. These findings will help clinicians better educate patients and develop targeted interventions for improving care in patients post-TKA

Advancing Suicide Intervention Strategies for Teens (ASSIST): study protocol for a multisite randomised controlled trial

Introduction: Brief interventions that reduce suicide risk following youth\u27s experience with acute care due to suicidality are needed. Methods and analysis: The study will use a three-arm randomised controlled trial designed to test the effectiveness of the Safety Planning Intervention with structured follow-up (SPI+) and the Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) compared with enhanced usual care. The primary outcomes measure will be suicidal events, defined as death by suicide, attempted suicide, preparatory acts toward imminent suicidal behaviour or suicidal ideation resulting in a change in emergency evaluation or inpatient admission. Secondary measures will be the number of suicide attempts and severity of suicidal ideation. The experimental interventions, SPI+ and CAMS, consist of up to eight sessions over approximately 8 weeks that are designed to manage (SPI+) or treat (CAMS) patient-identified \u27drivers\u27 of suicidal thoughts and behaviours. Mechanisms and moderators of change will be evaluated to understand treatment impacts. Ethics and dissemination: This study has been approved by the Seattle Children\u27s Institutional Review Board and is monitored by external agencies including the University of Washington Institute for Translational Health Sciences, and a National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)-appointed Data Safety and Monitoring Board. Trial results will help establish evidence towards safe and effective treatment strategies for youth transitioning from acute to outpatient care due to a suicidal crisis. The data will be shared with the NIMH Data Archives and disseminated through publications and conferences

Exploring the Angular Momentum -- Atomic Gas Content Connection with EAGLE and IllustrisTNG

We use the EAGLE (Evolution and Assembly of GaLaxies and their Environments) and IllustrisTNG (The Next Generation) cosmological simulations to investigate the properties of the baryonic specific angular momentum (j), baryonic mass (M) and atomic gas fraction ($f_{\rm{atm}}$) plane for nearby galaxies. We find EAGLE and TNG to be in excellent agreement with each other. These simulations are also consistent with the results obtained with xGASS (eXtended GALEX Arecibo SDSS Survey) for gas fractions greater than 0.01. This implies that the disagreements previously identified between xGASS and predictions from simple analytical disc stability arguments also holds true for EAGLE and TNG. For lower gas fraction (the regime currently unconstrained by observations), both simulations deviate from the plane but still maintain good agreement with each other. Despite the challenges posed by resolution limits at low gas fractions, our findings suggest a potential disconnect between angular momentum and gas fraction in the gas-poor regime, implying that not all gas-poor galaxies have low specific angular momentum.Comment: 12 pages, 10 figures. Accepted for publication in MNRA