scholarly journals County-Level Records for Culex stigmatosoma and Culex thriambus in Texas

2021 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-33
Author(s):  
William J. Sames ◽  
Eleanor O. Kirkscey ◽  
Raymond F. Dunton ◽  
Bethany G. Bolling ◽  
Alexander L. Wild
Keyword(s):  
San Antonio ◽  
Vector Competence ◽  
Surveillance Studies ◽  
Department Of State ◽  
Texas Department ◽  
Distributional Information ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Southwestern Usa ◽  
Culex Stigmatosoma ◽  
Regional Surveillance

ABSTRACT Populations of Culex stigmatosoma and Cx. thriambus have been documented in the southwestern USA with a southward range extension to northern South America and Central America, respectively. Studies conducted in California indicate both species are potential vectors of West Nile virus. However, vector competence studies are lacking for other parts of the USA. During a multicounty regional surveillance study west of San Antonio, Texas, multiple errors were observed in the Texas distributional literature of these species. These errors involved incorrect distributional information in Texas and US publications. Evidence to correct these errant records was found upon further analysis of Texas literature and curated specimens. Therefore, the aims of this study were to present that evidence and then combine the corrected records with additional records from the Texas Department of State Health Services and from larval collections made during other Texas surveillance studies.

scholarly journals A Checklist of the Mosquito Species in 13 Counties West of San Antonio, Texas

2021 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 119-124
Author(s):  
William J. Sames ◽  
Raymond F. Dunton ◽  
Bethany G. Bolling
Keyword(s):  
Disease Surveillance ◽  
San Antonio ◽  
Mosquito Species ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
County Level ◽  
Species List ◽  
Department Of State ◽  
Government Documents ◽  
Texas Department ◽  
Collection Data

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to consolidate mosquito information for 13 counties west of San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas, and to create a species checklist for future regional studies. The resulting checklist established a baseline for local mosquito-borne disease surveillance and can serve as a resource for public health officials. The 13 counties in this region were Bandera, Edwards, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Kinney, Maverick, Medina, Real, Sutton, Uvalde, Val Verde, and Zavala counties. To develop the checklist, county-level mosquito species data were extracted from 38 peer-reviewed publications and government documents, university reference collections, private collections, and the Texas Department of State Health Services' historical collection data. These data were combined with author field collections to create a comprehensive species list. Overall, 339 county-level records were documented through field studies with a total of 36 species representing 8 genera confirmed as being present in this region. An additional 14 species listed in historical surveillance records were not collected during this study.

Abstract TP232: Disparities in Access to Stroke Research in the State of Texas

Stroke ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 48 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tzu-Ching Wu ◽  
Christy M Ankrom ◽  
Arvind B Bambhroliya ◽  
Shima Borzorgui ◽  
Sean I Savitz
Keyword(s):  
Census Data ◽  
Census Bureau ◽  
The State ◽  
Discharge Data ◽  
Department Of State ◽  
Stroke Research ◽  
Texas Department ◽  
The Status ◽  
Stroke Center ◽  
Us Census

Objective: Access to care is an important healthcare goal but access to research is also important to patients. We sought to gain an understanding of the status of stroke research among the various stroke designated hospitals in the state and to identify regions and facilities that lack access to stroke research. Methods: Texas Department of State Health Service (TDSHS) designated stroke facilities (DSF) were surveyed using a standardized questionnaire via telephone/email to confirm stroke center status, presence of a dedicated stroke coordinator, use of telestroke services, and participation in stroke research. Stroke discharge data were obtained from TDSHS and stroke volume (by ICD) were estimated for 2013 for all non-DSF. Census data were obtained from the US Census Bureau. Results: In total, 109/136 (80%) TDSHS DSF responded to the survey. Only 32/109 (29%) of the TDSHS DSF are participating in stroke research, mostly in the 4 metropolitan areas (fig 1). We identified 16 non-DSF that have 100-149 stroke discharges, and another 21 non-DSF that have ≥ 150 stroke discharges (fig 1). Over half (53%) of the DSF in the state are utilizing telestroke services. Conclusions: Most clinical stroke research conducted in Texas is in the 4 metropolitan markets. Our findings demonstrate that over 50% or ~14 million Texans reside outside of the 4 markets and therefore may lack access to stroke research. To increase access, we identified several non-DSF in the state with substantial stroke discharges (fig 1). Academic centers and non-DSF partnering through telemedicine and other relationships should be considered to expand throughout the state opportunities for participation in stroke research.

Latino immigrants in the borderlands

2001 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emilia E. Martínez-Brawley ◽  
Paz M.-B. Zorita
Keyword(s):  
Latino Immigrants ◽  
The World ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Southwestern Usa

The borderlands of any country offer special challenges and opportunities not only to their residents but also for immigrants who arrive in the new lands. The southwestern border of the USA, with its bicultural heritage and history, offers particular stresses and opportunities; for Latino immigrants in the academy, those challenges are felt in very specific ways. This paper addresses the experiences of the authors, as Latino academics in the southwestern USA. Lessons for transcultural understanding in other countries of the world are drawn from those experiences.

scholarly journals From Surveillance To Control: Evaluation of A Larvicide Intervention Against Aedes aegypti In Brownsville, Texas

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 233-237
Author(s):  
Selene M. Garcia-Luna ◽  
Luis Fernando Chaves ◽  
José G. Juarez ◽  
Bethany G. Bolling ◽  
Arturo Rodriguez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aedes Aegypti ◽  
Mosquito Control ◽  
South Texas ◽  
Bacillus Thuringiensis Israelensis ◽  
Department Of State ◽  
Texas Department ◽  
Control Evaluation ◽  
The City ◽  
Contingency Contract ◽  
Local Transmission

ABSTRACT South Texas is recognized as a potential area for the emergence and re-emergence of mosquito-borne diseases due to recent circulation of Zika, chikungunya, and dengue viruses. During 2017, high Aedes aegypti abundance found in the city of Brownsville, TX, in combination with the previous year's local transmission of Zika virus, triggered the activation of the Texas Department of State Health Services Emergency Mosquito Control Contingency Contract. A contract with the Clarke Environmental and Mosquito Control was a response to control Ae. aegypti, using a ground-based wide-area larvicide spray (WALS™) containing Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis. The WALS application was evaluated through a field-based bioassay and by comparing surveillance data pre- and post-WALS application. The WALS application bioassay demonstrated that the larvicide was effective up to 60 m into the target properties. Additionally, the number of Ae. aegypti captured in traps decreased in the WALS intervention areas compared with the untreated control areas, with an estimated 29% control.

Americanization of Russian Geometric Education and Descriptive Geometry

2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 38-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Сальков ◽  
Nikolay Sal'kov
Keyword(s):  
Cold War ◽  
Soviet Union ◽  
Computer Graphics ◽  
The United States ◽  
Descriptive Geometry ◽  
Independent State ◽  
Department Of State ◽  
The Usa ◽  
The Russian Empire ◽  
The Cold War

70 years ago, the bloodiest of wars had ended. Literally, the next day the USA started the ruthless Cold war against the USSR. Goal – to destroy the USSR as political and military enemy. Ironically, it was the Russian Empire (and the Soviet Union – its successor) that first in the world recognized the USA as an independent state. In 1991, the goal was achieved. Russia considered the cold war over, and the USA a partner in all matters. In vain. It is no secret the CIA felt home in Russian governmental buildings. It is no secret that Department of State advisers sat in every Russian Ministry. Unsurprisingly, imposed reforms have led to destruction of industry, agriculture, and medicine. The country was flooded with imports, and Russia has lost the basic security of state. Obviously, the same benefactors from the CIA forced the Ministry of Education and Science to adopt the surrogate instead of the Soviet system of education. Moreover, the well-wishers perfectly knew that this surrogate was of very low quality. Introduction of the American system of education instead of the Soviet one is the manifestation of the cold war. Artificial confrontation of computer graphics vs. descriptive geometry arose. Enforced antagonism resulted in elimination of teaching descriptive geometry in many areas. Known: computers and computer graphics come from the USA. Note that geometry experts do not oppose to the use of computer graphics. More obscure is the position of some of our partners, when they advocate destruction of science in favor of a drawing instrument. In this mortal combat of geeks, the author sees a manifestation of the same cold war that the United States maintains with Russia. Deduction: it is so because computer graphics took all its geometric methods of constructing from descriptive geometry. Minimal program of overcoming this geometric crisis in higher education is provided.

scholarly journals Regional Disparity in Asthma Prevalence and Distribution of Asthma Education Programs in Texas

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica John ◽  
Juha Baek ◽  
Taehyun Roh ◽  
Lucia Cabrera-Conner ◽  
Genny Carrillo
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Data File ◽  
Asthma Prevalence ◽  
Behavioral Risk ◽  
Education Programs ◽  
Buffer Zones ◽  
Asthma Education ◽  
Department Of State ◽  
Texas Department ◽  
Geographical Disparity

Objectives. To identify the distribution of asthma education programs that are currently active in Texas and examine whether there is a geographical disparity between asthma prevalence and locations of asthma education programs in the Public Health Regions (PHRs) of Texas. Methods. The data for adult asthma prevalence in PHRs was obtained from the Texas Department of State and Health Services (DSHS) 2015 Texas Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) Public Use Data File. The Geographic Information System (GIS) program was used to show the distribution of asthma education programs and visually identify the isolated areas for asthma education programs on the maps. To examine the areas covered by the asthma education programs, we illustrated 50 miles and 70 miles of buffer zones from each program by proximity (multiple ring buffer) functions in GIS. Results. We identified that 27 asthma education programs are active in Texas as of July 2019. The analysis showed that PHRs 1, 2, and 7 had the highest rate of asthma prevalence but had fewer asthma education programs. Also, the distribution of asthma education programs is concentrated around major cities, leading to a regional imbalance between asthma prevalence and locations of asthma education programs. The central and western areas of Texas proved to be marginalized areas for asthma education programs, particularly PHRs 2 and 9 because they may not be covered by the buffer zones of 70 miles from any asthma education programs. Discussion. This study revealed the marginalized regions in Texas lacking asthma education programs. The findings could help policymakers and health care professionals enhance opportunities to develop asthma education programs using different venues in isolated areas and prioritize these regions, for funds, to establish new asthma education programs.

Special Flashing Warning Lights for Construction, Maintenance, and Service Vehicles: Are Amber Beacons Always Enough?

2000 ◽  
Vol 1715 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerald L. Ullman
Keyword(s):  
Blue Light ◽  
San Antonio ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Fort Worth ◽  
Amber Light ◽  
Warning Light ◽  
Texas Department ◽  
Color Combinations ◽  
Light Color ◽  
Traffic Behavior

Ways to improve the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT’s) current vehicle warning light policy were researched. Tasks included a survey of motorist perceptions of different warning light color combinations and also field studies of the effect of selected color combinations on traffic behavior. The motorist survey, conducted at driver licensing stations in Dallas–Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Houston, indicated that the combination of blue and amber lights implied a slightly greater sense of hazard to motorists than did the amber light alone. However, this greater sense of hazard did not necessarily translate into differences in how motorists believed they needed to respond. Field studies conducted at freeway locations in San Antonio and Houston investigated the effect of selected, alternative vehicle warning-light color combinations on vehicle speeds, lane choice, and braking activity. Researchers found significant reductions in speeds at a few sites—but not all—for the amber and blue warning light color combination when compared with speeds observed when only an amber warning light was used. In addition, the data suggested a trend toward increased brake usage for the red, amber, and blue light configuration compared with the amber-light-only configuration. There also was evidence that the amber-and-blue light configuration slightly increased the frequency of brake applications. Furthermore, the use of a law enforcement vehicle during testing resulted in significantly more brake-light activations than did a TxDOT courtesy patrol vehicle outfitted with the same warning light colors.

scholarly journals Recovering the jaguar Panthera onca in peripheral range: a challenge to conservation policy

Oryx ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 49 (4) ◽  
pp. 626-631 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tony Povilitis
Keyword(s):  
Wildlife Management ◽  
Conservation Policy ◽  
Conservation Strategy ◽  
Peripheral Populations ◽  
Historical Records ◽  
Panthera Onca ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Southwestern Usa

AbstractThe recovery goal for the jaguar Panthera onca in the USA should be to restore significant presence with some reproduction, consistent with historical records. Nevertheless, the prevailing conservation strategy for the jaguar does not include restoration in peripheral range and merely seeks long-term survival of the jaguar within its existing northern range, which is almost entirely in Mexico. Broader issues are whether recovery programmes should include peripheral populations, range expansion and species representation across ecoregions. Considering jaguar history, habitat, population requirements, wildlife management and other factors in the southwestern USA, efforts to re-establish the species would have a reasonable chance of success. Recovery of the jaguar in the USA would improve prospects for the adaptation and survival of the species within its northern range, given habitat loss, conflicts with humans and climate change.

scholarly journals Prison Population Reductions and COVID-19: A Latent Profile Analysis Synthesizing Recent Evidence From the Texas State Prison System

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noel Vest ◽  
Oshea Johnson ◽  
Kathryn Nowotny ◽  
Lauren Brinkley-Rubinstein
Keyword(s):  
Latent Profile Analysis ◽  
Profile Analysis ◽  
Prison Population ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Absolute Minimum ◽  
Public Health Professionals ◽  
Texas Department ◽  
High Death ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Latent Profile

AbstractPeople in prison are particularly vulnerable to infectious disease due to close living conditions and the lack of protective equipment. As a result, public health professionals and prison administrators seek information to guide best practices and policy recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using latent profile analysis, we sought to characterize Texas prisons on levels of COVID-19 cases and deaths among incarcerated residents, and COVID-19 cases among prison staff. This observational study was a secondary data analysis of publicly available data from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TBDJ) collected from March 1, 2020, until July 24, 2020. This project was completed in collaboration with the COVID Prison Project. We identified relevant profiles from the data: a low-outbreak profile, a high-outbreak profile, and a high-death profile. Additionally, current prison population and level of employee staffing predicted membership in the high-outbreak and high-death profiles when compared with the low-outbreak profile. Housing persons at 85% of prison capacity was associated with lower risk of COVID-19 infection and death. Implementing this 85% standard as an absolute minimum should be prioritized at prisons across the USA.

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