scholarly journals Geosynthetic Reinforced Steep Slopes: Current Technology in the United States

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoo-Jae Kim ◽  
Ashley Russell Kotwal ◽  
Bum-Yean Cho ◽  
James Wilde ◽  
Byung Hee You
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Polymeric Materials ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
The United States ◽  
Geosynthetic Reinforcement ◽  
Construction Specifications ◽  
The Earth ◽  
Earth Structures ◽  
Mechanically Stabilized ◽  
Steep Slopes

Geosynthetics is a crucial mechanism in which the earth structures can be mechanically stabilized through strength enforcing tensile reinforcement. Moreover, geosynthetic reinforcement stabilizes steep slopes through incorporating the polymeric materials, becoming one of the most cost-effective methods in not only accommodating budgetary restrictions but also alleviating space constraints. In order to explicate on the applicability and widen the understanding of geosynthetic reinforcement technology, a synthesis study was conducted on geosynthetic reinforced steep slope. This study is very important because in not only highlighting the advantages and limitations of using geosynthetic reinforcement but also in investigating the current construction and design methods with a view to determining which best practices can be employed. Furthermore, this study also identified and assessed the optimal condition of the soil, performance measures, construction specifications, design criteria, and geometry of the slope. To further concretize the understanding of these parameters or factors, two case studies were reviewed and a summary of the best practices, existing methods, and recommendations were drawn in order to inform the employment of geosynthetics in reinforcing steep slopes.

Detection of enteroviruses in marine waters by direct RT-PCR and cell culture

1995 ◽  
Vol 31 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 323-328 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. A. Reynolds ◽  
C. P. Gerba ◽  
I. L. Pepper
Keyword(s):  
Cell Culture ◽  
Polymerase Chain Reaction Amplification ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
The United States ◽  
Water Runoff ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Marine Waters ◽  
Storm Water Runoff ◽  
Routine Monitoring ◽  
Reaction Amplification

Sewage outfalls and storm water runoff introduces pathogenic human enteric viruses into marine coastal waters, which may pose a potential public health risk. Although members of the enterovirus group have been suggested as possible indicators of sewage pollution in marine waters, the lack of rapid, sensitive and cost effective methods have prevented routine monitoring in the United States. This study compared traditional cell culture and direct RT-PCR (reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction) amplification for detection of an enterovirus. Poliovirus could be recovered from 100 L of artificial seawater with an average efficiency of 77%, using adsorption and elution from electronegative filters. Viruses were eluted from the filters with 1.5% beef extract for viruses (BEV) adjusted to pH 9.5 and reconcentrated by organic flocculation to a volume of 30 mL. Substances which interfered with detection by RT-PCR were removed by treatment of the concentrates with sephadex and chelex resins. Direct RT-PCR could detect 2.5 and 0.025 PFU (plaque forming units) for single (25 cycles) and double PCR (2 × 25 cycles) in 10 μL of pure culture poliovirus samples, respectively. These methods are currently being applied to assess the occurrence of enteroviruses at marine bathing beaches influenced by sewage discharges.

scholarly journals Best Practices in Specialized Amyloidosis Centers in the United States: A Survey of Cardiologists, Nurses, Patients, and Patient Advocates

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
pp. 117954682110152
Author(s):  
Jose Nativi-Nicolau ◽  
Nitasha Sarswat ◽  
Johana Fajardo ◽  
Muriel Finkel ◽  
Younos Abdulsattar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Patient Care ◽  
Nurse Practitioners ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Multidisciplinary Care ◽  
The United States ◽  
Comprehensive Care ◽  
Patient Support ◽  
Patient Support Group ◽  
Patient Advocates

Background: Because transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) poses unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, referral of patients with known or suspected disease to specialized amyloidosis centers is recommended. These centers have developed strategic practices to provide multidisciplinary comprehensive care, but their best practices have not yet been well studied as a group. Methods: A qualitative survey was conducted by telephone/email from October 2019 to February 2020 among eligible healthcare providers with experience in the management of ATTR-CM at US amyloidosis centers, patients with ATTR-CM treated at amyloidosis centers, and patient advocates from amyloidosis patient support groups. Results: Fifteen cardiologists and 9 nurse practitioners/nurses from 15 selected amyloidosis centers participated in the survey, with 16 patients and 4 patient advocates. Among participating healthcare providers, the most frequently cited center best practices were diagnostic capability, multidisciplinary care, and time spent on patient care; the greatest challenges involved coordination of patient care. Patients described the “ideal” amyloidosis program as one that provides physicians with expertise in ATTR-CM, sufficient time with patients, comprehensive patient care, and opportunities to participate in research/clinical trials. The majority of centers host patient support group meetings, and patient advocacy groups provide support for centers with physician/patient education and research. Conclusions: Amyloidosis centers offer comprehensive care based on staff expertise in ATTR-CM, a multidisciplinary approach, advanced diagnostics, and time dedicated to patient care and education. Raising awareness of amyloidosis centers’ best practices among healthcare providers can reinforce the benefits of early referral and comprehensive care for patients with ATTR-CM.

Identifying and Serving English Learners in Gifted Education: Looking Back and Moving Forward

2020 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
pp. 297-335
Author(s):  
Rachel U. Mun ◽  
Vonna Hemmler ◽  
Susan Dulong Langley ◽  
Sharon Ware ◽  
E. Jean Gubbins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Professional Learning ◽  
Gifted And Talented ◽  
Gifted Education ◽  
English Learners ◽  
The United States ◽  
Effective Practices ◽  
Referral Process ◽  
Screening Assessment ◽  
Looking Back

Although the number of English learners (ELs) in the United States continues to increase, this population remains underserved by gifted and talented (GT) education programs across the nation. This underrepresentation represents a societal and research dilemma for reasons we address in this systematic review of the most effective practices documented to identify and serve ELs for GT programs. We examine 50 theoretical and empirical articles according to four major themes: nomination, screening/assessment, services, and identification models. We discuss identification recommendations, including outreach and professional learning to foster stakeholder recognition of GT potential in all ELs, an equitable referral process based on a multiple-lens approach, and observation of students completing problem-solving tasks. Finally, we address perceived best practices in serving GT ELs, including making accommodations for ELs in GT programs.

scholarly journals Infection Prevention Considerations for a Multi-Mission Convention Center Field Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-21
Author(s):  
Jennifer A. Jones ◽  
Zishan K. Siddiqui ◽  
Charles Callahan ◽  
Surbhi Leekha ◽  
Sharon Smyth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Infection Prevention ◽  
Diagnostic Testing ◽  
The United States ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Field Hospital ◽  
First Case ◽  
Convention Center ◽  
Set Up ◽  
And Control

Abstract The state of Maryland identified its first case of COVID-19 on March 5, 2020. The Baltimore Convention Center (BCCFH) quickly became a selected location to set up a 250-bed inpatient Field Hospital and Alternate Care Site. In contrast to other field hospitals throughout the United States, the BCCFH remained open throughout the pandemic and took on additional COVID-19 missions, including community SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic testing, monoclonal antibody infusions for COVID-19 outpatients, and community COVID-19 vaccinations. At the time of publication, the BCCFH had cared for 1,478 COVID-19 inpatients, performed 108,155 COVID-19 tests, infused 2,166 COVID-19 patients, and administered 115,169 doses of COVID-19 vaccine. To prevent the spread of pathogens during operations, infection prevention and control guidelines were essential to ensure the safety of staff and patients. Through multi-agency collaboration, utilization of infection prevention best practices, and answering what we describe as “PPE-ESP”, an operational framework was established to reduce infection risks for those providing or receiving care at the BCCFH during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BioWorma as an Aid for Controlling Ruminant Nematode Parasites

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 36-36
Author(s):  
James E Miller ◽  
Joan M Burke ◽  
Thomas H Terrill
Keyword(s):  
Delivery System ◽  
Control Method ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
The United States ◽  
Gastrointestinal Nematodes ◽  
Mineral Supplement ◽  
Larval Stages ◽  
Nematode Parasites

Abstract Nematode-trapping fungi are biological control agents used against the larval stages of gastrointestinal nematodes in livestock feces. These fungi are normal soil inhabitants where they feed on a variety of non-parasitic soil nematodes. Of the various fungi tested, Duddingtonia flagrans spores (BioWorma, International Animal Health Products, Australia) have been shown to survive passage through the gastrointestinal tract of ruminants. After defecation, the spores germinate and grow in the feces to form sticky, sophisticated traps/loops which are able to trap the developing larval stages in the fecal environment. This form of control has been successfully applied under field conditions and is an environmentally safe biological approach for forage-based feeding systems. BioWorma has recently been approved for use in the United States. The primary delivery system is mixing BioWorma into supplement feedstuffs daily where each animal has the opportunity to consume an adequate amount of the mixture. To achieve optimum control of larvae during the transmission season (May–October), BioWorma needs to be fed for a period of no shorter than 60 days, starting at the beginning of the grazing season (especially young after weaning). Feeding BioWorma to dams during late pregnancy and lactation will also help to reduce pasture contamination, especially for growing young that will graze the same pasture. Another delivery system is mixing BioWorma into loose mineral supplement where animals will consume it free choice. The mineral needs to be kept covered and dry. The spores cannot be incorporated into pellets as the heat of the pelleting process will kill the spores. One drawback in using BioWorma is the relatively high cost. Research is being conducted to evaluate other delivery schemes that could be more cost effective. This product is the only control method that targets nematodes on pasture, where a majority of the total population reside.

“What’s on the earth is in the stars; and what’s in the stars is on the earth”: Lakota Relationships with the Stars and American Relationships with the Apocalypse

2021 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 137-156
Author(s):  
Suzanne Kite
Keyword(s):  
American Indians ◽  
The United States ◽  
United States Government ◽  
Conspiracy Theories ◽  
American Perspective ◽  
The Earth ◽  
Oglala Lakota ◽  
The Us ◽  
American Mythology ◽  
Boston Tea Party

How is colonialism connected to American relationships with extraterrestrial beings? This commentary analyzes contemporary and founding US mythologies as constant, calculated attempts for settlers to obtain indigeneity in this land stemming from a fear of the “unknown.” From Columbus’s arrival to the Boston Tea Party, from alien and UFO fervor to paranormal experiences, spiritualism, New Age, and American Wicca, American mythology endlessly recreates conspiracy theories to justify its insatiable desire for resource extraction. I examine the US American mythology of extraterrestrials from two directions: the Oglala Lakota perspective of spirits born through a constellation of stars, and the “American” perspective of extraterrestrials born out of settler futurities. Manifest Destiny goes so far as to take ownership over time and reconfigure it into a linear, one-way street that is a progression towards apocalypse. For American Indians and other peoples targeted by the United States government, conspiracy theories prove true. Those who are targeted, Native and otherwise, understand as the violence of American mythology pours across the continent—abduction and assimilation, or death. How can Indigenous nonhuman ontologies orient settler ethics for the future?

Response to Dr Stone

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1995 ◽  
Vol 96 (4) ◽  
pp. 850-851
Author(s):  
Howard A. Pearson
Keyword(s):  
Nurse Practitioners ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
The United States ◽  
Health Maintenance Organizations ◽  
Quality Health Care ◽  
Quality Cost ◽  
Health Maintenance ◽  
Effective Care ◽  
Quality Health

Dr Elsa Stone, in her usual organized and lucid fashion, has presented the case for inclusion of pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) in private pediatric practices. She bases her conclusions on her nearly 10 years of positive experience with a PNP in her own practice in Connecticut. Dr Stone describes the PNP population and demography, describes the training curriculum of PNPs, and discusses the scope of work of these individuals. She concludes that "there is substantial evidence that PNPs provide quality health care and that collaborative teams of pediatricians and PNPs can provide high-quality, cost-effective care to a broader spectrum of children than can be served by either profession alone." The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has insisted for several years that there is a shortage of pediatricians to meet the expanding needs of the children of the United States. Furthermore, pediatricians—because of system changes—will be expected increasingly to provide a variety of time-intensive services. Dr Stone believes that many of these services can be well provided by PNPs. Within the AAP, there have been some concerns about the role of PNPs. Of particular worry seems to be the possibility that PNPs might decide to practice independently, leading to a lower quality of care for their patients. Less often stated, but clearly an issue, is that PNPs are viewed by some pediatricians as potential competitors. Dr Stone's demographic analysis of what PNPs are currently doing is relevant to these concerns. One third of PNPs work in private pediatric practices or health maintenance organizations.

QS-9000 – Using the Automotive Requirements to Improve Existing ISO 9000 Systems

1998 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.F. Young
Keyword(s):  
Continuous Improvement ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Iso 9000 ◽  
The United States ◽  
Quality System ◽  
General Motors ◽  
Improvement Program ◽  
Quality Initiatives ◽  
Cost Of Quality ◽  
Improvement Programs

Abstract In this paper, we will discuss how to incorporate several of the QS-9000 quality system requirements into an existing ISO 9000 quality system. This expansion of the existing quality system will be cost effective and ensure that the continuous improvement program will meet its goals. The QS-9000 quality system was developed in 1994 by the "Big Three" automotive and truck producers in Detroit, Michigan. This document, originated in the United States, is based upon the International Standard: ISO 9001-94. It is mandatory that any supplier of goods and/or services to either Chrysler, Ford or General Motors must have their quality system registered to the QS-9000 standard. We believe that there can be benefits to non-automotive organizations if they will incorporate some of the QS-9000 clauses into their current ISO 9000 quality systems. We will discuss actual cases in the following areas: purchasing, safety, process control, training, business management and continuous improvement. We will show how these examples of quality system enhancement are both effective and efficient ways of driving cost reduction and process improvement programs. Cost of quality initiatives can be better managed.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT IN THE TRANSITION TO A CIRCULAR ECONOMY

2021 ◽  
pp. 21-26
Author(s):  
Sergey Bushuyev ◽  
Denis Bushuiev ◽  
Victoria Bushuieva ◽  
Olena Verenych
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Best Practices ◽  
Organizational Development ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Life Cycles ◽  
Development Projects ◽  
Waste Products ◽  
The World ◽  
The Impact

The problem of creating effective models, methods and tools for strategic management of projects and programs for the development of organizations in the transition to a circular economy. Global trends in the development of organizations prove that the world is transforming with acceleration. The life cycle of knowledge and technologies for managing complex projects and programs is significantly reduced. The technical and technological complexity of organizational development projects increases due to innovations. These trends create significant challenges in the development of project management systems and programs for the formation of a circular economy in Ukraine. This is especially true of projects and programs in conditions of uncertainty about the impact of COVID 19 and anticipation of a global crisis after a pandemic. Today, the application of proven best practices (benchmarking) is no longer a way forward. Forming a vision, goals and strategy for the implementation of organizational development projects in advance makes our actions rigid, not flexible. When creating a project or program begins with focusing on what is valuable to our customers and the country, it is enough for us to use best practices. But the complexity and innovative orientation of development projects of organizations in the transition to a circular economy creates a number of challenges. One of the answers to these challenges is cost-effective work on project management and development programs, taking into account the trends of transition to a circular economy. Project management teams learn to distinguish between what is valuable and what doesn't matter, this is the path that management methodologies have taken for decades. A number of projects have taken the first steps in implementing the necessary cost-effective / flexible transition that supports sustainability and adaptability to turbulent environmental changes. In the conditions of modern destructive economic relations in the world community the problem of a choice of strategy of projects as drivers of development of the organizations is vital. One of the key approaches to the development of the EU is the transition to a circular economy with maximum utilization of both waste products and projects, and the disposal of project products after the end of product life cycles.

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