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• This is a case study of a small modular reactor supplying steam and electricity to a pulp and paper mill. • Resulting steam conditions in the mill are analyzed using steady-state and dynamic models. • Models of the paper mill were built in Aspen HYSYS and Dymola, a Modelica Ecosystem. • Integrated SMRs with pulp and paper mills is feasible but may present cost limitations. Small modular reactors (SMRs) are reactor designs producing less than 300 MWe and are generally planned for deployment as multimodule nuclear power plants. The possibility of factory-manufactured, flexibly sized plants expands the opportunities for nuclear power to different communities and industries, including manufacturing plants that currently utilize fossil fuels to produce both steam and electricity. This paper examines the feasibility of coupling a NuScale SMR with a midsize pulp and paper mill in the Southeastern United States. A steady-state mill model was developed in Aspen HYSYS, based on real data from the operation of the mill, and modified it to include the SMR while maintaining steam quality requirements and making as few changes as possible to existing equipment. Dynamic plant models were also developed Dymola to demonstrate possible plant conditions, using three configurations. Preliminary results suggest that, while SMR coupling is physically feasible, its economic feasibility is limited by the differences in steam and electricity demands. Because of limitations in the amount of steam the mill can take from the SMR, sizing the SMR for the plant's steam demand may result in an electricity deficit, or vice versa. Dynamic analyses show that the addition of a thermal storage system could reduce such deficits, but this entails its own challenges. Each plant must determine the best configuration and control scheme for itself, based on its electricity and heat needs, including the peak duration and intensity for both. Ultimately, an implementation of SMRs with manufacturing processes would benefit from partnering with a local utility to purchase excess electricity generated by the SMR. This will help manufacturing facilities meet their environmental and cost-savings goals, in addition to meeting the need for cost-effective baseload power across the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The recent emergence of Chikungunya Virus (CHIKV) in the Americas constitutes a major public health problem on this continent, where the mosquito vector is widespread. The rapid diagnosis of suspected cases is essential for the monitoring and control of this ongoing outbreak. However, this requires reliable tools that are difficult to establish in areas without specialized laboratories. Objectives The aim was to evaluate the performances of serum samples spotted onto filter paper for molecular and serological diagnosis of Chikungunya infection. Study design Analyses were performed from frozen sera and serum spotted onto filter paper provided from 121 Chikungunya suspected cases collected at a biological laboratory on Saint-Martin Island. Results This approach performed well in comparisons with standard methods, with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 93.6% for the combined technical approaches (RT-PCR and serological results). Comparisons of serum samples spotted onto filter paper and frozen samples showed a concordance rate of 94.8% in molecular tests and 98.2% in serological tests. Conclusions This simple sampling technique could overcome the problems of the lack of efficient CHIKV diagnosis tools in remote regions, providing good results regardless of the molecular or serological approach used. This simple filter paper-based method can be used to diagnose both chikungunya and dengue infections, as previously demonstrated following transport at ambient temperature to specialized laboratories. Given the set-up costs and high performance of this method, it could be recommended for the monitoring and control of Chikungunya virus expansion in the Americas and in other affected regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a case study which determined if the acidity level of library materials treated with chlorine dioxide differs than that of untreated materials. Details on the use of chlorine dioxide for the treatment of molds on books at the University of Oklahoma Libraries in Norman; Methodology; Results and discussion; Conclusions.

Women in cardiology experience considerable gender disparities in publications, which hinders their career advancements to higher faculty and senior leadership positions. However, the extent of these disparities across different types of cardiovascular literature is not well understood. We investigated gender differences in authorship across various cardiovascular publications over a decade and examined geographic variations in the representation of women authors. All papers published from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2019, in 4 major cardiovascular journals (Journal of the American College of Cardiology , European Heart Journal , Journal of the American Medical Association Cardiology , and Nature Reviews Cardiology) were reviewed. Of the 18,535 papers with 111,562 authors, 20.6% of the authors were women, and 47.7% of the papers had no women authors. Over 10 years, the proportion of women authors remained low (20.7% in 2010 to 21.4% in 2019), with the lowest proportion in editorial papers (14.8%) and the highest in research papers (21.8%). More women as first (34.6%) and last (47.6%) authors were affiliated with institutions in the United States compared with other countries. The proportion of women middle-order authors was higher on papers with women as first authors (29.4% vs 20.5%) or last authors (30.6% vs 21.3%), compared with papers with men as first or last authors, respectively. Over the past decade, the proportion of women authors across all article types in major cardiovascular journals remained low. A call to action is needed to promote women in cardiology and provide them with equitable opportunities. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Annual ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) is an important cool-season forage grass in the southeastern US. Since large portions of soils in this region are too acidic for optimum ryegrass production, there exists an opportunity to use lime mud waste from numerous regional pulp and paper mills as an agricultural liming material. In this study, four lime mud application rates, 2.25 (L1). 4.51 (L2), 9.01 (L3), and 22.50 (l4) ton ha-1 dry weight basis, and a control (L0) were evaluated for response to ryegrass growth during the first 6 weeks to estimate an optimum application range over the testing soil for future field test. Results indicated that applied lime mud slowed ryegrass germination and seedling emergence, with differences of whole plant length among treatments L0-L4 significant only during the first three weeks. Differences of whole plant dry weight among treatments L0-L4 reduced thereafter. The initial soil pH increase due to the lime mud application dropped in treatments L1-L4 by the end of the 6-week experiment. The optimum lime mud application range was estimated between L2 and L3, which provided higher ryegrass yields (kg ha-1) of 84 and 80 over 77 of the control and complied with the Code of Federal Regulation, CFR 40 Part 503 for land application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In school, at least in the US, we were taught to multiply by hand according to a standard algorithm. Most people find that algorithm difficult to use, and many children fail to learn it. We propose a new way to make sense of this difficulty: to treat explicit computation as perceptually supported physical and mental action. Based on recent work in neuroscience, we trace the flow of arithmetic information to emphasize demands on visual working memory and attention. We predict that algorithms that make moderate demands on memory and attention will work better than others that make stronger demands. We suggest that the judicious use of spatial schemas can reduce such cognitive demands. Experimental evidence from children in an inner-city school supports this claim. Our work suggests new ways to think about instruction. The goal should be to minimize demands that present obstacles and maximize instead what human eyes, bodies, and brains do well. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

There is a widely held view to the effect that internal flexibility is most reliably secured through the provision of employment security. The research reported here provides a test of this theory. Interviews were conducted with managers and, to a lesser extent, union officials in a judgment sample of 21 plants in the U.S. paper industry. With limited and specific exceptions, since the early 1980s paper mills have provided generally secure employment. Despite this, unions vigorously opposed management attempts to increase flexibility. In response, management used threats and intimidation to increase flexibility, with some considerable success. The theory that employment security produces internal flexibility requires some revision. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the early 2010s, the production of industrial wood pellet for overseas exports has grown considerably in the Southern United States (U.S.). In order to meet the increasing demand for woody biomass feedstock, the wood pellet mills in the U.S. South consume roundwood pulpwood along with low-valued logging residues and sawmill wood wastes. By estimating empirical roundwood pulpwood market models based on the bi-monthly time-series data, this study estimates the impacts of wood pellet production, precipitation, and the COVID-19 Pandemic on the hardwood and softwood pulpwood stumpage prices in 12 southeastern Atlantic coastal micro-markets. Results suggest that the wood pellet industry has led to an increase in pine pulpwood prices, but no statistically significant impact is found on the hardwood pulpwood prices. Rainfall is found to be a positive determinant of the roundwood pulpwood prices. Furthermore, since March 2020, the COVID-19 Pandemic is estimated to lead about 6% decline in both pine and hardwood pulpwood prices. This study provides empirical evidence and additional insights on the timber market dynamics and how small roundwood markets have reacted to the additional wood demand from a growing bioenergy industry in the U.S. South. • The wood pellet industry competes with pulp and paper mills for woody biomass. • The wood pellet industry has led to an increase in pine pulpwood prices. • No significant impact of wood pellets is found on the hardwood pulpwood prices. • The COVID-19 Pandemic has led to decline pulpwood stumpage prices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In 2022, suicide ranked as the 11th leading cause of death in the United States with 49,513 deaths. Provisional mortality data from 2022 indicate a 2.8% increase in the number of suicides compared to 2021. This paper examines overall suicide trends, sodium nitrite ingestion as an emerging suicide method, and the role that online forums play in sharing information about suicide methods (including sodium nitrite ingestion). Methods: Suicides were identified from CDC's National Vital Statistics System (2018-July 2023 provisional) multiple cause-of-death mortality files using International Classification of Diseases (ICD), Tenth Revision underlying cause-of-death codes U03, X60–X84, and Y87.0 and T code T50.6 (antidotes and chelating agents). Google search popularity metrics were captured from January 2019 to January 2023. Case reports of sodium nitrite related suicide and suicide attempts (through February 2024) were identified in the medical and forensic literature. Results: At least 768 suicides involving antidotes and chelating agents (including sodium nitrite) occurred between 2018 and July 2023, set in the context of 268,972 total suicides during that period. Overall, suicides involving antidotes and chelating agents (including sodium nitrite) represent <1% of all suicides, however, numbers are rising. Conclusions: Suicide methods are known to change over time. These changes can be influenced by, among other factors, online forums and means accessibility, such as internet purchase availability. CDC remains committed to prevention through comprehensive public health strategies that protect individuals, families, and communities. Practical Applications: States and community partners might consider leveraging physicians, emergency responders, and other appropriate crisis response groups to disseminate information on sodium nitrite self-poisoning and its antidote, methylene blue. Efforts should be part of a comprehensive public health approach to suicide prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the effective management of water resources during the hydraulic fracturing process used for natural gas extraction. With increasing demand and scrutiny on shale gas production due to economic, environmental, and social factors, effective water management strategies are needed to address the challenges of flow-back water usage during hydraulic fracturing. This research contributes to the existing literature from a multi-period reverse logistics network design perspective with realistic modeling approaches. A mathematical formulation is developed for optimizing the design of a multi-period reverse logistics network for effective water resource management that incorporates production scheduling of a hydraulic fracturing process. This mixed integer programming model determines the optimal locations and capacities of impoundments, treatment facilities, and disposal sites while minimizing fixed and operational costs under constraints such as freshwater withdrawal limits, production schedules, inventory balance, and treatment and disposal options. A two-stage stochastic programming formulation is further developed as a means to address the uncertainty associated with water flows during the fracturing operation. The strategic location and capacity decisions are given in the first stage of this formulation, whereas operational decisions such as water flows are handled in the second stage under independently sampled scenarios. A sample average approximation algorithm is proposed to solve the stochastic formulation. The model is tested on a case study from the United States that explores potential impacts on water resource management due to cost variations, changes in operational parameters, and uncertainty in demands and supplies. The base case setup delivers a 12.8% reduction in freshwater usage. The benefit of multi-period reverse logistics network design is further demonstrated through variations in water demand and equipment degradation. The managerial insights derived through sensitivity analysis highlight the values of the proposed multi-period formulation, capacity expansions, and parameter estimations. • Developed models for multi-period reverse logistics network design. • The model optimizes water resource management during hydraulic fracturing. • Implemented the models on a case study from the United States. • Analyzed the effects of problem parameters on optimal water management strategies. • Derived managerial insights from extensive computational experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the COVID pandemic many centres adopted e-learning as a tool to adhere to social distancing recommendations while continuing to provide ongoing postgraduate medical education. We aimed to complete this scoping review in order to map experience and perceptions amongst surgeons and surgical trainees to remote learning during the COVID pandemic. Using Arksey and O'Malley's five step model for conducting a scoping review, a systematic search strategy was undertaken across three online databases SCOPUS, MEDLINE and Web of Science. Only original articles in English in the field of postgraduate education in surgery were included. 44 studies were selected for review. Of these 44, 21 were studies of perception of a newly developed e-learning tool/platform. 17 were surveys of surgeon's attitudes towards e-learning during the COVID pandemic. The remaining 6 studies were studies of knowledge or skills acquired through new e-learning, which included a survey of experience. The United States was the most common country of origin with General Surgery the most represented surgical speciality. Response rates across all three study subgroups were on average >60%. Surgeon's experience of e-learning was reported in only positive terms in 86% (n = 38/44) of studies. This paper is informative in that it focuses specifically on surgeons' perceptions of a e-learning tools used in addition to skills or knowledge gained. Positive e-learning experience reported in these studies may lead to more blended learning curriculums being developed, deployed and evaluated going forward. • Scoping review of surgeons' perceptions towards e-learning during COVID. • Maps out the wide range of e-learning tools that were used during the pandemic. • Provides subgrouping framework of pandemic era e-learning studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recycling is generally recognized as a key component of strategies to achieve improved resource efficiency and reduce the environmental burden associated with resource use. However, to maximize the net benefits offered by recycling, one must understand the system-wide effects of substituting primary materials with recycled materials and how those effects vary under alternative strategies. Consequential life cycle assessment (cLCA) approaches to evaluate the impact of increasing use of recycled materials require identification of grades and sources of scrap materials used at the margin. Various grades of recycled materials differ in their substitution possibilities and supply limits. However, most studies of cLCA for material recycling overlook these aspects and typically assume a fixed set of marginal activities. This study develops a model to describe the resource consumption behaviors of material producers and the resulting cascade of material flows for the case of the United States (US) pulp and paper industry. We observe that grades and sources of scrap materials used at the margin dynamically change so as the resulting environmental impact when demand for recycled containerboard products increases. The results show that the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission savings effect of using recycled materials can be considerably larger when marginal recovered fiber comes from additional recovery from landfill rather than being diverted from the export market. Also, the results show that the behavior of international trade partners for recovered paper may offset GHG emission savings from the domestic replacement of virgin pulpwood with recovered paper. Most importantly, such behaviors are dependent on grades used at the margin. The developed model and results can help inform the US pulp and paper industry, policymakers, and other stakeholders about the system-wide effects of increasing use of recovered paper. • We develop a model to describe resource consumption behaviors of the US pulp and paper producers and resulting fiber flows. • This study suggests the importance of identifying the grade and source of scrap used at the margin in the recycling industry. • CLCA based on static marginal technologies may not correctly quantify the system-wide effect of material recycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to systematically review the literature related to the economic evaluation of kidney transplantation to determine the extent of current research and identify gaps for future research. We searched 4 medical and 2 economic electronic databases as well as hand-searching reference lists of review articles and other pertinent articles. Exclusion criteria included articles that did not include original work (ie, reviews), were not in English, and were not journal articles or economic working papers (eg, commentaries, theses, abstracts). Full-text data abstraction included qualitative and quantitative parameters with the intent to perform a gap analysis for future research. A total of 299 articles were included and spanned a 48-year period from 1968 to 2016, with >73% published in 2000 or after. The most common topics included immunosuppression drugs, dialysis vs kidney transplantation, organ allocation, and the potential market for donor organs. Most articles were from the United States and originated from 73 medical journals and 34 economic journals or working paper centers. There were 58 articles dealing with costing, 153 using cost-effectiveness, 69 using economic modeling, 6 performing systematic reviews with meta-analyses, and 13 exploring the qualitative financial environment of individuals and the economy. Research gaps were identified in every parameter used to evaluate the studies, and a new system of gap analysis for scoping reviews was also proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Proposes a transactional, relational model to account for exclusionary discipline. • The model delineates how racism influences teacher-child interaction processes. • The model is applied to critically review teacher-child relationship interventions. • Suggests new directions for relational solutions to racial discipline disparities. Young children in the United States, particularly Black boys, are being suspended and expelled from early childhood education programs and primary schools at alarming rates. Teachers describe children's "disruptive" or "challenging" behavior as the most common reason for suspending or expelling a child. For this reason, common efforts to reduce exclusionary discipline target teacher behavior to change child behavior (e.g., improve use of evidence-based practices) or child behavior directly (e.g., learn self-regulation skills). In this paper, we argue that improving the quality of the teacher-child relationship is an alternative mechanism for addressing exclusionary discipline and mitigating racial disparities in the early childhood years. We propose and provide support for a transactional, relational model to account for exclusionary discipline. The proposed conceptual model intentionally names how teachers' racial bias and children's stereotype threat, resulting from racialized classroom experiences, exacerbate coercive teacher-child interaction cycles for Black children. We apply this model to review and evaluate select teacher-child relationship interventions to identify opportunities and challenges these interventions present to reduce exclusionary discipline and mitigate racial discipline disparities. We end the paper with recommendations for future research to advance relationship-based solutions to the exclusion crisis in early childhood education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) monitors priority health-risk behaviors among US high school students. To better understand the ramifications of changing the YRBSS from paper-and-pencil to Web administration, in 2008 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted a study comparing these two modes of administration. Eighty-five schools in 15 states agreed to participate in the study. Within each participating school, four classrooms of students in grades 9 or 10 were randomly assigned to complete the Youth Risk Behavior Survey questionnaire in one of four conditions (in-class paper-and-pencil, in-class Web without programmed skip patterns, in-class Web with programmed skip patterns, and “on your own” Web without programmed skip patterns). Findings included less missing data for the paper-and-pencil condition (1.5% vs. 5.3%, 4.4%, 6.4%; p <.001), less perceived privacy and anonymity among respondents for the in-class Web conditions, and a lower response rate for the “on your own” Web condition than for in-class administration by either mode (28.0% vs. 91.2%, 90.1%, 91.4%; p <.001). Although Web administration might be useful for some surveys, these findings do not favor the use of a Web survey for the YRBSS. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: It is common practice for emergency physicians to give parenteral opioids for acute pain, however, some treating physicians have concerns that using parenteral opioids can lead to nausea and vomiting when used alone. Therefore, antiemetics are often given prophylactically with opioids for nausea and vomiting in the emergency department (ED). This systematic review evaluates the use of prophylactic antiemetics with parenteral opioids for the treatment of acute pain in the ED.Methods: A 10-year literature search using keywords was performed in PubMed for English-language human studies. Abstracts were screened to identify high-quality studies, which then underwent a more rigorous structured review. The recommendations are made based on the literature review.Results: Eight articles met criteria for structured review and citation in this article. These include one review article, two randomized controlled trials, three prospective observational trials, one retrospective study, and one pre- and post-intervention trial.Conclusions: Based on the literature review, routine use of prophylactic antiemetics are not indicated with administration of parenteral opioids for treatment of acute pain in the ED, as nausea and vomiting are infrequent side effects. The recent literature clearly demonstrates that there are potential undesirable side effects from the use of antiemetics when using opioids. However, one subgroup of patients, those with a known history of nausea and vomiting after opioid use or a history of travel sickness, may benefit from the use of prophylactic antiemetic when being treated with parenteral opioids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first year of the COVID-19 pandemic constituted a major life stress event for many adolescents, associated with disrupted school, behaviors, social networks, and health concerns. However, pandemic-related stress was not equivalent for everyone and could have been influenced by pre-pandemic factors including brain structure and sleep, which both undergo substantial development during adolescence. Here, we analyzed clusters of perceived stress levels across the pandemic and determined developmentally relevant pre-pandemic risk factors in brain structure and sleep of persistently high stress during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. We investigated longitudinal changes in perceived stress at six timepoints across the first year of the pandemic (May 2020–March 2021) in 5559 adolescents (50 % female; age range: 11–14 years) in the United States (U.S.) participating in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study. In 3141 of these adolescents, we fitted machine learning models to identify the most important pre-pandemic predictors from structural MRI brain measures and self-reported sleep data that were associated with persistently high stress across the first year of the pandemic. Patterns of perceived stress levels varied across the pandemic, with 5 % reporting persistently high stress. Our classifiers accurately detected persistently high stress (AUC > 0.7). Pre-pandemic brain structure, specifically cortical volume in temporal regions, and cortical thickness in multiple parietal and occipital regions, predicted persistent stress. Pre-pandemic sleep difficulties and short sleep duration were also strong predictors of persistent stress, along with more advanced pubertal stage. Adolescents showed variable stress responses during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, and some reported persistently high stress across the whole first year. Vulnerability to persistent stress was evident in several brain structural and self-reported sleep measures, collected before the pandemic, suggesting the relevance of other pre-existing individual factors beyond pandemic-related factors, for persistently high stress responses. • The paper reports findings from the ABCD study® on U.S. youth across the first COVID-19 pandemic year: May 2020 – March 2021. • 5% of adolescents reported persistently high stress levels during the first year of the pandemic. • Persistent stress was linked to pre pandemic brain structure, sleep difficulties, and more advanced puberty stages. • The findings inform preventive and treatment approaches for persistent stress during major life stress events like pandemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green Hydrogen (GH) is increasingly recognized as a viable solution in the United States (US) for meeting energy demands, achieving net zero emissions by 2050, and mitigating the intermittent nature of renewable sources such as wind and solar. This review paper identifies and examines three crucial research areas concerning GH. Despite significant federal, state, and business investment in the development of hydrogen technology, numerous questions have remained unanswered including economic viability, social acceptance, and policies and regulations. In comparison to the US, Europe, and Asia have taken a lead role in studying the social and regulatory aspects of GH. The study shows limited focus on social acceptance, and the absence of dedicated policies and regulations for hydrogen. The US lacks coordinated policies for GH and is blended with natural gas. The literature shows that the relationship between economics, social sciences, and policies and regulations are intrinsic. The success of GH in the US will require massive investments, public and private collaboration, research on social sciences, and regulatory support. Hence, the GH rollout will bridge the energy transition, and climate and development targets which guide future industrial, government and public decisions. • Knowledge and experience play a major role in the acceptance of green hydrogen. • Green hydrogen technology lacks a value chain. • Lack of green hydrogen-specific regulatory agencies and standards in the US. • Economic, social, and regulatory challenges interlinked for green hydrogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the effect of own and peer attractiveness on various measures of academic performance. Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Adolescent Health (Add Health), we focus on high school students in the United States and exploit random variation within schools across cohorts in adolescents' physical and personality attractiveness as assessed by the interviewer. We find that for girls only own personality attractiveness boosts academic outcomes. For boys instead, both own physical and personality attractiveness positively affect performance and peer characteristics also matter. An increase in the fraction of physically attractive high school peers decreases boys' academic performance in later years. We show that this effect is driven by less physically mature boys and operates through a decrease in self-confidence. • We explore the effect of own and peer attractiveness on academic performance. • We exploit random variation within schools across cohorts using Add Health data. • For girls only own personality attractiveness boosts academic outcomes. • For boys both own and peer attractiveness matter. • Peer attractiveness negatively affects boys performance by lowering self-confidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the impacts of economic (in)stability on carbon emissions and the role of renewable energy in these effects at the crossroads of accelerated climate change and rising global economic instability. The paper hypothesizes that these implications should be examined not by direct impacts across variables, but rather via indirect effects serially mediated by renewable energy consumption and economic growth. This paper analyzes the United States from January 1980 and April 2022 using manifest structural equation modeling. The paper reaches two major conclusions. First, there are clear distinctions between (i) the direct and indirect effects of economic stability, surrogated by inflation and policy interest rate, on carbon emissions, (ii) the symmetric and asymmetric indirect effects, and (iii) the roles of aggregate renewable energy and its components, such as biomass and hydropower energy use, in mediating these symmetric and asymmetric indirect effects. Second, renewable energy significantly reduces the carbon-increasing effects of inflation and interest rates. The paper contains proper policy suggestions based on the findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2021, the Advanced Practice Radiation Therapy Working Group (APRTWG) was established in the United States as a grassroots alliance of multidisciplinary radiation oncology professionals—radiation therapists, physicians, dosimetrists, and administrators—located across the country, interested in studying and establishing the Advanced Practice Radiation Therapist (APRT) level of practice in the United States. The APRT model has shown success in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Singapore, and other countries, documenting the value of the APRT to the quality and advancement of clinical care. In the United States, the APRTWG seeks to coordinate activities, align resources, and drive the national agenda to collectively develop and define novel models of care using APRT in line with the evolving needs of patients and the radiation therapy profession. This environmental scan aims to examine the context of radiation oncology medical practice in the United States to inform pathways ahead for a proposed APRT model through a Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, and Legal (PESTEL) analysis. A literature search was conducted to understand the chronological timeline of the development of APRT during the past 25 years. Items that included the activities, scope of practice, and implementation of APRT nationally and internationally were identified. Papers describing advanced practitioner roles that are commonly found in the multidisciplinary team in radiation oncology both in the United States and internationally, such as physician assistants and nurse practitioners, were excluded. Despite the environmental scan outcome, it is acknowledged that data collation and analysis was not as robust as that anticipated by undertaking a systematic review. Papers were identified by the lead author that aligned with each of the PESTEL factors. Defined broadly, a new care model can adjust how health services are delivered by incorporating best practices in patient care for a specific population, person, or patient cohort. As patients enter different stages of their disease, the purpose of a new model is to provide individuals with the right care, at the right time, by the right team, in the right place. It is clear that the opportunity for positive change and impact on the current state of practice in radiation oncology exists. The environmental scan findings demonstrate the complexities associated with implementing APRT in the United States, with multifactorial political, environmental, societal, technological, economic, and legal aspects to consider. The APRTWG will continue to lead and participate in such activities to demonstrate and identify APRT role opportunities in the United States and drive the nationwide implementation of the APRT level of practice in this country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Coalbed methane (CBM) or coal seam gas (CSG) as it is known in Australia is becoming an increasingly important source of energy around the world. Many countries such as United States, Canada, Australia and China are investing in the CSG industry. A rise in the cost of conventional natural gas and many other energy resources, along with a decline in these conventional resources and issues such as climate change have encouraged a global interest in alternative sources of energy like CSG. The estimated quantity of CSG worldwide is around 1.4×1014 m3, it is clear that coal seam gas is a significant source of energy. The first section of this paper will discuss the production size of CSG worldwide and the future of the industry. The usage of the coal bed seam for the sequestration of CO2 is also an added benefit. The reduction of CO2 released to the environment may help in the future mitigation of global warming. In addition, the re-injecting of the co-produced CO2 enhances the commercial recovery and production of CSG wells. In the second section, the impact of the CSG industry's by-products on the environment, the freshwater ecosystem and human health are analysed. The second section includes issues associated with the large volume of co-produced water with undesirable composition in the CSG industry. The management of this enormous amount of water requires cost effective technologies and methods. Many methods for dealing with water problems are discussed and analysed in this paper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Administration of psychological questionnaires via the Internet has gained popularity in recent years and touts many advantages. However, before questionnaires that were originally developed as paper-and-pencil measures can be confidently administered over the Internet, it is necessary to document the equivalence of the paper and computer-generated versions [American Psychological Association. (1986). Guidelines for computer-based tests and interpretations. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association; Cohen, R.J., Swerdlik, M.E., & Smith, D.K. (1992). Psychological testing and assessment (2nd ed.). Mountain View, CA: Mayfield Publishing; Cronbach, L.J. (1990). Essentials in psychological testing (5th ed.). New York: Harper Collins; Meier, S. (1994). The chronic crisis in psychological measurement and assessment: A historical survey. San Diego: Academic Press; Schulenberg, S.E., & Yutrzenka, B.A. (2001). Equivalence of computerized and conventional versions of the Beck Depression Inventory- II (BDI-II). Current Psychology: Developmental, Learning, Personality, Social, 20, 216–230]. The current study tested this equivalence for the Obsessive Compulsive Inventory [Foa, E.B., Kozak, M.J., Salkovskis, P.M, Coles, M.E., & Amir, N. (1998). The validation of a new obsessive compulsive disorder scale: The obsessive-compulsive inventory. Psychological Assessment, 10(3), 206–214] and the Obsessive Beliefs Questionnaire-44 [Obsessive Compulsive Cognitions Working Group. (2005). Psychometric validation of the obsessive belief questionnaire and interpretation of intrusions inventory–Part 2: Factor analyses and testing of a brief version. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 43, 1527–1543] in an unselected student sample. Study results support the equivalence of these measures of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms and beliefs independent of administration method (paper versus secure project website). These findings create new opportunities for conducting OCD-related research online. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Practice Papers are evaluative summaries of scientific and/or evidence-based topics. They are meant to provide key opportunities for critical reasoning on timely topics and quality improvement in dietetics practice and to include peer-reviewed perspectives from content practitioners and other experts. How does a practice topic become a Practice Paper? Proposals may be generated by any member of the American Dietetic Association via submission of a topic identification proposal, which may be obtained by contacting ADA headquarters at 800/899-4835 or ppapers@eatright.org. The Association Positions Committee oversees the development of Practice Papers and welcomes proposals from members. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) have been due largely to the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, cultivation of the grasslands, drainage of the land, and land use changes. This has led to increase in greenhouse gases, created concerns about the potential for long-term climate change and interest in developing methods to sequester some of this atmospheric carbon. In agricultural land areas no-tillage (NT) systems have been proposed, to replace moldboard plow and chisel systems as a way to sequester soil organic carbon (SOC). Numerous estimates have been published of soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration total and rates as a result of a switch to NT systems. Other researchers have proposed the use of cover crops, synthetic fertilizers, organic fertilizer, manure, liming, agricultural systems and management, agroforestry, forages, compost, crop rotations, and reduced row crop use as ways to sequester SOC. For SOC sequestration to occur as a result of a treatment applied to a land unit, all of the SOC sequestered must have come from atmosphere and be transferred into the soil humus through the unit plants, plant residues and other organic solids. The amount of SOC present in the soil humus at the end of the study has to be greater than the pre-treatment SOC levels in the same land unit and there needs to be a net depletion of atmospheric CO2 as a result. The objectives of this paper are to: (1) determine long-term study SOC levels and trends in agricultural lands, (2) application of the SOC sequestration concept to a specific site, (3) identify appropriate experimental designs for plot area use in determining SOC sequestration, (4) develop a procedure, such as pre-treatment measurements of SOC levels in the plots before treatments are applied, to verify SOC sequestration at a site (5) equivalent soil mass sampling method, (6) compare laboratory methods for quantifying SOC content, and (7) account for the loading of C rich amendments. To unequivocally demonstrate SOC sequestration at a specific site has occurred, a temporal increase must be documented relative to pre-treatment SOC level and linked to a net depletion of atmospheric CO2. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Aims: Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) have recently gained greater credibility with regulatory bodies aiming to standardise their use and interpretation in RCTs, thereby supporting medicinal product submissions. For this reason, the United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) have released guidelines. This review paper provides an overview of the current perspectives and views on these guidelines. Method: To evaluate the FDA and EMEA PRO guidelines, 47 expert responses to the FDA guidance were qualitatively reviewed. Two reviewers independently extracted data from these letters and checked these responses to warrant consistency and agreement in the evaluation process. A PubMed literature review was systematically examined to obtain supporting evidence or related articles for both the guidance documents. Results: Generally, there is agreement between regulatory authorities and the research community on the contents of the FDA and EMEA PRO draft guidance. However, disagreements exist on significant philosophical topics (e.g. the FDA focuses more on conceptual models and symptoms than the EMEA) and design topics (e.g. the FDA is more restrictive on issues of recall bias, blinding of oncology trials and degrees of psychometric validation than researchers and the EMEA). This could influence the approval of PRO claims. Conclusion: PRO guidance from the EMEA and FDA has been valuable, and has raised the profile and active debate of PROs in oncology. However, our review of the current opinion shows that there are controversial aspects of the guidance. Consequently, greater latitude should be given to how the guidance is interpreted and applied. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, issues in Internet recruitment of ethnic minorities in the US are explored through an analysis of an Internet survey study. The issues include those related to: (a) the difficulties in ensuring authenticity; (b) a lack of cooperation by gate keepers; (c) the flexibility required in the recruitment process; (d) a very low response rate; and (e) selected groups of ethnic minorities. Based on the discussions on the issues, we propose regular updates of knowledge and skills related to Internet interactions and technologies, usage of multiple recruitment sources, pluralistic recruitment approaches, and a quota sampling method. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper examines long-term recovery outcomes of businesses impacted by major natural disasters. Data were collected via two large-scale mail surveys—one administered to Santa Cruz County, California businesses 8 years after the Loma Prieta earthquake and the other administered to businesses in South Dade County, Florida, 6 years after Hurricane Andrew. Based on the results of OLS regression models, we argue that long-term recovery experiences of businesses are affected by various factors, including the economic sector in which a business operates, its age and financial condition, and the scope of its primary market; direct and indirect disaster impacts, including physical damage, forced closure, and disruption of operations; and owner perceptions of the broader economic climate. Previous disaster experience, level of disaster preparedness, and use of external sources of aid were not found to significantly affect the long-term economic viability of businesses in the two study communities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The current technologies to treat hypersaline produced water (PW), such as thermal evaporation, are usually energy-intensive and cost-prohibitive. This study developed a low-cost, robust, solar-driven carbon black and airlaid paper-based evaporator (CAPER) for desalination of PW in the Permian Basin, United States. The study aims to better understand the removal of aromatic organic compounds and heavy metals during solar distillation, water output, and heat transfer. Outdoor experiments using CAPER assisted with polystyrene foam in a single slope, single basin solar still achieved an enhanced average evaporation rate of 2.23 L per m2 per day, 165% higher than that of a conventional solar still. Analysis of heat transfer models demonstrated that CAPER solar evaporation achieved an evaporative heat transfer coefficient of ∼28.9 W m−2·K−1, 27.9% higher than without CAPER. The maximum fractional energy of evaporation and convection heat transfer inside the solar still with and without CAPER was ∼81.4% and ∼78.2%, respectively. For the PW with a total dissolved solids concentration of 134 g L−1, solar distillation removed 99.97% salts and over 98% heavy metals. The high removal efficiency of 99.99% was achieved for Ca, Na, Mg, Mn, Ni, Se, Sr, and V. Organic characterization revealed that solar distillation removed over 83% aromatic compounds. Solar desalination using CAPER provides a low-cost and high-performance process to treat PW with high salinity and complex water chemistry for potential fit-for-purpose beneficial uses. Image 1 • A carbon black and airlaid paper-based solar evaporator (CAPER) was developed. • Outdoor distillation of produced water (PW) achieved evaporation of 2.23 L m−2·d−1. • The evaporation rate of PW with CAPER is 165% higher than without CAPER. • Heat transfer coefficient with CAPER is 27.9% higher than without CAPER. • 99.97% salts, 98% metals, >83% aromatic compounds removed from 134 g L−1 TDS PW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Clinical trials require sufficient samples recruited within limited time and budget constraints. Trials with minors are additionally burdened by the requirement for youth assent and parental permission. This paper details the use of Facebook ads and traditional paper mailings to enroll 797 adolescent girls for a longitudinal, web-based, drug abuse prevention trial. Data on sample representativeness and retention are also provided.Methods: Facebook ads appeared on the pages of females aged 13 or 14years who reside in the U.S. Ads linked girls to a recruitment website. Girls who wanted more information submitted contact information and were mailed information packets to their homes containing, among other things, youth assent and parent permission forms. Returned forms were verified for accuracy and validity.Results: The Facebook ad campaign reached 2,267,848 girls and had a unique click-through rate of 3.0%. The campaign cost $41,202.37 with an average cost of $51.70 per enrolled girl. Information packets were mailed to 1,873 girls. Approximately one-half of girls returned the forms, and 797 girls were enrolled. The Facebook campaign's success varied by ad type, month, and day of the week. Baseline data revealed comparability to national data on demographic and substance use variables.Conclusions: Results suggest that Facebook ads provide a useful initial point of access to unparalleled numbers of adolescents. Clinical trials may benefit from a two-fold recruitment strategy that uses online ads to attract interested adolescents followed by traditional recruitment methods to communicate detailed information to adolescents and parents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To comprehensively report Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) member program usage of preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) for diagnosis of specific conditions, and preimplantation genetic screening for aneuploidy (PGS). Design: Retrospective study. Setting: United States SART cohort data. Patient(s): Women undergoing a PGT cycle in which at least one embryo underwent biopsy. Intervention(s): PGT. Main Outcome Measure(s): PGT use, indications, and delivery rates. Result(s): Of 190,260 fresh, nondonor assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles reported to SART CORS in 2007–2008, 8,337 included PGT. Of 6,971 cycles with a defined indication, 1,382 cycles were for genetic diagnosis, 3,645 for aneuploidy screening (PGS), 527 for translocation, and 1,417 for elective sex election. Although the total number of fresh, autologous cycles increased by 3.6% from 2007 to 2008, the percentage of cycles with PGT decreased by 5.8% (4,293 in 2007 and 4,044 in 2008). As a percentage of fresh, nondonor ART cycles, use dropped from 4.6% (4,293/93,433) in 2007 to 4.2% (4,044/96,827) in 2008. The primary indication for PGT was PGS: cycles performed for this indication decreased (−8.0%). PGD use for single-gene defects (+3.2%), elective sex selection (+5.3%), and translocation analysis (+0.5%) increased. PGT usage varied significantly by geographical region. Conclusion(s): PGT usage in the United States decreased between 2007 and 2008 owing to a decrease in PGS. Use of elective sex selection increased. High transfer cancellation rates correlated with reduced live-birth rates for some PGT indications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects between 2 and 14% of pregnant women in the United States every year. Currently, glucose and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) are the standard biomarkers used to monitor GDM but HbA1c is representative of 2–3 months of glycemic data and is too infrequent for managing clinical impact of GDM while glucose provides multiple daily readings which arguably are not entirely necessary for mild to moderate GDM and often result in non-compliance from the patient's side. Thus, there is a need for an intermediate biomarker which can be used effectively to monitor the glycemic status of GDM patients. Serum albumin, the most abundant protein in blood, undergoes non-enzymatic glycation in the bloodstream. Owing to its half-life of ~21 days, it can effectively be used as an intermediate biomarker. Normal level of glycation of albumin is between 10 and 16% whereas in diabetic patients it is much higher, between 16 and 40%. Thus, a point-of-care (POC) monitoring system to detect glycated albumin (GA) as a % of total serum albumin has been developed here. Specifically, a dipstick paper fluidic test to measure % glycated albumin has been developed that used an aptamer assay with gold nanoparticles to produce colorimetric measurements. Both the glycated and unglycated versions of albumin were measured in their relevant physiological concentration ranges – 50 μM–300 μM with a limit of detection (LoD) of 6.5 μM for glycated albumin and 500 μM–750 μM with a LoD of 21 μM for unglycated serum albumin. The use of aptamers as recognition elements, instead of commonly used antibodies, not only provided the required sensitivity, specificity, and dynamic range but they also have the added advantage of being stable at room temperature for an extended period of time providing the potential for these dipstick tests to be used for GDM monitoring at the point-of-care (POC). Image 1 • Gestational diabetes requires timely glycemic monitoring, ideally at the point of care. • Glycated albumin can be an ideal intermediate biomarker for gestational diabetes. • Glycated albumin can be measured using colorimetric paper-based assays that cover physiologically relevant ranges. • Aptamers are highly selective for their targets and can be used instead of antibodies. • Aptamer-nanoparticle probes are stable at room temperature in the long term and are ideal for use at the point-of-care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: This article describes some of the fundamental principles that have been developed to guide the work of producing comparative effectiveness reviews (CERs). Study Design and Setting: We briefly describe the role stakeholders play in providing important insights that inform the evidence-gathering process, and discuss the critical role of analytic frameworks in illuminating the relationship between surrogate measures and health outcomes, providing an understanding of the context in which clinical decisions are made and the uncertainties that underlie clinical controversies. Results: We describe the Effective Health Care program conceptual model for considering different types of evidence that emphasizes minimizing the risk of bias, but places high-quality, highly applicable evidence about effectiveness at the top of the hierarchy. Finally, we briefly describe areas of future methodological research. Conclusion: CERs have become a foundation for decision-making in clinical practice and health policy. To be useful, CERs must approach the evidence from a patient-centered perspective; explore the clinical logic underlying the rationale for a service; cast a broad net with respect to types of evidence, placing a high value on effectiveness and applicability, in addition to internal validity; and, present benefits and harms for treatments and tests in a consistent way. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: To establish guidance on grading strength of evidence for the Evidence-based Practice Center (EPC) program of the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Study Design and Setting: Authors reviewed authoritative systems for grading strength of evidence, identified domains and methods that should be considered when grading bodies of evidence in systematic reviews, considered public comments on an earlier draft, and discussed the approach with representatives of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) working group. Results: The EPC approach is conceptually similar to the GRADE system of evidence rating; it requires assessment of four domains: risk of bias, consistency, directness, and precision. Additional domains to be used when appropriate include dose–response association, presence of confounders that would diminish an observed effect, strength of association, and publication bias. Strength of evidence receives a single grade: high, moderate, low, or insufficient. We give definitions, examples, mechanisms for scoring domains, and an approach for assigning strength of evidence. Conclusion: EPCs should grade strength of evidence separately for each major outcome and, for comparative effectiveness reviews, all major comparisons. We will collaborate with the GRADE group to address ongoing challenges in assessing the strength of evidence. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Comparative effectiveness reviews (CERs) are systematic reviews that evaluate evidence on alternative interventions to help clinicians, policy makers, and patients make informed treatment choices. Reviews should assess harms and benefits to provide balanced assessments of alternative interventions. Identifying important harms of treatment and quantifying the magnitude of any risks require CER authors to consider a broad range of data sources, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies. This may require evaluation of unpublished data in addition to published reports. Appropriate synthesis of harms data must also consider issues related to evaluation of rare or uncommon events, assessments of equivalence or noninferiority, and use of indirect comparisons. This article presents guidance for evaluating harms when conducting and reporting CERs. We include suggestions for prioritizing harms to be evaluated, use of terminology related to reporting of harms, selection of sources of evidence on harms, assessment of risk of bias (quality) of harms reporting, synthesis of evidence on harms, and reporting of evidence on harms. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: This article discusses the identification, selection, and refinement of topics for comparative effectiveness systematic reviews within the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality''s Effective Health Care (EHC) program. Study Design and Setting: The EHC program seeks to align its research topic selection with the overall goals of the program, impartially and consistently apply predefined criteria to potential topics, involve stakeholders to identify high-priority topics, be transparent and accountable, and continually evaluate and improve processes. Results: A topic prioritization group representing stakeholder and scientific perspectives evaluates topic nominations that fit within the EHC program (are “appropriate”) to determine how “important” topics are as considered against seven criteria. The group then judges whether a new comparative effectiveness systematic review would be a duplication of existing research syntheses, and if not duplicative, if there is adequate type and volume of research to conduct a new systematic review. Finally, the group considers the “potential value and impact” of a comparative effectiveness systematic review. Conclusion: As the EHC program develops, ongoing challenges include ensuring the program addresses truly unmet needs for synthesized research because national and international efforts in this arena are uncoordinated, as well as engaging a range of stakeholders in program decisions while also achieving efficiency and timeliness. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Measurement of time to first antibiotic dose (TFAD) in the emergency department (ED) in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) has been controversial. Objective: To evaluate original articles reporting outcomes in CAP patients before and after TFAD measurement and assess whether it increases antibiotic overuse in non-CAP conditions. Methods: We performed searches using PubMed, addressing two questions: 1) Is the measurement of TFAD associated with improved outcomes in CAP? and 2) Is the measurement of TFAD associated with antibiotic overuse or interventions that could result in overuse in non-CAP conditions? Two independent reviewers assessed studies addressing these questions. Results: Eight studies were identified. All were Grade C or D and of “Adequate” quality: two studies supported TFAD by showing improved outcomes (improved survival in one study and no survival difference but shorter hospital length-of-stay in the second) in CAP patients after the implementation of TFAD; one neutral article reported no difference in survival with improved TFAD timing; five studies opposed TFAD either by showing increases in antibiotic overuse in non-CAP patients, or suggesting that TFAD measurement would promote antibiotic misuse. Conclusion: Given inconsistent evidence to demonstrate that improving TFAD in CAP improves outcomes or that TFAD is associated with antibiotic overuse, a Class C indication has been assigned (not acceptable/not appropriate) for ED TFAD measurement. The American Academy of Emergency Medicine recommends that measurement of TFAD in CAP be discontinued. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are the consequences of disease and/or its treatment as reported by the patient. The importance of PRO measures in clinical trials for new drugs, biological agents, and devices was underscored by the release of the US Food and Drug Administration's draft guidance for industry titled “Patient-Reported Outcome Measures: Use in Medical Product Development to Support Labeling Claims.” The intent of the guidance was to describe how the FDA will evaluate the appropriateness and adequacy of PRO measures used as effectiveness end points in clinical trials... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emotion regulation plays a crucial role in affective functioning. One of the most commonly used measures of emotion regulation is the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ), a 10-item self-report measure assessing frequency of use of two common emotion regulation strategies: cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression. In this study, we aimed to optimize the utility of the ERQ for time-pressured settings by introducing and validating a 6-item short form called the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire-Short Form (ERQ-S). General community (N = 508) and college student (N = 245) samples from the United States completed online surveys containing a range of psychometric self-report measures. For each sample, we examined the factor structure, internal consistency, and concurrent validity of the ERQ-S. Our confirmatory factor analyses supported the intended 2-factor structure of the ERQ-S (cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression factors), with all items loading well on their intended factor in both samples. As expected, the ERQ-S correlated highly with the ERQ. A profile of low cognitive reappraisal use and high expressive suppression use on the ERQ-S was significantly associated with higher levels of emotion regulation difficulties, alexithymia, and affective symptoms. We did not examine psychometric performance in a clinical sample, or other cultural groups outside the US. All concurrent validity markers were self-report questionnaires. Our data suggest that the ERQ-S successfully retains the psychometric strengths of the ERQ. The shorter format of the ERQ-S should therefore help to optimize the measurement of emotion regulation in time-pressured settings. • The ERQ is the most widely used self-report measure in the emotion regulation field. • In this paper we introduce and validate a 6-item short form called the ERQ-S. • Across two samples, the ERQ-S displayed strong validity and reliability. • The ERQ-S has good psychometrics as a measure of reappraisal and suppression. • Its introduction should help to further enable assessments in time-pressured settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As Autonomous Vehicle (AV) technology enters developmental maturity, the need for real-life testing is crucial. AV testing and deployment in a city or State must be preceded by favorable legislation in that jurisdiction. However, research on which city characteristics affect the likelihood of adopting AV legislation remains in question. In this paper, we investigate city characteristics of different urbanized areas (UZAs) in States across the US. Panel data was collected from 29 UZAs and 23 States over the span of eight years (2011–2018) on variables such as existing AV legislations, electric vehicle score, congestion, and vehicle miles traveled (VMT). A method of fixed effects logistic regression is implemented to overcome omitted variable bias and the limitation of datasets available. Features are selected through the leaps and bounds algorithm, and time and State fixed-effects logistic regression models are tested to predict a binary variable for AV legislation enactment in UZAs. Our results yield a five-predictor State fixed effects model as the most robust by variable statistical significance and concordance. The findings reveal that an increase in electric vehicle use, GDP per capita, freeway VMT, and land use score of a UZA increase likelihood of AV testing adoption, while an increase in fatality cases negatively impact the likelihood of adoption (Ceteris paribus). • UZA land use , VMT, GDP, and EV usage in the U.S. are positively associated with passing legislation on the testing of AVs. • The number of fatalities in a UZA in the U.S. is negatively associated with passing legislation on the testing of AVs. • A state fixed effects logistic regression model is robust in predicting the enactment of AV legislation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examine the relationship between nutrition knowledge, diet quality, and eating behavior among active-duty US Army Soldiers. Cross-sectional study with data collection in February 2018 via paper surveys during the validation of the Military Eating Behavior Survey. Among 440 US Army Soldiers, nutrition knowledge was positively and significantly associated with diet quality (b = 0.29, P < 0.001). For every 1-point increase in nutrition knowledge, the Healthy Eating Index-2015 score was expected to increase by 0.29 points. Nutrition knowledge was not significantly associated with skipping breakfast (odds ratio, 1.01; 95% confidence interval, 0.98–1.04) or dining out (odds ratio, 1.01; 95% confidence interval, 0.98–1.03). The outcomes of this study warrant further investigation to determine what interventions provide the strongest outcomes for improving nutrition knowledge and diet quality, as well as create and support an environment that enhances healthy behaviors regarding nutrition that lead to improved diet quality among active-duty Soldiers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The main aim of this study was to analyse scientific and energy production, funding, collaboration among countries and most cited papers on the renewable energies topic through bibliometric and social network study of articles included in the Web of Science database. 12,167 papers were recovered from 2007 to 2016. Wind power is the energy from which a greater number of articles have been published (n = 3,930), followed by solar energy (n = 2,570) and ocean energy (n = 1,565). The United States leads the world production of articles (n = 2,320), followed by China (n = 1,629), the United Kingdom (n = 1007), Germany (n = 730) and Spain (n = 729). China is the leading country in financed works (80%), followed by South Korea (77%), Spain (61%) and the United States (59%). An important level of international collaboration has been identified, notably popping up the triangle made by United States, China and the European Union. Highlights • Scientific study based in the analysis of the energy production, funding and collaboration among countries. • Wind power is the energy from which a greater number of articles have been published. • The United States leads the world production of articles. • China is the leading country in financed works. • The triangle made by United States, China and the European Union have the most important level of collaboration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the United States, post-asylum geographies of people with intellectual disabilities implicate the condition of service dependency in their social impoverishment, here defined as “isolation from the community and lack of real friendships and relationships” (The importance of income. The Self-Determination National Program Office of the Institute on Disability, University of New Hampshire, Concord, 1998, p. 2). Social historical geographies of people with intellectual disabilities, both general and local to Baltimore, Maryland, contextualize how one voluntary service organization re/created service dependency and social poverty of people with intellectual disabilities through residential location decisions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: It is the position of the American Dietetic Association that older Americans receive appropriate care; have broadened access to coordinated, comprehensive food and nutrition services; and receive the benefits of ongoing research to identify the most effective food and nutrition programs, interventions, and therapies across the spectrum of aging. Food and water and nutritional well-being are essential to the health, self-sufficiency, and quality of life for the fast growing, heterogeneous, multiracial, and ethnic populations of older adults. Many people, as they age, remain fully independent and actively engaged in their communities; however, others fare less well and need more support. A broad array of appropriate, culturally sensitive food and nutrition services, physical activities, and health and supportive care customized to the population of older adults are necessary. National, state, and local policies that promote coordination and integration of food and nutrition services into health and supportive systems are needed to maintain independence, functional ability, chronic disease management, and quality of life. Dietetics professionals can take the lead by researching and developing national, state, and local collaborative networks to incorporate effectively the food and nutrition services across the spectrum of aging. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper collects monthly data for the United States from January 2005 to April 2021 and develops a time-varying parameter vector autoregressive model with stochastic volatility (TVP-SV-VAR) model to investigate the time-varying relationship between climate policy uncertainty, oil prices, and renewable energy consumption. In addition, this paper discusses the dynamic impact of climate policy uncertainty on five types of renewable energy consumption. Our results show that the relationship between them is time-varying. In most periods, climate policy uncertainty positively affects oil prices in the short and medium term, and positively affects total renewable energy consumption in the short and long term. In addition, the impact of climate policy uncertainty on the consumption of the five types of renewable energy is heterogeneous. The results of the robustness tests indicate that our results are robust and our study has important implications for the development of relevant policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses results from an autumn 2022 survey of academic library employees in the United States regarding their work modality options and preferences. The study found that more than three-quarters of participants have the option of remote or hybrid work options on a regular basis and that similar numbers of faculty and staff have these options. Remote work frequency for participants with remote/hybrid work options varied. The study's examination of participants' work modality preferences reveals that a total of 51 % prefer to work mostly remotely (i.e., at least three or more days per week remotely) and a total of 49 % prefer to work mostly on site (i.e., only one or two days per week remotely, at most). Notably, only 4 % of participants indicated that they prefer to work on site every day. In addition, participants' reasons for preferring either remote or on-site work were examined, and several trends were identified. The findings from this study have implications for work conditions in U.S. academic libraries and provide insights into the shifting landscape of this segment of the workforce. The paper further contributes to the larger literature on remote work and its significance in the American workplace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents the recommendations of The American Dietetic Association (ADA) on the nutrition standards in child care programs. Meal planning; Food preparation; Foodservice; Nutrition consultation and guidance; Nutrition education and training; Physical and environmental environment of the child care centers; Compliance with local and state regulations.

The number of citations a peer-reviewed article receives is often used as a measure of its importance and scientific impact. This paper identifies, describes and categorizes the highly cited papers in addiction research on cannabis, heroin, cocaine and psychostimulants. Highly cited papers were identified in the Web of Science Core Collection database. Several bibliometric indicators were calculated. Social network analysis was applied to draw groups of authors and institutions with the greatest number of collaborations and co-words. The number of citations for the top 100 cited articles ranged from 649 to 4,672. The articles were published in 40 journals. The subject category Substance Abuse included 10 papers. The United States was the most productive country (79 papers), followed by the United Kingdom (9). The main funding institutions were the National Institutes of Health in the United States. The network of collaboration between authors distributes the 352 researchers into 53 groups. The three most cited works address the neural basis of drug craving as an incentive-sensitization theory of addiction, the clinical and research uses of the Addiction Severity Index, and the neurocircuitry of addiction. Scientific literature on addictions is widely dispersed both in multidisciplinary and specific journals of neurology, psychiatry and addictions, with relatively few publications providing most of the citations. An ongoing challenge for this field is the concentration of highly cited papers coming from a select number of countries, with the United States being the research hub of the world, with the highest volume of publications and total citations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]