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This study expanded previous psychometric analyses to include gender and race using measurement invariance with the Counseling Center Assessment of Psychological Symptoms (CCAPS-34) on a large sample (n = 4,013) of students referred to a university counseling center. Internal consistency was demonstrated for all subscales with all as and cos > .80. The seven-factor model provided a good to excellent fit for all participant subgroup responses. The total sample comparative fit index was .948, the root-mean-square error of approximation was .058 [.057, .0591, and the standardized root-mean-square residual was .048. Full measurement invariance was documented across all gender and racial/ethnic identity comparisons (i.e., White, Black, Asian/Pacific Islander, multiracial, Laitinolalx, non-Latinolalx). The study concluded that CCAPS-34 subscales scores can be used with confidence with college-aged students of diverse backgrounds for screening and outcome assessment purposes., The Counseling Center Assessment of Psychological Symptoms (CCAPS; Center for Collegiate Mental Health, 2015) is a common assessment used in university counseling centers to measure psychological symptoms or distress in [...]

Important questions remain about the clinical and research utility of the Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) scale, particularly related to gender. Thus, a cluster analysis was conducted with 414 university undergraduates, using the HSP scale, the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale, and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale Revised, resulting in parsimonious four-cluster models: four clusters of women and four clusters of men. Three of the four cluster types were consistent across both men and women: non-distressed medium sensitivity (low anxiety and depression, mid-range HSP), non-distressed low sensitivity (low anxiety and depression, low HSP), and distressed high sensitivity (moderate/high anxiety and depression, high HSP). Differences were found in the fourth type. A cluster of women were non-distressed and highly sensitive (low anxiety and depression, high HSP), while the fourth type of men were distressed medium sensitivity (moderate/high anxiety and depression, mid-range HSP). Scores on the HSP scale total (a = .88) indtcafed adequate internal consistency and external (divergent) validity, with medium effect sizes related to social desirability bias. Internal structural validity indicated a poor fit of the data to previously proposed one- to three-dimensional models. Counseling practice and research implications are discussed., Consideration of temperament is important to mental health counselors, given the profession's focus on human development as well as psychopathology. Mental health counselors should not attempt to help clients change [...]

AbstractObjectiveCounseling Center Assessment of Psychological Symptoms (CCAPS-34) scores were studied for longitudinal bias-free construct evidence.MethodA sample of 4,696 university students referred to a university counseling center were assessed twice for evidence of longitudinal measurement invariance.ResultsAdequate or marginal longitudinal measurement invariance (LMI) of all subscales except for Eating Concerns was confirmed. Coefficients alpha and omega suggested that the internal consistencies for both initial and subsequent administrations were largely adequate for screening level test scores (≥ .80), except for the Hostility and Alcohol Use subscales (≥ .73). Second session effect sizes (Cohen’s d) were small but detectable and statistically significant for most subscales (-0.02–.17).ConclusionsCounselors can use most CCAPS-34 subscale scores for tracking psychological symptoms and constructs over time with confidence. The Generalized Anxiety, Social Anxiety, Academic Concerns, and Alcohol Use subscales can be used with great confidence. Some confidence is warranted from the LMI evidence when using the Depression and Hostility subscales, but caution in warranted when using the Eating Concerns subscale.

Policy and research literature worldwide support the need to build research capacity and capability among non-medical practitioners within healthcare systems. However, there exists a paucity of evidence on whether practitioners in cardiothoracic surgery are attuned to this and on what barriers or enablers exist. A survey was carried out with non-medical practitioners working in cardiothoracic surgery in the United Kingdom to explore attitudes towards health research and audit, and to identify current challenges and barriers to surgical research and audit as perceived by cardiothoracic nurses and allied health professionals. A total of 160 completed questionnaires were returned. 99% of respondents supported the need for research and believed that evidence-based surgical care improves outcomes for patients. Seventy-two percent reported that their employer motivates them to take part in national research or audit but, only 22% were allocated time to do so within their role; 96% reported their interest in being involved in research and audit, yet only 30% believed they had the skills to undertake research, and 96% reported needing additional training. More work is needed to increase awareness, capacity and capability among cardiothoracic surgery care practitioners, and indeed other specialities to achieve research progress.

On January 26, 2015, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced measurable goals and a timeline to move the Medicare program and the American health care system [...]

This psychometric synthesis reviewed all 29 articles meeting criteria and possessing psychometric results from the 20-year history (1997 to 2017) of the Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSPS). Aggregated internal consistency (coefficient alpha) was .874. Convergent comparisons were provided between the HSPS total score and 12 measures of constructs similar to the sensory processing sensitivity construct. Structural validity primarily supported both the original one- and three-factor models, as did the pattern of high intra-subscale and total scale correlations, hut a unidimensional interpretation is suggested given the low reliabilities for subscale scores. The HSPS performed adequately for a screening-level instrument. Mental health counselors are well suited to use the HSPS within their regular practice of assessing and valuing normal human development in addition to diagnosing and treating mental health disorders., Accurate clinical assessment is necessary for meaningful and ethical case conceptualization, treatment planning, intervention, and outcome assessment in mental health counseling. Without the tools to accurately screen for common, yet [...]

On January 1, physical therapists (PTs) in private practice became eligible clinicians in the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS)--one of 2 tracks in the Quality Payment Program (QPP) that was [...]

Background. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) introduced functional limitation reporting (FLR) to capture patient progress in functional status in outpatient rehabilitation settings. FLR along with the severity modifier (SM) measure the effectiveness of the rehabilitation services at the physical therapist evaluation (initial examination [IE]) after 10 days of therapy and at discharge. Objective. The objective of this study was to explore the completeness of FLR codes and describe changes in SMs at scheduled checkpoints for patients receiving outpatient physical therapy. Design. The design was a retrospective cohort descriptive study. Methods. A 5% random sample of 2014 Part B fee-for-service Medicare claims for outpatient physical therapy was used. FLR codes with SMs were analyzed at required periods. The number of claims with FLR codes and SMs was calculated to describe the completeness for each period. Planned changes in SMs at the physical therapist IE (current status and projected goal status) and differences in SMs from the physical therapist IE (current status) to discharge (discharge status) were calculated. Results. For 114,588 beneficiaries, 166,572 physical therapist IE and 130,117 discharge claims were analyzed. Completion was greater than 90% for current status and projected goal status FLR codes at the physical therapist IE but was markedly lower for interim and discharge reporting ([less than or equal to]50% for all). More than 75% of claims had planned improvements in SMs at the physical therapist IE (projected goal status--current status), with variations by specific FLR codes. For the episodes with FLR codes at the physical therapist IE and discharge, improvements were reported in more than 2 of 3 episodes. Limitations. Limitations for these analyses include a missing discharge claim on many outpatient physical therapy episodes and potential coding errors with Medicare claims. Conclusions. Except for the physical therapist IE, FLR codes were not submitted consistent with regulations. Most physical therapy episodes showed improvements in FLR SMs from the physical therapist IE and discharge, although the low completion rate limited interpretation. Changes to the FLR program are warranted to understand whether changes in SMs correspond to changes in a patient's function., In 2012, the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act (Section 3005) required the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to 'implement, beginning on January 1, 2013, a [...]

AbstractPsychometric characteristics of CESD-R scores were explored on a sample of 966 undergraduate students. Internal consistency (α = .92), external convergent and discriminant validity, and response bias were adequate to excellent. Strong measurement invariance was evident for gender and race comparisons, and the unidimensional model fit the data best.

This study advances the discourse on the transition from a linear to a circular water paradigm, within which water is reused and resources such as nutrients and energy can be recovered. The research provides an empirical evidence from demonstrative cases, identifying the technological, economic, socio-cultural, and regulatory factors that facilitate or impede the broader adoption of circular solutions in the water sector. It proposes an integrated system approach, which encompasses a comprehensive set of enabling instruments, including (a) the demonstration of the sustainability of circular water technologies at a system level, thereby providing a robust proof of concept; (b) a shift from a conventional financial cost-benefit approach to a business model predicated on circular value chains, underscoring the economic feasibility of these solutions; (c) the enhancement of social acceptance through active stakeholder engagement, thereby fostering a supportive community for these transformative changes; and (d) the adaptation of the regulatory framework to incentivise circular water solutions, such as the establishment of dedicated end-of-waste criteria to facilitate market access for recovered resources. The study concludes that a concerted effort is required to reconceptualise our water systems as circular systems, and to legitimise the role of circular water within our society and economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On January l, 2017, the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) launched the Quality Payment Program (QPP)--integrating several Medicare legacy quality reporting programs, including the Physician Quality Reporting System [...]

AbstractThe Social Justice Scale (SJS) and various subscales were studied on a sample of 414 human services university undergraduates. Internal consistency (α = .93), discriminant validity, and response bias were adequate. The 4-factor model demonstrated an excellent fit. Implications were discussed for use of the SJS in practice and research.

ABSTRACTOver the past century, researchers have found variation in fluted-point shape and size to be patterned in the Americas. Many of these patterns can be organized by geographical, ecological, and behavioral variables, and have helped formulate our current understanding of some of the earliest cultures to live in the Western Hemisphere. This paper reviews how researchers have assessed patterns in Clovis point morphological variability over the last three decades and discusses types of data used to formulate and test hypotheses concerning how Clovis peoples moved or transmitted cultural information across the landscape, organized, manufactured, and used fluted-point technology, and related to later Paleoindian groups. It concludes by summarizing the contribution studies of Clovis-point form have made to our understanding of Clovis adaptation as part of a greater body evidence that includes genetics, faunal and botanical remains, toolstone characterization, assemblage structure, site formation processes, and paleoenvironmental data.

US health care is in the midst of a paradigm shift--away from the fee-for-service payment structure, in which providers are rewarded solely by the volume of services provided, and toward [...]

AbstractThis study explored the psychometric characteristics of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) on a sample of 414 university undergraduate students (Mage = 19.07, SD = 0.95). Internal consistency (α = .83), external divergent validity, and internal structural validity were adequate; the 2-factor model provided the best fit to the data.

Although special education teachers are expected to implement evidence-based practices, teachers of students with extensive support needs have reported challenges in identifying and implementing effective practices to meet the unique needs of their students. Systematic instruction has been identified as an evidence-based practice for students with extensive support needs and can be used to support students across a wide range of skill domains. We used an experimental pretest–posttest design to examine the effectiveness of two training approaches, video performance feedback and video self-monitoring, on the implementation of systematic instruction among pre-service special education teachers. Overall, both approaches resulted in improved implementation of systematic instruction by pre-service special education teachers and were viewed as socially valid. We present directions for future research and implications for practice in special education teacher preparation.

The Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) began in 2007 as the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative, a voluntary, incentive-based program for practitioners--including PTs in the private practice setting--that was designed to [...]

More than l million total hip and total knee procedures were performed in the United States in 2014, approximately half of which were covered under Medicare. (1) Physical therapists (PTs) [...]

LONG, FREE-FLOWING RIVERS are increasingly rare. These serpentine giants should support entire ecosystems and allow the unobstructed movement of energy, materials, and wildlife in their waters and in the surrounding [...]

In January, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released its first set of timelines for a transition away from fee-for-service payment models in Medicare, in an effort [...]

In January, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released its first set of timelines for a transition away from fee-for-service payment models in Medicare, in an effort to create payment systems based on outcomes rather than services provided. As the payment system shifts toward outcomes-based reimbursement, the focus is on increased provider accountability and high-quality patient care. This transformation of health care relies on reporting programs such as the Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) as stepping stones to achieving broader, outcome-based payment., Major programmatic changes in PQRS for 2015 include: * Private practice PTs who didn't successfully report data on quality measures under PQRS in 2013 will see a 1.5% reduction in [...]

Articles accepted for publication in the Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development(JMCD) from 1998 to 2017 were reviewed to provide a systematic, quantitative study of journal content by identifying patterns of what is published and who publishes in the JMCD. Trends over time in author characteristics (e.g., number, gender, employment setting, nation of domicile) and article content (e.g., type, topic, design, participant type, sample size, statistical procedures) were analyzed and described. Se llevó a cabo una revisión de los artículos aceptados para su publicación en el Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development (JMCD) entre 1998 y 2017 a fin de proporcionar un estudio cuantitativo y sistemático del contenido de la publicación identificando patrones relacionados con qué se publica y quién publica en el JMCD. Se analizaron y describieron las tendencias a lo largo del tiempo en las características de los autores (p. ej., número, sexo, lugar de empleo, país de residencia) y en el contenido de los artículos (p. ej., tipo, tema, diseño, tipo de participantes, tamaño de la muestra, procedimientos estadísticos).

Reporting requirements for physical therapists (PTs) in private practice are changing under the Quality Payment Program--specifically through the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) and alternative payment models (APMs). To thoroughly [...]

ABSTRACTThe Center for the Study of the First Americans (CSFA) is a collaboration of researchers focused on studying the peopling of the Americas and training students in the theory and methods necessary to address research questions regarding who were the first peoples to enter and spread throughout the American continents, when did they first arrive in the Americas, and from where did they come. This volume of PaleoAmericapresents seven papers that highlight research conducted by some of the graduates of the CSFA program, in a celebration of CSFA’s legacy and ongoing contribution to our understanding of the peopling of the Americas and Paleoindian archaeology.

Under requirements that took effect on January l, 2013, physical therapists (PTs), occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists who provide outpatient therapy services must submit information on the claim form regarding [...]

Physical therapists (PTs) in private practice who successfully participate this year in the Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) program will receive a 0.5% bonus payment from Medicare. But that isn't [...]

ABSTRACTIn this paper, we use GIS and 2D geometric morphometrics to explore landscape use and social interaction among Kirk Cluster populations in the lower Ohio River valley. Using cultural transmission as a theoretical foundation, we develop models for identifying assemblages produced by macroband aggregations. We show that two distinct populations occupied northern Indiana and southwestern Kentucky. Intensively occupied sites in these areas are situated in near-upland settings in close proximity to a variety of resources including chert, higher order rivers, and sinkholes. In contrast, the Butterfield site in central Kentucky lies in the lowlands with the Green River as the only obvious resource. Analyses reveal that Butterfield was a macroband aggregation site visited by populations from Indiana, but groups from southwestern Kentucky only minimally participated in aggregations at Butterfield. Results further show that the Ohio River was not a barrier to social interaction in the Early Holocene.

Clinical manifestations of severe COVID-19 include coagulopathies that are exacerbated by the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Here, we report that pulmonary lymphatic vessels, which traffic neutrophils and other immune cells to the lung-draining lymph node (LDLN), can also be blocked by fibrin clots in severe COVID-19. Immunostained tissue sections from COVID-19 decedents revealed widespread lymphatic clotting not only in the lung but also in the LDLN, where the extent of clotting correlated with the presence of abnormal, regressed, or missing germinal centers (GCs). It strongly correlated with the presence of intralymphatic NETs. In mice, tumor necrosis factor α induced intralymphatic fibrin clots; this could be inhibited by DNase I, which degrades NETs. In vitro, TNF-α induced lymphatic endothelial cell upregulation of ICAM-1 and CXCL8, among other neutrophil-recruiting factors, as well as thrombomodulin downregulation; in decedents, lymphatic clotting in LDLNs. In a separate cohort of hospitalized patients, serum levels of Myeloperoxidase-DNA (MPO-DNA, a NET marker) inversely correlated with antiviral antibody titers, but D-dimer levels, indicative of blood thrombosis, did not correlate with either. Patients with high MPO-DNA but low D-dimer levels generated poor antiviral antibody titers. This study introduces lymphatic coagulation in lungs and LDLNs as a clinical manifestation of severe COVID-19 and suggests the involvement of NETosis of lymphatic-trafficking neutrophils. It further suggests that lymphatic clotting may correlate with impaired formation or maintenance of GCs necessary for robust antiviral antibody responses, although further studies are needed to determine whether and how lymphatic coagulation affects adaptive immune responses.

In this article, I examine one book, seven edited volumes, and twenty-four Canadian Foreign Policy course outlines to assess the inclusion of women scholars, feminist research, Indigenous scholars, and Indigenous-themed research. As we will see, the degree to which “silences have been broken” is strikingly uneven. Indigenous scholars are rare in the field and the inclusion of work by Indigenous scholars is also rare. The extent of inclusion of women scholars in edited volumes is varied, as is the representation of women scholars in readings found in course outlines. Some texts and course outlines show that the silences have been broken. However, through whose work they include, some textbooks and course outlines suggest that the work of women scholars remains marginal to the field, that Indigenous content is of little relevance, and in some cases, the work of Indigenous and female scholars is neither heard nor seen.

Bespoke exergames have been designed for balance improvement and fall risk reduction in community-dwelling older adults. However, the overall effectiveness of bespoke exergames and their compliance with exercise prescription principles is unclear. This systematic review aims to critique the technology and effectiveness of bespoke balance exergames prescribed for older adults. A literature search was performed for randomized controlled trials that implemented bespoke exergame interventions among community-dwelling older adults. The standardized mean difference was obtained for each study, and the pooled effect size was calculated based on the random effects inverse variance model. This review had 870 participants, and 12 of the 15 studies were classified with a low risk of bias. Bespoke exergames have an effect size of 0.75 (95% CI: 0.57 – 0.93; I2 = 7.92%), 0.62 (95% CI: 0.48 – 0.77; I2 = 11.7%), 0.52 (95% CI: 0.24 – 0.80; I2 = 0%), and 0.54 (95% CI: 0.23 – 0.86; I2 = 9.9%) on balance functional tests, static balance, dynamic balance, and psychological outcome measure, respectively. Bespoke balance exergames have a moderate and consistent effect on fall risk factors. Several recommendations were offered to improve future exergame programs for balance improvement and future research on the topic.

As a group of teachers was eating lunch, the topic of standardized test scores in science came up--students at our school had not done as well as we had hoped. [...]

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) heightens the role and accelerates expansion of quality programs in the United States health care system. It introduces a fundamental shift in [...]

Postacute care physical therapists (PTs) may have heard the buzz about creation of a new Section GG on the Minimum Data Set (MDS) and other data-reporting changes under Medicare that [...]

AbstractObjectives:Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been identified as an acute respiratory illness leading to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. As the disease spread, demands on health care systems increased, specifically the need to expand hospital capacity. Alternative care hospitals (ACHs) have been used to mitigate these issues; however, establishing an ACH has many challenges. The goal of this session was to perform systems testing, using a simulation-based evaluation to identify areas in need of improvement.Methods:Four simulation cases were designed to depict common and high acuity situations encountered in the ACH, using a high technology simulator and standardized patient. A multidisciplinary observer group was given debriefing forms listing the objectives, critical actions, and specific areas to focus their attention. These forms were compiled for data collection.Results:Logistical, operational, and patient safety issues were identified during the simulation and compiled into a simulation event report. Proposed solutions and protocol changes were made in response to the identified issues.Conclusion:Simulation was successfully used for systems testing, supporting efforts to maximize patient care and provider safety in a rapidly developed ACH. The simulation event report identified operational deficiencies and safety concerns directly resulting in equipment modifications and protocol changes.

ABSTRACTThe Spring Lake Site (41HY160) in San Marcos, located along the Balcones Escarpment in central Texas, produced fluted points that appear diagnostic of Clovis technology as well as ice-age megafauna remains. Unfortunately, these materials were recovered in what appears to be mixed deposits within the lake itself. For over 40 years, researchers have hypothesized that the points represent Clovis technology and presence at the site. We use a two-dimensional landmark approach to geometric morphometric shape analysis to test the typological context of the artifacts against a dataset of well-dated Clovis point specimens. We examine whether they fall within a morphological range of variation in planview shape documented in point assemblages from Clovis sites organized geographically into the Southwest, Northwest, and Northeast regions. Results suggest that the Spring Lake points possess particular affinity in shape to Clovis points found in the Southwest region.

FEATURES Teaching Truth and Kayaking Down the Dan By Valencia Abbott The organization Outdoor Afro Greensboro celebrates Black people's connections with nature, and the Good Stewards of Rockingham protect and restore the environment in ways that also build resilient communities. Why a Student Walkout in 1967 Is So Important Today By Tamara Anderson On Nov. 11, 1967, more than 3,000 students organized a walkout in Philadelphia and marched to the board of education building with 25 demands. This year there was an attempt to pass a teacher gag bill and other laws that will harm teachers and students. [Extracted from the article]

Under requirements that took effect on January 1, physical therapists (PTs), occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists who provide outpatient therapy services now must submit information on the claim form regarding [...]

Background and Objective. Professional meetings, such as the American Physical Therapy Association's (APTA's) Combined Sections Meeting (CSM), provide forums for sharing information relevant to physical therapy. An indicator of whether therapists fully disseminate their work is the number of full-text peer-reviewed publications that result. The purposes of this study were: (1) to determine the full-text publication rate of work presented in abstract form at CSM and (2) to investigate factors influencing this rate. Methods. A systematic search was undertaken to locate full-text publications of work presented in abstract form within the Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy sections at CSM between 2000 and 2004. Eligible publications were published within 5 years following abstract presentation. The influences of APTA section, year of abstract presentation, institution of origin, study design, sample size, study significance, reporting of a funding source, and presentation type on full-text publication rate were assessed. Characteristics of full-text publications were explored. Results. Work presented in 1 out of 4 abstracts (25.4%) progressed to full-text publication. Odds of full-text publication increased if the abstract originated from a doctorate-granting or 'other' institution, reported findings of an experimental study, reported a statistically significant finding, included a larger sample size, disclosed a funding source, or was presented as a platform presentation. More than one third (37.8%) of full-text publications were published in the Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy or Physical Therapy, and 4 out of 10 full-text publications (39.2%) contained at least one major change from information presented in abstract form. Conclusions. The full-text publication rate for information presented in abstract form within the Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy sections at CSM is low relative to comparative disciplines. Caution should be exercised when translating information presented at CSM into practice., Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a current ideal within health care and refers to the integration of the best available scientific evidence with individual clinical expertise. In order for physical therapy [...]

The authors report the findings of a descriptive, correlational study of 111 graduate counseling students' levels of ego development (L. X. Hy & J. Loevinger, 1996), wellness (J. E. Myers [...]

An interview with Arabian pianist Tala Badri is presented. When asked about her formative years in music, she told that she learned how to play the piano when she was four years old; she also discussed about her music center where she teach piano music; and about challenges she had to face as a female entrepreneur in Dubai.

The article highlights that the idea of capturing carbon dioxide is not new while Some drillers began venting gas via liquid-filled chambers in the 1920s to separate Carbon dioxide from the more profitable methane. It also mentions that the foundations of carbon capture—bringing carbon molecules close to an object they will adhere to haven't altered much.

If you have been following health policy discussions, you may have heard the phrase 'postacute care reform.' This refers to collective efforts of Congress, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid [...]

THE CONVENTIONAL wisdom in Washington is that young people don't vote. Eighteen-year-olds won the right to vote in 1971, and in 1972--their first presidential election--they voted in pretty significant numbers. [...]