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The semiconductor global value chain (GVC) which was established by global lead companies and their strategic suppliers is now facing significant disruption because of geopolitical tensions between the US and China. As semiconductor production became offshored to East Asia, China’s growing market for semiconductors associated with its role as a major electronics assembly location facilitated its integration into the global value chain for lower value added functions such as assembly and packaging. Together with its high level of optimisation, the GVC is also characterised by significant oligopolies of intellectual property resulting in an overall asymmetric interdependence between locations in advanced and emerging regions. Because of the vital role of the semiconductor sector in areas of national security and within the technology sector more widely, China seeks to develop greater self-reliance in semiconductors at a time when its integration in the global value chain is facing significant threats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through a review of current literature and by providing statistics regarding mental health and its impact on people, this article emphasizes the critical role of reference librarians in supporting mental health and wellness within the different types of communities they serve. Furthermore, the article highlights the global and national context of mental health, stressing the importance of understanding this background for librarians to better meet the health and wellness needs of the communities they serve. The author summarizes recent wellness initiatives by various types of libraries to serve as an inspiration for librarians considering implementing new wellness efforts. The historical role of libraries in supporting mental health, including through the practice of bibliotherapy and how that role has expanded over time, is also shared. The author advocates for librarians and library workers to pursue professional development that is specific to trauma-informed librarianship and related areas. Special emphasis is placed on reference librarians and library workers becoming certified in Mental Health First Aid. The author also recommends resources from library science literature that emphasize the need for whole-person librarianship, the importance of librarians and library workers’ mutual support for each other, and other relevant topics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the financial statecraft literature has expanded from a focus on great powers to encompass the behavior of emerging powers. While offering an important corrective, the literature does not yet adequately address the full variety of the emerging powers' strategies of financial statecraft. In particular, we argue that regional middle powers behave differently from regional great powers even when they have similar capacities at the global level. For instance, both India and South Korea are categorized as emerging powers in the financial statecraft literature and deploy regional strategies to reduce their financial vulnerability. Yet their financial statecraft strategies have clearly differed in practice. India has sought to challenge the global status quo and influence its neighbors, while South Korea has pursued more modest and defensive goals. Drawing on the middle power literature, we posit that middle powers' relative position within their home regions explains such differences among the financial statecraft of emerging powers. To demonstrate the utility of this approach, we examine South Korea's financial statecraft in the Asia-Pacific region. We find that its position as a regional middle power effectively explains its patterns of bilateral and regional cooperation in the monetary sphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document provides a summary of the weather patterns and extreme events that occurred in the United States during the months of May and June 2024. In May, there were contrasting weather conditions across the country, with record-low temperatures in the Northwest and record-high temperatures in the Southwest. Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes occurred throughout the month, causing fatalities and damage. May was the 13th-warmest and 13th-wettest on record for the contiguous United States. In June, there was record-breaking heat in various parts of the country, with some areas experiencing daily-record highs. The Southwest and Southeastern states saw extreme heat, while the Northwest had cool temperatures. There were also significant rainfall and flooding in parts of the West and South. June 2024 was the second-hottest and 41st-driest June in the past century for the contiguous United States. The summary provides factual information about the temperatures, precipitation, and extreme events without any personal opinions or biases. [Extracted from the article]

This paper reflects on the influences and outcomes of He Kāinga Oranga/Housing and Health Research Programme over 25 years, and their impact on housing and health policy in Aotearoa and internationally. Working in partnership particularly with Māori and Pasifika communities, we have conducted randomised control trials which have shown the health and broad co-benefits of retrofitted insulation, heating and remediation of home hazards, which have underpinned government policy in the Warm Up NZ-Heat Smart programme and the Healthy Homes Standards for rental housing. These trials have been included as evidence in the WHO Housing and Health Guidelines and led to our designation as a WHO Collaborating Centre on Housing and Wellbeing. We are increasingly explicitly weaving Māori frameworks, values and processes with traditional Western science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All libraries, especially public libraries, must continue to play a leading role in closing the digital divide. Through this article, the authors present a brief history of libraries and the digital divide, how libraries address the digital divide through digital equity, ways the U.S. government has addressed the digital divide, insights shared from serving on the New Jersey Broadband Access Commission, strategies that public libraries can implement to bring about digital inclusion, the need for libraries to address the technology needs of youth, the importance of public-private partnerships and examples of initiatives and the resources created that address digital equity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is a highly efficacious, tissue sparing method of skin cancer removal. Nevertheless, in the months to years after MMS, psychosocial distress has been described. The present study addressed the immediate period after MMS and assessed the frequency and risk factors for development of depressive symptoms. Subjects undergoing MMS at two physician practices (JL, FS) were included in this prospective cohort study. Preoperatively, a standardized depression screening, the Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (PHQ-8), was administered. After MMS, the PHQ-8 was readministered at weeks 1, 2, 4, 6, and 12. Average PHQ-8 score by week and change from baseline PHQ-8 score were the primary outcomes. Sixty-three subjects were included of which 49 (78%) had a facial site. Twenty-two subjects (35%) had some increase in score during the 12-week follow-up period, of which 18 had a facial site. The oldest subjects (83–99 years, n = 14) had significantly higher PHQ-8 scores at week 4 (p < 0.01) and week 6 (p = 0.02) than all other age groups. There were no differences in scores between location groups. One-third of subjects had some increase in score during the follow-up period. Those in the oldest age cohort were at highest risk of increased score. In contrast to prior literature, those with facial sites were not at higher risk. This difference may be explained by increased masking during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Ultimately, consideration of patients' psychologic status in the immediate postoperative period after MMS, particularly in the elderly population, may enhance perceived patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transition from jail to community is a high-risk time for individuals experiencing substance use disorders (SUD), with elevated risks of overdose and other substance-related harms, as well as high recidivism rates and re-incarceration. Gains made from successful treatment in prison are often lost in this transition. The current paper evaluates this process for one justice programme, Chesterfield HARP, a Therapeutic Community based in the Chesterfield County jail that continues supporting former inmates through their release by examining engagement and retention rates and changes in recovery capital among incarcerated individuals before incarceration and after transition to recovery housing in the community. Adult prisoners (both male and female) who engaged in the Chesterfield HARP programme completed an assessment of recovery capital (REC-CAP instrument) while in prison and following their transitions to one of a number of local recovery residences with strong links to the prison programme (ensuring continuity of care and support). The results suggest successful bridging with positive growth across multiple recovery capital domains. The study provides further evidence for the importance of continuity of care and integrated models of strength-building and recovery-focused interventions in successfully bridging the transition from prison to the community for offenders with a SUD history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of pain neuroscience education (PNE) in the management of chronic musculoskeletal pain is well documented in the literature for the adult population. However, the use of this component within the larger biopsychosocial approach has not been examined in adults with intellectual disabilities. The purpose of this case report is to describe the utilization of a PNE approach combined with exercise in the physical therapy management of chronic musculoskeletal pain in an adult with Down syndrome. The patient was a 40-year-old man with Down syndrome who presented with chronic low back pain that affected his sleep, participation at work, and social activities. Modified metaphors were used to assist the patient in understanding his pain experience as part of a multi-modal program that included exercise and aquatic therapy. Upon concluding 11 weeks of treatment, the patient returned to his prior work schedule and social activities with a pain rating at worst of 3/10 on the numeric pain rating scale with only occasional pain episodes. His disability score on the Oswestry Disability Index improved by 39% relative to baseline. The findings demonstrate how utilizing PNE within a physical therapy plan of care was used in the management of chronic musculoskeletal pain to improve function in an adult with Down syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two earthquakes in Christchurch, New Zealand, in 2010–11 caused 185 casualties, demolished much of the inner-city and caused significant job losses. We examine one form of adjustment to these outcomes: (international) emigration. Using a difference-in-difference approach, we analyse employment and emigration responses of Christchurch workers relative to matched workers elsewhere. We also examine heterogeneity in responses across subgroups defined by sex, age and country of birth. Significant emigration occurs following the second (more severe) earthquake mirroring job loss patterns. Effects differ by sex and age, and also by country of birth with the foreign-born much more likely to emigrate than the locally born. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We compile measures of 'per capita Real Adjusted Net National Income' (pcRANNI), being the income available for consumption by a country's residents while maintaining the (broadly defined) capital stock intact, i.e. 'sustainable consumption'. Changes in pcRANNI incorporate the impacts both of changes in technical efficiency (i.e. multi-factor productivity) and allocative efficiency where the latter reflects reallocation of resources in response to price signals. We find that New Zealand had approximately zero pcRANNI growth from 1970 to the early 1990s. Since then, New Zealand's performance has been stronger than for most developed countries. We find considerable deviations between pcRANNI growth and per capita real GDP growth for some countries, highlighting the importance, especially for cross-country comparisons of aggregate economic performance, of focusing on income-based sustainable consumption measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assemble and characterize an electronic health record (EHR) dataset for a large cohort of US military Veterans diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). An EHR dataset for 19,662 Veterans diagnosed with ALS between January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2020 was compiled from the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) EHR database by a query for ICD9 diagnosis (335.20) or ICD10 diagnosis (G12.21) for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. The cohort is predominantly male (98.94%) and white (72.37%) with a median age at disease onset of 68 years and median survival from the date of diagnosis of 590 days. With the designation of ALS as a compensable illness in 2009, there was a subsequent increase in the number of Veterans diagnosed per year in the VHA, but no change in median survival. The cohort included a greater-than-expected proportion of individuals whose branch of service at the time of separation was the Army. The composition of the cohort reflects the VHA population who are at greatest risk for ALS. The greater than expected proportion of individuals whose branch of service at the time of separation was the Army suggests the possibility of a branch-specific risk factor for ALS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores China's integration into the chemical global value chain (GVC) in the past decade through the experience of foreign chemical companies. It examines how the intellectual monopoly of foreign companies help them to exercise control in the GVC, but over time how the challenges of co-evolving with local rival Chinese companies erode that advantage as they face the challenge of maintaining market share by learning to collaborate within a very different innovation environment. It explores these developments by contextualizing the presence of Chinese companies within particular segments of the GVC and through a longitudinal series of company interviews. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Record-shattering July heat from the Desert Southwest to Florida contrasted with slightly below-normal temperatures across the northern Plains and upper Midwest. While rainfall was expected to be extreme, Hilary's rain totals fell short of the all-time record set by Hurricane Kathleen in 1976, during which nearly 18 inches fell across part of California. Hilary set tropical cyclone rainfall records in four states and the highest measured rain totals were nearly 12 inches in the San Bernadino and San Jacinto Mountains. Record-setting rainfall amounts for that date reached 4.74 inches in Corpus Christi and 3.98 inches in Laredo; it was the month's first measurable rain in both locations, and the first rain in Laredo since June 8. [Extracted from the article]

Clinicians who work with youth frequently rely on parents to contribute information via interview or questionnaires. These approaches may obscure precise measurement of behavior change. Training parents to observe specific target behaviors in the natural setting may be a superior strategy, but formal coder training for parents is not well-established. The current study compared parent accuracy in coding child aggression and noncompliance with the Behavior Record Card (BRC) under Standard (written instructions) and Enhanced (active teaching) training conditions. Study results highlight the differential impact of training, limitations of self-directed coder-training, and the need for research on integrating parent observations in treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Financial liberalization has noticeably reduced the role of the state in effectively influencing the economy in post-developmental states. Yet many studies have found that the legacies of the developmental model continue to influence the policies, institutions, and socioeconomic challenges that are faced by the states that previously adopted the model. These studies, however, do not clearly identify when and how such legacies may be manifested in state behavior. This paper contributes to filling this gap in the literature by arguing that financial crises can serve as a trigger to more clearly reveal the structural evidence of the legacy in institutions that were previously established and utilized for developmental objectives. By conducting a rigorous case analysis using historical and market data on the crisis responses of South Korea's public pension fund, this paper finds that South Korea's developmental legacy remains passively embedded in the governance structure of the pension fund in non-crisis times but manifests during financial crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the pervasiveness and negative impacts of trauma on students, it is essential for teachers to be prepared to use trauma-informed practices. Few studies focus on the preparation of preservice teachers for trauma-informed practices in teacher education programs. This manuscript presents findings from a mixed-methods study surveying discussions and preparation for discussions on trauma-informed practices in early childhood education communities of practice. Participants included 49 interns and cooperating teachers from nine accredited teacher education programs in one state. Findings indicate discussions on trauma and trauma-informed practices between interns and cooperating teachers inconsistently take place in internships, and trauma-informed practice preparation for some preservice teachers is insufficient. Implications for teacher educators are offered, including methods to both support interns as trauma-informed practitioners and cooperating teachers as mentors and instructors of trauma-informed practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased focus on carbon neutral energy has generated a resurgence of interest in nuclear power, and in particular advanced reactors which are likely to utilize high assay low enriched uranium (HALEU). This in turn could increase the economic attractiveness of recovering still partially enriched uranium from used nuclear fuel. Concomitant to development of advanced reactors, advanced reprocessing schemes should be developed which address the disadvantages to well established reprocessing schemes. The present study focuses on using di-(2-ethylhexyl)-iso-butyramide (DEHiBA) under high metal loading conditions for the reprocessing of used nuclear fuel. The elements examined in the study include the dominant transuranic actinides (Np, Pu, Am) as well as the often-problematic Tc and Zr. By increasing the concentration of the extractant from the more commonly reported 1.0 M – 1.5 M, the extraction of hexavalent actinides is substantially increased, while maintaining effective rejection of tri, tetra, and pentavalent actinides, particularly in the presence of high loadings of uranium. The extraction of Zr by 1.5 M DEHiBA is noted to be negligible by comparison to tributyl phosphate (TBP), however the coextraction of Tc with U is observed to be nominally twice the quantity that is extracted by TBP indicating a need for effective Tc management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective communication is a crucial component of patient-centered care and individuals with low health literacy face significant challenges in managing their health, leading to longer hospital stays and worse outcomes. Visual aids, such as medical illustrations and pictograms, can enhance patient understanding and memory retention; however, there is a lack in the medical field of tools for evaluating and improving a physician's ability to draw clinical illustrations for their patient. This article explores an aesthetic scale created in collaboration between Boston University Medical School and the Boston University Fine-Arts department. The scale scores basic design elements that could reasonably be improved in a clinical setting. A pilot study demonstrated interrater reliability between trained artists scoring images of varying concepts and visual quality with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.95. This scale has potential use in medical visual education and clinical evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conversational agents (CAs)—frequently operationalized as chatbots—are computer systems that leverage natural language processing to engage in conversations with human users. CAs are often operationalized as chatbots which are used for many applications including technical support, customer service, and digital personal assistants. Despite their widespread use, little research to date has investigated how improving the conversational skill of a CA impacts user perceptions of the agent. To elucidate this relationship, this research uses Social Presence Theory to describe how conversational skill influences perceived social presence and ultimately anthropomorphism of a chatbot. We conducted a series of studies in which 450 participants interacted with CAs exhibiting varying levels of conversational skill. We show that people perceive a more skilled CA to be more socially present and anthropomorphic than a less skilled CA. This research advances the knowledge of computer-human interface in information systems, as CA research to date has largely focused on the technical challenges rather than the behavioral questions of how users interact with CAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interest in recovery capital has been growing and there have been increased attempts to quantify this concept. The current paper uses the REC-CAP, a standardized assessment of recovery capital, to predict retention across multiple recovery residence settings and quantify changes in recovery capital and barriers to recovery over the initial period of residence. The REC-CAP was administered by peer navigators at admission and at 90-day intervals thereafter in recovery residences in Virginia, US. Strong effects predicting retention, changes in barriers and recovery capital growth were reported based on risk-taking and addressing acute housing concerns. The strongest effects predicting retention in recovery residences were for people not using substances and not being Black or African American. Reducing barriers to recovery and to improving recovery capital focused on avoiding ongoing substance use, lack of support needs around accommodation, higher psychological wellbeing and measures associated with social support and quality of life. There is a need to develop a holistic, tailored package of support for people in recovery residents to address these core concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black men historically in graduate education have endured issues of racial indignity, hostile classroom environments, microaggressions, and questioning of intellectual ability, which subsequently have a negative effect on doctoral enrollment. Not only do Black men in doctoral programs undergo acts of racism in their educational experiences at many Historically White Institutions (HWIs); they seemingly operate in educational spaces where their presence is not welcome at certain institutions. What is more important, is how historical educational policies and practices embedded in racism, have created structures that fail to adequately address how access and preparedness for graduate programs, exclude the challenges Black men have faced throughout their educational socialization. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to share intrinsic and extrinsic motivating factors impacting seven Black men's pursuit of a doctoral degree. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Buffalo, New York, was buried by 22.3 inches of snow on December 23, the first day of a five-day winter barrage that featured 51.9 inches of snow and winds gusting as high as 72 mph. Elsewhere, heavy rain preceded and accompanied the storm system in parts of the South and East, while Northwestern precipitation included wintry weather - snow and freezing rain - as Pacific moisture overran lingering cold air. Heavy, wet snow blanketed parts of the Great Lakes and Northeastern States; on December 15, Rhinelander, Wisconsin, reported daily records for precipitation (1.06 inches, a mix of snow and freezing rain) and snow (7.1 inches). In many areas, snowfall was relatively light, but travel conditions were complicated by sharply falling temperatures and high winds, which reduced visibilities due to blowing and drifting snow. [Extracted from the article]

Historically, unmarried mothers have suffered greatly in Irish society. Advocacy for unmarried mothers began in the 1970s with the emergence of the women's movement in Ireland. 'Cherish' became one of the first organisation in Ireland to push for rights for unmarried mothers. This article is the first comprehensive study into the organisation exploring its establishment and development throughout the late twentieth century. Against the backdrop of the larger women's movement, this article focuses on the early years of the campaign incorporating the push for unmarried mothers allowance; accommodation assistance offered; advice on legal issues including maintenance; as well as lobbying politicians on legislative change. It incorporates the organisation's connection with the Catholic Church whilst simultaneously and unapologetically challenging Archbishop Dermot Ryan on prejudices against unmarried mothers. In the 1980s, the group faced new challenges as more women with unplanned pregnancies sought information on abortion. The organisations link with the Catholic Church diminished throughout the 1980s as Cherish began to direct women to abortion information helplines and openly supported the Defend the Clinics Campaign, despite their receipt of state funding. The establishment of Cherish and its commitment to advocacy for women in crisis pregnancy has been somewhat overlooked in the historical analysis of the Irish women's movement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Safe medication use necessitates interprofessional working, with calls to enhance interprofessional education (IPE) focusing on medication safety (MS) in healthcare professional (HCP) curricula. Little is known about the design, delivery or evaluation of such activities. This systematic literature review describes MS-focused IPE activities in pre-qualification HCP programmes. MedLine, EMBASE, CINAHL and ERIC were searched, relevant studies identified and data extracted. The McGill Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was employed. The 3P (presage-process-product) theory structured deductive analysis. Thirty-one studies were included, reporting on 30 activities, mostly undertaken in North America or United Kingdom. Presage/Design: Most reported activities involved pharmacy, nursing, medical or physician assistant students learning with one or more other HCP group. Few studies matched student groups' skills or experiences. Few studies reported theoretical underpinnings. Process/Delivery: Multiple pedagogical approaches were employed, mostly social construction, and low- and high-fidelity simulation-based learning. Few studies reported learning outcomes or summative assessment, more reported formative assessment. Product/evaluation: Outcomes measured were learners' opinions, satisfaction or attitudes toward interprofessional working and findings were generally positive. Few studies reported on student development or outcomes specific to medication safety. Lack of integration of qualitative/quantitative components of mixed methods studies and limited outcome measurements' validity or reliability weakened study quality. MS-focused IPE for pre-qualification HCPs is well received by students. Design of future activities could be enhanced by employing theory and ensuring matching of students' and groups' skills, professional identity and learner attributes to enhance learning in an interprofessional setting. Future delivery should embed MS-focused IPE into the standard curricula to optimize constructive alignment, learner engagement, quality and drive development. The required skillset in pre-qualification HCP programmes to facilitate future safe medication practice, together with the associated learning outcomes and assessment approaches, should be defined. The quality of scholarly studies examining these activities needs improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

William Hone (1780-1842) is famous today for his successful defense against charges of blasphemy and sedition in 1817, for his illustrated post-Peterloo satirical pamphlets, and for his antiquarian work in the later 1820s. It was his acquittals in the 1817 trials, however, that made Hone a hero to the radical/reformist movements of the day and that provided the foundation for Hone's later work. The present essay steps back from the trials to examine Hone's writing and publishing activity in the months and years just before the trials. In the publications from 1815 and 1816, the essay traces the development of Hone's political rhetoric and the genesis of the comic, parodic, and satirical genres that enabled him to reach a rapidly expanding reading public. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rainfall edged southward the following day, when record-setting rainfall totals for August 22 reached 4.41 inches in Shreveport, Louisiana, and 3.74 inches in Longview, Texas. Higher rainfall totals in Southcentral including a record 11.75 inches at Girdwood and a whopping 35.53 inches of rain the Cannery Creek Fish Hatchery in northern Prince William Sound. The combination of efficient rain-producing cells, heavy rain rates, and cell training was a certain and unfortunate recipe for a flood disaster. Graph Weather of Note: AUGUST 2022 103 °F in Missoula, Montana, on the 1 SP st sp 109 °F in Valentine, Nebraska, on the 2 SP nd sp 106 °F in Roswell, New Mexico, on the 3 SP rd sp 4.32 inches of rain in Saint Louis, Missouri, on the 3 SP rd sp 99 °F in Albany, New York, on the 4 SP th sp 109 °F in Pierre, South Dakota, on the 5 SP th sp 103 °F in Greybull, Wyoming, on the 10 SP th sp 4.59 inches of rain in Pensacola, Florida, on the 11 SP th sp 104 °F in Little Rock, Arkansas, on the 15 SP th sp 110 °F in Redding, California, on the 20 SP th sp 5.49 inches of rain in Lafayette, Louisiana, on the 25 SP th sp In contrast, drier-than-normal August weather - accompanied by above-normal temperatures - dominated the central Plains. [Extracted from the article]

The effect of a jockey's sex on both pari-mutuel betting odds and race outcomes is examined for a three-year sample of North American thoroughbred races. The results reveal that for all races in total, a jockey's sex has no significant impact on the outcome of a race, holding all else constant, including horse quality. However, horseplayers assign a 1.5% higher probability of winning to female jockeys as reflected in their betting behaviour. For the subsample of stakes races, female jockeys are 2% less likely to win, ceteris paribus, but horseplayers do not consider jockey sex to be significant information for these premier races. Thus, the results indicate that horseplayers overestimate the performance of female jockeys in an industry where female jockeys often report significant hurdles to achievement and advancement. We conclude that pari-mutuel betting markets reflect an inefficiency with respect to a jockey's sex and that additional research is needed to uncover the source of this anomaly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adiposity has been associated with several health conditions as well as timing of menopause. Prior epidemiologic studies on the association of adiposity and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) have been inconsistent. We evaluated the relations of anthropometric measures with AMH at two time periods in a subset of premenopausal participants in the Nurses' Health Study II. This prospective study included 795 women who provided a premenopausal sample in 1996–1999 and in 2010–2012. Current weight and height, and weight at age 18 were assessed in 1989 and weight again in 1996–1999. Waist and hip circumference were measured and reported in 1993. In linear regression models adjusted for smoking, reproductive events, and other factors, AMH was inversely related to BMI at age 18 (P =.03) and in 1996–1999 (P <.0001). Higher waist circumference was related to lower AMH levels in 1996–1999 (p =.0009). BMI in 1996–1999 was inversely associated with AMH levels in 2010–2012 (P =.005). Weight gain between age 18 and 1996–1999 was strongly inversely associated with AMH levels in 1996–1999 (P <.0001) and in 2010–2012 (P <.0001). Our results indicate that adiposity and weight gain are associated with lower AMH levels, suggesting an adverse impact on ovarian function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors offer advice for those teaching about prisons and criminal justice in religion, ethics, and theology contexts. They examine such issues as the use of language about crime and incarceration, the way race and economics can enter the conversation, and the role carceral thinking can play in pedagogy in general. Each piece of advice is accompanied by a list of resources to explore it in more depth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When COVID-19 struck, the New Zealand government had two choices: enter lockdown immediately or delay its decision. Delay would have enabled more information to emerge about health and economic dynamics, while preserving the option to act at a later date. However, delay may have destroyed the option to eradicate COVID-19. We model the government's decision when faced with the uncertainty around health and economic dynamics generated by COVID-19. Our model captures both two-sided uncertainty and the dynamic consequences that flow from the government's initial decision. Our analysis will help guide future policy decisions amid similarly complex uncertainties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sport consultants (SPCs) are continuing to fulfill needs within the sport community. This paper addresses the unique dilemma that SPCs face when athletes offer gifts; the decision to accept or decline can cause unexpected distress within dual relationships. Those who practice in collectivist settings are asked to focus on the impact of both the group and the individual; specifically, these stakeholders in sport interact with coaches, athletes, and parents routinely and are asked to grapple with both their ethical duty and their own role within their respective agency. This paper examines current literature surrounding gifts in therapy, its potential impact on sport, and an ethical decision-making model is applied for those who serve this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While focusing on local and foreign companies in East Asia, some confusion could arise from references to I East Asian i companies, since they might imply some element of company homogeneity and underplay how participation in GPNs contributes to their development. His identification of two main categories of GPN configurations of lead company-centric with strong control of GPNs and the more collaborative model acknowledge how relationships between companies can evolve over time. [Extracted from the article]

At Denali National Park Headquarters, the total rain of 8.65 inches is more than twice the previous highest December rain and is the second highest for any month on record, and the total snowfall of 78.0 inches of snow was also the second-highest monthly total. Rain and freezing rain were widespread, and in the Interior the rain was preceded by significant snowfall. In Donner Pass, California, the Central Sierra Snow Lab - with continuous snow depth records dating to 1879, little more than three decades after 39 of 87 pioneers in the snow-bound Donner Party succumbed during the winter of 1846-1847 - reported a December snowfall record, with approximately 214 inches of snow (previously, 179 inches in 1970). While rainfall was well below normal across the Panhandle, snowfall was near to above normal because most of the precipitation that did occur fell as snow. [Extracted from the article]

A quality physical education program includes a positive emphasis on student development of physical literacy, national standards and grade level outcomes, promoting physical activity and supporting comprehensive school physical activity programming, and the following four essential components: 1) policy and environment, 2) curriculum, 3) appropriate instruction, and 4) student assessment. The purpose of this article is to highlight methods for helping elementary physical education students become physically literate, while providing teaching suggestions for each of the five SHAPE America National Physical Education Standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

However, some of the Northern showers were accompanied by severe weather; in Lewistown, Montana, a July record thunderstorm wind gust to 73 mph was clocked on the 7th. On the 24th, Waterloo, Iowa, received 1.80 inches of rain and clocked a thunderstorm wind gust to 61 mph. Northwest Alaska received record rainfall, including areas north of Kotzebue that also had heavy rains in June. Alma, Georgia, recorded thunderstorm-related wind gusts to 43 mph on consecutive days, July 18 and 19, matching the peak gust that had occurred with Tropical Storm Elsa on July 7. [Extracted from the article]

Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) from novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection may present with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a serious complication of SARS-CoV-2 causing systemic organ dysfunction. This case series presents the first reported cases of patients who developed ITP following MIS-C, while completing corticosteroid tapers. These patients responded to standard of care therapies for ITP and had appropriate platelet count recovery. We emphasize the importance of careful monitoring of those recovering from COVID-19 or MIS-C, to proactively identify clinical and laboratory abnormalities, in addition to long-term cardiovascular sequelae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Across the northern Plains, rain and snow showers were insufficient to significantly boost soil moisture, leaving soils cool and dry heading into May. PHOTO (COLOR) Farther east, however, the same storms were able to tap into abundant moisture while traveling northeastward across the nation's midsection, leading to drought-easing rain and snow in central sections of the Rockies and Plains, multiple rounds of heavy rain and severe weather in the Southeast, and periodic Midwestern storminess. Unlike two years ago, when ice jams and surging river levels in the wake of a mid-March powerhouse storm resulted in flood damage exceeding $10 billion across the middle Missouri Valley, flooding from similarly intense weather in March 2021 was sharply limited by antecedent dryness and unfrozen soils, which allowed much of the rain and melting snow to soak in. Heavy rain, or rain changing to snow, fell on the 10th in portions of the upper Great Lakes region, where daily record precipitation totals reached 1.25 inches in Marquette, Michigan, and 0.97 inch in Duluth, Minnesota. [Extracted from the article]

Internationally, students with disabilities (SWD) are increasing in numbers in higher education institutions. SWD are legally required to be supported by their institutions to ensure equity of access and outcome. Most research around SWD is focused on the provision of support and accommodation to achieve equitable access. Recent research has shown that the majority of students who would qualify as 'disabled' choose not to disclose and receive no support. This research asks SWD (n = 553) to describe the impact of their disability on their learning. Impacts described included limited access, decreased engagement and cognitive differences. Meeting the needs of these students, who in the main are non-disclosed, is explored through consideration of impairment and disability within the institution with the goal of improving the experience of learning for these students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While end-of-life care (EoLC) priorities for patients dying in the hospital are well-documented, few data characterize needs and experiences of their family members. We conducted thematic analysis of audio recorded interviews of 18 bereaved family members to elucidate these experiences. Participants' memories were organized into two parent themes: those related to satisfaction with the care received and effective communication; those identifying shortcomings in patient care, hospital-family communication, hospital environment, and care burden on the part of family members. These findings provide insight to enhance services to patients and their families at end-of-life and improve postmortem and bereavement services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluate a filter-based Aethalometer and investigate a well characterized, commercially available colloid suspension as a potential material to mimic atmospheric black carbon (BC) for use in the evaluation of such filter-based BC instruments. We size selected BC surrogate particles of 300 nm in mobility diameter, determined the particle mass, mp, and used a condensation particle counter (CPC) as a reference method for measurement of number density, Np. The number concentration was used to determine the mass concentration and to evaluate the Aethalometer as a function of particle loading, size, wavelength, and coating. For uncoated BC surrogate particles and mass concentrations less than 2.5 μg m−3 the CPC-derived BC and filter-based BC measurements could, after a correction was applied, be made to agree to within 5% at all Aethalometer wavelengths (370 to 950 nm). At higher concentrations shadowing occurs, necessitating a correction for loading on the filter. Pure brown carbon (BrC) particles generated with a humic acid (HA) surrogate produced only a minor signal at 880 nm (2% of an equivalent mass of BC), but a substantial signal at shorter wavelengths (up to 20% of an equivalent mass of BC at 370 nm). The Aethalometer indicated an Attenuation Angstrom Exponent, AtAE, value near unity (0.71) for the pure BC surrogate, but much larger (3.7) for the BrC surrogate. Uncertainty in filter-based BC measurements increased substantially for BC particles coated with minimally absorbing ammonium sulfate or with the brown carbon surrogate, and varies with detection wavelength. We present information that may improve a widely used filter-based instrument for measurements of BC and absorption properties of atmospheric aerosols. Copyright © 2021 American Association for Aerosol Research [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is written by Erin E. Grimes. Erin is the Law Librarian for Archive and Research Services at Emory University's Hugh F. MacMillan Law Library in Atlanta, GA. In this article, Erin describes her experience as a new archivist and the challenges and opportunities that arose for her and the archive during the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ammonia (NH3) produced inside livestock houses can adversely affect animal welfare and performance and degrade the environment. In broiler houses, NH3 levels are mitigated by applying acidifiers to the litter but acidifiers provide short-term NH3 suppression requiring heavy or repeated applications. Microbial additives may provide longer-term NH3 control through nitrogen (N) immobilization and nitrification. The objective of this 50-d lab study was to evaluate the impact of two microbial additives (Environoc 301 and Environoc 501), 2% glucose, and distilled water (control) treatments applied to broiler litter on NH3 emissions and litter properties. During the first 34 d, glucose significantly but modestly reduced NH3 emissions vs. the other treatments which were not significantly different from one-another. For the entire study, when glucose was excluded (due to lost replicates), the three treatments were not significantly different. The unreplicated glucose treatment had higher final litter nitrate concentration than the other treatments. Litter properties were unaffected by the two microbial additive and control treatments. The effectiveness of glucose in reducing NH3 emission could have been due to greater N immobilization and nitrification vs. the other treatments. More research on cost-effective labile carbon sources and higher application rates to achieve greater NH3 reduction is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate analysis of housing markets requires the use of an appropriate house price index. We compare the properties of two common repeat sales house price indices [Bailey, Muth and Nourse (BMN) and Case-nd Shiller (CS)] with those of Gao and Wang's unbalanced panel (UP) approach. Using data across three differing housing markets within New Zealand, the three indices produce similar measures of house price movements. When evaluated using separate training and testing sub-samples of the data, none of the three measures is unambiguously superior to the others. When we test properties using simulated data with alternative data generation processes, a clear result emerges: The CS method is clearly superior when relative house prices follow an actual or near random walk; otherwise the UP method is (slightly) superior. Thus researchers should consider the time series properties of their data when choosing a method of house price index construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]