bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Community Participation as Both a Mediator and Moderator for the Relationship Between Functional Disability and Life Satisfaction of Individuals With Fibromyalgia
Authors: Chen Xiangli , Muller Veronica , Lee Beatrice , Wu Jia-Rung , Iwanaga Kanako , Lee Deborah
Published: March 2020

Background

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a lifelong central nervous system disorder that can have a significant impact on an individual's functionality, community participation, employment, health-related quality of life, and life satisfaction. In the present study, we adopted the World Health Organization (WHO) International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) model as a research framework to examine the impact of FM on community participation and life satisfaction.

Purpose

The present study investigates the moderating and mediating effects of community participation on the relationship between functional disability and life satisfaction.

Results

The results indicated community participation is both a significant mediator and moderator for the relationship between functional disability and life satisfaction.

Implications

The negative relationship between functional disability and life satisfaction diminished when individuals with FM had high levels of community participation, and functional disability had indirect effects on life satisfaction through community participation. It is important to continue this particular line of research in order to identify specific interventions that can help individuals increase community participation and life satisfaction.
Toward Determinants and Effects of Long-Term Mindfulness Training in Pre-Adolescence: A Cross-Sectional Study Using Event-Related Potentials
Authors: Wimmer Lena , Dorjee Dusana
Published: March 2020

The present study presents the first attempt at investigating long-term mindfulness training in pre-adolescence, adopting an integrative neurodevelopmental approach. Pupils with an established mindfulness practice (n= 33) were compared with mindfulness-inexperienced pupils (n= 20) on dispositional mindfulness, executive functioning (EF), emotion regulation, and well-being. We also investigated whether increased well-being in mindfulness-experienced pre-adolescents would be mediated by EF and emotion regulation. Moderating influences of the amount and enjoyment of mindfulness training were considered as well. Self-report questionnaires measured dispositional mindfulness and well-being. Parents assessed their child's emotion-regulation using the Emotion Regulation Checklist (ERC). Performance in a Continuous Performance Task and simultaneously recorded event-related potentials (ERPs)—Cue-P3, CNV, Nogo-N2, Nogo-P3—indexed EF. Interestingly, the two groups of pupils did not differ in their dispositional mindfulness. ERP findings revealed that the mindfulness-experienced group demonstrated superior EF in terms of response inhibition, but inferior EF in terms of cue processing. Although the ERC negativity/lability subscale revealed an advantage for the mindfulness-experienced group, no group differences were observed for the ERC emotion regulation subscale or well-being. Mediation analysis results did not support the assumption that mindfulness training leads to increased well-being via improvements in EF and emotion regulation. While outcomes were not moderated by amount of mindfulness practice, enjoying mindfulness was negatively associated with indicators of well-being and EF.
The shrunken voice of science. A View from the Fatherland
Authors: Shuper Viyascheslav A.
Published: March 2020

Bold and talented revisionism in international relations is combined with a dull weave in the tail of the mainstream in many of the most important issues of domestic policy, vital for the present and future of the country, including science. If the task of reviving the scientific potential of the country is set by the political leadership, then it is best to start with scientific journals, since positive results can be achieved faster and at a lower cost in the sphere of scientific knowledge circulation than in the sphere of its production. The first journals of a new type, a kind of “decree journals”, should be created by the decision of the Government. By the same decision, they should be equated in the Russian Federation to the top quartile of any international citation systems. The soft revisionism of scientific journals will be free from the adverse effects of the hard revisionism of propaganda. Its benefits to Russian science would inevitably result in the strengthening of the country’s international position and its growing attractiveness as an oasis of free thought.
Innovative system: status and new models
Authors: Skazochkin Aleksandr V.
Published: March 2020

The article attempts to adequately describe the reasons that negatively affect the development of the scientific and technological sphere in Russia and formulate a proposal for
the development of the innovative sphere in these Russian conditions. The systemic reasons are listed that, in the author’s opinion, affect the effectiveness of the existing innovation system:
lack of counteraction to the elements of inhibition and degradation of the system; lack of constructive criticism of large-scale projects; a haphazard combination of successful practices implemented in other countries used in the construction of the Russian innovation system.
Currently, in the Russian scientific and technological sphere, a non-competitive way of behavior of organizations is more profitable than a competitive one. Therefore, a stage is needed in the development of the domestic scientific and innovative system, when exclusively objective parameters of samples, objects, and goods should have priority in winning. A system of technological contests is proposed as the “assembly point” of the new innovative system. Their essence is to receive a financial prize and further development support not before creating a technical / technological solution, but after a real prototype of this solution was created, and after it showed the appropriate qualities and was demonstrated. The proposed management solution meets the basic principles of the traditional Russian management system: combining centralized management and wide autonomy of participants, stimulates “competition of administrators”, uses their best qualities for the development of scientific and innovative organizations.
Particular attention is given to the personnel principles of managing organizations whose main specialization is the creation of the “new”. The characteristics of organizations are presented, the personnel of which differs in the degree of development of personal culture, which is the main factor in the development of any creative activity. It is proposed to carry out personnel decisions during the reform of such organizations with the help of a special personnel body from a group of scientists with professional and moral authority in the scientific community.
History of development of the biological microworld
Authors: Borisov Vsevolod V.
Published: March 2020

The history of modern biology may be considered to begin with the penetration of scientists to biological mini-world, formed by microorganisms, cells and sub-cellular entities. The main problem to be solved was the nature of biological (genetic) heredity. In the middle of the 19th century a conception was put forward about presence in living organisms of hereditary factors, later referred as genes, whose nature for a long period remained unknown. A significant progress was achieved with elaboration of the chromosomal theory of heredity based on the presence in cell nuclei of sub-cellular structures – chromosomes. In further search of hereditary agents the plausible candidate seemed to be a polymer chemically identified as deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). But no fantasy was enough to establish any connection of DNA with phenotypical features of living organisms. In 1953 James Watson and Francis Crick in the process of construction of space model of DNA molecule succeeded to reveal a mechanism of copying non-regular sequences of four heterocyclic bases present as one per monomer in DNA. It was suggested that these sequences might be recognized as a hereditary information. But the real essence of heredity happens to be found not so in copying as in coding. This revolutionary idea was soon (in 1954) put forward by a physicist George Gamow who suggested that a sequence of bases in DNA is a genetic text and that living cells possess a genetic code which in fact is a mechanism of transformation of sequences of triplets of DNA monomers (the “letters” of genetic text) to amino acid sequences of a multitude of various proteins which are the main functional molecules of the living nature. Now a plenty of genetic texts were elucidated which made it possible for researchers to achieve a new level of knowledge about living nature.
KOMPETENSI PUSTAKAWAN DALAM MENGELOLA LAYANAN DI PERPUSTAKAAN PERGURUAN TINGGI
Authors: Hermanto Bambang
Published: March 2020

Perpustakaan perguruan tinggi sebagai salah satu unit yang melaksanakan Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi seperti memilih, mengolah, menghimpun, melayangkan sumber informasi ke sivitas akademika. Layanan perpustakaan meliputi layanan sirkulasi, layanan referensi, layanan bimbingan pengguna,dan literasi informasi. Kompetensi yang dimiliki pustakawan akan berdampak pada kualitas layanan perpustakaan. Pustakawan dapat belajar secara terus-menerus untuk meningkatkan kompetensi. Adapun tujuan dari tulisan ini adalah 1).dapat mengetahui kelebihan dan kekurangan layanan perpustakaan yang telah diberikan kepada pemustaka, 2) Kompetensi apa saja yang dibutuhkan pustakawan dalam melaksanakan kegiatan layanan perpustakaan yang unggui dan prima, 3). Permasalahan yang dihadapi pustakawan dalam melaksanakan layanan perpustakaan. Adapun hasil dari tulisan ini adalah 1). Pustakawan harus meningkatkan kompetensinya, 2). Perpustakaan dapat membuat evaluasi diri untuk meningkatkan kualitas layanan, 3). Perpustakaan menyediakan kotak kritik dan saran, 4). Pustakawan ditugaskan sesuia dengan kompetensi yang dimiliki.
UPAYA MENINGKATKAN JASA LAYANAN INFORMASI DI PERPUSTAKAAN IPDN
Authors: Sumiati Eti , Wijonarko Wijonarko
Published: March 2020

Dalam suatu intitusi pendidikan baik dari sekolah dasar sampai dengan tingkat universitas erat kaitannya dengan fasilitas perpustakaan. Perpustakaan Institut Pemerintah Dalam Negeri di Jatinangor merupakan fasilitas pelayanan informasi ilmu pengetahuan sebagai penunjang proses belajar mengajar di lingkungan kampus. Dengan adanya keluhan yang disampaikan oleh praja selaku pemustaka, dibutuhkan strategi oleh seluruh jajaran pengelolaan perpustakaan agar pemanfaatan perpustakaan Institut Pemerintah Dalam Negeri di Jatinangor. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode penelitian tindakan yang pada akhirnya membuat perencanaan perpustakaan agar dapat meningkatkan jasa layanan informasi hingga ke masyarakat. Faktor yang dapat dilakukan dalam upaya meningkatkan jasa layanan informasi perpustakaan Institut Pemerintah Dalam Negeri di Jatinangor adalah ketersediaan sumber daya manusia yang berkualitas, keanekaragaman penyediaan fasilitas yang menjadi ketertarikan tersendiri, metode pelayanan yang optimal baik secara langsung dan tidak langsung dan waktu penyelenggaraan yang menyesuaikan dengan kebutuhan pemustaka.

In an educational institution both from elementary school to university level is closely related to library facilities. The Domestic Government Institute Library in Jatinangor is a science information service facility to support teaching and learning in the campus environment. With the complaints filed by the praja as users, a strategy is needed by all levels of library management in order to utilize the library of the Domestic Government Institute in Jatinangor. The method used in this research is an action research method that ultimately makes library planning in order to improve information services to the public. The factors that can be done in an effort to improve library information services at the Domestic Government Institute in Jatinangor are the availability of quality human resources, diversity in the provision of facilities of particular interest, optimal service methods both directly and indirectly and the time of implementation that adjusts to the needs user.
Earthquake and Volcano Hazards Observation and Research Program: An Overview
Authors: Kato Naoyuki , Nishimura Takeshi ,   Earthquake Research Institute, The University of Tokyo 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan,   Department of Geophysics, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Miyagi, Japan
Published: March 2020

The Earthquake and Volcano Hazards Observation and Research Program was from Japanese fiscal year 2014 to 2018. This national program succeeded the Research Program for Earthquake and Volcanic Eruption Prediction (2009–2013). However, mainly because of the disaster caused by the 2011 earthquake off the Pacific coast of Tohoku, known as the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake, the basic policy of the program changed drastically. It changed from research for predicting earthquakes and volcanic eruptions to comprehensive research for mitigating disasters on the basis of scientific results related to the mechanisms of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions and their forecasts. The program was planned to be multidisciplinary in nature. In addition to Earth scientists working to get a scientific understanding of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, historians, archaeologists, human and social scientists, and engineers took part in the program aimed at collecting pre-instrumental earthquake and volcanic data, understanding earthquake and volcano disasters, risk evaluation, and research into disaster response and preparedness. In this article, we review the basic concept of the 2014–2018 program and its main achievements. In the end, we summarize the problems left for future studies.
Prior and Real-Time Estimations of Ground Motions, Tsunamis, and Other Geodynamic Hazards
Authors: Kagawa Takao , Ohta Yusaku ,   Graduate School of Engineering, Tottori University 4-101 Koyamacho-Minami, Tottori, Tottori 680-8552, Japan,   Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Miyagi, Japan
Published: March 2020

In this research area, methodologies for prior predictions of potential hazards and real-time estimations of progressing hazards caused by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are proved for disaster mitigation. The studies are based on the latest understanding of earthquake processes, volcanic activities, and the crustal structure. The studies have been conducted through the co-operation of the research fields of disaster prevention engineering and social science, in conjunction with the practical services of on-site works, to effectively provide the people with advance and immediately prior predictions. Predicting hazard potentials with high accuracy is important to the planning of disaster countermeasures. The hazards include ground motions, tsunamis, and land slides due to earthquakes as well as flows of volcanic ash and lava from volcanic activities. Real-time estimation of hazards and simultaneous transmission of the estimated results are also help in the mitigation of secondary hazards that followed the main disaster. Typical examples of the results are presented in this review paper.
Core-to-Core Collaborative Research Between Earthquake Research Institute, The University of Tokyo and Disaster Prevention Research Institute, Kyoto University During FY2014 to FY2018
Authors: Matsushima Shinichi ,   Disaster Prevention Research Institute, Kyoto University Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
Published: March 2020

The research program titled “Earthquake and Volcano Hazards Observation and Research Program” was started in fiscal year (FY) 2014 as a new five-year project authorized and funded by the Council for Science and Technology of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. It included a new format of collaborative research called, “Core-to-Core Collaborative Research between Earthquake Research Institute, The University of Tokyo and Disaster Prevention Research Institute, Kyoto University.” In this format, two types of research, “Participation Type Research” and “Subject Proposal Type Research” were conducted from FY2015. A preliminary study was performed in FY2015 for “Integrated Research” of “Participation Type Research,” which developed a framework for seismic risk evaluation at prefectural offices of Osaka and Kochi for an earthquake occurring along the Nankai Trough, considering the epistemic uncertainty. The secondary study was performed from FY2016 through to FY2018, wherein the methodology for the seismic risk evaluation was improved on three aspects: i.e., revision in ground motion prediction models considering the saturation effect, revision in loss models in terms of the fatalities as well as the direct losses of buildings, and extension of target sites to the whole of Osaka and Kochi prefectures. The results suggest that the epistemic uncertainty in the ground motion prediction models is most sensitive to the overall uncertainty of seismic risk. Along with “Integrated Research,” a total of 14 “Research on Specific Topics” related to time-dependent risk analysis, economical risk evaluation, source characterization, structural damage estimation models, ground motion estimation models, soil amplification models, and disaster prevention planning considering the uncertainty of risk assessment, were studied during this period in order to improve the risk assessment studies for “Integrated Research.” With respect to “Subject Proposal Type Research,” a total of 27 individual research themes focused on research to understand hazards/risks by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions and to mitigate disasters by them.
First Report of a Tissue-Engineered Graft for Proximal Humerus Gap Non-union After Chronic Pyogenic Osteomyelitis in a Child
Authors: Madhuri Vrisha , Ramesh Sowmya , Varma Harikrishna , Sivadasan Suresh Babu , Sahoo Bibhudatta , John Annie ,   The Bone Defect Study Group Fernandez Francis PhD Rajagopal Karthikeyan MSc Biotechnology Mathews Vikram DM Balakumar B MS Ortho Dinesh Vivek Dutt MS Ortho Chilbule Sanjay Kashinath MS Ortho Gibikote Sridhar DNB Srivastava Alok MD
Published: March 2020

Case:

An 11-year-old child who presented with a postseptic gap nonunion of 4 cm in the proximal humerus was treated with a customized hydroxyapatite-tricalcium phosphate-tricalcium silicate composite (HASi) scaffold loaded with culture-expanded autologous bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) primed into osteogenic lineage. Union occurred at 3 months, and at 3 years, the child had improved joint mobility, with radiographic and computed tomographic imaging evidence of incorporation of the graft.

Conclusions:

This case demonstrated the feasibility of MSC directed into osteogenic lineage on HASi to repair a long bone defect owing to postseptic osteomyelitis, a condition notorious for a high failure rate.
The Efficacy of Imatinib Mesylate in the Treatment of a Rare Lytic Bone Lesion Caused by Hypereosinophilic Syndrome/Chronic Eosinophilic Leukemia
Authors: Nomura Hiroshi , Iwato Koji , Fujiwara Megumu , Takano Yugo , Arima Junichi
Published: March 2020

Case:

We report a patient with hypereosinophilia-associated massive osteolytic lesion of the sacrum who was admitted to our hospital. Genetic analysis revealed that atypical eosinophilic cells were positive for FIP1-like-1-platelet-derived growth factor receptor-alpha (FIP1L1-PDGFRA) fusion gene. Treatment was initiated with oral administration of imatinib mesylate. The patient responded rapidly to this medication with a marked reduction in eosinophilia both from the peripheral blood and FIP1L1-PDGFRA fusion gene in the bone marrow within 2 weeks, followed by gradual osteosclerotic repair of the sacrum.

Conclusions:

This case study found that the drug imatinib proved very effective in the treatment of this rare condition.
Prolonged Weakness and Paresthesia After Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty in a Patient with Sickle Cell Anemia Receiving Spinal Anesthesia
Authors: Yancey Hunter B. , Langfitt Maxwell K.
Published: March 2020

Case:

This report describes a case of prolonged neurologic deficit of primarily the nonoperative lower extremity in a patient with sickle cell disease (SCD) who received spinal anesthesia during revision total hip arthroplasty (THA). The patient initially showed bilateral lower extremity neurologic deficits localized to the L5/S1 nerve root, with the eventual persistence of symptoms in the nonoperative extremity for >1 year.

Conclusions:

This report describes an unusual complication after THA and spinal anesthesia. This case highlights the rare occurrence of nerve root injury after spinal anesthesia and emphasizes the importance of close perioperative monitoring in patients with SCD undergoing orthopaedic surgery.
An Unusual Impaction Fracture of the Tibial Tubercle and Its Surgical Repair
Authors: Gammon Lee , O'Connell Robert , Vap Alexander
Published: March 2020

Case:

A 55-year-old man sustained a Schatzker type I lateral tibial plateau fracture, an ipsilateral tibial tubercle (TT) impaction fracture, and an avulsion fracture of the inferior patellar pole. He underwent disimpaction and bone grafting of the tubercle, followed by open reduction internal fixation of the tibial plateau and tubercle, with ligamentum patellae tendon augmentation. At 1-year postoperatively, the patient returned to full activity.

Conclusion:

A lateral tibial plateau fracture with an ipsilateral TT impaction fracture is a very rare injury combination. Our report provides an effective treatment strategy for these injuries, which provided positive patient outcomes.
Ulnohumeral Bridge Plating for Massive Distal Humerus Bone Loss
Authors: Rellán Ignacio , Nicholson Luke Thomas , Ruch David S.
Published: March 2020

Case:

Massive bone loss around the elbow is a challenging clinical condition. Short periarticular osseous segments present few reconstructive options in the setting of distal humerus bone loss. We report the case of a 20-year-old man who sustained an open, intra-articular distal humerus fracture with a massive metaphyseal defect of 15 cm after a motorcycle accident. The defect was reconstructed using an induced membrane technique with temporary ulnohumeral bridge plate stabilization.

Conclusion:

Temporary ulnohumeral spanning plate fixation is a reliable method for periarticular reconstruction in the setting of massive distal humerus bone loss.
Proximal Cortical Breach After Retrograde Femoral Nailing for Femoral Shaft Fracture
Authors: Hussain Mohammed , Kakazu Rafael , Jimenez Andrew , Wyrick John
Published: March 2020

Case:

A case of a distal third femoral shaft fracture treated with retrograde nailing complicated by proximal cortical breach is presented. The proximal fracture was detected intraoperatively and treated with plating.

Conclusion:

Although rare, clinicians should be cognizant of the risk for proximal femur fractures secondary to retrograde femoral nailing in elderly patients.
Pengaruh Metabolit Sekunder Trichoderma spp. dan Fungisida Nabati untuk Mengendalikan Penyakit VSD pada Tanaman Kakao
Authors: Harni Rita , Amaria Widi , Mahsunah Anis Herliyati , Lakani Irwan
Published: March 2020

Vascular streak dieback (VSD) caused by Ceratobasidium theobromae is a major disease in cacao which results in yield losses up to 45%. Controlling VSD using secondary metabolites and botanical fungicide is expected to reduce disease attacks because secondary metabolites contain antibiotics, enzymes, and toxins that can control the disease and botanical fungicide that are antifungal. The research aimed to determine the effect of Trichoderma spp. secondary metabolites and botanical fungicide to control VSD in cacao. The research was conducted in the Integrated Laboratory, IIBCRI, Sukabumi, Biotechnology Laboratory, BPPT, Serpong and farmer gardens in Rahmat Village, Palolo District, Sigi Regency, Central Sulawesi, from March to December 2017. The research used a randomized block design of 7 treatments with 3 replications; each replication consists of 10 plants. The treatments were: (1) Trichoderma virens LP1, (2) T. amazonicum LP3, (3) botanical fungicide, (4) T. virens LP1 + botanical fungicide, (5) T. amazonicum LP3 + botanical fungicide, (6) chemical fungicide (for comparison), (7) control (without application). Variables observed were the symptoms of the attack, severity and disease progression, and production. The results showed that Trichoderma spp. secondary metabolites suppress VSD disease severity and increase cacao production up to 33.97%–61.34%, either in a single form or in combination with botanical fungicide. T. virens LP1 secondary metabolite showed the highest suppression of VSD disease (54.18%), followed by the combination of T. virens LP1 + botanical fungicide (47.64%), better than chemical fungicide (30.89%). Thus, Trichoderma spp. secondary metabolites can be used as a VSD control technology.
The Social Disruptiveness of Digital Agricultural Technologies: Asking Questions in the Context(s) that Matter
Authors: Abdul-Rahim Abdulai
Published: March 2020

Agriculture and food, the sector at the centre of many debates on technology driven human civilization, may be at the onset of another transformation: a transformation showing glimpse of both old and new revolutionary and incremental change in what farming means, where and how it is done and our relationship to the land, especially within rural settings. Today, food and agricultural systems are once again experiencing what can be described as another technological surge, a digital-driven potential transition. Emerging technologies including mobile support systems, precision agricultural tools, drone technologies, RFID and blockchain, sensors, satellite system, just to mention a few, are being employed across the food system, a system intrinsically and extrinsically connected to the what and the how of the countryside. There is no hiding that these recent development holds broader implications for both agriculture and farming, and rurality at large. However, at present, we are oblivious to the particularities of these implications. But we need to start the conversations about the implications for the rural to adequately prepare for what it has in stock for rural development and restructuring. What I seek to do in my research is to begin to ask some social questions on the digital surge in agriculture, with specific emphasis on how it will affect practices and performalities of rurality across rural landscapes. It is my intention to spur initial discussions with this preliminary presentation and engage audiences in exploring specific forms of the rural and farming that should be considered in this emerging field.
Perceptions of Wind Turbines in Rural Communities A Case Study of Orono, Ontario
Authors: Jenn Adams
Published: March 2020

Wind energy in Ontario is gaining momentum as one of the most widely used renewable resources. Granted the opportunities and capacity for wind turbine production in Ontario, there is still resistance to implementation and development. This paper will examine rural community members perceptions based on a case study in Orono, Ontario. It will use the not-in-my-backyard (NIMBY) theory to examine which other factors such as health concerns, aesthetic value, and economic impacts influence members’ perceptions of wind energy. A survey was implemented through the Orono, ON Facebook group to gage displeasure, anxieties or support for the local wind turbines. Findings from this survey will help gage which factors are most important to community members. This paper will propose new policy adaptations to gain the most support from members living near wind farms in and outside of Orono.
Understanding the Barriers to Livestock Production in the Clay Belt Region of Northern Ontario
Authors: Sara Epp
Published: March 2020

The Clay Belt region in northern Ontario has recently been promoted as an ideal area for new agricultural endeavours, particularly related to livestock production. While opportunities may exist, many barriers, both perceived and real, significantly impact the expansion of this industry. This presentation will provide findings from a joint study conducted by researchers at the University of Guelph and University of Hearst. In particular, it will summarize barriers identified by participant group, including existing farmers, prospective farmers and youth, among others. Possible solutions and future research activities will also be provided.
Exploring Attitudes Towards Water Collaboration for Source Water Protection Between First Nations and Ontario Municipalities
Authors: Natalya Garrod
Published: March 2020

My research will examine how collaborative source water protection planning involving First Nations, municipalities, and conservation authorities can act as an avenue for enhancing water security on-reserves in southern Ontario. There is plenty of academic literature that examines the extent of water quality issues on First Nations reserves in Canada, and on the factors that contribute to the problem. However, what is lacking are those focused on collaborative efforts between First Nations, municipalities, and conservation authorities. This gap has been acknowledged by other academics in the field. For example, Nelles and Alcantara (2011) claim scholars have ignored the variety of inter-governmental agreements between Indigenous communities and municipal governments in Canada. “We know very little about collaborative agreements, how or why they have emerged or failed to emerge, and whether or not they would be successful” (Nelles and Alcantara, 2011). Some questions have yet to been answered, such as, what collaborative models currently exist that would enable source water protection? What kind of relationships exist between First Nations and their neighbouring municipalities and conservation authorities? How can these relationships work to positively impact source water protection in the region? The goal of this research is to assess the attitudes, opinions, and experiences of First Nations, Municipalities, and Conservation Authorities in a shared watershed to determine how they might be able to work towards collaborative source water protection planning. A case study approach will be used with COTTFN, the City of London, and Upper and Lower Thames Conservation Authorities. This document will act as a guide to collaborative efforts and relationship building can enhance source water protection.
Understanding the Impacts of Aggregate Production on Agriculture and Identifying Mitigating Strategies
Authors: Jeff Reichheld and Emily Hehl
Published: March 2020

Across Ontario, aggregate extraction provides economic stimulus for many rural locales, but these operations significantly alter the landscapes upon which they occur and are often considered a nuisance to adjacent land owners. Especially in Southern Ontario, these operations frequently occur on agricultural land or within close proximity to productive farmland. Given the potentially disruptive nature of aggregate extraction, it is important to understand their impacts on nearby farms so that measures to mitigate these impacts can be developed and implemented. Thus, research is needed that understands the social, economic, environmental and land use impacts of aggregate operations to help ensure that adjacent agricultural operations prosper. This research therefore seeks to identify the farm operator’s perspective on impacts on crop and livestock production, along with corresponding best practices that can be utilized to mitigate these impacts. Additionally, this project will involve a jurisdictional scan to identify social, economic, environmental and land use impacts, as well as quantitative and qualitative research intended to identify impacts on agriculture (such as dust, noise and water) and promising practices that aggregate operators and municipal planners could use to limit these impacts. The goal is to see these best practices implemented early in the planning process to avoid conflict and negative impacts on agricultural production from future aggregate operations. The project is supported by a three-year research grant from OMAFRA.
Healthy Rural Communities: Strategies and Models of Practice
Authors: Sharon Wan
Published: March 2020

This project has gone through several phases over several years:The initial phase led to the development of the Healthy Rural Communities Toolkit (funded by Public Health Ontario). The second phase (funded by the Guelph/OMAFRA Partnership) involved KTT with workshops delivered across the Province. The third phase (funded by Public Health Ontario and the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development) saw the development of educational materials, most recently culminating in a graduate course oriented to planning and public health students. Overall, this project aims to identify evidence-informed strategies and models of practice for land use planning policies, procedures and designs for the built environment to improve population health outcomes in rural communities. It has been identified that these communities often have limited resources and minimal development. This presentation will introduce a main output of this project— a toolkit which identifies rural land use policies that have successfully increased the capacity of the community to achieve positive health outcomes. This toolkit is produced to advise public health professionals, land use planners, municipal staff and elected officials of effective strategies and models of practice.  The presentation will also introduce educational materials developed in support of the graduate course:  Healthy Rural and Small-Town Communities. This includes many publicly available videos and other resource materials.
Infrastructure Alone is Not Enough: Identifying Gaps in the Literature Regarding First Nations Water Governance
Authors: Brooke Ellison-Wareing
Published: March 2020

In 2015, the federal government committed to ending drinking water advisories in First Nations communities across Canada by 2021. Their approach involves an increase in monetary commitments to improving water quality infrastructure in priority First Nations communities. The perception surrounding water-based infrastructure investments in First Nations communities is that infrastructure grants will solve the issues related to boil water advisories and allow for all individuals in communities to access clean water. While the investments are overdue and necessary, infrastructure alone does not address the institutional issues related to governance of water for First Nations reserves. Furthermore, as Indigenous peoples have constitutionally protected Aboriginal and treaty rights, and international rights (e.g. UNDRIP) of which many are tied to safe water, Indigenous peoples are seeking to incorporate Indigenous laws into their local water governance systems. The goal of this research is to examine gaps in the literature related to First Nations water governance and policy and investigate alternative models of community level water governance. Focusing in Ontario, this research will investigate, the historical context which influences current water governance and created the framework for water management in First Nations communities. By identifying gaps in the planning and implementation projects, this research aims to add to the toolkit of potential solutions and improve the holistic approach to water management within First Nations communities across Ontario.
Sustainable Agriculture: Farmers’ Perspectives on Transition to Sustainable Agricultural Practices
Authors: Paige Allen
Published: March 2020

The role of sustainability in Canadian agricultural production systems is a complex and evolving topic. In 2018 Canada announced the launch of a five-year Canadian Agricultural Partnership which is a $3 billion funding initiative between the federal, provincial and territorial governments. Innovation and sustainability is one of the key elements of the initiative. The purpose of this research is to increase policy discussion in relation to sustainable agriculture through the engagement of farmers in Southern Ontario. This research will help improve the sustainable policies and programs by investigating farmers’ views on the inclusion and transition to sustainable farming practices, factors influencing farmers’ decisions to make the transition, as well as identifying deficits in current sustainable policy and programming in Ontario. It is essential to develop research which is representative of farmers’ viewpoints on as they are the stakeholders directly impacted by the policies and programs which are developed and enacted.
Agritourism as a Solution to Rural Revitalization: The Case Study of Brock, Ontario
Authors: Sarah Parish
Published: March 2020

The agricultural and agri-food industry has a prevalent, long-standing history as a successful cornerstone industry in Ontario. This historical prevalence stands true for the central rural township of Brock, Ontario as agriculture and livestock are a driving force in the township’s economy. However, throughout the last three decades, agricultural production in Ontario’s rural townships have been negatively impacted by vertical integration, globalization, and the intensification of land-based activities (Wicks & Merrett, 2003). Therefore, the aim of this research study is to determine if agritourism is a viable solution to aid in revitalizing the rural township of Brock, Ontario. This research is imperative for farm operators in rural Ontario because small family farms are seeking ways to remain economically competitive against the pressures of urbanization and changing global markets. The objectives of this research study necessitate in-depth information-gathering which will be gained from conducting semi-structured interviews with individuals whom are members of the Beaverton Agricultural Society, the Sunderland Agricultural Society, or the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA). This research will provide information about why farmers decided to diversify their farms through agritourism, how agritourism has helped farming businesses (if at all), and what strategies farmers used to implement agritourism into their traditional farming practices. The findings of this research study will be utilized by for farm operators that have integrated agritourism practices into their traditional farming practices and for government programs and policies to support farm operators.
Side Appel Amenability to Ontario
Authors: Nicolas Querques
Published: March 2020

My thesis research involves an evaluation of apple production for the rapidly expanding Ontario cider industry. This entails several experiments that provide an analysis of several apple cultivars. These include apples from traditional global cider regions, established Ontario varieties, and novel crab-derived varieties. Firstly, a report on the cider-centric sensory characteristics of these apples will be published. Additionally, the winter hardiness of varieties with historic use in cider making will be established using microscopy methods. This will provide a minimum cultivation temperature for use in planting decisions throughout Ontario’s apple growing regions. A major concern of Ontario apple grower’s is the cost of harvest labour. For this purpose, I am evaluating the economics of mechanical harvesting in high-density orchards. Lastly, I am exploring the suitability of ice cider production in Ontario to provide methodology recommendations. My project seeks to support the expanding Ontario cider industry through providing localized guidelines.
Role of mean platelet volume in hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis during pregnancy
Authors: Zeng Longhuan , Cai Xueying , Chen Jiayi , Jin Guangyong , Zheng Yongke
Published: March 2020

Background: Hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis () during pregnancy (HTG-APP) is a rare but severe disease with high maternal-fetal mortality risk, which constitutes a systemic inflammatory process accompanied by thrombosis and bleeding disorders. However, the role of mean platelet volume (MPV) in HTG-APP remains unclear. Methods: In the retrospective study, we collected 45 patients with HTG-APP as the HTG-APP group and 49 pregnant females with hypertriglyceridemia as the control group. MPV and other relevant variables at onset and remission were collected and compared. Results: MPV were significantly higher in the HTG-APP group than in the control group (P < 0.001), and lower in remission than on onset (P = 0.002). According to the severity of acute pancreatitis, all subjects were classified into mild AP (MAP), moderately severe AP (MSAP), and severe AP (SAP) groups. MPV levels were significantly higher There was a significant difference in MPV on onset among the three groups (P = 0.048), and the SAP patients had the highest levels of MPV. In addition, only in the SAP group, MPV was lower in remission than on onset (P = 0.010). Logistic regression analyses revealed that MPV was significantly associated with SAP ((odds ratio = 2.077, 95% confdence interval, 1.038-4.154; P = 0.039). - Conclusions: These results may indicate an important role of mean platelet volume in evaluating the severity of HTG-APP.
Treatment of C-section diverticula with hysteroscopic resection in women without childbearing intention: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Shi Hui , He Jingyan , Gao Yunhe , Qin Shuang , Fan Jiaying , Xiao Qing , Li Kuanrong , Liang Huiying
Published: March 2020

Background: Diverticulum, one of the long-term sequelae of cesarean section, can cause abnormal uterine bleeding, dysmenorrhea and chronic pelvic pain. Hysteroscopic resection of diverticula is thought to reduce abnormal uterine bleeding and chronic pelvic pain. In this study, we aim to describe the improvement after hysteroscopic resection of cesarean section diverticula (CSD) in women without childbearing intention, and to explore the variables associated with poor prognosis. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of women aged 25-48 with CSD diagnosis by transvaginal ultrasonography (TVS) and hysteroscopy that were enrolled at Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center between June 2017 and December 2018. A total of 124 women met the inclusion criteria and all patients had undergone hysteroscopic resection and accepted a follow-up interview at the 3rd and 6th months postoperatively to record symptom improvement. Result: The mean of intraoperative blood loss and operative time of hysteroscopic resection were (12.94±12.63) ml and (33.63±6.87) min in 124 patients. Overall observed improvement rates of CSD symptom were 47.2% and 65.6% in the first 3 and 6 months, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression models revealed that timing of surgery <14 days was a good prognostic factor associated with both 3-month improvement (OR, 16.59; 95% CI, 2.62-104.90; P=0.003) and 6-month improvement (OR, 15.51; 95%CI, 1.63-148.00; P=0.02); Patients with numbers of cesarean section(CS) ≥2 had a lower rate of improvement after 6 months of CSD repair surgery compared with patients who underwent one CS(OR, 8.29; 95%CI, 1.05-65.75; P=0.04). Conclusions: A hysteroscopic repair might be an appropriate method for CSD in women who no childbearing intentions. The timing of surgery and the number of CS seems to be factors influencing the postoperative improvement of CSD. Keywords: Cesarean section diverticulum; Cohort study; Hysteroscopic; Prognostic Factor
The Effect of Sleeping Position on Heart Rate Variability in Newborns
Authors: Fister Petja , Nolimal Manca , Lenasi Helena , Klemenc Matjaž
Published: March 2020

Background : Lower heart rate variability (HRV) in a newborn might represent a risk factor for unfavourable outcome, a longer recovery after illness, and a sudden infant death. Our aim was to determine whether the newborn’s sleeping position is associated with HRV. Methods : We performed a prospective clinical study in 46 hospitalized cardiorespiratory stable term newborns. During sleeping, we measured the parameters of HRV in four body positions (supine, supine with tilt, prone, prone with tilt). Results : The TP (total power spectral density) was significantly higher when lying supine in comparison to prone (p = 0,048) and to prone with tilt (p = 0,046). The HF (high frequency of power spectral density) in the supine position without tilt tended to be higher compared to prone without tilt (p > 0,05). The LF (low frequency power) was significantly higher when lying supine compared to prone, both without tilt (p = 0,018). TP and HF showed a positive correlation with gestational age (p = 0.044 and p = 0.036, respectively). Conclusions : In term newborns, sleeping position is associated with HRV. Higher TP and HF were found in the supine position, which might reflect better ANS stability. Gestational age positively correlated with TP and HF power, but only in supine position.
The Characteristics of Influenza-Like Illness Management in Japan
Authors: Tsuzuki Shinya , Yoshihara Keisuke
Published: March 2020

Background: This study aimed to make a quantitative assessment of the management of influenza-like illnesses in Japanese healthcare settings. Methods: We analysed participants’ healthcare-seeking behaviour and physicians’ practice in January 2019 using an online survey of 200 households in Japan. Quality of life score, quality-adjusted life years lost, the duration of symptoms, and the duration of absence from work were compared between influenza group and influenza-like illness group with one-to-one propensity score matching. Missing data were imputed using multiple imputation. Results: In total, 261 of the 600 (43.5%) participants had at least one episode of influenza-like illness during January 2019. Of these, 194 (75.5%) visited healthcare facilities, 167 (86.1%) within 2 days of onset of symptoms. A total of 169 out of 191 (88.5%) received a rapid influenza diagnostic test and 101 were diagnosed with influenza, of whom 95.0% were treated with antivirals. The median quality-adjusted life-years lost was 0.0055 (interquartile range, IQR 0.0040–0.0072) and median absence from work for a single episode of influenza-like illness was 2 days (IQR 1–5 days). Conclusions: In Japan, most people with influenza-like illnesses visit healthcare facilities soon after symptoms first occur and receive a diagnostic test. Those with influenza are usually treated with antivirals. Absence from work was longer for influenza than other similar illnesses.