Challenges in managing invasive raccoons in Japan

2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (6) ◽  
pp. 476
Author(s):  
Takaaki Suzuki ◽  
Tohru Ikeda
Keyword(s):  
Local Governments ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Monitoring Program ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Municipal Governments ◽  
Management Regime ◽  
Management Measures ◽  
Invasion Stage ◽  
Management Procedures

Context In Japan, the raccoon is an invasive, non-native mammal that causes significant agricultural damage and impacts on native biodiversity throughout the country. Local governments are mainly responsible for raccoon management. Intensive control campaigns focused on the early invasion stage have controlled raccoons in some regions but, generally, there are very few regions where raccoon numbers have been reduced sustainably, and no raccoon populations have been eradicated. Aims To improve national management of raccoons and canvass the opinions and perceptions of local government officers involved in raccoon control, and to review the efficiency and effectiveness of raccoon management strategies. Methods A questionnaire survey of 47 prefectural and 366 municipal governments was conducted, regarding raccoon management measures, during 2012 and 2013. The survey covered two topics: (1) management difficulties experienced by officers; and (2) details of the current raccoon management regime. Key results Efforts to manage raccoon populations have encountered some difficulties, including shortages of raccoon control officers, funding, expertise in raccoon biology and management, and lack of information about the invasion status of local raccoon populations and ecological traits of raccoons. Prefectures not currently managing raccoons indicated that they suffered from a lack of appropriate management procedures. However, current management programs were not generally functioning efficiently or effectively because many local governments did not implement appropriate monitoring. About 70% of local governments did not set control target indices, and there were very few quantitative datasets that could be used to measure the effectiveness of control in reducing raccoon impacts. Conclusions Best practice management programs have been being implemented in very few government areas, with institutional characteristics and difficulties in obtaining relevant information causing major problems. Implications Collecting and sharing information about effective raccoon management methods and case study examples from successful regions would enable other local administrations to select and implement the most effective and efficient control strategy, methods and monitoring program for their region.

scholarly journals The application framework of big data technology in the COVID-19 epidemic emergency management in local government—a case study of Hainan Province, China

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zijun Mao ◽  
Qi Zou ◽  
Hong Yao ◽  
Jingyi Wu
Keyword(s):  
Big Data ◽  
Emergency Management ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Application Framework ◽  
Hainan Province ◽  
Technology Application ◽  
Management Measures ◽  
Big Data Technology

Abstract Background As COVID-19 continues to spread globally, traditional emergency management measures are facing many practical limitations. The application of big data analysis technology provides an opportunity for local governments to conduct the COVID-19 epidemic emergency management more scientifically. The present study, based on emergency management lifecycle theory, includes a comprehensive analysis of the application framework of China’s SARS epidemic emergency management lacked the support of big data technology in 2003. In contrast, this study first proposes a more agile and efficient application framework, supported by big data technology, for the COVID-19 epidemic emergency management and then analyses the differences between the two frameworks. Methods This study takes Hainan Province, China as its case study by using a file content analysis and semistructured interviews to systematically comprehend the strategy and mechanism of Hainan’s application of big data technology in its COVID-19 epidemic emergency management. Results Hainan Province adopted big data technology during the four stages, i.e., migration, preparedness, response, and recovery, of its COVID-19 epidemic emergency management. Hainan Province developed advanced big data management mechanisms and technologies for practical epidemic emergency management, thereby verifying the feasibility and value of the big data technology application framework we propose. Conclusions This study provides empirical evidence for certain aspects of the theory, mechanism, and technology for local governments in different countries and regions to apply, in a precise, agile, and evidence-based manner, big data technology in their formulations of comprehensive COVID-19 epidemic emergency management strategies.

A Guide to Coding and Billing for the Audiological Management of Patients Receiving Ototoxic Medical Treatments

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
pp. 936-946
Author(s):  
Dawn Konrad-Martin ◽  
Neela Swanson ◽  
Angela Garinis
Keyword(s):  
Otoacoustic Emissions ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Private Insurance ◽  
Monitoring Program ◽  
Current Method ◽  
International Classification Of Diseases ◽  
Ethical Practice ◽  
Party Payer ◽  
High Frequency Audiometry ◽  
Icd 10

Purpose Improved medical care leading to increased survivorship among patients with cancer and infectious diseases has created a need for ototoxicity monitoring programs nationwide. The goal of this report is to promote effective and standardized coding and 3rd-party payer billing practices for the audiological management of symptomatic ototoxicity. Method The approach was to compile the relevant International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10-CM) codes and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT; American Medical Association) codes and explain their use for obtaining reimbursement from Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance. Results Each claim submitted to a payer for reimbursement of ototoxicity monitoring must include both ICD-10-CM codes to report the patient's diagnosis and CPT codes to report the services provided by the audiologist. Results address the general 3rd-party payer guidelines for ototoxicity monitoring and ICD-10-CM and CPT coding principles and provide illustrative examples. There is no “stand-alone” CPT code for high-frequency audiometry, an important test for ototoxicity monitoring. The current method of adding a –22 modifier to a standard audiometry code and then submitting a letter rationalizing why the test was done has inconsistent outcomes and is time intensive for the clinician. Similarly, some clinicians report difficulty getting reimbursed for detailed otoacoustic emissions testing in the context of ototoxicity monitoring. Conclusions Ethical practice, not reimbursement, must guide clinical practice. However, appropriate billing and coding resulting in 3rd-party reimbursement for audiology services rendered is critical for maintaining an effective ototoxicity monitoring program. Many 3rd-party payers reimburse for these services. For any CPT code, payment patterns vary widely within and across 3rd-party payers. Standardizing coding and billing practices as well as advocacy including letters from audiology national organizations may be necessary to help resolve these issues of coding and coverage in order to support best practice recommendations for ototoxicity monitoring.

SQIRTS - an on-site stormwater treatment and reuse approach to sustainable water management in Sydney

2002 ◽  
Vol 46 (6-7) ◽  
pp. 151-158 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Dallmer
Keyword(s):  
Water Management ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Monitoring Program ◽  
City Council ◽  
Stormwater Treatment ◽  
Stormwater Quality ◽  
Construction Monitoring ◽  
Sustainable Water Management ◽  
Management Approaches ◽  
Main Components

This paper describes part of a program undertaken by South Sydney City Council to promote sustainable water management The aim of the project, named SQIRTS (Stormwater Quality Improvement & Reuse Treatment Scheme) was to demonstrate best-practice water management approaches, to learn from the process of implementing these, and to encourage the further use of these technologies. It comprises three main components located in a suburban park: a gross pollutant trap (GPT), a stormwater reuse system, and interpretative artworks that aim to educate and interpret the water processes within the park. Results from the pre-construction monitoring program are presented.

Understanding the pharmaceutical approach to pain management in canine osteoarthritis

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 73-80
Author(s):  
Hannah Capon
Keyword(s):  
Surveillance System ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Companion Animal ◽  
Multimodal Approach ◽  
Pharmaceutical Management ◽  
Veterinary Surgeons ◽  
Canine Population ◽  
Canine Osteoarthritis

Canine osteoarthritis was recently reclassified as a welfare concern by the Veterinary Companion Animal Surveillance System (VetCompass), an initiative run by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, focused on improving companion animal health. This condition is a common cause for consultation in first opinion practice, with an estimated 35% of the canine population being affected. Chronic pain is complex and a multimodal approach is best for management, which includes pharmaceuticals employed in a methodical manner. This article provides an overview of the types of pain associated with canine osteoarthritis, as well as how to recognise them. Making reference to hypothetical cases, the appropriate pharmaceutical management is described. Further management strategies, as part of a multimodal approach, are summarised to ensure best practice.

Mobile Health Applications to Support COVID-19 Self-management: Review and Evaluation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sahar Khenarinezhad ◽  
Ehsan Ghazanfari Savadkoohi ◽  
Leila Shahmoradi
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Health ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Vital Signs ◽  
Complete Information ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Management Measures ◽  
Management Procedures ◽  
Mobile Health Applications ◽  
Health Applications

Aim: During the epidemic and with an increase in coronavirus (COVID-19) disease prevalence, emergency care is essential to help people stay informed and undertake self-management measures to protect their health. One of these self-management procedures is the use of mobile apps in health. Mobile health (mHealth) applications include mobile devices in collecting clinical health data, sharing healthcare information for practitioners and patients, real-time monitoring of patient vital signs, and the direct provision of care (via mobile telemedicine). Mobile apps are increasing to improve health, but before healthcare providers can recommend these applications to patients, they need to be sure the apps will help change patients' lifestyles. Method: A search was conducted systematically using the keywords "Covid-19," "Coronavirus," "Covid-19, and Self-management" at the "Apple App Store". Then we evaluated the apps according to MARS criteria in May 2020. Results: A total of 145 apps for COVID-19 self-management were identified, but only 32 apps met our inclusion criteria after being assessed. The overall mean MARS score was 2.9 out of 5, and more than half of the apps had a minimum acceptability score (range 2.5-3.9). The "who academy" app received the highest functionality score. Who Academy, Corona-Care and First Responder COVID-19 Guide had the highest scores for behavior change. Conclusion: Our findings showed that few apps meet the quality, content, and functionality criteria for Covid-19 self-management. Therefore, developers should use evidence-based medical guidelines in creating mobile health applications so that, they can provide comprehensive and complete information to both patients and healthcare provider.

Parkland Dedication: How are Cities Implementing the Rough Proportionality Principle?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Crompton
Keyword(s):  
Supreme Court ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Service Level ◽  
Professional Engineer ◽  
Large Cities ◽  
General Welfare ◽  
The Supreme Court ◽  
New Development ◽  
Proportionality Principle

As part of local governments’ mandate to regulate for the “health, safety, and general welfare” of their residents, many have included a parkland dedication exaction on new development in their sub-division regulations. The rules governing the magnitude of the dedication were established in 1994 by the U.S. Supreme Court in Dolan v City of Tigard. The Court ruled there must be “rough proportionality” between a dedication exaction and the projected new demand from a development. The ruling requires a local jurisdiction to be proactive in quantifying the justification for the magnitude of a dedication it imposes, but the Court offered no guidance on how the quantification should be done. This study’s two objectives were: (i) to investigate the extent to which cities’ ordinances comply with the Supreme Court’s ruling, and (ii) to identify best practices among cities’ ordinances relating to operationalizing the “rough proportionality” principle. Parkland dedication ordinances were analyzed from 73 Texas cities, supplemented by insights from those of 29 large cities outside Texas. In 65 of the Texas ordinances where “rough proportionality” comparisons could be made, the analyses found percentage under-dedications ranging from 9% to 1,250%. In defiance of the Court’s ruling, almost two-thirds of the ordinances showed no evidence of using an empirical quantitative method to establish “rough proportionality.” Many of these ordinances provided a service level ratio, but it appeared to be arbitrarily determined. These findings are especially egregious in Texas, since state law requires that the quantification of “rough proportionality” be certified as being appropriate by a professional engineer. Three models of best practice that used empirical methods to derive rough proportionality and met the Supreme Court guidelines are identified, described, and illustrated. Under-dedication often reflects the reluctance of elected officials to antagonize the development community. Thus, four strategies are offered to facilitate their efforts to impose a substantive exaction that relieves the burden on taxpayers, while demonstrating sensitivity to any protests arising from members of the development community.

Understanding Opioid Prescribing Practices of Resident Physicians

2021 ◽  
pp. 000313482110604
Author(s):  
Julia M. Coughlin ◽  
Samantha L. Terranella ◽  
Ethan M. Ritz ◽  
Thomas Q. Xu ◽  
John F. Tierney ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Best Practice ◽  
Monitoring Program ◽  
Resident Training ◽  
Prescribing Practices ◽  
Exact Test ◽  
Opioid Prescribing ◽  
Resident Physicians ◽  
Order Sets ◽  
Patient’S History ◽  
Safe Opioid Prescribing

Background To compare opioid prescribing practices of resident physicians across a variety of surgical and nonsurgical specialties; to identify factors which influence prescribing practices; and to examine resident utilization of best practice supplemental resources. Methods An anonymous survey which assessed prescribing practices was completed by residents from one of several different subspecialties, including internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, general surgery, neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, and urology. Fisher’s exact test assessed differences in prescribing practices between specialties. Results Only 35% of residents reported receiving formal training in safe opioid prescribing. Overall, the most frequently reported influences on prescribing practices were the use of standardized order sets for specific procedures, attending preference, and patient’s history of prescribed opioids. Resident physicians significantly underutilize best practice supplemental resources, such as counseling patients on pain expectations prior to prescribing opioid medication; contacting established pain specialists; screening patients for opioid abuse; referring to the Prescription Monitoring Program; and counseling patients on safe disposal of unused pills ( P < .001). Discussion The incorporation of comprehensive prescribing education into resident training and the utilization of standardized order sets can promote safe opioid prescribing.

Information overload in business organizations and entrepreneurship: An analytical review of the literature

2021 ◽  
pp. 026638212110549
Author(s):  
CA(Dr.) Gaurav Bhambri
Keyword(s):  
Intelligent Agents ◽  
Information Overload ◽  
Personal Information ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Business Organizations ◽  
Professional Literature ◽  
Clear Cut ◽  
Paradoxical Situation

In this paper I analytically review the literature on the information overload problem, with special reference to the business organizations and entrepreneurship and the study mainly reveals that the problem of the information overload has been existed for many years, whereas in current years the problem has become more clearly recognized and experienced. A concern stressed in the literature is the paradoxical situation that most probably there is an abundance of information available and it is often difficult to obtain useful, and relevant information when it may be needed. Both perceptions and the actual effects of information overload have exacerbated by rapid advances made in the information and communication technology, whereas it is not clear cut as to whether Internet has worsened/improved the situation. Some solutions have put forward to reduce the information overload are a reduction in duplication of the information found in professional literature; the adoption of the personal information management strategies, along with the integration of software solutions such as push technology and intelligent agents; and the provision of value-added information. Main emphasis is placed on the technology as a tool and not driver, while increased in information literacy may provide key to reducing the information overload in organisations.

Controversies in the management of early endometrial carcinoma: an update

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (6) ◽  
pp. 2124 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Reddi Rani ◽  
Jasmina Begum ◽  
K. Sathyanarayana Reddy
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Endometrial Carcinoma ◽  
Young Women ◽  
Genital Tract ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Fertility Sparing Surgery ◽  
Fertility Sparing ◽  
Cure Rates

Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is the commonest genital tract malignancy in developing countries and is usually confined to the uterus at the time of diagnosis with excellent prognosis and high cure rates. But the management is associated with lot of controversies like in staging, best surgical approach, extent of lymphadenectomy, adjuvant therapy, fertility sparing surgery in young women etc. A thorough surgical staging is important to determine uterine and extrauterine spread and also understanding of the pathophysiology and management strategies to identify women who are at high risk and tailoring the adjuvant treatment if necessary without increasing the morbidity. This evidence based narrative review conducted by searching Medline (1994- 2015) and other online articles from Pubmed, Google scholar. Articles were selected based on their currency and relevance to the discussion they summarize the current literature to provide an approach to best practice management of early endometrial carcinoma.

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