scholarly journals Project to Establish Growth & Mortality Rates of Three Carex Species in Two Planting Types at Thomas Dairy Site, Tigard, Oregon

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Ben Huffine ◽  

Clean Water Services (CWS) currently increases the diversity of their wetland restoration projects using a plug planting method utilizing juvenile herbaceous plants. They have planted most of their projects using this method and plan to continue until a better one is discovered. According to the literature reviewed in this paper, juvenile plants are smaller and weaker than more mature plants and therefore have higher mortality rates. This paper is the culmination of work completed of phase 1 of this two-phase project. The objective of this project (both phases) was to design and establish a study that would test, in the field, two common wetland planting methods: installation of plugs of juvenile plants at a relatively high density and installation of containerized, more mature plants at a lower density. This study will examine three species of Carex frequently used in wetland restoration (Carex stipata, C. obnupta, and C. unilateralis) and compare the growth and mortality of mature versus juveniles of these species within Thomas Dairy Site in the Tualatin River Watershed. For phase 2, at Thomas Dairy Site, 13 randomly selected plots will each containing six subplots including a subplot planted with monocultures of each of the three plants, and two sizes (i.e., mature C. stipata, juvenile C. stipata, mature C. obnupta, juvenile C. obnupta, mature C. unilateralis, and juvenile C. unilateralis). These will be monitored for five years, during which mortality rates will be recorded once a year and total percent cover recorded three times a year. I hypothesize that the mature plants will have a higher percent cover after five years because juvenile plants are more susceptible to die over that timeframe and may have slower growth rates overall. Answering these questions will allow CWS and other wetland restoration managers to achieve greater plant coverage, reduce waste, and reduce costs.

2016 ◽  
Vol 60 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nalini Gupta ◽  
John Crossley ◽  
Nick Dudding ◽  
John H.F. Smith

Objective: The cytomorphological criteria of malignant endometrial lesions in cervical samples are less well described than those of cervical lesions. We wished to investigate if there were features in SurePath™ liquid-based cytology samples that would facilitate more accurate differentiation between benign and malignant endometrial cells. Study Design: This was a two-phase study, with a review of all SurePath™ samples reported as endometrial adenocarcinoma (n = 42) evaluating 12 cytological features in the first phase. In phase 2 (test set), all initial cases plus an additional 83 cases were reviewed using these 12 cytological features to predict the outcome. Results: Out of 12 cytological features evaluated in phase 1 (training set), nuclear chromatin pattern, apoptotic bodies and tingible body macrophages were found to be the most significant features determining malignant histological outcome. These 12 cytological features were re-evaluated in phase 2 (n = 125). Of 125 cases, 54 had a benign and 71 had a malignant or premalignant histological outcome, with a positive predictive value of 56.8%. Conclusion: Granular nuclear chromatin, tingible body macrophages and apoptosis in the background are the most significant factors in determining whether endometrial cells present in cervical samples represent malignancy or are benign. Using these features, relatively accurate predictions of endometrial pathology can be made.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Mutschler ◽  
Jen Rouse ◽  
Kelly McShane ◽  
Criss Habal-Brosek

Background Psychosocial rehabilitation is a service that supports recovery from mental illness by providing opportunities for skill development, self-determination, and social interaction. One type of psychosocial rehabilitation is the Clubhouse model. The purpose of the current project was to create, test, and refine a realist theory of psychosocial rehabilitation at Progress Place, an accredited Clubhouse. Method Realist evaluation is a theory driven evaluation that uncovers contexts, mechanisms, and outcomes, in order to develop a theory as to how a program works. The current study involved two phases, encompassing four steps: Phase 1 included (1) initial theory development and (2) initial theory refinement; and Phase 2 included (3) theory testing and (4) refinement. Results The data from this two-phase approach identified three demi-regularities of recovery comprised of specific mechanisms and outcomes: the Restorative demi-regularity, the Reaffirming demi-regularity, and the Re-engaging demi-regularity. The theory derived from these demi-regularities suggests that there are various mechanisms that produce outcomes of recovery from the psychosocial rehabilitation perspective, and as such, it is necessary that programs promote a multifaceted, holistic perspective on recovery. Conclusions The realist evaluation identified that Progress Place promotes recovery for members. Additional research on the Clubhouse model should be conducted to further validate that the model initiates change and promotes recovery outcomes.


2019 ◽  
Vol 119 (4) ◽  
pp. 246-258
Author(s):  
Mark Dooris ◽  
Alan Farrier ◽  
Susan Powell ◽  
Maxine Holt

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to report on an evaluation of the UK Healthy Universities Network (UKHUN), which explored engagement of network members; identified what members value about the network; examined facilitators and barriers to engagement; and informed the network’s future development. Design/methodology/approach The study was a two phase mixed-method study, with participants being staff from Higher Education institutions. Phase 1 involved a documentary review and an online 14-question survey (n=32). Phase 2 comprised follow-up semi-structured interviews and focus groups, conducted using Skype (n=11). These were audio recorded and transcripts were thematically analysed in a two-stage process. Findings A number of key themes emerged from the thematic analysis: value of network meetings and events; popularity of the network website; increased communication and collaboration; sense of leadership offered by the network; interest and inclusion of an international perspective; importance of institutional support. Research limitations/implications Only six universities who are involved in the network took part in Phase 2. Although a range of organisations were chosen purposively, it is possible that additional key issues at other universities were excluded. Originality/value The UKHUN is valued by its membership, particularly its biannual meetings, online presence, leadership, ethos and communication methods. Key barriers include the capacity of staff to attend meetings and contribute to the network, influenced by a lack of institutional commitment and prioritisation. Findings from the evaluation have informed a “refresh” of the network’s website and a revision of its membership structure, as well as guiding its positioning to achieve greater strategic influence.


Geophysics ◽  
1984 ◽  
Vol 49 (5) ◽  
pp. 550-565 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chong‐Yung Chi ◽  
Jerry M. Mendel ◽  
Dan Hampson

In this paper we derive and implement a maximum‐likelihood deconvolution (MLD) algorithm, based on the same channel and statistical models used by Kormylo and Mendel (1983a), that leads to many fewer computations than their MLD algorithm. Both algorithms can simultaneously estimate a nonminimum phase wavelet and statistical parameters, detect locations of significant reflectors, and deconvolve the data. Our MLD algorithm is implemented by a two‐phase block component method (BCM). The phase‐1 block functions like a coarse adjustment of unknown quantities and provides a set of good initial conditions for the phase‐2 block, which functions like a fine adjustment of unknown quantities. We demonstrate good performance of our algorithm for both synthetic and real data.


1969 ◽  
Vol 92 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 153-169
Author(s):  
David Sotomayor-Ramírez ◽  
John Ramírez-Ávila ◽  
Edwin Más ◽  
Gustavo A. Martínez

Coffee (Coffea arabica) planting in the interior mountainous region of Puerto Rico is usually performed on steep slopes after vegetation removal. The construction of individual terraces around the tree, such as the "Media Luna" planting method, prior to planting could reduce sediment and nutrient losses and could increase yields by improved on-site water and nutrient retention. Experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis that the "Media Luna" planting technique could reduce sediment, total phosphorus (TP), and total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) in runoff during and after the establishment of a coffee plantation in Puerto Rico. The experiments were conducted on a commercial farm where the predominating soils were Mucara (Dystric Eutrudepts) in Phase 1, and Humatas (Typic Haplohumults) in Phase 2. In Phase 1 (recent plantings), sediment and nutrient runoff losses were similar in the conventional countour planting method and in the "Media Luna" treatments. Nutrient concentrations in runoff increased in events following fertilization. Recently loosened unconsolidated sediment material in the "Media Luna" treatment may be more susceptible to losses during the initial establishment phase. In phase 2 (mature plantings), sediment and nutrient losses were greater from soils planted with the conventional contour planting method than from those with the "Media Luna" treatment. The lower TP concentrations measured during Phase 2 suggests that the "Media Luna" technique could be a beneficial practice for coffee production in some areas of Puerto Rico.


Author(s):  
Jochen Jaeger ◽  
Dieter Weichenhan ◽  
Boris Ivandic ◽  
Rainer Spang

We present a novel, cost efficient two-phase design for predictive clinical gene expression studies: early marker panel determination (EMPD). In Phase-1, genome-wide microarrays are used only for a small number of individual patient samples. From this Phase-1 data a panel of marker genes is derived. In Phase-2, the expression values of these marker panel genes are measured for a large group of patients and a predictive classification model is learned from this data. Phase-2 does not require the use of expensive whole genome microarrays, thus making EMPD a cost efficient alternative for current trials. The expected performance loss of EMPD is compared to designs which use genome-wide microarrays for all patients. We also examine the trade-off between the number of patients included in Phase-1 and the number of marker genes required in Phase-2. By analysis of five published datasets we find that in Phase-1 already 16 patients per group are sufficient to determine a suitable marker panel of 10 genes, and that this early decision compromises the final performance only marginally.


Blood ◽  
1993 ◽  
Vol 81 (10) ◽  
pp. 2591-2599 ◽  
Author(s):  
RS Weinberg ◽  
JC Thomson ◽  
R Lao ◽  
G Chen ◽  
BP Alter

A two-phase liquid-culture system was used to substantially amplify and differentiate erythroblasts, starting with mononuclear cells from the blood of normal adults, newborn infants, and patients with sickle cell anemia. After the first 7 days (phase 1), in medium plus fetal bovine serum (FBS) alone, or in combination with stem cell factor (SCF) or conditioned medium (CM), the cell number was unchanged, and the cells all looked like lymphocytes. These cells were then diluted into medium with erythropoietin (Ep) alone, with Ep and either SCF or CM, or in methylcellulose with the same factors (phase 2). After 14 days in liquid phase 2 with SCF and Ep, the cell numbers increased an average of 30-fold in the sickle, 24-fold in the newborn, and 4-fold in the normal adult cultures; almost all the cells were erythroblasts and erythrocytes. SCF in phase 1 increased the number of late progenitors (CFU-E) assayed in methylcellulose, with the largest number in sickle, followed by newborn cultures and then adult cultures. We conclude that erythroid progenitor cells survive for at least 7 days without Ep (but with FBS). Progenitor cells are amplified, particularly with SCF. Later in culture, SCF with Ep increases the final number of differentiated erythroid cells. Both the early and the late effects of SCF are most effective in sickle, followed by newborn cultures and then adult cultures.


Author(s):  
Jinqing Li ◽  
Xiaojun Chen ◽  
Dakui Wang ◽  
Yuwei Li

Fine-Grained Entity Typing (FGET) is a task that aims at classifying an entity mention into a wide range of entity label types. Recent researches improve the task performance by imposing the label-relational inductive bias based on the hierarchy of labels or label co-occurrence graph. However, they usually overlook explicit interactions between instances and labels which may limit the capability of label representations. Therefore, we propose a novel method based on a two-phase graph network for the FGET task to enhance the label representations, via imposing the relational inductive biases of instance-to-label and label-to-label. In the phase 1, instance features will be introduced into label representations to make the label representations more representative. In the phase 2, interactions of labels will capture dependency relationships among them thus make label representations more smooth. During prediction, we introduce a pseudo-label generator for the construction of the two-phase graph. The input instances differ from batch to batch so that the label representations are dynamic. Experiments on three public datasets verify the effectiveness and stability of our proposed method and achieve state-of-the-art results on their testing sets.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cornelia Betsch ◽  
Katrine Habersaat ◽  
Sergei Deshevoi ◽  
Dorothee K. Heinemeier ◽  
Natalia Kostenko ◽  
...  

Background: Published in 2018, the 5C scale is psychometrically validated to assess five psychological antecedents of vaccination (confidence, complacency, constraints, calculation, and collective responsibility). The original version offers a validated English and German scale to assess these determinants with a short 5-item scale (1 item per antecedent) and a long 15-item scale (3-items per antecedent). As the original group of authors has received several requests about how to adapt the scale to another country, language, or cultural context, this sample study protocol provides guidance for this process. Here, we propose a two-phase process of how to adapt the 5C scale to a new country, language, or cultural setting. Methods: Phase 1 comprises the translation and the adaptation to a specific cultural context (if necessary). Phase 2 involves the validation of the translated and potentially expanded scale. Discussion: Following the suggested study protocol will allow better comparability across the data obtained from the scale when used in different countries, languages, and contexts—even if slight changes in the wording of the items are necessary. The data obtained from the 5C scale allows monitoring the antecedents of vaccination, and detecting potentially early warning signals. Consequently, data obtained from the 5C scale can support developing, implementing, and evaluating an intervention. The materials and the syntax for data analysis to support the process described in this protocol are available in https://osf.io/2agxe/.


2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (4_suppl) ◽  
pp. 298-298 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernard H. Bochner ◽  
Andrew Feifer ◽  
Dahlia Sperling ◽  
Joseph W Mashni ◽  
Dean F. Bajorin ◽  
...  

298 Background: Level 1 evidence supports a survival benefit for BlCa pts that receive periop cisplatin chemotherapy in addition to radical cystectomy (RC). Underutilization of multimodal therapy has been reported nationally. We instituted a multicenter QCI to improve the use of periop chemotherapy. Methods: A two phase effort was initiated at 16 academic institutions. Phase 1 was initiated in 2010 and designed to evaluate baseline patterns of periop chemotherapy use for T2-4N0M0 BlCa pts that underwent RC between 2003-2008. Phase 2 was a prospective QCI. The quality indicators included (1) referral to medical oncology for consideration of multimodality therapy, (2) neoadjuvant, if recommended, be cisplatin based and at least 3 cycles, (3) adjuvant, if recommended, be cisplatin based and at least 3 cycles, (4) all treatment be completed within 6 months. Data on all eligible pts were collected prospectively for 12 months on a web-based survey system. Results: All 16 centers participated in phase 1. Of 4,344 pts on whom data was available, 34% received periop chemotherapy. Neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy use was 14% and 20%, respectively. 65% of pts receiving periop chemotherapy were treated with a cisplatin-based regimen. Of those treated neoadjuvantly, cisplatin was received in 70% of cases. Nine of the 16 institutions completed phase 2 data collection. Over 700 pts that underwent RC were evaluated. 395 pts with T2-4N0M0 disease were deemed eligible for data entry. Fifty-six percent of eligible pts received periop systemic chemotherapy. Of this 56%, 47% received neoadjuvant cisplatin chemotherapy and 9% received adjuvant cisplatin chemotherapy. This represented a 64.7% increase in the use of any periop chemotherapy and a 3.4 fold increase in neoadjuvant chemotherapy compared to baseline data. Conclusions: We have successfully completed a multi-institutional QCI to improve the use of periop chemotherapy in pts undergoing RC for resectable, non-metastatic bladder cancer. Our data demonstrates that significant improvements can be achieved in not only overall use of periop chemotherapy but most notably in the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy.


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