Survey and Evaluation of Reserve Arable Land Resources in Xinjiang's Makit County

Using " limiting factor" evaluation method,we make survey and evaluation of reserve arable land resources in Makit County.The results show that 9876.1 ha of land resources can be reclaimed in the county;there is no mining land to be reclaimed;9447.58 ha of grassland can be reclaimed,and it is mainly distributed in Gazikule Township and Kizilawat Township.We make the following recommendations:broadening investment channels and increasing capital investment for arable land consolidation;combining unused land development and environmental protection;making suitability evaluation of reserve arable land resources and determining reasonable direction and path of development and reclamation.

Evaluation of patient safety culture as perceived by nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objectives:A good patient safety culture(PSC)is linked to a reduced risk of patient problems and minimal undesirable occurrences.This study investigated the PSC levels from nurses'perspectives during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods:A descriptive cross-sectional design was applied.The Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture(HSOPSC)questionnaire was administered to 315 nurses working at 2 major hospitals in Jeddah,Saudi Arabia.The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics,a t-test,and a one-way ANOVA test.The statistical significance of the correlation was determined at the 0.05 level.Results:PSC was rated as medium overall according to the nurses,with a weighted mean of 2.88–0.76 and a relative weight of 57.57%.In addition,all PSC composites were rated from medium to high,except organizational learning,which was rated low.The correlation between sociodemographic variables as well as PSC levels was investigated using the t-test and one-way ANOVA test.The association is statistically significant when P≤0.05.The findings revealed a statistically significant correlation between nurse nationality(t=-4.399,P=0.000),age(F=7.917,P=0.000),experience in years(F=3.760,P=0.024),and hospital(t=-0.401,P=0.689).Conclusions:The nurses in this study had a medium overall PSC level,and all PSC composites ranged from a medium to a high level,except organizational learning,which had a low level.In addition,the findings showed that there is a significant relationship between PSC levels,nurses'nationalities,experience in years,and the hospital itself.

A Nationwide Evaluation of the State of Practice of Performance Measurements for Intelligent Transportation Systems

State departments of transportation’s (DOTs) decisions to invest resources to expand or implement intelligent transportation systems (ITS) programs or even retire existing infrastructure need to be based on performance evaluations. Nonetheless, an apparent gap exists between the need for ITS performance measurements and the actual implementation. The evidence available points to challenges in the ITS performance measurement processes. This paper evaluated the state of practice of performance measurement for ITS across the US and provided insights. A comprehensive literature review assessed the use of performance measures by DOTs for monitoring implemented ITS programs. Based on the gaps identified through the literature review, a nationwide qualitative survey was used to gather insights from key stakeholders on the subject matter and presented in this paper. From the data gathered, performance measurement of ITS is fairly integrated into ITS programs by DOTs, with most agencies considering the process beneficial. There, however, exist reasons that prevent agencies from measuring ITS performance to greater detail and quality. These include lack of data, fragmented or incomparable data formats, the complexity of the endeavor, lack of data scientists, and difficulty assigning responsibilities when inter-agency collaboration is required. Additionally, DOTs do not benchmark or compare their ITS performance with others for reasons that include lack of data, lack of guidance or best practices, and incomparable data formats. This paper is relevant as it provides insights expected to guide DOTs and other agencies in developing or reevaluating their ITS performance measurement processes.

Evaluation of the Validity of Interpretation System for the Visitors to Yuntaishan Global Geopark in China

This study was conducted over a twelve-month period of study at Yuntaishan Global Geopark centered to assess the validity of interpretation system for the visitors there.And the author designed four sets of questionnaires for it,one for Chinese visitors, one for English-speaking visitors,one for the interpreters and one for management staffs of Yuntaishan Global Geopark.1149 Chinese visitors,15 English-speaking visitors,63 interpreters and

Mineral Evaluations for Small Scale Miners:A Case for Zimbabwe and South Africa

Since the establishment of geological surveys in Southern Africa a lots of geological information has been systematically stored.Due to the vast amounts of data generated one of the main functions of

Survey Evaluating Sleep Education Catalyzed Change in Residency Training

Background: Despite the high prevalence and negative effects of sleep disorders, sleep issues often remain unexplored during medical encounters. Research has shown that primary care physicians regard their knowledge as inadequate. Objective: We investigated residents’ perceived adequacy of sleep education and level of competency in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders. Methods: A questionnaire via Survey Monkey was administered to senior residents in University of California, Davis (UCD) from family medicine, internal medicine, neurology, and psychiatry to assess perception of their knowledge and training of sleep disorders. Likert scale ratings were used, from 1 (not adequate/competent) to 5 (extremely adequate/competent). Non-parametric statistical methods were used to evaluate differences in survey responses among specialties and assess the correlation between survey responses. Results: Only 33 residents responded with a 29.5% response rate. Neurology residents routinely rotate with a sleep medicine attending and subsequently reported the highest self-competency, adequacy of training, hours of didactics received and frequency of asking patients about sleep. All other residents reported receiving insufficient sleep medicine education. The combined mean score was 1.5 across the specialties regarding adequacy of sleep education in their respective medical schools with 31.3% reporting no sleep medicine training. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that there is a perceived deficit in most residents’ training and competency regarding sleep disorders. These results prompted 2 of the 4 residency programs to change their educational structure with electives in clinical sleep medicine. We believe that this paper illuminates potential need for increasing sleep medicine education throughout various levels of training. Nationwide educational research is needed to promote ACGME to incorporate the fundamentals of sleep medicine into core curriculum. Current Knowledge/Study Rationale: There are no studies, to our knowledge, directly measuring residents’ perceived adequacy of sleep medicine education provided and their perceived level of competency in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate both the amount of time and quality of sleep education provided to residents as insufficient knowledge in addressing sleep problems may reflect gaps in educational requirements and standards within residency training. Study Impact: This study revealed a perceived deficit in most residents’ training and competency regarding sleep disorders. This study stimulated half of the UC Davis residency programs evaluated to offer electives in clinical sleep medicine suggesting that the study highlighted need for additional educational opportunities in sleep medicine.

Scale for Evaluation of Humanities Courses: Development, Reliability and Validity

The present paper deals with development of a course evaluation survey (CES) questionnaire regarding evaluation of humanities courses (e.g., Commerce/Economics/Law) and assessment of its validity and reliability. Taking help from available questionnaires and also incorporating views from the teachers of the related subjects, the relevant Likert type items were selected. The drafted version of the questionnaire was finalized taking into account feedback from the subject experts. The focus was on simple language to ensure clarity to the students to facilitate accuracy of the collected data. The developed questionnaire consists of five domains involving fifteen Likert type items including a global item. For assessment of its reliability and validity, data were collected among two groups of undergraduate students studying two courses namely Accounts (n = 190) and Law (n = 90). For assessing questionnaire, Karl Pearson Correlation Coefficient, Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient and four factor solutions under factor analysis were used. The analytical results were quite consistent across the data sets (that are, accounts, law and pooled together) that exhibit good psychometric properties. It may thus be concluded that the questionnaire is valid, reliable and may measure what it is intended to measure.

Investigation and Evaluation of Site Contaminated Soil

The investigation and evaluation of site contaminated soil were mainly conducted.Firstly,investigation measures of site contaminated soil were proposed,including increasing attention to the production process of the original enterprise,investigating the types of pollutants on the site,clarifying the key points of different environmental investigations,and refining the initial record of site pollution investigation.Secondly,the key points of the risk assessment of site pollution were discussed.Finally,a specific case analysis was conducted,mainly covering the introduction of a contaminated site,investigation and evaluation methods,etc.,aiming to promote the smooth progress of the investigation and evaluation of site contaminated soil,and solve the problem of site pollution smoothly based on the in-depth perspective.

A nursing interface terminology: Evaluation of face validity

A range of different language systems for nursing diagnosis, interventions and outcomes are currently available. Nursing terminologies are intended to support nursing practice but they have to be evaluated. This study aims to assess the results of an expert survey to establish the face validity of a nursing interface terminology. The study applied a descriptive design with a cross-sectional survey strategy using a written questionnaire administered to expert nurses working in hospitals. Sample size was estimated at 35 participants. The questionnaire included topics related to validity and reliability criteria for nursing controlled vocabularies described in the literature. Mean global score and criteria scoring at least 7 were considered main outcome measures. The analysis included descriptive statistics with a confidence level of 95%. The mean global score was 8.1. The mean score for the validity criteria was 8.4 and 7.8 for reliability and applicability criteria. Two of the criteria for reliability and applicability evaluation did not achieve minimum scores. According to the experts’ responses, this terminology meets face validity, but that improvements are required in some criteria and further research is needed to completely demonstrate its metric properties.

Spatial Transferability of Vegetation Types in Distribution Models Based on Sample Surveys from an Alpine Region

Vegetation mapping using field surveys is expensive. Distribution modelling, based on sample surveys, might overcome this challenge. We tested if models trained from sample surveys could be used to predict the distribution of vegetation types in neighbourhood areas, and how reliable the spatial transferability was. We also tested whether we should use ecological dissimilarity or spatial distance to foresee modelling performance. Maximum entropy models were run for three vegetation types based on a vegetation map within a mountain range. Environmental variables were selected backwards, model complexity was kept low. The models are based on points from a small part of each study site, transferred into the entire sites, and then tested for performance. Environmental distance was tested using principle component analysis. All models had high uncorrected AUC values. The ability to predict presences correctly was low. The ability to predict absences correctly was high. The ability to transfer the distribution model depended on environmental distance, not spatial distance.

Impact of TI Programmes Intervention under National AIDS Control Programme among Female Sex Workers in India: Evidence from Integrated Biological and Behavioural Survey, 2014-15

Background: A better understanding of the impact of Targeted Interventions (TI) services on Female Sex Worker (FSW) behaviours can help in informing and strengthening future TI efforts under National AIDS Control Programme (NACP). Methods: National Integrated Biological and Behavioural Survey (IBBS) 2014-15 has been analysed in the paper. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were used to understand factors affecting condom use. Propensity score matching (PSM) was done to understand the impact of the TI services on condom use at the last act and consistent condom use in the last three months among FSWs. Results: Younger FSWs aged 15 - 25 years were 1.4 times (95% CI: 1.04 - 1.77) more likely to use consistent condoms in the last three months compared to older over 45 years after controlling for other socio-economic and programme variables. The matched samples estimate ATET i.e. the average treatment effect on treated for consistent condom use in the last three months shows that a 6.0% (CI: 4.7 - 7.3) increase in consistent condom use in the last three months in the FSWs who received information on STI/HIV from peer educator and outreach worker. There is also a 6.0% (4.7 - 7.2) increase in condom use in the last act for FSWs who received the referral services at STI clinics, HIV testing, and detox centres. Conclusions: It is evident that the TI programme has a positive impact on behavior change among FSWs which can prove beneficial to curtail the spread of HIV to the partners and onward transmission to the general population.

Network level pavement evaluation with 1 mm 3D survey system

The latest iteration of PaveVision3D Ultra can obtain true 1 mm resolution 3D data at full- lane coverage in all 3 directions at highway speed up to 60 mph. This paper introduces the PaveVision3D Ultra technology for rapid network level pavement survey on approximately 1280 center miles of Oklahoma interstate highways. With sophisticated automated distress analyzer （ADA） software interface, the collected 1 mm 3D data provide Oklahoma Department of Transportation （ODOT） with comprehensive solutions for automated eval- uation of pavement surface including longitudinal profile for roughness, transverse profile for rutting, predicted hydroplaning speed for safety analysis, and cracking and various surface defects for distresses. The pruned exact linear time （PELT） method, an optimal partitioning algorithm, is implemented to identify change points and dynamically deter- mine homogeneous segments so as to assist ODOT effectively using the available 1 mm 3D pavement surface condition data for decision-making. The application of 1 mm 3D laser imaging technology for network survey is unprecedented. This innovative technology allows highway agencies to access its options in using the 1 mm 3D system for its design and management purposes, particularly to meet the data needs for pavement management system （PMS）, pavement ME design and highway performance monitoring system （HPMS）.

Intelligent pavement condition survey:Overview of current researches and practices

Automated pavement condition survey is of critical importance to road network management.There are three primary tasks involved in pavement condition surveys,namely data collection,data processing and condition evaluation.Artificial intelligence(AI)has achieved many breakthroughs in almost every aspect of modern technology over the past decade,and undoubtedly offers a more robust approach to automated pavement condition survey.This article aims to provide a comprehensive review on data collection systems,data processing algorithms and condition evaluation methods proposed between 2010 and 2023 for intelligent pavement condition survey.In particular,the data collection system includes AI-driven hardware devices and automated pavement data collection vehicles.The AI-driven hardware devices including right-of-way(ROW)cameras,ground penetrating radar(GPR)devices,light detection and ranging(LiDAR)devices,and advanced laser imaging systems,etc.These different hardware components can be selectively mounted on a vehicle to simultaneously collect multimedia information about the pavement.In addition,this article pays close attention to the application of artificial intelligence methods in detecting pavement distresses,measuring pavement roughness,identifying pavement rutting,analyzing skid resistance and evaluating structural strength of pavements.Based upon the analysis of a variety of the state-of-the-art artificial intelligence methodologies,remaining challenges and future needs with respect to intelligent pavement condition survey are discussed eventually.

Studies on Land Resource Inventory for Agricultural Land Use Planning in Northern Transition Zone of India through Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques

Land suitability analysis is a prerequisite to achieving optimum utilization of available land resources. Hence, a study on land resource inventory for agricultural land use planning was conducted in the Northern Transition Zone of India to determine land capability and develop a suitability map for wheat and sorghum-based on physical and climatic factors of production using remote sensing and GIS techniques. Detailed soil survey information was used for this exercise. Four series (Singhanhalli, Mugli, Bogur and Venkatapur series) were identified and mapped into seventeen mapping units. Land capability classification showed that a greater portion of the study area belonged to class III followed by class IV with limitations of erosion, wetness and varying soil properties. Four land capability classes viz., II, III, IV, and VI, and seven subclasses viz., IIsf, IIItsf, IVs, IVt, IVts, IVtsf and VIt were identified. Major limitations of these subclasses were slope, erosion, depth, texture, coarse fragments, pH, organic carbon and base saturation. Soil suitability assessment revealed that the soils are moderately suitable to permanently not suitable. About 234 ha (31.6%) is moderately suitable, 494 ha (65.0%) marginally suitable and 10.2 ha (1.3%) permanently not suitable for wheat;while 78.5 ha (10.3%) is moderately suitable, 633.4 ha (82.3%) marginally suitable and 32.6 ha (4.3%) permanently not suitable for sorghum respectively. The moderate, marginal and permanent non-suitability was due to moderate, severe and very severe limitations respectively. However, it is possible to achieve potential yield of the crops in the study area if these limitations are addressed.

A Survey on Partial Retrieval of 3D Shapes

Content-based shape retrieval techniques can facilitate 3D model resource reuse, 3D model modeling, object recognition, and 3D content classification. Recently more and more researchers have attempted to solve the problems of partial retrieval in the domain of computer graphics, vision, CAD, and multimedia. Unfortunately, in the literature, there is little comprehensive discussion on the state-of-the-art methods of partial shape retrieval. In this article we focus on reviewing the partial shape retrieval methods over the last decade, and help novices to grasp latest developments in this field. We first give the definition of partial retrieval and discuss its desirable capabilities. Secondly, we classify the existing methods on partial shape retrieval into three classes by several criteria, describe the main ideas and techniques for each class, and detailedly compare their advantages and limits. We also present several relevant 3D datasets and corresponding evaluation metrics, which are necessary for evaluating partial retrieval performance. Finally, we discuss possible research directions to address partial shape retrieval.