Louisiana Department of Education

• Developed a framework balancing equity and efficiency in educational resource allocation. • Middle school education showed more instability and regional disparities than primary education. • Found a coupling effect between equity and efficiency in resource allocation processes. • Policy recommendations include promoting innovation and improving management for balanced allocation. Educational equity remains a critical concern for scholars worldwide. This study develops a systematic evaluation framework that balances equity and efficiency in educational resource allocation. Using data from compulsory education across cities in Henan Province from 2015 to 2021, and employing the Dagum Gini coefficient and Malmquist index models, we examine regional disparities, spatial patterns, and evolutionary trends in the allocation of compulsory education resources from both efficiency and equity perspectives. We analyze the current state, issues, and underlying causes of educational resource distribution and propose policy recommendations. Our results reveal significant variations in the capacity for educational resource allocation at both primary and middle school levels in Henan Province, with middle school education exhibiting greater instability and regional disparities. A coupling effect between equity and efficiency is observed in the allocation process. These findings suggest that the government should focus on adjusting the structure of middle school education resources by promoting technological innovation, enhancing management practices, and rationally allocating resources. Furthermore, effective resource allocation strategies and supervisory measures must be implemented based on regional changes in educational resource outputs. The method proposed in this study for assessing regional differences in educational resource allocation provides a valuable reference for achieving educational equity and sustainable development.

Background and Purpose: The 2019 American Heart Association/American Stroke Association guidelines recommend intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) for patients with unknown time of stroke onset (TSO) who are possibly in window (PIW) for IVT using MRI. We evaluated treatment rates, imaging utilization, and care efficiency among PIW patients at Louisiana-certified stroke centers. Methods: We analyzed quarterly data from 27 certified stroke centers (Q1-Q4 2024). We included patients with an unknown TSO who presented within 4.5 hours of symptom discovery and, therefore, may be eligible for IVT (PIW). Outcomes included IVT treatment rates, imaging modality, door-to-imaging and door-to-needle times, and reasons for non-treatment. Descriptive statistics and trend analyses are reported. Results: Among 996 PIW patients, 59 (5.9%) received IVT. Majority (67.0%) arrived by ground ambulance. NIHSS was documented in 96.1% (median: 6, IQR: 2-14). Imaging used included CT (34.0%), MRI (18.9%), and CTP (15.7%). However, 31.4% had no documented imaging modality. Median door-to-imaging times were 25 minutes for CT, 35 minutes for CTP, and 55 minutes for MRI. Median door-to-needle time was 52 min. The leading reasons for non-treatment were clinical contraindications (38.9%), imaging contraindications (29.8%), and protocol / system barriers (9.6%). Conclusions: IVT treatment rates in PIW patients remain low despite guideline recommendations. Imaging delays, especially with MRI, and system barriers substantially contribute to under-treatment.

We aimed to map the distribution of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and gastroenterologists throughout the United States and identify local-level and state-level variations in the availability of specialist care. For each first 3-digit ZIP code tabulation area (ZCTA) and state in the United States, we calculated the density of patients with IBD (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis) per 100,000 population, gastroenterologists per 100,000 population, and gastroenterologists per 100 patients with IBD. We used 2022 claims data to identify patients with IBD, the 2022 National Provider Identifier registry for provider details, and the 2020 US Census for area-level variables. Overall, 520,020 patients with IBD and 21,611 gastroenterologists were identified. Patient density varied across states, from 58.2 (New Mexico) to 337.1 (Maine). On average, there were 4.2 (ranging from 1.4 in Kansas to 9.8 in Hawaii) gastroenterologists/100 patients with IBD. The Midwest and the Southwest Border regions had the lowest density of gastroenterologists. Across the United States, 130 3-digit ZIP code tabulation areas (ZCTA) had zero gastroenterologists/100 patients; 62% of these ZIP codes were in rural areas, and 25% had household income <150% of the poverty line. ZIP codes with ≥5 gastroenterologists/100,000 population tended to have lower poverty rates and were more urban than those with 1 to <5 gastroenterologists/100,000 population. Geographic disparities in the availability of gastroenterologist care exist at the state and local levels. This disparity was highlighted for patients with IBD and populations living in rural and high-poverty areas.

SummaryBackgroundPolysaccharides, hyaluronan and TBG‐136™ Schizophyllan (Sβ‐glucan) have not been thoroughly evaluated in horses with equine squamous gastric disease (ESGD) or equine glandular gastric disease (EGGD).ObjectivesTo evaluate the effect of hyaluronan with Sβ‐glucan ([RELGI] RelyneGI®, Hagyard Pharmacy, Lexington, KY) on ESGD and EGGD in stall‐confined horses.Study DesignSingle period non‐crossover.MethodsHealthy adult thoroughbreds (n = 12) were divided into RELGI ([N = 6], 30 mL gel) or control ([N = 6], 30 mL gel) groups and fed 3× daily for 35 days. The horses were stratified by ESGD ulcer score on Day −1, and gastroscopy was repeated on Days 14, 21, 28 and 35. ESGD number and severity (NGN and NGS) and EGGD number and severity (GN and GS) scores were assigned at scoping by a masked clinician. Gastric fluid pH and bodyweight were measured.ResultsThe median ESGD scores were lower on Day 28 in the RELGI group (median: 1.0, IQR: 1.0–1.0), compared to the control group (median: 1.5, IQR: 1.0–2.25; p = 0.037). The median NGN and NGS scores were lower on Days 28 and 35 in the RELGI group (median: 0; IQR: 0–0) than in controls. On Day 28, NGN had a median of 1.0 (IQR: 0–2.5) and NGS had a median of 1.0 (IQR: 0–2.25). On Day 35, NGN had a median of 0.5 (IQR: 0–2.25) and NGS had a median of 1.0 (IQR: 0–2.5). ESGD ulcers healed in the treatment group on the same days. EGGD was low, so statistical analysis was not reported. Gastric fluid pH was low and horses gained weight.Main LimitationThoroughbred horses had very mild EGGD lesions.ConclusionsThe supplement RelyneGI® was palatable and safe. RelyneGI® administration resulted in improvement in stomach health without altering stomach pH and might be an adjunct to pharmacologic treatment for ESGD.

Constructing roads across the swamps of south Louisiana has created unique challenges. Soft saturated subgrades often exist, causing embankment stability and long-term settlement issues that must be considered in the geotechnical design of these embankments. Historically, sand embankments constructed over soft soil required wide stability berms to prevent deep-seated failures (no improvement with depth). Although geosynthetic reinforcements have allowed sand embankment construction directly on the natural ground without muck excavations, the weight has caused serious settlement problems. Some roadways have settled to the extent that under extreme flood conditions, the roadway was partially underwater, restricting hurricane evacuation operations. Roadway undulation caused by differential settlement also produced a "roller coaster" ride. The objective of this study is to evaluate the long-term performance of test sections with geosynthetics and lightweight fill material. During this study, the long-term performance of five embankment test sections constructed on soft compressible soils after construction was investigated. It involved the design, construction, and long-term monitoring of these test sections on a relocation project for U.S. 90, a major arterial road connecting New Orleans with Lafayette through southern Louisiana (eventually I-49), over a period of time extending from 1990 to 1999. This evaluation compiled both past and present data into a result, providing insights into the long-term performance and stability of these embankments.

This research explored the capabilities of drone-based infrared thermography technology for soil moisture detection on embankment/dam soils. FLIR Vue Pro R, a radiometric thermal camera, was evaluated in both laboratory and field settings on embankment/dam soils for their accuracy, repeatability, and dependability. Field testing was first carried out at the Pavement Research Facility (PRF) of the Louisiana Transportation Research Center (LTRC) to assess the camera’s capabilities and limitations. Subsequently, field data were collected at one embankment and two dam sites. The laboratory tests showed that the decreasing trend in measured apparent temperature is obvious when the moisture content is low. After that, the relationship curve got flatter. Meanwhile, the field results showed that drier soil is associated with higher the measured apparent temperature. The correlation between the soil moisture content and apparent temperature reading from the thermal camera is very complicated and only has a relative value for spatial comparison when the ambient environment is not considered. The index combining the land surface temperature and vegetation within the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI)-land surface temperature (LST) space showed promising results for detecting false wet soil results in thermal sensing due to vegetation. The failure areas or seepage issues with abnormal moisture conditions at the field-testing sites were successfully identified within regions exhibiting low measured apparent temperatures. The findings of this study demonstrate that the drone-mounted thermal camera is capable of distinguishing various moisture zones. Hence, drone-based infrared thermography technology proves to be a promising tool for rapidly mapping earth embankment and dam slope surface moisture conditions, indicating potential stability risks. Its application can enhance the information available to inspectors and dam owners, facilitating targeted ground inspections focused on areas identified as potential concerns by drone-based thermal inspection.

BackgroundFibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) is an enterohepatic hormone the synthesis of which is stimulated by bile acid activation of the nuclear farnesoid X receptor (FXR) in ileal enterocytes. Increased production of FGF19 downregulates hepatocyte bile acid synthesis and gluconeogenesis, while concurrently upregulating hepatocyte glycogenesis and gallbladder (GB) filling. The physiologic impact of this regulatory cycle is illustrated in cholecystectomized humans, in whom the disturbed meal‐related flux of GB bile decreases serum FGF19 concentrations.ObjectiveDetermine if serum FGF19 concentrations are lower in dogs with clinical GB mucoceles (GBMs) than in control dogs.AnimalsSeven dogs with GBM diagnosed using abdominal ultrasonography, biochemical markers, and GB histopathology. Forty‐two control dogs without gastrointestinal or hepatobiliary disorders also were evaluated. Health status of controls was assessed by physical examination and diagnostic hematologic and biochemical test results.MethodsProspective cross‐sectional study to compare fasting plasma or serum FGF19 concentrations between groups. Concentrations of FGF19 were quantified by a commercially available FGF19 ELISA.ResultsConcentrations of FGF19 were significantly lower in dogs with clinical GBM (median, 14.0 pg/mL; range, 12.8‐67.2) than in control dogs (median, 145.3 pg/mL; range, 36.5‐285.1).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceIn dogs, GBM is associated with significantly decreased serum FGF19 concentrations. We speculate that this finding reflects compromised GB contraction and decreased enterohepatic circulation of bile flow. Subnormal FGF19 concentrations may influence bile acid synthesis and hepatic metabolism.

Open-graded friction course (OGFC) is a thin asphalt mixture surface layer. It is gap-graded with a high percentage of coarse aggregates that are nearly uniform in size, resulting in a high percentage of interconnected air voids and asphalt binder, which provides improved skid resistance, visibility, and decreased pavement–tire noise. However, construction personnel at the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development reported that conventional OGFC mixtures have durability issues and shorter service life, compared with thin asphalt mixture lifts. Hence, effects of different asphalt binder types on the performance of OGFC mixtures were evaluated. Five types of asphalt binder were utilized: conventional styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) asphalt binder PG 76-22M; high SBS content asphalt binder PG 88-28; diluted epoxy asphalt (EA) binder with two different dosages (25% and 50%); and a hybrid modified asphalt binder prepared with SBS and crumb rubber modifier PG 76-22G. The optimal aggregate structures were determined based on minimum required air voids and voids in coarse aggregate. Physical and mechanical tests were conducted to assess the performance of OGFC mixtures, including draindown, permeability, loaded wheel track, and Cantabro abrasion loss. Results indicate that OGFC mixtures incorporating diluted EA binder exhibited lower draindown values than mixtures containing PG 76-22M and PG 88-28. Moreover, mixtures with PG 88-28 and 50% EA binders demonstrated improved resistance to rutting. Mixtures with 50% EA and PG 88-28 binders demonstrated improved durability, compared with mixtures with PG 76-22M for unaged and aged conditioning, as measured by Cantabro abrasion loss values.