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Uncertainty and Variability in Physiologically-Based Pharmacokinetic (PBPK) Models: Key Issues and Case Studies (Final Report)

EPA Science Inventory

EPA announced the availability of the final report, Uncertainty and Variability in Physiologically-Based Pharmacokinetic (PBPK) Models: Key Issues and Case Studies. This report summarizes some of the recent progress in characterizing uncertainty and variability in physi...
Key Elements in Successful Training A Comparative Study of Two Workplaces. Project Report, 2000-2001.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Adult Literacy and Numeracy Australian Research Consortium, Alice Springs. Northern Territory Centre.

This publication presents case studies of two sites--one with and one without a history of involvement in Workplace English Language and Literacy (WELL)-funded training programs. Case study 1, "Partnership, Flexibility, and Experience: Key Elements in Successful Training" (Jenny McGuirk), investigates a food processing company in New South Wales…
Hopes and Prospects for the Sustainability Cross-Curriculum Priority: Provocations from a State-Wide Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hill, Allen; Dyment, Janet E.

2016-01-01

This article draws on research data from a state-wide case study, intertwined with three key moments that occurred in late 2014, to critically engage with the hopes and prospects of the Sustainability Cross-Curriculum Priority (CCP) in Australian schools. These key moments--the "IPCC 5th Assessment Synthesis Report" (Intergovernmental…
Key techniques and risk management for the application of the Pile-Beam-Arch (PBA) excavation method: a case study of the Zhongjie subway station.

PubMed

Guan, Yong-ping; Zhao, Wen; Li, Shen-gang; Zhang, Guo-bin

2014-01-01

The design and construction of shallow-buried tunnels in densely populated urban areas involve many challenges. The ground movements induced by tunneling effects pose potential risks to infrastructure such as surface buildings, pipelines, and roads. In this paper, a case study of the Zhongjie subway station located in Shenyang, China, is examined to investigate the key construction techniques and the influence of the Pile-Beam-Arch (PBA) excavation method on the surrounding environment. This case study discusses the primary risk factors affecting the environmental safety and summarizes the corresponding risk mitigation measures and key techniques for subway station construction using the PBA excavation method in a densely populated urban area.
Dietary supplement labeling and advertising claims: are clinical studies on the full product required?

PubMed

Villafranco, John E; Bond, Katie

2009-01-01

Whether labeling and advertising claims for multi-ingredient dietary supplements may be based on the testing of individual, key ingredients--rather than the actual product--has caused a good deal of confusion. This confusion stems from the dearth of case law and the open-endedness of Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidance on this issue. Nevertheless, the relevant regulatory guidance, case law and self-regulatory case law--when assessed together--indicate that the law allows and even protects "key ingredient claims" (i.e., claims based on efficacy testing of key ingredients in the absence of full product testing). This article provides an overview of the relevant substantiation requirements for dietary supplement claims and then reviews FTC's and FDA's guidance on key ingredient claims; relevant case law; use of key ingredient claims in the advertising of other consumer products; and the National Advertising Division of the Better Business Bureau, Inc.'s (NAD's) approach to evaluating key ingredient claims for dietary supplements. This article concludes that key ingredient claims--provided they are presented in a truthful and non-deceptive manner--are permissible, and should be upheld in litigation and cases subject to industry self-regulation. This article further concludes that the NAD's approach to key ingredient claims provides practical guidance for crafting and substantiating dietary supplement key ingredient claims.
Slowing of the HIV Epidemic in Ukraine: Evidence from Case Reporting and Key Population Surveys, 2005–2012

PubMed Central

Vitek, Charles R.; Čakalo, Jurja-Ivana; Kruglov, Yuri V.; Dumchev, Konstantin V.; Salyuk, Tetyana O.; Božičević, Ivana; Baughman, Andrew L.; Spindler, Hilary H.; Martsynovska, Violetta A.; Kobyshcha, Yuri V.; Abdul-Quader, Abu S.; Rutherford, George W.

2014-01-01

Background Ukraine developed Europe's most severe HIV epidemic due to widespread transmission among persons who inject drugs (PWID). Since 2004, prevention has focused on key populations; antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage has increased. Recent data show increases in reported HIV cases through 2011, especially attributed to sexual transmission, but also signs of potential epidemic slowing. We conducted a data triangulation exercise to better analyze available data and inform program implementation. Methods and Findings We reviewed data for 2005 to 2012 from multiple sources, primarily national HIV case reporting and integrated biobehavioral surveillance (IBBS) studies among key populations. Annually reported HIV cases increased at a progressively slower rate through 2011 with recent increases only among older, more immunosuppressed individuals; cases decreased 2.7% in 2012. Among women <25 years of age, cases attributed to heterosexual transmission and HIV prevalence in antenatal screening declined after 2008. Reported cases among young PWID declined by three-fourths. In 2011, integrated biobehavioral surveillance demonstrated decreased HIV prevalence among young members of key populations compared with 2009. HIV infection among female sex workers (FSW) remains strongly associated with a personal history of injecting drug use (IDU). Conclusions This analysis suggests that Ukraine's HIV epidemic has slowed, with decreasing reported cases and older cases predominating among those diagnosed. Recent decreases in cases and in prevalence support decreased incidence among young PWID and women. Trends among heterosexual men and men who have sex with men (MSM) are less clear; further study and enhanced MSM prevention are needed. FSW appear to have stable prevalence with risk strongly associated with IDU. Current trends suggest the Ukrainian epidemic can be contained with enhanced prevention among key populations and increased treatment access. PMID:25251080
Key Techniques and Risk Management for the Application of the Pile-Beam-Arch (PBA) Excavation Method: A Case Study of the Zhongjie Subway Station

PubMed Central

Guan, Yong-ping; Zhao, Wen; Li, Shen-gang; Zhang, Guo-bin

2014-01-01

The design and construction of shallow-buried tunnels in densely populated urban areas involve many challenges. The ground movements induced by tunneling effects pose potential risks to infrastructure such as surface buildings, pipelines, and roads. In this paper, a case study of the Zhongjie subway station located in Shenyang, China, is examined to investigate the key construction techniques and the influence of the Pile-Beam-Arch (PBA) excavation method on the surrounding environment. This case study discusses the primary risk factors affecting the environmental safety and summarizes the corresponding risk mitigation measures and key techniques for subway station construction using the PBA excavation method in a densely populated urban area. PMID:25221783
Transformational change in healthcare: an examination of four case studies.

PubMed

Charlesworth, Kate; Jamieson, Maggie; Davey, Rachel; Butler, Colin D

2016-04-01

Objectives Healthcare leaders around the world are calling for radical, transformational change of our health and care systems. This will be a difficult and complex task. In this article, we examine case studies in which transformational change has been achieved, and seek to learn from these experiences. Methods We used the case study method to investigate examples of transformational change in healthcare. The case studies were identified from preliminary doctoral research into the transition towards future sustainable health and social care systems. Evidence was collected from multiple sources, key features of each case study were displayed in a matrix and thematic analysis was conducted. The results are presented in narrative form. Results Four case studies were selected: two from the US, one from Australia and one from the UK. The notable features are discussed for each case study. There were many common factors: a well communicated vision, innovative redesign, extensive consultation and engagement with staff and patients, performance management, automated information management and high-quality leadership. Conclusions Although there were some notable differences between the case studies, overall the characteristics of success were similar and collectively provide a blueprint for transformational change in healthcare. What is known about the topic? Healthcare leaders around the world are calling for radical redesign of our systems in order to meet the challenges of modern society. What does this paper add? There are some remarkable examples of transformational change in healthcare. The key factors in success are similar across the case studies. What are the implications for practitioners? Collectively, these key factors can guide future attempts at transformational change in healthcare.
Characterizing dense suspensions: two case studies from the pharmaceutical industry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goldfarb, David J.; Khawaja, Nazia; Kazakevich, Irina; Bhattacharjee, Himanshu; Heslinga, Michael; Dalton, Chad

2015-11-01

Liquid suspensions of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient powders are present as pharmaceutical dosage forms in the form of oral suspensions and injectables. We present two case studies, both dense (~ 30-40%) suspensions, in which the physical characterization of the product, specifically, particle size & shape and rheology were key to understanding the key product attributes as pertaining to the manufacturing process and to patient administration. For the one case study, an oral suspension, identifying variations in particle morphology during the wet milling of the product was key to the product understanding necessary to modify the milling process. Rheological measurements were applied as well. For the second case study, an injectable, results from different particle size measurement techniques and rheological measurements indicated the possibility of flocculation in a formulation. Additionally, measurements were obtained to assess the ``injectability'' of the product via rheometer and texture analyzer measurements and Poiseuille flow modeling. As a result, the relevant shear rate regime for this drug product administration was identified.
In Case You Teach English: Case Studies in the English Classroom.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johannessen, Larry R.

Case studies can be a powerful strategy to use for helping students learn critical thinking processes that are key to interpreting and responding to literature and writing. Some of the major benefits of applying case methods are: cases provide an environment for active learning; they encourage the creation of a community of learners; cases help…
Navigating political minefields: partnerships in organizational case study research.

PubMed

Moll, Sandra

2012-01-01

The purpose of this paper is to examine key challenges associated with conducting politically sensitive research within a workplace setting, and to highlight strategic partnerships that can be developed to address these challenges. The author's research on employee mental health issues within a large healthcare facility serves as the foundation for identification and description of "political minefields" that investigators may encounter when conducting organizational case study research. Key methodological principles from the literature on qualitative case study research will frame discussion of how to understand and address political sensitivities in the research process. The benefits of conducting organizational case study research will be outlined, followed by discussion of methodological challenges that can emerge in negotiating entry, collecting data (gatekeepers, researcher reflexivity, participant authenticity and non-maleficence), and communicating research findings. Courage, collaboration and clear communication with stakeholders at all levels of the organization are critical to the success of workplace based case study research.
Joint Forces Command - Operation United Assistance Case Study: Lessons and Best Practices

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-07-01

additional and prioritized computers and access in the operations center for these mission requirements are essential. 127 JFC-OUA CASE STUDY Issue...this publication is welcomed and highly encouraged. Joint Forces Command – Operation United Assistance Case Study JFC-OUA CASE STUDY iii Foreword...Based on information drawn from various sources including after action reports, lessons learned, case studies , umbrella-week visits, and key-leader
The organisational and human resource challenges facing primary care trusts: protocol of a multiple case study

PubMed Central

2001-01-01

Background The study is designed to assess the organisational and human resource challenges faced by Primary Care Trusts (PCTs). Its objectives are to: specify the organisational and human resources challenges faced by PCTs in fulfilling the roles envisaged in government and local policy; examine how PCTs are addressing these challenges, in particular, to describe the organisational forms they have adopted, and the OD/HR strategies and initiatives they have planned or in place; assess how effective these structures, strategies and initiatives have been in enabling the PCTs to meet the organisational and human resources challenges they face; identify the factors, both internal to the PCT and in the wider health community, which have contributed to the success or failure of different structures, strategies and initiatives. Methods The study will be undertaken in three stages. In Stage 1 the key literature on public sector and NHS organisational development and human resources management will be reviewed, and discussions will be held with key researchers and policy makers working in this area. Stage 2 will focus on detailed case studies in six PCTs designed to examine the organisational and human resources challenges they face. Data will be collected using semi-structured interviews, group discussion, site visits, observation of key meetings and examination of local documentation. The findings from the case study PCTs will be cross checked with a Reference Group of up to 20 other PCG/Ts, and key officers working in organisational development or primary care at local, regional and national level. In Stage 3 analysis of findings from the preparatory work, the case studies and the feedback from the Reference Group will be used to identify practical lessons for PCTs, key messages for policy makers, and contributions to further theoretical development. PMID:11737883
Collective attacks and unconditional security in continuous variable quantum key distribution.

PubMed

Grosshans, Frédéric

2005-01-21

We present here an information theoretic study of Gaussian collective attacks on the continuous variable key distribution protocols based on Gaussian modulation of coherent states. These attacks, overlooked in previous security studies, give a finite advantage to the eavesdropper in the experimentally relevant lossy channel, but are not powerful enough to reduce the range of the reverse reconciliation protocols. Secret key rates are given for the ideal case where Bob performs optimal collective measurements, as well as for the realistic cases where he performs homodyne or heterodyne measurements. We also apply the generic security proof of Christiandl et al. to obtain unconditionally secure rates for these protocols.
A case study detailing key considerations for implementing a telehealth approach to office ergonomics.

PubMed

Ritchie, Catherine L W; Miller, Linda L; Antle, David M

2017-01-01

Telehealth approaches to delivering ergonomics assessment hold great potential to improve service delivery in rural and remote settings. This case study describes a telehealth-based ergonomics service delivery process, and compares in-person and telehealth-based ergonomics approaches at an Alberta-based non-profit advocacy group. This project demonstrates that telehealth approaches to ergonomics do not lead to significantly different scoring outcomes for assessment of ergonomics issues, when compared to in-person assessments. This project also outlines the importance of live real-time video conferencing to improving communication, attaining key assessment information, and demonstrating ergonomic adjustments. However, some key considerations of bandwidth and hardware capabilities need to be taken into account. Key communication strategies are outlined to improve rapport, maintain employee confidentiality, and reduce client anxiety around telehealth ergonomics assessments. This project provides further support for telehealth approaches to office ergonomics, and outlines some key implementation strategies and barriers that should be considered.
Tuition Revenues and Enrollment Demand: The Case of Southern Utah University. Professional File. Number 124, Spring 2012

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Craft, R. Kim; Baker, Joe G.; Myers, Brent E.; Harraf, Abe

2012-01-01

This paper details our experience with successfully increasing tuition revenues at Southern Utah University and provides a case study in how economic research and the politics of tuition policy combined to increase university revenue with stakeholder buy-in. Our success was based on three key factors: (a) we had a key administrator who advocated…
Leadership Analysis in K-12 Case Study: Superintendent's Hiring Dilemma

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alsobaie, Mohammed Fahad

2016-01-01

This paper will seek to analyze of the case "Superintendent's Hiring Dilemma" by Hoy and Tarter (2004) using multiple leadership perspectives. The last section of this analysis of the case study will provide the most effective leadership recommendations for the key players.
Case Series in Cognitive Neuropsychology: Promise, Perils and Proper Perspective

PubMed Central

Rapp, Brenda

2012-01-01

Schwartz & Dell (2010) advocated for a major role for case series investigations in cognitive neuropsychology. They defined the key features of this approach and presented a number of arguments and examples illustrating the benefits of case series studies and their contribution to computational cognitive neuropsychology. In the Special Issue on “Case Series in Cognitive Neuropsychology” there are six commentaries on Schwartz and Dell (2010) as well as a response to the six commentaries by Dell and Schwartz. In this paper, I provide a brief summary of the key points made in Schwartz and Dell (2010) and I review the promise and perils of case series design as revealed by the six commentaries. I conclude by placing the set of papers within a broader perspective, providing some clarification of the historical record on case series and single case approaches, raising some cautionary notes for case series studies and situating both case series and single case approaches within the larger context of theory development in the cognitive sciences. PMID:22746685
Device-independent quantum key distribution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hänggi, Esther

2010-12-01

In this thesis, we study two approaches to achieve device-independent quantum key distribution: in the first approach, the adversary can distribute any system to the honest parties that cannot be used to communicate between the three of them, i.e., it must be non-signalling. In the second approach, we limit the adversary to strategies which can be implemented using quantum physics. For both approaches, we show how device-independent quantum key distribution can be achieved when imposing an additional condition. In the non-signalling case this additional requirement is that communication is impossible between all pairwise subsystems of the honest parties, while, in the quantum case, we demand that measurements on different subsystems must commute. We give a generic security proof for device-independent quantum key distribution in these cases and apply it to an existing quantum key distribution protocol, thus proving its security even in this setting. We also show that, without any additional such restriction there always exists a successful joint attack by a non-signalling adversary.
Evaluation of unique identifiers used as keys to match identical publications in Pure and SciVal - a case study from health science.

PubMed

Madsen, Heidi Holst; Madsen, Dicte; Gauffriau, Marianne

2016-01-01

Unique identifiers (UID) are seen as an effective key to match identical publications across databases or identify duplicates in a database. The objective of the present study is to investigate how well UIDs work as match keys in the integration between Pure and SciVal, based on a case with publications from the health sciences. We evaluate the matching process based on information about coverage, precision, and characteristics of publications matched versus not matched with UIDs as the match keys. We analyze this information to detect errors, if any, in the matching process. As an example we also briefly discuss how publication sets formed by using UIDs as the match keys may affect the bibliometric indicators number of publications, number of citations, and the average number of citations per publication. The objective is addressed in a literature review and a case study. The literature review shows that only a few studies evaluate how well UIDs work as a match key. From the literature we identify four error types: Duplicate digital object identifiers (DOI), incorrect DOIs in reference lists and databases, DOIs not registered by the database where a bibliometric analysis is performed, and erroneous optical or special character recognition. The case study explores the use of UIDs in the integration between the databases Pure and SciVal. Specifically journal publications in English are matched between the two databases. We find all error types except erroneous optical or special character recognition in our publication sets. In particular the duplicate DOIs constitute a problem for the calculation of bibliometric indicators as both keeping the duplicates to improve the reliability of citation counts and deleting them to improve the reliability of publication counts will distort the calculation of average number of citations per publication. The use of UIDs as a match key in citation linking is implemented in many settings, and the availability of UIDs may become critical for the inclusion of a publication or a database in a bibliometric analysis.

Evaluation of unique identifiers used as keys to match identical publications in Pure and SciVal – a case study from health science

PubMed Central

Madsen, Heidi Holst; Madsen, Dicte; Gauffriau, Marianne

2016-01-01

Unique identifiers (UID) are seen as an effective key to match identical publications across databases or identify duplicates in a database. The objective of the present study is to investigate how well UIDs work as match keys in the integration between Pure and SciVal, based on a case with publications from the health sciences. We evaluate the matching process based on information about coverage, precision, and characteristics of publications matched versus not matched with UIDs as the match keys. We analyze this information to detect errors, if any, in the matching process. As an example we also briefly discuss how publication sets formed by using UIDs as the match keys may affect the bibliometric indicators number of publications, number of citations, and the average number of citations per publication. The objective is addressed in a literature review and a case study. The literature review shows that only a few studies evaluate how well UIDs work as a match key. From the literature we identify four error types: Duplicate digital object identifiers (DOI), incorrect DOIs in reference lists and databases, DOIs not registered by the database where a bibliometric analysis is performed, and erroneous optical or special character recognition. The case study explores the use of UIDs in the integration between the databases Pure and SciVal. Specifically journal publications in English are matched between the two databases. We find all error types except erroneous optical or special character recognition in our publication sets. In particular the duplicate DOIs constitute a problem for the calculation of bibliometric indicators as both keeping the duplicates to improve the reliability of citation counts and deleting them to improve the reliability of publication counts will distort the calculation of average number of citations per publication. The use of UIDs as a match key in citation linking is implemented in many settings, and the availability of UIDs may become critical for the inclusion of a publication or a database in a bibliometric analysis. PMID:27635223
Creation of Audiovisual Presentations as a Tool to Develop Key Competences in Secondary-School Students. A Case Study in Science Class

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ezquerra, Ángel; Manso, Javier; Burgos, Mª Esther; Hallabrin, Carla

2014-01-01

New curricular plans based on key competences create the need for new educational proposals that allow their development. This article describes a proposal to develop key competences through project-based learning. The project's objective is the creation of a digital video. The following study was carried out with students in their final two years…
A comprehensive grid to evaluate case management's expected effectiveness for community-dwelling frail older people: results from a multiple, embedded case study.

PubMed

Van Durme, Thérèse; Schmitz, Olivier; Cès, Sophie; Anthierens, Sibyl; Maggi, Patrick; Delye, Sam; De Almeida Mello, Johanna; Declercq, Anja; Macq, Jean; Remmen, Roy; Aujoulat, Isabelle

2015-06-18

Case management is a type of intervention expected to improve the quality of care and therefore the quality of life of frail, community-dwelling older people while delaying institutionalisation in nursing homes. However, the heterogeneity, multidimensionality and complexity of these interventions make their evaluation by the means of classical approaches inadequate. Our objective was twofold: (i) to propose a tool allowing for the identification of the key components that explain the success of case management for this population and (ii) to propose a typology based on the results of this tool. The process started with a multiple embedded case study design in order to identify the key components of case management. Based on the results of this first step, data were collected among 22 case management interventions, in order to evaluate their expected effectiveness. Finally, multiple correspondence analyses was conducted to propose a typology of case management. The overall approach was informed by Wagner's Chronic Care Model and the theory of complexity. The study identified a total of 23 interacting key components. Based on the clustering of response patterns of the 22 case management projects included in our study, three types of case management programmes were evidenced, situated on a continuum from a more "socially-oriented" type towards a more "clinically-oriented" type of case management. The type of feedback provided to the general practitioner about both the global geriatric assessment and the result of the intervention turned out to be the most discriminant component between the types. The study design allowed to produce a tool that can be used to distinguish between different types of case management interventions and further evaluate their effect on frail older people in terms of the delaying institutionalisation, functional and cognitive status, quality of life and societal costs.
Key factors of case management interventions for frequent users of healthcare services: a thematic analysis review

PubMed Central

Hudon, Catherine; Chouinard, Maud-Christine; Lambert, Mireille; Diadiou, Fatoumata; Bouliane, Danielle; Beaudin, Jérémie

2017-01-01

Objective The aim of this paper was to identify the key factors of case management (CM) interventions among frequent users of healthcare services found in empirical studies of effectiveness. Design Thematic analysis review of CM studies. Methods We built on a previously published review that aimed to report the effectiveness of CM interventions for frequent users of healthcare services, using the Medline, Scopus and CINAHL databases covering the January 2004–December 2015 period, then updated to July 2017, with the keywords ‘CM’ and ‘frequent use’. We extracted factors of successful (n=7) and unsuccessful (n=6) CM interventions and conducted a mixed thematic analysis to synthesise findings. Chaudoir’s implementation of health innovations framework was used to organise results into four broad levels of factors: (1) environmental/organisational level, (2) practitioner level, (3) patient level and (4) programme level. Results Access to, and close partnerships with, healthcare providers and community services resources were key factors of successful CM interventions that should target patients with the greatest needs and promote frequent contacts with the healthcare team. The selection and training of the case manager was also an important factor to foster patient engagement in CM. Coordination of care, self-management support and assistance with care navigation were key CM activities. The main issues reported by unsuccessful CM interventions were problems with case finding or lack of care integration. Conclusions CM interventions for frequent users of healthcare services should ensure adequate case finding processes, rigorous selection and training of the case manager, sufficient intensity of the intervention, as well as good care integration among all partners. Other studies could further evaluate the influence of contextual factors on intervention impacts. PMID:29061623
Student Ownership of Projects in an Upper-Division Optics Laboratory Course: A Multiple Case Study of Successful Experiences

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dounas-Frazer, Dimitri R.; Stanley, Jacob T.; Lewandowski, H. J.

2017-01-01

We investigate students' sense of ownership of multiweek final projects in an upper-division optics lab course. Using a multiple case study approach, we describe three student projects in detail. Within-case analyses focused on identifying key issues in each project, and constructing chronological descriptions of those events. Cross-case analysis…
Novel ways to explore surgical interventions in randomised controlled trials: applying case study methodology in the operating theatre.

PubMed

Blencowe, Natalie S; Blazeby, Jane M; Donovan, Jenny L; Mills, Nicola

2015-12-28

Multi-centre randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in surgery are challenging. It is particularly difficult to establish standards of surgery and ensure that interventions are delivered as intended. This study developed and tested methods for identifying the key components of surgical interventions and standardising interventions within RCTs. Qualitative case studies of surgical interventions were undertaken within the internal pilot phase of a surgical RCT for obesity (the By-Band study). Each case study involved video data capture and non-participant observation of gastric bypass surgery in the operating theatre and interviews with surgeons. Methods were developed to transcribe and synchronise data from video recordings with observational data to identify key intervention components, which were then explored in the interviews with surgeons. Eight qualitative case studies were undertaken. A novel combination of video data capture, observation and interview data identified variations in intervention delivery between surgeons and centres. Although surgeons agreed that the most critical intervention component was the size and shape of the gastric pouch, there was no consensus regarding other aspects of the procedure. They conceded that evidence about the 'best way' to perform bypass was lacking and, combined with the pragmatic nature of the By-Band study, agreed that strict standardisation of bypass might not be required. This study has developed and tested methods for understanding how surgical interventions are designed and delivered delivered in RCTs. Applying these methods more widely may help identify key components of interventions to be delivered by surgeons in trials, enabling monitoring of key components and adherence to the protocol. These methods are now being tested in the context of other surgical RCTs. Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN00786323 , 05/09/2011.
Integrating optical finger motion tracking with surface touch events.

PubMed

MacRitchie, Jennifer; McPherson, Andrew P

2015-01-01

This paper presents a method of integrating two contrasting sensor systems for studying human interaction with a mechanical system, using piano performance as the case study. Piano technique requires both precise small-scale motion of fingers on the key surfaces and planned large-scale movement of the hands and arms. Where studies of performance often focus on one of these scales in isolation, this paper investigates the relationship between them. Two sensor systems were installed on an acoustic grand piano: a monocular high-speed camera tracking the position of painted markers on the hands, and capacitive touch sensors attach to the key surfaces which measure the location of finger-key contacts. This paper highlights a method of fusing the data from these systems, including temporal and spatial alignment, segmentation into notes and automatic fingering annotation. Three case studies demonstrate the utility of the multi-sensor data: analysis of finger flexion or extension based on touch and camera marker location, timing analysis of finger-key contact preceding and following key presses, and characterization of individual finger movements in the transitions between successive key presses. Piano performance is the focus of this paper, but the sensor method could equally apply to other fine motor control scenarios, with applications to human-computer interaction.
Integrating optical finger motion tracking with surface touch events

PubMed Central

MacRitchie, Jennifer; McPherson, Andrew P.

2015-01-01

This paper presents a method of integrating two contrasting sensor systems for studying human interaction with a mechanical system, using piano performance as the case study. Piano technique requires both precise small-scale motion of fingers on the key surfaces and planned large-scale movement of the hands and arms. Where studies of performance often focus on one of these scales in isolation, this paper investigates the relationship between them. Two sensor systems were installed on an acoustic grand piano: a monocular high-speed camera tracking the position of painted markers on the hands, and capacitive touch sensors attach to the key surfaces which measure the location of finger-key contacts. This paper highlights a method of fusing the data from these systems, including temporal and spatial alignment, segmentation into notes and automatic fingering annotation. Three case studies demonstrate the utility of the multi-sensor data: analysis of finger flexion or extension based on touch and camera marker location, timing analysis of finger-key contact preceding and following key presses, and characterization of individual finger movements in the transitions between successive key presses. Piano performance is the focus of this paper, but the sensor method could equally apply to other fine motor control scenarios, with applications to human-computer interaction. PMID:26082732
Revisioning the Process: A Case Study in Feminist Program Evaluation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Beardsley, Rebecca M.; Miller, Michelle Hughes

2002-01-01

Conducted a case study of the evaluation of a women's substance abuse prevention program and identified three key aspects of negotiated evaluation. Discusses the processes involved in feminist evaluation, including collaborative agenda setting and cooperative teamwork. (SLD)
Crescent Evaluation : appendix B : state case study evaluation report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1994-02-01

The state case study evaluation approach uniquely captured an understanding of the potential of such a system by documenting the experiences, issues, and opportunities of selected key state government personnel from a cross-section of involved agenci...
Developing, Implementing and Evaluating Case Studies in Materials Science

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Davis, Claire; Wilcock, Elizabeth

2005-01-01

The use of case studies to teach materials science undergraduates is an exciting and interesting educational approach. As well as helping learners to connect theory and practice, the case method is also useful for creating an active learning environment, developing key skills and catering for a range of different learning styles. This paper…
Case reports and case series in prehospital emergency care research.

PubMed

Patterson, P Daniel; Weaver, Matthew; Clark, Sunday; Yealy, Donald M

2010-11-01

Research begins with a clearly stated question, problem or hypothesis. The selection of a study design appropriate to the task is the next key step. This paper provides guidance for the use of case report and case series designs by describing the 'what', 'when' and 'how' of both designs. Also described is the use of case reports and case series study designs in prehospital emergency research and the quality of published literature from 2000 to mid-2008.
The Future of Swiss Foreign and Security Policy: Increasing International Cooperation is the Key to National Autonomy

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-12-01

government,14 the “comparison cases ” in the present analysis—Austria, Finland , Ireland and Sweden—and the various security studies institutions.15 The...comparative cases are those of Austria, Finland , Ireland, and Sweden, the larger European neutrals.22 The study is limited to these five cases because the...17 III. COMPARING SWITZERLAND WITH FOUR CASES
Executive Coaching Practices in the Adult Workplace

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Campone, Francine

2015-01-01

This chapter provides an overview of key principles and practices in executive coaching. Coaching is discussed as a reflective learning opportunity and offers the theoretical grounding, strategies, and case studies for each of four key elements of a coaching engagement.
The success of the Uttarakhand Cluster: a case study of organisational change towards disability inclusive development.

PubMed

Grills, Nathan; Varghese, Jubin; Hughes, Nicole; Jolly, Tamara; Kumar, Robert

2016-08-02

Persons with disability are often marginalised and excluded from international development efforts. This case study reviews the success of Uttarakhand Cluster of development NGOs in changing organisational behaviour towards being disability inclusive in their development (DID) activities. A triangulation of qualitative research methods was used, including key informant interviews, focus group discussions and review of textual data. The results synthesise data into Kotter's framework for organisational change, explaining the different stages of change experienced by the Cluster as it moved towards DID. Development of a disability mission, sharing of capacity and resources, and presence of disability champions were key in the organisations' transition towards DID. This case study demonstrates that the Cluster, a low - cost network, was able to drive organisational change and promote DID.
Education and Success: A Case Study of the Thai Public Service.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fry, Gerald W.

1980-01-01

Studied is the bureaucracy in Thailand, and access to an promotion within the system--or the "degree of openness" in the Thai public service. The key dependent variable is occupational attainment. Some key intervening variables include educational attainment, total job experience, sex, and regional remoteness of early schooling. (KC)
The relationship between structured and free play in the development of a mentally handicapped child: a case study.

PubMed

Hewson, S; McConkey, R; Jeffree, D

1980-01-01

This case study provides an individual illustration of the work of the Parental Involvement Project. A key feature of the approach used was the structured play situation. Thus, the case study also serves to demonstrate the role of structured play, and its relation to free play, in the development of a young, mentally handicapped child.
Intelligent Transportation Systems in Work Zones - A Case Study: Work Zone Travel Time System. Reducing Congestion with the Use of a Traffic Management Contract Incentive during the Reconstruction of Arizona State Route 68

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2004-10-01

This case study is one in a series of documents that examines the use of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) in work zones. This case study presents information gathered through interviews with key personnel on the Arizona State Route (SR) 68 pr...
Human Mission to Europa and Titan - Why Not? Executive Summary

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Finarelli, Margaret G.

2005-01-01

Outline a step-by-step Development Plan of the key barriers and their solutions to enable human exploration of the outer solar system. Secondary: Perform a case study which supports and emphasizes the key elements of the Development Plan.
How the Adoption of the Big-Data Paradigm Affects the Key Factors That Influence the Effectiveness of an Information Assurance (IA) Framework: A Multiple-Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Apple, Benjamin G.

2017-01-01

This qualitative study identified those factors that influence the perceived effectiveness of traditional IA control frameworks. The key factors examined in this study are risk management, governance, access control, privacy protection, integrity, availability, reliability, and usability. The researcher endeavored to determine how the…

Enterprise transformation :lessons learned, pathways to success.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Slavin, Adam M.; Woodard, Joan Brune

2006-05-01

In this report, we characterize the key themes of transformation and tie them together in a ''how to'' guide. The perspectives were synthesized from strategic management literature, case studies, and from interviews with key management personnel from private industry on their transformation experiences.
Ways and Means of Adapting Culture and Structure: Case Studies. Support Document 1

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clayton, Berwyn; Fisher, Thea; Harris, Roger; Bateman, Andrea; Brown, Mike

2008-01-01

The resource in this support document is a set of small case studies, offering insights into how a range of organisations have gone about adapting their organisational structure and/or culture to enhance their capability. Key elements of each case are presented with a particular emphasis on: (1) the principles that have underpinned each approach…
An Analysis of Digital Inclusion Projects: Three Crucial Factors and Four Key Components

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smith, Chris

2015-01-01

This paper provides an in-depth analysis into two case studies aimed at addressing the digital divide in two developing countries. A detailed description is provided for each case study along with an analysis of how successful the two projects were at addressing the digital divide in Siyabuswa, South Africa and Ennis, Ireland. The two case studies…
KEY ITEMS OF INNOVATION MANAGEMENT IN THE PRIMARY HEALTHCARE CENTRES CASE STUDY: FINLAND.

PubMed

Aslani, Alireza; Zolfagharzadeh, Mohammad Mahdi; Naaranoja, Marja

2015-09-01

Trends such as aging populations, excess costs, rising public expectations, and progress in medical science and technologies point out the necessity of adaptation and development of innovation in the healthcare systems particularly in developed countries. The main objective of this article is to review diffusion of innovation in the healthcare sector. Different types of innovation, diffusion characteristics, and adoption mechanisms are the subjects that are discussed in the selected case study, Finland. Finally, the key items of innovation management in the Finnish health system are introduced. The results can be implemented in other countries as well.
Selection and ranking of patient video cases in paediatric neurology in relation to learner levels.

PubMed

Balslev, Thomas; Muijtjens, Arno M M; Maarbjerg, Sabine Frølich; de Grave, Willem

2018-05-01

Teaching and learning with patient video cases may add authenticity, enhance diagnostic accuracy and improve chances of early diagnosis. The aim of this study is firstly to identify selection criteria for key Patient video cases (PVCs), secondly to identify trends in relevance of PVCs for learner levels and thirdly, to rank PVCs for learner levels. Based on a literature review, we identified criteria for key PVCs for use in paediatric neurology. We then performed a multi-round Delphi analysis to obtain agreement between 28 expert clinician teachers concerning key PVCs for four learner levels. We identified two major criteria: key PVCs should demonstrate key movements, and these movements should be subtle and/or difficult to note. The expert clinician teachers subsequently assessed a list of 14 topics for key PVCs. We found a clear, increasing trend in relevance scores, from medical students to young residents to experienced residents and specialists. For medical students and residents, epileptic spasms, Down syndrome, developmental delay, cerebral palsy and absence epilepsy were highly ranked. For specialists, conditions like chorea, focal seizures or eye movement disorders topped the ranking list, although ranking was less clear for this group of advanced learners. Key PVCs should demonstrate movements that are difficult to note for learners. Ranked lists of key PVCs for teaching and learning at different learner levels are now available and may help institutions build validated local libraries of PVCs. Copyright © 2017 European Paediatric Neurology Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Key Stakeholdersí Attitudes towards Teacher Education Programs in TEFL: A Case Study of Farhangian University in Iran

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gholami, Javad; Qurbanzada, Isa

2016-01-01

Recently, teacher training courses have attracted the researchers' special attention, while teacher education programs have not received as much attention. The present study investigated the attitudes key stakeholders in a teacher education program (i.e., student teachers, in-service teachers, and teacher educators) hold toward the appropriateness…
Implementing Transfer and Articulation: A Case Study of Community Colleges and State Universities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Senie, Kathryn C.

2016-01-01

This study examined the cultural aspects of a transfer articulation policy between public community colleges and state universities enacted by a newly consolidated state governing board for higher education in a northeastern state. A qualitative multisite case study design explored how key stakeholders, faculty, administrators and staff viewed the…
A Case Study of the Partnership Schools Comprehensive School Reform (CSR) Model

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Epstein, Joyce L.

2005-01-01

This case study reports the feasibility of the Partnership Schools Comprehensive School Reform (CSR) model for school improvement in a Title I elementary school. Interviews were conducted and documents were collected for 3 years to study whether and how the school implemented key policy attributes--specificity, consistency, authority, power, and…
Dance Talent Development: Case Studies of Successful Dancers in Finland and Singapore

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chua, Joey

2014-01-01

Though anchored in cross-cultural comparisons, this study aims to identify the key factors that impacted the talent development of successful dancers from childhood through adulthood. Case studies of eight Finnish and Singaporean ballet and contemporary dancers exemplify the qualities of successful dancers in terms of their career achievements and…
Study design and hierarchy of evidence for surgical decision making.

PubMed

Sprague, Sheila; McKay, Paula; Thoma, Achilleas

2008-04-01

This article provides a historical overview of the hierarchy of evidence for surgical decision making and discusses key study designs in the hierarchy of evidence. This encompasses meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, and observational studies, including cohort and case-controlled studies, case series and case reports, and basic science studies. This article also reviews the principles and importance of evidence-based plastic surgery and describes several systems to rate the strength of the scientific evidence.
SuperJet International case study: a business network start-up in the aeronautics industry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Corallo, Angelo; de Maggio, Marco; Storelli, Davide

This chapter presents the SuperJet International case study, a start-up in the aeronautics industry characterized by a process-oriented approach and a complex and as yet evolving network of partnerships and collaborations. The chapter aims to describe the key points of the start-up process, highlighting common factors and differences compared to the TEKNE Methodology of Change, with particular reference to the second and third phase, namely, the design and deployment of new techno-organizational systems. The SuperJet International startup is presented as a case study where strategic and organizational aspects have been jointly conceived from a network-driven perspective. The chapter compares some of the guidelines of the TEKNE Methodology of Change with experiences and actual practices deriving from interviews with key players in SJI's start-up process.
A Case for Advanced Skills and Employability in Higher Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Holmes, Alison; Miller, Stuart

2000-01-01

Case Studies to Advance Skills and Employability is a project designed to introduce a vocational dimension into academic curriculum. Key employability skills are developed as students work on real-life case situations in such areas as public sculpture, waste management, human organizations, and environmental issues. (SK)
Organizational Learning and the Marine Corps: The Counterinsurgency Campaign in Iraq (CIWAG Case Study on Irregular Warfare and Armed Groups)

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-01-01

and institutional memory are seen as keys to their success in Anbar. Ten lessons are drawn from this case that relate to the future irregular conflict...organizational culture. Specialists on the topic like Richard Downie find that institutional memory and history, key factors that shape organizational culture...and practiced” they will “form … the organization’s institutional memory .” That memory is then socialized into its members, making the organization
Exploring safety systems for dispensing in community pharmacies: focusing on how staff relate to organizational components.

PubMed

Harvey, Jasmine; Avery, Anthony J; Ashcroft, Darren; Boyd, Matthew; Phipps, Denham L; Barber, Nicholas

2015-01-01

Identifying risk is an important facet of a safety practice in an organization. To identify risk, all components within a system of operation should be considered. In clinical safety practice, a team of people, technologies, procedures and protocols, management structure and environment have been identified as key components in a system of operation. To explore risks in relation to prescription dispensing in community pharmacies by taking into account relationships between key components that relate to the dispensing process. Fifteen community pharmacies in England with varied characteristics were identified, and data were collected using non-participant observations, shadowing and interviews. Approximately 360 hours of observations and 38 interviews were conducted by the team. Observation field notes from each pharmacy were written into case studies. Overall, 52,500 words from 15 case studies and interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic and line-by-line analyses. Validation techniques included multiple data collectors co-authoring each case study for consensus, review of case studies by members of the wider team including academic and practicing community pharmacists, and patient safety experts and two presentations (internally and externally) to review and discuss findings. Risks identified were related to relationships between people and other key components in dispensing. This included how different levels of staff communicated internally and externally, followed procedures, interacted with technical systems, worked with management, and engaged with the environment. In a dispensing journey, the following categories were identified which show how risks are inextricably linked through relationships between human components and other key components: 1) dispensing with divided attention; 2) dispensing under pressure; 3) dispensing in a restricted space or environment; and, 4) managing external influences. To identify and evaluate risks effectively, an approach that includes understanding relationships between key components in dispensing is required. Since teams of people in community pharmacies are a key dispensing component, and therefore part of the operational process, it is important to note how they relate to other components in the environment within which they operate. Pharmacies can take the opportunity to reflect on the organization of their systems and review in particular how they can improve on the four key categories identified. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Urban School Systems and Education Reform: Key Lessons From a Case Study of Large Urban School Systems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Snipes, Jason C.; Casserly, Michael D.

2004-01-01

Foundations for Success, a study conducted by MDRC for the Council of the Great City Schools, examined the reform efforts of 3 large urban school districts and a portion of a 4th that had been successful in improving student achievement and reducing racial achievement gaps. This article summarizes the key findings of the study and discusses the…
Factors Influence the Digital Media Teaching of Primary School Teachers in a Flipped Class: A Taiwan Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cheng, Yung-Hsun; Weng, Chia-Wen

2017-01-01

The current study focuses on the key roles that affect the success of a flipped classroom. The research was conducted with a questionnaire survey created from a study of literature review. Out of a total of 441 samples, 424 valid samples (96.14%) from teachers have been received. The study key conclusions are as follows: (1) a principal leadership…
Key factors of case management interventions for frequent users of healthcare services: a thematic analysis review.

PubMed

Hudon, Catherine; Chouinard, Maud-Christine; Lambert, Mireille; Diadiou, Fatoumata; Bouliane, Danielle; Beaudin, Jérémie

2017-10-22

The aim of this paper was to identify the key factors of case management (CM) interventions among frequent users of healthcare services found in empirical studies of effectiveness. Thematic analysis review of CM studies. We built on a previously published review that aimed to report the effectiveness of CM interventions for frequent users of healthcare services, using the Medline, Scopus and CINAHL databases covering the January 2004-December 2015 period, then updated to July 2017, with the keywords 'CM' and 'frequent use'. We extracted factors of successful (n=7) and unsuccessful (n=6) CM interventions and conducted a mixed thematic analysis to synthesise findings. Chaudoir's implementation of health innovations framework was used to organise results into four broad levels of factors: (1) ,environmental/organisational level, (2) practitioner level, (3) patient level and (4) programme level. Access to, and close partnerships with, healthcare providers and community services resources were key factors of successful CM interventions that should target patients with the greatest needs and promote frequent contacts with the healthcare team. The selection and training of the case manager was also an important factor to foster patient engagement in CM. Coordination of care, self-management support and assistance with care navigation were key CM activities. The main issues reported by unsuccessful CM interventions were problems with case finding or lack of care integration. CM interventions for frequent users of healthcare services should ensure adequate case finding processes, rigorous selection and training of the case manager, sufficient intensity of the intervention, as well as good care integration among all partners. Other studies could further evaluate the influence of contextual factors on intervention impacts. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.
From shared care to disease management: key-influencing factors.

PubMed

Eijkelberg, I M; Spreeuwenberg, C; Mur-Veeman, I M; Wolffenbuttel, B H

2001-01-01

In order to improve the quality of care of chronically ill patients the traditional boundaries between primary and secondary care are questioned. To demolish these boundaries so-called 'shared care' projects have been initiated in which different ways of substitution of care are applied. When these projects end, disease management may offer a solution to expand the achieved co-operation between primary and secondary care. Answering the question: What key factors influence the development and implementation of shared care projects from a management perspective and how are they linked? The theoretical framework is based on the concept of the learning organisation. Reference point is a multiple case study that finally becomes a single case study. Data are collected by means of triangulation. The studied cases concern two interrelated Dutch shared care projects for type 2 diabetic patients, that in the end proceed as one disease management project. In these cases the predominant key-influencing factors appear to be the project management, commitment and local context, respectively. The factor project management directly links the latter two, albeit managing both appear prerequisites to its success. In practice this implies managing the factors' interdependency by the application of change strategies and tactics in a committed and skillful way. Project management, as the most important and active key factor, is advised to cope with the interrelationships of the influencing factors in a gradually more fundamental way by using strategies and tactics that enable learning processes. Then small-scale shared care projects may change into a disease management network at a large scale, which may yield the future blueprint to proceed.
Affiliation, joint venture or PSO? Case studies show why provider strategies differ.

PubMed

1998-03-01

Joint venture, affiliation or PSO? Here are three case studies of providers who chose different paths under Medicare risk, plus some key questions you'll want to ask of your own provider organization. Learn from these examples so you'll make the best contracting decisions.
The Routledge International Companion to Multicultural Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Banks, James A., Ed.

2010-01-01

This volume is the first authoritative reference work to provide a truly comprehensive international description and analysis of multicultural education around the world. It is organized around "key concepts" and uses "case studies" from various nations in different parts of the world to exemplify and illustrate the concepts. Case studies are from…

Rural Telework: Case Studies from the Australian Outback.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Simpson, Lyn; Daws, Leonie; Pini, Barbara; Wood, Leanne

2003-01-01

Case studies of rural teleworking in an Australian government department and a community organization found that a key constraint is lack of telecommunications and services infrastructure. Teleworkers had differing views of working in isolation, depending on the nature of work roles, attitudes toward technology, and personal life experiences.…
Community Environmental Education as a Model for Effective Environmental Programmes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Blair, Morag

2008-01-01

The benefits of community environmental education outlined in environmental education literature are supported by the findings and implications of a research study undertaken in New Zealand. Evidence from a two-case case study suggests that environmental programmes guided by the key principles and practices of community environmental education,…
Organizational Culture and University Responses to Parenting Students: A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nichols, Tracy R.; Biederman, Donna J.; Gringle, Meredith R.

2017-01-01

This case study examines implications of a university's culture on advocating for supportive policies and programs for parenting students. Four themes illuminated several key tensions within the institution that affected support for parenting students: the lack of formal policy, an emphasis on faculty practices around accommodations, concerns…
A Case Study of Servant Leadership in the NHL

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Crippen, Carolyn

2017-01-01

An examination of the organizational culture of the Vancouver Canucks of the NHL provides exemplars for all learning institutions. A culture connected directly to a servant-leader philosophy was identified through a cumulative qualitative case study of key personnel within the organization. Data included transcribed interviews, archival research,…
The key image and case log application: new radiology software for teaching file creation and case logging that incorporates elements of a social network.

PubMed

Rowe, Steven P; Siddiqui, Adeel; Bonekamp, David

2014-07-01

To create novel radiology key image software that is easy to use for novice users, incorporates elements adapted from social networking Web sites, facilitates resident and fellow education, and can serve as the engine for departmental sharing of interesting cases and follow-up studies. Using open-source programming languages and software, radiology key image software (the key image and case log application, KICLA) was developed. This system uses a lightweight interface with the institutional picture archiving and communications systems and enables the storage of key images, image series, and cine clips. It was designed to operate with minimal disruption to the radiologists' daily workflow. Many features of the user interface have been inspired by social networking Web sites, including image organization into private or public folders, flexible sharing with other users, and integration of departmental teaching files into the system. We also review the performance, usage, and acceptance of this novel system. KICLA was implemented at our institution and achieved widespread popularity among radiologists. A large number of key images have been transmitted to the system since it became available. After this early experience period, the most commonly encountered radiologic modalities are represented. A survey distributed to users revealed that most of the respondents found the system easy to use (89%) and fast at allowing them to record interesting cases (100%). Hundred percent of respondents also stated that they would recommend a system such as KICLA to their colleagues. The system described herein represents a significant upgrade to the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine teaching file paradigm with efforts made to maximize its ease of use and inclusion of characteristics inspired by social networking Web sites that allow the system additional functionality such as individual case logging. Copyright © 2014 AUR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Air Force Organizational Adoption of Remotely Piloted Vehicles

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-05-01

organization that employs them. On the other hand, disruptive technologies are consistent with RMAs, eliminating a fundamental ability that provides...the idea of sustaining and disruptive technologies . An extensive case study of the disk drive industry details some key but often overlooked...characteristics of disruptive technology. A total of 116 cases of new technologies were studied with four of the cases involving disruptive technologies . In
Curriculum Leadership: Development and Implementation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Glatthorn, Allan A.; Boschee, Floyd; Whitehead, Bruce M.

2005-01-01

This book is a resource written for educational leaders who want to successfully restructure and enhance curriculum in schools today. It provides innovative and successful curriculum ideas, including reflective case studies, "Keys to Leadership" sections, curriculum tips, and "Challenge" sections with key issues and questions in every chapter.…
Biosimilars clinical development program: confirmatory clinical trials: a virtual/simulated case study comparing equivalence and non-inferiority approaches.

PubMed

Fletcher, Mark P

2011-09-01

As part of long term commitment of the Biologicals and Vaccines Committee (B&V) of the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Association (IFPMA) to provide expert input to the WHO on their recently finalized GUIDELINES ON EVALUATION OF SIMILAR BIOTHERAPEUTIC PRODUCTS (SBPs), and in response to WHO's request, the IFPMA B&V prepared a clinical case study at a recent WHO workshop in Seoul, Korea. The case study, presented by Mark Fletcher on behalf of B&V, involved a model scenario for a clinical efficacy trial to support the approval of a Similar Biotherapeutic Product (SBP) as part of the required comparative clinical program against a Reference Biotherapeutic Product (RBP). A key goal was to understand and illustrate key clinical and statistical principles, and considerations described in the WHO Guidance for regulatory authorities when designing and implementing WHO guidelines and post-approval regulatory oversight for SBPs. Using this model SBP/RBP pair, an interactive discussion was carried out among the workshop participants on the pros and cons of using equivalence vs. non-inferiority designs to assess the two products' similarity. Through discussion of the case, the complexity of demonstrating similar efficacy and safety of a SBP vs. RBP for biotherapeutic products is outlined and discussed in the context of the key principles laid out in the recently published WHO GUIDELINES ON EVALUATION OF SIMILAR BIOTHERAPEUTIC PRODUCTS (SBPs). The exercise illustrates the need for a case-by-case approach when interpreting clinical data from SBP dossiers to adequately assure similar efficacy and safety of SBPs for any studied indication. Copyright © 2011. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
The Complexity of Practicum Assessment in Teacher Education: An Examination of Four New Zealand Case Studies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aspden, Karyn M.

2017-01-01

Practicum is a key element of initial teacher education (ITE) programmes, designed to support the professional growth of student teachers. Practicum is also a key point of assessment, leading to a determination of the student's professional growth and their readiness to teach and enter the teaching profession. This study sought to understand the…
The University Charter School Partnership: A Case Study on the Perspectives of Key Constituencies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

DeMinico, Dana

2011-01-01

The following study sought to add to the body of literature on effective charter school models and the role universities play in urban school reform by closely examining one urban elementary university charter school partnership through the eyes of its key participants and in relation to the unique political and social contexts in which it was…
New Jersey Case Report: A Managed Market Approach.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Richardson, Richard C., Jr.

This report describes key policy decisions that have shaped the New Jersey system of higher education during the past third of a century. The study was part of a larger study that aimed at understanding the linkages between policy decisions and higher education performance through comparative case studies of two states in the United States and two…
RESEARCH: Theory in Practice: Applying Participatory Democracy Theory to Public Land Planning

PubMed

Moote; Mcclaran; Chickering

1997-11-01

/ Application of participatory democracy theory to public participation in public land planning, while widely advocated, has not been closely examined. A case study is used here to explicate the application of participatory democracy concepts to public participation in public land planning and decision making. In this case, a Bureau of Land Management resource area manager decided to make a significant shift from the traditional public involvement process to a more participatory method-coordinated resource management (CRM). This case was assessed using document analysis, direct observation of CRM meetings, questionnaires, and interviews of key participants. These sources were used to examine the CRM case using participatory democracy concepts of efficacy, access and representation, continuous participation throughout planning, information exchange and learning, and decision-making authority. The case study suggests that social deliberation in itself does not ensure successful collaboration and that establishing rules of operation and decision making within the group is critical. Furthermore, conflicts between the concept of shared decision-making authority and the public land management agencies' accountability to Congress, the President, and the courts need further consideration.KEY WORDS: Case study; Coordinated resource management; Public participation; Administrative discretion; Representation; Consensus; Collaboration
Promoting the Social Inclusion and Academic Progress of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Children: A Secondary School Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gould, Siobhan

2017-01-01

The aim of this study was to identify support strategies used to promote "social inclusion" and "academic progress" of Key Stage 3 and 4 Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) pupils. The study used an interpretivist approach, incorporating an embedded single case study with several participant groups, namely GRT pupils, GRT parents,…
Helping Crisis Managers Protect Reputational Assets: Initial Tests of the Situational Crisis Communication Theory.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Coombs, W. Timothy; Holladay, Sherry J.

2002-01-01

Explains a comprehensive, prescriptive, situational approach for responding to crises and protecting organizational reputation: the situational crisis communication theory (SCCT). Notes undergraduate students read two crisis case studies from a set of 13 cases and responded to questions following the case. Validates a key assumption in SCCT and…
Maximizing Team Performance: The Critical Role of the Nurse Leader.

PubMed

Manges, Kirstin; Scott-Cawiezell, Jill; Ward, Marcia M

2017-01-01

Facilitating team development is challenging, yet critical for ongoing improvement across healthcare settings. The purpose of this exemplary case study is to examine the role of nurse leaders in facilitating the development of a high-performing Change Team in implementing a patient safety initiative (TeamSTEPPs) using the Tuckman Model of Group Development as a guiding framework. The case study is the synthesis of 2.5 years of critical access hospital key informant interviews (n = 50). Critical juncture points related to team development and key nurse leader actions are analyzed, suggesting that nurse leaders are essential to maximize clinical teams' performance. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Study of Problem Solving Process of E-Book PBL Course of Atayal Senior High School Students in Taiwan

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chao, Jen Yi; Tzeng, Pei Wen; Po, Hsin Yu

2017-01-01

This research is a qualitative case research. The objects were eight senior high students taking information application program in Nan Oau Aboriginal Key Senior high school in Taiwan. The study was aim to design a project-based e-book making course for Nan Oau Aboriginal Key Senior high school by studying the Atayal handicraft art curriculums.…
Implementing large-scale programmes to optimise the health workforce in low- and middle-income settings: a multicountry case study synthesis.

PubMed

Gopinathan, Unni; Lewin, Simon; Glenton, Claire

2014-12-01

To identify factors affecting the implementation of large-scale programmes to optimise the health workforce in low- and middle-income countries. We conducted a multicountry case study synthesis. Eligible programmes were identified through consultation with experts and using Internet searches. Programmes were selected purposively to match the inclusion criteria. Programme documents were gathered via Google Scholar and PubMed and from key informants. The SURE Framework - a comprehensive list of factors that may influence the implementation of health system interventions - was used to organise the data. Thematic analysis was used to identify the key issues that emerged from the case studies. Programmes from Brazil, Ethiopia, India, Iran, Malawi, Venezuela and Zimbabwe were selected. Key system-level factors affecting the implementation of the programmes were related to health worker training and continuing education, management and programme support structures, the organisation and delivery of services, community participation, and the sociopolitical environment. Existing weaknesses in health systems may undermine the implementation of large-scale programmes to optimise the health workforce. Changes in the roles and responsibilities of cadres may also, in turn, impact the health system throughout. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Implementation of the Chelsea School Project: A Case Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pelavin, Diane; And Others

A case study was done of the Boston University management and operation of the Chelsea (Massachusetts) school system including perceptions of key participants and outcomes of the first year of the partnership. Despite unanticipated levels of hostility between various groups and slow funding, which slowed some first year objectives, the project…
Adopting National Vocational Qualifications in the Offshore Industry: A Case Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fuller, Alison; John, Debbie

1994-01-01

From a case study of the introduction of National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) in the British petroleum industry emerged three key issues: (1) their credibility depends on how closely they reflect employment standards; (2) context is important; and (3) although NVQs should provide wider access to opportunities, the offshore industry's…
Making Interdisciplinary Collaboration Work: Key Ideas, a Case Study and Lessons Learned

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McMurtry, Angus; Clarkin, Chantalle; Bangou, Francis; Duplaa, Emmanuel; MacDonald, Colla; Ng-A-Fook, Nicholas; Trumpower, David

2012-01-01

This article discusses the "lessons learned" from an attempt to establish an interdisciplinary education research group. The growth, development and dissolution of the group are treated as an instrumental case study. Current literature on interdisciplinary collaboration is synthesized in order to provide a frame for analysis. Data was collected…

Development of Short-term Molecular Thresholds to Predict Long-term Mouse Liver Tumor Outcomes: Phthalate Case StudyTo be

EPA Science Inventory

Molecular Thresholds for Early Key Events in Liver Tumorgensis: PhthalateCase StudyTriangleShort-term changes in molecular profiles are a central component of strategies to model health effects of environmental chemicals such as phthalates, for which there is widespread human exp...
Amalgamation, Expansion, Quality Assurance and Innovations: A Case Study on a Key University in China

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zhang, Jingning

2010-01-01

The Chinese higher education reform policies since 1993 have been pursued in a centralized, top-down manner, which some theorists characterize as "centralized decentralization" or governmental "steering at distance." This case-study dissertation has two purposes. First, is to evaluate the implementation or the "situated…
Distributed Leadership with the Aim of "Reculturing": A Departmental Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Melville, Wayne; Jones, Doug; Campbell, Todd

2014-01-01

This article considers a secondary science department that has, since 2000, developed distributed leadership as a form of human capacity building. Using a longitudinal ethnographic case study allowed us to consider how distributed leadership can be nurtured and developed in a department. Our analysis centres on two key issues: the nature and…
A Case Study Approach to Ethics in Career Development, Second Edition. Monograph Series

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Makela, Julia Panke; Perlus, Jessamyn G.

2017-01-01

This second edition tackles some of the most vexing questions that career development professionals encounter today. Using a case study design, it offers a hands-on experience with ethical terminology, resources, and issues. Each dilemma presented includes detailed, guided discussion of key issues and recommendations, with direct connections to…
Inclusive Assessment at Point-of-Design

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Keating, Neil; Zybutz, Tanya; Rouse, Karl

2012-01-01

Recognising assessment as a driver for learning and a key part of the student learning experience, this case study considers the impact of opening the assessment process to active student engagement as well as placing inclusivity at the heart of the assessment task at point-of-design. This case study presents an approach to assessment that both…
Automated and Autonomous Systems for Combat Service Support: Scoping Study and Technology Prioritisation

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-10-01

workshop, and use case development for automated and autonomous systems for CSS. The scoping study covers key concepts and trends, a technology scan, and...requirements and delimiters for the selected technologies. The report goes on to present detailed use cases for two technologies of interest: semi...selected use cases . As a result of the workshop, the large list of technologies and applications from the scoping study was narrowed down to the top
Methodology or method? A critical review of qualitative case study reports.

PubMed

Hyett, Nerida; Kenny, Amanda; Dickson-Swift, Virginia

2014-01-01

Despite on-going debate about credibility, and reported limitations in comparison to other approaches, case study is an increasingly popular approach among qualitative researchers. We critically analysed the methodological descriptions of published case studies. Three high-impact qualitative methods journals were searched to locate case studies published in the past 5 years; 34 were selected for analysis. Articles were categorized as health and health services (n=12), social sciences and anthropology (n=7), or methods (n=15) case studies. The articles were reviewed using an adapted version of established criteria to determine whether adequate methodological justification was present, and if study aims, methods, and reported findings were consistent with a qualitative case study approach. Findings were grouped into five themes outlining key methodological issues: case study methodology or method, case of something particular and case selection, contextually bound case study, researcher and case interactions and triangulation, and study design inconsistent with methodology reported. Improved reporting of case studies by qualitative researchers will advance the methodology for the benefit of researchers and practitioners.
Extremes in Otolaryngology Resident Surgical Case Numbers: An Update.

PubMed

Baugh, Tiffany P; Franzese, Christine B

2017-06-01

Objectives The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of minimum case numbers on otolaryngology resident case log data and understand differences in minimum, mean, and maximum among certain procedures as a follow-up to a prior study. Study Design Cross-sectional survey using a national database. Setting Academic otolaryngology residency programs. Subjects and Methods Review of otolaryngology resident national data reports from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) resident case log system performed from 2004 to 2015. Minimum, mean, standard deviation, and maximum values for total number of supervisor and resident surgeon cases and for specific surgical procedures were compared. Results The mean total number of resident surgeon cases for residents graduating from 2011 to 2015 ranged from 1833.3 ± 484 in 2011 to 2072.3 ± 548 in 2014. The minimum total number of cases ranged from 826 in 2014 to 1004 in 2015. The maximum total number of cases increased from 3545 in 2011 to 4580 in 2015. Multiple key indicator procedures had less than the required minimum reported in 2015. Conclusion Despite the ACGME instituting required minimum numbers for key indicator procedures, residents have graduated without meeting these minimums. Furthermore, there continues to be large variations in the minimum, mean, and maximum numbers for many procedures. Variation among resident case numbers is likely multifactorial. Ensuring proper instruction on coding and case role as well as emphasizing frequent logging by residents will ensure programs have the most accurate data to evaluate their case volume.
Examining key design decisions involved in developing a serious game for child sexual abuse prevention.

PubMed

Stieler-Hunt, Colleen; Jones, Christian M; Rolfe, Ben; Pozzebon, Kay

2014-01-01

This paper presents a case study of the key decisions made in the design of Orbit, a child sexual abuse prevention computer game targeted at school students between 8 and 10 years of age. Key decisions include providing supported delivery for the target age group, featuring adults in the program, not over-sanitizing game content, having a focus on building healthy self-concept of players, making the game engaging and relatable for all players and evaluating the program. This case study has implications for the design of Serious Games more generally, including that research should underpin game design decisions, game designers should consider ways of bridging the game to real life, the learning that arises from the game should go beyond rote-learning, designers should consider how the player can make the game-world their own and comprehensive evaluations of Serious Games should be undertaken.
Examining key design decisions involved in developing a serious game for child sexual abuse prevention

PubMed Central

Stieler-Hunt, Colleen; Jones, Christian M.; Rolfe, Ben; Pozzebon, Kay

2014-01-01

This paper presents a case study of the key decisions made in the design of Orbit, a child sexual abuse prevention computer game targeted at school students between 8 and 10 years of age. Key decisions include providing supported delivery for the target age group, featuring adults in the program, not over-sanitizing game content, having a focus on building healthy self-concept of players, making the game engaging and relatable for all players and evaluating the program. This case study has implications for the design of Serious Games more generally, including that research should underpin game design decisions, game designers should consider ways of bridging the game to real life, the learning that arises from the game should go beyond rote-learning, designers should consider how the player can make the game-world their own and comprehensive evaluations of Serious Games should be undertaken. PMID:24550880
IARC use of oxidative stress as key mode of action characteristic for facilitating cancer classification: Glyphosate case example illustrating a lack of robustness in interpretative implementation.

PubMed

Bus, James S

2017-06-01

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has formulated 10 key characteristics of human carcinogens to incorporate mechanistic data into cancer hazard classifications. The analysis used glyphosate as a case example to examine the robustness of IARC's determination of oxidative stress as "strong" evidence supporting a plausible cancer mechanism in humans. The IARC analysis primarily relied on 14 human/mammalian studies; 19 non-mammalian studies were uninformative of human cancer given the broad spectrum of test species and extensive use of formulations and aquatic testing. The mammalian studies had substantial experimental limitations for informing cancer mechanism including use of: single doses and time points; cytotoxic/toxic test doses; tissues not identified as potential cancer targets; glyphosate formulations or mixtures; technically limited oxidative stress biomarkers. The doses were many orders of magnitude higher than human exposures determined in human biomonitoring studies. The glyphosate case example reveals that the IARC evaluation fell substantially short of "strong" supporting evidence of oxidative stress as a plausible human cancer mechanism, and suggests that other IARC monographs relying on the 10 key characteristics approach should be similarly examined for a lack of robust data integration fundamental to reasonable mode of action evaluations. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
From shared care to disease management: key-influencing factors

PubMed Central

Eijkelberg, Irmgard M.J.G.; Spreeuwenberg, Cor; Mur-Veeman, Ingrid M.; Wolffenbuttel, Bruce H.R.

2001-01-01

Abstract Background In order to improve the quality of care of chronically ill patients the traditional boundaries between primary and secondary care are questioned. To demolish these boundaries so-called ‘shared care’ projects have been initiated in which different ways of substitution of care are applied. When these projects end, disease management may offer a solution to expand the achieved co-operation between primary and secondary care. Objective Answering the question: What key factors influence the development and implementation of shared care projects from a management perspective and how are they linked? Theory The theoretical framework is based on the concept of the learning organisation. Design Reference point is a multiple case study that finally becomes a single case study. Data are collected by means of triangulation. The studied cases concern two interrelated Dutch shared care projects for type 2 diabetic patients, that in the end proceed as one disease management project. Results In these cases the predominant key-influencing factors appear to be the project management, commitment and local context, respectively. The factor project management directly links the latter two, albeit managing both appear prerequisites to its success. In practice this implies managing the factors' interdependency by the application of change strategies and tactics in a committed and skilful way. Conclusion Project management, as the most important and active key factor, is advised to cope with the interrelationships of the influencing factors in a gradually more fundamental way by using strategies and tactics that enable learning processes. Then small-scale shared care projects may change into a disease management network at a large scale, which may yield the future blueprint to proceed. PMID:16896415
Religious Conversion to Islam and Its Influence on Workplace Relationships in American and Egyptian Schools: A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brooks, Melanie Carol

2010-01-01

This single-subject case study explored one teacher's religious conversion to Islam and her workplace relationships in the United States and Egypt. Key findings of the study suggested that social context of schools influenced workplace relationships. As a Muslim-American teacher working in the American public schools, she was uncomfortable…
The Views of International Students Regarding University Support Services in Australia: A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Roberts, Pam; Boldy, Duncan; Dunworth, Katie

2015-01-01

This paper reports on a study aimed at developing an improved understanding of the support needs of international students. Using a case study approach at one Australian university, a three stage data collection process was adopted: interviews with key support service providers in the university, student focus groups, and a large-scale survey.…
Educating Citizens for Participatory Democracy: A Case Study of Local Government Education Policy in Pelotas, Brazil

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McCowan, Tristan

2006-01-01

A case study was undertaken of Pelotas, a large town in southern Brazil, where a recent government of the Workers' Party (PT) implemented a range of social policy reforms. The study draws on interviews with key members of the Municipal Secretariat of Education and policy documents, analyzing them in relation to theoretical literature on…
Keeping It Local: Incorporating a Local Case Study in the Business Curriculum

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johnson, Larry Alan; Helms, Marilyn M.

2008-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to evaluate the inclusion of team case analyses and presentations in undergraduate finance courses that usually focus on analyzing provided financial statement data. Design/methodology/approach: In this paper the authors argue the early use of a local company case can illustrate key course concepts while…
Evaluating the Integration of Key Skills and NVQs into an Undergraduate Degree Programme: A Case Study from the Graduate Apprenticeship Initiative.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thomas, Sarah; Grimes, Darren

2003-01-01

Graduate apprenticeships in a British college's hospitality management course involved integration of key skills and National Vocational Qualifications units. Qualitative and quantitative data from seven students indicated they felt that integration enabled formal recognition of competency, provided valuable managerial experience, and facilitated…
Application of IATA - A case study in evaluating the global and local performance of a Bayesian Network model for Skin Sensitization

EPA Science Inventory

Since the publication of the Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) for skin sensitization, there have been many efforts to develop systematic approaches to integrate the information generated from different key events for decision making. The types of information characterizing key event...
Ethos and Vision Realization in Sponsored Academy Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gibson, Mark T.

2015-01-01

This article investigates the realization of ethos and vision in the early stages of sponsored academy schools in England. It is a qualitative nested case study of ten academies. Nineteen key actors were interviewed, including principals and sponsor representatives. The nests were organized by sponsor type. Key themes are discussed within the…
Perceptions on the Role of Evidence: An English Alcohol Policy Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Toner, Paul; Lloyd, Charlie; Thom, Betsy; MacGregor, Susanne; Godfrey, Christine; Herring, Rachel; Tchilingirian, Jordan

2014-01-01

This paper explores the competing influences which inform public health policy and describes the role that research evidence plays within the policy-making process. In particular it draws on a recent English alcohol policy case study to assess the role of evidence in informing policy and practice. Semi-structured interviews with key national,…

An Investigation of Leadership in a Professional Learning Community: A Case Study of a Large, Suburban, Public Middle School

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Liebman, Howard; Maldonado, Nancy; Lacey, Candace H.; Thompson, Steve

2005-01-01

This qualitative case study investigated a large, suburban, public middle school focusing on educators' perceptions of leadership within their professional learning community. Participants included the principal, administrative team, and key faculty members. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and were analyzed by hand coding and…
Interview with Peter Samis and Mimi Michaelson, Authors of "Creating the Visitor-Centered Museum"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Spero, Susan

2017-01-01

"Creating the Visitor-Centered Museum" offers insight into why and how 10 case study museums have transformed to serve the needs of their public. Susan Spero interviews authors Peter Samis and Mimi Michaelson about the purpose of the book, their case study choices, the key characteristics of visitor-centered institutions and their…
Teamwork--Teach Me, Teach Me Not: A Case Study of Three Australian Preservice Teachers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Main, Katherine

2010-01-01

Explicit training in teaming skills (both preservice and inservice) has been identified as a key means of facilitating the effective functioning of teaching teams (Main, 2007). This case study explored how groupwork tasks within university coursework can prepare preservice education students to work effectively in teaching teams. Three students in…
Charting the Learning Journey of a Group of Adults Returning to Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mooney, Des

2011-01-01

Using a qualitative case study method the researcher studied a group of adult returning students completing a childcare course. Methods used included focus groups, a questionnaire and observations. Using a holistic analysis approach (Yin 2003) of the case the researcher then focused on a number of key issues. From this analysis the themes of…
Engaging Parents with Sex and Relationship Education: A UK Primary School Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alldred, Pam; Fox, Nick; Kulpa, Robert

2016-01-01

Objective: To assess an intervention to familiarise parents with children's books for use in primary (5-11 years) sex and relationship education (SRE) classes. Method: Case study of a 7-week programme in one London primary school, using ethnographic observation, semi-structured interviews and focus groups with parents (n = 7) and key stakeholders…
Issues in Designing a Hypermedia Document System: The Intermedia Case Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yankelovich, Nicole; And Others

1986-01-01

Intermedia, a hypermedia system developed at Brown University's Institute for Research (Rhode Island) in Information and Scholarship, is first described, and then used as a case study to explore a number of key issues that software designers must consider in the development of hypermedia document systems. A hypermedia document system is defined as…
Judging Risk: Key Determinants in British Domestic Violence Cases

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Robinson, Amanda L.; Howarth, Emma

2012-01-01

Data from the largest study to date of the working practices of British victim support workers (known as Independent Domestic Violence Advisors or IDVAs) are used to provide insight into how "risk judgments" are made in cases of domestic violence. Using data from more than 2,000 victims, this study found a convergence between actuarial…
Bowland Maths: Problem Solving in Key Stage 3

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lane, Peter; Lister, Adelaide; Onion, Alice; Wintle, Karen

2008-01-01

A project has been developed for KS3 maths, funded by the Bowland Trust (www.bowlandmaths.org.uk) with additional support from the DCSF. It consists of a teaching resource of about 20 case-study problems aimed at developing thinking, reasoning and problem-solving skills and has been distributed to all UK secondary schools. Each case study includes…
Virtual patients in the acquisition of clinical reasoning skills: does presentation mode matter? A quasi-randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Schubach, Fabian; Goos, Matthias; Fabry, Götz; Vach, Werner; Boeker, Martin

2017-09-15

The objective of this study is to compare two different instructional methods in the curricular use of computerized virtual patients in undergraduate medical education. We aim to investigate whether using many short and focused cases - the key feature principle - is more effective for the learning of clinical reasoning skills than using few long and systematic cases. We conducted a quasi-randomized, non-blinded, controlled parallel-group intervention trial in a large medical school in Southwestern Germany. During two seminar sessions, fourth- and fifth-year medical students (n = 56) worked on the differential diagnosis of the acute abdomen. The educational tool - virtual patients - was the same, but the instructional method differed: In one trial arm, students worked on multiple short cases, with the instruction being focused only on important elements ("key feature arm", n = 30). In the other trial arm, students worked on few long cases, with the instruction being comprehensive and systematic ("systematic arm", n = 26). The overall training time was the same in both arms. The students' clinical reasoning capacity was measured by a specifically developed instrument, a script concordance test. Their motivation and the perceived effectiveness of the instruction were assessed using a structured evaluation questionnaire. Upon completion of the script concordance test with a reference score of 80 points and a standard deviation of 5 for experts, students in the key feature arm attained a mean of 57.4 points (95% confidence interval: 50.9-63.9), and in the systematic arm, 62.7 points (57.2-68.2), with Cohen's d at 0.337. The difference is statistically non-significant (p = 0.214). In the evaluation survey, students in the key feature arm indicated that they experienced more time pressure and perceived the material as more difficult. In this study powered for a medium effect, we could not provide empirical evidence for the hypothesis that a key feature-based instruction on multiple short cases is superior to a systematic instruction on few long cases in the curricular implementation of virtual patients. The results of the evaluation survey suggest that learners should be given enough time to work through case examples, and that caution should be taken to prevent cognitive overload.
Approaches to Children’s Exposure Assessment: Case Study with Diethylhexylphthalate (DEHP)

PubMed Central

Ginsberg, Gary; Ginsberg, Justine; Foos, Brenda

2016-01-01

Children’s exposure assessment is a key input into epidemiology studies, risk assessment and source apportionment. The goals of this article are to describe a methodology for children’s exposure assessment that can be used for these purposes and to apply the methodology to source apportionment for the case study chemical, diethylhexylphthalate (DEHP). A key feature is the comparison of total (aggregate) exposure calculated via a pathways approach to that derived from a biomonitoring approach. The 4-step methodology and its results for DEHP are: (1) Prioritization of life stages and exposure pathways, with pregnancy, breast-fed infants, and toddlers the focus of the case study and pathways selected that are relevant to these groups; (2) Estimation of pathway-specific exposures by life stage wherein diet was found to be the largest contributor for pregnant women, breast milk and mouthing behavior for the nursing infant and diet, house dust, and mouthing for toddlers; (3) Comparison of aggregate exposure by pathways vs biomonitoring-based approaches wherein good concordance was found for toddlers and pregnant women providing confidence in the exposure assessment; (4) Source apportionment in which DEHP presence in foods, children’s products, consumer products and the built environment are discussed with respect to early life mouthing, house dust and dietary exposure. A potential fifth step of the method involves the calculation of exposure doses for risk assessment which is described but outside the scope for the current case study. In summary, the methodology has been used to synthesize the available information to identify key sources of early life exposure to DEHP. PMID:27376320
Navigating Change and Leading an Institution of Higher Education: A Case Study of the Missional Leadership of a University President

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bunn, Christopher Edward

2010-01-01

The purpose of this qualitative, single case study is to explore key leadership principles and strategies related to the "good to great" pattern of growth at Lee University. In order to accomplish this purpose, this study investigates Dr. Paul Conn's thoughts and navigation through times of change, conflict, and the strategic execution of planned…
Complexity in Design-Driven Innovation: A Case Study of Knowledge Transfer Flow in Subsea Seismic Sensor Technology and Design Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pavel, Nenad; Berg, Arild

2015-01-01

To the extent previously claimed, concept exploration is not the key to product innovation. However, companies that are design-focused are twice as innovative as those that are not. To study design-driven innovation and its occurrence in design education, two case studies are conducted. The first is an example of design practice which includes…
The Effect of School Culture on Science Education at an Ideologically Innovative Elementary Magnet School: An Ethnographic Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Meier, Lori T.

2012-01-01

This ethnographic case study investigated the science practices of teachers at one public elementary magnet school in light of how school culture influenced science curriculum design and instruction. The purpose of the study was to address how school culture impacted the school's overall treatment of science as a viable content area. Key informant…
Office of exploration overview

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alred, John

1989-01-01

The NASA Office of Exploration case studies for FY89 are reviewed with regard to study ground rules and constraints. Three study scenarios are presented: lunar evolution, Mars evolution, and Mars expedition with emphasis on the key mission objectives.
Experiences in methods to involve key players in planning protective actions in the case of a nuclear accident.

PubMed

Sinkko, K; Hämäläinen, R P; Hänninen, R

2004-01-01

A widely used method in the planning of protective actions is to establish a stakeholder network to generate a comprehensive set of generic protective actions. The aim is to increase competence and build links for communication and coordination. The approach of this work was to systematically evaluate protective action strategies in the case of a nuclear accident. This was done in a way that the concerns and issues of all key players could be transparently and equally included in the decision taken. An approach called Facilitated Decision Analysis Workshop has been developed and tested. The work builds on case studies in which it was assumed that a hypothetical accident had led to a release of considerable amounts of radionuclides and, therefore, various types of countermeasures had to be considered. Six workshops were organised in the Nordic countries where the key players were represented, i.e. authorities, expert organisations, industry and agricultural producers. Copyright 2004 Oxford University Press
One-Time Password Registration Key Code Request | High-Performance

Science.gov Websites

Computing | NREL One-Time Password Registration Key Code Request One-Time Password Registration Key Code Request Use this form to request a one-time password (OTP) registration key code for using . Alternate Email In case there is a second email where we might contact you Phone In case we need to contact
Preschool Children's Interpretation of Object-Initial Sentences: Neural Correlates of Their Behavioral Performance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schipke, Christine S.; Knoll, Lisa J.; Friederici, Angela D.; Oberecker, Regine

2012-01-01

The acquisition of the function of case-marking is a key step in the development of sentence processing for German-speaking children since case-marking reveals the relations between sentential arguments. In this study, we investigated the development of the processing of case-marking and argument structures in children at 3, 4;6 and 6 years of…
A Retention Assessment Process: Utilizing Total Quality Management Principles and Focus Groups

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Codjoe, Henry M.; Helms, Marilyn M.

2005-01-01

Retaining students is a critical topic in higher education. Methodologies abound to gather attrition data as well as key variables important to retention. Using the theories of total quality management and focus groups, this case study gathers and reports data from current college students. Key results, suggestions for replication, and areas for…
Learning on the Job: A Situated Account of Teacher Learning in High School Mathematics Departments

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Horn, Ilana Seidel

2005-01-01

To investigate teachers' everyday on-the-job learning, I used a comparative case study design and examined the work of mathematics teachers in 2 high schools. Analysis of interviews, classroom observations, and teachers' conversations highlighted 3 key resources for learning: (a) reform artifacts oriented the teachers' attention to key concepts of…
A Case Study of Issues of Strategy Implementation in Internationalization of Higher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jiang, Nan; Carpenter, Victoria

2013-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to identify and critically evaluate key issues faced by an institution in the quest to implement higher education internationalization. Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative research is conducted in a post-1992 UK university. A total of 20 interviewees from three key departments participated in this…

Driving towards malaria elimination in Botswana by 2018: progress on case-based surveillance, 2013–2014

PubMed Central

Edwards, J.; Namboze, J.; Butt, W.; Moakofhi, K.; Obopile, M.; Manzi, M.; Takarinda, K. C.; Zachariah, R.; Owiti, P.; Oumer, N.; Mosweunyane, T.

2018-01-01

Background: Reliable information reporting systems ensure that all malaria cases are tested, treated and tracked to avoid further transmission. Botswana aimed to eliminate malaria by 2018, and surveillance is key. This study focused on assessing the uptake of the new malaria case-based surveillance (CBS) system introduced in 2012, which captures information on malaria cases reported in the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) system. Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study based on routine data focusing on Ngami, Chobe and Okavango, three high-risk districts in Botswana. Aggregated data variables were extracted from the IDSR and compared with data from the CBS. Results: The IDSR reported 456 malaria cases in 2013 and 1346 in 2014, of which respectively only 305 and 884 were reported by the CBS. The CBS reported 34% fewer cases than the IDSR system, indicating substantial differences between the two systems. The key malaria indicators with the greatest variability among the districts included in the study were case identification number and date of diagnosis. Conclusion: The IDSR and CBS systems are essential for malaria elimination, as shown by the significant gaps in reporting between the two systems. These findings highlight the need for further investigation into these discrepancies. Strengthening the CBS system will help to reach the objective of malaria elimination in Botswana. PMID:29713590
Driving towards malaria elimination in Botswana by 2018: progress on case-based surveillance, 2013-2014.

PubMed

Motlaleng, M; Edwards, J; Namboze, J; Butt, W; Moakofhi, K; Obopile, M; Manzi, M; Takarinda, K C; Zachariah, R; Owiti, P; Oumer, N; Mosweunyane, T

2018-04-25

Background: Reliable information reporting systems ensure that all malaria cases are tested, treated and tracked to avoid further transmission. Botswana aimed to eliminate malaria by 2018, and surveillance is key. This study focused on assessing the uptake of the new malaria case-based surveillance (CBS) system introduced in 2012, which captures information on malaria cases reported in the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) system. Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study based on routine data focusing on Ngami, Chobe and Okavango, three high-risk districts in Botswana. Aggregated data variables were extracted from the IDSR and compared with data from the CBS. Results: The IDSR reported 456 malaria cases in 2013 and 1346 in 2014, of which respectively only 305 and 884 were reported by the CBS. The CBS reported 34% fewer cases than the IDSR system, indicating substantial differences between the two systems. The key malaria indicators with the greatest variability among the districts included in the study were case identification number and date of diagnosis. Conclusion: The IDSR and CBS systems are essential for malaria elimination, as shown by the significant gaps in reporting between the two systems. These findings highlight the need for further investigation into these discrepancies. Strengthening the CBS system will help to reach the objective of malaria elimination in Botswana.
Methodology or method? A critical review of qualitative case study reports

PubMed Central

Hyett, Nerida; Kenny, Amanda; Dickson-Swift, Virginia

2014-01-01

Despite on-going debate about credibility, and reported limitations in comparison to other approaches, case study is an increasingly popular approach among qualitative researchers. We critically analysed the methodological descriptions of published case studies. Three high-impact qualitative methods journals were searched to locate case studies published in the past 5 years; 34 were selected for analysis. Articles were categorized as health and health services (n=12), social sciences and anthropology (n=7), or methods (n=15) case studies. The articles were reviewed using an adapted version of established criteria to determine whether adequate methodological justification was present, and if study aims, methods, and reported findings were consistent with a qualitative case study approach. Findings were grouped into five themes outlining key methodological issues: case study methodology or method, case of something particular and case selection, contextually bound case study, researcher and case interactions and triangulation, and study design inconsistent with methodology reported. Improved reporting of case studies by qualitative researchers will advance the methodology for the benefit of researchers and practitioners. PMID:24809980
An Exploratory Study of Advancing Mobilization in the Life Insurance Industry: The Case of Taiwan's Nan Shan Life Insurance Corporation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Luarn, Pin; Lin, Tom M. Y.; Lo, Peter K. Y.

2003-01-01

Employs a case study method, using in-depth interviews of 29 corporate managers and experts, to understand the current state of mobilization in the life insurance industry. Suggests a conceptual framework and formulates possible research propositions incorporating several variables. Suggests 10 key success factors for implementing mobilization in…
Key Strategies for Improving School Nutrition: A Case Study of Three School Nutrition Program Innovators

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sacheck, Jennifer M.; Morgan, Emily H.; Wilde, Parke; Griffin, Timothy; Nahar, Elizabeth; Economos, Christina D.

2012-01-01

Purpose/Objective: This case study identified common elements of three diverse New England school districts that were real-world models of improving school meals. Methods: School districts that had greater than 1,000 students, [greater than or equal to]3 schools, and [greater than or equal to]40% of students who qualified for free- or…
High School Grades and University Performance: A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cyrenne, Philippe; Chan, Alan

2012-01-01

A critical issue facing a number of colleges and universities is how to allocate first year places to incoming students. The decision to admit students is often based on a number of factors, but a key statistic is a student's high school grades. This paper reports on a case study of the subsequent performance at the University of Winnipeg of high…
The Muddy-Booted Boys: A Case Study of Working-Class Youth in a Rural Community

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kleiderlein, Marie

2013-01-01

This case study describes the high school experiences of White working-class boys in a rural community in the northeast United States. It examines the identity formation of these youth, key characteristics of those identities, as well as a prominent and significant group identity among them. These youth are typically kinesthetic learners and…
The Role of Universities in Strengthening Local Capabilities for Innovation--A Comparative Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Westnes, Petter; Hatakenaka, Sachi; Gjelsvik, Martin; Lester, Richard K.

2009-01-01

This article reports on a comparative case study of the role played by local universities and public research organizations in the development of local capabilities for innovation in two key gateways to the North Sea oil and gas province: the Stavanger region on the southwest coast of Norway and the Aberdeen region in northeast Scotland. These two…
Implications of Student and Lecturer Qualitative Views on Reading Lists: A Case Study at Loughborough University, UK

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brewerton, Gary

2014-01-01

This case study explores student and lecturer views of reading lists at Loughborough University. Taking the qualitative data from two surveys previously undertaken at the institution, it uses the grounded theory approach to identify key issues regarding the purpose, importance, visibility, content, currency, and length of reading lists, as well as…
Environmental Literacy Components and Their Promotion by Institutions of Higher Education: An Israeli Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Arnon, Sara; Orion, Nir; Carmi, Nurit

2015-01-01

The recognition of the key role and moral responsibility of higher education institutions (HEIs) in cultivating the environmental literacy (EL) of their students is growing globally. The current research examined the contribution of HEIs to their students' EL by focusing on an Israeli college as a case-study. A survey was conducted among a…
Nurturing Creativity and Innovation through FabKids: A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Beyers, Ronald Noel

2010-01-01

This paper will report on a case study that was conducted involving Grade 10 learners who were exposed to a high-tech rapid-prototyping environment of a Fabrication Laboratory as part of a FabKids experience. This project must be viewed in the context of a global shortage of key skills placing a higher priority on the initiation and development of…
Empowering L2 Tutoring: A Case Study of a Second Language Writer's Vocabulary Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Severino, Carol; Deifell, Elizabeth

2011-01-01

Writing center tutors play a key role in advancing L2 writers' language learning because the tutorial interaction involves the introduction of new language and vocabulary at the point of need or interest. This tutor-research case study presents a detailed, complex portrait of how a second language writer in a US writing center learned and used…
Identical, Fraternal, or Separated at Birth: A Case Study of Educator Teams within American-Israeli School Twinning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chertok, Fern; Mittelberg, David; Laron, Dinah; Koren, Annette

2013-01-01

School-to-school collaboration has emerged as a key paradigm for fostering personal and institutional connections between Israeli and Diaspora youth, educators, and schools. Using the findings of a multi-year case study of a high school level twinning initiative, this article describes the challenges to this form of transnational collaboration and…
The California Conservation Corps: A Case Study. Working Paper #5. The State Youth Initiatives Project.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bailin, Michael A.

Through site visits, a case study was made of the California Conservation Corps (CCC) in order to provide a description of its history, objectives, program features, participants, funding patterns, future plans, and key issues scheduled to be addressed by the program. Descended from similar earlier programs, the CCC was established in 1976. After…
Food system sustainability for health and well-being of Indigenous Peoples.

PubMed

Kuhnlein, Harriet V

2015-09-01

To describe how Indigenous Peoples understand how to enhance use of their food systems to promote sustainability, as demonstrated in several food-based interventions. Comments contributed by partners from case studies of Indigenous Peoples and their food systems attending an international meeting were implemented with public health interventions at the community level in nine countries. The Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Conference Center in Bellagio, Italy, where experiences from case studies of Indigenous Peoples were considered and then conducted in their home communities in rural areas. Leaders of the Indigenous Peoples' case studies, their communities and their academic partners. Reported strategies on how to improve use of local food systems in case study communities of Indigenous Peoples. Indigenous Peoples' reflections on their local food systems should be encouraged and acted upon to protect and promote sustainability of the cultures and ecosystems that derive their food systems. Promoting use of local traditional food biodiversity is an essential driver of food system sustainability for Indigenous Peoples, and contributes to global consciousness for protecting food biodiversity and food system sustainability more broadly. Key lessons learned, key messages and good practices for nutrition and public health practitioners and policy makers are given.
Locally acquired Dengue--Key West, Florida, 2009-2010.

PubMed

2010-05-21

Dengue is the most common vector-borne viral disease in the world, causing an estimated 50-100 million infections and 25,000 deaths each year. During 1946-1980, no cases of dengue acquired in the continental United States were reported. Since 1980, a few locally acquired U.S. cases have been confirmed along the Texas-Mexico border, temporally associated with large outbreaks in neighboring Mexican cities. On September 1, 2009, a New York physician notified the Monroe County (Florida) Health Department (MCHD) and the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) of a suspected dengue case in a New York state resident whose only recent travel was to Key West, Florida. CDC confirmed the diagnosis, and a press release was issued to notify the public and Key West physicians of the potential risk for locally acquired dengue infections. In the next 2 weeks, two dengue infections in Key West residents without recent travel were reported and confirmed. Subsequently, enhanced and active surveillance identified 24 more Key West cases during 2009. On April 13, 2010, another Key West dengue case was reported to FDOH, bringing the total to 28. This report describes the first three dengue cases reported in 2009, briefly summarizes the 2010 case, highlights preliminary findings from the ongoing investigation, and outlines measures used to mitigate and control the outbreak. Clinicians should include dengue in the differential diagnosis of acute febrile illnesses in patients who live in or have recently traveled to subtropical areas of the United States or to the tropics.
A method for analyzing the business case for provider participation in the National Cancer Institute's Community Clinical Oncology Program and similar federally funded, provider-based research networks.

PubMed

Reiter, Kristin L; Song, Paula H; Minasian, Lori; Good, Marjorie; Weiner, Bryan J; McAlearney, Ann Scheck

2012-09-01

The Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP) plays an essential role in the efforts of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to increase enrollment in clinical trials. Currently, there is little practical guidance in the literature to assist provider organizations in analyzing the return on investment (ROI), or business case, for establishing and operating a provider-based research network (PBRN) such as the CCOP. In this article, the authors present a conceptual model of the business case for PBRN participation, a spreadsheet-based tool and advice for evaluating the business case for provider participation in a CCOP organization. A comparative, case-study approach was used to identify key components of the business case for hospitals attempting to support a CCOP research infrastructure. Semistructured interviews were conducted with providers and administrators. Key themes were identified and used to develop the financial analysis tool. Key components of the business case included CCOP start-up costs, direct revenue from the NCI CCOP grant, direct expenses required to maintain the CCOP research infrastructure, and incidental benefits, most notably downstream revenues from CCOP patients. The authors recognized the value of incidental benefits as an important contributor to the business case for CCOP participation; however, currently, this component is not calculated. The current results indicated that providing a method for documenting the business case for CCOP or other PBRN involvement will contribute to the long-term sustainability and expansion of these programs by improving providers' understanding of the financial implications of participation. Copyright © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Gender, religion, and the experience of suffering: a case study.

PubMed

Black, Helen K

2013-12-01

This article explores how gender and religious belief come together in an elderly woman's experience of suffering. It is based on qualitative research that explored experiences of suffering in a group of community-dwelling elders (80+) living in a North American city. We use the case study method to introduce themes that show suffering's uniqueness to the individual whose narrative we report, as well as similarity to themes that emerged in other participants' narratives. In this case, an elderly woman's gender and religious identities merge in her stories of suffering, which include the memory of a childhood disability and an incident of clergy abuse that occurred 70 years previously. A key finding in this paper is that key themes in her story of suffering, which are disablement and clergy abuse, resonate to the general themes of suffering found in our study, which are (1) threats to personal identity; (2) loss of a valued item, quality, or relationship; and (3) a lack of control over self or the circumstances of life.
Transactional Distance as a Predictor of Perceived Learner Satisfaction in Distance Learning Courses: A Case Study of Bachelor of Education Arts Program, University of Nairobi, Kenya

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mbwesa, Joyce Kanini

2014-01-01

There is a long history of study and recognition of the critical role of interaction in supporting and even defining distance education. Interaction has been identified as key to the success of distance learning. It is key in fostering, supporting and engaging in the learning process. Moore (1989) posits that the physical distance that exists in…
Expanding the Horizons of Accounting Education: Incorporating Social and Critical Perspectives

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Boyce, Gordon; Greer, Susan; Blair, Bill; Davids, Cindy

2012-01-01

This paper examines a case of accounting education change in the context of increased interest in ethical, social, and environmental accountability, presenting a reflexive case study of a new university accounting subject incorporating social and critical perspectives. Foundational pedagogical principles and key aspects of curriculum are outlined.…

Cases on Technological Adaptability and Transnational Learning: Issues and Challenges

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mukerji, Siran, Ed.; Tripathi, Purnendu, Ed.

2010-01-01

Technology holds the key for bridging the gap between access to quality education and the need for enhanced learning experiences. This book contains case studies on divergent themes of personalized learning environments, inclusive learning for social change, innovative learning and assessment techniques, technology and international partnership…
Progranulin-Associated Primary Progressive Aphasia: A Distinct Phenotype?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rohrer, Jonathan D.; Crutch, Sebastian J.; Warrington, Elizabeth K.; Warren, Jason D.

2010-01-01

The neuropsychological features of the primary progressive aphasia (PPA) syndromes continue to be defined. Here we describe a detailed neuropsychological case study of a patient with a mutation in the progranulin ("GRN") gene who presented with progressive word-finding difficulty. Key neuropsychological features in this case included gravely…
A case study of exploiting enterprise resource planning requirements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niu, Nan; Jin, Mingzhou; Cheng, Jing-Ru C.

2011-05-01

The requirements engineering (RE) processes have become a key to conceptualising corporate-wide integrated solutions based on packaged enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. The RE literature has mainly focused on procuring the most suitable ERP package. Little is known about how an organisation exploits the chosen ERP RE model to frame the business application development. This article reports an exploratory case study of a key tenet of ERP RE adoption, namely that aligning business applications to the packaged RE model leads to integral practices and economic development. The case study analysed a series interrelated pilot projects developed for a business division of a large IT manufacturing and service company, using Oracle's appl1ication implementation method (AIM). The study indicated that AIM RE improved team collaboration and project management experience, but needed to make hidden assumptions explicit to support data visibility and integrity. Our study can direct researchers towards rigorous empirical evaluations of ERP RE adoption, collect experiences and lessons learned for practitioners, and help generate more effective and mature processes when exploiting ERP RE methods.
National Environmental Change Information System Case Study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goodman, S. J.; Ritschard, R.; Estes, M. G., Jr.; Hatch, U.

2001-01-01

The Global Hydrology and Climate Center and NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center conducted a fact-finding case study for the Data Management Working Group (DMWG), now referred to as the Data and Information Working Group (DIWG), of the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) to determine the feasibility of an interagency National Environmental Change Information System (NECIS). In order to better understand the data and information needs of policy and decision makers at the national, state, and local level, the DIWG asked the case study team to choose a regional water resources issue in the southeastern United States that had an impact on a diverse group of stakeholders. The southeastern United States was also of interest because the region experiences interannual climatic variations and impacts due to El Nino and La Nina. Jointly, with input from the DIWG, a focus on future water resources planning in the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint (ACF) River basins of Alabama, Georgia, and Florida was selected. A tristate compact and water allocation formula is currently being negotiated between the states and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) that will affect the availability of water among competing uses within the ACF River basin. All major reservoirs on the ACF are federally owned and operated by the U.S. Army COE. A similar two-state negotiation is ongoing that addresses the water allocations in the adjacent Alabama-Coosa-Tallapoosa (ACT) River basin, which extends from northwest Georgia to Mobile Bay. The ACF and ACT basins are the subject of a comprehensive river basin study involving many stakeholders. The key objectives of this case study were to identify specific data and information needs of key stakeholders in the ACF region, determine what capabilities are needed to provide the most practical response to these user requests, and to identify any limitations in the use of federal data and information. The NECIS case study followed the terms of reference developed by the interagency DIWG. The case study "lessons learned" and "key findings" offer guidelines and considerations to the DMWG for the development and implementation of a NECIS that would support the data and information needs of policy and decision makers at the national, state, and local level.
A balanced perspective: using nonfinancial measures to assess financial performance.

PubMed

Watkins, Ann L

2003-11-01

Assessments of hospitals' financial performance have traditionally been based exclusively on analysis of a concise set of key financial ratios. One study, however, demonstrates that analysis of a hospital's financial condition can be significantly enhanced with the addition of several nonfinancial measures, including case-mix adjusted admissions, case-mix adjusted admissions per full-time equivalent, and case-mix adjusted admissions per beds in service.
The U.S. Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2): a case study in designing a nonmedical case management program for severely wounded, injured, and ill service members and their families.

PubMed

Hudak, Ronald P; Morrison, Christine; Carstensen, Mary; Rice, James S; Jurgersen, Brent R

2009-06-01

This case study describes the innovative and unique U.S. Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2), which provides nonmedical case management to the most severely wounded, injured, and ill soldiers and their families. The study describes the program and identifies the features for a successful nonmedical case management program of an identified population who has complex medical needs. Although the article focuses primarily on the role of the AW2 advocate, key components of the program are discussed, including successful initiatives as well as areas that required adjustment. The lessons learned are identified as well as recommendations for future nonmedical case management initiatives.
A Delphi-Based Approach for Detecting Key E-Learning Trends in Postgraduate Education: The Spanish Case

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lopez-Catalan, Blanca; Bañuls, Victor A.

2017-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present the results of national level Delphi study carried out in Spain aimed at providing inputs for higher education administrators and decision makers about key e-learning trends for supporting postgraduate courses. Design/methodology/approach: The ranking of the e-learning trends is based on a…
Social and behavior change communication in the fight against malaria in Mozambique

PubMed Central

Arroz, Jorge Alexandre Harrison

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Long-lasting insecticide-treated nets and/or indoor residual spraying, associated with case management, are key interventions in the control of malaria in Africa. The objective of this study is to comment on the role of social and behavior change communication as a potential key intervention in the control of malaria in Mozambique. PMID:28355338
The Organization of Teaching Process for the Development of Key Competencies (Case Study: Future Managers)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Khusainova, Guzel R.; Galeeva, Farida T.; Giniyatullina, Diana R.; Tarasova, Natalya M.; Tsareva, Ekaterina E.

2016-01-01

This article is focused on the development of the organizational forms of future managers training for the development of their key competencies, namely, creativity and the ability to work in a team. The analysis of works of the researchers in the field of management and pedagogics shows that small groups as an organizational form has great…
Key Dimensions of Effective Leadership for Change: A Focus on Township and Rural Schools in South Africa

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ngcobo, Thandi; Tikly, Leon Paul

2010-01-01

The article identifies key dimensions of effective leadership for change in historically disadvantaged, township and rural schools in South Africa. It is based on original case study research in 13 schools in Kwa-Zulu Natal. Although the sample included mainly township and rural primary and secondary schools it also included a smaller sample of…
Case Report: The Impact of a Resubmission Intervention on Level 1 Distance Learning Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pinchbeck, Jessica; Heaney, Caroline

2017-01-01

Student retention and success are key performance indicators within higher education. One of the key opportunities to address both of these lies with the support offered to students who fail a module but are entitled to resubmit. This study investigates the value of implementing a resubmission intervention to improve the quantity and quality of…
Key Strategies Used by Title I Elementary School Principals to Increase Student Achievement in Six San Bernardino County Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brown, Marcie

2011-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this case study was to determine key strategies in the areas of instructional leadership, communication, and empowerment used by the principals of selected high-poverty elementary schools in two high-poverty San Bernardino County school districts that exceeded their Academic Performance Index growth target score by forty or…
Piloting a programme tool to evaluate malaria case investigation and reactive case detection activities: results from 3 settings in the Asia Pacific.

PubMed

Cotter, Chris; Sudathip, Prayuth; Herdiana, Herdiana; Cao, Yuanyuan; Liu, Yaobao; Luo, Alex; Ranasinghe, Neil; Bennett, Adam; Cao, Jun; Gosling, Roly D

2017-08-22

Case investigation and reactive case detection (RACD) activities are widely-used in low transmission settings to determine the suspected origin of infection and identify and treat malaria infections nearby to the index patient household. Case investigation and RACD activities are time and resource intensive, include methodologies that vary across eliminating settings, and have no standardized metrics or tools available to monitor and evaluate them. In response to this gap, a simple programme tool was developed for monitoring and evaluating (M&E) RACD activities and piloted by national malaria programmes. During the development phase, four modules of the RACD M&E tool were created to assess and evaluate key case investigation and RACD activities and costs. A pilot phase was then carried out by programme implementers between 2013 and 2015, during which malaria surveillance teams in three different settings (China, Indonesia, Thailand) piloted the tool over a period of 3 months each. This study describes summary results of the pilots and feasibility and impact of the tool on programmes. All three study areas implemented the RACD M&E tool modules, and pilot users reported the tool and evaluation process were helpful to identify gaps in RACD programme activities. In the 45 health facilities evaluated, 71.8% (97/135; min 35.3-max 100.0%) of the proper notification and reporting forms and 20.0% (27/135; min 0.0-max 100.0%) of standard operating procedures (SOPs) were available to support malaria elimination activities. The tool highlighted gaps in reporting key data indicators on the completeness for malaria case reporting (98.8%; min 93.3-max 100.0%), case investigations (65.6%; min 61.8-max 78.4%) and RACD activities (70.0%; min 64.7-max 100.0%). Evaluation of the SOPs showed that knowledge and practices of malaria personnel varied within and between study areas. Average monthly costs for conducting case investigation and RACD activities showed variation between study areas (min USD $844.80-max USD $2038.00) for the malaria personnel, commodities, services and other costs required to carry out the activities. The RACD M&E tool was implemented in the three pilot areas, identifying key gaps that led to impacts on programme decision making. Study findings support the need for routine M&E of malaria case reporting, case investigation and RACD activities. Scale-up of the RACD M&E tool in malaria-eliminating settings will contribute to improved programme performance to the high level that is required to reach elimination.
CASE STUDY RESEARCH: THE VIEW FROM COMPLEXITY SCIENCE

PubMed Central

Anderson, Ruth; Crabtree, Benjamin F.; Steele, David J.; McDaniel, Reuben R.

2005-01-01

Many wonder why there has been so little change in care quality, despite substantial quality improvement efforts. Questioning why current approaches are not making true changes draws attention to the organization as a source of answers. We bring together the case study method and complexity science to suggest new ways to study health care organizations. The case study provides a method for studying systems. Complexity theory suggests that keys to understanding the system are contained in patterns of relationships and interactions among the system’s agents. We propose some of the “objects” of study that are implicated by complexity theory and discuss how studying these using case methods may provide useful maps of the system. We offer complexity theory, partnered with case study method, as a place to begin the daunting task of studying a system as an integrated whole. PMID:15802542
An Exploratory Use of the Stakeholder Approach to Defining and Measuring Quality: The Case of a Cypriot Higher Education Institution

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Iacovidou, Melpo; Gibbs, Paul; Zopiatis, Anastasios

2009-01-01

Cyprus has recently adopted laws to allow for the provision of private higher education. This case study concerns one such institution that is developing its understanding of quality through the eyes of two of its key stakeholders, staff and students. This empirical study is nested within the literature that advocates community-wide acceptance of…
The Importance of Emotional Insight in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Anorexia Nervosa: An Adolescent Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rupa, Megha; Girimaji, Satish; Muthuswamy, Selvi; Jacob, Preeti; Ravi, Malavika

2013-01-01

Anorexia nervosa is a rare but sever psychiatric disorder in adolescence, with chronicity and death being the most feared consequence. Emotional Insight into one's problem is considered a key determinant of success in therapy. The following case study of a 14-year-old client, describes the process of therapy as it unfolded across 45 sessions. An…
Tension between Visions of Science Education: The Case of Energy Quality in Swedish Secondary Science Curricula

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Haglund, Jesper; Hultén, Magnus

2017-01-01

The aim of this study is to contribute to an understanding of how curricular change is accomplished in practice, including the positions and conflicts of key stakeholders and participants, and their actions in the process. As a case, we study the treatment of energy in Swedish secondary curricula in the period 1962-2011 and, in particular, how the…
Taking a Step to Identify How to Create Professional Learning Communities--Report of a Case Study of a Korean Public High School on How to Create and Sustain a School-Based Teacher Professional Learning Community

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ahn, Joonkil

2017-01-01

This study intends to identify some key factors in creating and sustaining school-based teacher professional learning communities (PLCs) through a case study of a South Korean public high school. To achieve this, the study identified some essential infrastructure, preparation, and necessary social organization for creating PLCs. The ideal unit and…
Facilitated versus Non-Facilitated Online Case Discussions: Comparing Differences in Problem Space Coverage

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ertmer, Peggy A.; Koehler, Adrie A.

2015-01-01

The facilitator plays a key role in guiding students' efforts during case discussions. However, few studies have compared differences in learning outcomes for students participating in facilitated versus non-facilitated discussions. In this research, we used "problem space coverage" as a learning measure to compare outcomes between…
State Education Policy Formation: The Case of Arizona's English Language Learner Legislation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lawton, Stephen B.

2012-01-01

This historical case study focuses on policy making at the state level by analyzing the development of a new policy for English language learners (ELLs) in Arizona. "New institutionalism" is used as a framework, with political culture and educational regimes acting as environmental factors affecting state policy choices. Key events…

Beliefs and Values about Intra-Operative Teaching and Learning: A Case Study of Surgical Teachers and Trainees

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ong, Caroline C.; Dodds, Agnes; Nestel, Debra

2016-01-01

Surgeons require advanced psychomotor skills, critical decision-making and teamwork skills. Much of surgical skills training involve progressive trainee participation in supervised operations where case variability, operating team interaction and environment affect learning, while surgical teachers face the key challenge of ensuring patient…
Child Protection Decision Making: A Factorial Analysis Using Case Vignettes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stokes, Jacqueline; Schmidt, Glen

2012-01-01

This study explored decision making by child protection social workers in the province of British Columbia, Canada. A factorial survey method was used in which case vignettes were constructed by randomly assigning a number of key characteristics associated with decision making in child protection. Child protection social workers (n = 118) assessed…
Radio frequency identification: the big role player in health care management.

PubMed

Mehrjerdi, Yahia Zare

2011-01-01

This paper seeks to review the fundamental concepts of radio frequency identification (RFID) and to discuss the fact that the road to success for healthcare systems is the thorough management of patients, employees, equipment, medications, and records throughout the industry. Thereafter, it aims to prepare a deep review of the technology, study seven new cases on the topic of healthcare management and deliver a broad applications area thereof. The paper identifies key elements of RFID through the review of healthcare management literature and case studies. For this purpose, seven cases from the healthcare industry are reviewed to demonstrate the extent of the applications of RFID in this area. To make healthcare management systems functional and successfully operational, RFID solutions can be used to reduce operating costs through management of patients, employees, equipment, medications, and records to improve tracking and tracing, and preventing the lost of resources under any circumstances. This paper delivers a review of RFID on the healthcare industry. For this reason, the basic and key point on RFID technology is discussed and seven cases from the literature are reviewed.
An improved scheme on decoy-state method for measurement-device-independent quantum key distribution.

PubMed

Wang, Dong; Li, Mo; Guo, Guang-Can; Wang, Qin

2015-10-14

Quantum key distribution involving decoy-states is a significant application of quantum information. By using three-intensity decoy-states of single-photon-added coherent sources, we propose a practically realizable scheme on quantum key distribution which approaches very closely the ideal asymptotic case of an infinite number of decoy-states. We make a comparative study between this scheme and two other existing ones, i.e., two-intensity decoy-states with single-photon-added coherent sources, and three-intensity decoy-states with weak coherent sources. Through numerical analysis, we demonstrate the advantages of our scheme in secure transmission distance and the final key generation rate.
Best practices for evaluating the capability of nondestructive evaluation (NDE) and structural health monitoring (SHM) techniques for damage characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aldrin, John C.; Annis, Charles; Sabbagh, Harold A.; Lindgren, Eric A.

2016-02-01

A comprehensive approach to NDE and SHM characterization error (CE) evaluation is presented that follows the framework of the `ahat-versus-a' regression analysis for POD assessment. Characterization capability evaluation is typically more complex with respect to current POD evaluations and thus requires engineering and statistical expertise in the model-building process to ensure all key effects and interactions are addressed. Justifying the statistical model choice with underlying assumptions is key. Several sizing case studies are presented with detailed evaluations of the most appropriate statistical model for each data set. The use of a model-assisted approach is introduced to help assess the reliability of NDE and SHM characterization capability under a wide range of part, environmental and damage conditions. Best practices of using models are presented for both an eddy current NDE sizing and vibration-based SHM case studies. The results of these studies highlight the general protocol feasibility, emphasize the importance of evaluating key application characteristics prior to the study, and demonstrate an approach to quantify the role of varying SHM sensor durability and environmental conditions on characterization performance.
Hierarchical Simulation to Assess Hardware and Software Dependability

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ries, Gregory Lawrence

1997-01-01

This thesis presents a method for conducting hierarchical simulations to assess system hardware and software dependability. The method is intended to model embedded microprocessor systems. A key contribution of the thesis is the idea of using fault dictionaries to propagate fault effects upward from the level of abstraction where a fault model is assumed to the system level where the ultimate impact of the fault is observed. A second important contribution is the analysis of the software behavior under faults as well as the hardware behavior. The simulation method is demonstrated and validated in four case studies analyzing Myrinet, a commercial, high-speed networking system. One key result from the case studies shows that the simulation method predicts the same fault impact 87.5% of the time as is obtained by similar fault injections into a real Myrinet system. Reasons for the remaining discrepancy are examined in the thesis. A second key result shows the reduction in the number of simulations needed due to the fault dictionary method. In one case study, 500 faults were injected at the chip level, but only 255 propagated to the system level. Of these 255 faults, 110 shared identical fault dictionary entries at the system level and so did not need to be resimulated. The necessary number of system-level simulations was therefore reduced from 500 to 145. Finally, the case studies show how the simulation method can be used to improve the dependability of the target system. The simulation analysis was used to add recovery to the target software for the most common fault propagation mechanisms that would cause the software to hang. After the modification, the number of hangs was reduced by 60% for fault injections into the real system.
Pharmaceutical companies' role in state vaccination policymaking: the case of human papillomavirus vaccination.

PubMed

Mello, Michelle M; Abiola, Sara; Colgrove, James

2012-05-01

We sought to investigate roles that Merck & Co Inc played in state human papillomavirus (HPV) immunization policymaking, to elicit key stakeholders' perceptions of the appropriateness of these activities, and to explore implications for relationships between health policymakers and industry. We used a series of state case studies combining data from key informant interviews with analysis of media reports and archival materials. We interviewed 73 key informants in 6 states that were actively engaged in HPV vaccine policy deliberations. Merck promoted school-entry mandate legislation by serving as an information resource, lobbying legislators, drafting legislation, mobilizing female legislators and physician organizations, conducting consumer marketing campaigns, and filling gaps in access to the vaccine. Legislators relied heavily on Merck for scientific information. Most stakeholders found lobbying by vaccine manufacturers acceptable in principle, but perceived that Merck had acted too aggressively and nontransparently in this case. Although policymakers acknowledge the utility of manufacturers' involvement in vaccination policymaking, industry lobbying that is overly aggressive, not fully transparent, or not divorced from financial contributions to lawmakers risks undermining the prospects for legislation to foster uptake of new vaccines.
Availability of antidotes and key emergency drugs in tertiary care hospitals of Punjab and assessment of the knowledge of health care professionals in the management of poisoning cases.

PubMed

Arslan, Naheed; Khiljee, Sonia; Bakhsh, Allah; Ashraf, Muhammad; Maqsood, Iram

2016-03-01

This study was conducted to evaluate the availability of antidotes/key emergency drugs in tertiary care hospitals of the Punjab province, and to assess the knowledge of health care professionals in the stocking and administration of antidotes in the proper management of poisoning cases. Seventeen (n=17) tertiary care hospitals of Punjab Pakistan were selected. Two performas (A and B) were designed for 26 antidotes/key emergency drugs and given to the hospital pharmacists and physicians respectively. It was observed that Activated Charcoal, being the universal antidote was found only in 6 hospitals (41%). Digoxin Immune Fab, Edentate Calcium disodium and Glucagon were not available in emergency department of any hospital and even not included in the formulary of any hospital. About 80% pharmacists were aware of the method of preparation of Activated Charcoal and 85% physicians were familiar with its route of administration. Data showed that tertiary care hospitals of Punjab do not stock antidotes according to national drug policy. Moreover the study strongly suggests the development of health care centers and professional by organizing antidote awareness programs, continuous education and record keeping of poisonous cases and availability of emergency drugs around the clock.
Key Challenges in the Reform of Governance, Quality Assurance, and Finance in Vietnamese Higher Education--A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dao, Khanh Van

2015-01-01

Vietnam's higher education is highly centralized in terms of its governance and management. A couple of higher education reform plans have been introduced over the past decade but they seem to result in poor outcomes. This paper addresses the challenges faced in the areas of governance, quality assurance and finance by a "key" university…
Stress, deformation, conservation, and rheology: a survey of key concepts in continuum mechanics

USGS Publications Warehouse

Major, J.J.

2013-01-01

This chapter provides a brief survey of key concepts in continuum mechanics. It focuses on the fundamental physical concepts that underlie derivations of the mathematical formulations of stress, strain, hydraulic head, pore-fluid pressure, and conservation equations. It then shows how stresses are linked to strain and rates of distortion through some special cases of idealized material behaviors. The goal is to equip the reader with a physical understanding of key mathematical formulations that anchor continuum mechanics in order to better understand theoretical studies published in geomorphology.
Quantum exhaustive key search with simplified-DES as a case study.

PubMed

Almazrooie, Mishal; Samsudin, Azman; Abdullah, Rosni; Mutter, Kussay N

2016-01-01

To evaluate the security of a symmetric cryptosystem against any quantum attack, the symmetric algorithm must be first implemented on a quantum platform. In this study, a quantum implementation of a classical block cipher is presented. A quantum circuit for a classical block cipher of a polynomial size of quantum gates is proposed. The entire work has been tested on a quantum mechanics simulator called libquantum. First, the functionality of the proposed quantum cipher is verified and the experimental results are compared with those of the original classical version. Then, quantum attacks are conducted by using Grover's algorithm to recover the secret key. The proposed quantum cipher is used as a black box for the quantum search. The quantum oracle is then queried over the produced ciphertext to mark the quantum state, which consists of plaintext and key qubits. The experimental results show that for a key of n-bit size and key space of N such that [Formula: see text], the key can be recovered in [Formula: see text] computational steps.
Twelve Factors Leading to Fundamental Pedagogical Change in a Primary School: A Case-Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Norris, Cathleen; Soloway, Elliot

2016-01-01

A school can change. In this case study, the authors describe the 12 factors they have identified as being key in the transformation of the core pedagogical practices at Nan Chiau Primary School, Singapore, from direct instruction to inquiry, from a 20th to a 21st century school. While the adoption of 1:1 mobile devices played a catalytic role in…
Effectiveness and Usability of the Sensory Processing Measure-Preschool Quick Tips: Data-Driven Intervention Following the Use of the SPM-Preschool in an Early Childhood, Multiple-Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Olson, Carol H.; Henry, Diana A.; Kliner, Ashley Peck; Kyllo, Alissa; Richter, Chelsea Munson; Charley, Jane; Whitcher, Meagan Chapman; Reinke, Katherine Roth; Tysver, Chelsay Horner; Wagner, Lacey; Walworth, Jessica

2016-01-01

This pre- and posttest multiple-case study examined the effectiveness and usability of the Sensory Processing Measure-Preschool Quick Tips (SPM-P QT) by key stakeholders (parents and teachers) for implementing data-driven intervention to address sensory processing challenges. The Sensory Processing Measure-Preschool (SPM-P) was administered as an…
Business Climate and Development Ventures in Indian Country: The Case of the Passamaquoddy Tribe in Washington County, Maine.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sherblom, Elizabeth; Scully, Diana, Ed.

Economic self-sufficiency is the key to reviving and maintaining a strong Indian culture; therefore, the goal of the Passamaquoddy Enterprise Zone Project was to develop an understanding of the types of business that do well in the area and those that do not do well. The study used interviews with business managers as well as case studies of 12…
Creating Unity through Celebrating Diversity: A Case Study That Explores the Impact of Music Education on Refugee Background Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Crawford, Renée

2017-01-01

This article reports the findings of a case study that investigated the impact of music education on students in an F-12 school in Victoria, Australia that is considered as having a high percentage of young people with a refugee background. Key findings from this research indicated that music education had a positive impact on this group of young…
Designing and implementing an electronic dashboard for disease outbreaks response - Case study of the 2013-2014 Somalia Polio outbreak response dashboard

PubMed Central

Kamadjeu, Raoul; Gathenji, Caroline

2017-01-01

In April 2013, a case of wild polio virus (WPV) was detected in the Somalia capital Mogadishu. This inaugurated what is now referred to as the 2013-2014 Horn of Africa Polio outbreak with cases reported in Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia. By the notification of the last polio case in August 2014, 223 cases of WPV had been reported in Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia of which 199 in Somalia alone. The outbreak response required timely exchange of information between the outbreak response coordination unit (in Nairobi) and local staff located in multiple locations inside the country. The need to track and timely respond to information requests, to satisfy the information/data needs of polio partners and to track key outbreak response performance indicators dictated the need to urgently set up an online dashboard. The Somalia Polio Room dashboard provided a graphical display of the polio outbreak data to track progress and inform decision making. The system was designed using free and open sources components and seamlessly integrated existing polio surveillance data for real time monitoring of key outbreak response performance indicators. In this article, we describe the design and operation of an electronic dashboard for disease surveillance in an outbreak situation and used the lessons learned to propose key design considerations and functional requirements for online electronic dashboards for disease outbreak response. PMID:29296157
Designing and implementing an electronic dashboard for disease outbreaks response - Case study of the 2013-2014 Somalia Polio outbreak response dashboard.

PubMed

Kamadjeu, Raoul; Gathenji, Caroline

2017-01-01

In April 2013, a case of wild polio virus (WPV) was detected in the Somalia capital Mogadishu. This inaugurated what is now referred to as the 2013-2014 Horn of Africa Polio outbreak with cases reported in Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia. By the notification of the last polio case in August 2014, 223 cases of WPV had been reported in Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia of which 199 in Somalia alone. The outbreak response required timely exchange of information between the outbreak response coordination unit (in Nairobi) and local staff located in multiple locations inside the country. The need to track and timely respond to information requests, to satisfy the information/data needs of polio partners and to track key outbreak response performance indicators dictated the need to urgently set up an online dashboard. The Somalia Polio Room dashboard provided a graphical display of the polio outbreak data to track progress and inform decision making. The system was designed using free and open sources components and seamlessly integrated existing polio surveillance data for real time monitoring of key outbreak response performance indicators. In this article, we describe the design and operation of an electronic dashboard for disease surveillance in an outbreak situation and used the lessons learned to propose key design considerations and functional requirements for online electronic dashboards for disease outbreak response.
Infectious diseases in oyster aquaculture require a new integrated approach

PubMed Central

Lupo, Coralie; Whittington, Richard J.

2016-01-01

Emerging diseases pose a recurrent threat to bivalve aquaculture. Recently, massive mortality events in the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas associated with the detection of a microvariant of the ostreid herpesvirus 1 (OsHV-1µVar) have been reported in Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Although the spread of disease is often viewed as a governance failure, we suggest that the development of protective measures for bivalve farming is presently held back by the lack of key scientific knowledge. In this paper, we explore the case for an integrated approach to study the management of bivalve disease, using OsHV-1 as a case study. Reconsidering the key issues by incorporating multidisciplinary science could provide a holistic understanding of OsHV-1 and increase the benefit of research to policymakers. PMID:26880845
Rethinking Case Study Methodology in Poststructural Research.

PubMed

Mohammed, Shan; Peter, Elizabeth; Gastaldo, Denise; Howell, Doris

2015-03-01

Little consideration has been given to how case study might be used in poststructural research to explore power relations that constitute a phenomenon. Many case study scholars, most notably Robert Yin, adopt a postpositivist perspective that assumes the "truth" can be accessed through applying prescriptive and rigid research techniques. Using a discussion of Michel Foucault's key theoretical ideas and the insights gained through a Foucauldian case study of people with advanced cancer who continue to receive curative treatment, the authors argue for the expansion of case study in poststructural inquiry. They propose that the use of poststructuralist case study is valuable because of the flexibility and comprehensiveness of the methodology, which allows for the exploration of a deeper understanding of the broader discourses that shape a phenomenon, as well as how power/knowledge relations shape the behaviours and perceptions of people. They also introduce the reflexive implications of poststructural case study research. Copyright© by Ingram School of Nursing, McGill University.
Voices from the Field: Evaluation as Part of a Learning Culture

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hoole, Emily; Patterson, Tracy E.

2008-01-01

The authors present the argument that evaluation as currently practiced is failing the needs of the social sector, if the goal is to help organizations achieve their mission. Three case studies are presented in which evaluation played a key role in the development of a learning culture within the organization. Each case highlights the positive…

Robbing Public to Pay Private? Two Cases of Refinancing Education Infrastructure in Australia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Crump, Stephen; Slee, Roger

2005-01-01

This paper will explore private sector participation in public sector education in the Australian context, focusing on case studies of Queensland and New South Wales, with reference to developments in other states and territories and internationally. In Australia, most states and territories have PPP policies and key projects include the Southbank…
Reaching High-Risk Youth through Model AIDS Education Programs: A Case by Case Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Center for Population Options, Washington, DC.

This report evaluates the High Risk Youth Demonstration Project, which is predicated on the idea that youth-serving agencies (YSAs) can be key sources for adolescent AIDS education. When the Center for Population Options (CPO) conceptualized a strategy for bringing AIDS education to underserved youth, it was responding to the following three areas…
Knowledge exchange systems for youth health and chronic disease prevention: a tri-provincial case study.

PubMed

Murnaghan, D; Morrison, W; Griffith, E J; Bell, B L; Duffley, L A; McGarry, K; Manske, S

2013-09-01

The research teams undertook a case study design using a common analytical framework to investigate three provincial (Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Manitoba) knowledge exchange systems. These three knowledge exchange systems seek to generate and enhance the use of evidence in policy development, program planning and evaluation to improve youth health and chronic disease prevention. We applied a case study design to explore the lessons learned, that is, key conditions or processes contributing to the development of knowledge exchange capacity, using a multi-data collection method to gain an in-depth understanding. Data management, synthesis and analysis activities were concurrent, iterative and ongoing. The lessons learned were organized into seven "clusters." Key findings demonstrated that knowledge exchange is a complex process requiring champions, collaborative partnerships, regional readiness and the adaptation of knowledge exchange to diverse stakeholders. Overall, knowledge exchange systems can increase the capacity to exchange and use evidence by moving beyond collecting and reporting data. Areas of influence included development of new partnerships, expanded knowledge-sharing activities, and refinement of policy and practice approaches related to youth health and chronic disease prevention.
The Degree to Which Students and Teachers Are Involved in Second-Level School Processes and Participation in Decision-Making: An Irish Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harrison, Kathy; Taysum, Alison; McNamara, Gerry; O'Hara, Joe

2016-01-01

The Education Act (1998) is a key policy document in Irish education, emphasising the rights, roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders, including parents, teachers and pupils in schools. Since 1998 the Department of Education and Skills (DES) has stressed the need to introduce an increased role for teachers and pupils in decision-making. It…
Validation of key indicators in cattle farms at high risk of animal welfare problems: a qualitative case-control study.

PubMed

Kelly, P C; More, S J; Blake, M; Higgins, I; Clegg, T; Hanlon, A

2013-03-23

The objective of this study was to validate four key farmer performance indicators (KFPI), identified in a previous study, as indicators of on-farm cattle welfare incidents in Ireland, through comparison of the distribution of these KPFIs in the national herd (n=109,925) and in case herds (n=18), where welfare incidents were previously studied. The KFPIs identified were late registrations, and exits from the herd by on-farm burial, by moves to knackeries and by moves to 'herd unknown'. Data were extracted from two Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine databases for the national herd and the case herds. All four KFPIs differed significantly between the case herds and the national herd, and one further KFPI was identified, namely moves to factories. The data for these KFPIs are routinely stored on national databases, which were established in order to comply with Regulation (EC) 1760/2000. Based on the results obtained in this study, it may be possible in the future to use routine data capture to improve strategy towards on-farm animal welfare. At this point, however, based on calculated specificities and sensitivities, none of these five KFPIs, at the cut-offs investigated and using several combinations, are able to distinguish herds with and without on-farm animal welfare problems at an accuracy suitable for routine national use in Ireland.
Analysis of a Decision Support System for CASE Tool Selection and the Specification of an Ada to SQL Abstract Interface

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-12-01

34 foreign keys" ,which are keys inherited from conlected entities, the keys would already be defined in the connected entity’s domain primiti le definition...defined for the rootnode re!ationship because all attributes are foreign keys and they are already defined in the connected entities domain primitive...can exchange data with other tools including other tools in the tool vendor’s tool 99 Upper CASE Tool Charactcrizcs set. The important attributes are
Networks as systems.

PubMed

Best, Allan; Berland, Alex; Greenhalgh, Trisha; Bourgeault, Ivy L; Saul, Jessie E; Barker, Brittany

2018-03-19

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a case study of the World Health Organization's Global Healthcare Workforce Alliance (GHWA). Based on a commissioned evaluation of GHWA, it applies network theory and key concepts from systems thinking to explore network emergence, effectiveness, and evolution to over a ten-year period. The research was designed to provide high-level strategic guidance for further evolution of global governance in human resources for health (HRH). Design/methodology/approach Methods included a review of published literature on HRH governance and current practice in the field and an in-depth case study whose main data sources were relevant GHWA background documents and key informant interviews with GHWA leaders, staff, and stakeholders. Sampling was purposive and at a senior level, focusing on board members, executive directors, funders, and academics. Data were analyzed thematically with reference to systems theory and Shiffman's theory of network development. Findings Five key lessons emerged: effective management and leadership are critical; networks need to balance "tight" and "loose" approaches to their structure and processes; an active communication strategy is key to create and maintain support; the goals, priorities, and membership must be carefully focused; and the network needs to support shared measurement of progress on agreed-upon goals. Shiffman's middle-range network theory is a useful tool when guided by the principles of complex systems that illuminate dynamic situations and shifting interests as global alliances evolve. Research limitations/implications This study was implemented at the end of the ten-year funding cycle. A more continuous evaluation throughout the term would have provided richer understanding of issues. Experience and perspectives at the country level were not assessed. Practical implications Design and management of large, complex networks requires ongoing attention to key issues like leadership, and flexible structures and processes to accommodate the dynamic reality of these networks. Originality/value This case study builds on growing interest in the role of networks to foster large-scale change. The particular value rests on the longitudinal perspective on the evolution of a large, complex global network, and the use of theory to guide understanding.
An improved scheme on decoy-state method for measurement-device-independent quantum key distribution

PubMed Central

Wang, Dong; Li, Mo; Guo, Guang-Can; Wang, Qin

2015-01-01

Quantum key distribution involving decoy-states is a significant application of quantum information. By using three-intensity decoy-states of single-photon-added coherent sources, we propose a practically realizable scheme on quantum key distribution which approaches very closely the ideal asymptotic case of an infinite number of decoy-states. We make a comparative study between this scheme and two other existing ones, i.e., two-intensity decoy-states with single-photon-added coherent sources, and three-intensity decoy-states with weak coherent sources. Through numerical analysis, we demonstrate the advantages of our scheme in secure transmission distance and the final key generation rate. PMID:26463580
Word-addressable holographic memory using symbolic substitution and SLRs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McAulay, Alastair D.; Wang, Junqing

1990-12-01

A heteroassociative memory is proposed that allows a key word in a dictionary of key words to be used to recall an associated holographic image in a database of images. Symbolic substitution search finds the word sought in a dictionary of key words and generates a beam that selects the corresponding holographic image from a directory of images. In this case, symbolic substitution is used to orthogonalize the key words. Spatial light rebroadcasters are proposed for the key word database. Experimental results demonstrate that symbolic substitution will enable a holographic image to be selected and reconstructed. In the case considered, a holographic image having over 40,000-bits is selected out of eight by using a key word from a dictionary of eight words.
Case-mix adjustment for diabetes indicators: a systematic review.

PubMed

Calsbeek, Hiske; Markhorst, Joekle G M; Voerman, Gerlienke E; Braspenning, Jozé C C

2016-02-01

Case-mix adjustment is generally considered indispensable for fair comparison of healthcare performance. Inaccurate results are also unfair to patients as they are ineffective for improving quality. However, little is known about what factors should be adjusted for. We reviewed case-mix factors included in adjustment models for key diabetes indicators, the rationale for their inclusion, and their impact on performance. Systematic review. This systematic review included studies published up to June 2013 addressing case-mix factors for 6 key diabetes indicators: 2 outcomes and 2 process indicators for glycated hemoglobin (A1C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and blood pressure. Factors were categorized as demographic, diabetes-related, comorbidity, generic health, geographic, or care-seeking, and were evaluated on the rationale for inclusion in the adjustment models, as well as their impact on indicator scores and ranking. Thirteen studies were included, mainly addressing A1C value and measurement. Twenty-three different case-mix factors, mostly demographic and diabetes-related, were identified, and varied from 1 to 14 per adjustment model. Six studies provided selection motives for the inclusion of case-mix factors. Marital status and body mass index showed a significant impact on A1C value. For the other factors, either no or conflicting associations were reported, or too few studies (n ≤ 2) investigated this association. Scientific knowledge about the relative importance of case-mix factors for diabetes indicators is emerging, especially for demographic and diabetes-related factors and indicators on A1C, but is still limited. Because arbitrary adjustment potentially results in inaccurate quality information, meaningful stratification that demonstrates inequity in care might be a better guide, as it can be a driver for quality improvement.
Beyond access: a case study on the intersection between accessibility, sustainability, and universal design.

PubMed

Gossett, Andrea; Mirza, Mansha; Barnds, Ann Kathleen; Feidt, Daisy

2009-11-01

A growing emphasis has been placed on providing equal opportunities for all people, particularly people with disabilities, to support participation. Barriers to participation are represented in part by physical space restrictions. This article explores the decision-making process during the construction of a new office building housing a disability-rights organization. The building project featured in this study was developed on the principles of universal design, maximal accessibility, and sustainability to support access and participation. A qualitative case study approach was used involving collection of data through in-depth interviews with key decision-makers; non-participant observations at design meetings; and on-site tours. Qualitative thematic analysis along with the development of a classification system was used to understand specific building elements and the relevant decision processes from which they resulted. Recording and analyzing the design process revealed several key issues including grassroots involvement of stakeholders; interaction between universal design and sustainable design; addressing diversity through flexibility and universality; and segregationist accessibility versus universal design. This case study revealed complex interactions between accessibility, universal design, and sustainability. Two visual models were proposed to understand and analyze these complexities.
Infectious diseases in oyster aquaculture require a new integrated approach.

PubMed

Pernet, Fabrice; Lupo, Coralie; Bacher, Cédric; Whittington, Richard J

2016-03-05

Emerging diseases pose a recurrent threat to bivalve aquaculture. Recently, massive mortality events in the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas associated with the detection of a microvariant of the ostreid herpesvirus 1 (OsHV-1µVar) have been reported in Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Although the spread of disease is often viewed as a governance failure, we suggest that the development of protective measures for bivalve farming is presently held back by the lack of key scientific knowledge. In this paper, we explore the case for an integrated approach to study the management of bivalve disease, using OsHV-1 as a case study. Reconsidering the key issues by incorporating multidisciplinary science could provide a holistic understanding of OsHV-1 and increase the benefit of research to policymakers. © 2016 The Author(s).
Does High-Level Intellectual Performance Depend on Practice Alone? Debunking the Polgar Sisters Case

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Howard, Robert W.

2011-01-01

The famous Polgar sisters started chess very young, undertook extensive study, and two became grandmasters. This case often is cited as decisive evidence that practice alone is key in development of expertise, that innate talent is unimportant or non-existent, and that almost anyone can become a grandmaster. But on close examination these claims…
Does the Use of Case-Based Learning Impact the Retention of Key Concepts in Undergraduate Biochemistry?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kulak, Verena; Newton, Genevieve; Sharma, Rahul

2017-01-01

Objective: Enhanced knowledge retention and a preference towards a deep learning approach are desirable pedagogical outcomes of case-based learning (CBL). The CBL literature is sparse with respect to these outcomes, and this is especially so in the area of biochemistry. The present study determined the effect of CBL vs. non CBL on knowledge…
An Investigation of Factors Associated with Student Participation in Study Abroad

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Doyle, Stephanie; Gendall, Philip; Meyer, Luanna H.; Hoek, Janet; Tait, Carolyn; McKenzie, Lynanne; Loorparg, Avatar

2010-01-01

International student exchange programs are widely promoted in higher education as a means of developing desirable intercultural skills and understanding among students. This multimethod study employed data from student surveys, tertiary institution case studies, and interviews with key stakeholders to identify factors that inhibited or promoted…
Shared-use bus priority lanes on city streets : case studies in design and management [research brief].

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-04-01

This study examines the design and operations of bus lanes in major congested urban centers. It focuses on shared-use bus lanes that operate in mixed traffic conditions. : Study Methods : The key questions addressed are: : 1. How do the many public a...
Improving quality of care through routine, successful implementation of evidence-based practice at the bedside: an organizational case study protocol using the Pettigrew and Whipp model of strategic change

PubMed Central

2007-01-01

Background Evidence-based practice (EBP) is an expected approach to improving the quality of patient care and service delivery in health care systems internationally that is yet to be realized. Given the current evidence-practice gap, numerous authors describe barriers to achieving EBP. One recurrently identified barrier is the setting or context of practice, which is likewise cited as a potential part of the solution to the gap. The purpose of this study is to identify key contextual elements and related strategic processes in organizations that find and use evidence at multiple levels, in an ongoing, integrated fashion, in contrast to those that do not. Methods The core theoretical framework for this multi-method explanatory case study is Pettigrew and Whipp's Content, Context, and Process model of strategic change. This framework focuses data collection on three entities: the Why of strategic change, the What of strategic change, and the How of strategic change, in this case related to implementation and normalization of EBP. The data collection plan, designed to capture relevant organizational context and related outcomes, focuses on eight interrelated factors said to characterize a receptive context. Selective, purposive sampling will provide contrasting results between two cases (departments of nursing) and three embedded units in each. Data collection methods will include quantitative tools (e.g., regarding culture) and qualitative approaches including focus groups, interviews, and documents review (e.g., regarding integration and “success”) relevant to the EBP initiative. Discussion This study should provide information regarding contextual elements and related strategic processes key to successful implementation and sustainability of EBP, specifically in terms of a pervasive pattern in an acute care hospital-based health care setting. Additionally, this study will identify key contextual elements that differentiate successful implementation and sustainability of EBP efforts, both within varying levels of a hospital-based clinical setting and across similar hospital settings interested in EBP. PMID:17266756
Pharmaceutical Companies’ Role in State Vaccination Policymaking: The Case of Human Papillomavirus Vaccination

PubMed Central

Abiola, Sara; Colgrove, James

2012-01-01

Objectives. We sought to investigate roles that Merck & Co Inc played in state human papillomavirus (HPV) immunization policymaking, to elicit key stakeholders’ perceptions of the appropriateness of these activities, and to explore implications for relationships between health policymakers and industry. Methods. We used a series of state case studies combining data from key informant interviews with analysis of media reports and archival materials. We interviewed 73 key informants in 6 states that were actively engaged in HPV vaccine policy deliberations. Results. Merck promoted school-entry mandate legislation by serving as an information resource, lobbying legislators, drafting legislation, mobilizing female legislators and physician organizations, conducting consumer marketing campaigns, and filling gaps in access to the vaccine. Legislators relied heavily on Merck for scientific information. Most stakeholders found lobbying by vaccine manufacturers acceptable in principle, but perceived that Merck had acted too aggressively and nontransparently in this case. Conclusions. Although policymakers acknowledge the utility of manufacturers’ involvement in vaccination policymaking, industry lobbying that is overly aggressive, not fully transparent, or not divorced from financial contributions to lawmakers risks undermining the prospects for legislation to foster uptake of new vaccines. PMID:22420796
Multi-level factors influence the implementation and use of complex innovations in cancer care: a multiple case study of synoptic reporting.

PubMed

Urquhart, Robin; Porter, Geoffrey A; Sargeant, Joan; Jackson, Lois; Grunfeld, Eva

2014-09-16

The implementation of innovations (i.e., new tools and practices) in healthcare organizations remains a significant challenge. The objective of this study was to examine the key interpersonal, organizational, and system level factors that influenced the implementation and use of synoptic reporting tools in three specific areas of cancer care. Using case study methodology, we studied three cases in Nova Scotia, Canada, wherein synoptic reporting tools were implemented within clinical departments/programs. Synoptic reporting tools capture and present information about a medical or surgical procedure in a structured, checklist-like format and typically report only items critical for understanding the disease and subsequent impacts on patient care. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with key informants, document analysis, nonparticipant observation, and tool use/examination. Analysis involved production of case histories, in-depth analysis of each case, and a cross-case analysis. Numerous techniques were used during the research design, data collection, and data analysis stages to increase the rigour of this study. The analysis revealed five common factors that were particularly influential to implementation and use of synoptic reporting tools across the three cases: stakeholder involvement, managing the change process (e.g., building demand, communication, training and support), champions and respected colleagues, administrative and managerial support, and innovation attributes (e.g., complexity, compatibility with interests and values). The direction of influence (facilitating or impeding) of each of these factors differed across and within cases. The findings demonstrate the importance of a multi-level contextual analysis to gaining both breadth and depth to our understanding of innovation implementation and use in health care. They also provide new insights into several important issues under-reported in the literature on moving innovations into healthcare practice, including the role of middle managers in implementation efforts and the importance of attending to the interpersonal aspects of implementation.
Building capacity to address tobacco-related disparities among American Indian and Hispanic/Latino communities: conceptual and systemic considerations.

PubMed

Báezconde-Garbanati, Lourdes; Beebe, Laura A; Pérez-Stable, Eliseo J

2007-10-01

To discuss systemic and conceptual issues that surround capacity building for tobacco control in traditionally underserved communities, by presenting two case studies, one in an American Indian community and another in a Hispanic/Latino community. Key informant interviews, cross-sectional surveys and case study methods were used to create community-specific conceptual frameworks for building capacity for tobacco control. These models of capacity building serve as the backdrop for the development of the two case studies. SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, MEASUREMENTS: Interview and survey participants were identified through convenience and snowball sampling, using a community-based participatory process in an American Indian community in Oklahoma and among the Hispanic/Latino Tobacco Education Partnership (H/LTEP) organizations in California. Using qualitative and quantitative methods, two case studies were created based on the results of interviews with key informants in each of the respective communities, outcomes of efforts to build capacity in tobacco control are presented. The extent to which American Indian and Hispanic/Latino communities have the capacity to address effectively the disproportionate burden of tobacco abuse is contingent upon the presence of leadership, collaboration, programs, distribution of funds and resources, development of policies and an underlying understanding of community strengths, history, values and participation. Common characteristics emerge from the case studies that help bridge differences in definition and measurement across both populations and programs. The conceptual frameworks for capacity building presented provide insight that enhances the ability of priority populations to engage in tobacco control strategies using culturally and language appropriate interventions.

A devolved model for public involvement in the field of mental health research: case study learning.

PubMed

Moule, Pam; Davies, Rosie

2016-12-01

Patient and public involvement in all aspects of research is espoused and there is a continued interest in understanding its wider impact. Existing investigations have identified both beneficial outcomes and remaining issues. This paper presents the impact of public involvement in one case study led by a mental health charity conducted as part of a larger research project. The case study used a devolved model of working, contracting with service user-led organizations to maximize the benefits of local knowledge on the implementation of personalized budgets, support recruitment and local user-led organizations. To understand the processes and impact of public involvement in a devolved model of working with user-led organizations. Multiple data collection methods were employed throughout 2012. These included interviews with the researchers (n = 10) and research partners (n = 5), observation of two case study meetings and the review of key case study documentation. Analysis was conducted in NVivo10 using a coding framework developed following a literature review. Five key themes emerged from the data; Devolved model, Nature of involvement, Enabling factors, Implementation challenges and Impact. While there were some challenges of implementing the devolved model it is clear that our findings add to the growing understanding of the positive benefits research partners can bring to complex research. A devolved model can support the involvement of user-led organizations in research if there is a clear understanding of the underpinning philosophy and support mechanisms are in place. © 2015 The Authors. Health Expectations Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

This brochure provides an overview of the challenges and successes of New York City, NY, a 2007 Solar America City awardee, on the path toward becoming a solar-powered community. Accomplishments, case studies, key lessons learned, and local resource information are given.
Impact of data source on travel time reliability assessment.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-08-01

Travel time reliability measures are becoming an increasingly important input to the mobility and : congestion management studies. In the case of Maryland State Highway Administration, reliability : measures are key elements in the agencys Annual ...
Understanding the challenges to implementing case management for people with dementia in primary care in England: a qualitative study using Normalization Process Theory.

PubMed

Bamford, Claire; Poole, Marie; Brittain, Katie; Chew-Graham, Carolyn; Fox, Chris; Iliffe, Steve; Manthorpe, Jill; Robinson, Louise

2014-11-08

Case management has been suggested as a way of improving the quality and cost-effectiveness of support for people with dementia. In this study we adapted and implemented a successful United States' model of case management in primary care in England. The results are reported elsewhere, but a key finding was that little case management took place. This paper reports the findings of the process evaluation which used Normalization Process Theory to understand the barriers to implementation. Ethnographic methods were used to explore the views and experiences of case management. Interviews with 49 stakeholders (patients, carers, case managers, health and social care professionals) were supplemented with observation of case managers during meetings and initial assessments with patients. Transcripts and field notes were analysed initially using the constant comparative approach and emerging themes were then mapped onto the framework of Normalization Process Theory. The primary focus during implementation was on the case managers as isolated individuals, with little attention being paid to the social or organizational context within which they worked. Barriers relating to each of the four main constructs of Normalization Process Theory were identified, with a lack of clarity over the scope and boundaries of the intervention (coherence); variable investment in the intervention (cognitive participation); a lack of resources, skills and training to deliver case management (collective action); and limited reflection and feedback on the case manager role (reflexive monitoring). Despite the intuitive appeal of case management to all stakeholders, there were multiple barriers to implementation in primary care in England including: difficulties in embedding case managers within existing well-established community networks; the challenges of protecting time for case management; and case managers' inability to identify, and act on, emerging patient and carer needs (an essential, but previously unrecognised, training need). In the light of these barriers it is unclear whether primary care is the most appropriate setting for case management in England. The process evaluation highlights key aspects of implementation and training to be addressed in future studies of case management for dementia.
Addressing the gap between public health emergency planning and incident response

PubMed Central

Freedman, Ariela M; Mindlin, Michele; Morley, Christopher; Griffin, Meghan; Wooten, Wilma; Miner, Kathleen

2013-01-01

Objectives: Since 9/11, Incident Command System (ICS) and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) are relatively new concepts to public health, which typically operates using less hierarchical and more collaborative approaches to organizing staff. This paper describes the 2009 H1N1 influenza outbreak in San Diego County to explore the use of ICS and EOC in public health emergency response. Methods: This study was conducted using critical case study methodology consisting of document review and 18 key-informant interviews with individuals who played key roles in planning and response. Thematic analysis was used to analyze data. Results: Several broad elements emerged as key to ensuring effective and efficient public health response: 1) developing a plan for emergency response; 2) establishing the framework for an ICS; 3) creating the infrastructure to support response; 4) supporting a workforce trained on emergency response roles, responsibilities, and equipment; and 5) conducting regular preparedness exercises. Conclusions: This research demonstrates the value of investments made and that effective emergency preparedness requires sustained efforts to maintain personnel and material resources. By having the infrastructure and experience based on ICS and EOC, the public health system had the capability to surge-up: to expand its day-to-day operation in a systematic and prolonged manner. None of these critical actions are possible without sustained funding for the public health infrastructure. Ultimately, this case study illustrates the importance of public health as a key leader in emergency response. PMID:28228983
Key Impact Factors on Dam Break Fatalities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, D.; Yu, Z.; Song, Y.; Han, D.; Li, Y.

2016-12-01

Dam failures can lead to catastrophes on human society. However, there is a lack of research about dam break fatalities, especially on the key factors that affect fatalities. Based on the analysis of historical dam break cases, most studies have used the regression analysis to explore the correlation between those factors and fatalities, but without implementing optimization to find the dominating factors. In order to understand and reduce the risk of fatalities, this study has proposed a new method to select the impact factors on the fatality. It employs an improved ANN (Artificial Neural Network) combined with LOOCV (Leave-one-out cross-validation) and SFS (Stepwise Forward Selection) approach to explore the nonlinear relationship between impact factors and life losses. It not only considers the factors that have been widely used in the literature but also introduces new factors closely involved with fatalities. Dam break cases occurred in China from 1954 to 2013 are summarized, within which twenty-five cases are selected with a comprehensive coverage of geographic position and temporal variation. Twelve impact factors are taken into account as the inputs, i.e., severity of dam break flood (SF), population at risk (PR), public understanding of dam break (UB), warning time (TW), evacuation condition (EC), weather condition during dam break (WB), dam break mode (MB), water storage (SW), building vulnerability (VB), dam break time (TB), average distance from the affected area to the dam (DD) and preventive measures by government (PG).From those, three key factors of SF, MB and TB are chosen. The proposed method is able to extract the key factors, and the derived fatality model performs well in various types of dam break conditions.
Resources in Technology: Problem-Solving.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Technology Teacher, 1986

1986-01-01

This instructional module examines a key function of science and technology: problem solving. It studies the meaning of problem solving, looks at techniques for problem solving, examines case studies that exemplify the problem-solving approach, presents problems for the reader to solve, and provides a student self-quiz. (Author/CT)
Social Work Continuing Education: A Statewide Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gianino, Mark; Ruth, Betty J.; Miyake Geron, Scott

2016-01-01

This article presents findings from a 2013 qualitative study of social work continuing education (CE) in Massachusetts. Eleven focus groups were conducted with 75 participants from key stakeholder groups: practitioners, educators, licensing board members, and agency administrators. Although positive perspectives surfaced--such as diversity of CE…
POLLUTION PREVENTION CAST STUDIES COMPENDIUM - 2ND EDITION

EPA Science Inventory

This compendium summarizes a compilation of case studies in the area of pollution prevention. he compendium is divided into 3 sections, featuring 3 of the Pollution Prevention Branch's key programs. An overview of each program is provided at the beginning of each section of the c...
Public engagement with information on renewable energy developments: The case of single, semi-urban wind turbines.

PubMed

Parks, J M; Theobald, K S

2013-01-01

This paper explores perceptions of public engagement with information on renewable energy developments. It draws on a case study of proposals by a major supermarket chain to construct single wind turbines in two semi-urban locations in the UK, analysing data from interviews with key actors in the planning process and focus groups with local residents. The paper concludes that key actors often had high expectations of how local people should engage with information, and sometimes implied that members of the public who were incapable of filtering or processing information in an organised or targeted fashion had no productive role to play in the planning process. It shows how the specific nature of the proposals (single wind turbines in semi-urban locations proposed by a commercial private sector developer) shaped local residents' information needs and concerns in a way that challenged key actors' expectations of how the public should engage with information.
Robustness of quantum key distribution with discrete and continuous variables to channel noise

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lasota, Mikołaj; Filip, Radim; Usenko, Vladyslav C.

2017-06-01

We study the robustness of quantum key distribution protocols using discrete or continuous variables to the channel noise. We introduce the model of such noise based on coupling of the signal to a thermal reservoir, typical for continuous-variable quantum key distribution, to the discrete-variable case. Then we perform a comparison of the bounds on the tolerable channel noise between these two kinds of protocols using the same noise parametrization, in the case of implementation which is perfect otherwise. Obtained results show that continuous-variable protocols can exhibit similar robustness to the channel noise when the transmittance of the channel is relatively high. However, for strong loss discrete-variable protocols are superior and can overcome even the infinite-squeezing continuous-variable protocol while using limited nonclassical resources. The requirement on the probability of a single-photon production which would have to be fulfilled by a practical source of photons in order to demonstrate such superiority is feasible thanks to the recent rapid development in this field.
Information Management for the Watershed Approach in the Pacific Northwest

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

A collection of interviews with leaders and key participants in the statewide watershed approach activities in the State of Washington. Additionally, there are reviews of Washington’s statewide watershed activities in a case study fashion.
Overcoming Barriers to Integrating Behavioral Health and Primary Care Services

PubMed Central

Grazier, Kyle L.; Smiley, Mary L.; Bondalapati, Kirsten S.

2016-01-01

Objective: Despite barriers, organizations with varying characteristics have achieved full integration of primary care services with providers and services that identify, treat, and manage those with mental health and substance use disorders. What are the key factors and common themes in stories of this success? Methods: A systematic literature review and snowball sampling technique was used to identify organizations. Site visits and key informant interviews were conducted with 6 organizations that had over time integrated behavioral health and primary care services. Case studies of each organization were independently coded to identify traits common to multiple organizations. Results: Common characteristics include prioritized vulnerable populations, extensive community collaboration, team approaches that included the patient and family, diversified funding streams, and data-driven approaches and practices. Conclusions: While significant barriers to integrating behavioral health and primary care services exist, case studies of organizations that have successfully overcome these barriers share certain common factors. PMID:27380923
Transforming Social Regularities in a Multicomponent Community-Based Intervention: A Case Study of Professionals' Adaptability to Better Support Parents to Meet Their Children's Needs.

PubMed

Quiroz Saavedra, Rodrigo; Brunson, Liesette; Bigras, Nathalie

2017-06-01

This paper presents an in-depth case study of the dynamic processes of mutual adjustment that occurred between two professional teams participating in a multicomponent community-based intervention (CBI). Drawing on the concept of social regularities, we focus on patterns of social interaction within and across the two microsystems involved in delivering the intervention. Two research strategies, narrative analysis and structural network analysis, were used to reveal the social regularities linking the two microsystems. Results document strategies and actions undertaken by the professionals responsible for the intervention to modify intersetting social regularities to deal with a problem situation that arose during the course of one intervention cycle. The results illustrate how key social regularities were modified in order to resolve the problem situation and allow the intervention to continue to function smoothly. We propose that these changes represent a transition to a new state of the ecological intervention system. This transformation appeared to be the result of certain key intervening mechanisms: changing key role relationships, boundary spanning, and synergy. The transformation also appeared to be linked to positive setting-level and individual-level outcomes: confidence of key team members, joint planning, decision-making and intervention activities, and the achievement of desired intervention objectives. © Society for Community Research and Action 2017.
UXDs-Driven Transferring Method from TRIZ Solution to Domain Solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Lihui; Cao, Guozhong; Chang, Yunxia; Wei, Zihui; Ma, Kai

The translation process from TRIZ solutions to domain solutions is an analogy-based process. TRIZ solutions, such as 40 inventive principles and the related cases, are medium-solutions for domain problems. Unexpected discoveries (UXDs) are the key factors to trigger designers to generate new ideas for domain solutions. The Algorithm of UXD resolving based on Means-Ends Analysis(MEA) is studied and an UXDs-driven transferring method from TRIZ solution to domain solution is formed. A case study shows the application of the process.
Towards a Reframing of Student Support: A Case Study Approach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Roberts, Pamela Anne; Dunworth, Katie; Boldy, Duncan

2018-01-01

This paper reports on a study that investigated the range of institutional support needs of international students at one Australian university with a view to increasing understanding of their needs and the ways in which support was provided. The study involved a number of data collection methods including focus groups, key informant interviews…
Demographics and Case Studies of Galactic Outflows in the Local Universe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rupke, David

2017-07-01

Galactic outflows driven by both star formation and active black holes are an important driver of galaxy evolution. The local universe is a sensitive laboratory for understanding the scaling relations that characterize these winds and the physics that govern them. I will review what we know from statistical studies about the prevalance and properties of nearby galactic winds and how these properties depend on those of the host galaxy or power source. I will also highlight detailed case studies of key objects that illustrate the multiphase structure of these winds.
Understanding Customers: The Jobs to Be Done Theory Applied in the Context of a Rural Food Pantry.

PubMed

Vaterlaus, J Mitchell; Cottle, Natalie Martineau; Patten, Emily Vaterlaus; Gibbons, Robyn

2018-04-28

Food insecurity, and particularly rural food insecurity, has unique challenges associated with it. Understanding the customer or patron needs is increasingly important in resolving this national concern. The Jobs to Be Done Theory posits that when considering customers, it is beneficial to move past demographic profiling and focus on what the customer wants to accomplish by using a particular product or service. This qualitative study aimed to determine customers' jobs to be done at a rural food pantry. In addition, it seeks to demonstrate the application of contemporary management theory to dietetics practice. A case study approach was used in this study. Case study data collection procedures included six male and six female food pantry patrons in Montana completing in-depth, audio-recorded interviews and surveys. Each person's interview and survey were constructed into individual case descriptions; the case descriptions were analyzed using uniform categories determined by researchers. To identify themes in the holistic case, word tables were created for each uniform category and assessed for key themes representing patrons' experiences. The key themes that emerged were the customer in context, customers' food relief needs, connecting with customers, and barriers to utilization. The application of Jobs to Be Done Theory to rural food pantry customers demonstrates that demographic segmentation does not capture the social, emotional, and functional dimensions for this sample. Investigation of customer experiences, circumstances, and obstacles is important for improving dietetics services. Copyright © 2018 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Amniotic fluid embolism mortality rate.

PubMed

Benson, Michael D

2017-11-01

The objective of this study was to determine the mortality rate of amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) using population-based studies and case series. A literature search was conducted using the two key words: 'amniotic fluid embolism (AFE)' AND 'mortality rate'. Thirteen population-based studies were evaluated, as well as 36 case series including at least two patients. The mortality rate from population-based studies varied from 11% to 44%. When nine population-based studies with over 17 000 000 live births were aggregated, the maternal mortality rate was 20.4%. In contrast, the mortality rate of AFE in case series varies from 0% to 100% with numerous rates in between. The AFE mortality rate in population-based studies varied from 11% to 44% with the best available evidence supporting an overall mortality rate of 20.4%. Data from case series should no longer be used as a basis for describing the lethality of AFE. © 2017 Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Making transit-oriented development work in low-income Latino neighborhoods : a comparative case study of Boyle Heights, Los Angeles and Logan Heights, San Diego.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-12-01

This research project is a continuation of a previous NITC-funded study. The first study compared the MacArthur Park TOD in Los Angeles to the : Fruitvale Village TOD in Oakland. The findings from this new study further validate the key findings from...

Gender Discourse in an Arab-Muslim High School in Israel: Ethnographic Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Arar, Khalid

2014-01-01

Although the school constitutes a key cultural arena for the production and reproduction of gender identities, few studies have addressed gender discourse in educational institutions in developing societies. Such studies are especially sparse in Arab society in Israel. This study goes some way to addressing what is often absent from many…
Experiences Using Lightweight Formal Methods for Requirements Modeling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Easterbrook, Steve; Lutz, Robyn; Covington, Rick; Kelly, John; Ampo, Yoko; Hamilton, David

1997-01-01

This paper describes three case studies in the lightweight application of formal methods to requirements modeling for spacecraft fault protection systems. The case studies differ from previously reported applications of formal methods in that formal methods were applied very early in the requirements engineering process, to validate the evolving requirements. The results were fed back into the projects, to improve the informal specifications. For each case study, we describe what methods were applied, how they were applied, how much effort was involved, and what the findings were. In all three cases, formal methods enhanced the existing verification and validation processes, by testing key properties of the evolving requirements, and helping to identify weaknesses. We conclude that the benefits gained from early modeling of unstable requirements more than outweigh the effort needed to maintain multiple representations.
Evidence-Informed, Individual Treatment of a Child with Sexual Behavior Problems: A Case Study.

PubMed

Allen, Brian; Berliner, Lucy

2015-11-01

Children with sexual behavior problems pose a significant challenge for community-based mental health clinicians. Very few clinical trials are available to guide intervention and those interventions that are available are based in a group format. The current case study demonstrates the application of evidence-informed treatment techniques during the individual treatment of a 10-year-old boy displaying interpersonal sexual behavior problems. Specifically, the clinician adapts and implements a group-based model developed and tested by Bonner et al. (1999) for use with an individual child and his caregivers. Key points of the case study are discussed within the context of implementing evidence-informed treatments for children with sexual behavior problems.
Identification of key performance indicators for on-farm animal welfare incidents: possible tools for early warning and prevention

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background The objective of this study was to describe aspects of case study herds investigated by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (DAFF) in which animal welfare incidents occurred and to identify key performance indicators (KPIs) that can be monitored to enhance the Early Warning System (EWS). Despite an EWS being in place for a number of years, animal welfare incidents continue to occur. Questionnaires regarding welfare incidents were sent to Superintending Veterinary Inspectors (SVIs), resulting in 18 herds being chosen as case study herds, 12 of which had a clearly defined welfare incident date. For each study herd, data on six potential KPIs were extracted from DAFF databases. The KPIs for those herds with a clearly defined welfare incident date were studied for a consecutive four year window, with the fourth year being the 'incident year', when the welfare incident was disclosed. For study herds without a clearly defined welfare incident date, the KPIs were determined on a yearly basis between 2001 and 2009. Results We found that the late registration of calves, the use of on-farm burial as a method of carcase disposal, an increasing number of moves to knackeries over time and records of animals moved to 'herd unknown' were notable on the case farms. Conclusion Four KPIs were prominent on the case study farms and warrant further investigation in control herds to determine their potential to provide a framework for refining current systems of early warning and prevention. PMID:21982340
Oral lymphoepithelial cyst: A clinicopathological study of 26 cases and review of the literature.

PubMed

Sykara, Maria; Ntovas, Panagiotis; Kalogirou, Eleni-Marina; Tosios, Konstantinos I; Sklavounou, Alexandra

2017-08-01

Τo describe the clinicopathological features of 26 oral lymphoepithelial cysts (LECs) and review the literature. Twenty-six cases of oral LECs diagnosed during a 37-year period were retrospectively collected. The patients' gender and age, as well as the main clinical features of the cysts were retrieved from the requisition forms. The main microscopic features were recorded after reevaluation of all cases. Pubmed and Google Scholar electronic databases were searched with the key word "oral LEC". Inclusion criteria were the microscopic confirmation of LEC diagnosis and the report at least two of three main clinical features (gender, age and cyst's location). The 26 oral LECs represented 0.08% of 31,564 biopsies accessioned during the study period. They affected 25 patients, 14 females and 11 males with a mean age of 33.04±9.81 years. They appeared as smooth (92%) nodules, with soft (24%) or firm (76%) consistency and normal (28%), yellow to normal (20%), yellow (32%) or white (20%) hue, in the tongue (69.23%) or the floor of mouth (30.77%). They were covered by parakeratinized squamous (92.31%) or non-keratinized (7.69%) epithelium and contained desquamated epithelial cells, amorphous eosinophilic material and/or inflammatory cells (100%). The lymphoid tissue surrounded the cystic cavity partially (34.62%) or completely (65.38%), often in a follicular pattern with prominent germinal centers (53.85%). Literature review yielded 316 cases of oral LECs derived from 25 case reports, 3 case studies/retrospective studies with detailed information for each case and 7 studies with summarized data. Oral LEC is a pathologic entity with discrete clinical presentation that is, however, commonly misdiagnosed in clinical practice as other, mostly benign, entities. Its pathogenesis remains obscure, as its clinicopathologic features are consistent with both theories suggested up to date. Key words: Oral lymphoepithelial cyst; developmental cyst; non odontogenic cyst; lymphoid tissue; oral tonsil.
Oral lymphoepithelial cyst: A clinicopathological study of 26 cases and review of the literature

PubMed Central

Sykara, Maria; Ntovas, Panagiotis; Tosios, Konstantinos I.; Sklavounou, Alexandra

2017-01-01

Introduction Τo describe the clinicopathological features of 26 oral lymphoepithelial cysts (LECs) and review the literature. Material and Methods Twenty-six cases of oral LECs diagnosed during a 37-year period were retrospectively collected. The patients’ gender and age, as well as the main clinical features of the cysts were retrieved from the requisition forms. The main microscopic features were recorded after reevaluation of all cases. Pubmed and Google Scholar electronic databases were searched with the key word “oral LEC”. Inclusion criteria were the microscopic confirmation of LEC diagnosis and the report at least two of three main clinical features (gender, age and cyst’s location). Results The 26 oral LECs represented 0.08% of 31,564 biopsies accessioned during the study period. They affected 25 patients, 14 females and 11 males with a mean age of 33.04±9.81 years. They appeared as smooth (92%) nodules, with soft (24%) or firm (76%) consistency and normal (28%), yellow to normal (20%), yellow (32%) or white (20%) hue, in the tongue (69.23%) or the floor of mouth (30.77%). They were covered by parakeratinized squamous (92.31%) or non-keratinized (7.69%) epithelium and contained desquamated epithelial cells, amorphous eosinophilic material and/or inflammatory cells (100%). The lymphoid tissue surrounded the cystic cavity partially (34.62%) or completely (65.38%), often in a follicular pattern with prominent germinal centers (53.85%). Literature review yielded 316 cases of oral LECs derived from 25 case reports, 3 case studies/retrospective studies with detailed information for each case and 7 studies with summarized data. Conclusions Oral LEC is a pathologic entity with discrete clinical presentation that is, however, commonly misdiagnosed in clinical practice as other, mostly benign, entities. Its pathogenesis remains obscure, as its clinicopathologic features are consistent with both theories suggested up to date. Key words:Oral lymphoepithelial cyst; developmental cyst; non odontogenic cyst; lymphoid tissue; oral tonsil. PMID:28936296
Learning to Cure, but Learning to Care?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Michalec, Barret

2011-01-01

Utilizing interviews with students and a key administrator, analyses of academic schedules, and observations of courses, labs, and small groups, this study examines if and how elements of the explicit preclinical curriculum may have deleterious effects on medical students' humanitarian attributes, namely empathy. Findings from this case-study of a…
New Superintendents: Trust, Networking, and Social Capital

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ripley, Joan; Mitchell, Roxanne M.; Richman, John A.

2013-01-01

This instrumental case study explored how five newly appointed superintendents identified key stakeholders and built trust and social capital with stakeholders in their districts. Stakeholder, trust, and social capital theory were the lenses that guided this study. We utilized a pragmatic research design and thematic data analysis to interpret our…
Creating a Shared Formulary in 7 Critical Access Hospitals

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wakefield, Douglas S.; Ward, Marcia M.; Loes, Jean L.; O'Brien, John; Abbas, Nancy

2010-01-01

Purpose: This paper reports a case study of 7 Critical Access Hospitals' (CAH) and 1 rural referral hospital's successful collaboration to develop a shared formulary. Methods: Study methods included document reviews, interviews with key informants, and use of descriptive statistics. Findings: Through a systematic review and decision process, CAH…
Case Studies of Non-Formal Education by Distance and Open Learning.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Siaciwena, Richard, Ed.

This document contains seven papers from a study of the role of distance learning approaches in enhancing the contribution of nonformal education to socioeconomic development in Africa. "Introduction" (Richard Siaciwena) presents an overview of the research project and defines key terms related to nonformal education. "Ghana: The…
Can a Library Building's Design Cue New Behaviors? A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

O'Kelly, Mary; Scott-Webber, Lennie; Garrison, Julie; Meyer, Kristin

2017-01-01

This study explores the relationship between architecture and interior space on student engagement at a newly constructed academic library. Using an action, mixed-methods approach with a convenience sample, researchers evaluated 744 photographs, 125 behavioral observations, and six group interviews. Analysis revealed four key attributes of…
DEVELOPING TOOLS FOR EVALUATION OF INTERACTIONS BETWEEN GLOBAL CHANGE STRESSORS AND ECOSYSTEM FUNCTIONING

EPA Science Inventory

Case studies in key selected coral reefs and watersheds will be completed to provide scientific data, concepts and models that describe the responses of the functioning of these ecosystems to global change stressors. The studies will focus on relating global changes to local and...
Understanding Successful Sandwich Placements: A Bourdieusian Approach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clark, Martyn; Zukas, Miriam

2016-01-01

Sandwich placements and other integrated work and study schemes are increasingly advocated as a key means by which universities can promote students' employability. However, there is little understanding of how successful placements work in terms of facilitating learning and development. Drawing on three longitudinal case studies of students who…
Knowledge Management Analysis: A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mecha, Ezi I.; Desai, Mayur S.; Richards, Thomas C.

2009-01-01

It is imperative for businesses to manage knowledge and stay competitive in the marketplace. Knowledge management is critical and is a key to prevent organizations from duplicating their efforts with a subsequent improvement in their efficiency. This study focuses on overview of knowledge management, analyzes the current knowledge management in…
Dissemination of Effective Physical Activity Interventions: Are We Applying the Evidence?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ballew, Paula; Brownson, Ross C.; Haire-Joshu, Debra; Heath, Gregory W.; Kreuter, Matthew W.

2010-01-01

Background: Given sparse knowledge on dissemination, this study sought to explore key benefits, barriers and contextual factors that are perceived to be important to the adoption and implementation of the "Community Guide's" evidence-based physical activity recommendations. Design: We conducted case studies in two states where extensive adoption…
Education Technology Services at Indiana University: A Case Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bichelmeyer, B. A.; Hara, Noriko; Yi, Jessi; Dennen, Vanessa; Avers, Dale; Tzeng, Jeng-Yi

1998-01-01

This paper, based on a qualitative research study, describes the technology resources available in the Indiana University School of Education, explains the range of services provided by Education Technology Services (ETS), documents the organizational structure of ETS, and describes the key processes and culture of ETS. (Author/AEF)
Taking Advantage of Murder and Mayhem for Social Studies.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harden, G. Daniel

1991-01-01

Suggests the use of key historical antisocial acts to teach social studies concepts as a means of arousing the interest of adolescents. Recommends overcoming initial sensationalism by shifting emphasis to more appropriate interests. Includes discussion of the Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy assassinations and the Rosenberg spy case. Suggests…
Interventionist and participatory approaches to flood risk mitigation decisions: two case studies in the Italian Alps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bianchizza, C.; Del Bianco, D.; Pellizzoni, L.; Scolobig, A.

2012-04-01

Flood risk mitigation decisions pose key challenges not only from a technical but also from a social, economic and political viewpoint. There is an increasing demand for improving the quality of these processes by including different stakeholders - and especially by involving the local residents in the decision making process - and by guaranteeing the actual improvement of local social capacities during and after the decision making. In this paper we analyse two case studies of flood risk mitigation decisions, Malborghetto-Valbruna and Vipiteno-Sterzing, in the Italian Alps. In both of them, mitigation works have been completed or planned, yet following completely different approaches especially in terms of responses of residents and involvement of local authorities. In Malborghetto-Valbruna an 'interventionist' approach (i.e. leaning towards a top down/technocratic decision process) was used to make decisions after the flood event that affected the municipality in the year 2003. In Vipiteno-Sterzing, a 'participatory' approach (i.e. leaning towards a bottom-up/inclusive decision process) was applied: decisions about risk mitigation measures were made by submitting different projects to the local citizens and by involving them in the decision making process. The analysis of the two case studies presented in the paper is grounded on the results of two research projects. Structured and in-depth interviews, as well as questionnaire surveys were used to explore residents' and local authorities' orientations toward flood risk mitigation. Also a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) involving key stakeholders was used to better understand the characteristics of the communities and their perception of flood risk mitigation issues. The results highlight some key differences between interventionist and participatory approaches, together with some implications of their adoption in the local context. Strengths and weaknesses of the two approaches, as well as key challenges for the future are also discussed.
Effect of culture on acceptance of telemedicine in Middle Eastern countries: case study of Jordan and Syria.

PubMed

Alajlani, Mohannad; Clarke, Malcolm

2013-04-01

We investigated issues that affect the use and adoption of telemedicine in Middle Eastern countries, taking the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Syrian Arab Republic as case studies. Our study is based on interviews with key stakeholders (including doctors, technicians, engineers, and decision makers) and questionnaires administered to key stakeholders (including patients), ensuring opinion was gained from people from a full range of backgrounds and roles in the healthcare system. We found doctor and patient resistance was a major issue preventing the adoption of telemedicine in both countries, followed by poor infrastructure, lack of funding, and lack of information technology training. Our research identifies that culture is a greater issue than technical matters for the adoption of telemedicine in Middle Eastern countries. Based on our preliminary results we developed a guideline framework for each country that might be applied to telemedicine projects at the pre-implementation phase. The proposed guideline framework was validated through a return visit to the stakeholders and seeking further opinion.
Bridging gaps in health information systems: a case study from Somaliland, Somalia.

PubMed

Askar, Ahmed; Ardakani, Malekafzali; Majdzade, Reza

2018-01-02

Reliable and timely health information is fundamental for health information systems (HIS) to work effectively. This case study aims to assess Somaliland HIS in terms of its contextual situation, major weaknesses and proposes key evidence-based recommendations. Data were collected through national level key informants' interviews, observations, group discussion and scoring using the HIS framework and assessment tool developed by World Health Organization Health Metrics Network (WHO/HMN). The study found major weaknesses including: no policy, strategic plan and legal framework in place; fragmented sub-information systems; Poor information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure; poorly motivated and under-skilled personnel; dependence on unsustainable external funds; no census or civil registration in place; data from private health sector not captured; insufficient technical capacity to analyse data collected by HIS; and information is not widely shared, disseminated or utilized for decision-making. We recommend developing a national HIS strategic plan that harmonizes and directs collective efforts to become a more integrated, cost-effective and sustainable HIS.

Estrogen-IGF-1 interactions in neuroprotection: Ischemic Stroke as a case study

PubMed Central

Sohrabji, Farida

2014-01-01

The steroid hormone 17b-estradiol and the peptide hormone insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 independently exert neuroprotective actions in neurologic diseases such as stroke. Only a few studies have directly addressed the interaction between the two hormone systems, however, there is a large literature that indicates potentially greater interactions between the 17b-estradiol and IGF-1 systems. The present review focuses on key issues related to this interaction including IGF-1 and sex differences and common activation of second messenger systems. Using ischemic stroke as a case study, this review also focuses on independent and cooperative actions of estrogen and IGF-1 on neuroprotection, blood brain barrier integrity, angiogenesis, inflammation and post-stroke epilepsy. Finally, the review also focuses on the astrocyte, a key mediator of post stroke repair, as a local source of 17b-estradiol and IGF-1. This review thus highlights areas where significant new research is needed to clarify the interactions between these two neuroprotectants. PMID:24882635
Exploring spatial evolution of economic clusters: A case study of Beijing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Zhenshan; Sliuzas, Richard; Cai, Jianming; Ottens, Henk F. L.

2012-10-01

An identification of economic clusters and analysing their changing spatial patterns is important for understanding urban economic space dynamics. Previous studies, however, suffer from limitations as a consequence of using fixed geographically areas and not combining functional and spatial dynamics. The paper presents an approach, based on local spatial statistics and the case of Beijing to understand the spatial clustering of industries that are functionally interconnected by common or complementary patterns of demand or supply relations. Using register data of business establishments, it identifies economic clusters and analyses their pattern based on postcodes at different time slices during the period 1983-2002. The study shows how the advanced services occupy the urban centre and key sub centres. The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) cluster is mainly concentrated in the north part of the city and circles the urban centre, and the main manufacturing clusters are evolved in the key sub centers. This type of outcomes improves understanding of urban-economic dynamics, which can support spatial and economic planning.
A case study of physical and social barriers to hygiene and child growth in remote Australian Aboriginal communities

PubMed Central

McDonald, Elizabeth; Bailie, Ross; Grace, Jocelyn; Brewster, David

2009-01-01

Background Despite Australia's wealth, poor growth is common among Aboriginal children living in remote communities. An important underlying factor for poor growth is the unhygienic state of the living environment in these communities. This study explores the physical and social barriers to achieving safe levels of hygiene for these children. Methods A mixed qualitative and quantitative approach included a community level cross-sectional housing infrastructure survey, focus groups, case studies and key informant interviews in one community. Results We found that a combination of crowding, non-functioning essential housing infrastructure and poor standards of personal and domestic hygiene underlie the high burden of infection experienced by children in this remote community. Conclusion There is a need to address policy and the management of infrastructure, as well as key parenting and childcare practices that allow the high burden of infection among children to persist. The common characteristics of many remote Aboriginal communities in Australia suggest that these findings may be more widely applicable. PMID:19761623
Design-build agreements : a case study review of the included handover requirements.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-04-01

Road infrastructure is a key component of any regions transportation system. It allows : unprecedented levels of mobility, accessibility, and economic growth. On the other hand, the cost : associated with inadequate road infrastructure can amount ...
Knoxville, Tennessee: Solar in Action (Brochure)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

2011-10-01

This brochure provides an overview of the challenges and successes of Knoxville, TN, a 2008 Solar America City awardee, on the path toward becoming a solar-powered community. Accomplishments, case studies, key lessons learned, and local resource information are given.
Austin, Texas: Solar in Action (Brochure)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

This brochure provides an overview of the challenges and successes of Austin, Texas, a 2007 Solar America City awardee, on the path toward becoming a solar-powered community. Accomplishments, case studies, key lessons learned, and local resource information are given.
Denver, Colorado: Solar in Action (Brochure)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

This brochure provides an overview of the challenges and successes of Denver, Colorado, a 2008 Solar America City awardee, on the path toward becoming a solar-powered community. Accomplishments, case studies, key lessons learned, and local resource information are given.
Madison, Wisconsin: Solar in Action (Brochure)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

2011-10-01

This brochure provides an overview of the challenges and successes of Madison, WI, a 2007 Solar America City awardee, on the path toward becoming a solar-powered community. Accomplishments, case studies, key lessons learned, and local resource information are given.
MONITORING, ASSESSMENT, AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY

EPA Science Inventory

This overview chapter examines the roles that environmental monitoring and assessment can play in the development of environmental policy. It takes a case study approach, focusing on the key roles played by monitoring data in policy formulation in acid deposition, stratospheric...
Authentication and Encryption Using Modified Elliptic Curve Cryptography with Particle Swarm Optimization and Cuckoo Search Algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kota, Sujatha; Padmanabhuni, Venkata Nageswara Rao; Budda, Kishor; K, Sruthi

2018-05-01

Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) uses two keys private key and public key and is considered as a public key cryptographic algorithm that is used for both authentication of a person and confidentiality of data. Either one of the keys is used in encryption and other in decryption depending on usage. Private key is used in encryption by the user and public key is used to identify user in the case of authentication. Similarly, the sender encrypts with the private key and the public key is used to decrypt the message in case of confidentiality. Choosing the private key is always an issue in all public key Cryptographic Algorithms such as RSA, ECC. If tiny values are chosen in random the security of the complete algorithm becomes an issue. Since the Public key is computed based on the Private Key, if they are not chosen optimally they generate infinity values. The proposed Modified Elliptic Curve Cryptography uses selection in either of the choices; the first option is by using Particle Swarm Optimization and the second option is by using Cuckoo Search Algorithm for randomly choosing the values. The proposed algorithms are developed and tested using sample database and both are found to be secured and reliable. The test results prove that the private key is chosen optimally not repetitive or tiny and the computations in public key will not reach infinity.
Ball Bearing Analysis with the ORBIS Tool

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Halpin, Jacob D.

2016-01-01

Ball bearing design is critical to the success of aerospace mechanisms. Key bearing performance parameters, such as load capability, stiffness, torque, and life all depend on accurate determination of the internal load distribution. Hence, a good analytical bearing tool that provides both comprehensive capabilities and reliable results becomes a significant asset to the engineer. This paper introduces the ORBIS bearing tool. A discussion of key modeling assumptions and a technical overview is provided. Numerous validation studies and case studies using the ORBIS tool are presented. All results suggest the ORBIS code closely correlates to predictions on bearing internal load distributions, stiffness, deflection and stresses.
Factors related to the implementation and diffusion of new technologies: a pilot study

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1979-06-01

In order to develop an understanding of how government intervention affects the processes of implementation and diffusion of new technologies, case studies of 14 technologies were carried out: automobiles; broadcast radio; frozen foods; black and white TV; color TV; polio vaccine; supersonic transport; fluoridation of water supplies; computer-aided instruction; basic oxygen process for steel; numerical control in manufacturing; digital computers; lasers; and integrated circuit. The key factors, their motivations for implementing/adopting the technology (or not doing so), the interactions among the key factors, and how these affected implementation/adoption are examined.
Candida Glabrata Esophagitis: new case reports and management

PubMed Central

Macêdo, Danielle Patrícia Cerqueira; da Silva, Vanessa Karina Alves; de Almeida Farias, Aline Mary; de Melo, Luciana Resende Bandeira; Wilheim, Ana Botler; Neves, Rejane Pereira

2008-01-01

Candida esophagitis (CE) is a common opportunistic infection in the immunocompromised host. C. glabrata is rarely cited as agent of CE and has been underestimated due to lack of proper identification. In this study, two cases of C. glabrata esophagitis in AIDS and chagasic patients are reported. Diagnosis of Candida species should be considered an important key for the ideal choice of antifungal therapy against this mycosis. PMID:24031216
P-20 Education Policy: School to College Transition Policy in Washington State

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pitre, Paul E.

2011-01-01

This study examines Washington State's attempt to move toward an integrated, P-20 system of education that enhances student transitions from high school to college. In analyzing Washington as a single case study, a profile of the state is developed on key access related characteristics. Data for this study were gathered utilizing fundamental case…
Finding Ways to Teach to Students with FASD: A Research Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Edmonds, Kelly; Crichton, Susan

2008-01-01

This study examines a unique educational program designed for youth with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder [FASD] in Alberta, Canada. Care was taken to include the participants' voice in this case study resulting in key insights and strategies for working with youth and/or students struggling with FASD. Using observation notes, survey and interview…
A survey of major east coast snowstorms, 1960-1983. Part 2: Case studies of eighteen storms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kocin, P. J.; Uccellini, L. W.

1985-01-01

Snowfall, surface and upper air charts, and available satellite images are presented for eighteen major East Coast snowstorms that occurred between 1960 and 1983. The charts and descriptions of key fields are provided so that students, weather forecasters, and researchers alike can visualize how a large sample of major winter cyclones form and intensify. Although there are noted similarities in certain aspects of the surface and upper tropospheric development of the storms, significant case-to-case variability precludes the ability to effectively composite these weather systems.
Q-marker based strategy for CMC research of Chinese medicine: A case study of Panax Notoginseng saponins.

PubMed

Zhong, Yi; Zhu, Jieqiang; Yang, Zhenzhong; Shao, Qing; Fan, Xiaohui; Cheng, Yiyu

2018-01-31

To ensure pharmaceutical quality, chemistry, manufacturing and control (CMC) research is essential. However, due to the inherent complexity of Chinese medicine (CM), CMC study of CM remains a great challenge for academia, industry, and regulatory agencies. Recently, quality-marker (Q-marker) was proposed to establish quality standards or quality analysis approaches of Chinese medicine, which sheds a light on Chinese medicine's CMC study. Here manufacture processes of Panax Notoginseng Saponins (PNS) is taken as a case study and the present work is to establish a Q-marker based research strategy for CMC of Chinese medicine. The Q-markers of Panax Notoginseng Saponins (PNS) is selected and established by integrating chemical profile with pharmacological activities. Then, the key processes of PNS manufacturing are identified by material flow analysis. Furthermore, modeling algorithms are employed to explore the relationship between Q-markers and critical process parameters (CPPs) of the key processes. At last, CPPs of the key processes are optimized in order to improving the process efficiency. Among the 97 identified compounds, Notoginsenoside R 1 , ginsenoside Rg 1 , Re, Rb 1 and Rd are selected as the Q-markers of PNS. Our analysis on PNS manufacturing show the extraction process and column chromatography process are the key processes. With the CPPs of each process as the inputs and Q-markers' contents as the outputs, two process prediction models are built separately for the extraction process and column chromatography process of Panax notoginseng, which both possess good prediction ability. Based on the efficiency models of extraction process and column chromatography process we constructed, the optimal CPPs of both processes are calculated. Our results show that the Q-markers derived from CMC research strategy can be applied to analyze the manufacturing processes of Chinese medicine to assure product's quality and promote key processes' efficiency simultaneously. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.
San Antonio, Texas: Solar in Action (Brochure)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

2011-10-01

This brochure provides an overview of the challenges and successes of San Antonio, TX, a 2008 Solar America City awardee, on the path toward becoming a solar-powered community. Accomplishments, case studies, key lessons learned, and local resource information are given.
San Diego, California: Solar in Action (Brochure)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

2011-10-01

This brochure provides an overview of the challenges and successes of San Diego, CA, a 2007 Solar America City awardee, on the path toward becoming a solar-powered community. Accomplishments, case studies, key lessons learned, and local resource information are given.
Analyzing the Teaching of Professional Practice

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moss, Pamela A.

2011-01-01

Background/Context: Based on their case studies of preparation for professional practice in the clergy, teaching, and clinical psychology, Grossman and colleagues (2009) identified three key concepts for analyzing and comparing practice in professional education--representations, decomposition, and approximations--to support professional educators…

Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota: Solar in Action (Brochure)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

2011-10-01

This brochure provides an overview of the challenges and successes of Minneapolis, MN, a 2008 Solar America City awardee, on the path toward becoming a solar-powered community. Accomplishments, case studies, key lessons learned, and local resource information are given.
San Francisco, California: Solar in Action (Brochure)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

2011-10-01

This brochure provides an overview of the challenges and successes of San Francisco, CA, a 2007 Solar America City awardee, on the path toward becoming a solar-powered community. Accomplishments, case studies, key lessons learned, and local resource information are given.
Key practices for implementing geospatial technologies for a planning and environment linkages (PEL) approach

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2008-07-01

This report presents three case studies that illustrate how geographic information systems (GIS) have been used to implement the Federal Highway Administrations (FHWA) Planning and Environment Linkages (PEL) approach. The PEL approach provides inf...
Newborn Survival Case Study in Rwanda - Bottleneck Analysis and Projections in Key Maternal and Child Mortality Rates Using Lives Saved Tool (LiST).

PubMed

Khurmi, Manpreet Singh; Sayinzoga, Felix; Berhe, Atakilt; Bucyana, Tatien; Mwali, Assumpta Kayinamura; Manzi, Emmanuel; Muthu, Maharajan

2017-01-01

The Newborn Survival Case study in Rwanda provides an analysis of the newborn health and survival situation in the country. It reviews evidence-based interventions and coverage levels already implemented in the country; identifies key issues and bottlenecks in service delivery and uptake of services by community/beneficiaries, and provides key recommendations aimed at faster reduction in newborn mortality rate. This study utilized mixed method research including qualitative and quantitative analyses of various maternal and newborn health programs implemented in the country. This included interviewing key stakeholders at each level, field visits and also interviewing beneficiaries for assessment of uptake of services. Monitoring systems such as Health Management Information Systems (HMIS), maternal and newborn death audits were reviewed and data analyzed to aid these analyses. Policies, protocols, various guidelines and tools for monitoring are already in place however, implementation of these remains a challenge e.g. infection control practices to reduce deaths due to sepsis. Although existing staff are quite knowledgeable and are highly motivated, however, shortage of health personnel especially doctors in an issue. New facilities are being operationalized e.g. at Gisenyi, however, the existing facilities needs expansion. It is essential to implement high impact evidence based interventions but coverage levels need to be significantly high in order to achieve higher reduction in newborn mortality rate. Equity approach should be considered in planning so that the services are better implemented and the poor and needy can get the benefits of public health programs.
Modern negligence law: Contribution of the medical cases.

PubMed

Hodgson, John

The law on medical negligence is part of the law of negligence generally. It has played a significant part in developing two key aspects of the law. There are special rules to determine the standard of care expected of experts when advising and solving problems, and medical cases have largely shaped the law. Although cases on causation may arise in any area, several of the key cases happen to be medical ones. They are particularly likely to assist where there are alternative causes, as it is often difficult to distinguish the effects of disease from those of inappropriate treatment.
The application of systems thinking concepts, methods, and tools to global health practices: An analysis of case studies.

PubMed

Wilkinson, Jessica; Goff, Morgan; Rusoja, Evan; Hanson, Carl; Swanson, Robert Chad

2018-06-01

This review of systems thinking (ST) case studies seeks to compile and analyse cases from ST literature and provide practitioners with a reference for ST in health practice. Particular attention was given to (1) reviewing the frequency and use of key ST terms, methods, and tools in the context of health, and (2) extracting and analysing longitudinal themes across cases. A systematic search of databases was conducted, and a total of 36 case studies were identified. A combination of integrative and inductive qualitative approaches to analysis was used. Most cases identified took place in high-income countries and applied ST retrospectively. The most commonly used ST terms were agent/stakeholder/actor (n = 29), interdependent/interconnected (n = 28), emergence (n = 26), and adaptability/adaptation (n = 26). Common ST methods and tools were largely underutilized. Social network analysis was the most commonly used method (n = 4), and innovation or change management history was the most frequently used tool (n = 11). Four overarching themes were identified; the importance of the interdependent and interconnected nature of a health system, characteristics of leaders in a complex adaptive system, the benefits of using ST, and barriers to implementing ST. This review revealed that while much has been written about the potential benefits of applying ST to health, it has yet to completely transition from theory to practice. There is however evidence of the practical use of an ST lens as well as specific methods and tools. With clear examples of ST applications, the global health community will be better equipped to understand and address key health challenges. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The case-control design in veterinary sciences: A survey.

PubMed

Cullen, Jonah N; Sargeant, Jan M; Makielski, Kelly M; O'Connor, Annette M

2016-11-01

The case-control study design is deceptively simple. However, many design considerations influence the estimated effect measure. An investigation of case-control studies in the human health literature suggested that some of these considerations are not described in reports of case-control studies. Our hypothesis was that the majority of veterinary studies labeled as case-controls would be incident density designs, and many would not interpret the effect measure obtained from those studies as the rate ratio rather than the odds ratio. Reference databases were searched for author-designated case-control studies. A survey of 100 randomly selected studies was conducted to examine the different design options described and estimated effect measures. Of the 100 author-identified case-control studies, 83 assessed an exposure-outcome association and, of those, only 54 (65.1%) sampled the study population based on an outcome and would thus be considered case-control designs. Twelve studies were incidence density designs but none used this terminology. Of the studies that reported an odds ratio as the effect measure, none reported on additional considerations that would have enabled a more interpretable result. This survey indicated many case-control-labeled studies were not case-control designs and among case-control studies, key design aspects were not often described. The absence of information about study design elements and underlying assumptions in case-control studies limits the ability to establish the effect measured by the study and the evidentiary value of the study might be underestimated. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keeping Connected: A Review of the Research Relationship

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moss, Julianne; Hay, Trevor

2014-01-01

In this paper, some key findings of the Keeping Connected project are discussed in light of the methodological challenges of developing an analytical approach in a large-scale study, particularly in starting with open-ended, participant-selected, digital still visual images as part of 31 longitudinal case studies. The paper works to clarify the…
The Elementary School Principal's Influence on Teachers' Curricular and Instructional Decisions.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Larsen, Marci L.; Malen, Betty

Within the research on teacher planning and decision making the principal is seldom mentioned as a key shaper of teachers' curricular and instructional decision making. This paper presents findings of a case study of two elementary school principals. The study examined the congruence between principals' aims and teachers' decisions; the statements…
Employability and Employers: The Missing Piece of the Jigsaw. IES Report 361.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tamkin, P.; Hillage, J.

The approaches to employability being taken by United Kingdom employers were examined in a study that included three components: a literature review to develop a definition of employability and isolate its key elements; case studies of six organizations to identify employers' approaches to employability; and examination of related literature on…
Organizational Learning and Power Dynamics: A Study in a Brazilian University

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Santos, Jane Lucia Silva; Steil, Andrea Valéria

2015-01-01

Purpose: This paper aims to describe and analyze organizational learning processes and power dynamics during the adoption and use of an information system (IS) at a Brazilian public organization. Design/methodology/approach: A case study was chosen as the research method. Data were gathered from documents and interviews with key informants.…
Struggling Readers and Emotional Intelligence: A Case Study of Their Program Experiences

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Peterson, Jennifer

2011-01-01

This study examined the question: How do struggling readers experience the Gonzaga University's Saturday Literacy Tutoring Program as viewed through the five key dimensions of emotional intelligence? Gonzaga University's Saturday Literacy Tutoring Program is designed to help struggling readers gain the specific skills and strategies they need to…
Scottish Classroom Voices: A Case Study of Teaching and Learning Scots

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shoba, Jo Arthur

2010-01-01

Research in multilingual classrooms demonstrates education as a key site within which social and linguistic values are shaped. This study extends such research by investigating language use in a Scottish primary classroom. Scots is widely spoken throughout Scotland, figuring in a 2003 Scottish Parliament report as one of two indigenous heritage…
Facilitators to Promoting Health in Schools: Is School Health Climate the Key?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lucarelli, Jennifer F.; Alaimo, Katherine; Mang, Ellen; Martin, Caroline; Miles, Richard; Bailey, Deborah; Kelleher, Deanne K.; Drzal, Nicholas B.; Liu, Hui

2014-01-01

Background: Schools can promote healthy eating in adolescents. This study used a qualitative approach to examine barriers and facilitators to healthy eating in schools. Methods: Case studies were conducted with 8 low-income Michigan middle schools. Interviews were conducted with 1 administrator, the food service director, and 1 member of the…
Branding Access through the Carolina Covenant: Fostering Institutional Image and Brand

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harris, Michael S.; Barnes, Bradley

2011-01-01

This study analyzes the potential of major financial aid initiatives to serve as key elements of an institutional branding strategy. Concepts of branding and marketing serve as guiding frameworks for the analysis and interpretation of the findings. Using a case study approach, data were collected through interviews and document analysis at the…
The Racial Crisis in American Higher Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Altbach, Philip G., Ed.; Lomotey, Kofi, Ed.

This collection of essays addresses the need for continued research in race-related issues on college campuses. The book examines the causes and the impact of campus racial tensions by studying some key university case studies and by investigating some of the underlying elements of the crisis. Essays and their authors are as follows: "The Racial…
Embedding Enterprise: A Business School Undergraduate Course with an Enterprise Focus

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jones, Paul; Jones, Amanda; Skinner, Heather; Packham, Gary

2013-01-01

This study profiles, through a case study of an undergraduate business programme, how a business school has embedded the theme of enterprise in its core undergraduate programme. Key participants in the development of the strategy and programme tutors and students were interviewed, to provide information for an analysis of the principle objectives…
A Case Study of Interagency Collaboration as Reported by the PREP Advisory Committee

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Greene, Cathleen M.

2010-01-01

The purpose of this study was to explore with key members of the Pilot Reintegration Education Program (PREP) Advisory Committee, the characteristics of their interagency process and how they perceived that these factors contributed to accomplishing the common objective of providing a smooth and effective transition for students between release…
Community Building as an Instructional Goal in Japanese Adult Basic Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jacobson, Erik

2009-01-01

This paper presents the results of a multisite case study of adult basic education in Japan. A key finding of the study is that as part of community building within classrooms, students, teachers, and administrators prioritize human relations and expressions of empathy rather than academic skill development. In contrast to Japanese educational…
Variability in University Students' Use of Technology: An "Approaches to Learning" Perspective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mimirinis, Mike

2016-01-01

This study reports the results of a cross-case study analysis of how students' approaches to learning are demonstrated in blended learning environments. It was initially propositioned that approaches to learning as key determinants of the quality of student learning outcomes are demonstrated specifically in how students utilise technology in…

Perceptions of Child Sexual Abuse--A Qualitative Interview Study with Representatives of the Socio-Legal System in Urban Tanzania

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kisanga, Felix; Mbwambo, Jessie; Hogan, Norah; Nystrom, Lennarth; Emmelin, Maria; Lindmark, Gunilla

2010-01-01

Through in-depth interviews, this study explored perceptions and experiences of key players handling child sexual offense cases in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The informants included public police investigators, magistrates, legal workers, and social workers working with nongovernmental organizations. The interviews were recorded, transcribed…
Intellectual Initiatives at a Research University: Origins, Evolutions, and Challenges.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Frost, Susan H.; Jean, Paul M.; Teodorescu, Daniel; Brown, Amy B.

This qualitative case study explored the origins, evolutions, and challenges of 12 cross-disciplinary intellectual initiatives at 1 research university. Researchers conducted open-ended interviews with leaders of the 12 initiatives and used program literature to support the data gathered from the interviews. The study found that key factors such…
A Case Study of Cultural Misinterpretations of Behavior in One Preservice Teacher's Lesson.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Corrigan, Stephanie Zweig

This exploratory study examined the interactions of preservice teachers with their pupils to determine if differences in interaction were seen. Explorations of teacher thinking, particularly the social cognitive process of trait attribution and the role of cultural background experiences, were key areas of analysis. The literature reviews…
Syllabus of Vocational High School Based on ESP Approach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dewi, Sri Utami

2015-01-01

This study is designed as a case study and concerned on qualitative data, which reflected what actually happened in the area. The principal, the English teachers and students are placed as the key informants. The data is gained from the informants by applying in depth interview, questionnaire, documentation and observation. The data are analyzed…
Educational Media in Asia. Perspectives on Distance Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reddi, Usha V., Ed.; Mishra, Sanjaya, Ed.

2005-01-01

This is the first book to survey the region's use of educational media and summarise the experiences of different Commonwealth Asian countries in one collection. It includes a review of the key issues, country studies, research reviews and several case studies on harnessing technologies for distance-learning initiatives. The book is designed to…
Revista de Investigacion Educativa, 1998 (Journal of Educational Research, 1998).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Revista de Investigacion Educativa, 1998

1998-01-01

Articles in this volume focus on the following: specialized research; methodological challenges; establishment of a categorization system for sociometric analysis and its application in the multicultural classroom; a case study of factors to prevent school failure in children at risk; the KeyMatch-R scale (study of a curriculum-related diagnostic…
Integrating Social Responsibility into an Entrepreneurship Education Program: A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Maistry, Suriamurthee Moonsamy; Ramdhani, Jugathambal

2010-01-01

Entrepreneurship education in South Africa is often presented as a neutral discipline. Yet fundamental to any entrepreneurship education program should be the integration of key issues, such as ethics, values and social responsibility. This paper reports on a study that set out to explore student teachers experiences of engaging in an…
Teaching the "Diagonalization Concept" in Linear Algebra with Technology: A Case Study at Galatasaray University

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yildiz Ulus, Aysegul

2013-01-01

This paper examines experimental and algorithmic contributions of advanced calculators (graphing and computer algebra system, CAS) in teaching the concept of "diagonalization," one of the key topics in Linear Algebra courses taught at the undergraduate level. Specifically, the proposed hypothesis of this study is to assess the effective…
Changing Student Expectations and Graduate Employment: Case Studies from Xi'an, Shaanxi Province

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moorman, Adam B. R.

2011-01-01

This paper addresses the issue of students' employment expectations, considered a key factor in alleviating graduate unemployment in China. This empirical investigation surveyed students at two higher education institutions in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, to analyze how expectations were changing. The results contrasted with earlier studies that…
Listening to the Reactions of People in the Midst of Change

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Friestad-Tate, Jill; McCoy, Craig

2012-01-01

The purpose of the study was to listen to reactions of key stakeholders experiencing profound organizational change. A case study was used to gather data from participants' interview responses. Data analysis identified research-supported reactions; in addition, two unique themes were identified: constructive critique and ill-effects of good…
Assessment of Factor Affecting Institutional Performance: The Case of Wolaita Sodo University

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shibru, Sintayehu; Bibiso, Mesfin; Ousman, Kedir

2017-01-01

The purpose of this study is to explore factors that affect institutional performance of Wolaita Sodo University. The study has identified middle level manager's perceptions toward institutional performance to indicate the key factors that seem to affect the performance of the university. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and…
A Mathematics Teacher's Practice in a Technological Environment: A Case Study Analysis Using Two Complementary Theories

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tabach, Michal

2011-01-01

Integrating technology in school mathematics has become more and more common. The teacher is a key person in integrating technology into everyday practice. To understand teacher practice in a technological environment, this study proposes using two theoretical perspectives: the theory of technological pedagogical content knowledge to analyze…
The Impact and Implementation of National Qualifications Frameworks: A Comparison of 16 Countries

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Allais, Stephanie M.

2011-01-01

This article provides some of the key findings of a comparative study commissioned by the International Labour Organization (ILO), which attempted to understand more about the impact and implementation of national qualifications frameworks (NQFs). Sixteen case studies were produced, on qualifications frameworks in Australia; Bangladesh; Botswana;…
Cutaneous manifestations of Churg-Strauss syndrome: key to diagnosis*

PubMed Central

Marques, Camila Carneiro; Fernandes, Elizabeth Leocadia; Miquelin, Gabriela Momente; Colferai, Mariana Morais Tavares

2017-01-01

Churg-Strauss syndrome is a rare systemic vasculitis characterized by asthma and other allergy symptoms as well as eosinophilia and necrotizing vasculitis involving small and medium-sized vessels. Its prevalence in the general population ranges from 1-3 cases per million a year, varying according to the population studied. The authors describe a case of a female patient affected by the disease with important systemic manifestations and not very florid skin lesions. PMID:29267447
Cutaneous manifestations of Churg-Strauss syndrome: key to diagnosis.

PubMed

Marques, Camila Carneiro; Fernandes, Elizabeth Leocadia; Miquelin, Gabriela Momente; Colferai, Mariana Morais Tavares

2017-01-01

Churg-Strauss syndrome is a rare systemic vasculitis characterized by asthma and other allergy symptoms as well as eosinophilia and necrotizing vasculitis involving small and medium-sized vessels. Its prevalence in the general population ranges from 1-3 cases per million a year, varying according to the population studied. The authors describe a case of a female patient affected by the disease with important systemic manifestations and not very florid skin lesions.
Exploring the influence of service user involvement on health and social care services for cancer.

PubMed

Attree, Pamela; Morris, Sara; Payne, Sheila; Vaughan, Suzanne; Hinder, Susan

2011-03-01

Service user involvement in health and social care is a key policy driver in the UK. In cancer care it is central to developing services which are effective, responsive and accessible to patients. Cancer network partnership groups are set up to enable joint working between service users and health care professionals and to drive service improvements. The aim of this study was to explore the influence of the cancer network partnership groups' service user involvement activities on cancer care. This was a qualitative study involving documentary analysis and in-depth case studies of a sample of partnership groups. Five partnership groups were purposively selected as case studies from Macmillan regions across the UK; documents were collated from a further five groups. Forty people, including core group members and key stakeholders in cancer services, were interviewed. The evidence from this study suggests that cancer network partnership groups are at their most influential at 'grass roots' level - contributing to patient information resources, enhancing access to services, and improving care environments. While such improvements are undoubtedly important to patients, the groups' aim is to influence strategic changes, for example in cancer care commissioning or macro-level policy decision-making. The evolution of open, participatory relationships between service users and professionals, and recognition of the value of experiential knowledge are seen as key factors in influencing cancer care. The provision of dedicated resources to strengthen service user involvement activities is also vital. © 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
Case study: reconciling the quality and safety gap through strategic planning.

PubMed

Jeffs, Lianne; Merkley, Jane; Jeffrey, Jana; Ferris, Ella; Dusek, Janice; Hunter, Catherine

2006-05-01

An essential outcome of professional practice environments is the provision of high-quality, safe nursing care. To mitigate the quality and safety chasm, nursing leadership at St. Michael's Hospital undertook a strategic plan to enhance the nursing professional practice environment. This case study outlines the development of the strategic planning process: the driving forces (platform); key stakeholders (process and players); vision, guiding principles, strategic directions, framework for action and accountability (plan); lessons learned (pearls); and next steps to moving forward the vision, strategic directions and accountability mechanisms (passion and perseverance).
Decision support systems and the healthcare strategic planning process: a case study.

PubMed

Lundquist, D L; Norris, R M

1991-01-01

The repertoire of applications that comprises health-care decision support systems (DSS) includes analyses of clinical, financial, and operational activities. As a whole, these applications facilitate developing comprehensive and interrelated business and medical models that support the complex decisions required to successfully manage today's health-care organizations. Kennestone Regional Health Care System's use of DSS to facilitate strategic planning has precipitated marked changes in the organization's method of determining capital allocations. This case study discusses Kennestone's use of DSS in the strategic planning process, including profiles of key DSS modeling components.
Utilizing a 'systems' approach to improve the management of waste from healthcare facilities: best practice case studies from England and Wales.

PubMed

Tudor, Terry L; Woolridge, Anne C; Bates, Margaret P; Phillips, Paul S; Butler, Sharon; Jones, Keith

2008-06-01

Changes in environmental legislation and standards governing healthcare waste, such as the Hazardous Waste Regulations are expected to have a significant impact on healthcare waste quantities and costs in England and Wales. This paper presents findings from two award winning case study organizations, the Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust and the Cornwall NHS Trust on 'systems' they have employed for minimizing waste. The results suggest the need for the development and implementation of a holistic range of systems in order to develop best practice, including waste minimization strategies, key performance indicators, and staff training and awareness. The implications for the sharing of best practice from the two case studies are also discussed.
Integration of the concepts of sustainability into teaching at post-secondary institutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davis, Sara Allison

The purpose of this study was to examine the incorporation of the concepts of sustainability into teaching at two post-secondary public education residential institutions, Northern Arizona University (NAU) and the University of South Carolina (USC). A total of 17 faculty members, six administrators, and 31 students were interviewed in the study. An individual case record for each participating institution was developed. The two case records were then qualitatively cross-case analyzed to derive crosscutting themes and patterns at the two participating institutions. Based on the findings of this study, several major themes emerged across the two post-secondary public institutions. Sustainability was consistently viewed by faculty members, administrators, and students as a very broad term. While faculty members and administrators differentiated between the ecological, economic, and social dimensions of sustainability, students commonly associated sustainability more narrowly with an ecological meaning. Several common factors that influenced faculty members' and administrators' understanding of sustainability included literature, campus-wide training, personal influences, and professional networking. Common methods used by faculty to incorporate the concepts of sustainability into teaching included assigned readings, class discussions, and class projects. Key benefits of incorporating the concepts of sustainability into teaching included increased student awareness, collaboration, vision development, and social implications, while key challenges included time, support, assessment, student understanding, and more realistic classroom experiences. Key driving forces for faculty members and administrators for incorporating the concepts of sustainability into teaching were the initiatives specifically developed at the institutions. Based on the common themes at the two institutions studied, it is recommended that post-secondary institutions desiring to deploy the concepts of sustainability into teaching include the multiple dimensions of sustainability in their campus-wide initiatives, faculty and student development, and policies. In addition, it is recommended that campus-wide sustainability initiatives emphasize the key benefits of increased student awareness, collaboration, social implications, and vision development, and that they consider the challenges of time, support, assessment, and student understanding, while rewarding faculty members for their efforts to incorporate the concepts of sustainability into teaching.

Smoke-free workplace ballot campaigns: case studies from Missouri and lessons for policy and media advocacy.

PubMed

Bach, Laura E; Shelton, Sarah C; Moreland-Russell, Sarah; Israel, Kendre

2013-01-01

To assess the key components of smoke-free campaigns that may have influenced voting outcomes in three communities. Community case studies with content analysis of tobacco-related newspaper articles. Three semiurban Missouri communities. One hundred eighty-one articles referencing tobacco published during the campaigns and five key informant interviews. Articles were coded for type, community referenced, tobacco control position, source of quotations, use of evidence, and frame. Semistructured interviews with key informants collected additional information. Descriptive statistics were utilized to examine media coverage in each community. Key themes and events for each campaign were identified from qualitative interviews. The only community that failed to pass its initiative had the highest proportion of letters to the editor (81.1%), anti-tobacco control articles (34.2%), use of a rights frame (28.8%), no evidence used (36.9%), no neighboring communities with policies, strong Tea Party presence, and no support from the chamber of commerce. Across all communities, more articles incorporating health frames were pro-tobacco control (70.7%) and more articles with a rights frame were anti-tobacco control (62.0%), compared to other positions. Several factors can influence the policy process. Tobacco control policy advocates facing strong opposition should consider the many factors (demographics, proximity to other adopting localities, politics) driving the debate and use media as an avenue to influence the discussion, connect with the public and policymakers, and mobilize proponents.
Sustaining Public Involvement in Long Range Planning Using a Stakeholder Based Process: A Case Study from Eugene-Springfield ,Oregon

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1998-09-16

The Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act requires a proactive : public involvement process that provides complete information, timely public : notice, full public access to key decisions, and supports early and continuing : involvement of...
The Importance of Geodetically Controlled Data Sets: THEMIS Controlled Mosaics of Mars, a Case Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fergason, R. L.; Weller, L.

2018-04-01

Accurate image registration is necessary to answer questions that are key to addressing fundamental questions about our universe. To provide such a foundational product for Mars, we have geodetically controlled and mosaicked THEMIS IR images.
Emergency nursing management of the multiple trauma patient.

PubMed

Kosmos, C A

1989-01-01

This case study reinforces key principles in caring for multiply injured trauma victims. The Primary Survey is a tool developed to allow those caring for trauma patients to prioritize injuries. Those injuries identified in the Primary Survey will be the most life threatening.
Keys to Sustaining Successful School Turnarounds

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Duke, Daniel L.

2006-01-01

To identify the changes associated with the school turnaround process, this article reviewed 15 case studies of elementary school turnaround initiatives that sustained improvements for at least two years. Changes were clustered into eight categories: leadership, school policy, programs, organizational processes, staffing, classroom practices,…
Influence of Cultural, Organizational, and Automation Capability on Human Automation Trust: A Case Study of Auto-GCAS Experimental Test Pilots

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Koltai, Kolina; Ho, Nhut; Masequesmay, Gina; Niedober, David; Skoog, Mark; Cacanindin, Artemio; Johnson, Walter; Lyons, Joseph

2014-01-01

This paper discusses a case study that examined the influence of cultural, organizational and automation capability upon human trust in, and reliance on, automation. In particular, this paper focuses on the design and application of an extended case study methodology, and on the foundational lessons revealed by it. Experimental test pilots involved in the research and development of the US Air Force's newly developed Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System served as the context for this examination. An eclectic, multi-pronged approach was designed to conduct this case study, and proved effective in addressing the challenges associated with the case's politically sensitive and military environment. Key results indicate that the system design was in alignment with pilot culture and organizational mission, indicating the potential for appropriate trust development in operational pilots. These include the low-vulnerability/ high risk nature of the pilot profession, automation transparency and suspicion, system reputation, and the setup of and communications among organizations involved in the system development.
An Extended Case Study Methoology for Investigating Influence of Cultural, Organizational, and Automation Factors on Human-Automation Trust

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Koltai, Kolina Sun; Ho, Nhut; Masequesmay, Gina; Niedober, David; Skoog, Mark; Johnson, Walter; Cacanindin, Artemio

2014-01-01

This paper discusses a case study that examined the influence of cultural, organizational and automation capability upon human trust in, and reliance on, automation. In particular, this paper focuses on the design and application of an extended case study methodology, and on the foundational lessons revealed by it. Experimental test pilots involved in the research and development of the US Air Forces newly developed Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System served as the context for this examination. An eclectic, multi-pronged approach was designed to conduct this case study, and proved effective in addressing the challenges associated with the cases politically sensitive and military environment. Key results indicate that the system design was in alignment with pilot culture and organizational mission, indicating the potential for appropriate trust development in operational pilots. These include the low-vulnerabilityhigh risk nature of the pilot profession, automation transparency and suspicion, system reputation, and the setup of and communications among organizations involved in the system development.
Research on investment decisions model of trans-regional transmission network based on the theory of NPV

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zai, Wenjiao; Wang, Bo; Liu, Jichun; Shi, Haobo; Zeng, Pingliang

2018-02-01

The investment decision model of trans-regional transmission network in the context of Global Energy Internet was studied in this paper. The key factors affecting the trans-regional transmission network investment income: the income tax rate, the loan interest rate, the expected return on investment of the investment subject, the per capita GDP and so on were considered in the transmission network investment income model. First, according to the principle of system dynamics, the causality diagram of key factors was constructed. Then, the dynamic model of transmission investment decision was established. A case study of the power transmission network between China and Mongolia, through the simulation of the system dynamic model, the influence of the above key factors on the investment returns was analyzed, and the feasibility and effectiveness of the model was proved.
Case management for high-intensity service users: towards a relational approach to care co-ordination.

PubMed

McEvoy, Phil; Escott, Diane; Bee, Penny

2011-01-01

This study is based on a formative evaluation of a case management service for high-intensity service users in Northern England. The evaluation had three main purposes: (i) to assess the quality of the organisational infrastructure; (ii) to obtain a better understanding of the key influences that played a role in shaping the development of the service; and (iii) to identify potential changes in practice that may help to improve the quality of service provision. The evaluation was informed by Gittell's relational co-ordination theory, which focuses upon cross-boundary working practices that facilitate task integration. The Assessment of Chronic Illness Care Survey was used to assess the organisational infrastructure and qualitative interviews with front line staff were conducted to explore the key influences that shaped the development of the service. A high level of strategic commitment and political support for integrated working was identified. However, the quality of care co-ordination was variable. The most prominent operational factor that appeared to influence the scope and quality of care co-ordination was the pattern of interaction between the case managers and their co-workers. The co-ordination of patient care was much more effective in integrated co-ordination networks. Key features included clearly defined, task focussed, relational workspaces with interactive forums where case managers could engage with co-workers in discussions about the management of interdependent care activities. In dispersed co-ordination networks with fewer relational workspaces, the case managers struggled to work as effectively. The evaluation concluded that the creation of flexible and efficient task focused relational workspaces that are systemically managed and adequately resourced could help to improve the quality of care co-ordination, particularly in dispersed networks. © 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
User and researcher collaborations in mental health in low and middle income countries: a case study of the EMPOWER project

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Increasing recognition has been given to the interaction of users and researchers in shaping the perspective and practice of mental health care. However, there remains very little evidence exploring how this interaction works, particularly in low and middle income countries. The aim of this study was to explore experiences of how users and researchers worked together to communicate research, using a case study of the EMPOWER project. Methods The study followed a case-study approach. EMPOWER was a project that sought to strengthen the capacity of user organizations in India, Kenya, Nepal and Zambia by encouraging user-researcher collaborations to communicate research findings in the four countries. A qualitative research method was applied for this study, with semi-structured interviews conducted with seven people: two researchers, one communications developer, and four user group members (one from each of the four countries). Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results The findings indicated positive perceptions of the collaboration between researchers and users. Key themes were partnership and support, the value of the personal experience of users and their knowledge of the target audiences, and empowerment. Key challenges related to differences in levels of education and technical knowledge and the lack of payments to users. Conclusions This exploratory study provides insight to help understand collaborative processes for communicating mental health research. It highlights many positive outcomes from the EMPOWER collaboration but also highlights the need for more in-depth research on this issue. PMID:24423150
User and researcher collaborations in mental health in low and middle income countries: a case study of the EMPOWER project.

PubMed

Gupta, Esha; Roberts, Bayard

2014-01-14

Increasing recognition has been given to the interaction of users and researchers in shaping the perspective and practice of mental health care. However, there remains very little evidence exploring how this interaction works, particularly in low and middle income countries. The aim of this study was to explore experiences of how users and researchers worked together to communicate research, using a case study of the EMPOWER project. The study followed a case-study approach. EMPOWER was a project that sought to strengthen the capacity of user organizations in India, Kenya, Nepal and Zambia by encouraging user-researcher collaborations to communicate research findings in the four countries. A qualitative research method was applied for this study, with semi-structured interviews conducted with seven people: two researchers, one communications developer, and four user group members (one from each of the four countries). Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings indicated positive perceptions of the collaboration between researchers and users. Key themes were partnership and support, the value of the personal experience of users and their knowledge of the target audiences, and empowerment. Key challenges related to differences in levels of education and technical knowledge and the lack of payments to users. This exploratory study provides insight to help understand collaborative processes for communicating mental health research. It highlights many positive outcomes from the EMPOWER collaboration but also highlights the need for more in-depth research on this issue.
The Contextual Motivational Conditions for L2 Pedagogy: A Case Study from the Arabian Gulf

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shah, Muhammad Athar

2017-01-01

This article reports on a mixed-method research study into situated motivational conditions available for the English language (L2) pedagogy at a university in Saudi Arabia. The current study evaluated the L2 Learning Experience of the students by focusing on the key contextual factors that included teachers' pedagogical practices, group dynamics…
The Nature of Leadership: A Case Study of Distributed Leadership amidst a Participative Change Effort

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Coleman, Eric D.

2014-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the nature of distributed leadership at the University of ABC's SCPS, as the School worked to transform itself through reorganization. The study examined the perceptions of key leaders and members of the implementation team as they sought to understand the implementation of a more participative approach to…
A Qualitative Study of Managerial Coaching: How Critical Reflection and Experiential Learning Are Facilitated within a Multi-National Pharmaceutical Company

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Herrera, Tony Isaac

2010-01-01

This qualitative case study was designed to explore whether and how a sample of domestic and international managers use two key adult education concepts--critical reflection and experiential learning--to influence changes in individual employees whom they coach. The study is based on the primary assumption that although managers do not…
Professional Learning in Canada: Learning Forward Releases a Landmark Study and Call to Action

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Learning Professional, 2017

2017-01-01

Learning Forward recently released findings from a new study that fills a long-standing gap in existing Pan-Canadian research, identifying key components of effective professional learning based on findings from educators' experiences in Canada. Accompanying the study is a call to action by Michael Fullan and Andy Hargreaves making the case for a…
Teaching Benchmark Strategy for Fifth-Graders in Taiwan

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yang, Der-Ching; Lai, M. L.

2013-01-01

The key purpose of this study was how we taught the use of benchmark strategy when comparing fraction for fifth-graders in Taiwan. 26 fifth graders from a public elementary in south Taiwan were selected to join this study. Results of this case study showed that students had a much progress on the use of benchmark strategy when comparing fraction…
A Case for Explicit Grammar Instruction in English as Second/Foreign Language Classrooms

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Williams, Kent

2013-01-01

This paper will provide a review of research--regarding explicit grammar instruction--that groups recent studies into three main categories and then sub-categorizes these studies under key terms in second language acquisition (SLA) research. The overall purpose of this paper is to argue that in light of these issues, recent studies have shown that…
Systems-Oriented Workplace Learning Experiences for Early Learners: Three Models.

PubMed

O'Brien, Bridget C; Bachhuber, Melissa R; Teherani, Arianne; Iker, Theresa M; Batt, Joanne; O'Sullivan, Patricia S

2017-05-01

Early workplace learning experiences may be effective for learning systems-based practice. This study explores systems-oriented workplace learning experiences (SOWLEs) for early learners to suggest a framework for their development. The authors used a two-phase qualitative case study design. In Phase 1 (spring 2014), they prepared case write-ups based on transcribed interviews from 10 SOWLE leaders at the authors' institution and, through comparative analysis of cases, identified three SOWLE models. In Phase 2 (summer 2014), studying seven 8-week SOWLE pilots, the authors used interview and observational data collected from the seven participating medical students, two pharmacy students, and site leaders to construct case write-ups of each pilot and to verify and elaborate the models. In Model 1, students performed specific patient care activities that addressed a system gap. Some site leaders helped students connect the activities to larger systems problems and potential improvements. In Model 2, students participated in predetermined systems improvement (SI) projects, gaining experience in the improvement process. Site leaders had experience in SI and often had significant roles in the projects. In Model 3, students worked with key stakeholders to develop a project and conduct a small test of change. They experienced most elements of an improvement cycle. Site leaders often had experience with SI and knew how to guide and support students' learning. Each model could offer systems-oriented learning opportunities provided that key elements are in place including site leaders facile in SI concepts and able to guide students in SOWLE activities.
Contextualizing Distributed Leadership in Higher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sewerin, Thomas; Holmberg, Robert

2017-01-01

This case study of development in a technical university situates distributed leadership in higher education in an organizational perspective. Analysis of documentation from development programs and interviews with 10 faculty members showed that leadership practices were related to different institutional logics prominent in four key activities in…
Suburban Parking Economics And Policy: Case Studies Of Office Worksites In Southern California

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1992-09-01

PARKING IS A VITAL BUT OFTEN IGNORED TRANSPORTATION POLICY ISSUE. PARKING POLICY DECISIONS SHAPE THE FORM OF CITIES, THEIR DENSITY, TRAVEL PATTERNS, AND THE QUALITY OF THE ENVIRONMENT. FOR EXAMPLE, THEY AFFECT TRANSIT RIDERSHIP BECAUSE THEY ARE A KEY...

Migration towards fibre to the home: key cost factors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, L. W.; Mas Machuca, C.; Zhao, R.; Grunert, K.

2010-12-01

This paper presents a comprehensive cost model for migration towards FTTH, some case study results from different network area scenarios, as well as the identification of the most important cost factors to be considered by operators aiming at increasing the profitability of their networks.
Notes on Linguistics, 1990.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Notes on Linguistics, 1990

1990-01-01

This document consists of the four issues of "Notes on Linguistics" published during 1990. Articles in the four issues include: "The Indians Do Say Ugh-Ugh" (Howard W. Law); "Constraints of Relevance, A Key to Particle Typology" (Regina Blass); "Whatever Happened to Me? (An Objective Case Study)" (Aretta…
Pandemic controllability: a concept to guide a proportionate and flexible operational response to future influenza pandemics.

PubMed

McCaw, J M; Glass, K; Mercer, G N; McVernon, J

2014-03-01

The 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic posed challenges for governments worldwide. Strategies designed to limit community transmission, such as antiviral deployment, were largely ineffective due to both feasibility constraints and the generally mild nature of disease, resulting in incomplete case ascertainment. Reviews of national pandemic plans have identified pandemic impact, primarily linked to measures of transmissibility and severity, as a key concept to incorporate into the next generation of plans. While an assessment of impact provides the rationale under which interventions may be warranted, it does not directly provide an assessment on whether particular interventions may be effective. Such considerations motivate our introduction of the concept of pandemic controllability. For case-targeted interventions, such as antiviral treatment and post-exposure prophylaxis, we identify the visibility and transmissibility of a pandemic as the key drivers of controllability. Taking a case-study approach, we suggest that high-impact pandemics, for which control is most desirable, are likely uncontrollable with case-targeted interventions. Strategies that do not rely on the identification of cases may prove relatively more effective. By introducing a pragmatic framework for relating the assessment of impact to the ability to mitigate an epidemic (controllability), we hope to address a present omission identified in pandemic response plans.
The Science And Art Of Delivery: Accelerating The Diffusion Of Health Care Innovation.

PubMed

Parston, Greg; McQueen, Julie; Patel, Hannah; Keown, Oliver P; Fontana, Gianluca; Al Kuwari, Hanan; Al Kuwari, Hannan; Darzi, Ara

2015-12-01

There is a widely acknowledged time lag in health care between an invention or innovation and its widespread use across a health system. Much is known about the factors that can aid the uptake of innovations within discrete organizations. Less is known about what needs to be done to enable innovations to transform large systems of health care. This article describes the results of in-depth case studies aimed at assessing the role of key agents and agencies that facilitate the rapid adoption of innovations. The case studies-from Argentina, England, Nepal, Singapore, Sweden, the United States, and Zambia-represent widely varying health systems and economies. The implications of the findings for policy makers are discussed in terms of key factors within a phased approach for creating a climate for change, engaging and enabling the whole organization, and implementing and sustaining change. Purposeful and directed change management is needed to drive system transformation. Project HOPE—The People-to-People Health Foundation, Inc.
Dynamic assessment of urban economy-environment-energy system using system dynamics model: A case study in Beijing.

PubMed

Wu, Desheng; Ning, Shuang

2018-07-01

Economic development, accompanying with environmental damage and energy depletion, becomes essential nowadays. There is a complicated and comprehensive interaction between economics, environment and energy. Understanding the operating mechanism of Energy-Environment-Economy model (3E) and its key factors is the inherent part in dealing with the issue. In this paper, we combine System Dynamics model and Geographic Information System to analyze the energy-environment-economy (3E) system both temporally and spatially, which explicitly explore the interaction of economics, energy, and environment and effects of the key influencing factors. Beijing is selected as a case study to verify our SD-GIS model. Alternative scenarios, e.g., current, technology, energy and environment scenarios are explored and compared. Simulation results shows that, current scenario is not sustainable; technology scenario is applicable to economic growth; environment scenario maintains a balanced path of development for long term stability. Policy-making insights are given based on our results and analysis. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Trends in food waste valorization for the production of chemicals, materials and fuels: Case study South and Southeast Asia.

PubMed

Ong, Khai Lun; Kaur, Guneet; Pensupa, Nattha; Uisan, Kristiadi; Lin, Carol Sze Ki

2018-01-01

Staggering amounts of food waste are being generated in Asia by means of agricultural processing, food transportation and storage, and human food consumption activities. This along with the recent sustainable development goals of food security, environmental protection, and energy efficiency are the key drivers for food waste valorization. The aim of this review is to provide an insight on the latest trends in food waste valorization in Asian countries such as India, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. Landfilling, incineration, and composting are the first-generation food waste processing technologies. The advancement of valorisation alternatives to tackle the food waste issue is the focus of this review. Furthermore, a series of examples of key food waste valorization schemes in this Asian region as case studies to demonstrate the advancement in bioconversions in these countries are described. Finally, important legislation aspects for food waste disposal in these Asian countries are also reported. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Transcriptomic resources for environmental risk assessment: a case study in the Venice lagoon.

PubMed

Milan, M; Pauletto, M; Boffo, L; Carrer, C; Sorrentino, F; Ferrari, G; Pavan, L; Patarnello, T; Bargelloni, L

2015-02-01

The development of new resources to evaluate the environmental status is becoming increasingly important representing a key challenge for ocean and coastal management. Recently, the employment of transcriptomics in aquatic toxicology has led to increasing initiatives proposing to integrate eco-toxicogenomics in the evaluation of marine ecosystem health. However, several technical issues need to be addressed before introducing genomics as a reliable tool in regulatory ecotoxicology. The Venice lagoon constitutes an excellent case, in which the assessment of environmental risks derived from the nearby industrial activities represents a crucial task. In this context, the potential role of genomics to assist environmental monitoring was investigated through the definition of reliable gene expression markers associated to chemical contamination in Manila clams, and their subsequent employment for the classification of Venice lagoon areas. Overall, the present study addresses key issues to evaluate the future outlooks of genomics in the environmental monitoring and risk assessment. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Key principles of community-based natural resource management: a synthesis and interpretation of identified effective approaches for managing the commons.

PubMed

Gruber, James S

2010-01-01

This article examines recent research on approaches to community-based environmental and natural resource management and reviews the commonalities and differences between these interdisciplinary and multistakeholder initiatives. To identify the most effective characteristics of Community-based natural resource management (CBNRM), I collected a multiplicity of perspectives from research teams and then grouped findings into a matrix of organizational principles and key characteristics. The matrix was initially vetted (or "field tested") by applying numerous case studies that were previously submitted to the World Bank International Workshop on CBNRM. These practitioner case studies were then compared and contrasted with the findings of the research teams. It is hoped that the developed matrix may be useful to researchers in further focusing research, understanding core characteristics of effective and sustainable CBNRM, providing practitioners with a framework for developing new CBNRM initiatives for managing the commons, and providing a potential resource for academic institutions during their evaluation of their practitioner-focused environmental management and leadership curriculum.
Fractional calculus and morphogen gradient formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuste, Santos Bravo; Abad, Enrique; Lindenberg, Katja

2012-12-01

Some microscopic models for reactive systems where the reaction kinetics is limited by subdiffusion are described by means of reaction-subdiffusion equations where fractional derivatives play a key role. In particular, we consider subdiffusive particles described by means of a Continuous Time Random Walk (CTRW) model subject to a linear (first-order) death process. The resulting fractional equation is employed to study the developmental biology key problem of morphogen gradient formation for the case in which the morphogens are subdiffusive. If the morphogen degradation rate (reactivity) is constant, we find exponentially decreasing stationary concentration profiles, which are similar to the profiles found when the morphogens diffuse normally. However, for the case in which the degradation rate decays exponentially with the distance to the morphogen source, we find that the morphogen profiles are qualitatively different from the profiles obtained when the morphogens diffuse normally.
Commercial Satellite Imagery Analysis for Countering Nuclear Proliferation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Albright, David; Burkhard, Sarah; Lach, Allison

2018-05-01

High-resolution commercial satellite imagery from a growing number of private satellite companies allows nongovernmental analysts to better understand secret or opaque nuclear programs of countries in unstable or tense regions, called proliferant states. They include North Korea, Iran, India, Pakistan, and Israel. By using imagery to make these countries’ aims and capabilities more transparent, nongovernmental groups like the Institute for Science and International Security have affected the policies of governments and the course of public debate. Satellite imagery work has also strengthened the efforts of the International Atomic Energy Agency, thereby helping this key international agency build its case to mount inspections of suspect sites and activities. This work has improved assessments of the nuclear capabilities of proliferant states. Several case studies provide insight into the use of commercial satellite imagery as a key tool to educate policy makers and affect policy.
Clinical Case Definitions for Classification of Intrathoracic Tuberculosis in Children: An Update

PubMed Central

Graham, Stephen M.; Cuevas, Luis E.; Jean-Philippe, Patrick; Browning, Renee; Casenghi, Martina; Detjen, Anne K.; Gnanashanmugam, Devasena; Hesseling, Anneke C.; Kampmann, Beate; Mandalakas, Anna; Marais, Ben J.; Schito, Marco; Spiegel, Hans M. L.; Starke, Jeffrey R.; Worrell, Carol; Zar, Heather J.

2015-01-01

Consensus case definitions for childhood tuberculosis have been proposed by an international expert panel, aiming to standardize the reporting of cases in research focusing on the diagnosis of intrathoracic tuberculosis in children. These definitions are intended for tuberculosis diagnostic evaluation studies of symptomatic children with clinical suspicion of intrathoracic tuberculosis, and were not intended to predefine inclusion criteria into such studies. Feedback from researchers suggested that further clarification was required and that these case definitions could be further improved. Particular concerns were the perceived complexity and overlap of some case definitions, as well as the potential exclusion of children with acute onset of symptoms or less severe disease. The updated case definitions proposed here incorporate a number of key changes that aim to reduce complexity and improve research performance, while maintaining the original focus on symptomatic children suspected of having intrathoracic tuberculosis. The changes proposed should enhance harmonized classification for intrathoracic tuberculosis disease in children across studies, resulting in greater comparability and the much-needed ability to pool study results. PMID:26409281
Organizational characteristics and processes are important in the adoption of the Alberta Nutrition Guidelines for Children and Youth in child-care centres.

PubMed

Farmer, Anna P; Nikolopoulos, Hara; McCargar, Linda; Berry, Tanya; Mager, Diana

2015-06-01

The objective of the present study was to gain an understanding of the organizational characteristics and processes in two child-care centres that may influence adoption of the Alberta Nutrition Guidelines for Children and Youth (ANGCY). In-depth qualitative case studies. Data were collected through direct observations, key informant interviews and field notes. Diffusion of Innovations theory guided the evaluation and intrinsic case analysis. Two urban child-care centres in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada identified as exemplary early adopter cases. Ten key informants comprised of directors, junior and senior staff members participated in interviews. Organizational processes such as leadership, networking and knowledge brokering, health champions and organizational culture positively influenced adoption behaviour in child-care centres. A key determinant influencing organizational behaviour within both centres was the directors' strong leadership. Acceptance of and adherence to the guidelines were facilitated by organizational factors, such as degree of centralization, formalization and complexity, level of staff training and education. Knowledge brokering by directors was important for transferring and exchanging information across the centre. All child-care staff embraced their informal role as health champions as essential to supporting guideline adherence and encouraging healthy food and eating environments. Organizational processes and characteristics such as leadership, knowledge brokering and networking, organizational culture and health champions played an important role in the adoption of nutrition guidelines in child-care centres. The complex interplay of decision making, organization of work and specialization of roles influenced the extent to which nutrition guidelines were adopted.
Key factors influencing lung cancer survival in northern Italy.

PubMed

Mangone, Lucia; Minicozzi, Pamela; Vicentini, Massimo; Giacomin, Adriano; Caldarella, Adele; Cirilli, Claudia; Falcini, Fabio; Giorgi Rossi, Paolo; Sant, Milena

2013-06-01

Lung cancer is a major cause of cancer death worldwide. The aims of this study were to analyze presentation, treatment and survival for lung cancer in northern Italy, and identify factors influencing survival. A total of 1180 lung cancer cases diagnosed in four north Italian cancer registries (Biella, Modena, Reggio Emilia, Romagna) in 2003-2005 were analyzed. Information on morphology, stage, diagnostic examinations, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical treatment was collected from clinical records. Three-year relative survival and relative excess risks of death were estimated. Overall, 10% of cases were stage I, 50% stage IV, and 12% stage unknown. Romagna - where sophisticated diagnostic examinations were performed more often - had proportionately more microscopically verified cases and resected cases than Biella. Romagna had also high proportions of cases given chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Three-year survival was 14%, range 10% (Biella) to 19% (Romagna); 69% for stage I, 3% for stage IV. Stage I survival was higher in Romagna (82%) than Reggio Emilia and Biella (60-61%) but for operated stage I cases, survival was similar (88%) in Romagna and Biella. The fully adjusted model showed a higher risk of death in Biella (1.23, 95%CI 1.02-1.48) than Modena (reference). Stage and surgery are key factors influencing survival. Centralizing lung cancer treatment to improve diagnostic work-up may improve outcomes. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Boom Minimization Framework for Supersonic Aircraft Using CFD Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ordaz, Irian; Rallabhandi, Sriram K.

2010-01-01

A new framework is presented for shape optimization using analytical shape functions and high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFD) via Cart3D. The focus of the paper is the system-level integration of several key enabling analysis tools and automation methods to perform shape optimization and reduce sonic boom footprint. A boom mitigation case study subject to performance, stability and geometrical requirements is presented to demonstrate a subset of the capabilities of the framework. Lastly, a design space exploration is carried out to assess the key parameters and constraints driving the design.
Do Facilitated Online Dual Credit Classes Result in Deep Learning?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stark Education Partnership, 2015

2015-01-01

This study, with funding from the Jennings Foundation, sought to answer the following broad research question: Do facilitated online dual credit courses result in deep learning? The answer to this question is key to addressing barriers many students face in bridging from high school to college. This report includes a descriptive case study that…
Principals' Gender and Management Effectiveness in Secondary Schools: Case of Mtito Andei Division, Kenya

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Matheri, Eunice Wangui; Cheloti, Selpher K.; Mulwa, David M.

2015-01-01

Educational leadership has a critical role in the transformation of society, and for change to happen, effective leaders are key. The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of principals' gender on management effectiveness in secondary schools in Mtito-Andei Division, Kenya. The study sought to establish the relationship between the…
The Impact of Planned Organizational Change on an Academic Library: An MRAP Case Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kuo, Ming-ming Shen

This paper examines the impact of organizational change on a university library. The change process started in 1980 at Ball State University Libraries, Muncie, Indiana, with the initiation of a self-study, the Management Review and Analysis Program (MRAP). With certain key recommendations implemented, the University Libraries has been transformed…
TPACK Development in Science Teacher Preparation: A Case Study in Queensland, Australia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sickel, Jamie L.

2016-01-01

This study sought to identify key experiences that impact the development of technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) of preservice secondary sciences teachers at a medium-sized university in Queensland, Australia. TPACK is a conceptual framework of a body of knowledge that teachers draw upon to influence practice; it is a dynamic and…
An Exploratory Study of Corporate Universities in China

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sham, Clare

2007-01-01

Purpose: The main purpose of this paper is to examine the empirical status of corporate universities (CUs) in China. An a priori CU framework was employed in an attempt to describe the key functions that an ideal type of CU in China should perform. Design/methodology/approach: Three case studies were conducted to test the relevance of this…
Undocumented Student Allies and Transformative Resistance: A Ethnographic Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chen, Angela Chuan-Ru; Rhoads, Robert A.

2016-01-01

This article examines staff and faculty allies working to help meet the needs of undocumented students at a large research university in the western region of the U.S. Drawing on scholarly work rooted in critical race theory and ethnic studies, the authors highlight forms of transformative resistance. They focus on four key findings: (1) student…

Teaching for Transfer: Insights from Theory and Practices in Primary-Level French-Second-Language Classrooms

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thomas, Reed; Mady, Callie

2014-01-01

This paper illustrates teaching for transfer across languages by synthesizing key insights from theory and previously published research alongside our case study data from primary-level teachers in core French-second-language (CF) classrooms in Ontario, Canada. Drawing on research that redefines language transfer as a resource, this study drew on…
Participating with Experience--A Case Study of Students as Co-Producers of Course Design

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reneland-Forsman, Linda

2016-01-01

Higher Education (HE) needs to handle a diverse student population. The role of student expectations and previous experience is a key to fully participate. This study investigates student meaning making and interaction in a course designed to stimulate student as co-creators of course content and aims. Results revealed that rich communication…
Education Leaders' Decision-Making Processes about Educational Facilities in a University Multiple Stakeholder Environment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kelting, Scott

2011-01-01

This research is a retrospective case study designed to document and analyze the process of decision-making by educational leaders and stakeholders at a four-year university. For this study, educational leaders and key stakeholders agreed to extensive interviews about the decisions made during the design, construction, and post-occupancy phases of…
Exploring Equivalent Forms Reliability Using a Key Stage 2 Reading Test

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Benton, Tom

2013-01-01

This article outlines an empirical investigation into equivalent forms reliability using a case study of a national curriculum reading test. Within the situation being studied, there has been a genuine attempt to create several equivalent forms and so it is of interest to compare the actual behaviour of the relationship between these forms to the…
Full-Day Kindergarten: A Case Study on the Perceptions of District Leaders in Four Suburban Pennsylvania School Districts

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Santoro, Elizabeth A.

2011-01-01

This qualitative study explored the reasons why suburban district leaders opted for full-day or half-day kindergarten programming in a sample of four local suburban districts operating such programs in Southeastern, Pennsylvania. The primary data source was interviews with key district leaders including school board members, superintendents,…
Needs Analysis in ESP Context: Saudi Engineering Students as a Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alsamadani, Hashem Ahmed

2017-01-01

Needs analysis can be a vital asset for teachers of English for specific purposes (ESP) to identify their learners' key requirements or needs and determine the areas in which they are lacking skills. Against this background, this study was undertaken during the academic year 2015-16 to define the English language needs of engineering students…
Critical Structural Factors in Community Development in New Hampshire, 1993/94.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Racino, Julie Ann

This study, one in a series of qualitative case studies on state and national practices in deinstitutionalization and community integration of people with disabilities, was conducted in 1991-92 and involved semistructured on-site interviews with administrators in the 12 New Hampshire regions. The focus is on two key milestones in the development…
The Unexpected Education: What We Can Learn from Disaster News Stories.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Garner, Ana C.

A study explored the safety education provided by six newspapers, using the 1988 crash of Delta Flight 1141 as a case study. A total of 351 "Delta 1141" news stories were analyzed for five key areas: overall story category, passenger safety theme, flight personnel safety theme, plane safety theme, and rescue safety. Of the stories…
Management of a river recreation resource: the Lower Kananaskis River--a case study

Treesearch

Kimberley Rae; Paul F.J. Eagles

2008-01-01

This study examined recreational use of the Lower Kananaskis River in Southwestern Alberta, Canada. Surveys and participant observations helped develop a better understanding of current use levels and interviews with key policy leaders explored management issues and concerns. Users suggested the need for improvements to river infrastructure both on and off the river....
Tackling Disadvantage: What Works in Narrowing the Achievement Gap in Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Demie, Feyisa; Mclean, Christabel

2015-01-01

This study examines the success factors behind narrowing the achievement gap of disadvantaged pupils who are entitled to free school meals. A complementary methodological approach including a case study and focus group were used to explore performance and the views of teachers, parents and pupils. The key criteria for the selection of schools were…
A Case Study of American and Chinese College Students' Motivation Differences in Online Learning Environment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zhao, Chunjuan; Mei, Zongxiang

2016-01-01

Motivating students has been a key challenge facing instructors in non-face-to-face instructional contexts. Existing researches into motivation in online learning environment have revealed that there are learning motivation differences among students from different cultural backgrounds. The purpose of this study is to identify whether American and…
The City at Play: "Second Life" and the Virtual Urban Planning Studio

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thomas, David; Hollander, Justin B.

2010-01-01

This study interrogates the idea of using videogames and game-like virtual worlds as a means to advance studio education pedagogy. Looking at a series of case studies of urban planning courses taught using "Second Life," the results describe the potentials, and limits, of this emerging digital media. Key findings are that the virtual worlds…
Professional Online Presence and Learning Networks: Educating for Ethical Use of Social Media

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Forbes, Dianne

2017-01-01

In a teacher education context, this study considers the use of social media for building a professional online presence and learning network. This article provides an overview of uses of social media in teacher education, presents a case study of key processes in relation to professional online presence and learning networks, and highlights…
Identifying Indicators Related to Constructs for Engineering Design Outcome

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wilhelmsen, Cheryl A.; Dixon, Raymond A.

2016-01-01

This study ranked constructs articulated by Childress and Rhodes (2008) and identified the key indicators for each construct as a starting point to explore what should be included on an instrument to measure the engineering design process and outcomes of students in high schools that use the PLTW and EbDTM curricula in Idaho. A case-study design…
ChoiceKey: a real-time speech recognition program for psychology experiments with a small response set.

PubMed

Donkin, Christopher; Brown, Scott D; Heathcote, Andrew

2009-02-01

Psychological experiments often collect choice responses using buttonpresses. However, spoken responses are useful in many cases-for example, when working with special clinical populations, or when a paradigm demands vocalization, or when accurate response time measurements are desired. In these cases, spoken responses are typically collected using a voice key, which usually involves manual coding by experimenters in a tedious and error-prone manner. We describe ChoiceKey, an open-source speech recognition package for MATLAB. It can be optimized by training for small response sets and different speakers. We show ChoiceKey to be reliable with minimal training for most participants in experiments with two different responses. Problems presented by individual differences, and occasional atypical responses, are examined, and extensions to larger response sets are explored. The ChoiceKey source files and instructions may be downloaded as supplemental materials for this article from brm.psychonomic-journals.org/content/supplemental.
The use of conferencing technologies to support drug policy group knowledge exchange processes: an action case approach.

PubMed

Househ, Mowafa Said; Kushniruk, Andre; Maclure, Malcolm; Carleton, Bruce; Cloutier-Fisher, Denise

2011-04-01

To describe experiences, lessons and the implications related to the use of conferencing technology to support three drug policy research groups within a three-year period, using the action case research method. An action case research field study was executed. Three different drug policy groups participated: research, educator, and decision-maker task groups. There were a total of 61 participants in the study. The study was conducted between 2004 and 2007. Each group used audio-teleconferencing, web-conferencing or both to support their knowledge exchange activities. Data were collected over three years and consisted of observation notes, interviews, and meeting transcripts. Content analysis was used to analyze the data using NIVIO qualitative data analysis software. The study found six key lessons regarding the impact of conferencing technologies on knowledge exchange within drug policy groups. We found that 1) groups adapt to technology to facilitate group communication, 2) web-conferencing communication is optimal under certain conditions, 3) audio conferencing is convenient, 4) web-conferencing forces group interactions to be "within text", 5) facilitation contributes to successful knowledge exchange, and 6) technology impacts information sharing. This study highlights lessons related to the use of conferencing technologies to support distant knowledge exchange within drug policy groups. Key lessons from this study can be used by drug policy groups to support successful knowledge exchange activities using conferencing technologies. 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Enterprise architecture availability analysis using fault trees and stakeholder interviews

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Närman, Per; Franke, Ulrik; König, Johan; Buschle, Markus; Ekstedt, Mathias

2014-01-01

The availability of enterprise information systems is a key concern for many organisations. This article describes a method for availability analysis based on Fault Tree Analysis and constructs from the ArchiMate enterprise architecture (EA) language. To test the quality of the method, several case-studies within the banking and electrical utility industries were performed. Input data were collected through stakeholder interviews. The results from the case studies were compared with availability of log data to determine the accuracy of the method's predictions. In the five cases where accurate log data were available, the yearly downtime estimates were within eight hours from the actual downtimes. The cost of performing the analysis was low; no case study required more than 20 man-hours of work, making the method ideal for practitioners with an interest in obtaining rapid availability estimates of their enterprise information systems.
Translating an early childhood obesity prevention program for local community implementation: a case study of the Melbourne InFANT Program.

PubMed

Laws, R; Hesketh, K D; Ball, K; Cooper, C; Vrljic, K; Campbell, K J

2016-08-08

While there is a growing interest in the field of research translation, there are few published examples of public health interventions that have been effectively scaled up and implemented in the community. This paper provides a case study of the community-wide implementation of the Melbourne Infant, Feeding, Activity and Nutrition Trial (InFANT), an obesity prevention program for parents with infants aged 3-18 months. The study explored key factors influencing the translation of the Program into routine practice and the respective role of policy makers, researchers and implementers. Case studies were conducted of five of the eight prevention areas in Victoria, Australia who implemented the Program. Cases were selected on the basis of having implemented the Program for 6 months or more. Data were collected from January to June 2015 and included 18 individual interviews, one focus group and observation of two meetings. A total of 28 individuals, including research staff (n = 4), policy makers (n = 2) and implementers (n = 22), contributed to the data collected. Thematic analysis was conducted using cross case comparisons and key themes were verified through member checking. Key facilitators of implementation included availability of a pre-packaged evidence based program addressing a community need, along with support and training provided by research staff to local implementers. Partnerships between researchers and policy makers facilitated initial program adoption, while local partnerships supported community implementation. Community partnerships were facilitated by local coordinators through alignment of program goals with existing policies and services. Workforce capacity for program delivery and administration was a challenge, largely overcome by embedding the Program into existing roles. Adapting the Program to fit local circumstance was critical for feasible and sustainable delivery, however balancing this with program fidelity was a critical issue. The lack of ongoing funding to support translation activities was a barrier for researchers continued involvement in community implementation. Policy makers, researchers and practitioners have important and complementary roles to play in supporting the translation of effective research interventions into practice. New avenues need to be explored to strengthen partnerships between researchers and end users to support the integration of effective public health research interventions into practice.
Key Facts about Tularemia

MedlinePlus

... Methyl isocyanate Case Definition: Methyl Isocyanate Poisoning Mustard gas (H) (sulfur mustard) Facts About Sulfur Mustard Case ... choking/lung agents Ricin Riot control agents/tear gas Facts About Riot Control Agents Case Definition: Riot ...
Exploring health facilities' experiences in implementing the free health-care policy (FHCP) in Nepal: how did organizational factors influence the implementation of the user-fee abolition policy?

PubMed

Sato, Midori; Gilson, Lucy

2015-12-01

This article presents an Asian experience of abolishing health-care user fees: Nepal's universal free health-care policy, implemented in 2008. Based on doctoral fieldwork between August 2008 and April 2009, the paper analyses primary-care facilities' and central and district health systems' experiences with the policy. It makes a unique contribution to existing evidence because it explicitly applies organizational theory within a carefully designed, rigorous, multiple case-study analysis to deepen our understanding of the organizational and 'people' factors in the successful removal of user fees. The cases were two pairs of primary-care facilities in one district, paired for comparison of the facilities' experiences with the policy in relation to its effects on health care utilization. Data collection methods included document reviews; key informant interviews at district and central levels; in-depth, semi-structured interviews and group interviews at case facilities. (Data on indicators of utilization and quality changes over time were also collected and will be published separately). Using key elements of Nadler and Tushman's 'Organizational Congruence' model, a degree-of-fit analysis tested the study's initial propositions and yielded generalizations for contexts in and outside Nepal. The study found that Nepal's key implementation challenges were similar to Africa's: insufficient or delayed inputs of drugs and compensation; insufficient workforce and the resulting reduced quality of services that hampered facilities' relationships with their clients and health providers' attitudes. However, the Nepalese case facilities with (1) good intra- and inter-facility relationships, (2) adequate staffing, (3) well-oriented providers and (4) previously trained, better-informed and skilled health management committees experienced higher utilization and better-quality indicators over time. Through its detailed analysis of Nepal's experience in removing user fees, the study highlights the importance of addressing the 'people' and 'organizational' factors in health-policy development and implementation. Published by Oxford University Press in association with The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine © The Author 2015; all rights reserved.

Eight-step method to build the clinical content of an evidence-based care pathway: the case for COPD exacerbation

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Optimization of the clinical care process by integration of evidence-based knowledge is one of the active components in care pathways. When studying the impact of a care pathway by using a cluster-randomized design, standardization of the care pathway intervention is crucial. This methodology paper describes the development of the clinical content of an evidence-based care pathway for in-hospital management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation in the context of a cluster-randomized controlled trial (cRCT) on care pathway effectiveness. Methods The clinical content of a care pathway for COPD exacerbation was developed based on recognized process design and guideline development methods. Subsequently, based on the COPD case study, a generalized eight-step method was designed to support the development of the clinical content of an evidence-based care pathway. Results A set of 38 evidence-based key interventions and a set of 24 process and 15 outcome indicators were developed in eight different steps. Nine Belgian multidisciplinary teams piloted both the set of key interventions and indicators. The key intervention set was judged by the teams as being valid and clinically applicable. In addition, the pilot study showed that the indicators were feasible for the involved clinicians and patients. Conclusions The set of 38 key interventions and the set of process and outcome indicators were found to be appropriate for the development and standardization of the clinical content of the COPD care pathway in the context of a cRCT on pathway effectiveness. The developed eight-step method may facilitate multidisciplinary teams caring for other patient populations in designing the clinical content of their future care pathways. PMID:23190552
Staff Development: Initiating a Comprehensive System.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Roberts, Jane M. E.; Pellerzi, Joseph H.

A case study describes how a rural local education agency (Allegany County, Maryland) developed a comprehensive staff development system. It presents some contextual and theoretical background information, summarizes the problem as perceived by key actors, and then describes a series of activities resulting in the development of the comprehensive…
Ontology for E-Learning: A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Colace, Francesco; De Santo, Massimo; Gaeta, Matteo

2009-01-01

Purpose: The development of adaptable and intelligent educational systems is widely considered one of the great challenges in scientific research. Among key elements for building advanced training systems, an important role is played by methodologies chosen for knowledge representation. In this scenario, the introduction of ontology formalism can…
Information Infrastructure: Organisational Capability for Online Information Provision.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Klobas, Jane E.

This paper identifies aspects of information flow that are affected by online provision of internal information. Reference is made to four case studies of Western Australian government agencies' steps toward becoming Internet information providers, and to the lessons learned from their experiences. Three key interdependent elements of…
Sustaining Arts Programs in Public Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dunstan, David

2016-01-01

The purpose of this qualitative research case study was to investigate leadership and funding decisions that determine key factors responsible for sustaining arts programs in public schools. While the educational climate, financial constraints, and standardized testing continue to impact arts programs in public education, Eastland High School, the…
Washington School-to-Work Evaluation. Volume II: Case Study Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Owens, Thomas R.

School-to-work programs (STW) at 10 sites throughout Washington (Bethel, Camas, Central Valley, Columbia River, Goldendale, Grand Coulee Dam, Issaquah, Metlow Valley, Sumner, and Wenatchee) were examined through the following activities: reviewing background documents, interviewing key educators, observing academic and technical classes,…
Summary of the EMA Joint Regulators/Industry QbD workshop (London, UK; 28-29 January 2014).

PubMed

Cook, Graham; France, Georges; Holte, Øyvind; Lorenti, Giampiero; Tainsh, David

2016-01-01

This paper summarizes the discussions and insights gained from the key themes that emerged during the Quality by Design (QbD) Workshop held at the European Medicines Agency (EMA) offices in London, UK, on 28-29 January 2014. Industry and regulators shared practical experiences from six case studies (five approved small molecule products and one phase 3 biotechnological product) based on QbD submissions by five companies (AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis, NovoNordisk, and Pfizer).The case studies covered a range of different development, regulatory submission, and post-approval aspects of QbD and were developed through confidential discussions between the company representatives and regulators. Key themes that emerged from the workshop discussions were: 1. presentation of information in submissions (development story and the presentation of information in marketing authorization applications; risk assessment and criticality); 2. development aspects (design space; use of models; control strategy); and 3. post-approval aspects (lifecycle management; dossier-quality system interactions; handling of deviations). Many aspects of QbD for biotechnological products are similar to small molecules, but there are some important differences highlighted in this paper.The final section of the paper discusses some proposals for future developments to address the issues that were identified. This paper summarizes the discussions and insights gained from the key themes that emerged during the Quality by Design (QbD) Workshop held at the European Medicines Agency offices in London, UK, on 28-29 January 2014. Industry and regulators shared practical experiences from six case studies (five approved small-molecule products and one phase 3 biotechnological product) based on QbD submissions by five companies (AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis, NovoNordisk, and Pfizer).The case studies covered a range of different development, regulatory submission, and post-approval aspects of QbD and were developed through confidential discussions between the company representatives and regulators. Key themes that emerged from the workshop discussions were: 1. presentation of information in submissions (development story and the presentation of information in marketing authorization applications; risk assessment and criticality); 2. development aspects (design space; use of models; control strategy); and 3. post-approval aspects (lifecycle management; dossier-quality system interactions; handling of deviations). Many aspects of QbD for biotechnological products are similar to small molecules, but there are some important differences highlighted in this paper.The final section of the paper discusses some proposals for future developments to address the issues that were identified. © PDA, Inc. 2016.
Tumor-based case-control studies of infection and cancer: muddling the when and where of molecular epidemiology.

PubMed

Engels, Eric A; Wacholder, Sholom; Katki, Hormuzd A; Chaturvedi, Anil K

2014-10-01

We describe the "tumor-based case-control" study as a type of epidemiologic study used to evaluate associations between infectious agents and cancer. These studies assess exposure using diseased tissues from affected individuals (i.e., evaluating tumor tissue for cancer cases), but they must utilize nondiseased tissues to assess control subjects, who do not have the disease of interest. This approach can lead to exposure misclassification in two ways. First, concerning the "when" of exposure assessment, retrospective assessment of tissues may not accurately measure exposure at the key earlier time point (i.e., during the etiologic window). Second, concerning the "where" of exposure assessment, use of different tissues in cases and controls can have different accuracy for detecting the exposure (i.e., differential exposure misclassification). We present an example concerning the association of human papillomavirus with various cancers, where tumor-based case-control studies likely overestimate risk associated with infection. In another example, we illustrate how tumor-based case-control studies of Helicobacter pylori and gastric cancer underestimate risk. Tumor-based case-control studies can demonstrate infection within tumor cells, providing qualitative information about disease etiology. However, measures of association calculated in tumor-based case-control studies are prone to over- or underestimating the relationship between infections and subsequent cancer risk. ©2014 American Association for Cancer Research.
Homework Policy Review: A Case Study of A Public School in the Western Cape Province

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pfeiffer, Verbra

2018-01-01

A key concern today is the question of homework in our nation's public schools. In this study, an investigation was conducted with the first no-homework policy, which has been introduced in one of the primary schools in the Western Cape. This study seeks to determine whether a no-homework policy will validate a positive or negative effect on…
Affairs of State and Student Retention: An Exploratory Study of the Factors that Impact Student Retention in a Politically Turbulent Region

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ben-Tsur, Dalia

2007-01-01

This study examines the impact of a country's security unrest on student retention. It draws on the key factors that influence retention worldwide, adopts Bourdieu's notion of cultural capital and also brings in concepts related to terrorism and security unrest traditionally absent from theories on student retention. Based on a case study carried…
A stitch in time saves nine? A repeated cross-sectional case study on the implementation of the intersectoral community approach Youth At a Healthy Weight.

PubMed

van der Kleij, Rianne M J J; Crone, Mathilde R; Paulussen, Theo G W M; van de Gaar, Vivan M; Reis, Ria

2015-10-08

The implementation of programs complex in design, such as the intersectoral community approach Youth At a Healthy Weight (JOGG), often deviates from their application as intended. There is limited knowledge of their implementation processes, making it difficult to formulate sound implementation strategies. For two years, we performed a repeated cross-sectional case study on the implementation of a JOGG fruit and water campaign targeting children age 0-12. Semi-structured observations, interviews, field notes and professionals' logs entries were used to evaluate implementation process. Data was analyzed via a framework approach; within-case and cross-case displays were formulated and key determinants identified. Principles from Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) were used to identify causal configurations of determinants per sector and implementation phase. Implementation completeness differed, but was highest in the educational and health care sector, and higher for key than additional activities. Determinants and causal configurations of determinants were mostly sector- and implementation phase specific. High campaign ownership and possibilities for campaign adaptation were most frequently mentioned as facilitators. A lack of reinforcement strategies, low priority for campaign use and incompatibility of own goals with campaign goals were most often indicated as barriers. We advise multiple 'stitches in time'; tailoring implementation strategies to specific implementation phases and sectors using both the results from this study and a mutual adaptation strategy in which professionals are involved in the development of implementation strategies. The results of this study show that the implementation process of IACOs is complex and sustainable implementation is difficult to achieve. Moreover, this study reveals that the implementation process is influenced by predominantly sector and implementation phase specific (causal configurations of) determinants.
Efficient key pathway mining: combining networks and OMICS data.

PubMed

Alcaraz, Nicolas; Friedrich, Tobias; Kötzing, Timo; Krohmer, Anton; Müller, Joachim; Pauling, Josch; Baumbach, Jan

2012-07-01

Systems biology has emerged over the last decade. Driven by the advances in sophisticated measurement technology the research community generated huge molecular biology data sets. These comprise rather static data on the interplay of biological entities, for instance protein-protein interaction network data, as well as quite dynamic data collected for studying the behavior of individual cells or tissues in accordance with changing environmental conditions, such as DNA microarrays or RNA sequencing. Here we bring the two different data types together in order to gain higher level knowledge. We introduce a significantly improved version of the KeyPathwayMiner software framework. Given a biological network modelled as a graph and a set of expression studies, KeyPathwayMiner efficiently finds and visualizes connected sub-networks where most components are expressed in most cases. It finds all maximal connected sub-networks where all nodes but k exceptions are expressed in all experimental studies but at most l exceptions. We demonstrate the power of the new approach by comparing it to similar approaches with gene expression data previously used to study Huntington's disease. In addition, we demonstrate KeyPathwayMiner's flexibility and applicability to non-array data by analyzing genome-scale DNA methylation profiles from colorectal tumor cancer patients. KeyPathwayMiner release 2 is available as a Cytoscape plugin and online at http://keypathwayminer.mpi-inf.mpg.de.
The importance of user centered design methods applied to the design of a new workstation: a case study.

PubMed

Duschenes, Ronaldo; Mendes, Andressa; Betiol, Adriana; Barreto, Suzana

2012-01-01

This paper presents a case study of the application of user centered design methodologies in the product development for a line of ergonomic office furniture. The study aimed to analyze the experience of using a workstation from the perspective of two groups of users, installers and end users. The observation of users in their natural context of use not only allowed the development team to identify key needs and strategies of the users, transforming them into design solutions, but mainly it warned them of the importance and impact of user involvement in the product development cycle.
Key Reconciliation for High Performance Quantum Key Distribution

PubMed Central

Martinez-Mateo, Jesus; Elkouss, David; Martin, Vicente

2013-01-01

Quantum Key Distribution is carving its place among the tools used to secure communications. While a difficult technology, it enjoys benefits that set it apart from the rest, the most prominent is its provable security based on the laws of physics. QKD requires not only the mastering of signals at the quantum level, but also a classical processing to extract a secret-key from them. This postprocessing has been customarily studied in terms of the efficiency, a figure of merit that offers a biased view of the performance of real devices. Here we argue that it is the throughput the significant magnitude in practical QKD, specially in the case of high speed devices, where the differences are more marked, and give some examples contrasting the usual postprocessing schemes with new ones from modern coding theory. A good understanding of its implications is very important for the design of modern QKD devices. PMID:23546440
Case Study: The Role of eLearning in Midwifery Pre-Service Education in Ghana.

PubMed

Appiagyei, Martha; Trump, Alison; Danso, Evans; Yeboah, Alex; Searle, Sarah; Carr, Catherine

The issues and challenges of implementing eLearning in pre-service health education were explored through a pilot study conducted in six nurse-midwifery education programs in Ghana. Case-based, interactive computer mediated eLearning modules, targeted to basic emergency and obstetrical signal functions, were delivered both online and offline using a free-for-use eLearning platform, skoool HE(®). Key success factors included broad stakeholder support, an established curriculum and student and tutor interest. Challenges included infrastructure limitations, large class sizes and added workloads for tutors and information technology staff. National scale up is planned.
The evaluation of complex interventions in palliative care: an exploration of the potential of case study research strategies.

PubMed

Walshe, Catherine

2011-12-01

Complex, incrementally changing, context dependent and variable palliative care services are difficult to evaluate. Case study research strategies may have potential to contribute to evaluating such complex interventions, and to develop this field of evaluation research. This paper explores definitions of case study (as a unit of study, a process, and a product) and examines the features of case study research strategies which are thought to confer benefits for the evaluation of complex interventions in palliative care settings. Ten features of case study that are thought to be beneficial in evaluating complex interventions in palliative care are discussed, drawing from exemplars of research in this field. Important features are related to a longitudinal approach, triangulation, purposive instance selection, comprehensive approach, multiple data sources, flexibility, concurrent data collection and analysis, search for proving-disproving evidence, pattern matching techniques and an engaging narrative. The limitations of case study approaches are discussed including the potential for subjectivity and their complex, time consuming and potentially expensive nature. Case study research strategies have great potential in evaluating complex interventions in palliative care settings. Three key features need to be exploited to develop this field: case selection, longitudinal designs, and the use of rival hypotheses. In particular, case study should be used in situations where there is interplay and interdependency between the intervention and its context, such that it is difficult to define or find relevant comparisons.
Using intensive case management to reduce violence by mentally ill persons in the community.

PubMed

Dvoskin, J A; Steadman, H J

1994-07-01

Aggressive and intensive case management and a comprehensive array of community support services are the keys to reducing the risk of violence by people with serious mental illness in the community. The authors describe the elements of intensive case management for potentially violent clients, including use of individual case managers responsible for small caseloads, 24-hour availability of case managers, and strong linkages to agencies providing mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and social services as well as to the criminal justice system. They summarize the results of three recent studies of intensive case management programs suggesting that this intervention is effective in reducing clients' dangerousness in the community. They discuss cultural and human resource issues that affect planning of intensive case management services. Intensive case managers need to be "boundary spanners" with the training, experience, and personality to bridge the often-broad gap between human service and criminal justice systems.
Key findings on legal and regulatory barriers to HIV testing and access to care across Europe.

PubMed

Power, L; Hows, J; Jakobsen, S F

2018-02-01

The aim of this work within OptTEST by HiE has been to demonstrate the role of legal and regulatory barriers in hindering access to HIV testing, treatment and care across Europe and to produce tools to help dismantle them. An online survey to assess country-specific data on legal and regulatory barriers distributed widely across the WHO Europe region. Literature reviews conducted in January-October 2015 in English, in November 2015 in Russian, and updated in April 2017. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 key actors within the HIV field to feed into case studies and tip sheets on how to dismantle legal and regulatory barriers. More than 160 individuals and organisations from 49 countries across the WHO European region provided responses which were analysed and cross checked with other data sources and a searchable database produced (legalbarriers.peoplewithhiveurope.org). The conducted literature reviews yielded 88 papers and reports which identify legal and regulatory barriers to key populations' access to HV testing and care. Based on the interviews with key actors, ranging from PLHIV activists to government officials, on lessons-learned, a series of tip sheets and ten case studies were written-up intended to inform and inspire the HIV community to address and overcome existing barriers (opttest.eu/Tools). While some of the barriers identified may require major changes to wider health systems, or long term legal reform, many are open to a simple change in regulations or custom and practice. We have the tools. Why can't we finish the job? © 2018 British HIV Association.
Food for Life: evaluation of the impact of the Hospital Food Programme in England using a case study approach

PubMed Central

Orme, Judy; Pitt, Hannah; Jones, Matthew

2017-01-01

Objectives To evaluate the impact and challenges of implementing a Food for Life approach within three pilot NHS sites in 2014/2015 in England. Food for Life is an initiative led by the Soil Association, a non-governmental organisation in the UK that aims to encourage a healthy, sustainable food culture across communities. Design A case-study approach was undertaken using semi-structured interviews with staff and key stakeholders together with analysis of relevant documents such as meeting minutes, strategic plans and reports. Setting Three NHS Trusts in England. Participants Staff and key stakeholders. Main outcome measures Synthesis of key findings from semi-structured interviews and analysis of relevant documents. Results Key themes included the potential to influence contracting processes; measuring quality; food for staff and visitors; the role of food in hospitals, and longer term sustainability and impact. Participants reported that adopting the Food for Life approach had provided enormous scope to improve the quality of food in hospital settings and had provided levers and external benchmarks for use in contracting to help drive up standards of the food provided by external contractors for patients and staff. This was demonstrated by the achievement of an FFLCM for staff and visitor catering in all three organisations. Conclusions Participants all felt that the importance of food in hospitals is not always recognised. Engagement with Food for Life can produce a significant change in the focus on food within hospitals, and help to improve the quality of food and mealtime experience for staff, visitors and patients. PMID:29051822
A cross sectional study of maternal 'near-miss' cases in major public hospitals in Egypt, Lebanon, Palestine and Syria.

PubMed

Bashour, Hyam; Saad-Haddad, Ghada; DeJong, Jocelyn; Ramadan, Mohammed Cherine; Hassan, Sahar; Breebaart, Miral; Wick, Laura; Hassanein, Nevine; Kharouf, Mayada

2015-11-13

The maternal near-miss approach has been increasingly used as a tool to evaluate and improve the quality of care in maternal health. We report findings from the formative stage of a World Health Organization (WHO) funded implementation research study that was undertaken to collect primary data at the facility level on the prevalence, characteristics, and management of maternal near-miss cases in four major public referral hospitals - one each in Egypt, Lebanon, Palestine and Syria. We conducted a cross sectional study of maternal near-miss cases in the four contexts beginning in 2011, where we collected data on severe maternal morbidity in the four study hospitals, using the WHO form (Individual Form HRP A65661). In each hospital, a research team including trained hospital healthcare providers carried out the data collection. A total of 9,063 live birth deliveries were reported during the data collection period across the four settings, with a total of 77 cases of severe maternal outcomes (71 maternal near-miss cases and 6 maternal deaths). Higher indices for the maternal mortality index were found in both Al Galaa hospital, in Egypt (8.6%) and Dar Al Tawleed hospital in Syria (14.3%), being large referral hospitals, compared to Ramallah hospital in Palestine and Rafik Hariri University hospital in Lebanon. Compared to the WHO's Multicountry Survey using the same data collection tool, our study's mortality indices are higher than the index of 5.6% among countries with a moderate maternal mortality ratio in the WHO Survey. Overall, haemorrhage-related complications were the most frequent conditions among maternal near-miss cases across the four study hospitals. In all hospitals, coagulation dysfunctions (76.1%) were the most prevalent dysfunction among maternal near-miss cases, followed by cardiovascular dysfunctions. The coverage of key evidence-based interventions among women experiencing a near-miss was either universal or very high in the study hospitals. Findings from this formative stage confirmed the need for quality improvement interventions. The high reported coverage of the main clinical interventions in the study hospitals would appear to be in contradiction with the above findings as the level of coverage of key evidence-based interventions was high.

An evidence-based approach to case management model selection for an acute care facility: is there really a preferred model?

PubMed

Terra, Sandra M

2007-01-01

This research seeks to determine whether there is adequate evidence-based justification for selection of one acute care case management model over another. Acute Inpatient Hospital. This article presents a systematic review of published case management literature, resulting in classification specific to terms of level of evidence. This review examines the best available evidence in an effort to select an acute care case management model. Although no single case management model can be identified as preferred, it is clear that adequate evidence-based literature exists to acknowledge key factors driving the acute care model and to form a foundation for the efficacy of hospital case management practice. Although no single case management model can be identified as preferred, this systematic review demonstrates that adequate evidence-based literature exists to acknowledge key factors driving the acute care model and forming a foundation for the efficacy of hospital case management practice. Distinctive aspects of case management frameworks can be used to guide the development of an acute care case management model. The study illustrates: * The effectiveness of case management when there is direct patient contact by the case manager regardless of disease condition: not only does the quality of care increase but also length of stay (LOS) decreases, care is defragmented, and both patient and physician satisfaction can increase. * The preferred case management models result in measurable outcomes that can directly relate to, and demonstrate alignment with, organizational strategy. * Acute care management programs reduce cost and LOS, and improve outcomes. * An integrated case management program that includes social workers, as well as nursing, is the most effective acute care management model. * The successful case management model will recognize physicians, as well as patients, as valued customers with whom partnership can positively affect financial outcomes in terms of reduction in LOS, improvement in quality, and delivery of care.
19 CFR 10.222 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... ARTICLES CONDITIONALLY FREE, SUBJECT TO A REDUCED RATE, ETC. United States-Caribbean Basin Trade..., coin purses, coin holders, compacts, currency cases, key cases, letter cases, license cases, money.... “NAFTA” means the North American Free Trade Agreement entered into by the United States, Canada, and...
19 CFR 10.222 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... ARTICLES CONDITIONALLY FREE, SUBJECT TO A REDUCED RATE, ETC. United States-Caribbean Basin Trade..., coin purses, coin holders, compacts, currency cases, key cases, letter cases, license cases, money.... “NAFTA” means the North American Free Trade Agreement entered into by the United States, Canada, and...
Fluorescence spectroscopic analysis of organic matter fractions: the current status and a tutorial case study

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Incorporation of animal manures into soils is a key nutrient management strategy for sustainable agricultural systems by supplying plant nutrients and maintaining soil quality. Dissolved organic matter (DOM) released from manures affects many soil chemical processes due to its reactivity with soil ...
Validating DNA barcodes: A non-destructive extraction protocol enables simultaneous vouchering of DNA and morphological vouchers

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Morphology-based keys support accurate identification of many taxa. However, identification can be difficult for taxa that are not well studied, very small, members of cryptic species complexes, or represented by immature stages. For such cases, DNA barcodes may provide diagnostic characters. Ecolog...
Productive Mathematical Noticing: What It Is and Why It Matters

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Choy, Ban Heng

2013-01-01

Teacher mathematical noticing is a key component of mathematics teaching expertise and has been a focus of recent professional development efforts. In this paper, I propose and describe explicitly the notion of "productive" mathematical noticing, which surfaces from a case study involving a group of seven mathematics teachers who…
Human Performance Technology and Knowledge Management: A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Massey, Anne P.; Montoya-Weiss, Mitzi M.; O'Driscoll, Tony M.

2005-01-01

As organizations respond to competitive environments and strive to enhance performance, knowledge management (KM) has increasingly become a strategic activity. A KM strategy entails consciously helping people share and put knowledge into action. A key challenge is how to develop and implement KM solutions that provide performance support to…
Comparative community case studies as research tools: A national effort to support local sustainability planning

EPA Science Inventory

The provisioning of aquatic ecosystem goods and services (EGS) is a key concept in USEPA Office of Research and Development research programs. This is a national issue, yet many decisions affecting EGS sustainability are made at the local level where decisions can have substanti...
A Bibliography of Agriculture and Rural Life in Yemen.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Swanjord, Don Edward

Intended as a key to current work in agriculture in Yemen, this bibliography cites more than 520 resources produced since 1963 including monographs, journal articles, theses and dissertations, conference papers, case studies, reports, proposals, surveys, bibliographies, and United Nations publications. Foreign language materials in German, French,…
Phoenix: Quantum Quality at Maricopa: TQM on Campus, Case Study Number Two.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Assar, Kathleen E.

1993-01-01

Implementation of the Total Quality Management approach in the Maricopa County Community College District (Arizona), a large 10-campus system, is described. The program's current early stages are reported noting the serious administrative commitment and thorough training, seen as key factors in potential success. (MSE)
The Power of Service-Learning.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McCarthy, Mary H.; Corbin, Linda

2003-01-01

Describes key elements of service learning: response to the community, student-led decision-making, analytical reflection. Includes a case study of service learning in the Hudson, Massachusetts, Public School District, the main goal of which is to provide students with opportunities to learn the core values of empathy, ethics, and service. (PKP)
Superintendent-Business Executive Collaboration in Intermediary Organizations: Moral Agency and Democratic Functioning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bennett, Jeffrey V.; McKee, Tiffany; Martin, Staci

2014-01-01

This case study describes collaboration between business executives and superintendents to influence local/regional K-12 educational change. Specifically, we examine participant like-mindedness about the ethics and appropriate focus of K-12 intermediary collaboration, the extent of democratic functioning, and key individuals to involve. Data…
Confronting Globalisation: Learning from Intercontinental Collaboration

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Larsson, Staffan; Boud, David; Dahlgren, Madeleine Abrandt; Walters, Shirley; Sork, Tom

2005-01-01

Higher education institutions are responding to globalisation in various ways. This study describes and analyses challenges encountered in a recent case of global collaboration between four universities on different continents in developing a web-based master's program. The key issue was how to develop programs in a way that is fair for the…
Making Connections within the Asia-Pacific Region: Case Study around the Mentoring for Effective Teaching (MET) Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hudson, Peter; Hudson, Sue; Kwan, Tammy; Chan, Cheri; Maclang-Vicencio, Evelina; Ani, Ana-Liza

2015-01-01

University strategic plans emphasise the essential nature of partnerships at national and international levels. Along with establishing collaborative research partnerships, providing professional development to key stakeholders is considered a crucial activity for making and sustaining partnerships. Utilising knowledge from professional…
Case Study: William Charles Akins High School.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Southern Regional Education Board (SREB), 2011

2011-01-01

Akins High School is the newest and second largest high school in the Austin Independent School District in Austin, Texas. This report describes how the school has used small learning communities and the "HSTW" framework of Key Practices to improve the school culture, personalize the learning environment, improve student achievement and…
Modeling a molecular initiating event to population effects: A case study of aromatase inhibition in fathead minnows

EPA Science Inventory

An adverse outcome pathway (AOP) conceptually links a molecular initiating event with measureable key events at higher levels of biological organization that ultimately result in an adverse outcome. Development of an AOP requires experimental data and scientific expertise to ide...
Preventing Mother-to-Child HIV Transmission among South African Adolescents

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Varga, Christine; Brookes, Heather

2008-01-01

Although prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT) programs are predicated on maternal behavior change, little is known about sociocultural factors affecting maternal-child care practices in this arena. The authors used narrative methods (key informant workshops, questionnaires, focus groups, and case study analysis) to explore how…
The Management of Independent Learning. Staff and Educational Development Series.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tait, Jo, Ed.; Knight, Peter, Ed.

The development of key competencies through higher education is of increasing interest in government, industry, and academics. The contributors to this collection of research analyses and case studies focus on the competencies associated with self-motivated autonomous lifelong learning. Examining a variety of issues from a British perspective, the…
Key Factors of e-Learning: A Case Study at a Spanish Bank

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Andreu, Rafael; Jauregui, Kety

2005-01-01

Given the evident potential shown by developing new technologies, there are increasingly more companies that develop and implement training programs that use the new-technology-based facilities. Likewise, suppliers developing new-technology-based programs have emerged seeking greater effectiveness and cost reduction as opposed to traditional…
Comparison of methods for quantifying reef ecosystem services: a case study mapping services for St. Croix, USVI

EPA Science Inventory

In coastal communities, stresses derived from landuse changes, climate change, and serial over-exploitation can have major effects on coral reefs, which support multibillion dollar fishing and tourism industries vital to regional economies. A key challenge in evaluating coastal a...

Two-Way Immersion: A Key to Global Awareness.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Howard, Elizabeth R.

2002-01-01

Describes the use of two-way immersion education to provide students with opportunities to understand and appreciate other countries and cultures. The main features of two-way immersion education are bilingual language instruction, cross-cultural understanding, and international exchanges. Includes case study of two-way immersion at the Alicia…
Research at the Crossroads: How Intellectual Initiatives across Disciplines Evolve

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Frost, Susan H.; Jean, Paul M.; Teodorescu, Daniel; Brown, Amy B.

2004-01-01

How do intellectual initiatives across disciplines evolve? This qualitative case study of 11 interdisciplinary research initiatives at Emory University identifies key factors in their development: the passionate commitments of scholarly leaders, the presence of strong collegial networks, access to timely and multiple resources, flexible practices,…
Aspirations for a Master's-Level Teaching Profession in England

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thomas, Lorraine

2016-01-01

This research investigates aspirations for a master's-level teaching profession in England, providing key stakeholder perceptions in one densely populated region within a multiple case study. Although this intended move to a master's-level profession represented a major shift in teachers' professional development in England, only limited…
Student Activity Guide for "Business in an Information Economy."

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Graf, David; And Others

The 20 chapters of this student activity guide provide study guides (key terms and concepts reviews), projects, cases for analyses, and self-assessment exercises for business and career education classes. Topics covered include the following: business winners (entrepreneurship); growth of the U.S. economy, the basics of economics, comparing…
Integrating Participatory Elements into an Effectiveness Evaluation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wallace, Tanner LeBaron

2008-01-01

This article describes an effectiveness evaluation of an intensive case management intervention coordinated by a non-profit organization in a midsize Midwest City. As an effectiveness evaluation, the primary evaluation question was causal in nature; the key task of the evaluative study was to establish and probe connections between the…
Multimodal Composing in Classrooms: Learning and Teaching for the Digital World

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Miller, Suzanne M., Ed.; McVee, Mary B., Ed.

2012-01-01

Taking a close look at multimodal composing as an essential new literacy in schools, this volume draws from contextualized case studies across educational contexts to provide detailed portraits of teachers and students at work in classrooms. Authors elaborate key issues in transforming classrooms with student multimodal composing, including…
Electrical Safety: Safety and Health for Electrical Trades. Student Manual.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fowler, Thaddeus W.; Miles, Karen K.

This document is designed to teach learners in secondary and postsecondary electrical trades courses to recognize, evaluate, and control hazards associated with electrical work, The manual's eight sections each include some or all of the following components: instructional text; definitions; case studies illustrating key safety considerations;…
ICT and Marketing Challenges in Latin American Libraries.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Feria, Lourdes

Latin American libraries have experienced an important development in the last two decades. Telecommunications and Information Technologies (ITC) have been key elements in this process. There are leading institutions with remarkable programs; nevertheless it is necessary to design marketing strategies to improve their benefits. A case study based…
Quality Assurance Strategies in Higher Education: The Case of Ghanaian Polytechnics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Swanzy, Patrick; Potts, Anthony

2017-01-01

This study investigated the internal quality assurance strategies Ghanaian polytechnics enacted in order to improve graduate outcomes. A qualitative methodological approach via in-depth interviewing of twenty key informants and document analysis was used to establish how polytechnics in Ghana addressed problematic situations in quality assurance.…
Formula Feedback and Central Cities: The Case of the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jones, E. Terrence; Phares, Donald

1978-01-01

This study critically examines the measurement of the Comprehesive Employment and Training Act's key allocation variable, unemployment. The analysis indicates (1) unemployment rates are higher than government estimates and (2) methods used to measure state and local umemployment have several weaknesses. (Author/RLV)
Education with ICT in South Korea and Chile

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sanchez, Jaime; Salinas, Alvaro; Harris, Jordan

2011-01-01

This article presents a linear-analytical case study on the development of ICT within the educational systems of Chile and South Korea. Through a comprehensive meta-data analysis and bibliographic review, we collected information on both educational systems and their ICT adoption policies. Key differences necessary to understand how both countries…
Constructive Conflict Talk in Classrooms: Divergent Approaches to Addressing Divergent Perspectives

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bickmore, Kathy; Parker, Christina

2014-01-01

Dialogue about social and political conflicts is a key element of democratic citizenship education that is frequently advocated in scholarship but rarely fully implemented, especially in classrooms populated by ethnically and economically heterogeneous students. Qualitative case studies describe the contrasting ways 2 primary and 2 middle-grade…
EPA Method 544: A Case Study in USEPA Drinking Water Method Develpment

EPA Science Inventory

The 1996 amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act required the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) to establish a Drinking Water Contaminant Candidate List (CCL) of chemicals and microbes that the Agency will consider for future regulation. One of the key pieces of info...
Problematising the Pursuit of Progress in Mathematics Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Llewellyn, Anna

2016-01-01

In this article, I use a Foucauldian poststructural analysis to examine productions of progress within key discursive spaces of mathematics education. These sites of production are educational policy, mathematics education research and case studies of primary school student-teachers in England. From my analysis, I show how progress governs what is…
Demand generation and social mobilisation for integrated community case management (iCCM) and child health: Lessons learned from successful programmes in Niger and Mozambique.

PubMed

Sharkey, Alyssa B; Martin, Sandrine; Cerveau, Teresa; Wetzler, Erica; Berzal, Rocio

2014-12-01

We present the approaches used in and outcomes resulting from integrated community case management (iCCM) programmes in Niger and Mozambique with a strong focus on demand generation and social mobilisation. We use a case study approach to describe the programme and contextual elements of the Niger and Mozambique programmes. Awareness and utilisation of iCCM services and key family practices increased following the implementation of the Niger and Mozambique iCCM and child survival programmes, as did care-seeking within 24 hours and care-seeking from appropriate, trained providers in Mozambique. These approaches incorporated interpersonal communication activities and community empowerment/participation for collective change, partnerships and networks among key stakeholder groups within communities, media campaigns and advocacy efforts with local and national leaders. iCCM programmes that train and equip community health workers and successfully engage and empower community members to adopt new behaviours, have appropriate expectations and to trust community health workers' ability to assess and treat illnesses can lead to improved care-seeking and utilisation, and community ownership for iCCM.
Associations between Psychosocial Aspects of English Classroom Environments and Motivation Types of Chinese Tertiary-Level English Majors

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bi, Xuefei

2015-01-01

This study involved whether psychosocial aspects of English classroom environments had associations with the English learning motivation types of Chinese tertiary-level English majors based on a case study of approximate 1,000 English majors in their first 2 years at one of the key universities located in South China. Canonical correlation…
An Exploratory Study of the Defence Mechanisms Used in Psychotherapy by Adults Who Have Intellectual Disabilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Newman, D. W.; Beail, N.

2010-01-01

Problem: A significant concept in psychodynamic theory and practice is that of defence mechanisms. The identifications of defences is a key task of the therapist and these are then used in the formulation and form part of the therapist's interventions. Case studies of psychotherapy with adults who have intellectual disabilities (IDs) suggest that…
Why Social Capital Is Important for Mentoring Capacity Building of Mentors: A Case Study in Hong Kong

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wong, Jocelyn L. N.

2018-01-01

Most studies of school-based mentoring practice have put their key focus on discussions of the professional growth of novice teachers rather than of their mentors. Mentoring practice, however, is also a platform from which mentors can build or enhance their professional competency and capitalize their leadership role as they interact with novice…
An Exploration of Comfort and Discomfort amongst Children and Young People with Intellectual Disabilities Who Depend on Postural Management Equipment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lyons, Elizabeth A.; Jones, Diana E.; Swallow, Veronica M.; Chandler, Colin

2017-01-01

Background: The natural response to the intrusive bodily sensation is positional change. This study explored how children and young people (CYP) with intellectual disabilities had their comfort needs met when using adaptive positioning equipment. Methods: Thirteen qualitative case studies were undertaken. A parent, a teacher/key worker and a…
Lesson Two: Terra Australis. Australian Studies High School Series. History Unit.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Waldron, John

This lesson, one of four stand-alone lessons that examine Australia as an aspect of world history, points out that Australia's unique geographic characteristics and history serve as a useful case study of key global concepts. The lesson focuses on exploration and control of trade routes during the Age of Discovery. The lesson has two parts. In…

Missing Link: Integrated Individual Leadership Development, Employee Engagement, and Customer Value-Added Improvement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Heldenbrand, Lois; Simms, Michael S.

2012-01-01

Long-term care is a key public issue that affects all of us in some way at some time of our lives. Nowhere is performance improvement and quality management more imperative. Through an 8-month field study and follow-up case study, we discuss how using an integrated approach to individual leadership development, employee engagement, and customer…
Learning Online: A Case Study Exploring Student Perceptions and Experience of a Course in Economic Evaluation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Skordis-Worrall, Jolene; Haghparast-Bidgoli, Hassan; Batura, Neha; Hughes, Jane

2015-01-01

This study explored the perceptions and experiences of a group of students enrolled in an online course in Economic Evaluation. A mixed methods approach was adopted for the data collection, and thematic analysis was used to synthesize the data collected and highlight key findings. The participants identified several positive and negative perceived…
Attitudes to Ancient Greek in Three Schools: A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Foster, Frances

2018-01-01

This study comes in response to recent changes in UK policy, whereby Ancient Greek and Latin have been included alongside modern languages as part of the curriculum at Key Stage 2. It aims to understand how Ancient Greek is surviving and thriving in three different types of schools. After a short overview of the history of Greek teaching in the…
Technology and Career Preparation: Using Virtual Interview Recordings (VIRs) in an Apparel, Design, and Textiles (ADT) Professional Seminar Course

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Eike, Rachel J.; Rowell, Amy; Mihuta, Tiffani

2016-01-01

The purpose of this study was to identify key virtual-recorded interview (VIR) skills that are essential to Apparel, Design, and Textile (ADT) student performance. The virtual, computer-recording interview platform, InterviewStream, was used as the data collection instrument in this qualitative, exploratory case study. Virtual interviews have been…
Examination of Traditional Medicine and Herbal Pharmacology and the Implications for Teaching and Education: A Ghanaian Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Asabere-Ameyaw, Akwasi; Sefa Dei, George J.; Raheem, Kolawole

2009-01-01

This article presents the preliminary findings of a pilot study of the practice, uses, and effectiveness of traditional medicine in Ghana. Based on in-depth interviews with local key practitioners and users of traditional medicine, the article points to some of the educational significance of local cultural knowledge on the environment and the…
The Politics of Aborted Reform: Education and the Legitimacy of the State in France and West Germany.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Weiler, Hans N.

As this paper demonstrates, studying abortive educational reforms reveals a great deal about the complex political dynamics involved in making (and unmaking) key policy decisions. Using case studies of France and West Germany, the paper argues that the state in advanced industrial countries tends to maximize the political gains derived from…
On "Stepping Back and Letting Go": The Role of Control in the Success or Failure of Social Studies Simulations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wright-Maley, Cory

2015-01-01

This comparative case study presents one key challenge that 2 experienced teachers faced when using simulations: control. Simulations are activities that place high demands on teachers, including the ability to anticipate pitfalls in advance, act in multiple capacities, shape the direction of the activity without unduly interfering, and to be…
Low altitude remote sensing technologies for crop stress monitoring: a case study on spatial and temporal monitoring of irrigated pinto bean

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Site-specific crop management is a promising approach to maximize crop yield with optimal use of rapidly depleting natural resources. Availability of high resolution crop data at critical growth stages is a key for real-time data-driven decisions during the production season. The goal of this study ...
Raising Aspirations and Widening Participation: An Evaluation of Aimhigher in Herefordshire and Worcestershire

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Miller, Judy; Smith, Catherine

2011-01-01

Set in the context of a falling budget, the purpose of this study was to investigate how the impact of Aimhigher funds could be maximised in Herefordshire and Worcestershire schools. A case study approach using phenomenological methods was used to examine three key areas: How are funds distributed and utilised by schools and colleges? How are…
Assessing Key Epistemic Features of Didactic-Mathematical Knowledge of Prospective Teachers: The Case of The Derivative

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pino-Fan, Luis R.; Godino, Juan D.; Font, Vicenç

2018-01-01

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in studying the knowledge that mathematics teachers require in order for their teaching to be effective. However, only a few studies have focused on the design and application of instruments that are capable of exploring different aspects of teachers' didactic-mathematical knowledge about specific…
Engaging the Bible in GCSE and A Level Religious Studies: Environmental Stewardship as a Test Case

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Horrell, David G.; Davis, Anna

2014-01-01

This article explores the potential for critical and informed engagement with biblical texts to form a key element of the study of Christian perspectives on ethical issues at GCSE and A level. Given the current dominance of philosophical and ethical topics, and weaknesses in the engagement with biblical texts within existing curriculum materials,…
Growing Up: School, Family, and Area Influences on Adolescents' Later Life Chances. CASE Discussion Paper.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burgess, Simon; Gardiner, Karen; Propper, Carol

This study explored the relationships between adult economic outcomes and three key factors during adolescence: schooling, family background, and county of residence. The empirical analysis was based on data covering the period from 1979-1996. Data came from the 1979 National Longitudinal Survey of Youth. The study examined a sample of people ages…
Student Levels of Engagement in Learning: A Case Study of Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ivala, Eunice; Kioko, Joseph

2013-01-01

South Africa is currently faced with the challenge of undesirably low through put rates in higher education. The need to keep students interested and motivated to succeed are key objectives of many lecturers and institutions. Empirical studies have shown that one of the factors influencing student success at university is student engagement. This…
Traditional Tales and Imaginary Contexts in Primary Design and Technology: A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McLain, Matt; McLain, Mel; Tsai, Jess; Martin, Mike; Bell, Dawne; Wooff, David

2017-01-01

Working with contexts is a key component to design and technology activity and education. The most recent iteration of the national curriculum programme of study for design and technology, in England, sets out that children between the ages of 5 and 7 "should work in a range of relevant contexts" (DfE, 2013, p.193); suggested contexts…
Formal Education: A Catalyst to Nation Building. A Case Study of Nigeria. African Theological Studies. Volume 6

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chimaka, Anthony Ikechukwu

2014-01-01

The smallest and most remote villages in the developing countries are affected by the rapid and seemingly irresistible trend towards globalization. The limitless availability of information however necessitates education to stand out as the key factor for human and national development. But which conditions must be met by societies for education…
The Role of Parental Leadership in Academic Performance: A Case of Pupils in the Free Primary Education Program in Kenya

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bellon, Emmanuel O.; Ngware, Moses Waithanji; Admassu, Kassahun

2017-01-01

The study examines the combined effects of key elements in parental leadership on academic performance. In the wake of inadequate learning resources, parental leadership becomes an indispensable learning input for children's academic performance. The discourse utilized data collected from 2005 to 2010 in a longitudinal study involving 1,549…
Training Determinants and Productivity Impact of Training in China: A Case of Shanghai

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ng, Y.C.

2005-01-01

While much is known about the economics of training in the developed world, studies of issues associated with training in less-developed countries are rarely found. Based on a survey conducted in China, the present study attempts to fill this gap. Job characteristics and firm background were found to play key roles in determining training…
A Case Study of Key Stakeholders' Perceptions of the Learning Center's Effectiveness for English Learners at a District in Central California

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nava, Norma Leticia

2016-01-01

This qualitative study explored stakeholders' (administrators, teachers, and parents) perspectives of English learners in the learning center, a response to intervention model, at a school district in Central California. Research existed concerning the yearly academic growth of students in a learning center, but there was a lack of knowledge about…
Estimating the Occurrence of Child Maltreatment and Risk-Factor Effects: Benefits of a Mixed-Design Strategy in Epidemiologic Research.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bertolli, Jeanne; And Others

1995-01-01

This article discusses methodologic limitations of four observational study designs (ecologic, case-control, cross-sectional, and cohort) that dominate the child abuse and neglect literature and identifies key features of an "ideal" study of child maltreatment. It proposes a new mixed-design strategy, which improves ability to identify child…
Extending the boundaries of the Declaration of Helsinki: a case study of an unethical experiment in a non-medical setting

PubMed Central

Richter, E.; Barach, P.; Berman, T.; Ben-David, G; Weinberger, Z.

2001-01-01

To examine the ethical issues involved in governmental decisions with potential health risks, we review the history of the decision to raise the interurban speed limit in Israel in light of its impact on road death and injury. In 1993, the Israeli Ministry of Transportation initiated an "experiment" to raise the interurban speed limit from 90 to 100 kph. The "experiment" did not include a protocol and did not specify cut-off points for early termination in the case of adverse results. After the raise in the speed limit, the death toll on interurban roads rose as a result of a sudden increase in speeds and case fatality rates. The committee's decision is a case study in unfettered human experimentation and public health risks when the setting is non-medical and lacks a defined ethical framework. The case study states the case for extending Helsinki type safeguards to experimentation in non-medical settings. Key Words: Declaration of Helsinki • human experimentation • speed limit PMID:11314157

Improving patient care trajectories: an innovative quasi-experimental research method for health services.

PubMed

Campos, Eneida Rached; Moreira-Filho, Djalma de Carvalho; Silva, Marcos Tadeu Nolasco da

2018-05-01

Scores to predict treatment outcomes have earned a well-deserved place in healthcare practice. However, when used to help achieve excellence in the care of a given disease, scores should also take into account organizational and social aspects. This article aims to create scores to obtain key variables and its application in the management of care of a given disease. We present a method called Epidemiological Planning for Patient Care Trajectory (PELC) and its application in a research of HIV pediatric patients. This case study is presented by means of two studies. The first study deals with the development of the method PELC. The second is HIV Pediatric case-control study based on PELC method. HIV pediatric research - the first practical PELC application - found these four key variables to the individual quality level care trajectories: adherence to ART, attending at least one appointment with the otolaryngologist, attending at least one appointment with social services, and having missed one or more routine appointments. We believe PELC method can be used in researches about any kind of care trajectories, contributing to quality level advancements in health services, with emphasis on patient safety and equity in healthcare.
[STRATEGY OF USE AND MAINTENANCE OF CLINICAL HOSPITAL CENTER RIJEKA IN ACCORDANCE WITH KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS FOR STRATEGIC HEALTHCARE FACILITIES MAINTENANCE].

PubMed

Sjekavica, Mariela; Haller, Herman; Cerić, Anita

2015-01-01

Building usage is the phase in the building life cycle that is most time-consuming, most functional, most significant due to building purpose and often systematically ignored. Maintenance is the set of activities that ensure the planned duration of facility exploitation phase in accordance with the requirements for quality maintenance of a large number of important building features as well as other elements immanent to the nature of facilities' life. The aim of the study is to show the analysis of the current state of organized, planned and comprehensive managerial approach in hospital utilization and maintenance in the Republic of Croatia, given on the case study of Clinical hospital center in Rijeka. The methodology used consists of relevant literature section of theory of facility utilization, maintenance and management in general, hospital buildings especially, display of practice on case study, and comparison of key performance indicators values obtained through interview with those that author Igal M. Shohet defined in his study by field surveys and statistical analyses. Despite many positive indicators of Clinical hospital center Rijeka maintenance, an additional research is needed in order to define a more complete national hospital maintenance strategy.
Key aspects in managing safety when working with multiple contractors: A case study.

PubMed

Drupsteen, Linda; Rasmussen, Hanna B; Ustailieva, Erika; van Kampen, Jakko

2015-01-01

Working with multiple contractors in a shared workplace can introduce and increase safety risks due to complexity. The aim of this study was to explore how safety issues are recognized in a specific case and to identify whether clients and contractors perceive problems similarly. The safety issues are explored through a brief survey and a workshop in the maintenance department of a logistics company. The results indicate that culture and behavior are recognized differently by clients and by contractors. The contractors and client had different perceptions of involvement of contractors by the client. The contractors complained on lack of involvement, which was not fully recognized by the client. The case study used a practical approach to show differences in perception of safety within a project. The study illustrates the need for more applied studies and interventions on contractor safety.
The politics of HPV vaccination policy formation in the United States.

PubMed

Abiola, Sara E; Colgrove, James; Mello, Michelle M

2013-08-01

This article explores the political dimensions of policy formation for the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine through case studies of six states: California, Indiana, New Hampshire, New York, Texas, and Virginia. Using thematic content analysis of semistructured key informant interviews with policy stakeholders, newspaper articles, and archival materials, we describe the trajectory of public health policy developments for HPV immunization and analyze key influences on policy outcomes through the theoretical lens of the Multiple Streams framework. Specifically, we examine factors influencing the extent to which HPV was perceived as a problem meriting policy action; political forces that facilitated and impeded policy adoption, including interest-group opposition and structural and ideological features of the states' political environments; and factors affecting which policy alternatives received consideration. We find that effective policy entrepreneurship played a critical role in determining policy outcomes. We conclude by discussing lessons from the case of HPV vaccination for future efforts to craft vaccination policies.
Computer Sciences Applied to Management at Open University of Catalonia: Development of Competences of Teamworks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pisa, Carlos Cabañero; López, Enric Serradell

Teamwork is considered one of the most important professional skills in today's business environment. More specifically, the collaborative work between professionals and information technology managers from various functional areas is a strategic key in competitive business. Several university-level programs are focusing on developing these skills. This article presents the case of the course Computer Science Applied to Management (hereafter CSAM) that has been designed with the objective to develop the ability to work cooperatively in interdisciplinary teams. For their design and development have been addressed to the key elements of efficiency that appear in the literature, most notably the establishment of shared objectives and a feedback system, the management of the harmony of the team, their level of autonomy, independence, diversity and level of supervision. The final result is a subject in which, through a working virtual platform, interdisciplinary teams solve a problem raised by a case study.
Cost Analysis and Performance Assessment of Partner Services for Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Sexually Transmitted Diseases, New York State, 2014.

PubMed

Johnson, Britney L; Tesoriero, James; Feng, Wenhui; Qian, Feng; Martin, Erika G

2017-12-01

To estimate the programmatic costs of partner services for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydial infection. New York State and local health departments conducting partner services activities in 2014. A cost analysis estimated, from the state perspective, total program costs and cost per case assignment, patient interview, partner notification, and disease-specific key performance indicator. Data came from contracts, a time study of staff effort, and statewide surveillance systems. Disease-specific costs per case assignment (mean: $580; range: $502-$1,111), patient interview ($703; $608-$1,609), partner notification ($1,169; $950-$1,936), and key performance indicator ($2,697; $1,666-$20,255) varied across diseases. Most costs (79 percent) were devoted to gonorrhea and chlamydial infection investigations. Cost analysis complements cost-effectiveness analysis in evaluating program performance and guiding improvements. © Health Research and Educational Trust.
Different shades of green: a case study of support for wind farms in the rural midwest.

PubMed

Mulvaney, Kate K; Woodson, Patrick; Prokopy, Linda Stalker

2013-05-01

Benton County, in north-central Indiana, USA has successfully sited more than 500 turbines. To understand Benton County's acceptance of wind farms, a holistic case study was conducted that included a document review, a survey of local residents and interviews with key stakeholders. Survey questionnaires were sent to 750 residents asking questions about attitudes toward the wind farms, perceived benefits and impacts from the wind farms, environmental attitudes, and demographic information. Key stakeholders were also interviewed for a deeper understanding of the historical timeline and community acceptance of the wind farm development. While there is limited opposition to the turbines, on the whole the community presents a front of acceptance. Financial, rather than environmental, benefits are the main reason for the acceptance. Although significant in other case studies, transparency and participation do not play a large role in Benton County's acceptance. Most residents are not concerned with either visual impacts or noise from the wind turbines. More concrete benefits to the community, such as reduced energy bills for county residents, could help to extend acceptance even further within the community. Although there are concerns about the acceptance of wind farms and the impacts of those farms on local residents in both peer-reviewed literature and popular media, we found little evidence of those concerns in Benton County. Instead, we found Benton County to be a community largely accepting of wind farms.
Different Shades of Green: A Case Study of Support for Wind Farms in the Rural Midwest

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mulvaney, Kate K.; Woodson, Patrick; Prokopy, Linda Stalker

2013-05-01

Benton County, in north-central Indiana, USA has successfully sited more than 500 turbines. To understand Benton County's acceptance of wind farms, a holistic case study was conducted that included a document review, a survey of local residents and interviews with key stakeholders. Survey questionnaires were sent to 750 residents asking questions about attitudes toward the wind farms, perceived benefits and impacts from the wind farms, environmental attitudes, and demographic information. Key stakeholders were also interviewed for a deeper understanding of the historical timeline and community acceptance of the wind farm development. While there is limited opposition to the turbines, on the whole the community presents a front of acceptance. Financial, rather than environmental, benefits are the main reason for the acceptance. Although significant in other case studies, transparency and participation do not play a large role in Benton County's acceptance. Most residents are not concerned with either visual impacts or noise from the wind turbines. More concrete benefits to the community, such as reduced energy bills for county residents, could help to extend acceptance even further within the community. Although there are concerns about the acceptance of wind farms and the impacts of those farms on local residents in both peer-reviewed literature and popular media, we found little evidence of those concerns in Benton County. Instead, we found Benton County to be a community largely accepting of wind farms.
Political will, traditional leaders and the fight against HIV/AIDS: a South African case study.

PubMed

Campbell, Catherine

2010-01-01

"Political will" and leadership are increasingly considered key contextual influences on the outcomes of HIV/AIDS programmes in sub-Saharan Africa. Such debates tend to focus on the role of national leadership in shaping responses to the epidemic, with little attention to local leaders. Yet many of the settings in which HIV/AIDS flourishes are geographically distant from the reach of national leadership and policies. Furthermore, local leaders often play a key role in shaping how national policies and decisions are interpreted and implemented in local areas. Against this background, we present a case study of the impact of the leadership style of a traditional Chief on a community-based AIDS programme in a South African rural community, which sought to build community-level "AIDS competence", using the "empowerment via participation" approach. The case study involved 134 interviews and 57 focus groups conducted over three years. Thematic content analysis revealed a number of direct and indirect ways in which his leadership style impacted on project outcomes. Despite his strong support for the programme, the Chief's "traditional" attitudes towards women and youth, his celebration of polygamy, and his authoritarian governance style undermined the project's "empowerment via participation" agenda - especially the programme's attempts to reduce AIDS stigma, to build female and youth capacity to control their sexual health, and to encourage men to take responsibility for their role in tackling AIDS.
Coupling socioeconomic and lake systems for sustainability: a conceptual analysis using Lake St. Clair region as a case study.

PubMed

Mavrommati, Georgia; Baustian, Melissa M; Dreelin, Erin A

2014-04-01

Applying sustainability at an operational level requires understanding the linkages between socioeconomic and natural systems. We identified linkages in a case study of the Lake St. Clair (LSC) region, part of the Laurentian Great Lakes system. Our research phases included: (1) investigating and revising existing coupled human and natural systems frameworks to develop a framework for this case study; (2) testing and refining the framework by hosting a 1-day stakeholder workshop and (3) creating a causal loop diagram (CLD) to illustrate the relationships among the systems' key components. With stakeholder assistance, we identified four interrelated pathways that include water use and discharge, land use, tourism and shipping that impact the ecological condition of LSC. The interrelationships between the pathways of water use and tourism are further illustrated by a CLD with several feedback loops. We suggest that this holistic approach can be applied to other case studies and inspire the development of dynamic models capable of informing decision making for sustainability.
Evaluation of the acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance system, Gokwe North district, Zimbabwe, 2015: a descriptive cross sectional study.

PubMed

Makoni, Annamercy; Chemhuru, Milton; Gombe, Notion; Shambira, Gerald; Juru, Tsitsi; Bangure, Donewell; Tshimanga, Mufuta

2017-01-01

AFP surveillance was adopted globally as a key strategy for monitoring the progress of the polio eradication initiative. Gokwe North district with an estimated 119 655 children <15 years detected 2 cases, 4 cases and 1 case of AFP in 2012, 2013 and 2014 respectively against a target of 5 cases per year. We therefore set out to evaluate the system and find out why it was failing to detect at least 5 cases per year. A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out. All three hospitals in the district were purposively selected. Twelve of the nineteen health facilities were randomly selected and forty nine health workers were purposively recruited. An interviewer administered questionnaire and key informant interview guide were used to collect data. Quantitative data was analysed using Epi info. Out of the 49 respondents, 17(34.7%) knew the target age group for AFP surveillance. Twelve (24.5%) knew the number of notification forms to be filled. Seven (14.3%) and ten (20.4%) respondents knew when to follow up an AFP case and when an AFP case should be followed up and completely notified and investigated respectively. Forty one (83.7%) respondents were not trained on AFP surveillance. Nineteen (39%) had AFP notification forms at the clinic and 33(67%) had displayed AFP case definitions. All the 22 health facilities in the district participate in AFP surveillance; however, all have hard to reach areas. Seventeen (34.7%) reportedly took public health actions based on AFP data. The system was found to be useful, simple, acceptable, timely, unstable, not representative and not sensitive. The system was threatened by lack of health worker knowledge and community active search. Advocacy, communication and social mobilization on AFP surveillance might improve the performance of the system in Gokwe North district.
The Current State of Sensing, Health Management, and Control for Small-To-Medium-Sized Manufacturers

PubMed Central

Helu, Moneer; Weiss, Brian

2017-01-01

The development of digital technologies for manufacturing has been challenged by the difficulty of navigating the breadth of new technologies available to industry. This difficulty is compounded by technologies developed without a good understanding of the capabilities and limitations of the manufacturing environment, especially within small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs). This paper describes industrial case studies conducted to identify the needs, priorities, and constraints of manufacturing SMEs in the areas of performance measurement, condition monitoring, diagnosis, and prognosis. These case studies focused on contract and original equipment manufacturers with less than 500 employees from several industrial sectors. Solution and equipment providers and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) centers were also included. Each case study involved discussions with key shop-floor personnel as well as site visits with some participants. The case studies highlight SME's strong need for access to appropriate data to better understand and plan manufacturing operations. They also help define industrially-relevant use cases in several areas of manufacturing operations, including scheduling support, maintenance planning, resource budgeting, and workforce augmentation. PMID:28736773
A geo-computational algorithm for exploring the structure of diffusion progression in time and space.

PubMed

Chin, Wei-Chien-Benny; Wen, Tzai-Hung; Sabel, Clive E; Wang, I-Hsiang

2017-10-03

A diffusion process can be considered as the movement of linked events through space and time. Therefore, space-time locations of events are key to identify any diffusion process. However, previous clustering analysis methods have focused only on space-time proximity characteristics, neglecting the temporal lag of the movement of events. We argue that the temporal lag between events is a key to understand the process of diffusion movement. Using the temporal lag could help to clarify the types of close relationships. This study aims to develop a data exploration algorithm, namely the TrAcking Progression In Time And Space (TaPiTaS) algorithm, for understanding diffusion processes. Based on the spatial distance and temporal interval between cases, TaPiTaS detects sub-clusters, a group of events that have high probability of having common sources, identifies progression links, the relationships between sub-clusters, and tracks progression chains, the connected components of sub-clusters. Dengue Fever cases data was used as an illustrative case study. The location and temporal range of sub-clusters are presented, along with the progression links. TaPiTaS algorithm contributes a more detailed and in-depth understanding of the development of progression chains, namely the geographic diffusion process.
A case-control study of boat-related injuries and fatalities in Washington State.

PubMed

Stempski, Sarah; Schiff, Melissa; Bennett, Elizabeth; Quan, Linda

2014-08-01

To identify risk factors associated with boat-related injuries and deaths. We performed a case-control study using the Washington Boat Accident Investigation Report Database for 2003-2010. Cases were fatally injured boat occupants, and controls were non-fatally injured boat occupants involved in a boating incident. We evaluated the association between victim, boat and incident factors and risk of death using Poisson regression to estimate RRs and 95% CIs. Of 968 injured boaters, 26% died. Fatalities were 2.6 times more likely to not be wearing a personal flotation device (PFD) and 2.2 times more likely to not have any safety features on their boat compared with those who survived. Boating fatalities were more likely to be in a non-motorised boat, to have alcohol involved in the incident, to be in an incident that involved capsizing, sinking, flooding or swamping, and to involve a person leaving the boat voluntarily, being ejected or falling than those who survived. Increasing PFD use, safety features on the boat and alcohol non-use are key strategies and non-motorised boaters are key target populations to prevent boating deaths. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.
Expert risk perceptions and the social amplification of risk: A case study in invasive tree pests and diseases.

PubMed

Urquhart, Julie; Potter, Clive; Barnett, Julie; Fellenor, John; Mumford, John; Quine, Christopher P

2017-11-01

The Social Amplification of Risk Framework (SARF) is often used as a conceptual tool for studying diverse risk perceptions associated with environmental hazards. While widely applied, it has been criticised for implying that it is possible to define a benchmark 'real' risk that is determined by experts and around which public risk perceptions can subsequently become amplified. It has been argued that this objectification of risk is particularly problematic when there are high levels of scientific uncertainty and a lack of expert consensus about the nature of a risk and its impacts. In order to explore this further, this paper examines how 'experts' - defined in this case as scientists, policy makers, outbreak managers and key stakeholders - construct and assemble their understanding of the risks associated with two invasive tree pest and disease outbreaks in the UK, ash dieback and oak processionary moth. Through semi-structured interviews with experts in each of the case study outbreaks, the paper aims to better understand the nature of information sources drawn on to construct perceptions of tree health risks, especially when uncertainty is prevalent. A key conclusion is that risk assessment is a socially-mediated, relational and incremental process with experts drawing on a range of official, anecdotal and experiential sources of information, as well as reference to past events in order to assemble the risk case. Aligned with this, experts make attributions about public concern, especially when the evidence base is incomplete and there is a need to justify policy and management actions and safeguard reputation.
The Far-Infrared Surveyor Mission Study: Paper I, the Genesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meixner, M.; Cooray, A.; Carter, R.; DiPirro, M.; Flores, A.; Leisawitz, D.; Armus, L.; Battersby, C.; Bergin, E.; Bradford, C. M.;

2017-01-01

This paper describes the beginning of the Far-Infrared Surveyor mission study for NASA's Astrophysics Decadal 2020. We describe the scope of the study, and the open process approach of the Science and Technology Definition Team. We are currently developing the science cases and provide some preliminary highlights here. We note key areas for technological innovation and improvements necessary to make a Far-Infrared Surveyor mission a reality.

Assessing the Impact of Free Primary Education Using Retrospective and Prospective Data: Lessons from the Nairobi Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ngware, Moses Waithanji; Oketch, Moses; Ezeh, Alex Chika; Mutisya, Maurice; Ejakait, Charles Epari

2012-01-01

This paper describes the design and methodology used to assess the impact of free primary education (FPE) policy in Nairobi, Kenya. The key outcome of the study was to assess the impact of FPE on schooling outcomes among the urban poor. The study assesses the impact of FPE by examining how two non-comparable groups responded to the introduction of…
Development and application of the adverse outcome pathway framework for understanding and predicting chronic toxicity: II. A focus on growth impairment in fish.

PubMed

Groh, Ksenia J; Carvalho, Raquel N; Chipman, James K; Denslow, Nancy D; Halder, Marlies; Murphy, Cheryl A; Roelofs, Dick; Rolaki, Alexandra; Schirmer, Kristin; Watanabe, Karen H

2015-02-01

Adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) organize knowledge on the progression of toxicity through levels of biological organization. By determining the linkages between toxicity events at different levels, AOPs lay the foundation for mechanism-based alternative testing approaches to hazard assessment. Here, we focus on growth impairment in fish to illustrate the initial stages in the process of AOP development for chronic toxicity outcomes. Growth is an apical endpoint commonly assessed in chronic toxicity tests for which a replacement is desirable. Based on several criteria, we identified reduction in food intake to be a suitable key event for initiation of middle-out AOP development. To start exploring the upstream and downstream links of this key event, we developed three AOP case studies, for pyrethroids, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and cadmium. Our analysis showed that the effect of pyrethroids and SSRIs on food intake is strongly linked to growth impairment, while cadmium causes a reduction in growth due to increased metabolic demands rather than changes in food intake. Locomotion impairment by pyrethroids is strongly linked to their effects on food intake and growth, while for SSRIs their direct influence on appetite may play a more important role. We further discuss which alternative tests could be used to inform on the predictive key events identified in the case studies. In conclusion, our work demonstrates how the AOP concept can be used in practice to assess critically the knowledge available for specific chronic toxicity cases and to identify existing knowledge gaps and potential alternative tests. Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.
Implementing a successful tuberculosis programme within primary care services in a conflict area using the stop TB strategy: Afghanistan case study

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Introduction Afghanistan has faced health consequences of war including those due to displacement of populations, breakdown of health and social services, and increased risks of disease transmission for over three decades. Yet it was able to restructure its National Tuberculosis Control Programme (NTP), integrate tuberculosis treatment into primary health care and achieve most of its targets by the year 2011. What were the processes that enabled the programme to achieve its targets? More importantly, what were the underpinning factors that made this success possible? We addressed these important questions through a case study. Case description We adopted a processes and outcomes framework for this study, which began with examining the change in key programme indicators, followed by backwards tracing of the processes and underlying factors, responsible for this change. Methods included review of the published and grey literature along with in-depth interviews of 15 key informants involved with the care of tuberculosis patients in Afghanistan. Discussion and evaluation TB incidence and mortality per 100,000 decreased from 325 and 92 to 189 and 39 respectively, while case notification and treatment success improved during the decade under study. Efficient programme structures were enabled through high political commitment from the Government, strong leadership from the programme, effective partnership and coordination among stakeholders, and adequate technical and financial support from the development partners. Conclusions The NTP Afghanistan is an example that public health programmes can be effectively implemented in fragile states. High political commitment and strong local leadership are essential factors for such programmes. To ensure long-term effectiveness of the NTP, the international support should be withdrawn in a phased manner, coupled with a sequential increase in resources allocated to the NTP by the Government of Afghanistan. PMID:24507446
Aerodynamic Interaction between Delta Wing and Hemisphere-Cylinder in Supersonic Flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nishino, Atsuhiro; Ishikawa, Takahumi; Nakamura, Yoshiaki

As future space vehicles, Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) needs to be developed, where there are two kinds of RLV: Single Stage To Orbit (SSTO) and Two Stage To Orbit (TSTO). In the latter case, the shock/shock interaction and shock/boundary layer interaction play a key role. In the present study, we focus on the supersonic flow field with aerodynamic interaction between a delta wing and a hemisphere-cylinder, which imitate a TSTO, where the clearance, h, between the delta wing and hemisphere-cylinder is a key parameter. As a result, complicated flow patterns were made clear, including separation bubbles.

Prioritising sewerage maintenance using inferred sewer age: a case study for Edinburgh.

PubMed

Arthur, S; Burkhard, R

2010-01-01

The reported research project focuses on using a database which contains details of customer contacts and CCTV data for a key Scottish catchment to construct a GIS based sewer condition model. Given the nature of the asset registry, a key research challenge was estimating the age of individual lengths of pipe. Within this context, asset age was inferred using the estimated age of surface developments-this involved overlaying the network in a GIS with historical digital maps. The paper illustrates that inferred asset age can reliably be used to highlight assets which are more likely to fail.
Case Studies in Tremor.

PubMed

Shanker, Vicki L

2016-08-01

Tremor is a frequent patient complaint in the neurologist's office. Nevertheless, despite the routine nature of this office presentation, misdiagnosis of common tremors is not an infrequent practice. In addition, there are less common causes of tremor that can be missed if the clinician is not aware of key features. An organized and methodical history and neurologic examination are essential in developing the differential diagnosis in tremor patients and ultimately in achieving the correct diagnosis. Awareness of key historical features associated with tremor and knowledge of the movement disorders examination will improve tremor assessment. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Journal of Air Transportation World Wide, Volume 2, No. 1. Volume 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bowen, Brent (Editor)

1997-01-01

The Journal of Air Transportation World Wide's (JATWW) mission is to provide the global community immediate key resource information in all areas of air transportation. Our goal is to be recognized as the preeminent scholarly journal in the aeronautical aspects of transportation. As an international and interdisciplinary journal, the JATWW will provide a forum for peer-reviewed articles in all areas of aviation and space transportation research, policy, theory, case study, practice, and issues. While maintaining a broad scope, a key focal point of the journal will be in the area of aviation administration and policy.
Immunoexpression of HDAC1, HDAC2, and HAT1 in actinic cheilitis and lip squamous cell carcinoma.

PubMed

Chrun, E S; Modolo, F; Vieira, Dsc; Borges-Júnior, Áls; Castro, R G; Daniel, F I

2017-05-01

Acetylation and deacetylation are the most studied covalent histone modifications resulting in transcriptional regulation with histone deacetylases (HDAC) and histone acetyltransferases (HAT) as the main associated enzymes. These enzymes overexpression induces abnormal transcription of key genes that regulate important cellular functions, such as proliferation, cell cycle regulation, and apoptosis. Thus, the expression of different HATs and HDACs has been evaluated in various cancers. To investigate HDAC1, HDAC2 and HAT1 expression in lip squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) and actinic cheilitis (AC) and to demonstrate their correlation with DNA metyltransferases (DNMTs). Thirty cases of lip squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC), thirty cases of actinic cheilitis (AC), and 28 cases of non-neoplastic epithelium as control were selected for immunohistochemical investigation. Nuclear HDAC2 immunopositivity was significantly higher in AC (75.07% ± 29.70) when compared with LSCC (51.06% ± 39.02). HDAC1 and HAT1 nuclear immunostaining were higher in AC, with no statistical significance. When comparing data with our previous study, we found a positive correlation between HDAC1 X DNMT1/DNMT3b, HDAC2 X DNMT3b, and HAT1 X DNMT1/DNMT3b for certain studied groups. This study showed higher levels of nuclear HDAC2 immunopositivity in AC, possibly indicating that this enzyme plays a key role in lip photocarcinogenesis early stages. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Social Networks and Community-Based Natural Resource Management

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lauber, T. Bruce; Decker, Daniel J.; Knuth, Barbara A.

2008-10-01

We conducted case studies of three successful examples of collaborative, community-based natural resource conservation and development. Our purpose was to: (1) identify the functions served by interactions within the social networks of involved stakeholders; (2) describe key structural properties of these social networks; and (3) determine how these structural properties varied when the networks were serving different functions. The case studies relied on semi-structured, in-depth interviews of 8 to 11 key stakeholders at each site who had played a significant role in the collaborative projects. Interview questions focused on the roles played by key stakeholders and the functions of interactions between them. Interactions allowed the exchange of ideas, provided access to funding, and enabled some stakeholders to influence others. The exchange of ideas involved the largest number of stakeholders, the highest percentage of local stakeholders, and the highest density of interactions. Our findings demonstrated the value of tailoring strategies for involving stakeholders to meet different needs during a collaborative, community-based natural resource management project. Widespread involvement of local stakeholders may be most appropriate when ideas for a project are being developed. During efforts to exert influence to secure project approvals or funding, however, involving specific individuals with political connections or influence on possible sources of funds may be critical. Our findings are consistent with past work that has postulated that social networks may require specific characteristics to meet different needs in community-based environmental management.
Improved workflow modelling using role activity diagram-based modelling with application to a radiology service case study.

PubMed

Shukla, Nagesh; Keast, John E; Ceglarek, Darek

2014-10-01

The modelling of complex workflows is an important problem-solving technique within healthcare settings. However, currently most of the workflow models use a simplified flow chart of patient flow obtained using on-site observations, group-based debates and brainstorming sessions, together with historic patient data. This paper presents a systematic and semi-automatic methodology for knowledge acquisition with detailed process representation using sequential interviews of people in the key roles involved in the service delivery process. The proposed methodology allows the modelling of roles, interactions, actions, and decisions involved in the service delivery process. This approach is based on protocol generation and analysis techniques such as: (i) initial protocol generation based on qualitative interviews of radiology staff, (ii) extraction of key features of the service delivery process, (iii) discovering the relationships among the key features extracted, and, (iv) a graphical representation of the final structured model of the service delivery process. The methodology is demonstrated through a case study of a magnetic resonance (MR) scanning service-delivery process in the radiology department of a large hospital. A set of guidelines is also presented in this paper to visually analyze the resulting process model for identifying process vulnerabilities. A comparative analysis of different workflow models is also conducted. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Dengue Surveillance in Veterans Affairs Healthcare Facilities, 2007–2010

PubMed Central

Schirmer, Patricia L.; Lucero-Obusan, Cynthia A.; Benoit, Stephen R.; Santiago, Luis M.; Stanek, Danielle; Dey, Achintya; Martinez, Mirsonia; Oda, Gina; Holodniy, Mark

2013-01-01

Background Although dengue is endemic in Puerto Rico (PR), 2007 and 2010 were recognized as epidemic years. In the continental United States (US), outside of the Texas-Mexico border, there had not been a dengue outbreak since 1946 until dengue re-emerged in Key West, Florida (FL), in 2009–2010. The objective of this study was to use electronic and manual surveillance systems to identify dengue cases in Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare facilities and then to clinically compare dengue cases in Veterans presenting for care in PR and in FL. Methodology Outpatient encounters from 1/2007–12/2010 and inpatient admissions (only available from 10/2009–12/2010) with dengue diagnostic codes at all VA facilities were identified using VA's Electronic Surveillance System for Early Notification of Community-based Epidemics (ESSENCE). Additional case sources included VA data from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention BioSense and VA infection preventionists. Case reviews were performed. Categorical data was compared using Mantel-Haenszel or Fisher Exact tests and continuous variables using t-tests. Dengue case residence was mapped. Findings Two hundred eighty-eight and 21 PR and FL dengue cases respectively were identified. Of 21 FL cases, 12 were exposed in Key West and 9 were imported. During epidemic years, FL cases had significantly increased dengue testing and intensive care admissions, but lower hospitalization rates and headache or eye pain symptoms compared to PR cases. There were no significant differences in clinical symptoms, laboratory abnormalities or outcomes between epidemic and non-epidemic year cases in FL and PR. Confirmed/probable cases were significantly more likely to be hospitalized and have thrombocytopenia or leukopenia compared to suspected cases. Conclusions Dengue re-introduction in the continental US warrants increased dengue surveillance and education in VA. Throughout VA, under-testing of suspected cases highlights the need to emphasize use of diagnostic testing to better understand the magnitude of dengue among Veterans. PMID:23516642
Decision-making in palliative care: a reflective case study.

PubMed

Birchall, Melissa

2005-01-01

Critical examination of the processes by which we as nurses judge and reach clinical decisions is important. It facilitates the maintenance and refinement of good standards of nursing care and the pinpointing of areas where improvement is needed. In turn this potentially could support broader validation of nurse expertise and contribute to emancipation of the nursing profession. As pure theory, clinical decision-making may appear abstract and alien to nurses struggling in 'the swampy lowlands' (Schon 1983) of the realities of practice. This paper explores some of the key concepts in decision-making theory by introducing, then integrating, them in a reflective case study. The case study, which examines a 'snapshot' of the patient and practitioner's journey, interwoven with theory surrounding clinical decision-making, may aid understanding and utility of concepts and theories in practice.
The Reality of Well-Being-Focused Design in Dementia Care: A Case Study of Acute Dementia Wards in the United Kingdom.

PubMed

Catt, Megan; Giridharan, Renganathan

2018-01-01

The study explored design for well-being within dementia care by investigating the adoption of well-being-focused design in real-world practice, through observing National Health Service (NHS) wards. Design for well-being is an approach that considers the psychological and physiological effects of architecture to improve health and well-being. The high psychological care requirement for dementia patients makes them a significant group to study in the evaluation of current hospital facilities. A literature review was conducted to frame the current theoretical perception of the key characteristics of a good environment for dementia care. A framework was generated to summarize and used as an assessment tool in a series of observational visits to NHS wards. Interviews with clinical staff focused on care outcomes and practicalities of implementing well-being-focused design, considering the historical and economical context. Key findings from the observations and interviews were analyzed for recurring themes. The ward observations and interviews provided insight into the current progression of well-being-led design in NHS hospitals in England. The research highlights key areas of success and factors that inhibit further progression. The case studies showed a good degree of ambition to utilize well-being-focused design, with belief among staff that the physical environment has a substantial role in the health and well-being of patients. Staff also felt that this approach is most effective for those in the less advanced stages of dementia. Despite the high level of support, the current degree of implementation appears to be varied.
Variations in mortality after emergency laparotomy: the first report of the UK Emergency Laparotomy Network.

PubMed

Saunders, D I; Murray, D; Pichel, A C; Varley, S; Peden, C J

2012-09-01

Emergency laparotomy is a common intra-abdominal procedure. Outcomes are generally recognized to be poor, but there is a paucity of hard UK data, and reports have mainly been confined to single-centre studies. Clinicians were invited to join an 'Emergency Laparotomy Network' and to collect prospective non-risk-adjusted outcome data from a large number of NHS Trusts providing emergency surgical care. Data concerning what were considered to be key aspects of perioperative care, including thirty-day mortality, were collected over a 3 month period. Data from 1853 patients were collected from 35 NHS hospitals. The unadjusted 30 day mortality was 14.9% for all patients and 24.4% in patients aged 80 or over. There was a wide variation between units in terms of the proportion of cases subject to key interventions that may affect outcomes. The presence of a consultant surgeon in theatre varied between 40.6% and 100% of cases, while a consultant anaesthetist was present in theatre for 25-100% of cases. Goal-directed fluid management was used in 0-63% of cases. Between 0% and 68.9% of the patients returned to the ward (level one) after surgery, and between 9.7% and 87.5% were admitted to intensive care (level three). Mortality rates varied from 3.6% to 41.7%. This study confirms that emergency laparotomy in the UK carries a high mortality. The variation in clinical management and outcomes indicates the need for a national quality improvement programme.
Suicide in Children: A Systematic Review.

PubMed

Soole, Rebecca; Kõlves, Kairi; De Leo, Diego

2015-01-01

The objective of this study was to provide a review of studies on suicide in children aged 14 years and younger. Articles were identified through a systematic search of Scopus, MEDLINE, and PsychINFO. Key words were "children, suicide, psychological autopsy, and case-study." Additional articles were identified through manual search of reference lists and discussion with colleagues. Fifteen published articles were identified, 8 psychological autopsy studies (PA), and 7 retrospective case-study series. Suicide incidence and gender asymmetry increases with age. Hanging is the most frequent method. Lower rates of psychopathology are evident among child suicides compared to adolescents. Previous suicide attempts were an important risk factor. Children were less likely to consume alcohol prior to suicide. Parent-child conflicts were the most common precipitant.
Siblings and the Coming-Out Process: A Comparative Case Study.

PubMed

Haxhe, Stephanie; Cerezo, Alison; Bergfeld, Jeannette; Walloch, Joseph C

2018-01-01

Siblings play a key, supportive role in the lives of many lesbian and gay adults. Yet siblings are rarely considered in the literature regarding the coming-out process (D'Augelli et al., 1998; Hilton & Szymanski, 2011; LaSala, 2010; Savin-Williams & Dubé, 1998). To fill this gap in the research literature, we carried out a comparative case study in the country of Belgium between two sets of siblings-three Romani brothers with one sibling identifying as a gay male and three White sisters with one sibling identifying as a lesbian. These two cases were pulled from a larger qualitative study (Haxhe & D'Amore, 2014) of 102 native French-speaking Belgian participants. Findings of the present study revealed that siblings offered critical socio-emotional support in the coming out of their lesbian and gay sibling, particularly with disclosing to parents and with fostering self-acceptance.
Social media campaigns that make a difference: what can public health learn from the corporate sector and other social change marketers?

PubMed

Freeman, Becky; Potente, Sofia; Rock, Vanessa; McIver, Jacqueline

2015-03-30

A great deal of enthusiasm and interest exists in using social media for public health communications, but few research studies have examined its success in promoting and adopting protective health behaviours. To begin to understand how best to develop effective online social marketing campaigns, this paper provides a summary of success factors and key lessons learnt from selected social media campaign case studies. Case study review Methods: A selection of case studies was reviewed for lessons in campaign development, delivery and evaluation from both the corporate and public health sectors. Information about the objective of the campaign, the tactics used and the lessons learnt was extracted from each case study. Lessons learnt from across the case studies were then sorted according to themes. Lessons from the nine case studies selected were categorised into eight themes: planning, use of social media tools, community, content, personal benefits, promotion, costs and challenges. Outcome evaluation data were lacking in the case studies. Overall, the nine case studies show that social media hold promise in changing user behaviours and that social media are highly effective in recruiting participants and motivating them to take small, concrete actions. The case studies also demonstrate that there is room in social media for targeted, inexpensive, small-scale projects, as well as large, well-funded, mass-reach marketing blitzes. Social media campaign process and impact evaluation measures are readily available. Outcome evaluation models and measures are needed to better assess the effectiveness of social media campaigns in changing health behaviours.
Integrating care for older people with complex needs: key insights and lessons from a seven-country cross-case analysis.

PubMed

Wodchis, Walter P; Dixon, Anna; Anderson, Geoff M; Goodwin, Nick

2015-01-01

To address the challenges of caring for a growing number of older people with a mix of both health problems and functional impairment, programmes in different countries have different approaches to integrating health and social service supports. The goal of this analysis is to identify important lessons for policy makers and service providers to enable better design, implementation and spread of successful integrated care models. This paper provides a structured cross-case synthesis of seven integrated care programmes in Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, the UK and the USA. All seven programmes involved bottom-up innovation driven by local needs and included: (1) a single point of entry, (2) holistic care assessments, (3) comprehensive care planning, (4) care co-ordination and (5) a well-connected provider network. The process of achieving successful integration involves collaboration and, although the specific types of collaboration varied considerably across the seven case studies, all involved a care coordinator or case manager. Most programmes were not systematically evaluated but the two with formal external evaluations showed benefit and have been expanded. Case managers or care coordinators who support patient-centred collaborative care are key to successful integration in all our cases as are policies that provide funds and support for local initiatives that allow for bottom-up innovation. However, more robust and systematic evaluation of these initiatives is needed to clarify the 'business case' for integrated health and social care and to ensure successful generalization of local successes.
Office of Exploration: Exploration studies technical report. Volume 2: Studies approach and results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roberts, Barney B.; Bland, Dan

1988-01-01

The NASA Office of Exploration has been tasked with defining and recommending alternatives for an early 1990's national decision on a focused program of human exploration of the solar system. The Mission Analysis and System Engineering (MASE) group, which is managed by the Exploration Studies Office at the Johnson Space Center, is responsible for coordinating the technical studies necessary for accomplishing such a task. This technical report describes the process that has been developed in a case study approach. The four case studies that were developed in FY88 include: (1) human expedition to Phobos; (2) human expeditions to Mars; (3) lunar observatory; and (4) lunar outpost to early Mars evolution. The final outcome of this effort is a set of programmatic and technical conclusions and recommendations for the following year's work. Volume 2 describes the case study process, the technical results of each of the case studies, and opportunities for additional study. Included in the discussion of each case study is a description of the mission key features and profile. Mission definition and manifesting are detailed, followed by a description of the mission architecture and infrastructure. Systems concepts for the required orbital nodes, transportation systems, and planetary surface systems are discussed. Prerequisite implementation plans resulting from the synthesized case studies are described and in-depth assessments are presented.
Case-based Long-term Professional Development of Science Teachers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dori, Yehudit J.; Herscovitz, Orit

2005-10-01

Reform efforts are often unsuccessful because they failed to understand that teachers play a key role in making educational reforms successful. This paper describes a long-term teacher professional development (PD) program aimed at educating and training teachers to teach interdisciplinary topics using case-based method in science. The research objective was to identify, follow and document the processes that science teachers went through as they assimilated the interdisciplinary, case-based science teaching approach. The research accompanied the PD program throughout its 3-year period. About 50 teachers, who took part in the PD program, were exposed to an interdisciplinary case-based teaching method. The research instruments included teacher portfolios, which contained projects and reflection questionnaires, classroom observations, teacher interviews, and student feedback questionnaires. The portfolios contained the projects that the teachers had carried out during the PD program, which included case studies and accompanying student activities. We found that the teachers gradually moved from exposure to new teaching methods and subject matter, through active learning and preparing case-based team projects, to interdisciplinary, active classroom teaching using the case studies they developed.
Absorption spectroscopic studies of Np(IV) complexes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Reed, D. T.

2004-01-01

The complexation of neptunium (IV) with selected inorganic and organic ligands was studied as part of an investigation to establish key subsurface interactions between neptunium and biological systems. The prevalence of reducing environments in most subsurface migation scenarios, which are in many cases induced by biological activity, has increased the role and importance of Np(IV) as a key subsurface neptunium oxidation state. The biodegradation of larger organics that often coexist with actinides in the subsurface leads to the formation of many organic acids as transient products that, by complexation, play a key role in defining the fate and speciation ofmore » neptunium in biologically active systems. These often compete with inorganic complexes e.g. hydrolysis and phosphate. Herein we report the results of a series of complexation studies based on new band formation of the characteristic 960 nm band for Np(IV). Formation constants for Np(IV) complexes with phosphate, hydrolysis, succinate, acetohydroxamic acid, and acetate were determined. These results show the 960 nm absorption band to be very amenable to these types of complexation studies.« less
The practice of commissioning healthcare from a private provider: learning from an in-depth case study

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background The direction of health service policy in England is for more diversification in the design, commissioning and provision of health care services. The case study which is the subject of this paper was selected specifically because of the partnering with a private sector organisation to manage whole system redesign of primary care and to support the commissioning of services for people with long term conditions at risk of unplanned hospital admissions and associated service provision activities. The case study forms part of a larger Department of Health funded project on the practice of commissioning which aims to find the best means of achieving a balance between monitoring and control on the one hand, and flexibility and innovation on the other, and to find out what modes of commissioning are most effective in different circumstances and for different services. Methods A single case study method was adopted to explore multiple perspectives of the complexities and uniqueness of a public-private partnership referred to as the “Livewell project”. 10 single depth interviews were carried out with key informants across the GP practices, the PCT and the private provider involved in the initiative. Results The main themes arising from single depth interviews with the case study participants include a particular understanding about the concept of commissioning in the context of primary care, ambitions for primary care redesign, the importance of key roles and strong relationships, issues around the adoption and spread of innovation, and the impact of the current changes to commissioning arrangements. The findings identified a close and high trust relationship between GPs (the commissioners) and the private commissioning support and provider firm. The antecedents to the contract for the project being signed indicated the importance of leveraging external contacts and influence (resource dependency theory). Conclusions The study has surfaced issues around innovation adoption in the healthcare context. The case identifies ‘negotiated order’, managerial performance of providers and disciplinary control as three media of power used in combination by commissioners. The case lends support for stewardship and resource dependency governance theories as explanations of the underpinning conditions for effective commissioning in certain circumstances within a quasi marketised healthcare system. PMID:23735082
Smoke-Free Airlines and the Role of Organized Labor: A Case Study

PubMed Central

Pan, Jocelyn; Barbeau, Elizabeth M.; Levenstein, Charles; Balbach, Edith D.

2005-01-01

Labor unions play an important role in debates about smoke-free worksites. We investigated the role of flight attendants and their unions in creating smoke-free air travel. We used case study methodology to search tobacco industry documents and labor union periodicals and to interview key informants (i.e., people identified as having first-hand information and experience in the campaign to make airlines smoke free). We then compared findings across these data sources. Tobacco industry strategies against the establishment of smoke-free worksites failed in the case of airlines, largely because of the efforts of flight attendants and their unions. Other factors contributed to the failure but likely would have been insufficient to derail industry efforts without strong stands by the flight attendants. This case illustrates the potential for successful partnerships between unions and tobacco control policy advocates when developing smoke-free worksite policies. PMID:15727966
Determinants of marriage dissolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahim, Mohd Amirul Rafiq Abu; Shafie, Siti Aishah Mohd; Hadi, Az'lina Abdul; Razali, Nornadiah Mohd; Azid @ Maarof, Nur Niswah Naslina

2015-10-01

Nowadays, the number of divorce cases among Muslim couples is very worrisome whereby the total cases reported in 2013 increased by half of the total cases reported in the previous year. The questions on the true key factors of dissolution of marriage continue to arise. Thus, the objective of this study is to reveal the factors that contribute to the dissolution of marriage. A total of 181 cases and ten potential determinants were included in this study. The potential determinants considered were age at marriage of husband and wife, educational level of husband and wife, employment status of husband and wife, income of husband and wife, the number of children and the presence at a counseling session. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the data. The findings revealed that four determinants, namely the income of husband and wife, number of children and the presence at a counselling session were significant in predicting the likelihood of divorce among Muslim couples.

Smoke-free airlines and the role of organized labor: a case study.

PubMed

Pan, Jocelyn; Barbeau, Elizabeth M; Levenstein, Charles; Balbach, Edith D

2005-03-01

Labor unions play an important role in debates about smoke-free worksites. We investigated the role of flight attendants and their unions in creating smoke-free air travel. We used case study methodology to search tobacco industry documents and labor union periodicals and to interview key informants (i.e., people identified as having first-hand information and experience in the campaign to make airlines smoke free). We then compared findings across these data sources. Tobacco industry strategies against the establishment of smoke-free worksites failed in the case of airlines, largely because of the efforts of flight attendants and their unions. Other factors contributed to the failure but likely would have been insufficient to derail industry efforts without strong stands by the flight attendants. This case illustrates the potential for successful partnerships between unions and tobacco control policy advocates when developing smoke-free worksite policies.
Low Factual Understanding and High Anxiety about Climate Warming Impedes University Students to Become Sustainability Stewards: An Australian Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pfautsch, Sebastian; Gray, Tonia

2017-01-01

Purpose: This study, from Western Sydney University, aims to assess the disposition of students towards climate warming (CW)--a key component of sustainability. CW is a global reality. Any human born after February 1985 has never lived in a world that was not constantly warming, yet little is known about how higher education students perceive…
The Influence of Theoretical Mathematical Foundations on Teaching and Learning: A Case Study of Whole Numbers in Elementary School

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chambris, Christine

2018-01-01

This paper examines the existence and impact of theoretical mathematical foundations on the teaching and learning of whole numbers in elementary school in France. It shows that the study of the New Math reform--which was eventually itself replaced in the longer term--provides some keys to understanding the influence of mathematical theories on…
Relations between Teachers' Classroom Goals and Values: A Case Study of High School Teachers in Far North Queensland, Australia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pudelko, Claudia E.; Boon, Helen J.

2014-01-01

To date, there is an empirical gap in the evidence of the relations between teachers' classroom goals and values, two key variables linked to students' achievement motivation. The purpose of this study was to investigate this relationship in an Australian teacher sample. We surveyed 102 high school teachers from seven schools in Cairns, Queensland…
Teaching Practice Experience for Undergraduate Student Teachers: A Case Study of the Department of Education at Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Msangya, Benedicto William; Mkoma, Stelyus L.; Yihuan, Wang

2016-01-01

Education is the key to development; however, it is impossible to think the quality of education without having academically qualified and professional responsible teachers. The main objective of this study was to examine the perspectives of undergraduate student teachers toward teaching practice experience as a tool of learning to teach. A…
A Learning Analytics Methodology for Detecting Sentiment in Student Fora: A Case Study in Distance Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kagklis, Vasileios; Karatrantou, Anthi; Tantoula, Maria; Panagiotakopoulos, Chris T.; Verykios, Vassilios S.

2015-01-01

Online fora have become not only one of the most popular communication tools in e-learning environments, but also one of the key factors of the learning process, especially in distance learning, as they can provide to the students involved, motivation for collaboration in order to achieve a common goal. The purpose of this study is to analyse data…
Autonomy and Responsibility: Online Learning as a Solution for At-Risk High School Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lewis, S.; Whiteside, A.; Garrett Dikkers, A.

2014-01-01

In this three-year, mixed methods case study, the benefits and challenges of online learning for at-risk high school students were examined. A key finding was that at-risk students identify the benefits and challenges of online learning to be the same. While students appreciate the opportunity to work ahead and study at their own pace, they see it…
Influences of frozen ground and climate change on hydrological processes in an alpine watershed: A case study in the upstream area of the Hei’he River, Northwest China

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Frozen soil prevails in cold regions and exerts significant influence on the hydrological cycle. In the context of climate warming, the spatial and temporal dynamics of frozen soil and hydrological processes also will change. How these changes inter-relate is a key challenge in studies of hydrologic...
An Exploratory Case Study Analysis of Tribal and School Leaders' Perceptions toward How Gaming Money Is Used in a Tribal School

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Trottier, Neil W.

2007-01-01

The purpose of this study is to examine how Indian gaming revenue is used to support tribal schools by exploring key stakeholders' perceptions of the overall effect of gaming money on improving services provided by tribally controlled schools in the Midwest. In addition, underfunded tribal schools and failed federal policies remain a dilemma for…
Using Formative Assessment to Facilitate Learner Self-Regulation: A Case Study of Assessment Practices and Student Perceptions in Hong Kong

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jing Jing, Ma

2017-01-01

One of the key aims of formative assessment in higher education is to enable students to become self-regulated learners (Nicol & Macfarlane-Dick, 2006). Based on Nicol and Macfarlane-Dick's (2006) framework, this exploratory study investigates which formative assessment practices proposed by them were used by one college EFL writing teacher to…
How the Contents of a Bachelor's Degree Final Project of Engineering Evolve towards Innovative Scientific Knowledge: Keys to Success

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Núñez, Cristina; Guinea, Ana; Callau, Sara; Bengoa, Christophe; Basco, Josep; Gavaldà, Jordi

2017-01-01

The Bachelor's Degree Final Project (BDFP) of our school aims to develop a real constructive project, enhance cooperative teamwork and increase productivity of students. We present a real case study, related with engineering and scientific innovation results obtained by BDFP, which has led to an innovative scientific study presented at the 7th…
Theoretical Perspectives on Budget Reform. ASHE 1984 Annual Meeting Paper.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Van de Water, Gordon

Two case studies of states that illustrate innovations in higher education budgeting are presented, based on a project of the Education Commission of the States. The two states, Colorado and Minnesota, took different approaches. In Colorado, the impetus for change came from key legislative members interested in providing greater autonomy to the…
The Influence of Curricula Content on English Sociology Students' Transformations: The Case of Feminist Knowledge

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Abbas, Andrea; Ashwin, Paul; McLean, Monica

2016-01-01

Previous research identifies the importance of feminist knowledge for improving gender equity, economic prosperity and social justice for all. However, there are difficulties in embedding feminist knowledge in higher education curricula. Across England, undergraduate sociology is a key site for acquiring feminist knowledge. In a study of four…
Service Learning in an Indigenous Not-for-Profit Organization

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Young, Suzanne; Karme, Tina

2015-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to provide an understanding of how service learning pedagogy assists in student and organizational learning. Design/methodology/approach: The authors use case study reflection and ethnography approaches. Findings: The key to the success of the internship was time spent on relationship building between the…
Barriers to Implementing E-Learning: A Kuwaiti Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ali, Ghadah Essa; Magalhaes, Rodrigo

2008-01-01

The paper reports on a research project that encompasses two key objectives: (1) finding out about the barriers affecting or preventing e-learning from being adopted by companies as an integral part of their workforce's training and learning processes and (2) establishing a comparison between the barriers and the e-learning implementation models…
Making Physiology Learning Memorable: A Mobile Phone-Assisted Case-Based Instructional Strategy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kukolja Taradi, S.; Taradi, M.

2016-01-01

The goal of the present study was to determine whether an active learning/teaching strategy facilitated with mobile technologies can improve students' levels of memory retention of key physiological concepts. We used a quasiexperimental pretest/posttest nonequivalent group design to compare the test performances of second-year medical students (n…
Integration: Dirty Word or Golden Key?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kerry, Trevor

2007-01-01

This article examines the notion of integrated studies as a way of organising curriculum in schools. Drawing on the insights of educational philosophy, curriculum theory and learning theory it establishes the soundness of a theoretical case for integration. It examines what this view means for the art and science of teaching, and notes examples of…
Exploring Students' Emotional Responses and Participation in an Online Peer Assessment Activity: A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cheng, Kun-Hung; Hou, Huei-Tse; Wu, Sheng-Yi

2014-01-01

In the social interactions among individuals of learning communities, including those individuals engaged in peer assessment activities, emotion may be a key factor in learning. However, research regarding the emotional response of learners in online peer assessment activities is relatively scarce. Detecting learners' emotion when they make…
Stigma in Help-Seeking: The Case of Adolescents

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shechtman, Zipora; Vogel, David L.; Strass, Haley A.; Heath, Patrick J.

2018-01-01

Stigma associated with seeking help has been found to be a key help-seeking barrier, however its role is less clear for: (a) adolescents, (b) groups outside the United States and (c) different types of therapy. This study addresses these omissions by examining the relationships between perceptions of public stigma of mental illness and the…
Driving Change: The Role of "Emotional Connectedness"--A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lacoste, Sylvie M.; Dekker, Janet

2016-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to understand which change process the supplying organization should define for its customer-facing organization in order to successfully increase customer orientation and to be on the short list of their customers' key suppliers. Design/methodology/approach: Action research was used to carry out this…

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