Sample records for ex-post facto study

  1. 78 FR 51821 - Sentencing Guidelines for United States Courts

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-08-21

    ... inserting ``However, the Supreme Court has held that the ex post facto clause applies to sentencing.... Ct. 2072, 2078 (2013) (holding that 'there is an ex post facto violation when a defendant is... ex post facto clause, in which case the court shall apply the Guidelines Manual in effect on the date...

  2. 75 FR 81849 - Office of the Attorney General; Applicability of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-12-29

    ... convictions would violate the Constitution's prohibition of ex post facto laws or other provisions of the... purposes, and accordingly do not implicate the Constitution's prohibition of ex post facto laws. See 42 U.S... distinction for ex post facto purposes between the SORNA requirements and the sex offender registration and...

  3. Exploring Cultural Predictors of Military Intervention Success

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-04-01

    research employed a sequential, mixed method analysis consisting of a quantitative ex post facto analysis of United Nation’s (UN) interventions... research . Results In spite of the many assumptions and limitation forced upon the research by its ex post facto design, it nonetheless provided some... post facto exploration of predictors of military intervention success. As such, the research examined pre- and post -intervention

  4. What about ex post facto

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

    McKee, H.C.

    This note presents a legal question in an attempt to find an answer. The author hopes that some legal scholar can explain the principle of ex post facto in the US Constitution as it applies to some of the environmental laws. One of the major advantages of the Association is that it provides a forum for communication among members with different backgrounds and experience. An ex post facto law is one that is applied retroactively. Under such a law, a person could be punished for some act that violated a law passed after the act was committed, even though themore » act was legal when committed. The US Constitution prohibits such laws, as will be discussed later. States are also prohibited from enacting ex post facto laws.« less

  5. Cleanup liability and the Constitution

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

    Friedland, D.M.; Hagen, P.E.

    It was observed in the July 1992 issue of this Journal that a plain reading of the Constitution's prohibition on [open quotes][ital ex post facto][close quotes] suggests that some environmental statutes such as the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA or Superfund) and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA) conflict with Constitutional principles. Like many Constitutional principles, however, the Supreme Court's interpretation of the Constitution's bar on [ital ex post facto] laws has a long history. The Court has consistently interpreted this clause as limited to criminal or penal statutes. This article discussesmore » the history of the [ital ex post facto] clause, the retroactive application of CERCLA and RCRA, the decision that retroactive application of CERCLA and RCRA does not violate the [ital ex post facto] clause, and laws, regulations, and guidance. 27 refs.« less

  6. An Ex Post Facto Study Exploring the Impact of Parental Level of Education and Parental Support on First-Year College Adjustment

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Huntley, Kristy M.

    2011-01-01

    This study explored the impact that parental levels of education and parental support have on college adjustment for first-year students. An ex post facto design was used to examine parental level of education and parental support as variables. Parental level of education is a categorical variable based on report from the student. Parental support…

  7. Designing research: ex post facto designs.

    PubMed

    Giuffre, M

    1997-06-01

    The research design is the overall plan or structure of the study. The goal of a good research design is to insure internal validity and answer the question being asked. The only clear rule in selecting a design is that the question dictates the design. Over the next few issues this column will cover types of research designs and their inherent strengths and weaknesses. This article discusses ex post facto research.

  8. Studies on the Multi-functional Nature of Courses in Economics and the Role of Domain Specific Expertise. Ex Post Facto Research 1.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Dochy, F. J. R. C.; Bouwens, M. R. J.

    This paper reports an investigation that was done ex post facto, examining the hypothesis that within economics courses defined economics students achieved better results than did law students in the same courses. This should not be the case if the courses are truly multifunctional. Information on an economics and money course and a course on the…

  9. An Ex-Post Facto Examination of Relationships among the Developmental Designs Professional Development Model/Classroom Management Approach, School Leadership, Climate, Student Achievement, Attendance, and Behavior in High Poverty, Middle Grades Schools

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hough, David L.; Schmitt, Vicki L.

    2011-01-01

    This study reports finding from an ex post facto causal-comparison study utilizing data from a multifaceted program evaluation of a professional development approach to classroom management known as Development Designs 1 and Developmental Designs 2 (DD1 & D2). Data from this program evaluation indicate that teachers implement a number of classroom…

  10. Ex Post Facto Monte Carlo Variance Reduction

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

    Booth, Thomas E.

    The variance in Monte Carlo particle transport calculations is often dominated by a few particles whose importance increases manyfold on a single transport step. This paper describes a novel variance reduction method that uses a large importance change as a trigger to resample the offending transport step. That is, the method is employed only after (ex post facto) a random walk attempts a transport step that would otherwise introduce a large variance in the calculation.Improvements in two Monte Carlo transport calculations are demonstrated empirically using an ex post facto method. First, the method is shown to reduce the variance inmore » a penetration problem with a cross-section window. Second, the method empirically appears to modify a point detector estimator from an infinite variance estimator to a finite variance estimator.« less

  11. Psycho-Social Study of Outstanding Female Athletes

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Balazs, Eva K.

    1975-01-01

    This was an ex post facto analysis of the life histories of 24 Olympic female champions to determine events and variables in the psychological and social driving forces behind outstanding achievement in sports. (RC)

  12. 32 CFR 151.7 - Fair trial guarantees.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... not be prosecuted under an ex post facto law. (c) Accused shall not be punished by bills of attainder... the United States. The list is intended as a guide for the preparation of country law studies...

  13. 32 CFR 151.7 - Fair trial guarantees.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... not be prosecuted under an ex post facto law. (c) Accused shall not be punished by bills of attainder... the United States. The list is intended as a guide for the preparation of country law studies...

  14. 32 CFR 151.7 - Fair trial guarantees.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... not be prosecuted under an ex post facto law. (c) Accused shall not be punished by bills of attainder... the United States. The list is intended as a guide for the preparation of country law studies...

  15. 32 CFR 151.7 - Fair trial guarantees.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... not be prosecuted under an ex post facto law. (c) Accused shall not be punished by bills of attainder... the United States. The list is intended as a guide for the preparation of country law studies...

  16. 32 CFR 151.7 - Fair trial guarantees.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... not be prosecuted under an ex post facto law. (c) Accused shall not be punished by bills of attainder... the United States. The list is intended as a guide for the preparation of country law studies...

  17. 76 FR 64 - Safety and Health Requirements Related to Camp Cars

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-01-03

    ... creating an unconstitutional, ex post facto law, and that is what Congress provided with the new statutory... preempting State regulation of the hours of railroad employees. See Hill v. State of Florida ex rel. Watson...

  18. 78 FR 35191 - 2000 Biennial Regulatory Review, Separate Affiliate Requirements of the Commission's Rules

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-06-12

    ... concerns through ex-post facto investigations, such as under a section 208 complaint process? Are existing..., Overlap, or Conflict with the Proposed Rules. None. Ex Parte Presentations 27. This proceeding shall be treated as a ``permit-but-disclose'' proceeding in accordance with the Commission's ex parte rules...

  19. In America’s Wake: A Comparison of Rising Power Foreign Policies

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-06-01

    judgments or pronouncements as to the propriety or impropriety of any particular course of action. The author is unconvinced that ex post facto ...Expansion, 3rd ed, Cambridge Imperial and Post -Colonial Studies Series (Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire ; New York: Palgrave/Macmillan, 2002), 14...Century, 1815-1914: A Study of Empire and Expansion, 3rd ed, Cambridge Imperial and Post -Colonial Studies Series (Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire

  20. The Relationship between Post Reach Exit Exam (E[superscript 2]) Failure Remediation and NCLEX-RN Success of Graduates of Baccalaureate Nursing Programs

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Allen, Patricia Gale

    2009-01-01

    An ex post facto study was conducted to determine whether any relationship exists between remediation post Reach Exit Exam (E[superscript 2]) failure and NCLEX-RN success of graduates of baccalaureate nursing programs. Data was gathered from responses to the seventh annual validity study (V7S) offered to deans and directors of nursing programs by…

  1. Students Perceived Value towards Quality of Distance Education in Tamil Nadu

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Jeyaraj, P.; Sugumar, D.; Thandavamoorthy, K.; Xavier, S. Joseph

    2014-01-01

    The quality of education of any distance learning programme is maintained by various ways, such as: quality of study material, internal and external evaluation, and student support methods and so on. The above aspects should be available in aspects to the Post graduate degree students. In this research Ex Post Facto research with field survey is…

  2. Perceived Vocational Students' Intentional Persistence.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ikegulu, T. Nelson; Barham, Wilton A.; Farmer, Vernon L.; Roberson, Louvenia T.

    A study investigated the distribution of attrition-related factors of 900 (351 male and 549 female) adult vocational students enrolled in selected postsecondary Louisiana vocational and technical institutions. Comparative, predictive, and ex-post facto designs were used. The outcome measure was students' perceived intentional persistence, which…

  3. Automated Writing Evaluation Program's Effect on Student Writing Achievement

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Holman, Lester Donnie

    2011-01-01

    In an ex post facto causal-comparative research design, this study investigated the effectiveness of Automated Writing Evaluation (AWE) programs on raising the student writing achievement. Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) writing achievement scores from the 2010 administration were utilized for this study. The independent variable…

  4. Characteristics of Highly Effective Cooperating Teachers: A Study of Their Backgrounds and Preparation

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Killian, Joyce E.; Wilkins, Elizabeth A.

    2009-01-01

    This study used interviews and other artifacts collected during student teaching as the basis for rating 13 elementary cooperating teachers on their supervisory effectiveness. Once highly effective cooperating teachers were differentiated from their less effective peers, researchers used ex post facto methods to identify background and…

  5. The Effects of Write Score Formative Assessment on Student Achievement

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fox, Janice M.

    2013-01-01

    In an "ex post facto" causal-comparative research design, this study investigated the effectiveness of a formative writing assessment program, Write Score, on increasing student writing achievement. Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) reading language arts and writing scores from 2012 were utilized for this study. The…

  6. A Ten-Year Analysis of the Post-Secondary Outcomes of Students with Disabilities at the Pennsylvania State University

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hong, Barbara S. S.; Herbert, James T.; Petrin, Robert A.

    2011-01-01

    This proposed exploratory study represents the largest and first investigation in the USA that will purposefully analyse and track students who have sought disability services over a 10-year span (academic years 2000-2011). Using "ex post-facto" data on a non-probability purposive sample of approximately 6000 undergraduates, the research…

  7. Relationships between Emotional Intelligence, Leadership Style, and School Culture

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Segredo, Mirta R.; Cistone, Peter J.; Reio, Thomas G.

    2017-01-01

    Research regarding the association between emotional intelligence, leadership style and organizational culture has been inconclusive. The purpose of this study was to explore these relationships in elementary school settings. A non-experimental ex post facto research design was utilized to investigate four research hypotheses. Fifty-seven…

  8. A Comparison and Contrast in Alternative Learning versus Traditional Learning

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Simmons, Mia A.

    2013-01-01

    Preparation for today's influenced technology professional world starts with structure of primary and secondary educational learning environments. The student learning platforms should be aligned in some ways to professional working platforms. This quantitative correlational ex post facto study compared the effectiveness of learning modalities in…

  9. Lifelong Adaptability: A Cultural Literacy Perspective (Revised Edition)

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Moyer, John Thayer

    2011-01-01

    This revised 1997 ex post facto study attempted to identify a lifelong adaptability curriculum from a cultural literacy perspective. It investigated students' lifelong adaptability ratings of 15 general school subjects as predicted by family structure, parental age, parental educational level, student cultural literacy, and student gender;…

  10. The Role of Online Reader Experience in Explaining Students' Performance in Digital Reading

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gil-Flores, Javier; Torres-Gordillo, Juan-Jesus; Perera-Rodriguez, Victor-Hugo

    2012-01-01

    This study explores the relationship between students' extracurricular experiences online and their performance on the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), focusing specifically on students' competence in digital reading. The study uses a descriptive, correlational, ex post facto design. The data are taken from Spanish students'…

  11. The Dynamics of Team Characteristics within Professional Learning Communities

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Morr, Shelly D.

    2010-01-01

    Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if Professional Learning Communities in elementary schools that have strong evidence of the five dimensions of a Professional Learning Community have a higher degree of teamness than those schools that do not have strong evidence. Methodology: Using a descriptive and ex post facto study, the…

  12. A Better Benchmark Assessment: Multiple-Choice versus Project-Based

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Peariso, Jamon F.

    2006-01-01

    The purpose of this literature review and Ex Post Facto descriptive study was to determine which type of benchmark assessment, multiple-choice or project-based, provides the best indication of general success on the history portion of the CST (California Standards Tests). The result of the study indicates that although the project-based benchmark…

  13. The Effect of Single Gender Instruction on Eighth Grade Students' Mathematics Achievement

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hammel, David Michael

    2013-01-01

    In the research study, this investigator utilized a non-experimental, causal-comparative design (ex post facto) with archival data to determine the real impact single gender instruction had on eighth grade students' mathematics achievement. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively analyze the benefits of single gender mathematics…

  14. The Influence of Local Politics on Educational Decisions

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bigham, Gary; Ray, Jan

    2012-01-01

    This ex post facto, causal-comparative research study examined student reading performance data within a school district before and after a school district-wide decision to alter the reading curriculum in response to local political pressure from parents. Data analysis revealed that test scores dropped to a significantly lower level, especially…

  15. Predictors of Graduation among College Students with Disabilities

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Pingry O'Neill, Laura N.; Markward, Martha J.; French, Joshua P.

    2012-01-01

    This exploratory study determined which set of student characteristics and disability-related services explained graduation success among college students with disabilities. The archived records of 1,289 unidentified students with disabilities in three public universities were examined ex-post-facto to collect demographic data on the students, the…

  16. An Examination of Factors Contributing to Student Satisfaction in Armenian Higher Education

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Martirosyan, Nara

    2015-01-01

    Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate factors that affect student satisfaction in college environment in Armenian Higher Educational Institutions (AHEIs). Design/methodology/approach: This study used an "ex-post facto," non-experimental approach to investigate factors that affected student satisfaction in college…

  17. Faculty Professional Development and Student Satisfaction in Online Higher Education

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kane, Robert Todd; Shaw, Melanie; Pang, Sangho; Salley, Witt; Snider, J. Blake

    2016-01-01

    With the ever-increasing availability of online education opportunities, understanding the factors that influence online student satisfaction and success is vital to enable administrators to engage and retain this important stakeholder group. The purpose of this ex-post-facto, nonexperimental quantitative study was to investigate the impact of…

  18. Middle School Response to Intervention and Student Achievement

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Smith, Kelly A. Obrion

    2013-01-01

    This ex post facto descriptive-comparative quantitative study compared the differences in reading achievement between groups of 6th- through 8th-grade students enrolled in a response to intervention (RtI) classroom against groups of students enrolled in a general education classroom. Students across English language learner and low socioeconomic…

  19. Managing Research Output for Knowledge Creation in South-South Nigerian Universities

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Akuegwu, B. A.; Edet, A. O.; Uchendu, C. C.

    2012-01-01

    This ex-post facto designed study investigated the extent of Deans and Heads of Departments' effectiveness in managing research output for knowledge creation in South-South Nigerian universities. One research question and one hypothesis were drawn along the four dimensions of knowledge creation namely: socialization, combination, externalization…

  20. Science Laboratory Environment and Academic Performance

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Aladejana, Francisca; Aderibigbe, Oluyemisi

    2007-01-01

    The study determined how students assess the various components of their science laboratory environment. It also identified how the laboratory environment affects students' learning outcomes. The modified ex-post facto design was used. A sample of 328 randomly selected students was taken from a population of all Senior Secondary School chemistry…

  1. Globalization of Access to Higher Education: Lessons for Nigeria

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Uchendu, C. C.

    2013-01-01

    Education is such a powerful instrument for national transformation and development such that anything that affects an educational system negatively affects the national development. This study investigated the extent to which access to higher education is globalized and the implications for Nigeria. An ex-post facto research design was adopted…

  2. Academic Staff Research Productivity: A Study of Universities in South-South Zone of Nigeria

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Usang, Bassey; Basil, Akuegwu; Lucy, Udida; Udey, Franca U.

    2007-01-01

    This study examined academic staff research productivity in Universities in South-South zone of Nigeria. Ex post facto design was adopted for this study. Three hypotheses were formulated to guide this study. The sample size comprised of 480 academic staff drawn from a population of 3120. Data collection was carried out using a…

  3. Frontier Security: The Case of Brazil

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-08-01

    locations close to indigenous and other settlements along the northern border. In concept, the military post would be augmented by civilian ex - pertise...legal doctrine of uti possidetis de facto —possession takes precedence over legal title. The presence of some Brazilian settlers, particularly in...possidetis de facto to seize unoccupied territory. In the 1970s, the armed forces launched a colonization program along the nation’s western frontier called

  4. Dual Enrollment Programs: A Comparative Study of High School Students' College Academic Achievement at Different Settings

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Flores, Agnes L. Acker

    2012-01-01

    The "ex post facto" causal-comparative study examined the academic achievement of high school students who took their dual credit English or mathematics college credit-bearing course in two different environments, namely, the college setting and the high school setting. Due to non-experimental nature of the study, no causal inferences…

  5. Factors Related to Learning Occurring in an Adult Education Program.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Okoro, Daniel; Miller, Larry E.

    A study examined the factors related to learning occurring in an adult education program. A purposeful sample of Ohio counties and 151 participants in a specific 1993-1993 adult education program who self-selected to participate in the study was used. A descriptive ex post facto study design was used. Pretests-posttests were administered to…

  6. Family-Work Conflict and Type-E Personality as Stress Inducers in Married Female Nigerian University Administrators

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Shobola, A. A.; Nwoha, P. C.

    2013-01-01

    This piece of article is culled from a larger study. The study investigated the relationship between family-work conflict, Type-E personality and stress in married female Nigerian University Administrators. The study adopted ex-post facto design. The sample consisted of 800 female administrators in the senior cadre of executive/administrative…

  7. The Use of Technology in Relation to Community College Faculty Characteristics and Instructional Environments

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Perry, Kimberly A.

    2010-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to analyze the use of a course management system in relation to faculty characteristics and instructional environments at a rural community college in California. The use of the course management system, Blackboard, was the technology studied. This study used a nonexperimental quantitative ex post facto research…

  8. Do Prospective Classroom Teachers Perceive Themselves as Effective and Willing to Teach Young Learners English?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sad, Süleyman Nihat

    2015-01-01

    This study aimed to investigate the perceived efficacy and willingness levels of prospective classroom teachers to teach English at the primary level. The study was designed as a baseline descriptive survey, followed by complementary correlational and ex post facto models. Participants were 251 prospective classroom teachers. Data was collected…

  9. High School Learning Environments: Hybrid versus Traditional Formats

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Clifton, Mary Beth

    2017-01-01

    This research study examined the effects of hybrid course format as compared to face-to-face instruction format in a high school setting. At this time, there is little research on hybrid courses in the secondary schools. The quantitative portion of this ex post facto study utilized causal comparative design. Student data was collected from teacher…

  10. Bio-Social Variables as Predictors of Teacher Union Leaders' Adherence to Democratic Principles in Ogun State, Nigeria

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fejoh, Johnson

    2016-01-01

    This study investigated the influence of bio-social variables - educational status, age and family socio-economic background on teacher union leaders' adherence to democratic principles in Ogun State of Nigeria. The study employed the ex-post-facto research design. Five hypotheses were generated and tested using an instrument titled "union…

  11. School Administrators Strategies for Combating Corruption in Universities in Nigeria

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Asiyai, Romina Ifeoma

    2015-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to examine corruption in universities with the aim of finding out the types/forms, causes, effects and measures for combating the menace. Four research questions guided the investigation. The study is a survey research, ex-post facto in nature. A sample of 780 comprising of students, academic staff and administrative…

  12. Psycho-Demographic Correlates of Behaviour towards Seeking Counselling Intervention among Workers in Lagos, Nigeria

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gesinde, Abiodun Matthew; Sanu, Oluwafunto Jolade

    2015-01-01

    This study sought to examine the impact which age, gender and psychological adjustment have on behaviour towards seeking professional counselling intervention. Multistage sampling technique was employed to select a total of three hundred workers across Lagos metropolis. The ex post facto research design was adopted for the study. Inventory of…

  13. The Relationship between Elementary School Principals' Transformational Leadership and Spiritual Well-Being

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mehdinezhad, Vali; Nouri, Fatemeh

    2016-01-01

    The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between transformational leadership and spiritual well-being among elementary school principals. A correlational research or ex post facto method was used in this study. The sample population comprised 141 subjects, of which 69 were male and 72 were female. Bass and Avolio's Transformational…

  14. Teacher Qualification and Students' Academic Performance in Science Mathematics and Technology Subjects in Kenya

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Musau, Lydia M.; Abere, Migosi Joash

    2015-01-01

    Performance in Science, Mathematics and Technology (SMT) subjects among students in Kitui County, Kenya has perpetually been unsatisfactory. The aim of this study was to look into the extent to which teacher qualification influenced students' academic performance in SMT subjects. The study applied ex-post-facto survey research design. Random…

  15. A Comparison of Burnout among Honors, Regular Education, and Special Education K-8 Teachers

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sharpe, Christopher

    2017-01-01

    This study employed a quantitative, ex-post facto non-experimental design to examine the effect of whether teaching honors, regular, or special education classes in either an elementary or middle school setting influenced the experience of teacher burnout. Participants included 69 teachers from two counties in a Southern state. The study survey…

  16. The Influence of Student Demographics and Internal Characteristics on GPA, Persistence, and Academic Success of First-Time College Students

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Rodriguez, David B.

    2013-01-01

    Employing a non-experimental, ex-post facto design, the study examined the relationship of student demographic information and internal characteristics identified from the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI) to student persistence, grade point average, and academic success. Cognitive Learning Theory (CLT), which focuses on the internal…

  17. A Comparative Study of Academic Achievement and Participation in a High School Freshman Academy

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Seng, Mark Patrick

    2014-01-01

    The transition to high school can be problematic for many ninth graders. Researchers and administrators have sought ways to improve academic performance and promotion rates while reducing dropout rates. A quantitative causal-comparative (ex post facto) and correlation study using a two-group design compared two freshman classes at separate…

  18. General Education Requirements in a Community College Baccalaureate RN-to-BSN Program

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Krupp, Jason Bentley

    2012-01-01

    Increasing demand for nurses with bachelor degrees, the growing culture of accountability in higher education, and the community college baccalaureate phenomena provided the impetus for this study. This ex-post facto quantitative study examined the graduation rates and time to degree of 240 students who were enrolled in a bachelor of science in…

  19. Investigating the Effects of the Academy of Reading Program on Middle School Reading Achievement

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Myers, Brenda Gail

    2016-01-01

    Using a quantitative ex post facto causal comparative research design, this study analyzed the effects of the Academy of Reading software program on students' reading achievement. Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) reading scale scores of students in the fourth, fifth, and sixth grades from 2013-2014 were utilized in this study. The…

  20. Factors That Affect the Academic Success of Foreign Students at Cardinal Stritch University

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Annor, Peter

    2010-01-01

    There are limited studies in the literature on the factors that affect the academic success of foreign students in the United States. This ex post facto mixed method study investigated the factors that affect the academic success of foreign students at Cardinal Stitch University (CSU), a medium size, private university located in the Midwestern…

  1. Relationships among Faculty Training, Faculty Degree, Faculty Longevity, and Student Satisfaction in Online Higher Education

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kane, Robert Todd; Shaw, Melanie; Pang, Sangho; Salley, Witt; Snider, J. Blake

    2015-01-01

    With the ever-increasing availability of online education opportunities, understanding the factors that influence online student satisfaction and success is vital to enable administrators to engage and retain this important stakeholder group. The purpose of this ex-post-facto, nonexperimental quantitative study was to investigate the impact of…

  2. An Analysis of Homeless Veterans Participating in the Homeless Veteran Reintegration Program

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Campbell, Katrina Lanelle

    2010-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to conduct an analysis on ex post facto data of the federal grant supported Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP) administered at Goodwill Industries of Lower South Carolina. Pre-existing data on variables such as performance goals, training activities, support services, and demographics from program years…

  3. Validation of Rehabilitation Counseling Accreditation and Certification Knowledge Areas: Methodology and Initial Results.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Szymanski, Edna Mora; And Others

    1993-01-01

    Conducted ongoing study to validate and update knowledge standards for rehabilitation counseling accreditation and certification, using descriptive, ex post facto, and time-series designs and three sampling frames. Findings from 1,025 counselors who renewed their certification in 1991 revealed that 52 of 55 knowledge standards were rated as at…

  4. The Effects of Read 180 on Student Achievement

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Plony, Doreen A.

    2013-01-01

    The purpose of this ex post facto study was to analyze archive data to investigate the effects of Read 180, a computer-based supplemental reading intervention, on students' academic achievement for the academic school year 2011-2012. Further analyses examined if influences existed in variables such as grade level, gender, and ethnicity of the…

  5. Assessing Cultural Validity in Standardized Tests in STEM Education

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gassant, Lunes

    2013-01-01

    This quantitative ex post facto study examined how race and gender, as elements of culture, influence the development of common misconceptions among STEM students. Primary data came from a standardized test: the Digital Logic Concept Inventory (DLCI) developed by Drs. Geoffrey L. Herman, Michael C. Louis, and Craig Zilles from the University of…

  6. Predictors of Employment Outcomes for People with Visual Impairment in Taiwan: The Contribution of Disability Employment Services

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Jang, Yuh; Wang, Yun-Tung; Lin, Meng-Hsiu; Shih, Kevin J.

    2013-01-01

    Introduction: We investigated the employment status and identified factors that may affect the employment outcomes of people with visual impairments in Taiwan. Methods: A retrospective, ex post facto design study was conducted. The sample included 313 visually impaired clients who commenced and "closed" (completed) disability employment…

  7. Attitudes towards Disability in Education through the SSCI (2000-2011): A Topical and Bibliometric Analysis

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Garcia-Fernandez, Jose Manuel; Ingles, Candido J.; Juan, Maria Vicent; Gonzalvez-Macia, Carolina; Manas-Viejo, Carmen

    2013-01-01

    Introduction: The purpose of this study is to describe and characterize the international scientific output relating to "attitudes towards disability in education", using a battery of bibliometric indicators that make it possible to analyze and monitor international scientific activity. Method: This "ex post facto"…

  8. Personal Traits and Experiential Characteristics of Developmental Mathematics Faculty: Impact on Student Success

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Preuss, Michael D.

    2008-01-01

    This ex post facto study of the relationship of selected personal traits and experiential characteristics of developmental mathematics faculty with student success rates was conducted at a rural, North Carolina community college. The data gathered was from all classroom based sections of three levels of developmental mathematics taught between…

  9. The Relationship between Credit Acceptance and Baccalaureate Degree Persistence for Transfer Students

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Turk, Kimberly Tisdale

    2012-01-01

    Articulation agreements were created to make transferring from a state-supported community college to a state-supported university a smoother process while reducing the higher education costs for the state. This ex-post facto study examined the relationship between the pathway North Carolina community college students used to complete the general…

  10. A Comparative Analysis of Preschool Attendance and Reading Achievement among Second-Grade Students

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Burton, Kelly Latham

    2011-01-01

    Preschool attendance is considered an important factor for predicting later success in literacy achievement. This quantitative ex-post facto study examined whether attendance of public prekindergarten is related to improved reading achievement in 2nd grade students in a rural, southeastern school district. The learning theories of Piaget, Bandura,…

  11. Parental Perceptions of Home Internet Use among Rural African American Families

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Smith, Jeananne Oldham

    2008-01-01

    Despite the growth of home Internet use over the past decade, disparities still exist among certain socioeconomic groups of the population. Rural, lower socioeconomic and African Americans fall further behind in technology access than any other group. The purpose of this ex post facto qualitative study was to investigate parental perceptions…

  12. Aspects of Tutor and Writing Ability

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Zaidin, M. Arifin

    2015-01-01

    The purpose of this study is to assess the correlation between aspects of tutor and the students' basic writing outcomes of the Elementary School Teacher Education at the Distance Learning Program Unit, Open University of Palu. This is ex post facto correlation with the population research of 387 people and the total sample of 100 people. This…

  13. From "At Risk" to "At Promise": An Evaluation of an Early Reading First Project

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Zoll, Susan Marie

    2012-01-01

    This study demonstrates the impact of an Early Reading First intervention on preschool children's language and literacy development using an ex post facto, causal-comparative research design. The project's professional development model was evaluated to produce a process and outcome evaluation to answer two overarching research questions: (1) What…

  14. Corporate Philanthropy in American Higher Education: An Investigation of Attitudes towards Giving.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Meuth, Elsbeth F.

    This study investigated corporate attitudes toward giving to American higher education in order to contribute insight into corporate philanthropy and to facilitate better understanding and improve university and college fund raising strategies. The research design used was ex post facto. A survey instrument was developed to collect attitudinal and…

  15. Education and Health Matters: School Nurse Interventions, Student Outcomes, and School Variables

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wolfe, Linda C.

    2013-01-01

    This paper presents findings from a quantitative, correlational study that examined selected school nursing services, student academic outcomes, and school demographics. Ex post facto data from the 2011-2012 school year of Delaware public schools were used in the research. The selected variables were school nurse interventions provided to students…

  16. Decentralization of Educational Development Reforms in Nigeria: A Comparative Perspective

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ikoya, Peter O.

    2007-01-01

    Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to seek to appraise regional compliance to decentralization laws establishing Education Boards and Committees since the Nigerian Government has for some time now been making efforts aimed at reforming her educational system. Design/methodology/approach: Employing ex post facto design, the study uses survey…

  17. Factors of Role Conflict among Livestock Extension Professionals in Andhra Pradesh, India

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sasidhar, P. V. K.; Rao, B. Sudhakar; Sreeramulu, Piedy

    2008-01-01

    To know the factors of role conflict among livestock extension professionals in Andhra Pradesh, India. Study was conducted following ex-post facto research design. Data were collected from 180 respondents through survey questionnaires. The data were subjected to multiple regression and path analyses to know the factors of role conflict.…

  18. The Revolutionary United Front and Child Soldiers during Sierra Leone’s Civil War

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-06-12

    Armed Forces served as an ex post facto force during the internal conflict period between the APC and SLPP jockeying for the position of Prime Minister...civil war. Chapter 3, Research Methodology, addresses biases and the reliability of the study regarding the thesis findings. Chapter 4, Analysis

  19. High School Graduates: The Influence of Academics and Attendance

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hardnett, Sharon G.

    2013-01-01

    Public awareness of the severity of the high school completion problem in terms of its educational, social, psychological, and economic impacts has grown in recent years. Using ex post facto data, this non-experimental, correlational study was designed to determine whether there are differences in academic performance and school attendance between…

  20. Principals Leadership Styles and Gender Influence on Teachers Morale in Public Secondary Schools

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Eboka, Obiajulu Chinyelum

    2016-01-01

    The study investigated the perception of teachers on the influence of principals' leadership styles and gender on teacher morale. Four research questions and four research hypotheses guided the study. An ex-post facto research design was adopted in the study. Through the simple random sampling technique a total of 72 principals and 2,506 in 72…

  1. Educational Cloud Services and the Mathematics Confidence, Affective Engagement, and Behavioral Engagement of Mathematics Education Students in Public University in Benue State, Nigeria

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Iji, Clement Onwu; Abah, Joshua Abah; Anyor, Joseph Wuave

    2018-01-01

    This study investigated the impact of cloud services on mathematics education students' mathematics confidence, affective engagement, and behavioral engagement in public universities in Benue State, Nigeria. Ex-post facto research design was adopted for the study. The instrument for the study was the researcher-developed Cloud Services Mathematics…

  2. Impact of Cloud Services on Students' Attitude towards Mathematics Education in Public Universities in Benue State, Nigeria

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Iji, Clement Onwu; Abah, Joshua Abah; Anyor, Joseph Wuave

    2017-01-01

    This study focused on the impact of cloud services on students' attitude towards mathematics education in public universities in Benue State, Nigeria. Ex-post facto research design was adopted for the study. The instrument for the study is the researcher-developed Cloud Service Impact Questionnaire--CSIQ (Cronbach Alpha Coefficient = 0.92). The…

  3. A Study to Determine the Academic Progression between Economically Disadvantaged Students and Their Economically Advantaged Peers on Georgia's Statewide Criteria Referenced Competency Test

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Warner, Tonya

    2009-01-01

    This quantitative study implemented a non-experimental design that was descriptive, ex-post facto, and longitudinal. This study is examining economically disadvantaged students (EDS) with comparison to non-economically disadvantaged students (non-EDS) and their academic performance on Georgia's Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests (CRCT).…

  4. Assessing Learners' Satisfication towards Support Services Delivery in National Open University Nigeria: Implications for Counselling Services

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Okopi, Fidel; Ofole, Ndidi

    2013-01-01

    This study aims at determining the level of students' satisfaction of learner support services in the study centres of NOUN--National Open University of Nigeria and whether the support services offered at the study centres have significant influence on the level of students' satisfaction. A descriptive survey of ex-post facto research design was…

  5. Quality Regulation in Expansion of Educational Systems: A Case of Privately Sponsored Students' Programme in Kenya's Public Universities

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Yego, Helen J. C.

    2016-01-01

    This paper examines the expansion and management of quality of parallel programmes in Kenya's public universities. The study is based on Privately Sponsored Students Programmes (PSSP) at Moi University and its satellite campuses in Kenya. The study was descriptive in nature and adopted an ex-post facto research design. The study sample consisted…

  6. Improving Agricultural Science Teachers' Work Attitude in Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria: The Financial Initiative Perspective

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ben, Camilus Bassey

    2014-01-01

    This research study carried out to investigate the influence of financial incentive initiatives on agricultural teachers' work attitude in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. One hypothesis was formulated to guide the study. Ex-post facto research design was adopted for the study. A total sample of 150 agricultural science teachers and 150 students drawn…

  7. Unequal Achievement of Science Undergraduates: Does Sex Influence the Differences?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Patrick, Ajaja O.

    2012-01-01

    The major purpose of this study was to determine if gender influences grade points earned by university students who majored in biology, chemistry, and physics. The design of the study was ex-post facto, considering the academic records of science students admitted from 2003 to 2007. The total number of subjects used for the study was 637 biology,…

  8. School Dropout Pattern among Senior Secondary Schools in Delta State, Nigeria

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ajaja, O. Patrick

    2012-01-01

    The major purpose of this study was to determine the pattern of dropout among secondary school students in Delta State. To guide this study, 7 research questions were asked and answered, 3 hypotheses stated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. The design of study was ex post facto using the past school attendance registers as the major…

  9. 76 FR 67073 - Safety and Health Requirements Related to Camp Cars

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-10-31

    ...), a new compliance date would be necessary in order to avoid creating an unconstitutional, ex post facto law, and that is what Congress provided with the new statutory deadline for compliance of December...

  10. Developing an Assessment, Monitoring, and Evaluation Framework for U.S. Department of Defense Security Cooperation

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-09-01

    be conducted midstream, at the end of an activity program or LOE, or ex post facto . Not all security cooperation endeavors require evaluation...noncommercial use only. Unauthorized posting of this publication online is prohibited. Permission is given to duplicate this document for personal use only...iv Developing an AME Framework for DoD Security Cooperation approach, the study team analyzed documents, interviewed subject- matter experts

  11. Strategies Towards Effective Management of Higher Education for Building a Culture of Peace in Nigeria

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Asiyai, Romina Ifeoma

    2015-01-01

    This study was aimed at investigating strategies for effective management of higher education for building a culture of peace in Nigeria. Four research questions and four hypotheses guided the investigation. The study is a survey research which adopted the ex-post-facto design. The respondents comprised of one thousand four hundred and eighty…

  12. Understanding the Decision to Enroll in Graduate Business Programs: Influence of Sociological and Economic Factors and Gender

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Douglas, Stephanie

    2017-01-01

    This ex post facto study describes the associations of economic factors as well as social and cultural capital variables on enrollment in business master's degree programs and differences of associations by gender and race/ethnicity. Data from the 2008/2012 Baccalaureate and Beyond Longitudinal Study (B&B: 08/12) of those who completed a…

  13. The Effects of Career Academies on Academic Achievement and College Readiness

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Frost, Mandy J.

    2017-01-01

    This quantitative ex post facto study investigated the effects of career academies on academic achievement and college readiness. A total of 1,206 12th-grade participants (196 career academy and 1,010 nonacademy students) were used in this study. These participants came from six high schools located in one large urban school district. Each of the…

  14. A Descriptive Study Comparing GPA, Retention and Graduation of First-Time, Full-Time, Provisionally Admitted First-Generation College Students and Their Peers

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lodhavia, Rajalakshmi

    2009-01-01

    This quantitative research study used ex post facto data to analyze possible relationships between a discrete set of independent variables and academic achievement among provisionally admitted students at a public, four-year historically black university located in the mid-Atlantic United States. The independent variables were first-generation…

  15. Gender Issue in the Performance of Students Admitted through UME and Pre-Degree into the Nigerian Universities

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Omirin, M. S.

    2007-01-01

    This study examined the gender issue in the performance of students admitted through Universities Matriculation Examination (UME) and pre-degree into the Nigerian Universities. Ex-post facto design of descriptive research was adopted for the study. A proforma was used to collect data from a sample of two hundred and fifty students from the…

  16. An Examination of Five Benchmarks of Student Engagement for Commuter Students Enrolled at an Urban Public University

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Galladian, Carol

    2013-01-01

    The purpose of this quantitative ex post facto study was to provide a description of the student engagement of commuter students attending a large urban public university located in a mid-Atlantic state using the five National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) benchmarks of student engagement. In addition, the study examined the relationship…

  17. A Study of the Relationship between Multicultural Teaching Training Methods and Teacher Attitudes about Diversity in Rural Schools

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gray, Russell E.

    2010-01-01

    The lack of research about the efficacy of the three primary methods for training teachers to work with students from diverse cultures makes it difficult for universities to provide the proper training. The following quantitative, non-experimental, causal-comparative, ex-post facto study gathered and analyzed data concerning the efficacy of the…

  18. Reduced Admissions for Acute Myocardial Infarction Associated with a Public Smoking Ban: Matched Controlled Study

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Seo, Dong-Chul; Torabi, Mohammad R.

    2007-01-01

    There has been no research linking implementation of a public smoking ban and reduced incidence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) among nonsmoking patients. An ex post facto matched control group study was conducted to determine whether there was a change in hospital admissions for AMI among nonsmoking patients after a public smoking ban was…

  19. FAILURE OF NUCLEAR DETERRENCE IN THE CUBAN MISSILE CRISIS

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2017-04-06

    performance in executing strategy should be approached. “One must in particular avoid ex post facto judgements: the fairer procedure is to evaluate the...Charles Bartlett. “In Time of Crisis.” The Saturday Evening Post , (8 Dec 1962), 15-20. Barlow, Jeffrey G. “The Cuban Missile Crisis.” In Naval

  20. An Ex Post Facto Analysis of Juvenile Recidivism and the Effectiveness of Rehabilitation and Incarceration

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mbangowah, Ngowah Hans

    2017-01-01

    Up to the close of the 21st century, criminal justice experts and probation officers in Minnesota expressed frustration with lack of resources and program effectiveness to address the delinquency and recidivism problems in the juvenile justice system. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the effectiveness of rehabilitative and…

  1. Return on Postsecondary Education Investment: An Analysis of Professional and Technical Education Degrees in Idaho

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Midgley, Jeri S.

    2012-01-01

    The purpose of this ex-post facto quantitative study was to evaluate the benefits of professional technical postsecondary education in Idaho. Human capital theory formed the basis of understanding the importance of acquiring education beyond high school, both for the individual and society. Interactions between entry earnings and cost of attending…

  2. Assessment of Information and Communication Technology Integration in Teaching and Learning in Institutions of Higher Learning

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Asiyai, Romina Ifeoma

    2014-01-01

    Employing survey research design of the ex-post facto type, this study examined information and community technologies integration in teaching and learning in institutions of higher learning in Delta State, Nigeria. Four research questions and four hypotheses guided the investigation. Descriptive statistical tools such as mean and standard…

  3. Affecting College English Placement Scores: College Readiness Remediation for High-School Seniors

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Olsen Rowland, Joyce Kay

    2011-01-01

    The purpose of the quantitative ex post facto study was to compare the English Placement Test (EPT) scores of students before and after the Expository Reading and Writing Curriculum (ERWC) remediation efforts had been employed and to determine the effectiveness of the ERWC in raising EPT scores. Using a Wilcoxon signed rank test, the researcher…

  4. Rural Electrification and Level of Living: Evaluation of Impact.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Davis, J. Michael; Saunders, John

    Utilizing an ex-post-facto experimental design, all occupied households located within the rural area of Canton San Carlos in Costa Rica (La Fortuna) were studied in August of 1972 for purposes of testing the hypothesis that electricity use is positively associated with level of living. Interviews with 452 heads of households (when possible)…

  5. The Contribution of Information Acquisition and Management Capacity to Administrators' Decision-Making Effectiveness in Tertiary Institutions in South-Western Nigeria

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fabunmi, Martins; Erwat, Eseza Akiror

    2008-01-01

    This study investigated through empirical methods the extent to which information acquisition and information management capacity of administrators in tertiary institutions in South-Western Nigeria contributed to their decision-making effectiveness. It adopted the ex post facto survey research design, using the random sampling technique to select…

  6. Personal Factors as Predictors of Students' Academic Achievement in Colleges of Education in South Western Nigeria

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Adeyemi, Abisola Moradeyo; Adeyemi, Semiu Babatunde

    2014-01-01

    Educational stakeholders have continued to express concerns over the poor academic performance of Nigerian students at virtually all levels of academic engagements. This paper investigated personal factors as predictors of students' academic performance in the South-Western Nigeria. The study employed the ex post facto design using a survey design…

  7. Institutional Factors as Predictors of Students' Academic Achievement in Colleges of Education in South Western Nigeria

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Adeyemi, Abisola Moradeyo; Adeyemi, Seminu Babatunde

    2014-01-01

    The enhancement of the academic achievement of the Nigerian students has continued to engage the attention of educational practitioners and policy makers. This paper investigated institutional factors as predictors of students' academic performance in Colleges of Education in South-Western Nigeria. The study employed the ex post facto design using…

  8. Predictors of Student Enrollment Patterns in High School Career Academies

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Cox, E. Daniel

    2013-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to describe participation patterns at the district level of students enrolled in career academies and determine whether participation in career academies is a function of demographic and/or prior learning experience and prior performance variables. Ex-post facto data was used to determine six-year enrollment trends.…

  9. The Differences in Academic Achievement between Single-Sex Education and Coeducation Classes in Fifth Grade

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Scoggins, Donna K.

    2009-01-01

    Single-sex education is an instructional innovation implemented to improve student academic achievement by teaching to the learning styles and interests of boys and/or girls. This ex post facto quantitative study examined the differences in academic achievement between single-sex education and coeducation classes on students' achievement in…

  10. Increasing Oral Reading Fluency of below Grade-Level Elementary Students through Parent Involvement

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Royal, Louise I.

    2012-01-01

    An increasing number of elementary students in a rural school were promoted to a higher grade without having grade-level reading fluency skills, thereby becoming at risk of not reaching or maintaining their academic grade level reading skills. The purpose of this ex post facto quantitative study involving archival data analysis was to investigate…

  11. Instructional Supervisory Practices and Teachers' Role Effectiveness in Public Secondary Schools in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sule, Mary Anike; Eyiene, Ameh; Egbai, Mercy E.

    2015-01-01

    The study investigated the relationship between instructional supervisory practices and teachers' role effectiveness in public secondary schools in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State. Two null hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Ex-post facto research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study…

  12. Predictive Power of School Based Assessment Scores on Students' Achievement in Junior Secondary Certificate Examination (JSCE) in English and Mathematics

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Opara, Ijeoma M.; Onyekuru, Bruno U.; Njoku, Joyce U.

    2015-01-01

    The study investigated the predictive power of school based assessment scores on students' achievement in Junior Secondary Certificate Examination (JSCE) in English and Mathematics. Two hypotheses tested at 0.05 level of significance guided the study. The study adopted an ex-post facto research design. A sample of 250 students were randomly drawn…

  13. A Comparative Study of Socioeconomically Disadvantaged and Non-Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Fourth-Grade Students in Reading and Math in an Online Charter School and a Traditional School

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mansheim, Richard Lynn

    2017-01-01

    Few empirical studies explore how socioeconomic status (SES) disadvantaged students perform academically in a 100% online school. This causal-comparative ex post facto quantitative study examined how SES-disadvantaged students at an online charter school performed academically when compared with both SES-disadvantaged and non-SES-disadvantaged…

  14. Empirical Assessment of Effect of Publication Bias on a Meta-Analysis of Validity Studies on University Matriculation Examinations in Nigeria

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Adeyemo, Emily Oluseyi

    2012-01-01

    This study examined the impact of publication bias on a meta-analysis of empirical studies on validity of University Matriculation Examinations in Nigeria with a view to determine the level of difference between published and unpublished articles. Specifically, the design was an ex-post facto, a causal comparative design. The sample size consisted…

  15. Impact of In-Service Training and Staff Development on Workers' Job Performance and Optimal Productivity in Public Secondary Schools in Osun State, Nigeria

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fejoh, Johnson; Faniran, Victoria Loveth

    2016-01-01

    This study investigated the impact of in-service training and staff development on workers' job performance and optimal productivity in public secondary schools in Osun State, Nigeria. The study used the ex-post-facto research design. Three research questions and three hypotheses were generated and tested using questionnaire items adapted from…

  16. Parental Involvement as a Correlate of Academic Achievement of Primary School Pupils in Edo State, Nigeria

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fajoju, Samuel A.; Aluede, Oyaziwo; Ojugo, Augustine I.

    2016-01-01

    This study investigated the relationship between parental involvement in children's education and the academic achievement of primary six pupils in Edo State, Nigeria. The ex-post facto research design was employed in this study. The sample consisted of 1,895 primary six pupils (1,024 males and 863 females drawn from 37,908 primary six pupils in…

  17. The Impact of Physical Facilities on Students' Level of Motivation and Academic Performance in Senior Secondary Schools in South West Nigeria

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Akomolafe, Comfort Olufunke; Adesua, Veronica Olubunmi

    2016-01-01

    The paper examines the relevance of physical facilities in enhancing the level of motivation and the academic performance of senior secondary school students in South West Nigeria. The study adopted ex-post facto design. The population consists of all senior secondary students in South West Nigeria. The sample for the study include one thousand…

  18. The Impact of Optional Flexible Year Program on Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills Test Scores of Fifth Grade Students

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Longbotham, Pamela J.

    2012-01-01

    The study examined the impact of participation in an optional flexible year program (OFYP) on academic achievement. The ex post facto study employed an explanatory sequential mixed methods design. The non-probability sample consisted of 163 fifth grade students in an OFYP district and 137 5th graders in a 180-day instructional year school…

  19. A Quantitative Examination of the Educational Technology Characteristics of Ohio Schools and Their Blue Ribbon Status

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Goon, Dean A.

    2012-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to analyze data from Ohio schools and the frequency of use of educational technology, a teacher's comfort level using technology, and a teacher's beliefs about the effect of educational technology on teaching and learning based upon the school's Blue Ribbon award status. The study used an ex-post facto, quantitative…

  20. America Reads-Mississippi Future Teacher Corps: A Study of Program Completers' Perception of Factors Influencing the Decision to Become and Remain Classroom Teachers

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Moore, Deborah Green

    2012-01-01

    Despite the number of programs in Mississippi that focus on developing and training teachers, the State continues to face a critical teacher shortage. This non-experimental, ex-post facto, quantitative study investigated the America Reads-Mississippi (ARM) Future Teacher Corps (FTC) program, an AmeriCorps program in Mississippi with a mission to…

  1. Assessment of the Adequacy of Instructional Resources in Business Education Programmes Relative to NCCE Standards for Colleges of Education in Nigeria

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Onyesom, Moses; Okolocha, Chimezie Comfort

    2013-01-01

    The study assessed the adequacy of instructional resources available for business education programmes at the colleges of education in Edo and Delta states of Nigeria in relation to the standards stipulated by the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE). The study adopted the ex-post facto research design and was guided by five…

  2. The Difference in the Academic Achievement of Hispanic High School Students Based on the Theme of the Small Learning Community

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Martinez, Beate M. Winter

    2010-01-01

    The purpose of this study is to describe the difference in the academic achievement of urban Hispanic high school students based on the small learning community theme. The study used a quantitative method of ex post facto research to examine how the academic achievement of Hispanic high school students differs across the themes of small…

  3. Leadership Aspects of Hidden Curriculum Students Practice in Nigerian Universities: A Preview of Students' Union Government Contributions in University Governance

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Emesini, Nnenna Orieoma

    2016-01-01

    The paper examined the leadership aspect of Hidden Curriculum that students practice in Nigerian Universities and their contributions to university governance. Four research questions guided the study and Ex-Post-Facto Method was adopted as the design. Unstructured interviews with staff/students officials cum critical analysis of Students' Union…

  4. Determining the Effectiveness of Bilingual Programs on Third Grade State Exam Scores

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Vela, Adriana; Jones, Don; Mundy, Marie-Anne; Isaacson, Carrie

    2017-01-01

    This ex-post-facto quasi-experimental research design was conducted by selecting a convenient sample of approximately 2,000 3rd grade ELLs who took the regular reading and math English STAAR test during the 2014-15 school year in an urban southern Texas school district. This study was conducted using a quantitative research method of data…

  5. Student Satisfaction as a Predictor of Retention in a Professional Online For-Profit Higher Education Institution

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Page, Eric; Kulick, Melinda

    2016-01-01

    This study expanded on prior satisfaction and retention research by exploring this relationship within the online for-profit sector. An ex post facto design was utilized at an online for-profit undergraduate institution with programs in the creative arts to explore the relationship between student satisfaction as measured by the Priorities Survey…

  6. Determinants of Girls' Performance in Science, Mathematics and Technology Subjects in Public Secondary Schools in Kenya

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Musau, Lydia Mbaki; Migosi, Joash; Muola, James Matee

    2013-01-01

    There has been incessant low academic performance in Science, Mathematics and Technology (SMT) subjects especially among girls at form four level in Kitui Central District over the years. The aim of this study was to investigate the determinants of girls' performance in SMT subjects in public secondary schools. Using ex-post-facto survey research…

  7. Relative Contributions of Selected Teachers' Variables and Students' Attitudes toward Academic Achievement in Biology among Senior Secondary School Students in Ondo State, Nigeria

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gbore, L. O.; Daramola, C. A.

    2013-01-01

    This study investigated the relative contributions of selected teachers' variables and students' attitude towards academic achievement in biology among senior secondary schools in Ondo State, Nigeria. It involved descriptive survey research and ex-post facto research designs. The sample, 360 respondents which consists of 180 biology teachers and…

  8. Heading toward the Finish Line: Effects of PLATO[R] Online Courses on Credit Recovery

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Luopa, Patricia E.

    2010-01-01

    Students who have failed a core course that is required for graduation often re-take the course they failed. In recent years, school districts have been using on-line courses for the purpose of allowing their students to recover the credits they need. This study was an ex post facto exploratory examination of descriptive and inferential statistics…

  9. Internationalization Efforts in United States Community Colleges: A Comparative Analysis of Urban, Suburban, and Rural Institutions

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Harder, Natalie J.

    2011-01-01

    With community colleges educating up to one-half of all U.S. undergraduates, more focus on internationalization is warranted in order to ensure student competitiveness in today's global labor pool. This ex post facto study of 2006 survey data from the American Council on Education (ACE) found a low level of internationalization occurring at most…

  10. The Quality of University Writing: A Preliminary Analysis of Undergraduate Portfolios.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lavelle, Ellen

    2003-01-01

    Conducted an ex post facto study to test for differences in the quality of university student writing as reflected in years 1 and 2 and again in years 3 and 4. Findings from 30 undergraduate portfolios show no significant differences between early and late samples and no significant relationship between grade point average and writing quality.…

  11. Wyoming's Instructional Facilitator Program: Teachers' Beliefs about the Impact of Coaching on Practice

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Rush, Leslie S.; Young, Suzanne

    2011-01-01

    In 2006, the Wyoming state government allocated monies for the Department of Education to fund the work of Instructional Facilitators, or coaches, in schools across the state (Wyoming Department of Education, 2008). In Spring 2009, after the program had been in place for two years, an ex-post facto study was designed to examine the impact of the…

  12. Assessing Teaching Readiness of University Students in Cross River State, Nigeria: Implications for Managing Teacher Education Reforms

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Akuegwu, B. A.; Edet, A. O.; Uchendu, C. C.; Ekpoh, U. I.

    2011-01-01

    This ex-post-facto designed study was geared towards assessing the readiness of would-be teachers in universities in Cross River State for the teaching profession, and how reforms can be managed to strengthen this. Three hypotheses were isolated to give direction to this investigation. 200 students from the two universities in the state…

  13. Success and Persistence of Developmental Mathematics Students Based on Age and Ethnicity

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wolfle, James D.

    2012-01-01

    This ex post facto study examined the fall-to-fall persistence and academic success of students in a medium-sized Virginia community college. The variables of age and ethnicity in combination with whether a student's first mathematics course was developmental were used to examine the effects of each. It was found that neither the interaction of…

  14. Evaluation of Achieving a College Education Plus: A Credit-Based Transition Program

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Luna, Gaye; Fowler, Michael

    2011-01-01

    This ex post facto study evaluated Achieving a College Education (ACE) Plus program, a credit-based transition program between a high school district and a community college. Achieving a College Education Plus is an early outreach program. It is designed to aid at-risk students in graduating from high school and making a smooth transition to…

  15. The Relationship between Self-Perceptions of Accountability by High School Principals and Student Test Scores

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Koester, Edward L.

    2010-01-01

    The high school principalship has been designated an area of professional shortage by many states. Resignations and terminations have been numerous as a result of poor student test performance. The purpose of this ex post facto correlation study was to investigate the self-perceptions of accountability by high school principals as they related to…

  16. Motivational and Volitional Variables Associated with Stages of Change for Exercise in Multiple Sclerosis: A Multiple Discriminant Analysis

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Chiu, Chung-Yi; Fitzgerald, Sandra D.; Strand, David M.; Muller, Veronica; Brooks, Jessica; Chan, Fong

    2012-01-01

    The main objective of this study was to determine whether motivational and volitional variables identified in the health action process approach (HAPA) model can be used to successfully differentiate people with multiple sclerosis (MS) in different stages of change for exercise and physical activity. Ex-post-facto design using multiple…

  17. A Comparison of Single-Purpose and Non-Single-Purpose Clinical Education on the Retention Rates of Registered Nursing Graduates

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bush, Dana I.

    2012-01-01

    There are 26 single-purpose nursing programs in the United States. They are nursing programs operated by hospitals with the single purpose of supplying the hospitals with well-prepared health care staff. Using a quantitative methodology and an ex post facto design, this study compared employment retention rates between single-purpose and…

  18. Goal Setting, Decision-Making Skills and Academic Performance of Undergraduate Distance Learners: Implications for Retention and Support Services

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Tanglang, Nebath; Ibrahim, Aminu Kazeem

    2015-01-01

    The study adopted an ex-post facto research design. Randomization sampling technique was used to select 346 undergraduate distance learners and the learners were grouped into four, High and Low Goal setter learners and High and Low Decision-making skills learners. The instruments for data collection were Undergraduate Academic Goal Setting Scale…

  19. Differences in Affect, Life Satisfaction, and Depression between Successfully and Unsuccessfully Rehabilitated Persons with Spinal Cord Injuries

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Chapin, Martha H.; Holbert, Donald

    2009-01-01

    This study assessed whether persons with spinal cord injuries who were successfully rehabilitated differed from those who were not with regard to positive and negative affect, life satisfaction, and depression. An ex post facto research design compared persons with spinal cord injuries who were previously employed with persons with spinal cord…

  20. The Impact on Writing Achievement of Two Bilingual Education Models for English Language Learners

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Valdez, Angela L.

    2012-01-01

    The number of English language learners (ELLs) within the school system in one Western U.S. state continues to rise; writing scores of ELLs lag well behind those of their English speaking peers. The purpose of this ex post facto quantitative causal comparative study was to examine the writing achievement of fourth grade ELLs instructed within a…

  1. Influence of Psychosocial Factors on Aging among the Aged in Ihitte-Uboma Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ojukwu, M. O.

    2016-01-01

    The major aim of this study was to examine influence of psychosocial factors on aging among the aged in Ihitte Uboma Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria. Ex-post facto or casual comparative research design was adopted for the study. Two hundred and twenty-five (225) old people were selected through random sampling for the study.…

  2. Utilization of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Resources and Job Effectiveness among Library Staff in the University of Calabar and Cross River University of Technology, Nigeria

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ntui, Aniebiet Inyang; Inyang, Comfort Linus

    2015-01-01

    This study investigated utilization of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) resources and job effectiveness among library staff in the University of Calabar and Cross River University of Technology, Nigeria. To achieve the purpose of this study, four hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Ex-post facto research design was adopted…

  3. Building the Plane Inflight: Observations from Case Studies in Wartime Flight Training for Partner Nations

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-05-26

    guidance on how to build an effective SC program. Whether used as pre-decisional guides or ex post facto evaluation tools, they fall short of...Building the Plane Inflight: Observations from Case Studies in Wartime Flight Training for Partner...Nations A Monograph by Major Timothy J. Day United States Air Force School of Advanced Military Studies United States Army Command and General

  4. Ex post facto assessment of diffusion tensor imaging metrics from different MRI protocols: preparing for multicentre studies in ALS.

    PubMed

    Rosskopf, Johannes; Müller, Hans-Peter; Dreyhaupt, Jens; Gorges, Martin; Ludolph, Albert C; Kassubek, Jan

    2015-03-01

    Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) for assessing ALS-associated white matter alterations has still not reached the level of a neuroimaging biomarker. Since large-scale multicentre DTI studies in ALS may be hampered by differences in scanning protocols, an approach for pooling of DTI data acquired with different protocols was investigated. Three hundred and nine datasets from 170 ALS patients and 139 controls were collected ex post facto from a monocentric database reflecting different scanning protocols. A 3D correction algorithm was introduced for a combined analysis of DTI metrics despite different acquisition protocols, with the focus on the CST as the tract correlate of ALS neuropathological stage 1. A homogenous set of data was obtained by application of 3D correction matrices. Results showed that a fractional anisotropy (FA) threshold of 0.41 could be defined to discriminate ALS patients from controls (sensitivity/specificity, 74%/72%). For the remaining test sample, sensitivity/specificity values of 68%/74% were obtained. In conclusion, the objective was to merge data recorded with different DTI protocols with 3D correction matrices for analyses at group level. These post processing tools might facilitate analysis of large study samples in a multicentre setting for DTI analysis at group level to aid in establishing DTI as a non-invasive biomarker for ALS.

  5. The Influence of In-Service Training, Seminars and Workshops Attendance by Social Studies Teachers on Academic Performance of Students in Junior Secondary Schools In Cross River State, Nigeria

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Essien, Ekpenyong Essien; Akpan, Okon Edem; Obot, Imo Martin

    2016-01-01

    This research examined the influence of in-service training, seminar and workshop attendance by social studies teachers on students' academic performance in Cross River State, Nigeria. To achieve the purpose of this study, one hypothesis was formulated to direct the study. Ex-post facto research design was adopted for the study. A sample of five…

  6. Teachers' Utilization of School Facilities and Academic Achievement of Student Nurses in Human Biology in Schools of Nursing in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Usen, Onodiong Mfreke

    2016-01-01

    The study examined the relationship between teachers' utilization of school facilities and academic achievement of student nurses in Human Biology in schools of Nursing in Akwa Ibom State. Four (4) specific objectives, four (4) research questions and four (4) null hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Ex-post facto survey design was…

  7. Developing and Testing a Self-Regulated Learning Assessment Methodology Combined with Virtual-Patient Simulation in Medical Education

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-04-09

    Cleary, Dong, & Artino, 2014). Collectively, various ex post facto studies have shown that experts or high achievers display more adaptive forms...regulated learning and academic achievement: A case study analysis [Special Issue]. Educational Research International. doi: 10.1155/2013/272560...Services University of the Health Sciences 4301 Jones Bridge Road Bethesda, Maryland 20814 AF Medical Research Program Air Force Surgeon General

  8. Air and Space Power Journal. Volume 29, Number 4. July-August 2015

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-08-01

    Afghanistan, and Pakistan. It is incredibly difficult to prevent these attacks when the most explicit strategies are reactive ex post facto military...Editor, Strategic Studies Quarterly Air Force Research Institute Dr. Grant T. Hammond USAF Center for Strategy and Technology Dr. Dale L. Hayden Air Force...of War Studies at King’s College London, researches nonproliferation, terrorism, and US security policy. He observes that deterrence strategies

  9. The Relationship between Scores of Mathematics Knowledge and Teaching Practice of Diploma Mathematics Students: A Quest for Quality Assurance

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Adamu, L. E.

    2015-01-01

    The purpose of the study was to determine the relationship between scores in mathematics knowledge and teaching practice of Diploma mathematics students. A sample of 39 students was used. Two research questions and two hypotheses were asked and formulated respectively. An ex-post facto correlation design was used. The data were analyzed using…

  10. School Location, School Section and Students' Gender as Predictors to Secondary School Dropout Rate in Rivers State, Nigeria

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Christian, Mathew

    2015-01-01

    This study was undertaken to underscore the extent the variables of school location, students' gender and school section can predict the rate of drop out of secondary school students. Ex post facto design was adopted and all data on students' enrollment, retention and completion were collected from available schools' records for two cohorts of…

  11. The Relationship between Grade Configuration and Standardized Science Test Scores of Fifth-Grade Students: What School Administrators Should Know

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Johnson, Delonda; Jones, Lisa; Simieou, Felix; Matthew, Kathryn; Morgan, Bryan

    2013-01-01

    This study utilized a causal comparative (ex post facto) design to determine if a consistent relationship existed between fifth-grade students' success on the Science Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) at the elementary (K-5) level in comparison to fifth-grade students' success on the science TAKS at the intermediate (5-6) level. The…

  12. An Ex Post Facto Study of First-Year Student Orientation as an Indicator of Student Success at a Community College

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ellis-O'Quinn, Amanda

    2012-01-01

    While community colleges do an excellent job of fulfilling their open door mission, research shows that the completion rate for community college students is dismal. One retention strategy often employed by community colleges is providing support through orientation programs. A great deal of research has focused on orientation at the four-year…

  13. Assessment of Service Delivery in Guidance and Counselling Units in Selected Secondary Schools in Eldoret Municipality, Kenya

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Owino, Elizabeth Akinyi

    2015-01-01

    This paper assesses the type of services delivered by the existing Guidance and Counselling units in secondary schools in Kenya based on a survey conducted in Eldoret Municipality in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. The study adopted an ex-post facto research design the target population being all secondary schools in the Municipality where a sample was…

  14. Elementary Teachers' Perceived Use of Culturally Responsive Teaching Practices and Their Relationship to Teachers' Demographics

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hohensee, Jo-Anne

    2013-01-01

    The quantitative ex post facto study had a two-fold purpose: (1) to determine which of the cultural responsive teaching practices of kindergarten through sixth grade teachers were used most often and (2) to determine to what extent each of the teacher's demographics (i.e., the predictive variables) differ for each CRTI factor (i.e., the criterion…

  15. Influence of Students' Understanding and Goal Commitment on Academic Achievement in Introductory Technology in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Akpan, Godwin A.; Mbaba, Uduak G.; Udofia, Aniefiok E.

    2012-01-01

    The study examined the influence of students' understanding and goal commitment on their academic achievement in Introductory Technology in secondary schools in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. An ex-post facto survey design was used and a random sample of 2,500 junior secondary three (13-14 years old) students from a population of 48,302 JSS three…

  16. Implementation of Algebra I in Eighth Grade: An "Ex-Post Facto" Study on Student Achievement

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Realdine, Dorothy S.

    2010-01-01

    Only recently have school districts across the nation begun to offer Algebra I to all eighth grade students. Currently, most eighth grade Algebra I curriculum does not have a national consistent focus of topics or level of rigor. A key issue of implementing Algebra I in eighth grade is defining national Algebra I concepts and skills that students…

  17. The Relationship between Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy and Perceived Career Barriers in the Career Decision Making of Selected Community College Students

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kelly, Rosemary Ritter

    2010-01-01

    This study explored the differences between career decision-making self-efficacy (CDMSE) and perceived career barriers of students enrolled in the applied technology program compared to those enrolled in a college transfer program at a southeastern urban community college. Participants in the ex-post facto cross-sectional survey included 787…

  18. A Multidimensional View of Resistance to Organizational Change: Exploring Cognitive, Emotional, and Intentional Responses to Planned Change across Perceived Change Leadership Strategies

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Szabla, David B.

    2007-01-01

    In this survey research study, the researcher employed a causal-comparative, or ex post facto, design to explore the relationship between how union employees of a U.S. county government perceived implementation of a new electronic performance appraisal process and how they responded to the planned organizational change along cognitive, emotional,…

  19. The Impact of Online Programs Used as a Home Resource to Improve Student Achievement in Mathematics in Low-Achieving Students in a Large Chicago Suburban High School

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Shanahan, Anne

    2017-01-01

    The purpose of this quasi-experimental ex post-facto mixed methods study was to investigate the impact of an online homework program on the academic growth of students in the area of mathematics. For this study, achievement in a specific mathematics course, Plane Geometry, was studied to determine the impact of using an online homework method…

  20. Pell Grants Are a Waste of Taxpayer Money: A Study of the Effects of Pell Grants on Persistence in For-Profit Four-Year Colleges

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Filerino, William J.

    2013-01-01

    This ex post facto study examined the relationship between Pell Grant aid and persistence of for-profit four-year college students enrolled during 2003-04 through the next six years in the United States and Puerto Rico. This study examined the demographic dissimilarities in students based on age, gender, financial aid status and ethnicity of those…

  1. Evaluating multicenter DTI data in Huntington's disease on site specific effects: An ex post facto approach.

    PubMed

    Müller, Hans-Peter; Grön, Georg; Sprengelmeyer, Reiner; Kassubek, Jan; Ludolph, Albert C; Hobbs, Nicola; Cole, James; Roos, Raymund A C; Duerr, Alexandra; Tabrizi, Sarah J; Landwehrmeyer, G Bernhard; Süssmuth, Sigurd D

    2013-01-01

    Assessment of the feasibility to average diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics of MRI data acquired in the course of a multicenter study. Sixty-one early stage Huntington's disease patients and forty healthy controls were studied using four different MR scanners at four European sites with acquisition protocols as close as possible to a given standard protocol. The potential and feasibility of averaging data acquired at different sites was evaluated quantitatively by region-of-interest (ROI) based statistical comparisons of coefficients of variation (CV) across centers, as well as by testing for significant group-by-center differences on averaged fractional anisotropy (FA) values between patients and controls. In addition, a whole-brain based statistical between-group comparison was performed using FA maps. The ex post facto statistical evaluation of CV and FA-values in a priori defined ROIs showed no differences between sites above chance indicating that data were not systematically biased by center specific factors. Averaging FA-maps from DTI data acquired at different study sites and different MR scanner types does not appear to be systematically biased. A suitable recipe for testing on the possibility to pool multicenter DTI data is provided to permit averaging of DTI-derived metrics to differentiate patients from healthy controls at a larger scale.

  2. Stigmatizing Attributions and Vocational Rehabilitation Outcomes of People with Disabilities

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Chan, Jacob Yui-Chung; Keegan, John P.; Ditchman, Nicole; Gonzalez, Rene; Zheng, Lisa Xi; Chan, Fong

    2011-01-01

    Objective: To determine whether employment outcomes of people with disabilities can be predicted by the social-cognitive/attribution theory of stigmatization. Design: Ex post facto design using data mining technique and logistic regression analysis. Participants: Data from 40,585 vocational rehabilitation (VR) consumers were extracted from the…

  3. Foreign Language Competence and Content and Language Integrated Learning in Multilingual Schools in Catalonia: An "Ex Post Facto" Study Analysing the Results of State Key Competences Testing

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Coral, Josep; Lleixà, Teresa; Ventura, Carles

    2018-01-01

    The member states of the European Union have funded many initiatives supporting the teaching and learning of foreign languages. Content and language integrated learning is one of the experimental language programmes that have been introduced in Catalonia, in the north-east of Spain. The aims of this study are to analyse the results achieved by…

  4. A Quantitative Study on Student Engagement at Achieving the Dream and Non-Achieving the Dream Community Colleges Evaluated with CCSSE Data

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Washington, Lisa Romaine

    2017-01-01

    The purpose of this ex post facto study was to determine differences in the level of student engagement in (a) students attending community colleges that participated in the Achieving the Dream (AtD) in 2011 and 2012 and (b) students attending community colleges that did not participate in AtD in 2011 and 2012. The Community College Survey of…

  5. Knowledge and attitudes of nurses on a regional neurological intensive therapy unit towards brain stem death and organ donation.

    PubMed

    Davies, C

    1997-01-01

    The study aimed to explore nurses knowledge and attitudes towards brain stem death and organ donation. An ex post facto research design was used to determine relationships between variables. A 16 item questionnaire was used to collect data. Statistical analysis revealed one significant result. The limitations of the sample size is acknowledged and the conclusion suggests a larger study is required.

  6. Opening the Gates to Foster Scholarship for Urban Students: Organizational Policies and Systemic Practices in a High Performing High Poverty Urban High School

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ellis, Regina Anderson

    2012-01-01

    The problem of underachievement seems to exist in school districts across the country, particularly, where there are a significant percentage of students of color and low socio-economic groups. The purpose of this qualitative case study, conducted with an ex post facto approach, was to bring to light the organizational policies and systemic…

  7. Exploring the Relationship between Use of a Selected Phonics Program and the Oral Reading Fluency and Nonsense Word Fluency Scores of First-Grade Students

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Day, Bryce B.

    2017-01-01

    The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the effects, if any, of a supplemental phonics curriculum, Saxon Phonics, on the reading achievement of first-grade students in one mountain-west, semirural, school district. The design was casual-comparative and ex post facto, and answered the questions: (1) Do students taught using a…

  8. An Ex Post Facto Study on the Relationship between Self-Reported Peer-to-Peer Mentoring Experiences and Instructor Confidence, Institutional Loyalty, and Student Satisfaction among Part-Time Instructors

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Watson, Carolyn A.

    2012-01-01

    Problem: The most recent data from the U.S. Department of Educational Statistics estimate that part-time faculty now comprises almost half of the faculty labor force; many believe this statistic has been gravely underestimated. Powerful unions like the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) and the American Association of Colleges…

  9. A Descriptive, Ex Post Facto Study of the Leadership Behaviors of Three Southern California Elementary School Principals in High-Performing Schools

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Nagy, Amy L.

    2011-01-01

    Purpose: The purpose was to identify whether the principals in three Southern California schools that have sustained API scores of at least 900 and state and similar schools ranking of a 10 for three or more consecutive years, demonstrate the eleven behaviors outlined by Marzano, Waters, and McNulty, in successfully achieving second-order change.…

  10. A Comparison of Student Outcomes and Overall Retention between a 10-Week Accelerated and a 15-Week Traditional Curriculum in a Postsecondary Apprenticeship Training Program

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Adams, Gilbert L.

    2013-01-01

    This ex post facto comparison study of a postsecondary apprenticeship program at a naval ship construction company examined 8 years of academic performance and program completion data for two curricular formats: a 15-week traditional group (1,259 apprentices) and a 10-week accelerated group (736 apprentices). The two groups were investigated to…

  11. A Literature-Based Basal Reader's Effects on Student Achievement: An Evaluation of Literature-Based Basal Textbook Adoption at Terre Town Elementary.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Burk, Anne

    An ex post facto study examined third grade students' achievement test scores both before and after the adoption of a literature-based basal reading text. The experimental groups consisted of five third grade classes at Terre Town Elementary School (Indiana) for each of the years 1988 through 1993. Mean scores were plotted and data were visually…

  12. Command and Control of Guerrilla Groups in the Philippines, 1941-1945

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2017-05-25

    However, the phasing concept in this case seems ex post facto , rather than descriptive of any initial design. Especially in its early days, the trajectory... post -independence era. They apply a framework that examines the environment, organization, tactics, doctrine, and technology of each phase of history...defenses on Mindanao and destroyed the bulk of Sharp’s force, though the command post at Del Monte remained intact.33 On May 9, Sharp met with a

  13. An Ex Post Facto Evaluation Framework for Place-Based Police Interventions

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Braga, Anthony A.; Hureau, David M.; Papachristos, Andrew V.

    2011-01-01

    Background: A small but growing body of research evidence suggests that place-based police interventions generate significant crime control gains. While place-based policing strategies have been adopted by a majority of U.S. police departments, very few agencies make a priori commitments to rigorous evaluations. Objective: Recent methodological…

  14. Collaborative Work Competency in Online Postgraduate Students and Its Prevalence on Academic Achievement

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Castillo, Marisela; Heredia, Yolanda; Gallardo, Katherina

    2017-01-01

    The purpose of this research was aimed to establish a relationship between the level of collaborative work competency and the academic performance of students in an online master's degree program. An ex-post-facto investigation was conducted through a quantitative methodology and descriptive analysis. A collaborative competency checklist was…

  15. Impact of English Proficiency on Academic Performance of International Students

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Martirosyan, Nara M.; Hwang, Eunjin; Wanjohi, Reubenson

    2015-01-01

    Using an ex-post facto, non-experimental approach, this research examined the impact of English language proficiency and multilingualism on the academic performance of international students enrolled in a four-year university located in north central Louisiana in the United States. Data were collected through a self-reported questionnaire from 59…

  16. South-South Universities Curriculum Characteristics and Global Collaboration in the 21st Century

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Obiekezie, Eucharia Obiageli; Essien, Margaret; Essien, Alexander Timothy

    2013-01-01

    Globalization imposes certain inescapable requirements on a university's curriculum. One such requirement is the elasticity of the curriculum to sustain local demands and accommodate global concerns. Using the ex post facto design, this paper examines the impact of global collaboration on the curriculum characteristics of selected universities in…

  17. Technology and Engineering Education Accommodation Service Profile: An Ex Post Facto Research Design

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ernst, Jeremy V.; Williams, Thomas O., Jr.

    2014-01-01

    Technology and engineering educators have an opportunity to serve a vital role in contributing to or assisting in the guidance of educational programming for students qualifying for accommodation services. Within this article, students referred to as at-risk were from two specific special populations within this group: individuals with…

  18. The Effect of Automation on Job Duties, Classifications, Staffing Patterns, and Labor Costs in the UBC Library's Cataloguing Divisions: A Comparison of 1973 and 1986.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    de Bruijn, Erik

    This report discusses an ex post facto study that was done to examine the effect that the implementation of automated systems has had on libraries and support staff, labor costs, and productivity in the cataloging divisions of the library of the University of British Columbia. A comparison was made between two years: 1973, a pre-automated period…

  19. How Principals Learn to Lead: The Comparative Influence of On-the-Job Experiences, Administrator Credential Programs, and the ISLLC Standards in the Development of Leadership Expertise among Urban Public School Principals

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Davis, Stephen H.; Leon, Ronald J.; Fultz, Miriam

    2013-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to examine the comparative influence of college administrator credential programs, on-the-job experiences, and the ISLLC Standards in the development of leadership expertise among urban public school principals. An exploratory, ex-post-facto research design used both quantitative and qualitative approaches. A survey…

  20. Students Who Choose to Enroll in STEM Electives and Those Who Do Not: An Ex Post Facto Study on Math Self-Efficacy at a High School in Germany

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Udoaka, Vicky L.

    2017-01-01

    School systems across the United States have launched the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math recruitment initiatives to interest students in related majors and careers. While an overall interest of high school students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math majors and careers has increased by over twenty-five percent in the past two…

  1. Mode of Entry as a Predictor of Success in Final Year Bachelor of Education Degree Examinations in Universities in Ekiti and Ondo States, Nigeria

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Adeyemi, T. O.

    2009-01-01

    This paper investigates the mode of entry as a predictor of success in final year bachelor of education degree examinations in universities in Ekiti and Ondo States, Nigeria. As an ex-post facto and correlational research, the study population comprised all the 1810 final year 400 level students in the two universities offering education courses,…

  2. India-Japan Strategic Cooperation and Implications for U.S. Strategy in the Indo-Asia-Pacific Region

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2017-03-01

    Pradesh, Maharashtra, and West Bengal. In a 2015 ex post facto evaluation of Japan’s ODA Rural Electrification Project, project evaluator Keishi...rights are observed and extended. Implicit in the rebalance was a hedge against a China acting to challenge the existing post –World War II rules-based...during the last 45 years of the 20th century. In the immediate post –World War II era, India provided urgent supplies of food and other equipment to

  3. Clarifying the Rules for Targeted Killing: An Analytical Framework for Policies Involving Long-Range Armed Drones

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-09-08

    the ability of the United States to influence how countries will use these systems ex post facto is always limited, as demonstrated by Saudi...Greg Miller, “CIA Didn’t Know Strike Would Hit al-Qaeda Leader,” Washington Post , June 17, 2015 (as of February 29, 2016: https...Targets Two Leaders of Somali Group Allied with al-Qaeda,” Washington Post , June 29, 2011 (as of February 29, 2016: https://www.washingtonpost.com

  4. Evaluating multicenter DTI data in Huntington's disease on site specific effects: An ex post facto approach☆

    PubMed Central

    Müller, Hans-Peter; Grön, Georg; Sprengelmeyer, Reiner; Kassubek, Jan; Ludolph, Albert C.; Hobbs, Nicola; Cole, James; Roos, Raymund A.C.; Duerr, Alexandra; Tabrizi, Sarah J.; Landwehrmeyer, G. Bernhard; Süssmuth, Sigurd D.

    2013-01-01

    Purpose Assessment of the feasibility to average diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics of MRI data acquired in the course of a multicenter study. Materials and methods Sixty-one early stage Huntington's disease patients and forty healthy controls were studied using four different MR scanners at four European sites with acquisition protocols as close as possible to a given standard protocol. The potential and feasibility of averaging data acquired at different sites was evaluated quantitatively by region-of-interest (ROI) based statistical comparisons of coefficients of variation (CV) across centers, as well as by testing for significant group-by-center differences on averaged fractional anisotropy (FA) values between patients and controls. In addition, a whole-brain based statistical between-group comparison was performed using FA maps. Results The ex post facto statistical evaluation of CV and FA-values in a priori defined ROIs showed no differences between sites above chance indicating that data were not systematically biased by center specific factors. Conclusion Averaging FA-maps from DTI data acquired at different study sites and different MR scanner types does not appear to be systematically biased. A suitable recipe for testing on the possibility to pool multicenter DTI data is provided to permit averaging of DTI-derived metrics to differentiate patients from healthy controls at a larger scale. PMID:24179771

  5. Non-Parametric Model Drift Detection

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-07-01

    de,la,n,o,the,m, facto ,et,des,of Group num: 42, TC(X;Y_j): 0.083 42:resolution,council,resolutions,draft,recalling,pursuant,reaffirming,sponsors...Y_j): 0.019 80: posts ,cost, post ,expenditure,overall,infrastructure,expected,operational,external, savings Group num: 81, TC(X;Y_j): 0.018 81...90, TC(X;Y_j): 0.014 90:its,expresses,mandate,reiterates,appreciation,expressing,endorsed,reiterated, ex peditiously,literature Group num: 91, TC(X

  6. Gender Disparity Analysis in Academic Achievement at Higher Education Preparatory Schools: Case of South Wollo, Ethiopia

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Eshetu, Amogne Asfaw

    2015-01-01

    Gender is among the determinant factors affecting students' academic achievement. This paper tried to investigate the impact of gender on academic performance of preparatory secondary school students based on 2014 EHEECE result. Ex post facto research design was used. To that end, data were collected from 3243 students from eight purposively…

  7. 78 FR 17395 - Media Bureau Announces Filing of Request for Clarification of the Commission's Policies and...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-03-21

    ... such as The Guardian, Japan Today and The Jerusalem Post; Internet portals such as Google, Yahoo! and... facto authority to disallow a transaction unless and until any national security concerns have been... be treated as a ``permit-but-disclose'' proceeding in accordance with the Commission's ex parte rules...

  8. 78 FR 75563 - Commission Policies and Procedures Under the Communications Act, Foreign Investment in Broadcast...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-12-12

    ...; see also CBI May 28, 2013, Ex Parte at 1. CBI members comprise national broadcast networks, radio and... alien de facto control and real-party-in-interest issues for section 310(b)(4) compliance). \\21\\ See, e... Designs Compromised by Chinese Cyberspies, by Ellen Nakashima, The Washington Post (May 27, 2013). IV...

  9. Assessment of Students Attitude and Perception of Teaching Practice: The Case of Undergraduates of Delta State University, Abraka

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ifeoma, Asiyai Romina

    2016-01-01

    This descriptive survey research employed ex-post facto design to examine teaching practice in Delta State University, Abraka Nigeria. Interview and questionnaire were used to generate data from 280 respondents. Three research questions and three hypotheses guided the investigation. Data collected were analyzed via the use of mean, standard…

  10. The Respective Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Ways of Measuring the Instructional Sensitivity of Reading Comprehension Test Items.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Perkins, Kyle

    In this paper four classes of procedures for measuring the instructional sensitivity of reading comprehension test items are reviewed. True experimental designs are not recommended because some of the most important reading comprehension variables do not lend themselves to experimental manipulation. "Ex post facto" factorial designs are…

  11. Impact of Parent-Child Relationship on the Career Development Process of High School Students in Ibadan, Nigeria

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Salami, Samuel O.; Aremu, A. Oyesoji

    2007-01-01

    Purpose: The purpose of this paper was to investigate the relationships of parental attachment and psychological separation to the career development process of secondary school adolescents. Design/methodology/approach: An "ex post facto" survey research design was adopted. The sample comprised 242 (males = 121, females = 121) senior…

  12. Trust in Leadership: Investigation of Andragogical Learning and Implications for Student Placement Outcomes

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gillespie, LaVerne

    2014-01-01

    Purpose. The investigation sought to determine the significance and or the effects of an ex post facto staffing intervention involving the addition of a Regional (mid-tier) team of instructional leaders as a viable and sustainable solution for increased operational effectiveness year over year, and, if there could be implications on employment…

  13. The Case for a Joint Evaluation

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2017-01-01

    intelligence, and engineering. Finally, the comparative time ex - pended by the combatant commanders (CCDRs) on fulfilling four different evaluation...template for the joint-centric construct would align with the four de facto sections noted earlier: an identifica- tion section, a performance metric...intangible or have not been properly researched. For example, under one evaluation system, a Servicemember’s separation or retire- ment into a post

  14. 77 FR 3075 - Resolution Plans Required for Insured Depository Institutions With $50 Billion or More in Total...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-01-23

    ... commenter suggested that the Rule should not require the CIDI to demonstrate a strategy is least costly ex... the ipso facto rule or the 90-day stay on enforcement of contracts in default. However, the FDI Act... above, but is not limited to these methods. As suggested by one commenter, a CIDI may consider a post...

  15. Social Cognitive and Planned Behavior Variables Associated with Stages of Change for Physical Activity in Spinal Cord Injury: A Multivariate Analysis

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Keegan, John; Ditchman, Nicole; Dutta, Alo; Chiu, Chung-Yi; Muller, Veronica; Chan, Fong; Kundu, Madan

    2016-01-01

    Purpose: To apply the constructs of social cognitive theory (SCT) and the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to understand the stages of change (SOC) for physical activities among individuals with a spinal cord injury (SCI). Method: Ex post facto design using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). The participants were 144 individuals with SCI…

  16. Effect of streptokinase on reperfusion after acute myocardial infarction and its complications: an ex-post facto study.

    PubMed

    Taheri, Leila; Boroujeni, Ali Zargham; Kargar Jahromi, Marzieh; Charkhandaz, Maryam; Hojat, Mohsen

    2015-01-01

    Emergency treatment of patients with acute myocardial infarction is very important. Streptokinase in Iran is often as the only clot-busting medication is used. The purpose of using streptokinase medication is to revive the ischemic heart tissue, although has dangerous complications too. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the effect of streptokinase on reperfusion after acute myocardial infarction and its complications, has been designed and conducted. This is an Ex-post facto study. The study population included patients who suffer from acute myocardial infarction. The sample size was 300 patients, and 2 groups were matched, in variables of age, sex, underlying disease, frequencies and area of MI. Data collection did by researcher making questionnaire, that accept face and content validity by 10 expert researcher, the reliability was conducted with Spearman's test (r=0.85) by Test-retest method. Data analysis did by SPSS software: V 12. Mean of EF in SK group was (46.15±8.11) and in control group was (43.11±12.57). Significant relationship was seen between SK, arrhythmia occurring and improve EF reperfusion by chi-square test (p=0.028), (p=0.020).The most arrhythmia in SK group was Ventricular Tachycardia (20.7%). Significant statistical relation between SK and mortality were found by Chi-square test (p=0.001). But a meaningful statistical relation was not found between SK and pulmonary edema incidence (p=0.071). Nurses of CCU should be aware about SK complications such as hypotension, bleeding and arrhythmias. Proposed compare SK and tissue plasminogen drug in reperfusion and complications effect.

  17. Grief responses, coping processes, and social support of widows: research with Roy's model.

    PubMed

    Robinson, J H

    1995-01-01

    This ex post facto descriptive correlational design study of widows during their second year of bereavement utilizes Roy's adaptation model as a guiding framework. Contextual stimuli (social support, social network, income/education, spiritual beliefs) were related to the cognator function (coping process), which was related to adaptation outcome (grief response). Significant moderate positive relationships were found between social support and coping process, and between social network and coping process. A significant relationship was also found between coping process and grief response. The path model accounted for 18% explained variance.

  18. The relation between learning mathematics and students' competencies in undesrtanding texts

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hapipi, Azmi, Syahrul; Sripatmi, Amrullah

    2017-08-01

    This study was a descriptive study that aimed to gain an overview on the relation between learning mathematics and students' competencies in understanding texts. This research was classified as an ex post facto study due in part to the variable studied is the variable that was already happening. While the technique of taking the sample using stratified proportional sampling techniques. These techniques have been selected for the condition of the population, in the context of learning mathematics, diverse and also tiered. The results of this study indicate that there is a relationship between learning mathematics and students' competencies in understanding texts.

  19. Predicting What Will Happen When You Intervene.

    PubMed

    Cartwright, Nancy; Hardie, Jeremy

    2017-01-01

    This paper offers some rules of thumb that practicing social workers can use for case studies that aim to construct, albeit not fully and never entirely reliably, models designed to help predict what will happen if they intervene in specific ways to help this particular client, here and now. We call these 'ex ante case-specific causal models'. 'Ex ante' because they are for before-the-fact prediction of what the likely effects of proposed actions are. 'Case-specific' because we are not concerned with studies that provide evidence for some general conclusion but rather with using what general and local knowledge one can get to predict what will happen to a specific client in the real settings in which they live. 'Causal' because this kind of case study aims to trace out as best possible the web of causal processes that will be responsible for what happens. In this sense our case studies resemble post facto realist evaluations.

  20. Effect of Streptokinase on Reperfusion After Acute Myocardial Infarction and Its Complications: An Ex-Post Facto Study

    PubMed Central

    Taheri, Leila; Zargham-Boroujeni, Ali; Jahromi, Marzieh Kargar; Charkhandaz, Maryam; Hojat, Mohsen

    2015-01-01

    Introduction: Emergency treatment of patients with acute myocardial infarction is very important. Streptokinase in Iran is often as the only clot-busting medication is used. The purpose of using streptokinase medication is to revive the ischemic heart tissue, although has dangerous complications too. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the effect of streptokinase on reperfusion after acute myocardial infarction and its complications, has been designed and conducted. Materials and Methods: This is an Ex-post facto study. The study population included patients who suffer from acute myocardial infarction. The sample size was 300 patients, and 2 groups were matched, in variables of age, sex, underlying disease, frequencies and area of MI. Data collection did by researcher making questionnaire, that accept face and content validity by 10 expert researcher, the reliability was conducted with Spearman’s test (r=0.85) by Test-retest method. Data analysis did by SPSS software: V 12. Findings: Mean of EF in SK group was (46.15±8.11) and in control group was (43.11±12.57). Significant relationship was seen between SK, arrhythmia occurring and improve EF reperfusion by chi-square test (p=0.028), (p=0.020). The most arrhythmia in SK group was Ventricular Tachycardia (20.7%). Significant statistical relation between SK and mortality were found by Chi-square test (p=0.001). But a meaningful statistical relation was not found between SK and pulmonary edema incidence (p=0.071). Conclusions: Nurses of CCU should be aware about SK complications such as hypotension, bleeding and arrhythmias. Proposed compare SK and tissue plasminogen drug in reperfusion and complications effect. PMID:25946921

  1. Al-Qaeda and Islamist Militant Influences on Tribal Dynamics: The Northern Mali and Northeastern Nigeria Regions

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-01-05

    is we made progress, ex post facto , in terms of methodology development towards what DARPA recently called for, namely “improve[ing] our understanding...for their bases of activity. Prior quantitative research , by the P.I. and by others, has shown that tribalism is an important incubator of Islamist...undergraduate students partook in the research , and were involved in conceptualization of problems, quantitative and qualitative research , coding of

  2. When can social media lead financial markets?

    PubMed

    Zheludev, Ilya; Smith, Robert; Aste, Tomaso

    2014-02-27

    Social media analytics is showing promise for the prediction of financial markets. However, the true value of such data for trading is unclear due to a lack of consensus on which instruments can be predicted and how. Current approaches are based on the evaluation of message volumes and are typically assessed via retrospective (ex-post facto) evaluation of trading strategy returns. In this paper, we present instead a sentiment analysis methodology to quantify and statistically validate which assets could qualify for trading from social media analytics in an ex-ante configuration. We use sentiment analysis techniques and Information Theory measures to demonstrate that social media message sentiment can contain statistically-significant ex-ante information on the future prices of the S&P500 index and a limited set of stocks, in excess of what is achievable using solely message volumes.

  3. When Can Social Media Lead Financial Markets?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zheludev, Ilya; Smith, Robert; Aste, Tomaso

    2014-02-01

    Social media analytics is showing promise for the prediction of financial markets. However, the true value of such data for trading is unclear due to a lack of consensus on which instruments can be predicted and how. Current approaches are based on the evaluation of message volumes and are typically assessed via retrospective (ex-post facto) evaluation of trading strategy returns. In this paper, we present instead a sentiment analysis methodology to quantify and statistically validate which assets could qualify for trading from social media analytics in an ex-ante configuration. We use sentiment analysis techniques and Information Theory measures to demonstrate that social media message sentiment can contain statistically-significant ex-ante information on the future prices of the S&P500 index and a limited set of stocks, in excess of what is achievable using solely message volumes.

  4. When Can Social Media Lead Financial Markets?

    PubMed Central

    Zheludev, Ilya; Smith, Robert; Aste, Tomaso

    2014-01-01

    Social media analytics is showing promise for the prediction of financial markets. However, the true value of such data for trading is unclear due to a lack of consensus on which instruments can be predicted and how. Current approaches are based on the evaluation of message volumes and are typically assessed via retrospective (ex-post facto) evaluation of trading strategy returns. In this paper, we present instead a sentiment analysis methodology to quantify and statistically validate which assets could qualify for trading from social media analytics in an ex-ante configuration. We use sentiment analysis techniques and Information Theory measures to demonstrate that social media message sentiment can contain statistically-significant ex-ante information on the future prices of the S&P500 index and a limited set of stocks, in excess of what is achievable using solely message volumes. PMID:24572909

  5. One-Party Dominance: Future Political Implications for the Conservatives in South Korea

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-12-01

    the vote to 26.1%.48 One of the reasons for the progressive defeat was the failure of ex -President Roh Moo-hyun to uphold his anti- corruption...appoint individuals to posts in a way that creates an advantage in implementing policies.65 The biggest advantage of the presidency is the ability to self...were necessary for South Korea to grow; he legitimized his rule with results.114 One method was the distribution of de facto pork barrel not only

  6. Two Faces of Attrition: Analysis of a Mismatched Strategy against Mexican and Central American Drug Traffickers

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2017-03-31

    Washington Post , August 15, 2014. 30 William Kelleher Storey, The First World War: A concise Global History (USA, Maryland: Rowman & Littlefield, 2014...Hector became the de- facto leader to replace Arturo because of his familial relationship. The group’s operations continued to smuggling drugs because...through a “narco banner” hung across Nuevo Laredo’s Avenida Reforma reading “Los Zetas wants you, soldier or ex -soldier. We offer a good salary

  7. Strategies for Minimizing Monetary Loss in the Department of Defense Budget through Use of Financial Derivatives

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2008-03-01

    purpose of this research was to examine whether it would be in the best interest of the Department of Defense to consider using currency hedging as a...the aforementioned hedges during the same period of time. Using an ex post facto analysis with the gathered data, the results show that hedging with...futures or call options on the USD/EURO would have provided a tremendous overall savings to the DOD. Currently the DOD does not hedge its budget

  8. A study to determine the difference in clinical judgment abilities between BSN and non-BSN graduates.

    PubMed

    Sanford, M; Genrich, S; Nowotny, M

    1992-02-01

    The purpose of this retrospective study is to determine the difference in clinical judgment abilities of recent baccalaureate nurses (BSN) seeking employment in a large metropolitan hospital and of nurses without a baccalaureate degree. Using an ex post facto design, the orientation records of 116 newly hired nurses were analyzed to determine the clinical judgment abilities using video vignettes produced by Medcom, Inc. Findings indicated that there was no difference in clinical judgment in newly hired BSN and non-BSN graduates. These findings indicate a need for more research studies to determine how clinical judgment is developed and to evaluate teaching strategies that facilitate clinical judgment.

  9. An ex post facto evaluation framework for place-based police interventions.

    PubMed

    Braga, Anthony A; Hureau, David M; Papachristos, Andrew V

    2011-12-01

    A small but growing body of research evidence suggests that place-based police interventions generate significant crime control gains. While place-based policing strategies have been adopted by a majority of U.S. police departments, very few agencies make a priori commitments to rigorous evaluations. Recent methodological developments were applied to conduct a rigorous ex post facto evaluation of the Boston Police Department's Safe Street Team (SST) hot spots policing program. A nonrandomized quasi-experimental design was used to evaluate the violent crime control benefits of the SST program at treated street segments and intersections relative to untreated street segments and intersections. Propensity score matching techniques were used to identify comparison places in Boston. Growth curve regression models were used to analyze violent crime trends at treatment places relative to control places. UNITS OF ANALYSIS: Using computerized mapping and database software, a micro-level place database of violent index crimes at all street segments and intersections in Boston was created. Yearly counts of violent index crimes between 2000 and 2009 at the treatment and comparison street segments and intersections served as the key outcome measure. The SST program was associated with a statistically significant reduction in violent index crimes at the treatment places relative to the comparison places without displacing crime into proximate areas. To overcome the challenges of evaluation in real-world settings, evaluators need to continuously develop innovative approaches that take advantage of new theoretical and methodological approaches.

  10. How does Socio-Economic Factors Influence Interest to Go to Vocational High Schools?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Utomo, N. F.; Wonggo, D.

    2018-02-01

    This study is aimed to reveal the interest of the students of junior high schools in Sangihe Islands, Indonesia, to go to vocational high schools and the affecting factors. This study used the quantitative method with the ex-post facto approach. The population consisted of 332 students, and the sample of 178 students was established using the proportional random sampling technique applying Isaac table’s 5% error standard. The results show that family’s socio-economic condition positively contributes 26% to interest to go to vocational high schools thus proving that family’s socio-economic condition is influential and contribute to junior high school students’ interest to go to vocational high schools.

  11. Ethnic/racial misidentification in death: a problem which may distort suicide statistics.

    PubMed

    Andres, V R

    1977-01-01

    Since the majority of suicide studies are ex post facto studies of demographic data collected by pathologists anc coroner's investigators, the role of the forensic scientist in determining the accuracy of statistical analyses of death is extremely important. This paper discusses how two salient features of a decedent, surname and residence location, can be misleading in determining the ethnic/racial classification of the decreased. Because many Southern California Indians have Spanish Surnames and most do not reside on an Indian reservation it is shown that the suicide statistics may represent an over-estimation of actual Mexican-American suicidal deaths while simultaneously representing an under-estimation of the suicides among American Indians of the region.

  12. Gender, Internet use, and sexual behavior orientation among young Nigerians.

    PubMed

    Adebayo, D O; Udegbe, I B; Sunmola, A M

    2006-12-01

    This study examined the influence of gender and Internet use on the sexual behavior orientation of young adults in Nigeria. Using an ex-post-facto design, data were collected from a total of 231 participants. Results of the hierarchical regression model provided support for the influence of gender and Internet use on sexual behavior orientation among young Nigerians. Further, results also revealed an interaction effect; as the use of the Internet increased, male participants reported a greater extent of risky sexual behavior orientation than their female counterparts. The findings were explained in the context of the theoretical foundations of the study, while practical implications for combating youths' risky sexual behavior orientation were highlighted.

  13. The nursing department's view towards moroccan patients.

    PubMed

    Sánchez-Ojeda, María Angustias; Alemany Arrebola, Inmaculada; Gallardo Vigil, Miguel Ángel

    2017-05-25

    To determine the Melilla Hospital Nursing Department's attitude towards Moroccan patients. Descriptive ex post facto study. A questionnaire has been handed over to staff, on the Immigration Attitude Scale for Nursing. In general, nurses exhibit negative attitudes towards Moroccan patients, such as: the increase in crime is caused by the arrival of immigrants, those who commit offenses must be expelled from Spain, they take advantage of the Spanish health system and too many resources are devoted to immigration. The worst-rated immigrants are the Moroccans, considering that they do not pay much attention to their personal hygiene and do not adapt to their host countries. It is necessary to work with the nursing staff to change these attitudes. Future degree students must be trained in cultural skills and the care of immigrants will improve with a greater commitment towards cultural differences. Conocer la actitud de enfermería del Hospital de Melilla hacia los pacientes marroquíes. Estudio ex post facto descriptivo. Se ha pasado un cuestionario de Escala de Actitud ante la Inmigración para Enfermería. En general las enfermeras presentan actitudes negativas ante los pacientes marroquíes, como: el aumento de la delincuencia es provocado por la llegada de inmigrantes, los que delinquen deben ser expulsados de España, se aprovechan del sistema sanitario y se dedican demasiados recursos para la inmigración. Los inmigrantes peores valorados son los marroquíes, considerando que son pocos cuidadosos con su higiene personal y no se adaptan a los países de acogida. Es necesario trabajar con el personal de enfermería para que cambien estas actitudes. Las futuras promociones de Grado deben estar formadas en competencias culturales y mejorarán los cuidados a los inmigrantes como un mayor compromiso con la diferencia cultural.

  14. Analysis of international content of ranked nursing journals in 2005 using ex post facto design.

    PubMed

    Dougherty, Molly C; Lin, Shu-Yuan; McKenna, Hugh P; Seers, Kate; Keeney, Sinead

    2011-06-01

    The purpose of this study was to examine articles in ISI-ranked nursing journals and to analyse the articles and journals, using definitions of international and article content. Growing emphasis on global health includes attention on international nursing literature. Contributions from Latin America and Africa have been reported. Attention to ranked nursing journals to support scholarship in global health is needed. Using an ex post facto design, characteristics of 2827 articles, authors and journals of 32 ranked nursing journals for the year 2005 were analysed between June 2006 and June 2007. Using definitions of international and of article content, research questions were analysed statistically. (a) 928 (32·8%) articles were international; (b) 2016 (71·3%) articles were empirical or scholarly; (c) 826 (89·3%) articles reflecting international content were scholarly or empirical; (d) among international articles more were empirical (66·3 % vs. 32·8 %; χ(2) ((1)) = 283·6, P < 0·001); (e) among non-international articles more were scholarly (29·2 % vs. 22·7 %; χ(2) ((1)) = 15·85, P < 0·001; 22·7 %); (f) 1004 (78·0 %) articles were international, based on author characteristics; (f) 20 (62·5 %) journals were led by an international editorial team; and (g) international journals had more international articles (3·6 % vs. 29·2 %; χ(2) ((1)) = 175·75, P < 0·001) and higher impact factors than non-international journals (t = -14·43, P < 0·001). Articles with empirical content appear more frequently in international journals. Results indicate the need to examine the international relevance of the nursing literature. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

  15. Transverse compression of PPTA fibers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Singletary, James

    2000-07-01

    Results of single transverse compression testing of PPTA and PIPD fibers, using a novel test device, are presented and discussed. In the tests, short lengths of single fibers are compressed between two parallel, stiff platens. The fiber elastic deformation is analyzed as a Hertzian contact problem. The inelastic deformation is analyzed by elastic-plastic FE simulation and by laser-scanning confocal microscopy of the compressed fibers ex post facto. The results obtained are compared to those in the literature and to the theoretical predictions of PPTA fiber transverse elasticity based on PPTA crystal elasticity.

  16. Examining Physics Career Interests: Recruitment and Persistence into College

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lock, R. M.; Hazari, Z.; Sadler, P. M.; Sonnert, G.

    2012-03-01

    Compared to the undergraduate population, the number of students obtaining physics degrees has been declining since the 1960s. This trend continues despite the increasing number of students taking introductory physics courses in high school and college. Our work uses an ex-post facto design to study the factors that influence students' decision to pursue a career in physics at the beginning of college. These factors include high school physics classroom experiences, other science-related experiences, and students' career motivations. The data used in this study is drawn from the Persistence Research in Science and Engineering (PRiSE) Project, a large-scale study that surveyed a nationally representative sample of college/university students enrolled in introductory English courses about their interests and prior experiences in science.

  17. Self-care resources and activity as predictors of quality of life in persons after myocardial infarction.

    PubMed

    Baas, Linda S

    2004-01-01

    An ex post facto correlational study was conducted to examine predictors of quality of life in persons 3 to 6 months after a myocardial infarction. Self-care resources, self-care knowledge (needs), activity level, and selected demographic variables were examined as predictor variables. A convenience sample of 86 subjects with a mean age of 61 years, was recruited for participation in this study. The study that explained 35% of the variance in quality of life included self-care resources available, activity level, and self-care needs. Modeling and Role Modeling Paradigm provided a useful explanation of how self-care resources and self-care knowledge can be applied to persons recovering from myocardial infarction.

  18. Capital projects: Economic and financial analyses of nine capital projects in Egypt. Technical report

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

    Hanrahan, M.; Walker, J.

    1994-03-01

    Over the period 1977-92, the US Agency for International Development (A.I.D.) funded nine capital projects in Egypt, which collectively increased electric power generation, introduced a modern telephone system in Cairo and Alexandria, and rehabilitated a water and sewer system that served 23 million people. This study presents detailed ex post facto analyses of the projects` economic and financial internal rates of return. The methodology, assumptions, and data are examined and described. Results indicate a mixed performance, with generally low to medium financial and economic rates of return. In large measure, the poor performance was due to the Egyptian Government`s poormore » economic policies.« less

  19. 75 FR 34689 - Pure Magnesium From the People's Republic of China: Preliminary Results of the 2008-2009...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-06-18

    ..., the Department issued its antidumping duty questionnaire to TMI, TXR, and Pan Asia by FedEx. TXR.... Absence of De Facto Control Typically, the Department considers four factors in evaluating whether each... profits or financing of losses.\\32\\ The Department has determined that an analysis of de facto control is...

  20. Suicidal Ideation, Depressive Symptomatology, and Self-Concept: A Comparison Between Mexican Institutionalized and Noninstitutionalized Children.

    PubMed

    Chavez-Hernandez, Ana-Maria; Correa-Romero, Fredi-Everardo; Acosta-Rojas, Irma-Beatriz; Cardoso-Espindola, Karen-Viviana; Padilla-Gallegos, Gustavo M; Valadez-Figueroa, Isabel

    2018-04-01

    Previous research reports a significant prevalence of child depression worldwide and self-concept as a predictor of depression and suicide behavior. Although suicide in children is an increasing problem in Mexico, there are scarce studies reporting risk factors and none of children in foster care institutions. This was a comparative, ex post facto study whose aim was to analyze associations between suicidal ideation, depression, and self-concept in two paired samples of Mexican children (83 institutionalized and 83 noninstitutionalized). Results show 16% of the children reported suicidal ideation and statistically significant differences among variables in both samples. Suggestions are made to address this problem from early ages. © 2017 The American Association of Suicidology.

  1. Practice-Based Research: Ex Post Facto Evaluation of Evidence-Based Police Practices Implemented in Residential Burglary Micro-Time Hot Spots.

    PubMed

    Santos, Roberto G; Santos, Rachel Boba

    2015-10-01

    Police agencies around the country are implementing various strategies to reduce crime in their communities that need to be evaluated. These strategies are often based on systematic crime analysis and are focused on crime occurring in hot spots, which are areas of disproportionate amounts of crime. This article takes a practice-based research approach to evaluate whether evidence-based police strategies implemented by one police agency as its normal everyday crime reduction practice are effective in reducing residential burglary incidents in micro-time hot spots. A quasi-experimental ex post facto design is employed using 5 years of data from one police agency that has institutionalized the identification and response to micro-time hot spots into its day-to-day practices. Propensity score matching is used to match 54 pairs of micro-time hot spots using logistic regression to compute the propensity scores and greedy 1 to 1 matching with a caliper width of 0.5 of the standard deviation of the logit to match the cases. Independent t-tests show that tactical police response to micro-time hot spots can lead to significant reductions in residential burglary incidents without the spatial displacement of crime. Tactical police responses that seek to achieve short-term reductions in crime appear to be well suited for micro-time hot spots since they are, by nature, short term. Importantly, the conclusions are based on the evaluation of an agency's systematic implementation of the evidence-based practices as its normal practices and not for the sake of research. © The Author(s) 2015.

  2. Line and Rabble: Drill, Doctrine, and Military Books in Revolutionary America

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2018-04-20

    professionalism demanded the de facto wholesale adoption of European military knowledge. Yet, in addition to more sophisticated works suited for...angustiis, feroci hostium saevitiae, belloque crudeli ex inopinato patriae nostrae illato debitis, maxime accommodata. (Philadelphiae: Ex officina...civitatum pertinentis ; hodiernae nostrae inopiae rerumque angustiis, feroci hostium saevitiae, belloque crudeli ex inopinato patriae nostrae illato

  3. Subject descriptions, control groups, and research designs in published studies of language-impaired children.

    PubMed

    Schmitt, J F; Meline, T J

    1990-12-01

    We reviewed the 1983-1988 issues of six journals that frequently publish papers including specifically language-impaired (LI) subjects. A total of 92 research reports provided data for our review. The research reports included experimental studies, ex post facto studies, and intervention studies. These studies represent a broad spectrum of the theoretical and empirical foundations of knowledge regarding LI children. The analysis of the published research centered on subject descriptions and the use of control groups. A descriptive analysis of the data showed few consistent trends among the studies with respect to subject selection, subject description, and the number and types of control groups. We discuss the importance of more complete subject descriptions in studies of LI children as well as the importance of the choice of matching criteria for control groups in between-subjects designs.

  4. What predicts retention on an in-prison drug treatment program?

    PubMed

    Casares-López, María José; González-Menéndez, Ana; Fernández, Paula; Secades-Villa, Roberto; Fernández-Hermida, José Ramón

    2012-11-01

    The effectiveness of treatments for substance use disorders is strongly related to retention, since early dropout from treatment is associated with greater likelihood of relapse. The purpose of this prospective, ex post facto study is to analyze the effect of individual variables on retention in a treatment program carried out in a prison drug-free unit. The Addiction Severity Index, motivation and personality profile of fifty inmates were assessed on entry to the prison. Inmates were monitored for a year to identify length of stay. Motivation variables at intake play a vital role in the prediction of retention in a prison drug-free unit; scores on the Aggressive-Sadistic and Narcissistic scales are also strong predictors of treatment retention.

  5. [Menstrual cycle perception and psychological distress in a sample of Mexican women].

    PubMed

    Morales-Carmona, Francisco; Pimentel-Nieto, Diana; Bustos-López, Hugo

    2008-01-01

    To evaluate the association between psychological distress and menstrual bleeding perception, in order to design a psychological intervention for women in reproductive age. Ex post facto and retrospective study in a random sample of women living in Mexico City with ages between 15 to 35 years. The following instruments were administered after reading the informed consent form: demographic and social questionnaire, gyneco-obstetric clinical history, menstrual bleeding diagnostic scale, menstrual bleeding analogical scale and the Goldberg's General Health Questionnaire. 909 women were interviewed and 776 completed the study. A significant statistic association existed between the presence of menorrhagia and the symptoms of psychological distress. Our results suggest a temporary interaction between physiological and psychological symptoms that produce an intense sense of distress in the women.

  6. Reduced admissions for acute myocardial infarction associated with a public smoking ban: matched controlled study.

    PubMed

    Seo, Dong-Chul; Torabi, Mohammad R

    2007-01-01

    There has been no research linking implementation of a public smoking ban and reduced incidence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) among nonsmoking patients. An ex post facto matched control group study was conducted to determine whether there was a change in hospital admissions for AMI among nonsmoking patients after a public smoking ban was implemented in Monroe County compared with Delaware County, Indiana without such a ban. Poisson analysis was conducted for 44 months of hospital admissions. A significant drop occurred in the number of admissions among nonsmoking patients in Monroe County after the ban whereas a nonsignificant decrease in the number of admissions occurred in Delaware County. The changes in the number of smoking-patient admissions before and after the ban were not significant.

  7. Adolescent cigarette smoking and health risk behavior.

    PubMed

    Busen, N H; Modeland, V; Kouzekanani, K

    2001-06-01

    During the past 30 years, tobacco use among adolescents has substantially increased, resulting in major health problems associated with tobacco consumption. The purpose of this study was to identify adolescent smoking behaviors and to determine the relationship among smoking, specific demographic variables, and health risk behaviors. The sample consisted of 93 self-selecting adolescents. An ex post facto design was used for this study and data were analyzed by using nonparametric statistics. Findings included a statistically significant relationship between lifetime cigarette use and ethnicity. Statistically significant relationships were also found among current cigarette use and ethnicity, alcohol use, marijuana use, suicidal thoughts, and age at first sexual intercourse. Nurses and other providers must recognize that cigarette smoking may indicate other risk behaviors common among adolescents. Copyright 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company

  8. Trafficking and contract migrant workers in the Middle East.

    PubMed

    Jureidini, Ray

    2010-01-01

    The paper addresses a number of issues regarding the extent to which trafficking may be applied to migrant domestic workers who enter under the kafala system of sponsorship in the Middle East. Migrant domestic workers are the most numerous of those mentioned in reports on trafficking for labour exploitation in the region. The discussion seeks to determine whether "trafficking" can be ex post facto, rather than ex ante? In other words, can the label of trafficking be attributed only after the worker has arrived in the receiving country and is victimized according to the principles of trafficking protocols? In addition, must there be a proven intent to traffic by agents, or can employers who harm and/or exploit them be considered as traffickers alone? Should the harm done to workers on arrival at their place of work be classified (and assisted) as victims of trafficking, or as exploited workers?

  9. Learning problem-solving skills in a distance education physics course

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rampho, G. J.; Ramorola, M. Z.

    2017-10-01

    In this paper we present the results of a study on the effectiveness of combinations of delivery modes of distance education in learning problem-solving skills in a distance education introductory physics course. A problem-solving instruction with the explicit teaching of a problem-solving strategy and worked-out examples were implemented in the course. The study used the ex post facto research design with stratified sampling to investigate the effect of the learning of a problem-solving strategy on the problem-solving performance. The number of problems attempted and the mean frequency of using a strategy in solving problems in the three course presentation modes were compared. The finding of the study indicated that combining the different course presentation modes had no statistically significant effect in the learning of problem-solving skills in the distance education course.

  10. The effects of local anesthetics on postoperative pain.

    PubMed

    Roberge, C W; McEwen, M

    1998-12-01

    This study was performed to determine if intraoperative local anesthesia improved control of postoperative pain after inguinal herniorrhaphy and to compare the effects of two commonly used local anesthetics on pain management. The Gate Control Theory of Pain formed the theoretical basis for this study. A retrospective nonexperimental study in an ex post facto design was used. Data were collected from 1990 through 1997 on 120 patient charts. The use of local anesthetic intraoperatively significantly decreased patients' lengths of stay postoperatively (P = 0.00) and need for postoperative narcotics (P = 0.00). Bupivacaine was found to be superior to lidocaine in decreasing the need for postoperative narcotic analgesia. Researchers concluded that many patients would benefit from intraoperative injection of local anesthesia. This information can affect patient care outcomes through decreasing recovery time, reducing postoperative pain, and reducing health care costs.

  11. Artificial neural network predictions of lengths of stay on a post-coronary care unit.

    PubMed

    Mobley, B A; Leasure, R; Davidson, L

    1995-01-01

    To create and validate a model that predicts length of hospital unit stay. Ex post facto. Seventy-four independent admission variables in 15 general categories were utilized to predict possible stays of 1 to 20 days. Laboratory. Records of patients discharged from a post-coronary care unit in early 1993. An artificial neural network was trained on 629 records and tested on an additional 127 records of patients. The absolute disparity between the actual lengths of stays in the test records and the predictions of the network averaged 1.4 days per record, and the actual length of stay was predicted within 1 day 72% of the time. The artificial neural network demonstrated the capacity to utilize common patient admission characteristics to predict lengths of stay. This technology shows promise in aiding timely initiation of treatment and effective resource planning and cost control.

  12. Exploring the relationship between time management skills and the academic achievement of African engineering students - a case study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Swart, Arthur James; Lombard, Kobus; de Jager, Henk

    2010-03-01

    Poor academic success by African engineering students is currently experienced in many higher educational institutions, contributing to lower financial subsidies by local governments. One of the contributing factors to this low academic success may be the poor time management skills of these students. This article endeavours to explore this relationship by means of a theoretical literature review and an empirical study. Numerous studies have been conducted in this regard, but with mixed results. The case study of this article involves a design module termed Design Projects III, where the empirical study incorporated an ex post facto study involving a pre-experimental/exploratory design using descriptive statistics. The results of this study were applied to various tests, which indicated no statistically significant relationship between time management skills and the academic achievement of African engineering students.

  13. Factors associated with adequate pain control in hospitalized postsurgical patients diagnosed with cancer.

    PubMed

    Paice, J A; Mahon, S M; Faut-Callahan, M

    1991-12-01

    The inadequate management of pain continues to be a significant problem for persons with cancer. Experts suggest that contributing factors include discrepancies in pain assessment, inadequate administration of opiate therapy, and insufficient documentation of the patient's pain experience. This study, part of a multidepartmental investigation into the adequacy of pain management in hospitalized patients, describes the pain experience of surgical oncology patients. Its correlational ex post facto design (n = 34) was guided by Loeser's model of pain. Randomly selected surgical oncology patients were interviewed using a structured format. The patient's primary nurse and physician simultaneously completed brief assessments of their perceptions of the patient's pain intensity. Data were analyzed using descriptive and correlational statistics, and implications for nursing practice and future nursing research are discussed.

  14. The predictive ability of critical thinking, nursing GPA, and SAT scores on first-time NCLEX-RN performance.

    PubMed

    Romeo, Elizabeth M

    2013-01-01

    This study was conducted to investigate the predictability of several variables in achieving first-time success on the NCLEX-RN. Several researchers have attempted to investigate the differences between students who passed the NCLEX-RN the first time and those who failed. No studies used a large enough failure group to have statistical significance. The three specific variables in this study were nursing GPA, SAT combined math and verbal scores, and critical thinking measured on a standardized assessment examination. An ex post facto study design was used to examine data from the records of associate degree nursing graduates during a three-year period. The most significant predictors of NCLEX-RN success were the students' nursing GPA and the overall standardized assessment examination score. The findings of this study could potentially influence the identification of students at risk for NCLEX-RN failure.

  15. Comparative study of publications performed on psychosis in the Spanish psychology and psychiatry journals.

    PubMed

    Díaz, L; Buela-Casal, G

    2010-01-01

    The objective of this study was to examine the article production on psychosis from the main spanish journals of psychology and psychiatry, as well as to make comparisons among them. 16 journals of psychology and 5 of psychiatry were selected and a period of revision of four years settled down (2003-2006). The sample was constituted by 183 articles. For the comparison of the journals four index were used: proportion of articles on psychosis in relation to the total of generated articles; used type of methodology; used type of sample; and aspect of the psychosis in whose investigation it is centered. The results show that little is investigated, that most of the studies is theoretical or ex- post facto, that more the frequently studied subjects are those with psychosis and that the taken care of aspects more are related to the etiology and the treatment of the disease.

  16. Green initiative impact on stock prices: A quantitative study of the clean energy industry

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jurisich, John M.

    The purpose of this quantitative ex post facto research study was to explore the relationship between green initiative expense disclosures and stock prices of 46 NASDAQ listed Clean Edge Green Energy global companies from 2007 to 2010. The independent variables were sales and marketing, environmental, customer and supplier, community, and corporate governance practices that were correlated with the dependent variable in the study of stock prices. Expense disclosures were examined in an effort to measure the impact of green initiative programs and to expose the interrelationships between green initiative expense disclosures and fluctuations of stock prices. The data for the research was secondary data from existing annual reports. A statistically significant relationship was revealed between environmental practices and changes in stock prices. The study results also provided substantial evidence for leadership and managerial decision making to reduce or increase green initiative practices to maximize shareholder wealth of their respective organizations.

  17. ERPs and Psychopathology. I. Behavioral process issues.

    PubMed

    Roth, W T; Tecce, J J; Pfefferbaum, A; Rosenbloom, M; Callaway, E

    1984-01-01

    The clinical study of ERPs has an inherent defect--a self-selection of clinical populations that hampers equating of clinically defined groups on factors extraneous to the independent variables. Such ex post facto studies increase the likelihood of confounding variables in the interpretation of findings. Hence, the development of lawful relationships between clinical variables and ERPs is impeded and the fulfillment of description, explanation, prediction, and control in brain science is thwarted. Proper methodologies and theory development can increase the likelihood of establishing these lawful relationships. One methodology of potential value in the clinical application of ERPs, particularly in studies of aging, is that of divided attention. Two promising theoretical developments in the understanding of brain functioning and aging are the distraction-arousal hypothesis and the controlled-automatic attention model. The evaluation of ERPs in the study of brain-behavior relations in clinical populations might be facilitated by the differentiation of concurrent, predictive, content, and construct validities.

  18. Determinants of grief resolution in cancer death.

    PubMed

    Yancey, D; Greger, H A; Coburn, P

    1990-01-01

    The death of a loved one can be very difficult, and yet there is little information about how nurses can help someone through it. The purpose of this exploratory ex post facto study was to determine whether the circumstances of a cancer death influence the grief resolution of the survivor at one month after the death. The circumstances that were studied include: (1) the place of death, (2) the length of the cancer illness, (3) the perceived social support from family/friends, (4) the perceived social support from nurses, (5) satisfaction with the care received by the loved one, and (6) the quality of death of the loved one. Data were gathered from 43 survivors (spouses, children, and parents) through questionnaires and an open-ended interview. The study findings provide a better understanding and knowledge of nursing interventions for the family/friend of the imminently terminal cancer patient.

  19. Ex-post-facto analysis of competitive employment outcomes for individuals with mental retardation: national perspective.

    PubMed

    Moore, Corey L; Harley, Debra A; Gamble, David

    2004-08-01

    Disparities in proportions of competitive job placements and provision of vocational rehabilitation services by level of mental retardation were identified for 28,565 individuals. Chi-square results reveal that consumers with mild mental retardation are significantly more likely to achieve competitive jobs compared to those with more severe levels. Logistic regression indicated that the odds of achieving a competitive job for consumers receiving job placement services, business/vocational training, and counseling were nearly two times that of individuals not receiving such services. Findings suggest that a significantly lower proportion of these services were provided to consumers with severe/profound mental retardation. Implications of findings for service, research, and policy are discussed.

  20. Application of a liquid chromatography detector to time-resolved RYDMR spectroscopy: a comparison of in situ and ex post facto measurements

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sakaguchi, Yoshio

    2001-09-01

    A photodiode-array (PDA) UV-VIS detector for liquid chromatography is applied to time-resolved reaction yield detected magnetic resonance (RYDMR) measurements. The results derived from the yields of cage and escape products in the photoreaction of 2-methyl-1, 4-naphtnoquinone in a sodium dodecylsulfate micelle are found to be identical with those derived from the yield of escaping semiquinone radical detected by transient optical absorption. This implies practical linearity between the yields of escaping radicals and escape products. High sensitivity of the PDA detector enables application of escape product yields for kinetic analysis by reducing microwave-induced perturbation.

  1. An Interactive Multi-Model for Consensus on Climate Change

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

    Kocarev, Ljupco

    This project purports to develop a new scheme for forming consensus among alternative climate models, that give widely divergent projections as to the details of climate change, that is more intelligent than simply averaging the model outputs, or averaging with ex post facto weighting factors. The method under development effectively allows models to assimilate data from one another in run time with weights that are chosen in an adaptive training phase using 20th century data, so that the models synchronize with one another as well as with reality. An alternate approach that is being explored in parallel is the automatedmore » combination of equations from different models in an expert-system-like framework.« less

  2. Ecological correlates of neglect in infants and toddlers.

    PubMed

    Connell-Carrick, Kelli; Scannapieco, Maria

    2006-03-01

    Infants and toddlers are more likely to be victims of neglect than any other form of maltreatment. Infants and toddlers are at highest risk of fatality because of maltreatment and experience behavioral, social, academic, medical, and cognitive consequences of neglect during their most formative years. Within an ecological framework, this study examines the correlates of the substantiation of neglect in children 0 to 36 months of age. Using an ex post facto design and a random sample of 148 child protective services cases, bivariate analysis revealed significant differences in families who were substantiated for neglect in the areas of child characteristics, home environment, social environment, caregiver, and maltreatment situations. Multivariate analysis found children who were substantiated for neglect were exposed to greater environmental dangers and had caregivers who had poor parenting skills. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.

  3. Strategies for lowering attrition rates and raising NCLEX-RN pass rates.

    PubMed

    Higgins, Bonnie

    2005-12-01

    This study was designed to determine strategies to raise the NCLEX-RN pass rate and lower the attrition rate in a community college nursing program. Ex-post facto data were collected from 213 former nursing student records. Qualitative data were collected from 10 full-time faculty, 30 new graduates, and 45 directors of associate degree nursing programs in Texas. The findings linked the academic variables of two biology courses and three components of the preadmission test to completion of the nursing program. A relationship was found between one biology course, the science component of the preadmission test, the HESI Exit Examination score, and the nursing skills course to passing the NCLEX-RN. Qualitative data indicated preadmission requirements, campus counselors, remediation, faculty, test-item writing, and teaching method were instrumental in completion of the program and passing the NCLEX-RN.

  4. Sex and mathematical background as predictors of anxiety and self-efficacy in mathematics.

    PubMed

    Lussier, G

    1996-12-01

    Anxiety and self-efficacy in mathematics as a function of sex and mathematical background were investigated. This study employed an ex post facto 2 x 2 factorial design in which sex and mathematical background were classification variables. It was predicted that men would report lower anxiety scores and higher self-efficacy scores than women and that students with a high mathematical background would report lower anxiety scores and higher self-efficacy scores than those with a low background in mathematics. An interaction between sex and mathematical background was also predicted. 51 subjects were given the revised Mathematics Anxiety Scale and the Mathematics Self-efficacy Scale. Results supported the hypotheses with respect to background in mathematics for anxiety in mathematics, and all of the hypotheses were supported for self-efficacy in mathematics.

  5. Item analysis of university-wide multiple choice objective examinations: the experience of a Nigerian private university.

    PubMed

    Odukoya, Jonathan A; Adekeye, Olajide; Igbinoba, Angie O; Afolabi, A

    2018-01-01

    Teachers and Students worldwide often dance to the tune of tests and examinations. Assessments are powerful tools for catalyzing the achievement of educational goals, especially if done rightly. One of the tools for 'doing it rightly' is item analysis. The core objectives for this study, therefore, were: ascertaining the item difficulty and distractive indices of the university wide courses. A range of 112-1956 undergraduate students participated in this study. With the use of secondary data, the ex-post facto design was adopted for this project. In virtually all cases, majority of the items (ranging between 65% and 97% of the 70 items fielded in each course) did not meet psychometric standard in terms of difficulty and distractive indices and consequently needed to be moderated or deleted. Considering the importance of these courses, the need to apply item analyses when developing these tests was emphasized.

  6. Women's reported self-care behaviors during pregnancy.

    PubMed

    Hawkins, J W; Aber, C S; Cannan, A; Coppinger, C M; Rafferty, K O

    1998-01-01

    Responsibility for self-care is the purview of the pregnant woman. Her self-care behaviors are influenced by her quest for a healthy pregnancy and by her health care providers and social network. Our purpose in this descriptive ex post facto study was to examine women's reported self-care behaviors during pregnancy. The 100 women in the study sample reported engaging in self-care behaviors that were both positive and negative. More than half of the women reported activities to keep healthy that included walking or jogging, 48 changed their diets, 25 reported working out, exercising, and/or mediating. Of the 32 women experiencing a medical problem with their pregnancies, none reported engaging in behaviors to keep healthy. Assessing reported self-care behaviors early in pregnancy might help identify women who can benefit from advice about self-care strategies to increase their chances of healthy outcomes.

  7. Sex reassignment surgery: a study of 141 Dutch transsexuals.

    PubMed

    Kuiper, B; Cohen-Kettenis, P

    1988-10-01

    This is an evaluation of the therapeutic effect of sex reassignment surgery on 36 female-to-male transsexuals and 105 male-to-female transsexuals in the Netherlands. Data were collected by means of structured interviews. The evaluation was made on the basis of subjective data only, that is on what the persons themselves reported on their gender identity, gender role, and physical condition. Allowing for the restrictive methodology of the (ex post facto) study, it is concluded that there is no reason to doubt the therapeutic effect of sex reassignment surgery. No specific differences were found between those who were still in medical treatment and those who had completed treatment. The findings obtained in the female-to-male transsexuals compare favorably with those obtained in male-to-female transsexuals. Finally, the conclusion is drawn that more attention ought to be paid to psychosocial guidance in addition to medical guidance.

  8. Perspectives in adolescent risk-taking through instrument development.

    PubMed

    Busen, N H; Kouzekanani, K

    2000-01-01

    Understanding the high-risk adolescent's perception of risk taking is essential for health professionals to determine appropriate interventions. The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the revised Adolescent Risk-Taking Instrument (ARTI) designed to measure the high-risk adolescent's perception of risk taking. This study also examined the variables that are most predictive of social adaptation and risk taking. An ex post facto design was used to standardize data collection and to assess the psychometric properties of the revised ARTI. The nonprobability sample consisted of 167 adolescents attending school in an urban, health-underserved area. Exploratory factor analysis supported construct validity, and Chronbach's Coefficient Alpha supported internal consistency reliability. The reliability coefficient for the risk taking and social adaptation constructs were .80 and .77, respectively. Current perspectives on adolescent risk taking and implications for the use of the ARTI in clinical practice are addressed.

  9. PLA Reforms and Chinas Nuclear Forces

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-10-01

    mission set. In some respects, the formal eleva- tion of the Rocket Force to the level of a service merely codifies its de facto status. The Second...Zhiyuan, then-commander of the Second Artillery, and his navy and air force counterparts became ex officio members of the CMC. Rocket Force...class SSBN, which never conducted a single operational patrol.44 To the extent that greater operational ex - perience with nuclear weapons increases

  10. Prospects for the Rule of Law in Cyberspace

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2017-01-01

    a de facto norm being outsourced to the private sector—since the U.S. Government and other countries have, in effect, delegated the task—cor...encountered less resistance from the cybersecurity community, but it is still under scru- tiny by researchers who vehemently oppose any ex - port...and reli- able Internet; • Using the OSCE as a platform for dialogue, ex - changing best practices, awareness-raising, and information on capacity

  11. Home intervention as a tool for nursing care: evaluation of the satisfaction of the elderly.

    PubMed

    Nogueira, Iara Sescon; Previato, Giselle Fernanda; Scolari, Giovana Aparecida de Souza; Gomes, Ana Caroline Oliveira; Carreira, Ligia; Baldissera, Vanessa Denardi Antoniassi

    2017-04-06

    To evaluate the results of home nursing interventions according to the satisfaction of the elderly users. Ex-post facto evaluative, qualitative and descriptive research, conducted from November 2015 to January 2016 with 12 dependent elderly individuals accompanied by an extension project in the city of Maringá, PR, Brazil. Data were collected after home interventions based on the Single-User Treatment Project, by means of semi-structured interviews subjected to content analysis and the theoretical framework of Donabedian. The following thematic categories emerged: "home nursing intervention: synonymous with joy, distraction and bonding" and" home nursing intervention: health and lifestyle transformations". The home nursing interventions had positive results that signal the quality of the provided care.

  12. Comprehensive interdisciplinary care: making a difference in pregnancy outcomes for Hispanic women.

    PubMed

    Pearce, C W; Hawkins, J W; Carver-Chase, D; Ebacher, R; Matta, S; Sullivan, A; Vawter, V J; Vincent, C; Windle, K A

    1996-12-01

    Hispanic women constitute one of the fastest growing and most diverse groups in the United States, representing many countries of origin and cultural practices. The purpose of this evaluation study, using an ex post facto design, was to examine well-being during pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes for a cohort of 113 Hispanic women receiving perinatal care at the clinic of a community hospital in an old industrial city in the Northeast. The received adequacy of prenatal care for the study sample women was very high. The low-birthweight rate was lower than for the study hospital, the study city, the state, and the entire United States. The results of this study demonstrate the favorable effects of a comprehensive, interdisciplinary, and culturally sensitive model of prenatal care on these women's well-being and birth outcomes. Findings also support the need for an outreach program targeted at hard-to-reach women in the inadequate, received-care group and women with later initiation of care.

  13. [Fragments of history in psychiatric care Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil].

    PubMed

    de Miranda, Francisco Arnoldo Nunes; Santos, Raionara Cristina de Araújo; de Azevedo, Dulcian Medeiros; Fernandes, Rafaella Leite; Costa, Tarciana Sampaio

    2010-09-01

    This article aims to rescue aspects of the performing therapeutic of the Day Hospital (HD) Dr Elger Nunes, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, during its term, and analyze the results regarding to the number of patients assisted from 1996 to 2004. This is an empirical, descriptive and exploratory study, ex post facto with a quantitative approach, carried out through the analysis of the records of 910 people attended in the hospital. The data was submitted to the informational resource software Microsoft Excel and converted into diagrams. The results show a greater accessibility to this treatment modality, decreasing in hospitalization-time length and improving hospital discharge conditions for users, with reduction in number of patients who interrupted treatment. It focus on the importance of the Day Hospital in the process of psychiatric reform, with care grounded on the use of the humanized therapeutic practices, and still not losing the bond with family and society.

  14. Digital Literacy Development of Students Involved in an ICT Educational Project

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Quintana, Maria Graciela Badilla; Pujol, Meritxell Cortada

    The impact of the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) has become the core of a change that involves most of the society fields, consequently the technological and informational literacy are essential requirements in education. The research is a quasi-experimental and ex-post-facto study in schools from Spain. The aim was to describe and analyze the involvement showed by 219 students who participated in a development of ICT's Project named Ponte dos Brozos. The research objective was to respond if the students who usually worked with ICT, had better knowledge and management with computing tools, and if they are better prepared in researching and selecting information. Results showed that students who have a higher contact with ICTs know about the technology and how to use it, also better knowledge and control of the computer and operative systems, a high information management level trough the Internet, although their literacy in information is devoid.

  15. [Burden, empathy, and resilience in dependent people caregivers].

    PubMed

    Navarro-Abal, Yolanda; López-López, María José; Climent-Rodríguez, José Antonio; Gómez-Salgado, Juan

    2018-02-10

    To analyse the differences in perceived burden between family caregivers who are users of patient associations and those who are not; to assess the relationship between burden, resilience, and empathy levels. Retrospective ex post facto study of two groups, one of them quasi control. The sample was composed of 155 informal caregivers (28 men and 155 women); 109 of them were users of patient relatives' associations and 46 were not. Both descriptive and bivariate comparative analyses were carried out. Caregivers who were members of patient associations showed lower burden and empathy levels than those who were not. This highlighted that the higher their level of perceived burden, the lower their level of resilience. Belonging to carers' associations results in a lower level of perceived burden and a lower risk of developing compassion fatigue syndrome. Copyright © 2018 SESPAS. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

  16. Abnormal Papanicolaou smears, genital tract infections, and contraception.

    PubMed

    Hawkins, J W; Matteson, P S; Mersha, G

    1999-01-01

    Cervical cancer ranks second among all cancers in women world-wide, and the rate of invasive cervical cancer among women under 50 is rising in the United States. Risk factors for abnormal Papanicolaou (Pap) smears and invasive cervical cancer include genital tract infections. This study was designed to compare the rates of genital tract infections and the contraceptive choices of a random sample of 800 women, using an ex post facto design. The Pap positive women had a significantly higher rate of genital tract infections than did the Pap negative women but did not differ significantly in use of contraceptive methods. Findings support those of other researchers suggesting genital tract infections as risk factors for abnormal Pap smears and are consistent with the literature in suggesting a role for oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) in acquisition of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Caregivers can help empower women to reduce their risks through informed choices about protection and sexual behaviors.

  17. Characteristics of drug-abusing women with children in residential treatment: a preliminary evaluation of program retention and treatment completion.

    PubMed

    Simons, Lori

    2008-01-01

    An ex post facto study was conducted to investigate treatment outcomes for 80 women and 168 children admitted into a residential substance-abuse treatment program. The results indicated childhood emotional neglect is a barrier for remaining in and completing treatment for African-American women with comorbid psychological disorders but not for those with crack cocaine dependent disorders. African-American women with comorbid psychological disorders were also three times more likely to dropout of treatment. In addition, there were relatively few differences for between drug-exposed and nonexposed children. However, the results indicated that children of substance-abusing women who completed treatment were more likely to have behavioral problems, to receive early intervention services, and to have mothers as legal guardians by the end of treatment. Implications for gender-specific interventions for African-American women and their children in residential treatment are discussed.

  18. A post-hoc analysis of music therapy services for residents in nursing homes receiving hospice care.

    PubMed

    Hilliard, Russell E

    2004-01-01

    This study analyzed the use of music therapy for residents in nursing homes receiving hospice care. An ex-post facto design was utilized to evaluate participants' length of life on the hospice program, time of death in relation to last visit by the social worker and music therapist, the number of sessions and total number of minutes spent in direct care by the social worker and music therapist, and care plan needs treated by the nurse, social worker, and music therapist. A total of 80 participants' medical records were randomly selected for this study. All participants were in nursing homes, 40 of whom had been referred to music therapy. Results showed no significant differences on the time of death in relation to last visit by hospice professional, but there were significant differences in the length of life for those receiving music therapy. Females in this study lived significantly longer than males. Participants received significantly more music therapy sessions than social work sessions, and music therapists spent significantly more time in direct care with participants than did social workers. Care plan needs were analyzed graphically and indicate that music therapists meet important needs of participants.

  19. Impact of a standardized test package on exit examination scores and NCLEX-RN outcomes.

    PubMed

    Homard, Catherine M

    2013-03-01

    The purpose of this ex post facto correlational study was to compare exit examination scores and NCLEX-RN(®) pass rates of baccalaureate nursing students who differed in level of participation in a standardized test package. Three cohort groups emerged as a standardized test package was introduced: (a) students who did not participate in a standardized test package; (b) students with two semesters of a standardized test package; and (c) students with four semesters of a standardized test package. Benner's novice-to-expert theory framed the study in the belief that students best acquire knowledge and skills through practice and reflection. Students participating in four semesters of a standardized test package demonstrated higher exit examination scores and NCLEX-RN pass rates compared with students who did not participate in this package. This study's results could inform nurse educators about strategies to facilitate nursing student success on exit examinations and the NCLEX-RN. Copyright 2013, SLACK Incorporated.

  20. Longitudinal analysis of student performance in a dental hygiene distance education program.

    PubMed

    Olmsted, Jodi L

    2002-09-01

    The purpose of the study was to determine if learners who receive face-to-face instruction in an educational program performed statistically better on established benchmark assessments (GPA, course averages, and NBDHE) than learners at a distance from the didactic course instructor. A comparative, quasi-experimental, ex-post facto study was conducted. The treatment variable was program type: face-to-face vs. distance. The performance of five consecutive classes was analyzed, from 1997 to 2001. These five classes consisted of 221 learners, 105 of them at the host site and 115 using distance learning. The experimental groups were divided based upon location--host or cooperating college (distance) site learners. Study results identified no significant difference between host and distance learner performance for the entire educational program. The use of interactive television (ITV) for delivery of an educational program using distance education technology provided acceptable results in learner didactic performance. Learners at both the host and cooperating college (distance) sites performed equally well. The results were used to document program outcomes.

  1. Military Contingencies in Megacities and Sub megacities

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-12-01

    character- ized by violence and disorder. In between these ex - tremes are fragile cities that can tip in either direction. This has led to some...some point become a difference in kind. A megacity, for ex - ample, could swallow up a military division in a way that a city of a million people could...seek to reclaim land that, in their view, has been illegally occupied, or, those who have occupied land demand that their de facto own- ership

  2. [Emotional, physical and psychiatric disorders in relatives of schizophrenia patients in Mexico].

    PubMed

    Rascón, María Luisa; Caraveo, Jorge; Valencia, Marcelo

    2010-01-01

    A study was to investigate the frequency with which they have emotional disorders, physical and psychiatric symptoms in FCPI, knowing the relationship with demographic variables and clinical caregivers of patients with schizophrenia. It was a cross sectional, descriptive, correlational, study and ex-post-facto, of a non probabilistic sample, using 131 relatives carers. Instruments. 1-The Compositive International Diagnostic Interview version 1.0 (CIDI) 2-Social Behaviour Assessment Schedule 2nd Ed. (SBAS). 58% of the relatives presented 1 to 4 psychiatric diagnoses, the most frequent was: depression (20.6%), alcohol dependence (9.9%) and dissociative disorders (7.6%); the relatives' carers reported some physical (48%) or emotional (74%) illness related to the presence of the schizophrenia in their relatives. The predictive variables associated with the presence of psychopathology in the relatives carers': the presence of active symptomatology in the patient, the years of evolution of the illness and the number of hospitalizations, r = 0.38; p > 0.000.

  3. [Evaluation of the effectiveness of a prison-based drug treatment].

    PubMed

    Casares-López, María José; González-Menéndez, Ana M; Fernández-García, M Paula; Villagrá, Patricia

    2012-05-01

    The present study evaluated the effectiveness of a drug-free unit (DFU) in reducing the use of substances by incarcerated adult offenders, and to analyze changes in the addiction severity index, motivation, and personality caused by the program. This is an external evaluation, with an ex post facto design with repeated measures. Eighty-seven prisoners from the DFU were evaluated during the first year of residence in the program. Most are young men, polydrug addicts and mainly serving sentences for public health crimes and property offenses. There is need of psychiatric treatment at the baseline, with 85% comorbid personality disorders. Motivation for treatment is low, and remains stable over 12 month's duration of the study. The DFU was found to have a significant effect in reducing the use of drugs by offenders and to improve the drug and family composite scores, also reducing scores on personality scales. However, it fails to change medical and psychiatric scores, so that the need for intervention in these areas is underscored.

  4. Body image of patients with burns sequellae: evaluation through the critical incident technique.

    PubMed

    Bergamasco, E C; Rossi, L A; da C G Amancio, A; de Carvalho, E C

    2002-02-01

    The present investigation is a descriptive study, with a retrospective, ex-post facto, design. The objectives of this study were to characterize the body image changes in patients with burn sequellae, through the critical incident technique and to identify and categorize critical incidents, comparing them to the characteristics defined by the Taxonomy of the North American Nursing Diagnoses Association (NANDA) for the body image disturbance nursing diagnosis. Thirty-five patients were interviewed. Two types of critical incidents were identified: 'facing the mirror'--the moment the patient looks at himself/herself and notices the changes in his/her body, and 'facing other people'--the moment the patient becomes aware that he/she calls the attention of others. Associated with the perceptions of changes in their bodies, the patients reported feelings of fear (19), rebellion (18) and shame (12). They also presented coping mechanisms of denial (12), rationalization (7), minimization (7) and repression (2). NANDA's body image disturbance diagnosis was identified in all patients.

  5. EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES OF THE EVOLUTIONARY SIGNIFICANCE OF SEXUAL REPRODUCTION. V. A FIELD TEST OF THE SIB-COMPETITION LOTTERY HYPOTHESIS.

    PubMed

    Kelley, Steven E

    1989-08-01

    Sexually and asexually derived tillers of Anthoxanthum odoratum were planted directly in the field to test the hypothesis that competition among groups of sexual and asexual siblings favors the maintenance of sexual reproduction in populations. The results showed a substantial fitness advantage for sexual tillers. However, in contrast with the models, the advantage of sex did not increase with increasing numbers of colonists in the patch, there were multiple survivors among colonists, and an advantage was observed even for singly planted tillers. When a truncation-selection scheme was imposed ex post facto on the data, the relative performance of sexual tillers was similar to that predicted by the Bulmer (1980) model, suggesting that sib-competition models fail due to the violation of the assumption of truncation selection. The advantage of sex was not correlated with the presence of other species, total percentage cover, or species diversity, although sites where sex was favored were physically clustered. © 1989 The Society for the Study of Evolution.

  6. Health beliefs of blue collar workers. Increasing self efficacy and removing barriers.

    PubMed

    Wilson, S; Sisk, R J; Baldwin, K A

    1997-05-01

    The study compared the health beliefs of participants and non-participants in a blood pressure and cholesterol screening held at the worksite. A cross sectional, ex-post facto design was used. Questionnaires measuring health beliefs related to cardiac screening and prevention of cardiac problems were distributed to a convenience sample of 200 blue-collar workers in a large manufacturing plant in the Midwest. One hundred fifty-one (75.5%) completed questionnaires were returned, of which 45 had participated in cardiac worksite screening in the past month. A multivariate analysis of variance was used to analyze data. Participants perceived significantly fewer barriers to cardiac screening and scored significantly higher on self efficacy than non-participants. These findings concur with other studies identifying barriers and self efficacy as important predictors of health behavior. Occupational health nurses' efforts are warranted to reduce barriers and improve self efficacy by advertising screenings, scheduling them at convenient times and locations, assuring privacy, and keeping time inconvenience to a minimum.

  7. Analysis of covariance as a remedy for demographic mismatch of research subject groups: some sobering simulations.

    PubMed

    Adams, K M; Brown, G G; Grant, I

    1985-08-01

    Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) is often used in neuropsychological studies to effect ex-post-facto adjustment of performance variables amongst groups of subjects mismatched on some relevant demographic variable. This paper reviews some of the statistical assumptions underlying this usage. In an attempt to illustrate the complexities of this statistical technique, three sham studies using actual patient data are presented. These staged simulations have varying relationships between group test performance differences and levels of covariate discrepancy. The results were robust and consistent in their nature, and were held to support the wisdom of previous cautions by statisticians concerning the employment of ANCOVA to justify comparisons between incomparable groups. ANCOVA should not be used in neuropsychological research to equate groups unequal on variables such as age and education or to exert statistical control whose objective is to eliminate consideration of the covariate as an explanation for results. Finally, the report advocates by example the use of simulation to further our understanding of neuropsychological variables.

  8. Job sharing: a retention strategy for nurses.

    PubMed

    Kane, D

    1999-01-01

    Job sharing is a part-time employment alternative which offers advantages for employers interested in retaining experienced staff and nurses who are seeking a more equitable balance between work life and home life responsibilities. This quasi experimental, ex post facto research study was designed to determine if there are differences in job satisfaction, burnout, and desire to leave their position, in nurses who are employed in full-time, part-time, or job sharing positions. The sample (N = 269) was drawn from a large Canadian teaching and referral hospital. Three sample groups were developed, consisting of job sharing, full-time, and part-time nurses, respectively. Descriptive statistics were used to identify characteristics of the selected population. Analysis of variance was used to examine differences between the three employment groups on the outcome measures of job satisfaction, burnout, and desire to leave their position. The results of this study significantly support the belief that job sharing has a positive impact on job satisfaction and job retention. Implications for nursing administrators as well as individual nurses will be discussed.

  9. Reply to “Earthquake prediction evaluation standards applied to the VAN Method,” by D. D. Jackson

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Varotsos, P.; Lazaridou, M.; Hadjicontis, V.

    Our earlier publications show that VAN method does not fail requirements (1) and (2) suggested by Jackson [1996]. No subjective ex-post facto decission was necessary for the evaluation of the success because, for the large majority of VAN predictions, the values of ΔM, Δr and Δt were published before the period 1987-1989 under discussion; in a few cases only (three out of 29), related with the observation of the new phenomenon of the SES electrical activity, the value of Δt was determined in 1988. Furthermore, a careful inspection-from physical point of view-shows that the three plausibility criteria, suggested by Jackson (to be obeyed by a candidate prediction technique), are actually met by VAN-method.

  10. Ergotism in Norway. Part 1: The symptoms and their interpretation from the late Iron Age to the seventeenth century.

    PubMed

    Alm, Torbjørn; Elvevåg, Brita

    2013-03-01

    Ergotism is a horrendous disease with grotesque symptoms caused by ingesting specific ergot alkaloids. Mass poisoning episodes are attributable to consumption of grain - usually rye - infected with the fungus Claviceps purpurea. By focusing on possible cases of ergotism, we re-examine Norwegian history from the sagas through to the end of the seventeenth century. Our review - not intended to be exhaustive, or ex post facto to assign medical or psychiatric labels - draws attention to the very real possibility that many remarkable medical cases may have been the result of the ingestion of highly poisonous and psychoactive food substances. Where possible we highlight explanations given at the time - often rooted in religion or demonology - to explain the disease.

  11. Evaluation of solar Type II radio burst estimates of initial solar wind shock speed using a kinematic model of the solar wind on the April 2001 solar event swarm

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sun, W.; Dryer, M.; Fry, C. D.; Deehr, C. S.; Smith, Z.; Akasofu, S.-I.; Kartalev, M. D.; Grigorov, K. G.

    2002-04-01

    We compare simulation results of real time shock arrival time prediction with observations by the ACE satellite for a series of solar flares/coronal mass ejections which took place between 28 March and 18 April, 2001 on the basis of the Hakamada-Akasofu-Fry, version 2 (HAFv.2) model. It is found, via an ex post facto calculation, that the initial speed of shock waves as an input parameter of the modeling is crucial for the agreement between the observation and the simulation. The initial speed determined by metric Type II radio burst observations must be substantially reduced (30 percent in average) for most high-speed shock waves.

  12. Bottle-feeding histories of preterm infants.

    PubMed

    Pickler, R H; Mauck, A G; Geldmaker, B

    1997-01-01

    To describe the bottle-feeding histories of preterm infants and determine physical indices related to and predictive of bottle-feeding initiation and progression. Ex post facto. Academic medical center. A convenience sample of 40 preterm infants without concomitant cardiac, gastrointestinal, or cognitive impairment. Postconceptional age at first bottle-feeding, full bottle-feeding, and discharge. The morbidity rating, using the Neonatal Medical Index (NMI), was most strongly correlated with postconceptional age at first bottle-feeding (r = .34, p < .05), full bottle-feeding (r = .65, p < .01), and discharge (r = .55, p < .05). The morbidity rating also accounted for 12%, 42%, and 30% of the variance in postconceptional age at first bottle-feeding, full bottle-feeding, and discharge, respectively. The NMI may be a useful tool for predicting the initiation and progression of bottle-feeding in preterm infants.

  13. Vocational outcome following spinal cord injury.

    PubMed

    Conroy, L; McKenna, K

    1999-09-01

    Non-experimental (ex post facto) survey research design involving the use of a fixed alternative format questionnaire. To investigate variables influencing vocational outcome, to identify barriers to gaining and sustaining employment and to identify the effects of variables on the type of work engaged in following spinal cord injury. The two sets of independent variables considered were, individual and injury-related factors (age at onset of injury, time since injury, extent/level of injury, highest educational qualification achieved pre-injury, and pre-injury occupation) and circumstantial factors (means of transport, access difficulties, perceived workplace discrimination, financial disincentives to work and perceived level of skill). The Princess Alexandra Hospital Spinal Injuries Unit, Queensland, Australia. Data on the variables and the vocational outcomes of having ever worked or studied post-injury, current employment status and post-injury occupation were obtained from survey responses. Demographical and medical data were gathered from medical records. Forward stepwise logistic regression revealed that having ever worked or studied post-injury was associated with all individual and injury-related factors except pre-injury occupation, and two circumstantial factors, namely means of transport and access difficulties. Current employment was associated with all circumstantial factors as well as age at injury and pre-injury occupation. Standard multiple regression analyses revealed that post-injury occupation was correlated with all individual and injury-related factors as well as means of transport and perceived workplace discrimination. Tailored rehabilitation programs for individuals with characteristics associated with less successful vocational outcomes may facilitate their employment status after injury.

  14. Association between the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and mortality in a community sample: An artifact of the somatic complaints factor?1

    PubMed Central

    Pettit, Jeremy W.; Lewinsohn, Peter M.; Seeley, John R.; Roberts, Robert E.; Hibbard, Judith H.; Hurtado, Arnold V.

    2009-01-01

    Most previous studies of the depression-mortality association have not examined distinct depressive symptom clusters. This ex post facto study examined which aspects of depression may account for its association with mortality. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) was administered to 3,867 community dwelling adults. Cox proportional hazards procedures estimated the risk of mortality as a function of depression status and each of 4 CES-D factor scores. Depressed participants (CES-D ≥ 16) had a 1.23-fold higher risk of mortality (95% CI 1.03-1.49), adjusting for sociodemographics. Somatic Complaints (SC) was the only factor to predict mortality (HR 1.19, 95% CI 1.03-1.38). After excluding SC, CES-D scores no longer predicted mortality (HR .98, 95% CI .79-1.21). The association between CES-D depressive symptoms and mortality appears to be a function of the SC factor. The association between non-somatic depressive symptoms and mortality may not be as robust as past findings suggest. PMID:19936326

  15. Association between the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and mortality in a community sample: An artifact of the somatic complaints factor?

    PubMed

    Pettit, Jeremy W; Lewinsohn, Peter M; Seeley, John R; Roberts, Robert E; Hibbard, Judith H; Hurtado, Arnold V

    2008-05-01

    Most previous studies of the depression-mortality association have not examined distinct depressive symptom clusters. This ex post facto study examined which aspects of depression may account for its association with mortality. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) was administered to 3,867 community dwelling adults. Cox proportional hazards procedures estimated the risk of mortality as a function of depression status and each of 4 CES-D factor scores. Depressed participants (CES-D ≥ 16) had a 1.23-fold higher risk of mortality (95% CI 1.03-1.49), adjusting for sociodemographics. Somatic Complaints (SC) was the only factor to predict mortality (HR 1.19, 95% CI 1.03-1.38). After excluding SC, CES-D scores no longer predicted mortality (HR .98, 95% CI .79-1.21). The association between CES-D depressive symptoms and mortality appears to be a function of the SC factor. The association between non-somatic depressive symptoms and mortality may not be as robust as past findings suggest.

  16. Quantification of root gravitropic response using a constant stimulus feedback system.

    PubMed

    Wolverton, Chris

    2015-01-01

    Numerous software packages now exist for quantifying root growth responses, most of which analyze a time resolved sequence of images ex post facto. However, few allow for the real-time analysis of growth responses. The system in routine use in our lab allows for real-time growth analysis and couples this to positional feedback to control the stimulus experienced by the responding root. This combination allows us to overcome one of the confounding variables in studies of root gravity response. Seedlings are grown on standard petri plates attached to a vertical rotating stage and imaged using infrared illumination. The angle of a particular region of the root is determined by image analysis, compared to the prescribed angle, and any corrections in positioning are made by controlling a stepper motor. The system allows for the long-term stimulation of a root at a constant angle and yields insights into the gravity perception and transduction machinery not possible with other approaches.

  17. The Adolescent's Competency for Interacting with Alcohol as a Determinant of Intake: The Role of Self-Regulation.

    PubMed

    de la Fuente, Jesús; Cubero, Inmaculada; Sánchez-Amate, Mari Carmen; Peralta, Francisco J; Garzón, Angélica; Fiz Pérez, Javier

    2017-01-01

    The competency for interacting with alcohol is a highly useful Educational Psychology model for preventing and for understanding the different behavioral levels of this interaction. Knowledge of facts, concepts and principles about alcohol use, self-regulated behavior, and attitudes toward alcohol are predictive of adequate interaction with alcohol. The objective of this study was to empirically evaluate this postulated relationship. A total of 328 Spanish adolescents participated, between the ages of 12 and 17. All were enrolled in 1st-4th year of compulsory secondary education, in the context of the ALADO Program for prevention of alcohol intake in adolescents. An ex post facto design was used, with inferential analyses and SEM analyses. Results show an interdependence relationship, with significant structural prediction between the behavioral levels defined and the level of alcohol intake, with principles, self-regulating control and attitudes carrying more weight. Analyses are presented, as are implications for psychoeducational intervention using preventive programs based on this competency model.

  18. A call for change: clinical evaluation of student registered nurse anesthetists.

    PubMed

    Collins, Shawn; Callahan, Margaret Faut

    2014-02-01

    The ability to integrate theory with practice is integral to a student's success. A common reason for attrition from a nurse anesthesia program is clinical issues. To document clinical competence, students are evaluated using various tools. For use of a clinical evaluation tool as possible evidence for a student's dismissal, an important psychometric property to ensure is instrument validity. Clinical evaluation instruments of nurse anesthesia programs are not standardized among programs, which suggests a lack of instrument validity. The lack of established validity of the instruments used to evaluate students' clinical progress brings into question their ability to detect a student who is truly in jeopardy of attrition. Given this possibility, clinical instrument validity warrants research to be fair to students and improve attrition rates based on valid data. This ex post facto study evaluated a 17-item clinical instrument tool to demonstrate the need for validity of clinical evaluation tools. It also compared clinical scores with scores on the National Certification Examination.

  19. The Adolescent's Competency for Interacting with Alcohol as a Determinant of Intake: The Role of Self-Regulation

    PubMed Central

    de la Fuente, Jesús; Cubero, Inmaculada; Sánchez-Amate, Mari Carmen; Peralta, Francisco J.; Garzón, Angélica; Fiz Pérez, Javier

    2017-01-01

    The competency for interacting with alcohol is a highly useful Educational Psychology model for preventing and for understanding the different behavioral levels of this interaction. Knowledge of facts, concepts and principles about alcohol use, self-regulated behavior, and attitudes toward alcohol are predictive of adequate interaction with alcohol. The objective of this study was to empirically evaluate this postulated relationship. A total of 328 Spanish adolescents participated, between the ages of 12 and 17. All were enrolled in 1st–4th year of compulsory secondary education, in the context of the ALADO Program for prevention of alcohol intake in adolescents. An ex post facto design was used, with inferential analyses and SEM analyses. Results show an interdependence relationship, with significant structural prediction between the behavioral levels defined and the level of alcohol intake, with principles, self-regulating control and attitudes carrying more weight. Analyses are presented, as are implications for psychoeducational intervention using preventive programs based on this competency model. PMID:29123492

  20. Dieting in Spanish adolescent girls.

    PubMed

    López-Guimerà, Gemma; Fauquet, Jordi; Portell, Mariona; Sánchez-Carracedo, David; Raich, Rosa M

    2008-05-01

    This article examines the relation between dieting and non-dieting adolescent girls and body mass index (BMI), eating attitudes and the influence of the aesthetic body shape model. Three hundred forty-nine Spanish adolescent girls in their second year of secondary education were selected. The research design was a cross-sectional ex post facto study and validated measures were used to assess the main variables. Fourteen per cent of the sample was on a diet. Of this group, 69% were overweight, 70% had disordered eating attitudes and 70% were influenced by the current aesthetic body shape model. In all situations, the scores for dieters were significantly higher than those for non-dieters. Although there is not yet any clear consensus with regards to how adolescents interpret the term 'diet', the results indicate major differences between dieters and non-dieters and that those who self-report that they are on a diet present elements of the risk of developing eating and weight disorders. (c) 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association

  1. Development of an In Vitro Assay to Quantitate Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells (HSPCs) in Developing Zebrafish Embryos.

    PubMed

    Berrun, A C; Stachura, D L

    2017-11-30

    Hematopoiesis is an essential cellular process in which hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) differentiate into the multitude of different cell lineages that comprise mature blood. Isolation and identification of these HSPCs is difficult because they are defined ex post facto; they can only be defined after their differentiation into specific cell lineages. Over the past few decades, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) has become a model organism to study hematopoiesis. Zebrafish embryos develop ex utero, and by 48 h post-fertilization (hpf) have generated definitive HSPCs. Assays to assess HSPC differentiation and proliferation capabilities have been developed, utilizing transplantation and subsequent reconstitution of the hematopoietic system in addition to visualizing specialized transgenic lines with confocal microscopy. However, these assays are cost prohibitive, technically difficult, and time consuming for many laboratories. Development of an in vitro model to assess HSPCs would be cost effective, quicker, and present fewer difficulties compared to previously described methods, allowing laboratories to quickly assess mutagenesis and drug screens that affect HSPC biology. This novel in vitro assay to assess HSPCs is performed by plating dissociated whole zebrafish embryos and adding exogenous factors that promote only HSPC differentiation and proliferation. Embryos are dissociated into single cells and plated with HSPC-supportive colony stimulating factors that cause them to generate colony forming units (CFUs) that arise from a single progenitor cell. These assays should allow more careful examination of the molecular pathways responsible for HSPC proliferation, differentiation, and regulation, which will allow researchers to understand the underpinnings of vertebrate hematopoiesis and its dysregulation during disease.

  2. OUTSOURCING ETHICAL DILEMMAS: REGULATING INTERNATIONAL SURROGACY ARRANGEMENTS.

    PubMed

    Fenton-Glynn, Claire

    2016-01-01

    This article argues that the English legislative regime is ineffective in regulating international surrogacy, particularly with regard to commercial payments. It suggests that if English law views surrogacy as exploitative, we have a responsibility to protect women both in England and abroad, and the only way to do so effectively is to create a domestic system of regulation that caters adequately for the demand in this country. This requires a system of authorisation for surrogacy before it is undertaken; ex-post facto examinations of agreements completed in other jurisdictions, after the child is already living with the commissioning parents, cannot be seen as an acceptable compromise, as authorisation will inevitably be granted in the child's best interests. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press; all rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  3. Real-Time Grazing Incidence Small Angle X-Ray Scattering Studies of the Growth Kinetics of Sputter-Deposited Silicon Thin Films

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Demasi, Alexander; Erdem, Gozde; Chinta, Priya; Headrick, Randall; Ludwig, Karl

    2012-02-01

    The fundamental kinetics of thin film growth remains an active area of investigation. In this study, silicon thin films were grown at room temperature on silicon substrates via both on-axis and off-axis plasma sputter deposition, while the evolution of surface morphology was measured in real time with in-situ grazing incidence small angle x-ray scattering (GISAXS) at the National Synchrotron Light Source. GISAXS is a surface-sensitive, non-destructive technique, and is therefore ideally suited to a study of this nature. In addition to investigating the effect of on-axis versus off-axis bombardment, the effect of sputter gas partial pressure was examined. Post-facto, ex-situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to measure the final surface morphology of the films, which could subsequently be compared with the surface morphology determined by GISAXS. Comparisons are made between the observed surface evolution during growth and theoretical predictions. This work was supported by the Department of Energy, Office of Basic Energy Sciences.

  4. Human-pet interaction and loneliness: a test of concepts from Roy's adaptation model.

    PubMed

    Calvert, M M

    1989-01-01

    This research used two key concepts from Roy's adaptation model of nursing to examine the relationship between human-pet interaction and loneliness in nursing home residents. These concepts included (a) environmental stimuli as factors influencing adaptation and (b) interdependence as a mode of response to the environment. The hypothesis of this study asserted that the residents of a nursing home who had greater levels of interaction with a pet program would experience less loneliness than those who had lower levels of interaction with a pet. The study used an ex post facto nonexperimental design with 65 subjects. The simplified version of the revised UCLA loneliness scale was used to measure loneliness. Reported level of human-pet interaction was measured according to a four-point scale (1 = no interaction, 4 = quite a lot of interaction). The hypothesis was supported at the p less than 0.03 level of significance. Implications for practice through organizing pet programs in situations where loneliness exists are discussed. Recommendations for future research include replicating the study using a larger sample and developing a comprehensive human-pet interaction tool.

  5. Exogenous and Endogenous Impacts into Teachers' Work Performance Sphere

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Nasrun

    2016-01-01

    By this synopsis research which conveyed of findings to unfold mutual effect between teachers' performance and incentive scheme and teachers' personal competency, and principal leadership, and work motivation, by means of explanatory research in which ex facto method was ad hock model chosen because of classified as non-experiment. The grounds…

  6. Southeast Asia’s Relations with Taiwan, 2000-2016: An Assessment of Vietnam and Singapore

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2017-09-01

    were considered good during Taiwan president Lee Teng-hui’s terms (1988–2000) with robust economic ties and de facto diplomatic relations. Studies of...the post -Lee period have described a state of deteriorated relations between Taiwan and Southeast Asian countries when Chen Shui-bian succeeded Lee...Taiwan set up its de facto embassy in Ho Chi Minh City in 1992, and Vietnam set up its own representative office in Taipei in 1993. Vietnam continued to

  7. Science dual enrollment: An examination of high school students' post-secondary aspirations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Berry, Chelsia

    The purpose of this study was to determine if participation in science dual enrollment courses influenced African American high school students' post-secondary aspirations that will lead to college attendance. The investigation examined the relationship between African American students' learning experiences and how their self-efficacy and outcome expectations impact their goal setting. The goal was to determine the impact of the following variables on African American students' plan to pursue a bachelor's or advanced degree: (a) STEM exposure, (b) Algebra 1 achievement, (c) level of science class, and (d) receiving science college credit for dual enrollment course. The social cognitive career theory framed this body of research to explore how career and academic interests mature, are developed, and are translated into action. Science dual enrollment participation is a strategy for addressing the lack of African American presence in the STEM fields. The causal comparative ex post facto research design was used in this quantitative study. The researcher performed the Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric analysis of variance and Pearson's chi-square tests to analyze secondary data from the High School Longitudinal Study first follow-up student questionnaire. The results indicate that STEM exposure and early success in Algebra 1 have a statistically significant impact on African American students' ambition to pursue a bachelor's or advanced degree. According to the Pearson's chi-square and independent sample Kruskal-Wallis analyses, level of students' science class and receiving college credit for dual enrollment do not significantly influence African American students' postsecondary aspirations.

  8. The influence of cochlear implants on behaviour problems in deaf children.

    PubMed

    Jiménez-Romero, Ma Salud

    2015-01-01

    This study seeks to analyse the relationship between behaviour problems in deaf children and their auditory and communication development subsequent to cochlear implantation and to examine the incidence of these problems in comparison to their hearing peers. This study uses an ex post facto prospective design with a sample of 208 Spanish children, of whom 104 were deaf subjects with cochlear implants. The first objective assesses the relationships between behaviour problems, auditory integration, and social and communication skills in the group of deaf children. The second compares the frequency and intensity of behaviour problems of the group of deaf children with their hearing peers. The correlation analysis showed a significant association between the internal index of behaviour problems and auditory integration and communication skills, such that deaf children with greater auditory and communication development had no behaviour problems. When comparing behaviour problems in deaf children versus their hearing peers, behavioural disturbances are significantly more frequent in the former. According to these findings, cochlear implants may not guarantee adequate auditory and communicative development that would normalise the behaviour of deaf children.

  9. An evaluation of the problem-solving ability of diplomates from a comprehensive nursing programme.

    PubMed

    Makhathini, J T; Uys, L R

    1996-10-01

    The aim of this South African study was to obtain a measurement of the problem-solving ability of diplomates from a basic nursing programme with this skill included in its programme objectives. The problem-solving skills of diplomates from this programme were compared with those of first years to determine if there is an improvement in the problem-solving skills. A comparison was also made with a different basic programmes not claiming to teach problem-solving. The research design selected for this study was the ex post facto design. Data were collected using the Triple Jump Method which is an interview technique. The findings suggested that the level of the problem-solving skills of the comprehensive nursing programme diplomate is not satisfactory. There was, however, some improvement in the problem-solving ability from the first to the fourth year. The level of performance of the fourth years was slightly higher than that of the third years of the three-year nursing programme, who were used as the control group. Recommendations on selection teaching and evaluation of students, as well as further research, were made.

  10. Ionization imaging—A new method to search for 0- ν ββ decay

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chinowski, W.; Goldschmidt, A.; Nygren, D.; Bernstein, A.; Heffner, M.; Millaud, J.

    2007-10-01

    We present a new method to search for 0- ν ββ decay in 136Xe, the Ionization Imaging Chamber. This concept is based on 3-D track reconstruction by detection of ionization, without avalanche gain, in a novel time projection chamber (TPC) geometry. The rejection efficiency of external charged particle backgrounds is optimized by the realization of a maximal, fully active, closed, and ex post facto variable fiducial surface. Event localization within the fiducial volume and detailed event reconstruction mitigate external neutral particle backgrounds; larger detectors offer higher rejection efficiencies. Energy resolution at the Q-value of 2.5 MeV is expected to be better than 1% FWHM, reducing the potential impact of allowed 2- ν ββ decays. Scaling from ˜25 kg prototype to 1000+ kg target mass is graceful. A new possible methodology for the identification of the daughter barium nucleus is also described.

  11. Possible seasonality in large deep-focus earthquakes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhan, Zhongwen; Shearer, Peter M.

    2015-09-01

    Large deep-focus earthquakes (magnitude > 7.0, depth > 500 km) have exhibited strong seasonality in their occurrence times since the beginning of global earthquake catalogs. Of 60 such events from 1900 to the present, 42 have occurred in the middle half of each year. The seasonality appears strongest in the northwest Pacific subduction zones and weakest in the Tonga region. Taken at face value, the surplus of northern hemisphere summer events is statistically significant, but due to the ex post facto hypothesis testing, the absence of seasonality in smaller deep earthquakes, and the lack of a known physical triggering mechanism, we cannot rule out that the observed seasonality is just random chance. However, we can make a testable prediction of seasonality in future large deep-focus earthquakes, which, given likely earthquake occurrence rates, should be verified or falsified within a few decades. If confirmed, deep earthquake seasonality would challenge our current understanding of deep earthquakes.

  12. Quality of life for women after a myocardial infarction.

    PubMed

    Wingate, S

    1995-01-01

    To assess the level of quality of life and to determine the relationship of selected variables to quality of life in a sample of women after a myocardial infarction (MI). Ex post facto, one-group, correlational survey. Offices of cardiologists in private practice. Consecutive sample of 96 women who had a diagnosis of MI, and who had not undergone cardiac surgery. The mean quality of life score was 21.6. Significant variables in the regression equation were employment status (p < 0.01), social support (p < 0.01), and self-esteem (p = 0.04), and these three variables accounted for 45% of the variance in quality of life. The quality of life scores in this sample were higher than expected and similar to those of healthy populations. Those women in the sample who returned to their former employment status and had higher levels of social support and self-esteem had higher levels of quality of life.

  13. Reducing recurrence in child protective services: impact of a targeted safety protocol.

    PubMed

    Fluke, J; Edwards, M; Bussey, M; Wells, S; Johnson, W

    2001-08-01

    Statewide implementation of a child safety assessment protocol by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) in 1995 is assessed to determine its impact on near-term recurrence of child maltreatment. Literature on the use of risk and safety assessment as a decision-making tool supports the DCFS's approach. The literature on the use of recurrence as a summative measure for evaluation is described. Survival analysis is used with an administrative data set of 400,000 children reported to DCFS between October 1994 and November 1997. An ex-post facto design tests the hypothesis that the use of the protocol cannot be ruled out as an explanation for the observed decline in recurrence following implementation. Several alternative hypotheses are tested: change in use of protective custody, other concurrent changes in state policy, and the concurrent experience of other states. The impact of the protocol to reduce recurrence was not ruled out.

  14. Residential relocation and regional redistribution of the elderly in the USA and Germany.

    PubMed

    Serow, W J; Friedrich, K; Haas, W H

    1996-01-01

    "This paper reviews some of the principal differences and similarities in the migration and spatial redistribution behavior of the older populations of the USA and of Germany.... The paper is divided into three distinct parts. The paper first reviews actual and prospective redistribution of the older population, with regard to interregional shifts of population as well as to changes in concentration along an urban-rural continuum. Following these macroscopic elements, the paper then moves to a presentation of the results of two ex post facto surveys (one taken in the USA and the other in Germany) of recent older movers in order to compare the motivations expressed for the move and the present degree of satisfaction with it. The concluding section considers the implications of redistribution at both geographic levels and of mover satisfaction in light of political developments as they are presently unfolding in Europe." excerpt

  15. Fundamental Studies of the Role of Grain Boundaries on Uniform Corrosion of Advanced Nuclear Reactor Materials

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

    Taheri, Mitra; Motta, Arthur; Marquis, Emmanuelle

    The main objective of this proposal is to develop fundamental understanding of the role of grain boundaries in stable oxide growth. To understand the process of oxide layer destabilization, it is necessary to observe the early stages of corrosion. During conventional studies in which a sample is exposed and examined after removal from the autoclave, the destabilization process will normally have already taken place, and is only examined post facto. To capture the instants of oxide destabilization, it is necessary to observe it in situ; however, significant questions always arise as to the influence of the corrosion geometry and conditionsmore » on the corrosion process. Thus, a combination of post facto examinations and in situ studies is proposed, which also combines state-of-the-art characterization techniques to derive a complete understanding of the destabilization process and the role of grain boundaries.« less

  16. 76 FR 39019 - Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Quotas and Atlantic Tuna Fisheries...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-07-05

    ... for the more selective, directed fishing categories, and be a de facto reallocation of quota shares... allowing a de facto ``incidental catch'' fishery in the Gulf of Mexico, in violation of the ICCAT... regarding post-release mortality, makes it difficult to quantify now the effect of the weak hook requirement...

  17. Predictors of suicidal ideation and depressive symptoms among adolescents in Chiapas, Mexico.

    PubMed

    Lara, Germán Alejandro García; Zúñiga, Jesús Ocaña; Pérez, Oscar Cruz; Solís, Soledad Hernández; Jiménez, Carlos Eduardo Pérez; Méndez, Martín Cabrera

    2018-04-01

    The aim of this study was to assess the presence of suicidal ideation and depressive symptoms among adolescents in Chiapas, Mexico based on predictor variables. A cross-sectional study adopting an ex post facto design was conducted with a non-probability sample of 4,759 students of both sexes with an average age of 18.4 years and using the following tools: the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, Roberts' Suicidal Ideation Scale, the Impulsiveness Scale (IS), and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. The mean score obtained by the suicidal ideation scale was 0.2, which is lower than that reported by other studies, while the mean score for depressive symptoms was similar to those in the literature. The prevalence of suicidal ideation was 7.8%, which is lower than reported in national and international studies. Multivariable logistic regression showed that impulsiveness (OR = 1.907) and depressive symptoms (OR = 9.006) lead to a twofold and ninefold increase in the likelihood of suicidal ideation, respectively. The findings also showed a strong association between suicidal ideation and depressive symptoms, showing that the latter is a predictor of suicidal ideation among adolescents.

  18. Emotional intelligence as a noncognitive factor in student registered nurse anesthetists.

    PubMed

    Collins, Shawn

    2013-12-01

    Current nurse anesthesia program admissions requirements usually focus on high grade point averages, Graduate Record Examination scores, number of years of acute care experience, and a personal interview to assist in predicting those who will succeed in these intensive academic and clinical programs. Some people believe these criteria may not be sufficient in predicting success and have suggested that the use of noncognitive criteria such as emotional intelligence measurements may be helpful. The purpose of this cross-sectional correlational study was to explore the relationship between emotional intelligence and academic factors of student registered nurse anesthetists at 3 points in a program--matriculation, at 1 year of study, and in the last semester of study--and the relationship of these to clinical scores and National Certification Examination scores. An ex post facto cross-sectional study design was used to gather data at 3 critical times in nurse anesthesia programs to explore the relationships between emotional intelligence scores, preadmission demographics, clinical scores, and National Certification Examination scores. The online Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test instrument provided 15 individual emotional intelligence scores for each subject. The statistical relationship between variables was examined.

  19. Interventions for family members caring for an elder with dementia.

    PubMed

    Acton, Gayle J; Winter, Mary A

    2002-01-01

    This chapter reviews 73 published and unpublished research reports of interventions for family members caring for an elder with dementia by nurse researchers and researchers from other disciplines. Reports were identified through searches of MEDLINE, CINAHL, Social Science Index, PsycINFO, ERIC, Social Work Abstracts, American Association of Retired Persons database, CRISP index of the National Institutes of Health, Cochrane Center database, and Dissertation Abstracts using the following search terms: caregiver, caregiving, dementia, Alzheimer's, intervention study, evaluation study, experimental, and quasi-experimental design. Additional keywords were used to narrow or expand the search as necessary. All nursing research was included in the review and nonnursing research was included if published between 1991 and 2001. Studies were included if they used a design that included a treatment and control group or a one-group, pretest-posttest design (ex post facto designs were included if they used a comparison group). Key findings show that approximately 32% of the study outcomes (e.g., burden, depression, knowledge) were changed after intervention in the desired direction. In addition, several problematic issues were identified including small, diverse samples; lack of intervention specificity; diversity in the length, duration, and intensity of the intervention strategies; and problematic outcome measures.

  20. [Psychopathology, characteristics of violence and dropout in male batterers treatment programs: results of an intervention service].

    PubMed

    Boira Sarto, Santiago; Jodrá Esteban, Pedro

    2010-11-01

    This paper deals with male violence toward female partners and the analysis of some variables related to this aggressive behavior. We study the type of violence perpetrated and some indicators of psychopathology, such as personality disorders, previous psychiatric or psychological care, substance abuse and jealous behavior, among others. In addition, we examine the relationship between these variables and the fact that the men do not complete the treatment program. For this purpose, we employed a sample of 118 men who voluntarily participated in an intervention service, and we carried out an ex post facto analysis. With regard to possible relations of dependence or independence among the variables considered, the results show dependence between the possibility of dropping out of the treatment and the presence of psychological or psychiatric history, and patterns of alcohol consumption and consumption of other drugs. In contrast, the existence of personality disorders, jealous behavior, type of violence used, onset or duration of violent behavior are independent of the possibility of dropping out of the treatment program.

  1. Family Functioning and Parental Bonding During Childhood in Adults Diagnosed With ADHD.

    PubMed

    Montejo, José E; Durán, Mariona; Del Mar Martínez, María; Hilari, Ainoa; Roncalli, Nicoletta; Vilaregut, Anna; Corrales, Montserrat; Nogueira, Mariana; Casas, Miguel; Linares, Juan Luis; Ramos-Quiroga, J Antoni

    2015-08-24

    This work assesses family functioning, parental bonding, and the relationship between the two in adults diagnosed with ADHD. The study used a retrospective, ex post facto design and consisted of 100 adult participants, who were distributed into two groups: with and without diagnosis of ADHD. Two family assessment instruments were applied: the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale short spanish version (FACES-20esp)) and the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI). The diagnosis of ADHD was done by using a semistructured interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.; DSM-IV) criteria (Conners' Adult ADHD Diagnostic Interview for DSM-IV [CAADID]). The results showed that higher rigidity and lower emotional connection were significantly associated with ADHD family functioning. Regarding parental bonding, the results showed significant differences only in the care dimension, with the ADHD group reporting lower care than the control group. The results suggest that ADHD families present dysfunctional family functioning with a rigid, separated typology, and parental bonding based on control without affection. © 2015 SAGE Publications.

  2. Science Laboratory Environment and Academic Performance

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Aladejana, Francisca; Aderibigbe, Oluyemisi

    2007-12-01

    The study determined how students assess the various components of their science laboratory environment. It also identified how the laboratory environment affects students' learning outcomes. The modified ex-post facto design was used. A sample of 328 randomly selected students was taken from a population of all Senior Secondary School chemistry students in a state in Nigeria. The research instrument, Science Laboratory Environment Inventory (SLEI) designed and validated by Fraser et al. (Sci Educ 77:1-24, 1993) was administered on the selected students. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics and Product Moment Correlation. Findings revealed that students could assess the five components (Student cohesiveness, Open-endedness, Integration, Rule clarity, and Material Environment) of the laboratory environment. Student cohesiveness has the highest assessment while material environment has the least. The results also showed that the five components of the science laboratory environment are positively correlated with students' academic performance. The findings are discussed with a view to improving the quality of the laboratory environment, subsequent academic performance in science and ultimately the enrolment and retaining of learners in science.

  3. Function and the patient with chronic low back pain.

    PubMed

    Strong, J; Ashton, R; Large, R G

    1994-09-01

    To undertake a comparative examination of the reliability and validity of two frequently used self-report measures of functional disability, the Pain Disability Index (PDI) and the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire (OLBPDQ). A descriptive ex-post facto design was used in the study. Pain clinics and neurosurgical units at three metropolitan hospitals. One hundred patients with chronic low back pain of noncancer origin were administered the two questionnaires as part of a larger questionnaire battery. Acceptable internal consistency values of 0.76 for the PDI and 0.71 for the OLBPDQ were obtained. A correlation of r = 0.63 was found between the PDI and the OLBPDQ, supporting the concurrent validity of the two scales. Both the scales were found to be correlated to the Beck Depression Inventory scores (PDI, r = 0.42; OLBPDQ, r = 0.39), with higher disability associated with greater depression. Only the total PDI score was found to be sensitive to functional status differences within the patient sample. These findings support other recent work in favor of the PDI. The PDI had a slightly higher internal consistency and was more sensitive than the OLBPDQ.

  4. Influence of Passive Stiffness of Hamstrings on Postural Stability

    PubMed Central

    Kuszewski, Michał; Gnat, Rafał; Sobota, Grzegorz; Myśliwiec, Andrzej

    2015-01-01

    The aim of the study was to explore whether passive stiffness of the hamstrings influences the strategy of maintaining postural stability. A sample of 50 subjects was selected; the final analyses were based on data of 41 individuals (33 men, 8 women) aged 21 to 29 (mean = 23.3, SD = 1.1) years. A quasi- experimental ex post facto design with repeated measures was used. Categories of independent variables were obtained directly prior to the measurement of the dependent variables. In stage one of the study, passive knee extension was measured in the supine position to assess hamstring stiffness. In stage two, the magnitude of postural sway in antero-posterior direction was measured, while varying the body position on a stabilometric platform, both with and without visual control. The margin of safety was used as a measure of postural control. The magnitude of the margin of safety increased significantly between the open-eye and closed-eye trials. However, although we registered a visible tendency for a larger increase of the margin of safety associated with lower levels of passive hamstrings stiffness, no significant differences were found. Therefore, this study demonstrated that hamstring stiffness did not influence the strategy used to maintain postural stability. PMID:25964809

  5. The role of optimism in health-promoting behaviors in new primiparous mothers.

    PubMed

    Gill, Robyn M; Loh, Jennifer M I

    2010-01-01

    Perceived stress has been associated with fewer health-promoting behaviors in new primiparous mothers, but less is known about the mechanisms responsible for such effects. The objective of this study was to examine the hypothesis that the relationship between perceived stress and health-promoting behaviors is mediated partially by a primiparous mother's sense of optimism. The transactional model of stress and coping and the model of behavioral self-regulation were used as the theoretical framework for the study. An ex post facto cross-sectional design was used for this study. Participants consisted of 174 primiparous mothers who had given birth within the previous 12 months. Participants completed a self-reported online questionnaire consisting of the Perceived Stress Scale, the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II, and the revised Life Orientation Test. Results indicated that perceived stress predicted less health-promoting behaviors in new primiparous mothers (p < .001). Importantly, this relationship was mediated partially by the optimism displayed by the mother (p < .001). The findings indicated that optimism partially mediated the relationship between perceived stress and health-promoting behaviors in new primiparous mothers. The implications for psychological practice are discussed.

  6. Influence of passive stiffness of hamstrings on postural stability.

    PubMed

    Kuszewski, Michał; Gnat, Rafał; Sobota, Grzegorz; Myśliwiec, Andrzej

    2015-03-29

    The aim of the study was to explore whether passive stiffness of the hamstrings influences the strategy of maintaining postural stability. A sample of 50 subjects was selected; the final analyses were based on data of 41 individuals (33 men, 8 women) aged 21 to 29 (mean = 23.3, SD = 1.1) years. A quasi- experimental ex post facto design with repeated measures was used. Categories of independent variables were obtained directly prior to the measurement of the dependent variables. In stage one of the study, passive knee extension was measured in the supine position to assess hamstring stiffness. In stage two, the magnitude of postural sway in antero-posterior direction was measured, while varying the body position on a stabilometric platform, both with and without visual control. The margin of safety was used as a measure of postural control. The magnitude of the margin of safety increased significantly between the open-eye and closed-eye trials. However, although we registered a visible tendency for a larger increase of the margin of safety associated with lower levels of passive hamstrings stiffness, no significant differences were found. Therefore, this study demonstrated that hamstring stiffness did not influence the strategy used to maintain postural stability.

  7. Personality disorders and psychosocial problems in a group of participants to therapeutic processes for people with severe social disabilities.

    PubMed

    Salavera, Carlos; Tricás, José M; Lucha, Orosia

    2011-12-11

    Homeless people have high dropout rates when they participate in therapeutic processes. The causes of this failure are not always known. This study investigates whether dropping-out is mediated by personality disorders or whether psychosocial problems are more important. Eighty-nine homeless people in a socio-laboral integration process were assessed. An initial interview was used, and the MCMI II questionnaire was applied to investigate the presence of psychosocial disorders (DSM-IV-TR axis IV). This was designed as an ex post-facto prospective study. Personality disorders were very frequent among the homeless people examined. Moreover, the high index of psychosocial problems (axis IV) in this population supported the proposal that axis IV disorders are influential in failure to complete therapy. The outcomes of the study show that the homeless people examined presented with more psychopathological symptoms, in both axis II and axis IV, than the general population. This supports the need to take into account the comorbidity between these two types of disorder among homeless people, in treatment and in the development of specific intervention programs. In conclusion, the need for more psychosocial treatments addressing the individual problems of homeless people is supported.

  8. Medicaid Expansion: A Tale of Two Governors.

    PubMed

    Flagg, Robin

    2016-10-01

    This is a study of why two seemingly similar governors made divergent decisions on expanding Medicaid under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). Performing a case study of Governors John Kasich (OH) and Scott Walker (WI), I explore the roles played by electoral pressures, political party, governor's ideology, the state's policy heritage, stakeholder advocacy, and the economy in each governor's decision about whether to expand Medicaid. Electoral pressure was the most significant factor for both governors. I demonstrate that even Walker succumbed to state electoral pressures and expanded Medicaid, albeit in a manner unique to Wisconsin. He did this despite his emphatic national rhetoric rejecting Obamacare and expansion. Additionally, existing state political institutions drove each governor to decide in a manner unique to his state: previous Medicaid decisions in Wisconsin and direct democracy in Ohio provided additional pressures and divergent starting points. The remaining factors served less as a driving force behind the decision and more as a frame to justify the decision ex post facto. Case studies allow for a more complex view of how political pressures fit together; differences can be explained and expanded, and an enhanced understanding of political processes can be gleaned. Copyright © 2016 by Duke University Press.

  9. Psychological distress and the role of significant others in a population of gay/bisexual men in the era of HIV.

    PubMed

    Britton, P J; Zarski, J J; Hobfoll, S E

    1993-01-01

    This study, based on The Conservation of Resources Theory (COR), explores the relationship between social resources and psychological distress, as reported by gay/bisexual men who are at varying degrees of risk for HIV. This study involves theory-based stress research, and adds to the body of literature that addresses social support and gay men. Specific emphasis was placed on the process of social support by significant others in relationship to the devastating impact HIV has on the gay/bisexual community. The investigators employed an ex-post facto design that was guided by past and present theoretical and empirical data, and by specific research hypotheses. The findings suggest that facets of social support appear to be interactively related to the perceived threat of HIV in predicting distress. In general, this study supports COR theory in that resources were related to the experience of psychological distress, yet it emphasizes that the relationship between support and gay men is complex, and thus generalizations from findings based on research with the majority culture may not apply to a population of gay/bisexual men. Implications for future research are also provided.

  10. Can future land use change be usefully predicted?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ramankutty, N.; Coomes, O.

    2011-12-01

    There has been increasing recognition over the last decade that land use and land cover change is an important driver of global environmental change. Consequently, there have been growing efforts to understanding processes of land change from local-to-global scales, and to develop models to predict future changes in the land. However, we believe that such efforts are hampered by limited attention being paid to the critical points of land change. Here, we present a framework for understanding land use change by distinguishing within-regime land-use dynamics from land-use regime shifts. Illustrative historical examples reveal the significance of land-use regime shifts. We further argue that the land-use literature predominantly demonstrates a good understanding (with predictive power) of within-regime dynamics, while understanding of land-use regime shifts is limited to ex post facto explanations with limited predictive capability. The focus of land use change science needs to be redirected toward studying land-use regime shifts if we are to have any hope of making useful future projections. We present a preliminary framework for understanding land-use regime-shifts, using two case studies in Latin America as examples. We finally discuss the implications of our proposal for land change science.

  11. Coping flexibility and eudaimonic well-being in university students.

    PubMed

    Freire, Carlos; Ferradás, María Del Mar; Núñez, José Carlos; Valle, Antonio

    2018-05-31

    Despite the growing interest in the relationship between coping strategies and eudaimonic well-being, few studies have examined this issue from the perspective of coping flexibility. Therefore, the present study aimed to: (1) identify approach coping profiles in the university context and (2) analyze the differences between these profiles in terms of eudaimonic well-being. A prospective ex post facto design was used and 1,402 university students were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using validated self-reported instruments. A latent profile analysis was conducted to identify the participants' coping profiles. The relationship between profiles and eudaimonic well-being was determined using a multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA), with gender, age, and university degree as covariates. Six student profiles were identified based on the degree to which they combined positive reappraisal, support seeking, and planning strategies. The profiles that involved the use of these three strategies to a greater extent experienced more eudaimonic well-being, and vice versa. To analyze the impact of coping on eudaimonic well-being, it is necessary to consider students' ability to combine different approach coping strategies. © 2018 Scandinavian Psychological Associations and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  12. [Evaluation of visual attentional biases in a sample of university smokers].

    PubMed

    Morales Domínguez, Zaira; Pascual Orts, Luis Miguel; Garrido Muñoz de Arenillas, Rocío

    2013-01-01

    The tobacco consumption continues being a worrying problem due to the negative consequences in the health. At presents, strategies of prevention based on the persuasion across clue pictures are used, which need to attract the attention of the smoker in order that they are effective. Nevertheless, the number of experimental studies in Spain on attentional biases in smokers is very limited. For it, in this study the aim was to verify the presence of visual attentional biases using the dot probe task in university smokers, stage where the smoking habit is consolidated. The sample was constituted by 337 students of the University of Huelva, with ages between 17 and 30 years. The participation was voluntary and the participants signed an informed assent. 135 subjects presented consumption history, which were distributed, according to classification of the WHO, in daily smokers, occasional smokers and former smokers. A experimental Ex post facto prospective design was used. The results showed that the smokers group was significantly later time to respond to the clue located in the same place that the tobacco picture than the group of not smokers. This shows that the smokers presented more difficulty to disconnect the attention towards smoking cues than not smokers.

  13. The relationship between risk factors and aeronautical decision making in the flight training environment

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wetmore, Michael J.

    The purpose of this applied dissertation was to investigate the relationship between risk factors and aeronautical decision making in the flight training environment using a quantitative, non-experimental, ex post facto research design. All 75 of the flight training accidents that involved a fatality from the years 2001-2003 were selected for study from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) aviation accident database. Objective evidence from the Factual Reports was used to construct accident chains and to code and quantify total risk factors and total poor aeronautical decisions. The data were processed using correlational statistical tests at the 1% significance level. There was a statistically significant relationship between total risk factors per flight and poor decisions per flight. Liveware risks were the most prevalent risk factor category. More poor decisions were made during preflight than any other phase of flight. Pilots who made multiple poor decisions per flight had significantly higher risk factors per flight. A risk factor threat to decision making chart is presented for use by flight instructors and/or flight training organizations. The main threat to validity of this study was the NTSB accident investigation team investigative equality assumption.

  14. The Correlation Between Metacognition Level with Self-Efficacy of Biology Education College Students

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ridlo, S.; Lutfiya, F.

    2017-04-01

    Self-efficacy is a strong predictor of academic achievement. Self-efficacy refers to the ability of college students to achieve the desired results. The metacognition level can influence college student’s self-efficacy. This study aims to identify college student’s metacognition level and self-efficacy, as well as determine the relationship between self-efficacy and metacognition level for college students of Biology Education 2013, Semarang State University. The ex-post facto quantitative research was conducted on 99 students Academic Year 2015/2016. Saturation sampling technique determined samples. E-D scale collected data for self-efficacy identification. Data for assess the metacognition level collected by Metacognitive Awareness Inventory. Data were analysed quantitatively by Pearson correlation and linear regression. Most college students have the high level of metacognition and average self-efficacy. Pearson correlation coefficient result was 0.367. This result showed that metacognition level and self-efficacy has a weak relationship. Based on linear regression test, self-efficacy influenced by metacognition level up to 13.5%. The results of the study showed that positive and significant relationships exist between metacognition level and self-efficacy. Therefore, if the metacognition level is high, then self-efficacy will also be high (appropriate).

  15. Counternetwork: Countering the Expansion of Transnational Criminal Networks

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2017-01-01

    herein are protected by law. This representation of RAND intellectual property is provided for noncommercial use only. Unauthorized posting of this...capture and control of relevant aspects of the public domain—sometimes result in de facto governance.35 Whether this means that a counterinsurgency...p. 178. 35 Clark, 2009. Critics of the criminal insurgency concept argue that the cartels engage in de facto governance not for the sake of

  16. Hypernovae: Observational aspects

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Danziger, I. J.

    2001-05-01

    Following the discovery of a supernova SN 1998bw very probably associated with the γ-ray burst source GRB980425 the term ``hypernova'' has been re-defined to embrace SNe of high energy associated with GRB's. Here we discuss in some detail the observed and inferred properties of SN 1998bw and its relation to other previously observed SNe to which it may be related. A brief account is given of other relatively nearby SNe where a possible association with GRB's has been suggested ex post facto. There are also cases where less direct but suggestive evidence for a SN/GRB association has been adduced for well observed GRB events and their associated afterglow. These are also referred to. Our conclusion is that observationally we are still near the beginning of understanding which types of SNe give rise to GRB's and how frequently they occur. Nevertheless objects such as SN1998bw surely give rise to young supernova remnants with high velocity oxygen-enriched filaments. .

  17. Computation of dark frames in digital imagers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Widenhorn, Ralf; Rest, Armin; Blouke, Morley M.; Berry, Richard L.; Bodegom, Erik

    2007-02-01

    Dark current is caused by electrons that are thermally exited into the conduction band. These electrons are collected by the well of the CCD and add a false signal to the chip. We will present an algorithm that automatically corrects for dark current. It uses a calibration protocol to characterize the image sensor for different temperatures. For a given exposure time, the dark current of every pixel is characteristic of a specific temperature. The dark current of every pixel can therefore be used as an indicator of the temperature. Hot pixels have the highest signal-to-noise ratio and are the best temperature sensors. We use the dark current of a several hundred hot pixels to sense the chip temperature and predict the dark current of all pixels on the chip. Dark current computation is not a new concept, but our approach is unique. Some advantages of our method include applicability for poorly temperature-controlled camera systems and the possibility of ex post facto dark current correction.

  18. Industrial Internship and Entrepreneurship Competencies on Vocational High School Students

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wendi, H. F.; Kusumah, I. H.

    2018-02-01

    The purpose of the research is to explore the influence of internship and vocational skill to student’s entrepreneurship competencies. The research used ex post facto approach. Population in this research is all students of Vocational High School in Bandung, Indonesia. The sample of 40 respondents was determined by proportional random sampling technique. The data were collected by instrument questionnaire and test. Data analysis used descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression. The results show that almost half students have a low the competencies of an entrepreneur. The hypothesis testing shows many the influence of factory teaching has a positive and significant effect on the competencies of an entrepreneur. Similarly, vocational skills have positive influence and significant on the competencies of an entrepreneur. Respectively, the influence of factory teaching and vocational skills expertise collectively have the effect on the competencies of an entrepreneur. Therefore, the influence of factory teaching and vocational skills are effective to student’s entrepreneurship cap competencies.

  19. [How five-year-old children distribute rewards: effects of the amount of reward and a crying face].

    PubMed

    Tsutsu, Kiyomi

    2013-10-01

    Five-year-old children were presented with two scenes in which one character made three stars and the other made nine stars. In one of the scenes, both characters' facial expressions were neutral (neutral face scene), and in the other scene the character who produced three stars had a crying face (crying face scene). Children distributed different numbers of rewards to the two characters: equal to (Middle-N), less than (Small-N), or more than (Large-N) the total number of stars in each scene. Then the children were asked for their reason after they distributed the rewards. It was found that (a) the participants' distributions depended on the total number of rewards but (b) not on the characters' facial expressions, and (c) the justifications of their distributions in the Middle-N condition were different between the scenes. These results suggest that the total number of rewards triggers an automatic distribution process, and that an ex post facto justification takes place when needed.

  20. Checklist content on a standardized patient assessment: an ex post facto review.

    PubMed

    Boulet, John R; van Zanten, Marta; de Champlain, André; Hawkins, Richard E; Peitzman, Steven J

    2008-03-01

    While checklists are often used to score standardized patient based clinical assessments, little research has focused on issues related to their development or the level of agreement with respect to the importance of specific items. Five physicians independently reviewed checklists from 11 simulation scenarios that were part of the former Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduate's Clinical Skills Assessment and classified the clinical appropriateness of each of the checklist items. Approximately 78% of the original checklist items were judged to be needed, or indicated, given the presenting complaint and the purpose of the assessment. Rater agreement was relatively poor with pairwise associations (Kappa coefficient) ranging from 0.09 to 0.29. However, when only consensus indicated items were included, there was little change in examinee scores, including their reliability over encounters. Although most checklist items in this sample were judged to be appropriate, some could potentially be eliminated, thereby minimizing the scoring burden placed on the standardized patients. Periodic review of checklist items, concentrating on their clinical importance, is warranted.

  1. Proof of causation in informed consent cases: establishing what the plaintiff would have done.

    PubMed

    Cockburn, Tina; Madden, Bill

    2010-12-01

    A degree of judicial caution in accepting the assertion of a plaintiff as to what he or she would have done, if fully informed of risks, is clearly evident upon a review of decisions applying the common law. Civil liability legislation in some jurisdictions now precludes assertion evidence by a plaintiff. Although this legislative change was seen as creating a significant challenge for plaintiffs seeking to discharge the onus of proof of establishing causation in such cases, recent decisions suggest a more limited practical effect. While a plaintiff's ex post facto assertions as to what he or she would have done if fully informed of risks may now be inadmissible, objective and subjective evidence as to the surrounding facts and circumstances, in particular the plaintiff's prior attitudes and conduct, and the assertion evidence of others remains admissible. Given the court's reliance on both objective and subjective evidence, statistical evidence may be of increasing importance.

  2. Deciphering Rashomon: an approach to verbal autopsies of maternal deaths.

    PubMed

    Iyer, Aditi; Sen, Gita; Sreevathsa, Anuradha

    2013-01-01

    The paper discusses an approach to verbal autopsies that engages with the Rashomon phenomenon affecting ex post facto constructions of death and responds to the call for maternal safety. This method differs from other verbal autopsies in its approach to data collection and its framework of analysis. In our approach, data collection entails working with and triangulating multiple narratives, and minimising power inequalities in the investigation process. The framework of analysis focuses on the missed opportunities for death prevention as an alternative to (or deepening of) the Three Delays Model. This framework assesses the behavioural responses of health providers, as well as community and family members at each opportunity for death prevention and categorises them into four groups: non-actions, inadequate actions, inappropriate actions and unavoidably delayed actions. We demonstrate the application of this approach to show how verbal autopsies can delve beneath multiple narratives and rigorously identify health system, behavioural and cultural factors that contribute to avoidable maternal mortality.

  3. A comparison of paediatrics occupational therapy university program curricula in New Zealand, Australia, and Canada.

    PubMed

    Rodger, Sylvia; Brown, G Ted; Brown, Anita; Roever, Carsten

    2006-01-01

    Comparisons were made of the paediatric content of professional entry-level occupational therapy university program curricula in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada using an ex post facto survey methodology. The findings indicated that in Australia/New Zealand, paediatrics made up 20% of the total curriculum, but only 13% in Canada. Canadian reference materials were utilized less often in Canadian universities than in Australia/New Zealand. Theories taught most often in Australia/New Zealand were: Sensory Integration, Neurodevelopmental Therapy, Client-Centered Practice, Playfulness, and the Model of Human Occupation. In Canada, the most frequent theories were: Piaget's Stages of Cognitive/Intellectual Development, Neurodevelopmental Therapy, Erikson's Eight Stages of Psychosocial Development and Sensory Integration. The most frequently taught paediatric assessment tools in both regions were the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency and Miller Assessment for Preschoolers. Paediatric intervention methods taught to students in all three countries focused on activities of daily living/self-care, motor skills, perceptual and visual motor integration, and infant and child development.

  4. Leadership From the Centre: A New Foreign and Security Policy for Germany

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-03-01

    this period, a new Germany confident enough to declare leadership from the centre assumed de facto leadership in the European Union. The dichotomy of...enough to declare leadership from the centre assumed de facto leadership in the European Union. The dichotomy of Germany’s past and ambitions in foreign...14 C. THE REALPOLITIK OF THE POST -WAR ORDER ........................ 17 III. REUNIFICATION AND THE RISE OF THE CIVILIAN POWER ............ 23 A

  5. Beating the Islamic State: Selecting a New Strategy for Iraq and Syria

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2017-01-01

    noncommercial use only. Unauthorized posting of this publication online is prohibited. Permission is given to duplicate this document for personal use only...These conditions fed the rise of the diffuse Sunni insurgency, a de facto sectarian civil war, and the eventual rise of IS. Nationalist groups led...and elevated his stature to de facto leader of the otherwise fractured Sunni Arab Iraqi insurgent movement. From 2004 through 2006 Zarqawi implemented

  6. Effects of Alpha-Lactalbumin or Whey Protein Isolate on Muscle Damage, Muscle Pain, and Mood States Following Prolonged Strenuous Endurance Exercise

    PubMed Central

    Qin, Lu; Wong, Stephen H. S.; Sun, Feng-Hua; Huang, Yu; Sheridan, Sinead; Sit, Cindy H. P.

    2017-01-01

    This study compared the effect of alpha-lactalbumin and whey protein on muscle damage, muscle pain, and mood states during short term recovery following strenuous prolonged exercise. In a two-stage crossover counterbalanced design, 12 endurance male runners were recruited (age: 30.4 ± 2.8 year, height: 172.7 ± 5.6 cm, body mass: 66.7 ± 6.5 kg, VO2max: 58.0 ± 6.9 ml/kg−/min), ran for 90 min at 70% VO2max, and followed by a 4-h recovery. Two treatments (carbohydrate+alpha-lactalbumin, CA; carbohydrate+whey protein isolate, CW) were applied during the main trials. During the first 2-h of recovery, CHO was served at the rate of 0.66 g/kg/h and PRO at 0.34 g/kg/h every 30 min. Creatine kinase (CK), interleukin-6 (IL-6), salivary cortisol, rating of muscle pain, pressure pain threshold (PPT), and mood states were evaluated before (Pre-ex), immediately (Post-ex0), 2 h (Post-ex2h) and 4 h (Post-ex4h) after exercise. 24 h after exercise (Post-ex24h), CK and IL-6, muscle pain, and PPT were evaluated. Compared with Pre-ex, Post-ex24h CK was higher in both trials of CA (398.16 ± 41.37 vs. 184.77 ± 22.68 IU/L, P = 0.039) and CW (418.17 ± 67.86 vs. 202.41 ± 22.26 IU/L, P = 0.037). IL-6 was also higher than Pre-ex at Post-ex0 and Post-ex2h in trials of CA (Post-ex0 vs. Pre-ex0: 7.87 ± 0.74 vs. 1.69 ± 0.23, P < 0.01; Post-ex2h vs. Pre-ex0: 5.39 ± 0.88 vs. 1.69 ± 0.23, P = 0.02) and CW (Post-ex0 vs. Pre-ex0: 8.63 ± 1.06 vs. 1.59 ± 0.19, P < 0.01; Post-ex2h vs. Pre-ex0: 5.75 ± 1.33 vs. 1.59 ± 0.19, P < 0.01). No difference was found in CK and IL-6 between two trials at all time points (all P > 0.05). Compared with Pre-ex0, salivary cortisol was elevated at Post-ex0 in both trials (CA: 0.96 ± 0.13 vs. 0.41 ± 0.05 ng/ml, P < 0.01; CW: 1.15 ± 0.18 vs. 0.43 ± 0.06 ng/ml, P < 0.01) and was lower at Post-ex24h than Pre-ex in CA trial (0.17 ± 0.02 vs. 0.41 ± 0.05 ng/ml, P < 0.01). Compared with CW, PPT was higher at Post-2h in CA trial (31.55 ± 3.09 vs. 26.99 ± 2.32 N/cm2, P < 0.01). Compared with Post-ex0, feeling of fatigue was lower at Post-ex2h (P = 0.014) and Post-ex4h (P < 0.01) in CA, while it was lower at Post-ex4h (P = 0.038) in CW. Compared with CW, feeling of fatigue was marginally lower in the CA trial at Post-ex2h (P = 0.056). In conclusion, compared with the co-ingestion of CHO and whey PRO isolate, co-ingestion of CHO and alpha-lactalbumin reduced sensitivity to the muscle pain, attenuated feeling of fatigue and was more beneficial to reduce the feeling of fatigue and cortisol responses during 4-h recovery following 90-min running at 70% VO2max. PMID:29033851

  7. The Tennessee Lottery Scholarship Program: Impact on Retention

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Puryear, Carol G.

    2009-01-01

    This study examined if the Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship (TELS), which began in 2004, was related to student retention at the six Tennessee Board of Regents four-year institutions. This study investigated the impact of the TELS on student retention at TBR universities and general knowledge regarding retention. Post-facto data were…

  8. Quality of life is significantly associated with survival in women with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer: An ancillary data analysis of the NRG Oncology/Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG-0218) study.

    PubMed

    Phippen, N T; Secord, A A; Wolf, S; Samsa, G; Davidson, B; Abernethy, A P; Cella, D; Havrilesky, L J; Burger, R A; Monk, B J; Leath, C A

    2017-10-01

    Evaluate association between baseline quality of life (QOL) and changes in QOL measured by FACT-O TOI with progression-free disease (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Patients enrolled in GOG-0218 with completed FACT-O TOI assessments at baseline and at least one follow-up assessment were eligible. Baseline FACT-O TOI scores were sorted by quartiles (Q1-4) and outcomes compared between Q1 and Q2-4 with log-rank statistic and multivariate Cox regression adjusting for age, stage, post-surgical residual disease size, and performance status (PS). Trends in FACT-O TOI scores from baseline to the latest follow-up assessment were evaluated for impact on intragroup (Q1 or Q2-4) outcome by log-rank analysis. Of 1152 eligible patients, 283 formed Q1 and 869 formed Q2-4. Mean baseline FACT-O TOI scores were 47.5 for Q1 vs. 74.7 for Q2-4 (P<0.001). Q1 compared to Q2-4 had worse median OS (37.5 vs. 45.6months, P=0.001) and worse median PFS (12.5 vs. 13.1months, P=0.096). Q2-4 patients had decreased risks of disease progression (HR 0.974, 95% CI 0.953-0.995, P=0.018), and death (HR 0.963, 95% CI 0.939-0.987, P=0.003) for each five-point increase in baseline FACT-O TOI. Improving versus worsening trends in FACT-O TOI scores were associated with longer median PFS (Q1: 12.7 vs. 8.6months, P=0.001; Q2-4: 16.7 vs. 11.1months, P<0.001) and median OS (Q1: 40.8 vs. 16months, P<0.001; Q2-4: 54.4 vs. 33.6months, P<0.001). Baseline FACT-O TOI scores were independently prognostic of PFS and OS while improving compared to worsening QOL was associated with significantly better PFS and OS in women with EOC. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  9. Prediction of human adaptation and performance in underwater environments.

    PubMed

    Colodro Plaza, Joaquín; Garcés de los Fayos Ruiz, Enrique J; López García, Juan J; Colodro Conde, Lucía

    2014-01-01

    Environmental stressors require the professional diver to undergo a complex process of psychophysiological adaptation in order to overcome the demands of an extreme environment and carry out effective and efficient work under water. The influence of cognitive and personality traits in predicting underwater performance and adaptation has been a common concern for diving psychology, and definitive conclusions have not been reached. In this ex post facto study, psychological and academic data were analyzed from a large sample of personnel participating in scuba diving courses carried out in the Spanish Navy Diving Center. In order to verify the relevance of individual differences in adaptation to a hostile environment, we evaluated the predictive validity of general mental ability and personality traits with regression techniques. The data indicated the existence of psychological variables that can predict the performance ( R² = .30, p <.001) and adaptation ( R²(N) = .51, p <.001) of divers in underwater environment. These findings support the hypothesis that individual differences are related to the probability of successful adaptation and effective performance in professional diving. These results also verify that dispositional traits play a decisive role in diving training and are significant factors in divers' psychological fitness.

  10. The effect of physical restraints on fall rates in older adults who are institutionalized.

    PubMed

    Dunn, K S

    2001-10-01

    Since the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) of 1987, there has been a significant reduction in the use of physical restraints to prevent falls in older adults who are institutionalized because of the developing awareness of the physical and psychological problems associated with them. The purpose of this ex post facto descriptive study was to determine if there is a difference in falls when physical restraints are allowed or prohibited in one older adult population. Data from incident reports from a purposive sample of 97 older adults in one long-term care facility were analyzed before and after the implementation of a restraint-free policy. The results indicated no significant difference in the number of falls before and after the policy change. However, there was a significantly lower number of falls with injuries and a significantly higher number of falls without injuries. These findings suggest older adults will continue to fall with or without the use of physical restraints because of changes associated with the aging process and risk factors. Removing physical barriers from older adults and allowing freedom of movement may decrease the severity of injury sustained in a fall.

  11. How large a training set is needed to develop a classifier for microarray data?

    PubMed

    Dobbin, Kevin K; Zhao, Yingdong; Simon, Richard M

    2008-01-01

    A common goal of gene expression microarray studies is the development of a classifier that can be used to divide patients into groups with different prognoses, or with different expected responses to a therapy. These types of classifiers are developed on a training set, which is the set of samples used to train a classifier. The question of how many samples are needed in the training set to produce a good classifier from high-dimensional microarray data is challenging. We present a model-based approach to determining the sample size required to adequately train a classifier. It is shown that sample size can be determined from three quantities: standardized fold change, class prevalence, and number of genes or features on the arrays. Numerous examples and important experimental design issues are discussed. The method is adapted to address ex post facto determination of whether the size of a training set used to develop a classifier was adequate. An interactive web site for performing the sample size calculations is provided. We showed that sample size calculations for classifier development from high-dimensional microarray data are feasible, discussed numerous important considerations, and presented examples.

  12. Evaluation of an occupational rehabilitation program.

    PubMed

    Goodman, Glenn; Browning, Margaret; Campbell, Sims; Hudak, Huison

    2005-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to report the findings of a program evaluation for an occupational rehabilitation program in the Midwest. An ex-post facto chart review was performed on 50 charts using demographic data, results from tests of performance and pain measures, and data from patient satisfaction questionnaires to find evidence of excellence in the program, and to identify areas for improvement. Over 97% of the participants actually completed the program and 76% returned to work within 3 months after program completion. Ninety-two percent indicated overall satisfaction with the program, and all aspects of the program were rated with a mean score of 4.25 or above on a 1 to 5 Likert scale. Evaluation of perceived pain scales of the participants indicate no discernable relationship between intensity of pain and successful return to work. The program showed a high completion rate, a high return to work rate, and high levels of patient satisfaction. Suggestions for improvement include an increase in use of real and simulated work activities, better documentation of pain measures, better programs to address psychosocial issues, lengthening the program, and increased communication with case managers and professionals outside of the work program.

  13. Agropastoral Mobility and Rangelands Multiple Uses in the Miombo Frontier Ecozone of Tabora Region, Western Tanzania.

    PubMed

    Masanja, George Felix

    2017-01-01

    This study aimed to examine the argument of environmental resource-use conflict as the primary cause of crop farmers and agropastoralists conflicts in Tabora Region, Tanzania. It explored the multiple interdependent phenomena that affect livelihoods relationships between crop farmers and agropastoralists and the nature of their continuing conflicts over the ecozonal resources. A primary dataset of the two groups' conflicts was used. An ex post facto and multistage sampling design was adopted. A total of 252 respondents were interviewed in three separate villages drawn from agroecological zones fringing the miombo woodland where such tensions are high. Data were analyzed using logistic regression. Results indicate that education ( β = -1.215, .297; p = .050), household size ( β = .958, 2.607; p = .017), herd size ( β = 4.276, 7.197; p = 0.001), farm size ( β = -1.734, .048; p = .176), the police ( β = -.912, 4.582; p = .043), and village leaders ( β = -.122, .885; p = .012) were the most potent predictors of causes of conflicts. The study found no support for demographic variables, like age, sex, marital status, income, duration of residence, and distance to resource base. The study recommends population growth control and strengthening of local institutions and recommends local communities to sustain management of natural resources base in the area.

  14. Personality disorders and psychosocial problems in a group of participants to therapeutic processes for people with severe social disabilities

    PubMed Central

    2011-01-01

    Background Homeless people have high dropout rates when they participate in therapeutic processes. The causes of this failure are not always known. This study investigates whether dropping-out is mediated by personality disorders or whether psychosocial problems are more important. Method Eighty-nine homeless people in a socio-laboral integration process were assessed. An initial interview was used, and the MCMI II questionnaire was applied to investigate the presence of psychosocial disorders (DSM-IV-TR axis IV). This was designed as an ex post-facto prospective study. Results Personality disorders were very frequent among the homeless people examined. Moreover, the high index of psychosocial problems (axis IV) in this population supported the proposal that axis IV disorders are influential in failure to complete therapy. Conclusion The outcomes of the study show that the homeless people examined presented with more psychopathological symptoms, in both axis II and axis IV, than the general population. This supports the need to take into account the comorbidity between these two types of disorder among homeless people, in treatment and in the development of specific intervention programs. In conclusion, the need for more psychosocial treatments addressing the individual problems of homeless people is supported. PMID:22151623

  15. [Health behaviors between a health promotion demonstration health center and a general health center].

    PubMed

    Lee, Taewha; Lee, Chung-Yul; Kim, Hee-Soon; Ham, Ok-Kyung

    2005-06-01

    The purpose of the study was to compare community residents' perceptions, participation, satisfaction, and behavioral changes between a health promotion demonstration health center and general health center. The design of the study was ex-post facto that compared community residents in demonstration health centers and general health centers. The sample included 2,261 community residents who were conveniently selected from demonstration (792 participants) and general health centers (1,496 participants). The results of the study were as follows: 1) Perception and participation rates of exercise, nutrition, and hypertension management programs were significantly higher in the participants of demonstration health centers than those of general health centers.; 2) Satisfaction rates of all programs except the smoking cessation program were significantly higher in the participants of demonstration health centers than those of general health centers. However, only the exercise rate among risk behaviors of participants was significantly higher in demonstration health centers than general health centers. Systematic efforts for health promotion were effective not only in improving the community's awareness, participation, and satisfaction of the program, but also in changing health behaviors. This evidence should be used to foster and disseminate health promotion programs to other health centers to improve community residents' health status and quality of life.

  16. Retention of First-Year Community College Students

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Windham, Melissa H.; Rehfuss, Mark C.; Williams, Cyrus R.; Pugh, Jason V.; Tincher-Ladner, Lynn

    2014-01-01

    Close to half of all community college students leave before obtaining their stated goals. In order to determine what student characteristics increase community college student retention, with a heightened interest on the predictive nature of taking a student success course, a post-facto quasi-experimental study was conducted to determine whether…

  17. A Framework for Synthesizing the United States Code in Support of Cyberspace Operations

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-03-01

    inter- title operations, it is unclear whether this de facto shift in the application of U.S.C. statutes is necessary. The U.S.C. has a limited number of...de facto shift in the application of U.S.C. statutes is necessary. The U.S.C. has a limited number of exclusionary distinctions de jure, which is...NATION STATE Though statecraft has progressed through numerous iterations over the course of human history, in the current post -colonial era, the

  18. A Reassessment of the Impact of Astronomy REU Programs on Female Students

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Slater, Stephanie J.; Slater, T. F.

    2008-05-01

    For many years, federal agencies have enthusiastically supported Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) programs to engage students in research experiences to encourage them to continue to pursue astronomy career paths. Despite widespread tacit agreement that such experiences are critically important to filling the STEM career pipeline, there has been insufficient evaluation published to substantiate these impacts, with what little is described focusing on building students’ confidence and enculturation into the scientific enterprise. Upon closer inspection the data that exists, it appears that REU's may have little impact on participants’ career decisions, with the small number of those who do alter their intentions in favor of attending being balanced out by those who decide not to attend. This scenario begs the question of do REU programs create students who will go on to STEM careers or, alternatively, do REU programs simply attract students who are already pre-destined for STEM careers? This study chose to approach the problem using a mixed method, ex post facto design. Using six years of data, pre- and post- interview transcripts were compared to career decisions to develop a framework through which to further interview participants with regard to which career pathway decisions they are making. An interview process was then used to develop a new model that explained both these participants’ choices and findings in previous research. Data suggests that the nature and perceived quality of an REU experience is largely irrelevant to STEM career pursuit. For participants who were already committed to graduate studies, the REU was a means to enhance their candidacy for admissions. Those least likely to attend graduate school were those who were not committed prior to the REU. For these participants the REU served as a means to enhance their resumes for post-graduation employment.

  19. [Evaluation of pipetting systems. III. Micropipette precision in a routine task].

    PubMed

    Salas, R; Loría, A; Rocha, C

    1995-01-01

    To establish a norm of the precision achievable with a micropipette in an IRMA assay under routine conditions. A micropipette (Gilson) adjusted to dispense 100 microL was used by a single analyst with experience in its use. In each assay, ten aliquots of radioactive antiprolactin were pipetted in clean tubes (PRE-batch tubes), followed by pipetting of the tubes being processed in the assay, and at the end, a second pipetting of 10 aliquots in clean tubes (POST-batch tubes). The study includes the data of 15 consecutive batches during a seven month period with an overall mean of 283 tubes per batch. The PRE- and POST-tubes were read in a gamma counter (Crystal plus). The mean, SD and CV for PRE, POST and global (PRE+POST) tubes were calculated for each batch. The global CV of the 15 batches ranged from 1.6 to 6.9%, mean of 3.1%. We found no evidence of increased imprecision due to fatigue of the analyst, but surprisingly, we observed that in nine of the 15 batches there was a significant difference in the means of the PRE-tubes vs the POST-tubes (t test) without differences in precision. Thus, part of the global variability is due to what we have called pseudoimprecision (i.e. an increase in CV due to differences in means). In addition, the POST-tubes had higher values in the first 7 batches but the opposite occurred in the last 8 batches (table 2). This shift in the sign of the PRE-POST differences suggests the presence of opposite factors operating in time, i.e. one or more factors increased the volume of pipetting after using the pipette more than 150 times (batches 1-7) whereas other/others decreased it (batches 8-15). 1. Our first approximation to a norm of micropipetting precision in batches of 200-300 tubes was a CV of 3.1%. 2. This norm was influenced by a problem of pseudoimprecision detected ex-post-facto. 3. Our findings justify continuation studies to detect the pseudoimprecision and evaluate its causes prospectively.

  20. Hamstring muscle length and pelvic tilt range among individuals with and without low back pain.

    PubMed

    Fasuyi, Francis Oluwafunsho; Fabunmi, Ayodele A; Adegoke, Babatunde O A

    2017-04-01

    Hamstring tightness has been documented not to be related to the pelvic tilt position during static standing posture, but there is limited data on the relationship between hamstring muscle length (HML) and pelvic tilt range (PTR) during the dynamic movement of forward bending. This ex-post facto study was designed to compare each of HML and PTR in individuals with low back pain (LBP) and counterparts without LBP, and the relationship between HML and PTR in individuals with and without LBP. The study involved 30 purposively recruited individuals with LBP and 30 height and weight-matched individuals without LBP. Participants' PTR and HML were assessed using digital inclinometer and active knee extension test respectively. Data were analyzed using t-test and Pearson Correlation (r) at α = 0.05. Participants without LBP had significantly longer (p = 0.01) HML than those with LBP but the PTR of both groups were not significantly different. HML and PTR had indirect but not significant correlations in participants with and without LBP. Hamstring muscle length is significantly reduced in individuals with LBP but it has no significant correlation with pelvic tilt range. Pelvic tilt range reduces as hamstring muscle length increases. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. Correlates of low back pain in a general population sample: a multidisciplinary perspective.

    PubMed

    Roncarati, A; McMullen, W

    1988-06-01

    This study identifies correlates of low back pain in a general population sample and defines a profile of subjects with low back pain. A multidisciplinary approach was employed that required surveying and physically assessing 674 subjects on 105 variables in biographical, anatomical, strength and flexibility measurement categories. No attempt was made to select subjects from specific occupational, age, athletic, psychological and anatomical groups or subjects with specific biographical features, which may have resulted in a sample that was atypical of the general population. The results of this study based on a causal comparative ex post facto research design corroborated selected findings of previous research conducted on nongeneral population samples. These findings include relationships between low back pain and age, body type, sex, stress, smoking, selected types of physical activity, occupation and previous injuries to the neck, shoulders, back and upper legs, as well as previous episodes of low back pain. Additional correlates of low back pain that were identified and have little or controversial review in the back literature include: delayed low back pain syndrome caused by abrupt changes in running frequency, Q angle, pes cavus, leg length (right and left), trunk length, genu recurvatum and multiplane strength and flexibility limitations in the hip joints.

  2. The relationship between neurobehavioural problems of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), family functioning and the psychological well-being of the spouse/caregiver: path model analysis.

    PubMed

    Anderson, Malcolm I; Parmenter, Trevor R; Mok, Magdalena

    2002-09-01

    This study used a modern theory of stress as a framework to strengthen the understanding of the relationship between neurobehavioural problems of TBI, family functioning and psychological distress in spouse/caregivers. The research was an ex post facto design utilising a cross-sectional methodology. Path analysis was used to determine the structural effect of neurobehavioural problems on family functioning and psychological distress. Forty-seven female and 17 male spouse/caregivers of partners with severe TBI were recruited. Spouse/caregivers who reported partners with TBI as having high levels of behavioural and cognitive problems experienced high levels of unhealthy family functioning. High levels of unhealthy family functioning were related to high levels of distress in spouse/caregivers, as family functioning had a moderate influence on psychological distress. Furthermore, indirect effects of behavioural and cognitive problems operating through family functioning intensified the level of psychological distress experienced by spouse/caregivers. Additionally, spouse/caregivers who reported high levels of behavioural, communication and social problems in their partners also experienced high levels of psychological distress. This study was significant because the impact of TBI on the spouse/caregiver from a multidimensional perspective is an important and under-researched area in the brain injury and disability field.

  3. Adaptation problems with nursing home application for elderly persons: an application of the Roy adaptation nursing model.

    PubMed

    Farkas, L

    1981-09-01

    This study sought to identify adaptation problems on the part of elderly persons and significant others that were associated with nursing home applications for elderly persons. Within the framework of the Roy Adaptation Nursing Model, an ex post facto research design was utilized to identify these adaptation problems. The four adaptive modes in this model are: physiological, self-concept, role function, and interdependence. The study group (n = 22) and a control group of elderly persons living in Calgary, as well as their significant others, were administered a structured questionnaire. Five hypotheses relating to overall adaptation problems, powerlessness, role reversal, guilt, and knowledge and utilization of services were formulated and tested. Only the hypothesis indicating role reversal on the part of the significant others was accepted. Adaptation problems encountered by the elderly which were associated with nursing home applications occurred in the self-concept and interdependence adaptive modes. The adaptation problems perceived by the significant others, which were associated with nursing home applications for their elderly, occurred in the self-concept, role function, and interdependence modes. Adaptation problems from the significant others' perception rather than from the elderly persons' perception appear to be more significantly associated with nursing home applications.

  4. The CUPCIG (CAM-Use in Primary Care in Germany) Study:Part I-Pain. Study Protocol of a Pilot-trial to Assess Feasibility, Acceptability and Perceived Effectiveness of CAM in Pain Disorders in Primary Care.

    PubMed

    Schencking, Martin; Sönnichsen, Andreas; Bassüner, Susanne; Redaelli, Marcus

    2015-01-01

    There is limited valid data available on CAM procedures for chronic joint and neuropathic pain in primary care in Germany. Indiviual CAM qualifications of the general practitioners (GPs) and the potential of cost reduction through CAM treatment are almost unknown. The aim of this pilot trial preceding the main study is to examine the survey mode, to estimate the response rate by GPs with or without an additional qualification for CAM, and to identify the status quo in therapeutic approaches for chronic pain disorders in primary care. This is a cross-sectional study with an ex post facto design among German GPs consisting of 2 parts: In a first step, a pilot trial precedes the main study targeting 200 GPs with and 200 GPs without additional qualification in CAM in a selected region. The results of the CUPCIG study comprise the distribution of pain types treated in primary care practices, the GPs' attitude toward complementary pain therapy, pharmacological or CAM treatment, the estimate of cost reduction through CAM treatment of pain, the application of diverse CAM procedures, and biographical data. The CUPCIG study serves to compile pain therapy approaches in primary care in Germany with respect to the individual CAM expertise of the GPs. © 2015 S. Karger GmbH, Freiburg.

  5. Freshmen Program Withdrawal: Types and Recommendations.

    PubMed

    Bernardo, Ana; Cervero, Antonio; Esteban, María; Tuero, Ellian; Casanova, Joana R; Almeida, Leandro S

    2017-01-01

    University program dropout is a problem that has important consequences not only for the student that leaves but also for the institution in which the withdrawal occurs. Therefore, higher education institutions must study the problem in greater depth to establish appropriate prevention measures in the future. However, most research papers currently focus primarily on the characteristics of students who leave university, rather than on those who choose to pursue alternative courses of study and therefore fail to take into account the different kinds of abandonment. The aim of this paper is to identify the different types of dropout to define their characteristics and propose some recommendations. Thus, an ex post facto study was carried out on a sample of 1,311 freshmen from a university in the north of Spain using data gathered using an ad-hoc designed questionnaire, applied by telephone or an online survey, and completed with data available in the university data warehouse. A descriptive analysis was performed to characterize the sample and identify five different groups, including 1. Students persisting in their initiated degree 2. Students who change of program (within the same university) 3. Students transferring to a different university 4. Students enrolling in non-higher-education studies 5. Students that quit studying. Also, data mining techniques (decision trees) were applied to classify the cases and generate predictive models to aid in the design of differentiated intervention strategies for each of the corresponding groups.

  6. Freshmen Program Withdrawal: Types and Recommendations

    PubMed Central

    Bernardo, Ana; Cervero, Antonio; Esteban, María; Tuero, Ellian; Casanova, Joana R.; Almeida, Leandro S.

    2017-01-01

    University program dropout is a problem that has important consequences not only for the student that leaves but also for the institution in which the withdrawal occurs. Therefore, higher education institutions must study the problem in greater depth to establish appropriate prevention measures in the future. However, most research papers currently focus primarily on the characteristics of students who leave university, rather than on those who choose to pursue alternative courses of study and therefore fail to take into account the different kinds of abandonment. The aim of this paper is to identify the different types of dropout to define their characteristics and propose some recommendations. Thus, an ex post facto study was carried out on a sample of 1,311 freshmen from a university in the north of Spain using data gathered using an ad-hoc designed questionnaire, applied by telephone or an online survey, and completed with data available in the university data warehouse. A descriptive analysis was performed to characterize the sample and identify five different groups, including 1. Students persisting in their initiated degree 2. Students who change of program (within the same university) 3. Students transferring to a different university 4. Students enrolling in non-higher-education studies 5. Students that quit studying. Also, data mining techniques (decision trees) were applied to classify the cases and generate predictive models to aid in the design of differentiated intervention strategies for each of the corresponding groups. PMID:28983263

  7. 77 FR 61330 - Policies Regarding Mobile Spectrum Holdings

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-10-09

    ... the transaction and is based on the size of the post-transaction Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) \\26... further case-by-case market analysis those markets in which, post-transaction, the HHI would be greater... De Facto Transfer Leasing Arrangements and Petition for Declaratory Ruling that the Transaction is...

  8. Pressure activated interconnection of micro transfer printed components

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Prevatte, Carl; Guven, Ibrahim; Ghosal, Kanchan; Gomez, David; Moore, Tanya; Bonafede, Salvatore; Raymond, Brook; Trindade, António Jose; Fecioru, Alin; Kneeburg, David; Meitl, Matthew A.; Bower, Christopher A.

    2016-05-01

    Micro transfer printing and other forms of micro assembly deterministically produce heterogeneously integrated systems of miniaturized components on non-native substrates. Most micro assembled systems include electrical interconnections to the miniaturized components, typically accomplished by metal wires formed on the non-native substrate after the assembly operation. An alternative scheme establishing interconnections during the assembly operation is a cost-effective manufacturing method for producing heterogeneous microsystems, and facilitates the repair of integrated microsystems, such as displays, by ex post facto addition of components to correct defects after system-level tests. This letter describes pressure-concentrating conductor structures formed on silicon (1 0 0) wafers to establish connections to preexisting conductive traces on glass and plastic substrates during micro transfer printing with an elastomer stamp. The pressure concentrators penetrate a polymer layer to form the connection, and reflow of the polymer layer bonds the components securely to the target substrate. The experimental yield of series-connected test systems with >1000 electrical connections demonstrates the suitability of the process for manufacturing, and robustness of the test systems against exposure to thermal shock, damp heat, and mechanical flexure shows reliability of the resulting bonds.

  9. Quality of life among people with multiple sclerosis: Replication of a three-factor prediction model.

    PubMed

    Bishop, Malachy; Rumrill, Phillip D; Roessler, Richard T

    2015-01-01

    This article presents a replication of Rumrill, Roessler, and Fitzgerald's 2004 analysis of a three-factor model of the impact of multiple sclerosis (MS) on quality of life (QOL). The three factors in the original model included illness-related, employment-related, and psychosocial adjustment factors. To test hypothesized relationships between QOL and illness-related, employment-related, and psychosocial variables using data from a survey of the employment concerns of Americans with MS (N = 1,839). An ex post facto, multiple correlational design was employed incorporating correlational and multiple regression analyses. QOL was positively related to educational level, employment status, job satisfaction, and job-match, and negatively related to number of symptoms, severity of symptoms, and perceived stress level. The three-factor model explained approximately 37 percent of the variance in QOL scores. The results of this replication confirm the continuing value of the three-factor model for predicting the QOL of adults with MS, and demonstrate the importance of medical, mental health, and vocational rehabilitation interventions and services in promoting QOL.

  10. Measuring twinning and slip in shock-compressed Ta from in-situ x-ray diffraction

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wehrenberg, Christopher; McGonegle, David; Sliwa, Marcin; Suggit, Matt; Wark, Justin; Lee, Hae Ja; Nagler, Bob; Tavella, Franz; Remington, Bruce; Rudd, Rob; Lazicki, Amy; Park, Hye-Sook; Swift, Damian; Zepeda-Ruiz, Louis; Higginbotham, Andrew; Bolme, Cindy

    2017-06-01

    A fundamental understanding of high-pressure and high-strain-rate deformation rests on grasping the underlying microstructural processes, such as twinning and dislocation generation and transport (slip), yet simulations and ex-post-facto recovery experiments provide conflicting answers to these basic issues. Here, we report direct, in-situ observation of twinning and slip in shock compressed Ta using in-situ x-ray diffraction. A series of shock experiments were performed on the Matter in Extreme Conditions end station at LCLS. Direct laser ablation was used to drive a shock, ranging in pressure from 10-300 GPa, into a Ta sample with an initial (110) fiber texture. The subsequent changes in texture were observed in-situ by examining the azimuthal distribution of the diffraction intensity and found to match twinning and lattice rotation. Measurements of the twin fraction and lattice rotation were used to calculate the equivalent plastic strain from twinning and slip. This work was performed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract No. DE-AC52-07NA27344.

  11. Effect of T4 count and cofactors on the incidence of AIDS in homosexual men infected with human immunodeficiency virus.

    PubMed

    Goedert, J J; Biggar, R J; Melbye, M; Mann, D L; Wilson, S; Gail, M H; Grossman, R J; DiGioia, R A; Sanchez, W C; Weiss, S H

    1987-01-16

    We prospectively evaluated potential markers and cofactors for the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in 86 homosexual men who were seropositive for human immunodeficiency virus antibodies. During three years of follow-up, 19 men developed AIDS. Risk of AIDS was clearly predicted by the total number of circulating OKT4-positive lymphocytes (T4 count) at enrollment, while the corresponding T8 count was unrelated to subsequent AIDS development. Subjects in Manhattan had a higher risk of Kaposi's sarcoma than did subjects in Washington, DC, and the risk of AIDS tended to increase with numerous homosexual partners. Several of 40 potential cofactors defined ex post facto, including receptive fellatio, enemas, methaqualone use, and high levels of antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen, appeared to be associated with Kaposi's sarcoma but not with Pneumocystis pneumonia. Our data suggest that potent cofactors for Pneumocystis pneumonia were not prominent, pointing to the need for effective drug therapies, particularly to reduce the high AIDS risk of persons with human immunodeficiency virus infection and low T4 counts.

  12. Effects of walking with a cane on balance and social participation among community-dwelling post-stroke individuals.

    PubMed

    Hamzat, T K; Kobiri, A

    2008-06-01

    Walking devices such as canes and frames are often prescribed to post-stroke individuals to enhance their balance and walking, and thus facilitate community reintegration and social participation. The aim of this study was to observe social participation and balance in post-stroke hemiparetic patients and compare the performance of those walking with a cane (AD group) and without a cane (WAD group). The relationships between cane usage and activity participation and balance were also studied. In this ex post facto research study, balance and social participation were evaluated using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique (CHART) in 50 individuals with hemiparesis secondary to first incidence hemispheric stroke. The study included 25 AD subjects (mean age 59.88+/-12.04 years) and 25 WAD subjects (mean age 55.84+/-11.30 years) who were consecutively recruited from the physiotherapy units of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) and the 37 Military Hospital in Accra (Ghana). Before recruitment into the study, both groups of subjects were matched for age, height, weight, BBS and CHART scores at the point of discharge from the inpatient units of the two hospitals, the duration of stroke, and the duration of physiotherapy post-stroke. Mann-Whitney U statistics showed that the AD group had comparatively higher mean participation scores (U=22.37; P=0.00) and lower mean balance performance (BBS score U=30.68; P=0.00) than their WAD counterparts. Spearman's correlation coefficient also revealed a significant negative correlation between the BBS and CHART scores in both groups (AD rho=-0.063; P=0.00 and WAD rho=-0.037; P=0.05). These findings indicate that post-stroke individuals who used a cane to aid in walking had poorer balance and less social participation than their age-matched counterparts who walked unaided. As balance improved (higher BBS score), participation also improved (lower CHART score) in both groups. In spite of the small sample size, the outcome of this study suggests that prescription of a cane for a post-stroke individual should be carefully considered by the physiotherapist, especially if the focus of rehabilitation includes restoration of balance functions and social participation.

  13. Agropastoral Mobility and Rangelands Multiple Uses in the Miombo Frontier Ecozone of Tabora Region, Western Tanzania

    PubMed Central

    2017-01-01

    This study aimed to examine the argument of environmental resource-use conflict as the primary cause of crop farmers and agropastoralists conflicts in Tabora Region, Tanzania. It explored the multiple interdependent phenomena that affect livelihoods relationships between crop farmers and agropastoralists and the nature of their continuing conflicts over the ecozonal resources. A primary dataset of the two groups' conflicts was used. An ex post facto and multistage sampling design was adopted. A total of 252 respondents were interviewed in three separate villages drawn from agroecological zones fringing the miombo woodland where such tensions are high. Data were analyzed using logistic regression. Results indicate that education (β = −1.215, .297; p = .050), household size (β = .958, 2.607; p = .017), herd size (β = 4.276, 7.197; p = 0.001), farm size (β = −1.734, .048; p = .176), the police (β = −.912, 4.582; p = .043), and village leaders (β = −.122, .885; p = .012) were the most potent predictors of causes of conflicts. The study found no support for demographic variables, like age, sex, marital status, income, duration of residence, and distance to resource base. The study recommends population growth control and strengthening of local institutions and recommends local communities to sustain management of natural resources base in the area. PMID:29201492

  14. Relationship between student selection criteria and learner success for medical dosimetry students

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

    Baker, Jamie, E-mail: jabaker@mdanderson.org; Tucker, Debra; Raynes, Edilberto

    Medical dosimetry education occupies a specialized branch of allied health higher education. Noted international shortages of health care workers, reduced university funding, limitations on faculty staffing, trends in learner attrition, and increased enrollment of nontraditional students force medical dosimetry educational leadership to reevaluate current admission practices. Program officials wish to select medical dosimetry students with the best chances of successful graduation. The purpose of the quantitative ex post facto correlation study was to investigate the relationship between applicant characteristics (cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA), science grade point average (SGPA), prior experience as a radiation therapist, and previous academic degrees)more » and the successful completion of a medical dosimetry program, as measured by graduation. A key finding from the quantitative study was the statistically significant positive correlation between a student's previous degree and his or her successful graduation from the medical dosimetry program. Future research investigations could include a larger research sample, representative of more medical dosimetry student populations, and additional studies concerning the relationship of previous work as a radiation therapist and the effect on success as a medical dosimetry student. Based on the quantitative correlation analysis, medical dosimetry leadership on admissions committees could revise student selection rubrics to place less emphasis on an applicant's undergraduate cumulative GPA and increase the weight assigned to previous degrees.« less

  15. Relationship between student selection criteria and learner success for medical dosimetry students.

    PubMed

    Baker, Jamie; Tucker, Debra; Raynes, Edilberto; Aitken, Florence; Allen, Pamela

    2016-01-01

    Medical dosimetry education occupies a specialized branch of allied health higher education. Noted international shortages of health care workers, reduced university funding, limitations on faculty staffing, trends in learner attrition, and increased enrollment of nontraditional students force medical dosimetry educational leadership to reevaluate current admission practices. Program officials wish to select medical dosimetry students with the best chances of successful graduation. The purpose of the quantitative ex post facto correlation study was to investigate the relationship between applicant characteristics (cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA), science grade point average (SGPA), prior experience as a radiation therapist, and previous academic degrees) and the successful completion of a medical dosimetry program, as measured by graduation. A key finding from the quantitative study was the statistically significant positive correlation between a student׳s previous degree and his or her successful graduation from the medical dosimetry program. Future research investigations could include a larger research sample, representative of more medical dosimetry student populations, and additional studies concerning the relationship of previous work as a radiation therapist and the effect on success as a medical dosimetry student. Based on the quantitative correlation analysis, medical dosimetry leadership on admissions committees could revise student selection rubrics to place less emphasis on an applicant׳s undergraduate cumulative GPA and increase the weight assigned to previous degrees. Copyright © 2016 American Association of Medical Dosimetrists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  16. Impact of HESI Specialty Exams: the ninth HESI Exit Exam validity study.

    PubMed

    Zweighaft, Elizabeth L

    2013-01-01

    Using an ex post facto, nonexperimental design, this, the ninth validity study of Elsevier's HESI Exit Exam (E(2)), reexamined the predictive accuracy of the E(2). The value of administering HESI Specialty Exams within the nursing curriculum in terms of E(2) scores was also investigated. The sample was composed of nursing students (N = 3,790) from 63 randomly selected schools-26 baccalaureate, 31 associate degree, and 6 diploma programs-throughout the United States who took the E(2) between September 2008 and August 2009. As in the previous 8 studies, the E(2) was found to be highly accurate (96.61%) in predicting success on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Findings also indicated that students who took one or more HESI Specialty Exams during their nursing curriculum had a significantly higher mean E(2) score (P ≤ .0001) than students who did not take HESI Specialty Exams during their nursing curriculum. Of the 8 HESI Specialty Exams investigated, scores on the Critical Care, Pediatrics, and Medical-Surgical specialty exams were most predictive of NCLEX-RN success. Schools of nursing that used HESI Specialty Exams as course final exams had a significantly higher mean E(2) score (P < .01) than schools that used the exams for remediation and practice. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  17. Validity and Reliability of the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) in University Students.

    PubMed

    Tiburcio Sainz, Marcela; Rosete-Mohedano, Ma Guadalupe; Natera Rey, Guillermina; Martínez Vélez, Nora Angélica; Carreño García, Silvia; Pérez Cisneros, Daniel

    2016-03-02

    The Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST), developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), has been used successfully in many countries, but there are few studies of its validity and reliability for the Mexican population. The objective of this study was to determine the psychometric properties of the self-administered ASSIST test in university students in Mexico. This was an ex post facto non-experimental study with 1,176 undergraduate students, the majority women (70.1%) aged 18-23 years (89.5%) and single (87.5%). To estimate concurrent validity, factor analysis and tests of reliability and correlation were carried out between the subscale for alcohol and AUDIT, those for tobacco and the Fagerström Test, and those for marijuana and DAST-20. Adequate reliability coefficients were obtained for ASSIST subscales for tobacco (alpha = 0.83), alcohol (alpha = 0.76), and marijuana (alpha = 0.73). Significant correlations were found only with the AUDIT (r = 0.71) and the alcohol subscale. The best balance of sensitivity and specificity of the alcohol subscale (83.8% and 80%, respectively) and the largest area under the ROC curve (81.9%) was found with a cutoff score of 8. The self-administered version of ASSIST is a valid screening instrument to identify at-risk cases due to substance use in this population.

  18. Racial Disparities and Similarities in Post-Release Recidivism and Employment among Ex-Prisoners with a Different Level of Education

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lockwood, Susan Klinker; Nally, John M.; Ho, Taiping; Knutson, Katie

    2015-01-01

    Previous studies, both international and domestic, rarely examined racial disparities in post-release employment and recidivism. Finding a job is an immediate challenge to all ex-prisoners, and often more difficult for African American ex-prisoners who typically return to economically-depressed neighborhoods upon release from prison. The present…

  19. Ante- and postmortem diagnostic techniques for anthrax: rethinking pathogen exposure and the geographic extent of the disease in wildlife.

    PubMed

    Bagamian, Karoun H; Alexander, Kathleen A; Hadfield, Ted L; Blackburn, Jason K

    2013-10-01

    Although antemortem approaches in wildlife disease surveillance are common for most zoonoses, they have been used infrequently in anthrax surveillance. Classically, anthrax is considered a disease with extremely high mortality. This is because anthrax outbreaks are often detected ex post facto through wildlife or livestock fatalities or spillover transmission to humans. As a result, the natural prevalence of anthrax infection in animal populations is largely unknown. However, in the past 20 yr, antemortem serologic surveillance in wildlife has indicated that not all species exposed succumb to infection, and anthrax exposure may be more widespread than originally appreciated. These studies brought about a multitude of new questions, many of which can be addressed by increased antemortem serologic surveillance in wildlife populations. To fully understand anthrax transmission dynamics and geographic extent, it is important to identify exposure in wildlife hosts and associated factors and, in turn, understand how these influences may drive environmental reservoir dynamics and concurrent disease risk in livestock and humans. Here we review our current understanding of the serologic response to anthrax among wildlife hosts and serologic diagnostic assays used to augment traditional postmortem anthrax surveillance strategies. We also provide recommendations for the use of serology and sentinel species surveillance approaches in anthrax research and management.

  20. Behavioral characteristics of very-low-birth-weight infants of varying biologic risk at 6, 15, and 24 months of age.

    PubMed

    Oehler, J M; Thompson, R J; Goldstein, R F; Gustafson, K E; Brazy, J E

    1996-01-01

    To explore the relationship between developmental outcome and behavior of very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants (< or = 1500 g) at high and low biologic risk. Descriptive, ex post facto. Clinic for follow-up of infants at high risk. A convenience sample of 102 VLBW infants, free of major congenital anomalies, who completed 6-, 15-, and 24-month developmental testing and who were part of a larger study of 274 VLBW infants. Bayley Scales of Infant Development. Infants at high biologic risk, versus infants at low biologic risk, were less attentive and active through age 15 months and were less adept in gross and fine motor skills through age 24 months (p < or = 0.05-0.001). Infants with continuous delay were less attentive than infants with no delay or late delay through age 24 months, less active through age 15 months (p < or = 0.001-0.001), and less skilled in motor behaviors through age 24 months (p < or = 0.05-0.001). Infants at high biologic risk and infants with developmental delays are less attentive, less active, and less skilled in motor tasks during the first 15-24 months of life, suggesting an association between biologic risk and behavior and developmental delay and behavior.

  1. Abuse and neglect of the frail elderly at home: an exploration of theoretical relationships.

    PubMed

    Phillips, L R

    1983-09-01

    Using an ex post facto, correlational descriptive design, a purposive sample of 74 elderly individuals who were identified as either having a 'good relationship' or an 'abusive/neglectful relationship' with their related caregivers were interviewed in their own homes. The purpose of the study was to test two hypotheses which predicted the nature of differences between the two groups and four which predicted the magnitude and direction of theoretically deduced causal relationships. The data showed that demographic characteristics and certain theoretical variable such as anger, hostility and stress were remarkably similar between groups. The significant differences (P less than 0.05) between the two groups included lower expectations among the abused subjects for their caregivers, lower perceptions among the abused subjects of their caregiver's actual behaviour, differences between the social networks of the two groups and more depression in the 'abuse' group. Using multiple regression analysis, a total of four causal models' were tested using anger, depression, anxiety, and abuse as terminal dependent variables. The amount of explained variance ranged from 22% for anxiety to 58% for abuse. An empirical model was generated from data available in which 2 variables, perceptions of the caregiver and family members in the house available to help, explained 54% of the variance in abuse.

  2. Initial Performance of the Aspect System on the Chandra Observatory: Post-Facto Aspect Reconstruction

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Aldcroft, T.; Karovska, M.; Cresitello-Dittmar, M.; Cameron, R.

    2000-01-01

    The aspect system of the Chandra Observatory plays a key role in realizing the full potential of Chandra's x-ray optics and detectors. To achieve the highest spatial and spectral resolution (for grating observations), an accurate post-facto time history of the spacecraft attitude and internal alignment is needed. The CXC has developed a suite of tools which process sensor data from the aspect camera assembly and gyroscopes, and produce the spacecraft aspect solution. In this poster, the design of the aspect pipeline software is briefly described, followed by details of aspect system performance during the first eight months of flight. The two key metrics of aspect performance are: image reconstruction accuracy, which measures the x-ray image blurring introduced by aspect; and celestial location, which is the accuracy of detected source positions in absolute sky coordinates.

  3. Sagittal back motion of college football athletes and nonathletes.

    PubMed

    Strong, L R; Titlow, L

    1997-08-01

    The study was designed as an ex post facto study using volunteers. To compare sagittal back motion of male college athletes with that of nonathletes and to compare data from both groups with normative data. Few studies have evaluated athletic demands on the spine. Much of the information on athletic demands comes from electromyographic studies, flexibility comparisons, and lift task studies. Although these studies provide a basis for back testing and evaluation, they do not present direct evidence of athletic low back performance. Fifteen male college football athletes and 15 male college nonathletes volunteered for testing using the IsoStation B-200 BSCAN 2.0 protocol (Isotechnologies, Inc., Hillsborough, NC). Measures were recorded for range of motion, isometric flexion and extension, and moderate and high dynamic flexion and extension. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of variance. The results of Hotelling's multivariate test were significant. Univariate follow-up analysis showed that athletes had significantly better isometric flexion, isometric extension, moderate dynamic flexion, high dynamic flexion, and high dynamic extension. Athletic data were compared with the BSCAN population data at the 50th and 80th percentile. Athletes were significantly better (P < 0.007) for all variables at the 50th percentile and for all dynamic variables at the 80th percentile. Within the limitations of the study, college football athletes had better sagittal back motion strength and speed as tested with the B-200 than nonathletes. Population data for the B-200 were representative for nonathletes but nonrepresentative for football players.

  4. The Diurnal Variation on Cardiovascular Endurance Performance of Secondary School Athlete Student

    PubMed Central

    Chin, Chun-Yip; Chow, Gary Chi-Ching; Hung, Kwong-Chung; Kam, Lik-Hang; Chan, Ka-Chun; Mok, Yuen-Ting; Cheng, Nga-Mei

    2015-01-01

    Background: The previous investigations in diurnal variation of endurance sports performance did not reach a consensus and have been limited. This study would be a valuable resource for endurance sports trainers and event managers to plan their training and competition in a specific time of day. Objectives: The aim of this study is to find out the diurnal variation in cardiovascular endurance performance in the young athletes. Materials and Methods: Thirty five athlete students (15.17 ± 1.62 years) participated in this study. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), post-exercise percentage of maximal heart rate (MHR% post-ex), post-exercise body temperature (BTemppost-ex), and post exercise blood lactic acid level (LApost-ex) were measured in this study. Three non-consecutive testings: A) Morning (09:00-10:00; AM), B) Noon (12:00-13:00; NN) and C) Afternoon (16:00-17:00; PM) were conducted. Participants were required to follow the meal plan and resting schedule for all testing days. Results: VO2max was significantly higher at NN (F2. 68 = 3.29, P < 0.05, η2 = 0.088) in comparison with PM. The MHR%post-ex, BTemppost-ex, LApost-ex was not significantly different among three times of day. Conclusions: Diurnal effect on endurance performance was found and the highest exercise VO2max was identified at noon. Secondary school students or young athletes are recommended to have sports training related to VO2max at noon for the purpose of maximizing training effectiveness. PMID:26448833

  5. Communication development of a young child with foetal retinoid syndrome: a seven-year follow-up study.

    PubMed

    Kritzinger, Alta; Steenkamp, Lizanne

    2006-01-01

    The aim of the article is to describe the communication development of a child with Fetal Retinoid syndrome (FRS) from six months to seven years of age. Little is known about this rare acquired syndrome and its long-term implications, especially on a child's communication development. A descriptive, ex post facto research design was used to study the participant's communication development from 1996 when the family enrolled in an early communication intervention programme. Annual serial assessments of the participant and her family were conducted and the data were stored in a research database after each assessment. The results are described according to a 4-level assessment framework and indicated consistent, but moderate to minor delays in the participant's communication development with a mild hearing loss in the right ear, associated with ear anomalies. Although prenatal exposure to isotretinoin may have serious effects on the unborn fetus and even cause death, the participant did not display all the symptoms of FRS described in the literature. The favorable family circumstances, early commencement of intervention, and supporting early educational environments were protecting factors that could have contributed positively to the participant's communication development. The importance of knowledge accumulation about rare syndromes such as FRS in Communication Pathology and Audiology is discussed and guidelines for early identification, assessment and treatment applicable to the case are proposed as an intervention option.

  6. Predicting resident confidence to lead family meetings.

    PubMed

    Butler, D J; Holloway, R L; Gottlieb, M

    1998-05-01

    Family physicians frequently encounter patients' family members in family meetings regarding health care. Although residents are expected to learn how to interview families, no quantitative studies have examined variables associated with building residents' confidence in their ability to lead family meetings. The current study sought to clarify the relationship between a number of training, participant, and situational components and resident confidence. All family practice residents (n = 90) in a five-residency program system were sent a survey that examined their experience in and perceived competence to conduct family meetings. Responses were analyzed with a hierarchical regression analysis and an ex post facto univariate analysis. Residents with higher perceived confidence in their ability to run a family meeting were male, had specific training for leading family meetings, had participated in and initiated more family meetings, perceived stronger family physician faculty support, and had more family systems training than lower-confidence residents. The results highlight the experiential, curricular, and environmental variables that are associated with building resident confidence to lead family meetings. Residents may benefit from early exposure to the skills needed for family meetings and from reinforcement of these skills through observations of skilled practitioners, the expectation that they will initiate meetings, and the opportunity to debrief meetings with supportive faculty. Family meeting curricula should include conflict management skills and incorporate input from other specialists and hospital personnel who meet with families.

  7. The role of attachment in the post-divorce experience.

    PubMed

    Berman, W H

    1988-03-01

    The loss of the spouse resulting from marital breakdown appears to be a central component of post-divorce distress. However, comparatively little empirical research has examined the nature of this broken bond or its impact on the divorced adult. This study tests the hypothesis that the continuing positive feelings for the ex-spouse following divorce are very salient for the individual and are related to increased distress. Sixty recently divorced women selected from court records were randomly assigned to one of three conditions in which they recalled the ex-spouse in a positive, loving interaction (PS); the ex-spouse in a conflictual interaction (C); or a friend in a positive, loving interaction (PS). A post-recall thought sampling procedure was employed to measure the frequency of thoughts about the ex-spouse. The subjects in the PS condition had significantly more post-recall thoughts of the ex-spouse and significantly more thoughts about coping than those in either the C or the PF conditions. The implications of these data for theories of post-divorce adaptation and adult attachment are discussed.

  8. Aquatic exercise for adults with type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis.

    PubMed

    Rees, Jordan L; Johnson, Steven T; Boulé, Normand G

    2017-10-01

    The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the effects of aquatic exercise (AquaEx) on indicators of glycemic control (i.e., glycated hemoglobin [A1c] and fasting plasma glucose) in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). It was hypothesized that AquaEx would improve glycemic control to a similar extent as land-based exercise (LandEx), but to a greater extent than non-exercise control (Ctrl). A literature search was completed in February 2017 for studies examining AquaEx training in adults with T2DM. Assessment of glycemic control was necessary for inclusion, while secondary outcomes such as quality of life and cardiometabolic risk factors (i.e., blood pressure, triglycerides and total cholesterol) were considered, but not required for inclusion. Outcomes were measured before and after at least 8 weeks of AquaEx, and data were analyzed using weighted mean differences (WMDs) and fixed effect models, when appropriate. Nine trials including 222 participants were identified. Three trials compared AquaEx to LandEx, two compared AquaEx to Crtl, and four had a pre-/post-design without a comparison group. Results indicate no difference in A1c between LandEx and AquaEx (WMD = -0.02%, 95% confidence interval = [-0.71, 0.66]). Post-intervention A1c was lower in AquaEx when compared to Crtl (WMD = -0.96%, [-1.87, -0.05]). Post-AquaEx A1c was lower compared to baseline (WMD = -0.48%, [-0.66, -0.30]). A1c can be reduced after eight-twelve weeks of AquaEx. However, at this time few studies have examined whether changes in A1c are different from LandEx or Crtl.

  9. From Metaphors to Formalism: A Heuristic Approach to Holistic Assessments of Ecosystem Health.

    PubMed

    Fock, Heino O; Kraus, Gerd

    2016-01-01

    Environmental policies employ metaphoric objectives such as ecosystem health, resilience and sustainable provision of ecosystem services, which influence corresponding sustainability assessments by means of normative settings such as assumptions on system description, indicator selection, aggregation of information and target setting. A heuristic approach is developed for sustainability assessments to avoid ambiguity and applications to the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) and OSPAR assessments are presented. For MSFD, nineteen different assessment procedures have been proposed, but at present no agreed assessment procedure is available. The heuristic assessment framework is a functional-holistic approach comprising an ex-ante/ex-post assessment framework with specifically defined normative and systemic dimensions (EAEPNS). The outer normative dimension defines the ex-ante/ex-post framework, of which the latter branch delivers one measure of ecosystem health based on indicators and the former allows to account for the multi-dimensional nature of sustainability (social, economic, ecological) in terms of modeling approaches. For MSFD, the ex-ante/ex-post framework replaces the current distinction between assessments based on pressure and state descriptors. The ex-ante and the ex-post branch each comprise an inner normative and a systemic dimension. The inner normative dimension in the ex-post branch considers additive utility models and likelihood functions to standardize variables normalized with Bayesian modeling. Likelihood functions allow precautionary target setting. The ex-post systemic dimension considers a posteriori indicator selection by means of analysis of indicator space to avoid redundant indicator information as opposed to a priori indicator selection in deconstructive-structural approaches. Indicator information is expressed in terms of ecosystem variability by means of multivariate analysis procedures. The application to the OSPAR assessment for the southern North Sea showed, that with the selected 36 indicators 48% of ecosystem variability could be explained. Tools for the ex-ante branch are risk and ecosystem models with the capability to analyze trade-offs, generating model output for each of the pressure chains to allow for a phasing-out of human pressures. The Bayesian measure of ecosystem health is sensitive to trends in environmental features, but robust to ecosystem variability in line with state space models. The combination of the ex-ante and ex-post branch is essential to evaluate ecosystem resilience and to adopt adaptive management. Based on requirements of the heuristic approach, three possible developments of this concept can be envisioned, i.e. a governance driven approach built upon participatory processes, a science driven functional-holistic approach requiring extensive monitoring to analyze complete ecosystem variability, and an approach with emphasis on ex-ante modeling and ex-post assessment of well-studied subsystems.

  10. From Metaphors to Formalism: A Heuristic Approach to Holistic Assessments of Ecosystem Health

    PubMed Central

    Kraus, Gerd

    2016-01-01

    Environmental policies employ metaphoric objectives such as ecosystem health, resilience and sustainable provision of ecosystem services, which influence corresponding sustainability assessments by means of normative settings such as assumptions on system description, indicator selection, aggregation of information and target setting. A heuristic approach is developed for sustainability assessments to avoid ambiguity and applications to the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) and OSPAR assessments are presented. For MSFD, nineteen different assessment procedures have been proposed, but at present no agreed assessment procedure is available. The heuristic assessment framework is a functional-holistic approach comprising an ex-ante/ex-post assessment framework with specifically defined normative and systemic dimensions (EAEPNS). The outer normative dimension defines the ex-ante/ex-post framework, of which the latter branch delivers one measure of ecosystem health based on indicators and the former allows to account for the multi-dimensional nature of sustainability (social, economic, ecological) in terms of modeling approaches. For MSFD, the ex-ante/ex-post framework replaces the current distinction between assessments based on pressure and state descriptors. The ex-ante and the ex-post branch each comprise an inner normative and a systemic dimension. The inner normative dimension in the ex-post branch considers additive utility models and likelihood functions to standardize variables normalized with Bayesian modeling. Likelihood functions allow precautionary target setting. The ex-post systemic dimension considers a posteriori indicator selection by means of analysis of indicator space to avoid redundant indicator information as opposed to a priori indicator selection in deconstructive-structural approaches. Indicator information is expressed in terms of ecosystem variability by means of multivariate analysis procedures. The application to the OSPAR assessment for the southern North Sea showed, that with the selected 36 indicators 48% of ecosystem variability could be explained. Tools for the ex-ante branch are risk and ecosystem models with the capability to analyze trade-offs, generating model output for each of the pressure chains to allow for a phasing-out of human pressures. The Bayesian measure of ecosystem health is sensitive to trends in environmental features, but robust to ecosystem variability in line with state space models. The combination of the ex-ante and ex-post branch is essential to evaluate ecosystem resilience and to adopt adaptive management. Based on requirements of the heuristic approach, three possible developments of this concept can be envisioned, i.e. a governance driven approach built upon participatory processes, a science driven functional-holistic approach requiring extensive monitoring to analyze complete ecosystem variability, and an approach with emphasis on ex-ante modeling and ex-post assessment of well-studied subsystems. PMID:27509185

  11. 77 FR 45604 - Notification of Two Public Teleconferences of the Science Advisory Board; Environmental Economics...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-08-01

    ... regulations after they were implemented (ex post). To improve future benefit-cost analyses, EPA is seeking to compare its predictions of costs (ex ante costs) with actual (ex post) costs and, if they differ substantially, to understand why. EPA has requested the SAB's review of its approach to assessing ex post costs...

  12. [Validation of a scale of attitudes towards sexuality in a sample of Puerto Rican elderly].

    PubMed

    Rodríguez Benítez, Rosa Janet; Rodríguez Gómez, José; Sayers Montalvo, Sean

    2010-01-01

    The literature indicates that elderly population is at high risk that affects their sexual activity; however, this is not the end of sexuality expression in this population. Elderly (people 65 years and older) who are healthy and active has more opportunities of sexual expression and activity in all forms, (including masturbation, and oral sex), and these activities can continue until 74 years or older. This study tries to explore if the Scale of Attitudes towards Sexuality Behavior in the Elderly develop in Puerto Rico, is a valid and reliable instrument to measure attitudes towards the sexuality in an elderly sample. In addition, the research tries to contribute to the progress and development of instruments that measure, and screen, sexuality aspects and risk behaviors that focus in the elderly population. This may help to promote future studies and the development of preventive programs that help to fulfill specific necessities in elderly. The research subjects consist of a secondary database sample of 265 adults of 65 years or older. The design of this study was an ex post facto type. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and factorial analyses to establish an association between the study variables (i.e., attitudes towards the sexuality and sexuality) using SPSS-X program version 14; also was concluded that the instrument is a valid and reliable (Alpha Cronbach = 0.95), which is considered adequate. It's expected that the scale will be valuable for future research in this area.

  13. A Randomized Effectiveness Trial of a Systems-Level Approach to Stepped Care for War-Related PTSD

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-05-01

    period rather than storing the hard copies at their respective posts was approved. Also, an amendment changing the study Initiating PI from COL...care is the de facto mental health system; in Collaborative Medicine Case Studies : Evidence in Prac- tice. Edited by Kessler R, Stafford D. New York...Public Release; Distribution Unlimited 13. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES 14. ABSTRACT During the 6.5 year study period, investigators developed the STEPS UP

  14. Comparison of depression level and identity styles between students in Allameh University and Islamic Seminary.

    PubMed

    Mahdavi, A; Aghaei, M; Besharat, M A; Khaki Seddigh, F; Akbari, S H; Hamidifar, Z

    2015-01-01

    This research was conducted to compare the depression level and the identity styles between students in Allameh University and Islamic Seminary in Tehran city. The research method was the ex post facto or causal-comparative kind. In this research, all the students of Allameh University and Islamic Seminary were chosen as the research population. Among the statistical population, by using the convenience sampling method, a sample consisting of 100 male students was chosen (50-50 from both universities). Afterwards, the Identity Styles Inventory (ISI-6G) and the Beck Depression Inventory (21 questions) were employed in order to collect the data. By using ANOVA and systematic regression, the collected data were analyzed. The findings of the research indicated that the average values of the normative component (p-value = 0.03) and the depression level (p-value = 0.000) of seminary's students were higher compared to the ones specific for the Allameh's students. Among the various identity styles, commitment style could totally predict 16% of depression variable changes of Allameh's students. Moreover, information and normative styles could totally predict 19% of the depression variable changes of the seminary's students.

  15. Comparison of depression level and identity styles between students in Allameh University and Islamic Seminary

    PubMed Central

    Mahdavi, A; Aghaei, M; Besharat, MA; Khaki Seddigh, F; Akbari, SH; Hamidifar, Z

    2015-01-01

    This research was conducted to compare the depression level and the identity styles between students in Allameh University and Islamic Seminary in Tehran city. The research method was the ex post facto or causal-comparative kind. In this research, all the students of Allameh University and Islamic Seminary were chosen as the research population. Among the statistical population, by using the convenience sampling method, a sample consisting of 100 male students was chosen (50-50 from both universities). Afterwards, the Identity Styles Inventory (ISI-6G) and the Beck Depression Inventory (21 questions) were employed in order to collect the data. By using ANOVA and systematic regression, the collected data were analyzed. The findings of the research indicated that the average values of the normative component (p-value = 0.03) and the depression level (p-value = 0.000) of seminary’s students were higher compared to the ones specific for the Allameh’s students. Among the various identity styles, commitment style could totally predict 16% of depression variable changes of Allameh’s students. Moreover, information and normative styles could totally predict 19% of the depression variable changes of the seminary’s students. PMID:28316715

  16. Ex post and ex ante willingness to pay (WTP) for the ICT Malaria Pf/Pv test kit in Myanmar.

    PubMed

    Cho-Min-Naing; Lertmaharit, S; Kamol-Ratanakul, P; Saul, A J

    2000-03-01

    Willingness to pay (WTP) for the ICT Malaria Pf/Pv test kit was assessed by the contingent valuation method using a bidding game approach in two villages in Myanmar. Kankone (KK) village has a rural health center (RHC) and Yae-Aye-Sann (YAS) is serviced by community health worker (CHW). The objectives were to assess WTP for the ICT Malaria Pf/Pv test kit and to determine factors affecting the WTP. In both villages WTP was assessed in two different conditions, ex post and ex ante. The ex post WTP was assessed at an RHC in the KK village and at the residence of a CHW in the YAS village on patients immediately following diagnosis of malaria. The ex ante WTP was assessed by household interviews in both villages on people with a prior history of malaria. Ordinary least squares (OLS) multiple regression analysis was used to analyze factors affecting WTP. The WTP was higher in ex post conditions than ex ante in both villages. WTP was significantly positively associated with the average monthly income of the respondents and severity of illness in both ex post and ex ante conditions (p < 0.001). Distance between the residence of the respondents and the health center was significantly positively associated (p < 0.05) in the ex ante condition in a household survey of YAS village. Traveling time to RHC had a negative relationship with WTP (p < 0.05) in the ex post condition in the RHC survey in KK village.

  17. Contaminants of Emerging Concern During De Facto Water Reuse

    EPA Science Inventory

    Our drinking water and wastewater cycles are integrally linked. Chemicals that are present in household wastewater may be sufficiently mobile and persistent to survive both on-site or municipal wastewater treatment and post-discharge environmental processes. Thus, such contamin...

  18. 47 CFR 63.22 - Facilities-based international common carriers.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... through post facto remedies, the International Bureau may impose temporary requirements on carriers.... 63.22 Section 63.22 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) COMMON CARRIER... Supplements § 63.22 Facilities-based international common carriers. The following conditions apply to...

  19. 47 CFR 63.22 - Facilities-based international common carriers.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... through post facto remedies, the International Bureau may impose temporary requirements on carriers.... 63.22 Section 63.22 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) COMMON CARRIER... Supplements § 63.22 Facilities-based international common carriers. The following conditions apply to...

  20. Untangling outcomes of de jure and de facto community-based management of natural resources.

    PubMed

    Agarwala, Meghna; Ginsberg, Joshua R

    2017-12-01

    We systematically reviewed the literature on the tragedy of the commons and common-property resources. We segregated studies by legal management regimes (de jure regimes) and management that develops in practice (de facto regimes) to understand how the structure of regime formation affects the outcome of community management on sustainability of resource use. De facto regimes, developed within the community, are more likely to have positive impacts on the resource. However, de facto regimes are fragile and not resilient in the face of increased population pressure and unregulated markets, and de facto management regimes are less successful where physical exclusion of external agents from resources is more difficult. Yet, formalization or imposition of de jure management regimes can have complicated impacts on sustainability. The imposition of de jure regimes usually has a negative outcome when existing de facto regimes operate at larger scales than the imposed de jure regime. In contrast, de jure regimes have largely positive impacts when the de facto regimes operate at scales smaller than the overlying de jure regimes. Formalization may also be counterproductive because of elite capture and the resulting de facto privatization (that allows elites to effectively exclude others) or de facto open access (where the disenfranchised may resort to theft and elites cannot effectively exclude them). This underscores that although the global movement to formalize community-management regimes may address some forms of inequity and may produce better outcomes, it does not ensure resource sustainability and may lead to greater marginalization of users. Comparison of governance systems that differentiate between initiatives that legitimize existing de facto regimes and systems that create new de facto regimes, investigations of new top-down de jure regimes, and studies that further examine different approaches to changing de jure regimes to de facto regimes are avenues for further inquiry. © 2017 Society for Conservation Biology.

  1. Lawful Hacking: Toward a Middle-Ground Solution to the Going Dark Problem

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2017-03-01

    14 2. 9/11 Terrorist Attacks..................................................................17 3. The Rise of Encryption Post -Snowden’s...taking pictures, posting pictures, shopping, conducting business, and searching the web. To investigate these 100,000 [the number of criminal cases his...non-U.S. person who does not have strong ties to the United States, FISA is the de facto Fourth Amendment limitation on government’s domestic

  2. Assessment of De Facto Wastewater Reuse across the US: trends between 1980 and 2008.

    PubMed

    Rice, Jacelyn; Wutich, Amber; Westerhoff, Paul

    2013-10-01

    De facto wastewater reuse is the incidental presence of treated wastewater in a water supply source. In 1980 the EPA identified drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) impacted by upstream wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) discharges and found the top 25 most impacted DWTPs contained between 2% and 16% wastewater discharges from upstream locations (i.e., de facto reuse) under average streamflow conditions. This study is the first to provide an update to the 1980 EPA analysis. An ArcGIS model of DWTPs and WWTPs across the U.S. was created to quantify de facto reuse for the top 25 cities in the 1980 EPA study. From 1980 to 2008, de facto reuse increased for 17 of the 25 DWTPs, as municipal flows upstream of the sites increased by 68%. Under low streamflow conditions, de facto reuse in DWTP supplies ranged from 7% to 100%, illustrating the importance of wastewater in sustainable water supplies. Case studies were performed on four cities to analyze the reasons for changes in de facto reuse over time. Three of the four sites have greater than 20% treated wastewater effluent within their drinking water source for streamflow less than the 25th percentile historic flow.

  3. Zoonotic importance of canine scabies and dermatophytosis in relation to knowledge level of dog owners.

    PubMed

    Raval, Heli S; Nayak, J B; Patel, B M; Bhadesiya, C M

    2015-06-01

    The present study was undertaken to understand the zoonotic importance of canine scabies and dermatophytosis with special reference to the knowledge level of dog owners in urban areas of Gujarat. The study was carried out in randomly selected 120 dog owners of 3 urban cities (viz., Ahmedabad, Anand and Vadodara) of Gujarat state, India. Dog owners (i.e., respondents) were subjected to a detailed interview regarding the zoonotic importance of canine scabies and dermatophytosis in dogs. Ex-post-facto research design was selected because of the independent variables of the selected respondent population for the study. The crucial method used in collecting data was a field survey to generate null hypothesis (Ho1). Available data was subjected to statistical analysis. The three independent variables, viz., extension contact (r=0.522**), mass-media exposure (r=0.205*) and management orientation (r=0.264**) had significant relationship with knowledge of dog owners about zoonotic diseases. Other independent variables, viz., education, experience in dog keeping and housing space were observed to have negative and non-significant relationship with knowledge of dog owners about zoonotic diseases. Extension contact, exposure to extension mass-media, management orientation and innovation proneness among dog owners of 3 urban cities of Gujarat state had significant relationship with knowledge of dog owners on zoonotic aspects of canine scabies and dermatophytosis. Data provided new insights on the present status of zoonotic disease-awareness, which would be an aid to plan preventive measures.

  4. Autosplenectomy of sickle cell disease in zaria, Nigeria: an ultrasonographic assessment.

    PubMed

    Babadoko, A A; Ibinaye, P O; Hassan, A; Yusuf, R; Ijei, I P; Aiyekomogbon, J; Aminu, S M; Hamidu, A U

    2012-03-01

    During infancy and early childhood, the spleen commonly enlarges in patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA), and it thereafter undergoes progressive atrophy due to repeated episodes of vaso-occlusion and infarction, leading to autosplenectomy in adult life. However, this may not always be the case as some studies have reported splenomegaly persisting into adult life. This study aims to determine and review the prevalence of autosplenectomy by abdominal ultrasonography in sickle cell anemic patients in Zaria, Nigeria. An ex-post-facto cross study of 74 subjects was carried out between May to July in 2010. Hematological parameters were determined by an analyzer while B mode Ultrasonography was used to determine the craniocaudal length of the spleen, if visualized. The mean age of the sickle cell subjects was 23.2 ±5.3 years, while that of the controls was 22.7±12.4 years. Of the 74 sickle cell subjects, 55.4% were females; while of the 20 controls, 50% were females. Forty one subjects (55.4%) had autosplenectomy and a significant difference existed in the mean splenic size compared with the control (p<0.0001). Only 3 (4.05%) subjects had splenomegaly, while 23 (31%) had a shrunken spleen. Anatomical autosplenectomy is not an uncommon finding in SCA patients. This may be related to inadequate clinical care due to the lack of good health education, ignorance, poverty, and poor standard of care, as well as the lack of newer therapeutic agents.

  5. Predictors of psychopathology among Nigerian adolescents: the role of psychosocial, demographics, personality and medical condition reports domains.

    PubMed

    Taiwo, A O

    2011-06-01

    Psychopathology among adolescents has become a global concern in the last decade. The aim of this study was to identify the predictors of psychopathology among adolescents in Ibadan region using a multi-theoretical approach. Eight hundred and eighty-nine (889) male and female adolescents drawn from different parts of Ibadan region of the South-West Nigeria, participated in the study. The study is a cross-sectional survey and adopted an ex-post facto design. A questionnaire divided into six sections, with two versions was used for data collection. Analysis of data involved multiple/stepwise regressions, F-test & T-test. SPSS 10.0 computer programme was utilized for all analyses. Data showed that all the predictors jointly contributed 37% (P<0.0001) to the prediction of reported psychopathology. The domains of psychosocial, personality, demographic and medical condition reports all independently and significantly predicted psychopathology among the adolescents but psychosocial domain had the highest contribution of 16% (P<0.0001). Prevalence rate for psychopathology among the sampled adolescents was 0.152 (15.2%) at the criteria of one standard deviation above the mean. It is concluded that a multi-theoretical approach to the understanding of psychopathology among adolescents will be more appropriate in the Nigerian community. Results have implication for further assessment and treatments. Parents are advised to report any behavioural dysfunction observed in their wards to experts early enough to avoid degeneration to greater psychopathology in the later years.

  6. The impact of selected educational factors on the academic achievement of secondary students

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Epps, Bernethia Mechelle

    The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of related educational factors on the mathematics and science achievement of secondary students. The researcher compared the variables of instructional design, economic status and retention against the exit level scores on the mathematics and science Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) test of 11th grade students. The technique used for this investigation was a Three-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Three hundred thirty five students from an urban school district in a metropolitan area in southeast Texas participated in this study. Ex-post facto data obtained from the district's student information system was utilized. Based on the results, the following conclusions were drawn. (1) Instructional design does impact mathematics and science achievement of students at the secondary level. (2) Retention during a student's ninth grade year does impact mathematics and science achievement. (3) The interaction of instructional design and retention does impact the mathematics and science achievement of students at the secondary level. (4) Economic status as a main effect or as an interaction effect does not impact mathematics and science achievement of students at the secondary level. For those seeking to explore this topic in greater depth, recommendations for further investigations might consider the study of teacher perceptions and attitudes toward students who attend school in the alternative setting. Additionally, future investigations might look into the level of experience and the reasons teachers choose to teach in the alternative setting.

  7. Contributions of acculturation, enculturation, discrimination, and personality traits to social anxiety among Chinese immigrants: A context-specific assessment.

    PubMed

    Fang, Ke; Friedlander, Myrna; Pieterse, Alex L

    2016-01-01

    Based on the diathesis-stress model of anxiety, this study examined the contributions of cultural processes, perceived racial discrimination, and personality traits to social anxiety among Chinese immigrants. Further guided by the theory of intergroup anxiety, this study also adopted a context-specific approach to distinguish between participants' experience of social anxiety when interacting with European Americans versus with other Chinese in the United States. This quantitative and ex post facto study used a convenience sample of 140 first-generation Chinese immigrants. Participants were recruited through e-mails from different university and community groups across the United States. The sample includes 55 men and 82 women (3 did not specify) with an average age of 36 years old. Results showed that more social anxiety was reported in the European American context than in the Chinese ethnic context. The full models accounted for almost half the variance in anxiety in each context. Although personality accounted for the most variance, the cultural variables and discrimination contributed 14% of the unique variance in the European American context. Notably, low acculturation, high neuroticism, and low extraversion were unique contributors to social anxiety with European Americans, whereas in the Chinese ethnic context only low extraversion was a unique contributor; more discrimination was uniquely significant in both contexts. The findings suggest a need to contextualize the research and clinical assessment of social anxiety, and have implications for culturally sensitive counseling with immigrants. (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

  8. Autosplenectomy of Sickle Cell Disease in Zaria, Nigeria: An Ultrasonographic Assessment

    PubMed Central

    Babadoko, A.A; Ibinaye, P.O; Hassan, A.; Yusuf, R.; Ijei, I.P.; Aiyekomogbon, J.; Aminu, S.M.; Hamidu, A.U.

    2012-01-01

    Objectives During infancy and early childhood, the spleen commonly enlarges in patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA), and it thereafter undergoes progressive atrophy due to repeated episodes of vaso-occlusion and infarction, leading to autosplenectomy in adult life. However, this may not always be the case as some studies have reported splenomegaly persisting into adult life. This study aims to determine and review the prevalence of autosplenectomy by abdominal ultrasonography in sickle cell anemic patients in Zaria, Nigeria. Methods An ex-post-facto cross study of 74 subjects was carried out between May to July in 2010. Hematological parameters were determined by an analyzer while B mode Ultrasonography was used to determine the craniocaudal length of the spleen, if visualized. Results The mean age of the sickle cell subjects was 23.2 ±5.3 years, while that of the controls was 22.7±12.4 years. Of the 74 sickle cell subjects, 55.4% were females; while of the 20 controls, 50% were females. Forty one subjects (55.4%) had autosplenectomy and a significant difference existed in the mean splenic size compared with the control (p<0.0001). Only 3 (4.05%) subjects had splenomegaly, while 23 (31%) had a shrunken spleen. Conclusion Anatomical autosplenectomy is not an uncommon finding in SCA patients. This may be related to inadequate clinical care due to the lack of good health education, ignorance, poverty, and poor standard of care, as well as the lack of newer therapeutic agents. PMID:22496936

  9. A randomized controlled study examining the effect of exercise on inflammatory cytokine levels in post-menopausal women.

    PubMed

    Tartibian, Bakhtyar; FitzGerald, Leah Z; Azadpour, Noushin; Maleki, Behzad Hajizadeh

    2015-03-01

    Elevated plasma levels of inflammatory cytokine are associated with body mass index, percent body fat and increased morbidity. Evidence suggests that higher levels of physical activity result in beneficial anti-inflammatory effects compared to a more sedentary lifestyle. Further, reproductive hormones are associated with inflammaotry cytokines. This study examined the effect of a 16-week low-moderate intensity exercise (EX) programme on reproductive hormones and inflammatory cytokines. Twenty-eight healthy, sedentary post-menopausal women were randomly assigned to EX (n = 14) or control (Con, n = 14) groups. The EX group completed low-moderate intensity treadmill training 25-30 min/day, up to 55% of HRmax, 3-4 days/week, for 16-weeks. Con maintained current physical activity level. Baseline and week-16 serum samples evaluated interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, C-reactive protein, estradiol, luteinizing hormone and follicular stimulating hormone. Post-intervention, the EX group showed a significant decrease in interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, estradiol, follicular stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone levels compared to baseline values. No significant changes were observed in Con. Significant correlations were observed between IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and reproductive hormones, both before and after the exercise intervention. Findings suggest that a low-moderate intensity EX programme decreases cytokines in relation to reproductive hormones in post-menopausal women. These findings support the role of EX in reducing inflammatory markers and improved reproductive hormones in post-menopausal women. © The Author(s) 2015 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav.

  10. Sports Participation, Anthropometric and Physiological Profiles of University Athletes.

    PubMed

    Moses, M O; Duduyemi, B M

    2016-08-30

    Sports participation has been adjudged to enhance healthy living. This study described anthropometric andphysiological (A-P) profiles of university athletes based on types of sports (ToS) and duration (in years) of participation(DoP). One hundred and twenty-nine athletes (69 males, 60 females), aged l5-36, who had played averagely for5.78±0.29years, from nine games and preparing for Ghana University Sports Association (GUSA) 2014 participated in thestudy. Ex-post facto research design was adopted. Data on ToS, DoP, age, height, weight, body mass index, waist and hipcircumference, body fat and water, blood pressure and heart rate were collected, entered into SPSS Data Editor 17.0 andexported to STATA 11 where multiple regression analysis and t-test were carried out. ToS has significant effects onanthropometric [F(7,121) = 2.478, p<0.05] and physiological [F(5,123) = 5.532, p<0.05] profiles. DoP has significant effects onphysiological profiles [F(7,121) = 5.185, p<0.05] of the athletes. Significant differences existed in age, height, weight, BMI,WHR and SBP (p<0.05) based on gender. BMI and HR values were not sufficiently healthy for athletes. Clinical interventionis imperative to determine actual cardiovascular risks of the sample because they might be unfit for national assignment ifnot properly monitored and trained to be consistent in moderate fitness lifestyles.

  11. Lord Byron's death: a case of late malarial relapse?

    PubMed

    Tsiamis, Costas; Piperaki, Evangelia Theophano; Kalantzis, George; Poulakou Rebelakou, Effie; Tompros, Nikolaos; Thalassinou, Eleni; Spilipoulou, Chara; Tsakris, Athanassios

    2015-09-01

    The study examines the pathological circumstances related to Byron's death, the primary issue being malaria. Lord Byron died during the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire, in Messolonghi on 19 April 1824. Byron's medical profile consists of recurrent onsets of fever, which gave rise to the issue of malaria relapses. According to Byron's letters he reported crises of fever in Greece (1810), Malta (1811), Italy (1817-1819) and England. Evidence from Byron's autopsy, specifically the absence of hepatosplenomegaly, does not support a hypothetical diagnosis of malaria. Nonetheless, the relapsing fevers cannot be ignored and the same applies to the possibility of malaria relapse or re-infection in line with the endemic nature of the Messolonghi area. Our research on the chronologies of Byron's reported fevers found that new attacks occurred at intervals of 540 days on average. Moreover, the most outstanding feature of Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium ovale is their ability to form dormant forms of hypnozoites in the liver which, when reactivated (110-777 days), cause true relapses of clinical disease. Of course, an ex post facto diagnosis is under debate, because the diagnosis is not clinical but microscopic. Byron's example raises alarm over a current medical problem, i.e. the diagnosis of unexplained fevers, and the need for a detailed travel or immigration history, which will include malaria in the differential diagnosis.

  12. Remote collection and analysis of witness reports on flash floods

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gourley, Jonathan; Erlingis, Jessica; Smith, Travis; Ortega, Kiel; Hong, Yang

    2010-05-01

    Typically, flash floods are studied ex post facto in response to a major impact event. A complement to field investigations is developing a detailed database of flash flood events, including minor events and null reports (i.e., where heavy rain occurred but there was no flash flooding), based on public survey questions conducted in near-real time. The Severe Hazards Analysis and Verification Experiment (SHAVE) has been in operation at the National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) in Norman, OK, USA during the summers since 2006. The experiment employs undergraduate students to analyse real-time products from weather radars, target specific regions within the conterminous US, and poll public residences and businesses regarding the occurrence and severity of hail, wind, tornadoes, and now flash floods. In addition to providing a rich learning experience for students, SHAVE has been successful in creating high-resolution datasets of severe hazards used for algorithm and model verification. This talk describes the criteria used to initiate the flash flood survey, the specific questions asked and information entered to the database, and then provides an analysis of results for flash flood data collected during the summer of 2008. It is envisioned that specific details provided by the SHAVE flash flood observation database will complement databases collected by operational agencies and thus lead to better tools to predict the likelihood of flash floods and ultimately reduce their impacts on society.

  13. Women's fear of crime and abuse in college and university dating relationships.

    PubMed

    Kelly, K D; DeKeseredy, W S

    1994-01-01

    Several government-sponsored victimization surveys have found women's fear of crime to be much higher than that of men even though their probability of being victimized is much lower than men's. On the basis of these results, several criminologists contend that women's fear is subjectively based. However, government surveys have not adequately examined the consequences of the physical, sexual, and psychological abuse of women by male intimates. Feminist researchers contend that these assaults greatly contribute to a generalized fear of crime that is objectively based. Using data from a national survey on female abuse in Canadian college/university dating relationships, this study tested and failed to support the feminist hypothesis that violence by male intimates results in higher levels of fear. However, an examination of an ex post facto hypothesis assessing the relationship between fear in private places (the home) and abuse by male dating partners found positive correlations. Women who had been psychologically or sexually victimized by male dating partners felt more insecure in their own homes than other women. These increased feelings of fear were linked to experiences of sexual coercion, unwanted sexual touching, psychological abuse, and sexual abuse. The results suggest that women reassess their feelings of fear when victimized by male intimates. In particular, places generally viewed as safe by women, their own homes, are seen as more threatening than they had been in the past.

  14. Ipsilateral hip abductor weakness after inversion ankle sprain.

    PubMed

    Friel, Karen; McLean, Nancy; Myers, Christine; Caceres, Maria

    2006-01-01

    Hip stability and strength are important for proper gait mechanics and foot position during heel strike. To determine the relationships between hip muscle strength and chronic ankle sprains and hip muscle strength and ankle range of motion. Ex post facto design with the uninvolved limb serving as the control. Laboratory. A total of 23 subjects with unilateral chronic ankle sprain were recruited. Subjects had at least 2 ipsilateral ankle sprains and were bearing full weight, with the most recent injury occurring at least 3 months earlier. They were not undergoing formal or informal rehabilitation at the time of the study. We obtained goniometric measurements for all planes of motion at the ankle. Handheld dynamometry was used to assess the strength of the hip abductor and hip extensor muscles in both limbs. Hip abductor muscle strength and plantar flexion were significantly less on the involved side than the uninvolved side (P < .001 in each case). Strength of the involved hip abductor and hip extensor muscles was significantly correlated (r = 0.539, P < .01). No significant difference was noted in hip extensor muscle strength between sides (P = .19). Our subjects with unilateral chronic ankle sprains had weaker hip abduction strength and less plantar-flexion range of motion on the involved sides. Clinicians should consider exercises to increase hip abduction strength when developing rehabilitation programs for patients with ankle sprains.

  15. Willingness to pay for rapid diagnostic tests for the diagnosis and treatment of malaria in southeast Nigeria: ex post and ex ante

    PubMed Central

    2010-01-01

    Background The introduction of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) has improved the diagnosis and treatment of malaria. However, any successful control of malaria will depend on socio-economic factors that influence its management in the community. Willingness to pay (WTP) is important because consumer responses to prices will influence utilization of services and revenues collected. Also the consumer's attitude can influence monetary valuation with respect to different conditions ex post and ex ante. Methods WTP for RDT for Malaria was assessed by the contingent valuation method using a bidding game approach in rural and urban communities in southeast Nigeria. The ex post WTP was assessed at the health centers on 618 patients immediately following diagnosis of malaria with RDT and the ex ante WTP was assessed by household interviews on 1020 householders with a prior history of malaria. Results For the ex ante WTP, 51% of the respondents in urban and 24.7% in rural areas were willing to pay for RDT. The mean WTP (235.49 naira) in urban is higher than WTP (182.05 Naira) in rural areas. For the ex post WTP, 89 and 90.7% of the respondents in urban and rural areas respectively were WTP. The mean WTP (372.30 naira) in urban is also higher than (296.28 naira) in rural areas. For the ex post scenario, the lower two Social Economic Status (SES) quartiles were more willing to pay and the mean WTP is higher than the higher two SES while in the ex ante scenario, the higher two SES quartiles were more WTP and with a higher WTP than the lower two SES quartile. Ex ante and ex post WTP were directly dependent on costs. Conclusion The ex post WTP is higher than the ex ante WTP and both are greater than the current cost of RDTs. Urban dwellers were more willing to pay than the rural dwellers. The mean WTP should be considered when designing suitable financial strategies for making RDTs available to communities. PMID:20148118

  16. Plasma Irisin Modestly Increases during Moderate and High-Intensity Afternoon Exercise in Obese Females

    PubMed Central

    Winn, Nathan C.; Grunewald, Zachary I.; Liu, Ying; Heden, Timothy D.; Nyhoff, Lauren M.; Kanaley, Jill A.

    2017-01-01

    Background and Purpose Irisin is an exercise-responsive myokine that has been proposed to exert anti-obesity benefits; yet its response during exercise in obese women is not described. This study characterized plasma irisin levels during a single bout of afternoon isocaloric-exercise of different intensities (moderate- vs high-intensity) in obese females. Methods Eleven obese females participated in 3 randomized study days beginning at 1600h: 1) no exercise (NoEx), 2) moderate exercise (ModEx; 55%VO2max) and 3) high intensity interval exercise (IntEx; 4 min (80%VO2max)/3 min (50% VO2max). Frequent blood samples were analyzed for glucose and lactate (whole-blood), and insulin, c-peptide, glucagon, and irisin (plasma) throughout 190 min of testing. Results Plasma irisin increased above baseline during ModEx and IntEx (P<0.05), but not NoEx (P>0.05). Peak irisin levels during ModEx and IntEx exercise were 11.9± 3.4% and 12.3 ± 4.1% relative to baseline (P<0.05), respectively, with no differences between exercise intensities (P>0.05). Irisin levels remained elevated above resting for 125 minutes post-exercise during ModEx, whereas levels returned to baseline within 15 minutes post-exercise during IntEx. Similarly, no associations were found between plasma irisin levels and circulating lactate, glucose, insulin, c-peptide, or glucagon among study days (P>0.05). However, there was an inverse association between basal irisin and lean mass (r = -0.70, P = 0.01). Conclusion A single bout of moderate and high intensity afternoon exercise induces modest increases in circulating irisin concentrations during exercise; however the regulation post-exercise appears to be dimorphic between exercise intensity in obese females. Future studies are needed to compare morning and afternoon exercise on irisin secretion. PMID:28125733

  17. Analysis of pain behavior profiles and functional disability in outpatient physical therapy clinics.

    PubMed

    Hankin, H A; Spencer, T; Kegerreis, S; Worrell, T; Rice, J M

    2001-02-01

    Descriptive, ex post facto. To determine the proportion of physical therapy outpatients with pain who exhibit various pain behavior profiles, and to determine whether there are differences in functional disability across the profiles. Physical therapists treat many patients who have chronic pain. Research suggests that early identification and multidisciplinary treatment are effective and economical for these patients. The Multidimensional Pain Inventory (MPI) and the Pain Disability Index (PDI) are potential screening tools that could be used in physical therapy clinics to determine which patients should be referred for multidisciplinary treatment. MPI and PDI data were gathered on 57 physical therapy outpatients (mean age 44.3 +/- 14.5 years, 22 men and 35 women) with pain of 3 or more months duration. ANOVA was used to analyze differences in mean PDI scores across the MPI profiles. Of all patients, 42.1% fit the Adaptive Coper profile, 29.8% fit the Interpersonally Distressed profile, and 28.1% fit the Dysfunctional profile. There were significant differences in PDI scores among profile groups. Post hoc analysis showed that the PDI scores of the Adaptive Coper and Interpersonally Distressed groups were different from the Dysfunctional group, but that there was no difference between the Adaptive Coper and Interpersonally Distressed groups. Many patients in outpatient physical therapy settings exhibit behavioral, affective, and cognitive characteristics associated with chronic pain. Thirty-three patients (57.9%) had MPI profiles (interpersonally distressed and dysfunctional) that suggest they might benefit from multidisciplinary treatment.

  18. Local versus whole-body sweating adaptations following 14 days of traditional heat acclimation.

    PubMed

    Poirier, Martin P; Gagnon, Daniel; Kenny, Glen P

    2016-08-01

    The purpose of this study was to examine if local changes in sweat rate following 14 days of heat acclimation reflect those that occur at the whole-body level. Both prior to and following a 14-day traditional heat acclimation protocol, 10 males exercised in the heat (35 °C, ∼20% relative humidity) at increasing rates of heat production equal to 300 (Ex1), 350 (Ex2), and 400 (Ex3) W·m(-2). A 10-min recovery period followed Ex1, while a 20-min recovery period separated Ex2 and Ex3. The exercise protocol was performed in a direct calorimeter to measure whole-body sweat rate and, on a separate day, in a thermal chamber to measure local sweat rate (LSR), sweat gland activation (SGA), and sweat gland output (SGO) on the upper back, chest, and mid-anterior forearm. Post-acclimation, whole-body sweat rate was greater during each exercise bout (Ex1: 14.3 ± 0.9; Ex2: 17.3 ± 1.2; Ex3: 19.4 ± 1.3 g·min(-1), all p ≤ 0.05) relative to pre-acclimation (Ex1: 13.1 ± 0.6; Ex2: 15.4 ± 0.8; Ex3: 16.5 ± 1.3 g·min(-1)). In contrast, only LSR on the forearm increased with acclimation, and this increase was only observed during Ex2 (Post: 1.32 ± 0.33 vs. Pre: 1.06 ± 0.22 mg·min(-1)·cm(-2), p = 0.03) and Ex3 (Post: 1.47 ± 0.41 vs. Pre: 1.17 ± 0.23 mg·min(-1)·cm(-2), p = 0.05). The greater forearm LSR post-acclimation was due to an increase in SGO, as no changes in SGA were observed. Overall, these data demonstrate marked regional variability in the effect of heat acclimation on LSR, such that not all local measurements of sweat rate reflect the improvements observed at the whole-body level.

  19. Evaluation of the in vivo and ex vivo optical properties in a mouse ear model

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Salomatina, E.; Yaroslavsky, A. N.

    2008-06-01

    Determination of in vivo optical properties is a challenging problem. Absorption and scattering measured ex vivo are often used for in vivo applications. To investigate the validity of this approach, we have obtained and compared the optical properties of mouse ears in vivo and ex vivo in the spectral range from 370 to 1650 nm. Integrating sphere spectrophotometry in combination with the inverse Monte Carlo technique was employed to determine absorption coefficients, μa, scattering coefficients, μs, and anisotropy factors, g. Two groups of mice were used for the study. The first group was measured in vivo and ex vivo within 5-10 min post mortem. The second group was measured in vivo and ex vivo every 24 h for up to 72 h after sacrifice. Between the measurements the tissues were kept at 4 °C wrapped in a gauze moistened with saline solution. Then the specimens were frozen at -25 °C for 40 min, thawed and measured again. The results indicate that the absorption coefficients determined in vivo and ex vivo within 5-10 min post mortem differed considerably only in the spectral range dominated by hemoglobin. These changes can be attributed to rapid deoxygenation of tissue and blood post mortem. Absorption coefficients determined ex vivo up to 72 h post mortem decreased gradually with time in the spectral regions dominated by hemoglobin and water, which can be explained by the continuing loss of blood. Absorption properties of the frozen-thawed ex vivo tissues showed increase in oxygenation, which is likely caused by the release of hemoglobin from hemolyzed erythrocytes. Scattering of the ex vivo tissues decreased gradually with time in the entire spectral range due to the continuing loss of blood and partial cell damage. Anisotropy factors did not change considerably.

  20. Evaluation of the in vivo and ex vivo optical properties in a mouse ear model.

    PubMed

    Salomatina, E; Yaroslavsky, A N

    2008-06-07

    Determination of in vivo optical properties is a challenging problem. Absorption and scattering measured ex vivo are often used for in vivo applications. To investigate the validity of this approach, we have obtained and compared the optical properties of mouse ears in vivo and ex vivo in the spectral range from 370 to 1650 nm. Integrating sphere spectrophotometry in combination with the inverse Monte Carlo technique was employed to determine absorption coefficients, mu(a), scattering coefficients, mu(s), and anisotropy factors, g. Two groups of mice were used for the study. The first group was measured in vivo and ex vivo within 5-10 min post mortem. The second group was measured in vivo and ex vivo every 24 h for up to 72 h after sacrifice. Between the measurements the tissues were kept at 4 degrees C wrapped in a gauze moistened with saline solution. Then the specimens were frozen at -25 degrees C for 40 min, thawed and measured again. The results indicate that the absorption coefficients determined in vivo and ex vivo within 5-10 min post mortem differed considerably only in the spectral range dominated by hemoglobin. These changes can be attributed to rapid deoxygenation of tissue and blood post mortem. Absorption coefficients determined ex vivo up to 72 h post mortem decreased gradually with time in the spectral regions dominated by hemoglobin and water, which can be explained by the continuing loss of blood. Absorption properties of the frozen-thawed ex vivo tissues showed increase in oxygenation, which is likely caused by the release of hemoglobin from hemolyzed erythrocytes. Scattering of the ex vivo tissues decreased gradually with time in the entire spectral range due to the continuing loss of blood and partial cell damage. Anisotropy factors did not change considerably.

  1. Accessibility to primary healthcare in the capital city of a northeastern state of Brazil: an evaluation of the results of a programme.

    PubMed

    Vieira-da-Silva, Ligia Maria; Chaves, Sonia Cristina Lima; Esperidião, Monique Azevedo; Lopes-Martinho, Rosana Machado

    2010-12-01

    Organisational barriers to primary healthcare are still relevant in developing countries. Although descriptive reports of some experiences focusing on improving accessibility have been published, few studies have evaluated specific interventions aimed at overcoming the organisational obstacles. To evaluate the results of a project designed to improve accessibility to healthcare services in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. An evaluative, cross-sectional, ex post facto study that included a control group was carried out in a random sample of 710 users of 25 healthcare units of the primary municipal healthcare network. The association between the project implementation degree and outcome variables was measured by prevalence ratios (PR) and statistical inference was based on Taylor series 95% CIs. Better access to primary healthcare was found in units in which the intervention had been implemented than in those in which it had not been implemented, particularly with respect to reducing avoidable queues, the waiting time for scheduling a consultation (PR=0.23; 95% CI 0.15 to 0.34); the time of arrival in the queue (PR=0.16; 95% CI 0.09 to 0.31) and the introduction of a system for scheduling appointments by telephone (PR=0.76; 95% CI 0.70 to 0.83). Owing to the simplicity of the programme and the impact it achieved, it may be reproduced in other underdeveloped countries to improve access to healthcare services. In addition, some of the instruments may be used in routine programme evaluation.

  2. Impact of extension interventions in improving livelihood of dairy farmers of Nadia district of West Bengal, India.

    PubMed

    Garai, Suman; Garai, Sanchita; Maiti, Sanjit; Meena, B S; Ghosh, M K; Bhakat, Champak; Dutta, T K

    2017-03-01

    Livestock is a one of the major sources of livelihood for most of the small and marginal farmers in India, particularly for rural households who live in below poverty line. Extension interventions have long been seen as a key element for enabling farmers to obtain information and technologies that can improve their livelihoods. It is also recognized that extension is an important factor in promoting dairy development. Ex-post-facto cause to effect research design was applied in this study to trace out the impact of extension interventions in improving knowledge, attitude, adoption towards scientific dairy farming practices and improvement in milk production of dairy animal and income from dairying which will be resulted into improved livelihood of rural poor in Nadia district of West Bengal, India. Therefore, 60 dairy farmers of experimental villages who were considered as beneficiaries and 60 dairy farmers of control villages who were considered as non-beneficiaries were selected as sample for the study. It was found that beneficiaries had significantly higher score in all the five components of livelihood improvement with its all sub components, i.e., knowledge, attitude, adoption of scientific dairy farming practices, milk production per household per day and monthly income from dairying except disease control, and marketing component of adoption. Hence, it may be concluded that extension interventions had a significant impact on improving livelihood of rural dairy farmers in Nadia district of West Bengal, India.

  3. Assessing cultural validity in standardized tests in stem education

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gassant, Lunes

    This quantitative ex post facto study examined how race and gender, as elements of culture, influence the development of common misconceptions among STEM students. Primary data came from a standardized test: the Digital Logic Concept Inventory (DLCI) developed by Drs. Geoffrey L. Herman, Michael C. Louis, and Craig Zilles from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The sample consisted of a cohort of 82 STEM students recruited from three universities in Northern Louisiana. Microsoft Excel and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) were used for data computation. Two key concepts, several sub concepts, and 19 misconceptions were tested through 11 items in the DLCI. Statistical analyses based on both the Classical Test Theory (Spearman, 1904) and the Item Response Theory (Lord, 1952) yielded similar results: some misconceptions in the DLCI can reliably be predicted by the Race or the Gender of the test taker. The research is significant because it has shown that some misconceptions in a STEM discipline attracted students with similar ethnic backgrounds differently; thus, leading to the existence of some cultural bias in the standardized test. Therefore the study encourages further research in cultural validity in standardized tests. With culturally valid tests, it will be possible to increase the effectiveness of targeted teaching and learning strategies for STEM students from diverse ethnic backgrounds. To some extent, this dissertation has contributed to understanding, better, the gap between high enrollment rates and low graduation rates among African American students and also among other minority students in STEM disciplines.

  4. Size-Segregated Aerosol Composition and Mass Loading of Atmospheric Particles as Part of the Pacific Northwest 2001(PNW2001) Air Quality Study In Puget Sound

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Disselkamp, R. S.; Barrie, L. A.; Shutthanadan, S.; Cliff, S.; Cahill, T.

    2001-12-01

    In mid-August, 2001, an aircraft-based air-quality study was performed in the Puget Sound, WA, area entitled PNW2001 (http://www.pnl.gov/pnw2001). The objectives of this field campaign were the following: 1. reveal information about the 3-dimensional distribution of ozone, its gaseous precursors and fine particulate matter during weather conditions favoring air pollution; 2. derive information about the accuracy of urban and biogenic emissions inventories that are used to drive the air quality forecast models; and 3. examine the accuracy of modeled ozone concentration with that observed. In support of these efforts, we collected time-averaged ( { ~}10 minute averages), size-segregated, aerosol composition and mass-loading information using ex post facto analysis techniques of synchrotron x-ray fluorescence (s-XRF), proton induced x-ray emissions(PIXE), proton elastic scattering (PESA), and scanning transmission ion microscopy (STIM). This is the first time these analysis techniques have been used together on samples collected from aircraft using an optimized 3-stage rotating drum impactor. In our presentation, we will discuss the aerosol components in three aerosol size fractions as identified by statistical analysis of multielemental data (including total mass, H, Na, Mg, Al, Si, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Pb) and relate variations in these components to physical aerosol properties, other gaseous trace constituents and to air mass origin.

  5. Instructional Methods Within the Elementary-School Science Classroom Related to Improved Academic Performance

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Baum, Lisa

    There is gap in passing rates on the standardized science assessment between European American and Hispanic American students. The purpose of this study was to examine student performance in science and the closing of the achievement gap between European American and Hispanic American students based upon receipt of an inquiry or noninquiry instruction method. Guided by the theoretical framework of constructive learning, this quantitative ex post facto research design gathered data from 8 teachers who had already implemented 1 of the 2 methods of instruction. The teachers were chosen through purposive sampling based on previous observations of instructional method and were placed into 2 groups depending upon the type of instruction: inquiry or noninquiry. Descriptive statistics were used to determine mean differences and a 2-way analysis of variance was used to determine mean differences in science test scores between European American and Hispanic American students and between the instructional methods to which they had been exposed. Results found that the inquiry instructional method was related to a significant increase in mean scores for both ethnic groups, but the achievement gap between the two groups was not closed by the inquiry instruction method. This study can promote positive social change for students by informing the efforts of educational leaders and teachers to create professional development using inquiry instruction. Students may perform higher on standardized tests when they are allowed to explore science by asking questions and answering their own questions through the collection and analysis of data.

  6. Involuntary vs. voluntary hospital admission. A systematic literature review on outcome diversity.

    PubMed

    Kallert, Thomas W; Glöckner, Matthias; Schützwohl, Matthias

    2008-06-01

    This article systematically reviews the literature on the outcome of acute hospitalization for adult general psychiatric patients admitted involuntarily as compared to patients admitted voluntarily. Inclusion and exclusion criteria qualified 41 out of 3,227 references found in Medline and PSYNDEXplus literature searches for this review. The authors independently rated these articles on six pre-defined indicators of research quality, carried out statistical comparisons ex-post facto where not reported, and computed for each adequate result the effect size index d for the comparison of means, and the Phi- or contingency coefficient for cross-tabulated data. Methodological quality of the studies, coming mostly from North American and European countries, showed significant variation and was higher concerning service-related than clinical or subjective outcomes. Main deficits appeared in sample size estimation, lack of clear follow-up time-points, and the absence of standardized instruments used to assess clinical outcomes. Length of stay, readmission risk, and risk of involuntary readmission were at least equal or greater for involuntary patients. Involuntary patients showed no increased mortality, but did have higher suicide rates than voluntary patients. Further, involuntary patients demonstrated lower levels of social functioning, and equal levels of general psychopathology and treatment compliance; they were more dissatisfied with treatment and more frequently felt that hospitalization was not justified. Future methodologically-sound studies exploring this topic should focus on patient populations not represented here. Further research should also clarify if the legal admission status is sufficiently valid for differentiating the outcome of acute hospitalization.

  7. The relationship among learning, health beliefs, alcohol consumption, and tobacco use of primigravidas.

    PubMed

    Strychar, I M; Griffith, W S; Conry, R F

    1990-01-01

    The purposes of this study were to identify how pregnant women learned about alcohol consumption and tobacco use, and to identify the relationship between learning, health beliefs and behaviours. Determining how pregnant women learned was based upon Tough's and Knowles' view of learning and consisted of identifying knowledge levels, resources utilized, advice given, time in learning, and initiators of learning episodes. The ex post facto research design involved one-hour interviews with 128 primigravidas at 8 hospitals in British Columbia, 75% of the sample consumed alcoholic beverages before becoming pregnant and these women reduced their intake by an average of 82%; 39% smoked cigarettes before becoming pregnant and these women reduced their cigarette smoking by an average of 52%. Drinkers were advised not to consume alcoholic beverages during pregnancy, whereas smokers were told by friends and family members that it was okay to smoke during pregnancy. Engagement in other-initiated learning episodes was found to be correlated with reduced alcohol intake (p less than or equal to .05); whereas, health beliefs were not correlated with reduced alcohol intake. Neither self-initiated nor other-initiated learning was associated with reduced cigarette smoking; however, perceived risk was associated with reduced cigarette smoking. Knowledge about smoking was associated with health beliefs, suggesting that learning may be indirectly related to smoking behaviours. This study should be replicated with a larger sample to determine the directionality of the association between learning, beliefs and behaviours.

  8. Parametric study of statistical bias in laser Doppler velocimetry

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Gould, Richard D.; Stevenson, Warren H.; Thompson, H. Doyle

    1989-01-01

    Analytical studies have often assumed that LDV velocity bias depends on turbulence intensity in conjunction with one or more characteristic time scales, such as the time between validated signals, the time between data samples, and the integral turbulence time-scale. These parameters are presently varied independently, in an effort to quantify the biasing effect. Neither of the post facto correction methods employed is entirely accurate. The mean velocity bias error is found to be nearly independent of data validation rate.

  9. Financing long-term care: ex ante, ex post or both?

    PubMed

    Costa-Font, Joan; Courbage, Christophe; Swartz, Katherine

    2015-03-01

    This paper attempts to examine the heterogeneity in the public financing of long-term care (LTC) and the wide-ranging instruments in place to finance LTC services. We distinguish and classify the institutional responses to the need for LTC financing as ex ante (occurring prior to when the need arises, such as insurance) and ex post (occurring after the need arises, such as public sector and family financing). Then, we examine country-specific data to ascertain whether the two types of financing are complements or substitutes. Finally, we examine exploratory cross-national data on public expenditure determinants, specifically economic, demographic and social determinants. We show that although both ex ante and ex post mechanisms exist in all countries with advanced industrial economies and despite the fact that instruments are different across countries, ex ante and ex post instruments are largely substitutes for each other. Expenditure estimates to date indicate that the public financing of LTC is highly sensitive to a country's income, ageing of the population and the availability of informal caregiving. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  10. A quantitative study of the summer slide in science of elementary school students

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Donovan, Giovanna Guadagno

    Concerned parents and educators agree children learn best when the rhythm of instruction is continuous with practice and application of skills. Long summer breaks may interrupt the flow of formal school learning leading some students to forget previous instruction. A review of the previous school work is generally required in the fall upon return from the summer vacation. Investigating summer vacation and equity issues, Jamar (1994) noted that more affluent students may "return to school in the fall with a considerable educational advantage over their less advantaged peers as a result of either additional school-related learning, or lower levels of forgetting, over the summer months (p. 1)". The population of 402 fifth grade students from a suburban New England school district participated in this study. The district administered the science subtest of the TerraNova 2 (TN2) assessment in late May 2007 (pre-test data) and in September 2007 (post-test data). These archived data, including gender and student socioeconomic status (SES) levels (as referenced by free or reduced lunch status), were analyzed for an ex-post facto causal comparison study to identify the phenomenon of summer slide in science of fifth graders enrolled in six elementary schools. The ANOVA statistical model was used calculating the repeated measures factor of time (pre/post summer vacation) on the science content area. Subsequent two-way ANOVAS, with one repeated-measures factor (time of testing) explored the existence of similar/different patterns by gender and by SES levels. Two questions guided this study. First, does the summer slide phenomenon exist in science education? Second, if the summer slide in science phenomenon exists in science education, then does SES impact it? Does the summer slide in science phenomenon differ between genders? Findings suggest that the summer slide phenomenon exists in science; SES and gender does not affect the overall science test scores. However, SES impacts the summer slide phenomenon in science but gender does not impact summer slide in science. Furthermore, the school does not statistically impact the summer slide phenomenon in science and the impact of school does not differ across SES and genders.

  11. Greed and Grievance and Drug Cartels: Mexico’s Commercial Insurgency

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2017-05-25

    impunity as signs the problem has grown beyond mere organized crime. 23 As Sullivan and Elkus summarize, The fragmented and post ideological quality...are likely to dominate the post -Cold War world. Spiritual insurgency is the descent of the Cold War-era revolutionary insurgency. It will be driven by...the legitimacy of the organization as, “the de facto authority… [guaranteeing] living conditions for its inhabitants.”61 In areas where the

  12. The Quest for Military Cooperation in North Africa: Prospects and Challenges

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-10-01

    transi- tion for the new political regimes, but rather the op- posite. Despite the tremendous differences between their post -2011 revolution political...inability of its post -revo- lution governments to maintain order and control the country’s borders, has had an immense impact on re- gional security...as Libya’s de facto government was granted only after the death of Qadhafi. Algerian estimates of the security risks were vindi- cated by events

  13. 76 FR 29707 - Fishing Capacity Reduction Program for the Southeast Alaska Purse Seine Salmon Fishery

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-05-23

    .... Although the fee could be up to three percent of the ex-vessel price of all post-reduction landings, the... percent of the ex- vessel price of all post-reduction landings, the fee will be less than three percent if... the fishery becomes too exclusive. An ``optimum number'' study by the CFEC would be required before...

  14. Ex Ante or Ex Post? Risk, Hedging and Prudence in the Restructured Power Business

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

    Makholm, Jeff D.; Meehan, Eugene T.; Sullivan, Julia E.

    Inconsistent regulatory decisions continue to frustrate the establishment of a new ex ante regulatory equilibrium that will serve to prevent unfair and inefficient ex post prudence disallowances. Extreme volatility in gas and power markets will continue to tax the uneasy regulatory status quo until a new equilibrium can be established. (author)

  15. [Analysis of behavior related to use of the Internet, mobile telephones, compulsive shopping and gambling among university students].

    PubMed

    Ruiz-Olivares, Rosario; Lucena, Valentina; Pino, M José; Herruzo, Javier

    2010-01-01

    The aim of this study is to obtain knowledge about habits related to addictive behaviour (pathological gambling, Internet, compulsive shopping, use of mobile telephones, etc.) that may be displayed by young students at the University of Cordoba (Spain), and to relate this behaviour with variables such as age, sex, course year, macro-field of study (arts/sciences) and the consumption of substances such as alcohol, tobacco, cannabis and cocaine. Using an ex-post facto single-group design (Montero & Leon, 2007), we applied a questionnaire especially designed to gather socio-demographic information on substance use and behavioural patterns related to "non-substance" addictions, which included the Shopping Addiction Test, Echeburua's Internet Addiction Test (2003) and Fernandez-Montalvo and Echeburua's Short Pathological Gambling Questionnaire (1997). A total of 1,011 students participated in the study (42.7% males and 57.3% females), with an age range of 18 to 29. Significant differences were found between mean score on the questionnaires and variables such as age, sex, field of studies and course year. It would seem that being female is a protective factor for Internet and gambling addiction, being a sciences student is a risk factor for gambling addiction, and being older and being an arts student are risk factors for shopping addiction. In conclusion, it can be stated that the students surveyed showed moderate incidence of behaviours such as Internet browsing, gambling, shopping and mobile phone use, whilst a very small group are close to having an addiction problem with such behaviours.

  16. Behavioral indices in medical care outcome: the working alliance, adherence, and related factors.

    PubMed

    Fuertes, Jairo N; Boylan, Laura S; Fontanella, Jessie A

    2009-01-01

    The working alliance has been shown to be a consistent predictor of patient outcome and satisfaction in psychotherapy. This study examines the role of the working alliance and related behavioral indices in predicting medical outcome. Cognitive and emotional dimensions of the physician-patient relationship were examined in relation to patients' ratings of physician empathy, physician multicultural competence, perceived utility of treatment, and patients' adherence self-efficacy. These factors were then examined as part of a theoretical framework using path analyses to explain patient self-reported adherence to and satisfaction with treatment. The study was based on an ex-post facto field correlation design. One hundred fifty-two adult outpatients from a neurology clinic at Bellevue Hospital, a large municipal hospital in New York City, participated in the study. Surveys given to participants. We used the following measurements: Physician-Patient Working Alliance Scale, Perceived Utility Scale, Treatment Adherence Self-Efficacy Scale, Medical Outcome Study Adherence Scale, Physician Empathy Questionnaire, Physician Multicultural Competence Questionnaire, Medical Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire. The effect sizes for adherence are between 0.07 and 0.21 and for satisfaction between 0.10 to >0.50. Regression and path analyses showed that ratings of physician multicultural competence and patient adherence self-efficacy beliefs predicted patient adherence (SB = 0.34) and (SB = 0.30) and satisfaction (SB = 0.18) and (SB = 0.12), respectively. Working alliance ratings also predicted patient satisfaction (SB = 0.49). Psychological and interpersonal dimensions of medical care are related to patient adherence and satisfaction. Medical care providers may be able to use these dimensions to target and improve health care outcomes.

  17. GoFFish: Graph-Oriented Framework for Foresight and Insight Using Scalable Heuristics

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-09-01

    series of research challenges that arise from the above and related to: scalability, data partitioning, memory representation and storage, exe - cution...job with varied deadlines in Jan, 2013. Further, we also build an SPSP model using Jan, 2013 data post facto as an ideal case. Fig. 7 reports the...Advanced Studies on Collaborative Research . Riverton, NJ, USA: IBM Corp., 2009, pp. 101–111. [42] G. J. Nutt, “The evolution towards flexible workflow

  18. "De facto" Privatisation of Education and the Poor: Implications of a Study from Sub-Saharan Africa and India

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Tooley, James; Dixon, Pauline

    2006-01-01

    Three types of privatisation are identified--involving demand-side financing, reforms to the educational supply-side and "de facto" privatisation, where responsibilities are transferred to the private sector, through the rapid growth of private schools, rather than through reform or legislation. Although "de facto"…

  19. Responses of inflammatory cytokines following moderate intensity walking exercise in overweight or obese individuals.

    PubMed

    Koh, Yunsuk; Park, Kyung-Shin

    2017-08-01

    This study investigated the effects of a 4-week moderate intensity walking exercise on the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and adiponectin in overweight or obese individuals. Twenty-seven (13 men and 14 women) physically inactive, over-weight or obese (body mass index>25.0 kg/m 2 ) individuals participated in the study. Each participant was randomly assigned to either exercise (EX; n=15) or control (CON; n=12) group. The EX group performed moderate intensity walking exercise on a treadmill for 60 min at 70% of maximal heart rate for 4 weeks (3 days/wk). Overnight fasting blood samples were collected before and after the study period (Pre and Post) to analyze the levels of pro-/anti-inflammatory cytokines such as CRP, TNF-α, and adiponectin. CRP and adiponectin as well as body weight and body composition were not significantly altered following the 4-week exercise intervention. However, there was a significant group×time interaction for TNF-α. The post hoc test revealed that the level of TNF-α significantly decreased only in EX (EX: mean±standard deviation, Pre 55.18±6.57 pg/mL, Post 50.31±6.22, P =0.018 vs. CON: Pre 55.5±5.88, Post 58.19±6.48, P =0.25). EX Post was also significantly lower as compared to CON Post ( P =0.0074). Although there was no change in body weight or fat mass, the 4-week aerobic exercise training was long enough to decrease the level of TNF-α, indicating physical activity may improve level of inflammation independently from the change in fat mass. The current study also confirmed previous research suggesting that longer period of exercise training accompanied by weight loss may be required to induce significant changes in CRP and adiponectin.

  20. Secondary traumatization and attachment among wives of former POWs: a longitudinal study.

    PubMed

    Lahav, Yael; Kanat-Maymon, Yaniv; Solomon, Zahava

    2016-01-01

    The aim of the present study was to examine the directionality of the association between post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and attachment insecurities across time among indirect trauma survivors. Wives of former prisoners of war (ex-POWs), with and without post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and comparable controls were assessed 30 (T1) and 38 (T2) years after the Yom Kippur War. As expected, wives of ex-POWs endorsed higher PTSS compared to wives of controls. Wives of ex-POWs with PTSD endorsed higher PTSS and higher attachment avoidance compared to wives of ex-POWs without PTSD and controls. There were significant associations between PTSS and attachment insecurities. Contrary to the hypothesis, the relationship between PTSS and attachment insecurities among wives of ex-POWs was unidirectional, with attachment anxiety at T1 predicting PTSS at T2, and not vice versa. Results indicate that attachment anxiety might act as a risk factor for secondary traumatic reactions.

  1. Does certification status of oncology nurses make a difference in patient outcomes?

    PubMed

    Frank-Stromborg, Marilyn; Ward, Sandra; Hughes, Linda; Brown, Karen; Coleman, Ann; Grindel, Cecelia Gatson; Miller Murphy, Cynthia

    2002-05-01

    To test hypotheses that patients cared for by Oncology Certified Nurses (OCNs(r)) have superior outcomes compared to those cared for by noncertified nurses. Descriptive ex post facto. A homecare agency in the midwestern United States. 20 nurses (7 certified and 13 noncertified) and charts for 181 of their patients. Retrospective chart review. Symptom management (i.e., pain and fatigue), adverse events (e.g., infection and decubitus ulcers), and episodic care utilization (e.g., visits to care facilities, admissions to care facilities, unscheduled home visits). Contrary to hypotheses, the two groups did not differ with respect to assessment of pain at admission, number of pain assessments subsequent to admission, assessment of fatigue at admission, number of unplanned visits to care facilities, admissions to care facilities, and number of unscheduled home visits. As hypothesized, the OCNs(r) documented a higher number of postadmission fatigue assessments (p less than 0.05). Contrary to hypotheses, patients of OCNs(r) had a greater number of infections and fewer documented instances of patient teaching regarding infection. Little support was found for the hypothesis that nursing care by OCNs(r) results in superior patient outcomes in comparison to care by noncertified nurses. Further research is needed to examine the dimensions of clinical practice that may demonstrate the benefits of care by OCNs(r).

  2. An Arab NATO in the Making Middle Eastern Military Cooperation Since 2011

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-09-01

    with a focus on strategy and security. In addition to monitoring post -conflict devel- opments in Iraq, Lebanon, and Libya, she researches Arab...non-Arab states such as Iran, Turkey, or post -conflict Israel. Announced at the 2010 Sirte Summit, the League’s Arab Neighbor- hood Policy has failed...preceding de- cade. For example, Saudi Arabia had increased its air 14 force to 305 fighter jets—and currently has a de facto monopoly on Airborne

  3. Comparison of Personal, Social and Academic Variables Related to University Drop-out and Persistence.

    PubMed

    Bernardo, Ana; Esteban, María; Fernández, Estrella; Cervero, Antonio; Tuero, Ellián; Solano, Paula

    2016-01-01

    Dropping out of university has serious consequences not only for the student who drops out but also for the institution and society as a whole. Although this phenomenon has been widely studied, there is a need for broader knowledge of the context in which it occurs. Yet research on the subject often focuses on variables that, although they affect drop-out rates, lie beyond a university's control. This makes it hard to come up with effective preventive measures. That is why a northern Spanish university has undertaken a ex post facto holistic research study on 1,311 freshmen (2008/9, 2009/10, and 2010/11 cohorts). The study falls within the framework of the ALFA-GUIA European Project and focuses on those drop-out factors where there is scope for taking remedial measures. This research explored the possible relationship of degree drop-out and different categories of variables: variables related to the educational stage prior to university entry (path to entry university and main reason for degree choice), variables related to integration and coexistence at university (social integration, academic integration, relationships with teachers/peers and value of the living environment) financial status and performance during university studies (in terms of compliance with the program, time devoted to study, use of study techniques and class attendance). Descriptive, correlational and variance analyses were conducted to discover which of these variables really distinguish those students who drop-out from their peers who complete their studies. Results highlight the influence of vocation as main reason for degree choice, path to university entry, financial independency, social and academic adaptation, time devoted to study, use of study techniques and program compliance in the studied phenomenon.

  4. Comparison of Personal, Social and Academic Variables Related to University Drop-out and Persistence

    PubMed Central

    Bernardo, Ana; Esteban, María; Fernández, Estrella; Cervero, Antonio; Tuero, Ellián; Solano, Paula

    2016-01-01

    Dropping out of university has serious consequences not only for the student who drops out but also for the institution and society as a whole. Although this phenomenon has been widely studied, there is a need for broader knowledge of the context in which it occurs. Yet research on the subject often focuses on variables that, although they affect drop-out rates, lie beyond a university’s control. This makes it hard to come up with effective preventive measures. That is why a northern Spanish university has undertaken a ex post facto holistic research study on 1,311 freshmen (2008/9, 2009/10, and 2010/11 cohorts). The study falls within the framework of the ALFA-GUIA European Project and focuses on those drop-out factors where there is scope for taking remedial measures. This research explored the possible relationship of degree drop-out and different categories of variables: variables related to the educational stage prior to university entry (path to entry university and main reason for degree choice), variables related to integration and coexistence at university (social integration, academic integration, relationships with teachers/peers and value of the living environment) financial status and performance during university studies (in terms of compliance with the program, time devoted to study, use of study techniques and class attendance). Descriptive, correlational and variance analyses were conducted to discover which of these variables really distinguish those students who drop-out from their peers who complete their studies. Results highlight the influence of vocation as main reason for degree choice, path to university entry, financial independency, social and academic adaptation, time devoted to study, use of study techniques and program compliance in the studied phenomenon. PMID:27803684

  5. Zoonotic importance of canine scabies and dermatophytosis in relation to knowledge level of dog owners

    PubMed Central

    Raval, Heli S.; Nayak, J. B.; Patel, B. M.; Bhadesiya, C. M.

    2015-01-01

    Aim: The present study was undertaken to understand the zoonotic importance of canine scabies and dermatophytosis with special reference to the knowledge level of dog owners in urban areas of Gujarat. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out in randomly selected 120 dog owners of 3 urban cities (viz., Ahmedabad, Anand and Vadodara) of Gujarat state, India. Dog owners (i.e., respondents) were subjected to a detailed interview regarding the zoonotic importance of canine scabies and dermatophytosis in dogs. Ex-post-facto research design was selected because of the independent variables of the selected respondent population for the study. The crucial method used in collecting data was a field survey to generate null hypothesis (Ho1). Available data was subjected to statistical analysis. Results: The three independent variables, viz., extension contact (r=0.522**), mass-media exposure (r=0.205*) and management orientation (r=0.264**) had significant relationship with knowledge of dog owners about zoonotic diseases. Other independent variables, viz., education, experience in dog keeping and housing space were observed to have negative and non-significant relationship with knowledge of dog owners about zoonotic diseases. Conclusion: Extension contact, exposure to extension mass-media, management orientation and innovation proneness among dog owners of 3 urban cities of Gujarat state had significant relationship with knowledge of dog owners on zoonotic aspects of canine scabies and dermatophytosis. Data provided new insights on the present status of zoonotic disease-awareness, which would be an aid to plan preventive measures. PMID:27065644

  6. Diving Deep: A Comparative Study of Educator Undergraduate and Graduate Backgrounds and Their Effect on Student Understanding of Engineering and Engineering Careers, Utilizing an Underwater Robotics Program

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Scribner, J. Adam

    Numerous studies have demonstrated that educators having degrees in their subjects significantly enhances student achievement, particularly in secondary mathematics and science (Chaney, 1995; Goe, 2007; Rowan, Chiang, & Miller, 1997; Wenglinsky, 2000). Yet, science teachers in states that adopt the Next Generation Science Standards will be facilitating classroom engineering activities despite the fact that few have backgrounds in engineering. This quantitative study analyzed ex-post facto WaterBotics (an innovative underwater robotics curriculum for middle and high school students) data to determine if educators having backgrounds in engineering (i.e., undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering) positively affected student learning on two engineering outcomes: 1) the engineering design process, and 2) understanding of careers in engineering (who engineers are and what engineers do). The results indicated that educators having backgrounds in engineering did not significantly affect student understanding of the engineering design process or careers in engineering when compared to educators having backgrounds in science, mathematics, technology education, or other disciplines. There were, however, statistically significant differences between the groups of educators. Students of educators with backgrounds in technology education had the highest mean score on assessments pertaining to the engineering design process while students of educators with disciplines outside of STEM had the highest mean scores on instruments that assess for student understanding of careers in engineering. This might be due to the fact that educators who lack degrees in engineering but who teach engineering do a better job of "sticking to the script" of engineering curricula.

  7. The effects of departmentalized and self-contained classrooms on fifth-grade students' achievement in science on the Georgia Criterion Referenced Competency Test

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Koch, Lisa S.

    Elementary instruction of fifth grade classrooms was found to be primarily in two organizational models in a school district northwest of Atlanta, Georgia. The self-contained classroom provided a generalist teacher responsible for the instruction of all academic subjects to one group of students throughout the day, while departmentalized classrooms were structured utilizing one teacher for the instruction of one or two content areas, and students rotated throughout the day for each of the academic subjects. The majority of studies looking at the effect of instructional organization were concentrated in the content areas of mathematics and reading. This quantitative study, utilized an ex post facto methodology to determine whether fifth grade students attending departmentalized schools or self-contained classrooms had higher student achievement in science as measured by the Georgia Criterion Referenced Competency Test (CRCT). The statistical data was collected through the Georgia Department of Education and included raw mean scores of over 500 students attending departmentalized schools and 500 students attending self-contained classrooms, along with the various subgroups such as gender, ethnicity status, English language learners (ELL), and students with disability (SWD) placement. This data was analyzed to show if a significant statistical difference emerged from either instructional organization. The overall results that emerged from the archival data suggested no significant difference in student achievement existed for almost all subgroups tested of the total 1000+ participant scores used in the study. The results also did however, showed the departmentalization model of instruction had a slight advantage over self-contained classrooms for male students with disabilities.

  8. Eight years later: outcomes of CBT-treated versus untreated anxious children.

    PubMed

    Adler Nevo, Gili W; Avery, David; Fiksenbaum, Lisa; Kiss, Alex; Mendlowitz, Sandra; Monga, Suneeta; Manassis, Katharina

    2014-09-01

    Anxiety disorders are the most common psychiatric disorders of childhood, generate significant distress, are considered precursors to diverse psychiatric disorders, and lead to poor social and employment outcomes in adulthood. Although childhood anxiety has a significant impact on a child's developmental trajectory, only a handful of studies examined the long-term impact of treatment and none included a control group. The aim of this study was to conduct a long-term follow-up (LTFU) of anxious children who were treated with Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) compared to a matched group of children who were not. Subjects comprised 120 children: a treatment group which included the first 60 consecutive consenting children who were diagnosed with an anxiety disorder and treated with CBT between the years 1997 and 2003 and a control group, 60 matched children who were assessed but not treated with CBT. An "ex-post-facto" design was used to compare the two groups. Children showed lower rates of anxiety diagnosis (about 50% for both groups) and significantly improved functioning at LTFU (time effect P < 0.0001; no group difference). Anxiety levels were significantly lower in the nontreatment group at LTFU as compared to initial assessment (P = 0.02), but not in the treatment group, and a significant between-group difference was found (P = 0.01) according to child. An inverse relationship was found between self-efficacy/self-esteem and anxiety outcome ([P = 0.0008] and [P = 0.04], respectively). This study supports the assumption that childhood anxiety disorders may improve without treatment and highlights self-efficacy/self-esteem as potential factors in recovery.

  9. Low-calorie energy drink improves physiological response to exercise in previously sedentary men: a placebo-controlled efficacy and safety study.

    PubMed

    Lockwood, Christopher M; Moon, Jordan R; Smith, Abbie E; Tobkin, Sarah E; Kendall, Kristina L; Graef, Jennifer L; Cramer, Joel T; Stout, Jeffrey R

    2010-08-01

    Energy drink use has grown despite limited research to support efficacy or safety and amid concerns when combined with exercise. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of 10 weeks of once-daily energy drink consumption or energy drink consumption with exercise on measures of body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, strength, mood, and safety in previously sedentary males. Thirty-eight males were randomly assigned to energy drink + exercise (EX-A), energy drink (NEX-A), placebo + exercise (EX-B), or placebo (NEX-B). All participants consumed 1 drink per day for 10 weeks; EX-A and EX-B participated in 10 weeks of resistance and endurance exercise. Testing was performed before (PRE) and after (POST) the 10-week intervention. No significant (p > 0.05) changes were observed for body composition, fitness, or strength in NEX-A; however, significantly greater decreases in fat mass and percentage body fat and increases in VO2peak were observed in EX-A versus EX-B. Ventilatory threshold (VT), minute ventilation, VO2 at VT, and power output at VT improved significantly PRE to POST in EX-A but not in EX-B or nonexercising groups. Clinical markers for hepatic, renal, cardiovascular, and immune function, as determined by PRE and POST blood work revealed no adverse effects in response to the energy drink. Mood was not affected by energy drink use. Absent energy restriction or other dietary controls, chronic ingestion of a once-daily low-calorie energy drink appears ineffective at improving body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, or strength in sedentary males. However, when combined with exercise, preworkout energy drink consumption may significantly improve some physiological adaptations to combined aerobic and resistance training.

  10. Insuring against earthquakes: simulating the cost-effectiveness of disaster preparedness.

    PubMed

    de Hoop, Thomas; Ruben, Ruerd

    2010-04-01

    Ex-ante measures to improve risk preparedness for natural disasters are generally considered to be more effective than ex-post measures. Nevertheless, most resources are allocated after an event in geographical areas that are vulnerable to natural disasters. This paper analyses the cost-effectiveness of ex-ante adaptation measures in the wake of earthquakes and provides an assessment of the future role of private and public agencies in disaster risk management. The study uses a simulation model approach to evaluate consumption losses after earthquakes under different scenarios of intervention. Particular attention is given to the role of activity diversification measures in enhancing disaster preparedness and the contributions of (targeted) microcredit and education programmes for reconstruction following a disaster. Whereas the former measures are far more cost-effective, missing markets and perverse incentives tend to make ex-post measures a preferred option, thus occasioning underinvestment in ex-ante adaptation initiatives.

  11. DOD Contractor Collaborations: Proposed Procedures for Integrating Antitrust Law, Procurement Law, and Purchasing Decisions

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2001-04-01

    conducted at the initial stages of program definition. DoD 5000.2-R, supra note 2, at para. 2.3.1. For "commercial activities" conversion studies , market...by the post- facto nature of the Competition Advocacy program. This program generally requires setting of competition goals, measurement of goal...expanded coverage of the False Claims Act and expost review of prices.344 Contracting officers can inject a degree of prospective management oversight of

  12. Universal Patterns or the Tale of Two Systems? Mathematics Achievement and Educational Expectations in Post-Socialist Europe

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bodovski, Katerina; Kotok, Stephen; Henck, Adrienne

    2014-01-01

    Although communist ideology claimed to destroy former class stratification based on labour market capitalist relationships, "de facto" during socialism one social class hierarchy was substituted for another that was equally unequal. The economic transition during the 1990s increased stratification by wealth, which affected educational…

  13. Remote collection and analysis of witness reports on flash floods

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gourley, J. J.; Erlingis, J. M.; Smith, T. M.; Ortega, K. L.; Hong, Y.

    2010-11-01

    SummaryTypically, flash floods are studied ex post facto in response to a major impact event. A complement to field investigations is developing a detailed database of flash flood events, including minor events and null reports (i.e., where heavy rain occurred but there was no flash flooding), based on public survey questions conducted in near-real time. The Severe hazards analysis and verification experiment (SHAVE) has been in operation at the National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) in Norman, OK, USA during the summers since 2006. The experiment employs undergraduate students to analyse real-time products from weather radars, target specific regions within the conterminous US, and poll public residences and businesses regarding the occurrence and severity of hail, wind, tornadoes, and now flash floods. In addition to providing a rich learning experience for students, SHAVE has also been successful in creating high-resolution datasets of severe hazards used for algorithm and model verification. This paper describes the criteria used to initiate the flash flood survey, the specific questions asked and information entered to the database, and then provides an analysis of results for flash flood data collected during the summer of 2008. It is envisioned that specific details provided by the SHAVE flash flood observation database will complement databases collected by operational agencies (i.e., US National Weather Service Storm Data reports) and thus lead to better tools to predict the likelihood of flash floods and ultimately reduce their impacts on society.

  14. Ipsilateral Hip Abductor Weakness After Inversion Ankle Sprain

    PubMed Central

    Friel, Karen; McLean, Nancy; Myers, Christine; Caceres, Maria

    2006-01-01

    Context: Hip stability and strength are important for proper gait mechanics and foot position during heel strike. Objective: To determine the relationships between hip muscle strength and chronic ankle sprains and hip muscle strength and ankle range of motion. Design: Ex post facto design with the uninvolved limb serving as the control. Setting: Laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: A total of 23 subjects with unilateral chronic ankle sprain were recruited. Subjects had at least 2 ipsilateral ankle sprains and were bearing full weight, with the most recent injury occurring at least 3 months earlier. They were not undergoing formal or informal rehabilitation at the time of the study. Main Outcome Measure(s): We obtained goniometric measurements for all planes of motion at the ankle. Handheld dynamometry was used to assess the strength of the hip abductor and hip extensor muscles in both limbs. Results: Hip abductor muscle strength and plantar flexion were significantly less on the involved side than the uninvolved side (P < .001 in each case). Strength of the involved hip abductor and hip extensor muscles was significantly correlated (r = 0.539, P < .01). No significant difference was noted in hip extensor muscle strength between sides (P = .19). Conclusions: Our subjects with unilateral chronic ankle sprains had weaker hip abduction strength and less plantar-flexion range of motion on the involved sides. Clinicians should consider exercises to increase hip abduction strength when developing rehabilitation programs for patients with ankle sprains. PMID:16619098

  15. Factors associated with frailty in chronically ill older adults.

    PubMed

    Hackstaff, Lynn

    2009-01-01

    An ex post facto analysis of a secondary dataset examined relationships between physical frailty, depression, and the self-perceived domains of health status and quality-of-life in older adults. The randomized sample included 992 community-dwelling, chronically ill, and functionally impaired adults age 65 and older who received care from a Southern California Kaiser Permanente medical center between 1998 and 2002. Physical frailty represents a level of physiologic vulnerability and functional loss that results in dependence on others for basic, daily living needs (Fried et al., 2001). The purpose of the study was to identify possible intervention junctures related to self-efficacy of older adults in order to help optimize their functionality. Multivariate correlation analyses showed statistically significant positive correlations between frailty level and depression (r = .18; p = < .05), number of medical conditions (r = .09; p = < .05), and self-rated quality-of-life (r = .24; p = < .05). Frailty level showed a statistically significant negative correlation with self-perceived health status (r = -.25; p = < .05). Notably, no statistically significant correlation was found between age and frailty level (r = -.03; p = < .05). In linear regression, self-perceived health status had a partial variance with frailty level (part r = -.18). The significant correlations found support further research to identify interventions to help vulnerable, older adults challenge self-perceived capabilities so that they may achieve optimum functionality through increased physical activity earlier on, and increased self-efficacy to support successful adaptation to aging-related losses.

  16. Symptomatology and health care utilization of women primary care patients who experienced childhood sexual abuse.

    PubMed

    Hulme, P A

    2000-11-01

    The purpose of this study was to (1) determine the symptomatology of women primary care patients who experienced childhood sexual abuse (CSA), using both a self-report survey and a chart review, and (2) determine their health care utilization patterns, using chart and information system reviews. An ex post facto research design was used. Women primary care patients who experienced CSA were compared with those who reported no CSA. Participants were recruited from a random sample of women patients from a large primary care clinic. They were mailed the survey; chart and information system reviews were conducted on those who returned surveys. Of the 395 participants, 23% reported past CSA on the survey. Women who experienced CSA reported 44 out of 51 physical and psychosocial symptoms more frequently than their counterparts who reported no past CSA. Further, they experienced these symptoms more intensely and in greater number. In their charts, however, far fewer differences in symptoms between groups were found. Nonetheless, women who experienced CSA visited the primary care clinic an average of 1.33 more times than women with no CSA, and they incurred an average of $150 more in primary care charges over a 2-year period. The findings indicate that many women primary care patients who experienced CSA suffer multiple symptoms that are not reflected in their charts. In addition, the findings demonstrate that not only is CSA associated with increased primary care visits, but also increased primary care costs, as measured by charges.

  17. A study of the continuum of integration of mathematics content with science concepts at the middle school level in West Virginia

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Meisel, Edna Marie

    The purpose of this study was to examine the practices and perceptions of regular education seventh grade middle school mathematics teachers in West Virginia concerning the integration of mathematics objectives with science concepts. In addition, this study also emphasized the use of integrated curriculum continuum models to study mathematics teachers' practices and perceptions for teaching mathematics objectives in connection with science concepts. It was argued that the integrated curriculum continuum model can be used to help educators begin to form a common definition of integrated curriculum. The population was described as the regular education seventh grade middle school mathematics teachers in West Virginia. The entire population (N = 173) was used as the participants in this study. Data was collected using an integrated curriculum practices and perceptions survey constructed by the researcher. This was a descriptive study that incorporated the Chi Square statistic to show trends in teacher practices and perceptions. Also, an ex post facto design, that incorporated the Mann-Whitney U statistic, was used to compare practices and perceptions between teachers grouped according to factors that influence teaching practices and perceptions. These factors included teaching certificate endorsement and teacher professional preparation. Results showed that the regular education seventh grade middle school mathematics teachers of West Virginia are teaching mathematics objectives mainly at a discipline-based level with no formal attempt for integration with science concepts. However, these teachers perceived that many of the mathematics objectives should be taught at varying levels of integration with science concepts. It was also shown that teachers who experienced professional preparation courses that emphasized integrated curriculum courses did teach many of the mathematics objectives at higher levels of integration with science than those teachers who did not experience integrated curriculum courses.

  18. Development of multiple regression analysis instruments to predict success in advanced placement chemistry

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wagner, Kurt Collins

    2001-10-01

    This research asks the fundamental question: "What is the profile of the successful AP chemistry student?" Two populations of students are studied. The first population is comprised of students who attend or attended the South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics, a specialized high school for high ability students, and who have taken the Advanced Placement (AP) chemistry examination in the past five years. The second population is comprised of the 581 South Carolina public school students at 46 high schools who took the AP chemistry examination in 2000. The first part of the study is intended to be useful in recruitment and placement decisions for schools in the National Consortium for Specialized Secondary Schools of Mathematics, Science and Technology. The second part of the study is intended to facilitate AP chemistry recruitment in South Carolina public schools. The first part of the study was conducted by ex post facto searches of teacher and school records at the South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics. The second part of the study was conducted by obtaining school participation information from the SC Department of Education and soliciting data from the public schools. Data were collected from 440 of 581 (75.7%) of students in 35 of 46 (76.1%) of schools. Intercorrelational and Multiple Regression Analyses (MRA) have yielded different results for these two populations. For the specialized school population, the significant predictors for success in AP chemistry are PSAT Math, placement test, and PSAT Writing. For the population of SC students, significant predictors for success are PSAT Math, count of prior science courses, and PSAT Writing. Multiple Regressions have been successfully developed for the two populations studied. Recommendations for their application are made.

  19. Increase of Farmers' Knowledge through Farmer Seed Production Schools in Vietnam as Assessed on the Basis of Ex-Ante and Ex-Post Tests

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Tin, Huynh Q.; Struik, Paul C.; Price, Lisa L.; Tuyen, Nguyen P.; Hoan, Nguyen P.; Bos, Heleen

    2010-01-01

    The study was designed to assess changes in farmers' knowledge of farmer seed production through schools (FSPSs) in Vietnam. A set of 25 questions covering five technical areas of the seed production process was used for pre and post knowledge testing at 12 FSPSs in the provinces Binh Dinh, Nam Dinh, Nghe An and Dong Thap. The main findings show…

  20. Adherence of pain assessment to the German national standard for pain management in 12 nursing homes.

    PubMed

    Osterbrink, Jürgen; Bauer, Zsuzsa; Mitterlehner, Barbara; Gnass, Irmela; Kutschar, Patrick

    2014-01-01

    Pain is very common among nursing home residents. The assessment of pain is a prerequisite for effective multiprofessional pain management. Within the framework of the German health services research project, 'Action Alliance Pain-Free City Muenster', the authors investigated pain assessment adherence according to the German national Expert Standard for Pain Management in Nursing, which is a general standard applicable to all chronic⁄acute pain-affected persons and highly recommended for practice. To evaluate the state of pain assessment and to identify need for improvement in 12 nursing homes in a German city. In the present study, the authors used an ex-post-facto design (survey methodology). Available written policies for routine pain assessment in residents ≥65 years of age were reviewed and a standardized online survey completed by 151 of 349 nurses in 12 nursing home facilities was conducted between September 2010 and April 2011. Most of the included nursing homes provided written policies for pain assessment, and the majority of nurses reported that they assess and regularly reassess pain. However, observational tools for residents with severe cognitive impairment and written reassessment schedules were lacking in many facilities or were inconsistent. Essentially, pain assessment appeared to be feasible in the majority of the German nursing homes studied. However, the absence or inconsistency of reassessment schedules indicate that pain management guidelines should include a detailed and explicit reassessment schedule for the heterogenic needs of nursing home residents. For residents with severe cognitive impairment, assessment tools are needed that are simple to use and clearly indicate the presence or absence of pain.

  1. Suitability of a three-dimensional model to measure empathy and its relationship with social and normative adjustment in Spanish adolescents: a cross-sectional study

    PubMed Central

    Gómez-Ortiz, Olga; Ortega-Ruiz, Rosario; Jolliffe, Darrick; Romera, Eva M.

    2017-01-01

    Objectives (1) To examine the psychometric properties of the Basic Empathy Scale (BES) with Spanish adolescents, comparing a two and a three-dimensional structure;(2) To analyse the relationship between the three-dimensional empathy and social and normative adjustment in school. Design Transversal and ex post facto retrospective study. Confirmatory factorial analysis, multifactorial invariance analysis and structural equations models were used. Participants 747 students (51.3% girls) from Cordoba, Spain, aged 12–17 years (M=13.8; SD=1.21). Results The original two-dimensional structure was confirmed (cognitive empathy, affective empathy), but a three-dimensional structure showed better psychometric properties, highlighting the good fit found in confirmatory factorial analysis and adequate internal consistent valued, measured with Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega. Composite reliability and average variance extracted showed better indices for a three-factor model. The research also showed evidence of measurement invariance across gender. All the factors of the final three-dimensional BES model were direct and significantly associated with social and normative adjustment, being most strongly related to cognitive empathy. Conclusions This research supports the advances in neuroscience, developmental psychology and psychopathology through a three-dimensional version of the BES, which represents an improvement in the original two-factorial model. The organisation of empathy in three factors benefits the understanding of social and normative adjustment in adolescents, in which emotional disengagement favours adjusted peer relationships. Psychoeducational interventions aimed at improving the quality of social life in schools should target these components of empathy. PMID:28951400

  2. Psychometric evaluation of the Differentiation of Self Inventory for adolescents.

    PubMed

    Knauth, Donna G; Skowron, Elizabeth A

    2004-01-01

    Evidence of psychometric support is needed for use of the Differentiation of Self Inventory with adolescents as a clinical assessment instrument to evaluate psychotherapeutic progress and outcomes, and for its use as a research instrument to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions on the basis of Bowen family systems theory. To examine the reliability and validity of the 46-item, self-report Differentiation of Self Inventory (DSI) for use with adolescents. An ex post facto research design was used to determine the psychometric properties of the DSI for adolescents, and to test theoretically grounded hypotheses drawn from Bowen theory that linked differentiation of self with chronic anxiety and symptom development. The DSI, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Symptom Pattern Scale were administered to an ethnically diverse sample of 363 adolescents 14 to 19 years of age. The DSI full scale demonstrated good internal consistency reliability, with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of.84. Factor analysis yielded a six-factor structure, representing the multidimensionality of the DSI items among adolescents. As hypothesized, differentiation of self mediated the relation between chronic anxiety and symptom development (p <.001), indicating that greater differentiation of self predicted fewer symptoms over and above chronic anxiety, and lending support to the construct validity of the DSI in adolescent populations. The results of this study support the use of the DSI with adolescents. Future longitudinal studies are needed for definitive causal conclusions regarding the role that differentiation of self plays as a mediator between the relation of chronic anxiety and symptom development.

  3. Using causal maps to support ex-post assessment of social impacts of dams

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

    Aledo, Antonio, E-mail: Antonio.Aledo@ua.es; García-Andreu, Hugo, E-mail: Hugo.Andreu@ua.es; Pinese, José, E-mail: pinese@uel.br

    - Highlights: • We defend the usefulness of causal maps (CM) for ex-post impact assessment of dams. • Political decisions are presented as unavoidable technical measures. • CM enable the identification of multiple causes involved in the dam impacts. • An alternative management of the dams is shown from the precise tracking of the causes. • Participatory CM better the quality of information and the governance of the research. This paper presents the results of an ex-post assessment of two important dams in Brazil. The study follows the principles of Social Impact Management, which offer a suitable framework for analyzingmore » the complex social transformations triggered by hydroelectric dams. In the implementation of this approach, participative causal maps were used to identify the ex-post social impacts of the Porto Primavera and Rosana dams on the community of Porto Rico, located along the High Paraná River. We found that in the operation of dams there are intermediate causes of a political nature, stemming from decisions based on values and interests not determined by neutral, exclusively technical reasons; and this insight opens up an area of action for managing the negative impacts of dams.« less

  4. Assessing the population health impact of market interventions to improve access to antiretroviral treatment

    PubMed Central

    Bärnighausen, Till; Kyle, Margaret; Salomon, Joshua A; Waning, Brenda

    2012-01-01

    Despite extraordinary global progress in increasing coverage of antiretroviral treatment (ART), the majority of people needing ART currently are not receiving treatment. Both the number of people needing ART and the average ART price per patient-year are expected to increase in coming years, which will dramatically raise funding needs for ART. Several international organizations are using interventions in ART markets to decrease ART price or to improve ART quality, delivery and innovation, with the ultimate goal of improving population health. These organizations need to select those market interventions that are most likely to substantially affect population health outcomes (ex ante assessment) and to evaluate whether implemented interventions have improved health outcomes (ex post assessment). We develop a framework to structure ex ante and ex post assessment of the population health impact of market interventions, which is transmitted through effects in markets and health systems. Ex ante assessment should include evaluation of the safety and efficacy of the ART products whose markets will be affected by the intervention; theoretical consideration of the mechanisms through which the intervention will affect population health; and predictive modelling to estimate the potential population health impact of the intervention. For ex post assessment, analysts need to consider which outcomes to estimate empirically and which to model based on empirical findings and understanding of the economic and biological mechanisms along the causal pathway from market intervention to population health. We discuss methods for ex post assessment and analyse assessment issues (unintended intervention effects, interaction effects between different interventions, and assessment impartiality and cost). We offer seven recommendations for ex ante and ex post assessment of population health impact of market interventions. PMID:21914713

  5. Lower Body Negative Pressure Treadmill Exercise and Resistive Exercise Countermeasures Maintain Physiologic Function in Women during Simulated Microgravity

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Macias, B. R.; Schneider, S. M.; Lee, S. M. C.; Guinet, P.; Hughson, R. L.; Smith, Scott M.; Watenpaugh, D. E.; Hargens, A. R.

    2008-01-01

    We hypothesized that supine LBNP treadmill exercise combined with Flywheel resistive exercise maintains upright physiologic responses following 60-days of head-down tilt (HDT) bed rest (BR). METHODS: 16 healthy women (age 25-40 years) underwent 60-days HDT (-6deg.) BR. Women were assigned to either a non-exercise control group (CON, n=8) or to an exercise group (EX, n=8). EX subjects performed a 40-min, variable intensity LBNP exercise protocol at foot-ward forces between 1.0-1.1 times body weight, followed by 10- min of resting LBNP 3-4 days/week. Resistive exercise of maximal concentric and eccentric supine leg press and heel raise exercises were performed using a flywheel ergometer 2-3 days/week. IRBs approved this study with informed/written consent. RESULTS: Post-BR VO2pk was not different in EX (-3.3+/-1.2%) but decreased significantly in CON (-21.2+/-2.1%), p< 0.05. Post-BR orthostatic tolerance time (mean se) decreased significantly less in EX (19.3+/-1.3 to 14.4+/-1.5 min) than in CON (17.5+/-0.1 to 9.1+/- 1.5 min), p=0.03. Post-BR muscle strength decreased significantly in CON, but was preserved in EX. Post-BR bone resorption was greater than pre-BR in both groups (p<0.05). Bone formation markers, were significantly elevated (p<0.05) in EX than in CON. CONCLUSIONS: Supine LBNP treadmill exercise along with flywheel resistive exercise maintains upright exercise capacity, orthostatic responses and muscle strength during 60-days HDT BR.

  6. Amelioration of Radiation-Induced Hematopoietic and Gastrointestinal Damage by Ex-RAD (trademark) in Mice

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-06-06

    recovery from radiation-induced neutropenia Figure 3 shows the protective effects of Ex-RAD prophy- laxis on acute radiation-induced cytopenia. We used a... neutropenia on Day 4 post-TBI. For platelets, the nadir was observed between Days 7 to 17 post-TBI in the vehicle-treated group (Fig. 3d). Peripheral blood cell...recovery from neutropenia and restored blood Fig. 7. TUNEL staining in the jejunum sections from Ex-RAD-treated and vehicle-treated groups 24 h post

  7. Efficacy of Indexing and Abstracting Services for the Dissemination of Agricultural Information Resources in the Institure for Agricultural Research Library, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gabriel, KASA, M.

    2012-10-01

    The efficacy of Indexing and Abstracting service for effective organization, storage and retrieval of information resources for agricultural research in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria necessitated examining the situation in Agricultural Library, Institute for Agricultural Research, Samaru. The study examines the processes, awareness and problems militating against the effective exploitation of the indexing and abstracting services in the Agricultural library established in 1975. The study was conducted ex post facto, data collected span from 2006 ñ 2010. Total sample sizes of 752 patrons and 20,236 intellectually indexed and abstracted resources were involved in the study. Data collected were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics. The result revealed that a total of 644 articles were indexed and abstracted, 35% of these was done in 2010. Results for awareness show 452 (60.11%) to be aware in 2008. A total 584 articles were indexed and abstracted from which 167 (28.59%) was retrieved in 2006. Patrons, 270 (35.90%) attributed the poor use of the service to assumption it is a referral unit. The hypothesis testing revealed that there is significant association between articles indexed and abstracted with information consulted by patrons (?2cal,100.31>?2tab,9.488) at 5% level of probability and df, 4. In conclusion, enormous documents on Nigerian agriculture are indexed and abstracted in the unit, implying that the service is desirous and consistent. The study recommends that the unit should explore the use of modern technology, employ a permanent subject specialist, train and retrain the unit staff as well as intensify it general orientation campaigns to focus on awareness and use of the indexing and abstracting services.

  8. The effect of learning style on academic student success

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Stackhouse, Omega N.

    The problem addressed in this study was that little was known about the impact on student academic achievement, when grouped by learning style, in a multiple intelligence based science curriculum. The larger problem was that many students were frequently unengaged and, consequently, low achieving in their science courses. This quantitative study used an ex post facto research design to better understand the impact of student learning style on the academic success of students in a Multiple Intelligence Theory based course room. Gardner's work on Multiple Intelligence served as the conceptual framework for this study. The research question for this study asked if academic instruction that employs multiple intelligence theories has a relationship with students' academic achievement differently according to their learning style group (auditory, visual, and kinesthetic). Existing data from 85 students were placed into 1 of 3 groups: (a) Auditory, (b) Visual, or (c) Kinesthetic Learning Style) using existing data from a student inventory instrument. The independent variable was existing data from student inventories of learning style and the dependent variable was existing student scores from the Physical Science End of Course Test. Existing data were taken from students that were all taught with the same strategies in similar classroom environments. The Physical Science End of Course Test was developed with stringent measures to protect validity by the developer, McGraw-Hill. Cronbach's Alpha was conducted to determine the internal reliability coefficient of the student inventory. The impact for social change is that adding to the body of knowledge regarding student learning style and science curriculum provides valuable information for teachers, administrators, and school policy makers. This will allow teachers to better prepare to engage their students' and to prepare them for their place in society.

  9. Testing the effect of a science-enhanced curriculum on the science achievement and agricultural competency of secondary agricultural education students

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Haynes, James Christopher

    Scope and Method of Study. The purpose of this study was to determine if a science-enhanced curriculum produced by the Center for Agricultural and Environmental Research and Training (CAERT) taught in a secondary level animal science or horticulture course would improve students' understanding of selected scientific principles significantly, when compared to students who were instructed using a traditional curriculum. A secondary purpose was to determine the effect that the science-enhanced CAERT curriculum would have on students' agricultural knowledge when compared to students who were instructed using a traditional curriculum. The design of the study was ex post facto, causal comparative because no random assignment of the treatment group occurred. Findings and Conclusions. No statistically significant difference was found between the treatment and comparison groups regarding science achievement. However, the mean score of the treatment group was slightly larger than the comparison group indicating a slightly higher achievement level; a "Small" effect size (d = .16) for this difference was calculated. It was determined that a statistically significant difference (p < .05) existed in agriculture competency scores in animal science (p = .001) and horticulture (p = .000) as a result of the treatment. Moreover, this was considered to be a "very large" effect (d = 1.18) in animal science and a "large" effect (d = .92) in horticulture. When considering student achievement in science, this study found that the use of the science-enhanced CAERT curriculum did not result in a statistically significant increase (p < .05) in student performance as determined by the TerraNova3 science proficiency examination. However, students who were instructed using the CAERT curriculum scored better overall than those who were instructed using a "traditional" curriculum.

  10. Behavioral Indices in Medical Care Outcome: The Working Alliance, Adherence, and Related Factors

    PubMed Central

    Boylan, Laura S.; Fontanella, Jessie A.

    2008-01-01

    Background The working alliance has been shown to be a consistent predictor of patient outcome and satisfaction in psychotherapy. This study examines the role of the working alliance and related behavioral indices in predicting medical outcome. Objective Cognitive and emotional dimensions of the physician–patient relationship were examined in relation to patients’ ratings of physician empathy, physician multicultural competence, perceived utility of treatment, and patients’ adherence self-efficacy. These factors were then examined as part of a theoretical framework using path analyses to explain patient self-reported adherence to and satisfaction with treatment. Design The study was based on an ex-post facto field correlation design. Participants One hundred fifty-two adult outpatients from a neurology clinic at Bellevue Hospital, a large municipal hospital in New York City, participated in the study. Interventions Surveys given to participants. Measurements We used the following measurements: Physician–Patient Working Alliance Scale, Perceived Utility Scale, Treatment Adherence Self-Efficacy Scale, Medical Outcome Study Adherence Scale, Physician Empathy Questionnaire, Physician Multicultural Competence Questionnaire, Medical Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire. Main Results The effect sizes for adherence are between 0.07 and 0.21 and for satisfaction between 0.10 to >0.50. Regression and path analyses showed that ratings of physician multicultural competence and patient adherence self-efficacy beliefs predicted patient adherence (SB = 0.34) and (SB = 0.30) and satisfaction (SB = 0.18) and (SB = 0.12), respectively. Working alliance ratings also predicted patient satisfaction (SB = 0.49). Conclusions Psychological and interpersonal dimensions of medical care are related to patient adherence and satisfaction. Medical care providers may be able to use these dimensions to target and improve health care outcomes. PMID:18972089

  11. "We Been Hurt, Been Down Before. When Our Pride Was Low, Lookin' at the World Like "Where Do We Go?'": An Exploration of Educational Attainment and Post-Release Employment Outcomes for Connecticut Department of Correction Ex-Offenders

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Corbett, Erin S.

    2017-01-01

    While recent research has focused on the relationship between educational attainment and recidivism for formerly incarcerated persons, less research has focused on the relationship between educational attainment/level and employment. This study employed mixed methods to examine data on post-release employment outcomes for ex-offenders from, and…

  12. Ex Vivo Machine Perfusion in VCA with a Novel Oxygen Carrier System to Enhance Graft Preservation and Immunologic Outcomes

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-12-01

    studies 2. Ex Vivo Study Group (n=4) Machine Perfusion 4 VRAM grafts preserved for 14 hours with MP at 21°C Study group – developments for machine...period. The VRAM grafts were inspected daily and punch biopsies were performed on days 2, 4 and 7. The end- study necropsy was conducted on post ...TNF- α in the MP group, showing the beneficial impact of effective ex -vivo oxygenation in this group (Figure 6). Previous clinical studies in

  13. Exercise Preconditioning Improves Traumatic Brain Injury Outcomes

    PubMed Central

    Taylor, Jordan M.; Montgomery, Mitchell H.; Gregory, Eugene J.; Berman, Nancy E.J.

    2015-01-01

    Purpose To determine whether 6 weeks of exercise performed prior to traumatic brain injury (TBI) could improve post-TBI behavioral outcomes in mice, and if exercise increases neuroprotective molecules (vascular endothelial growth factor-A [VEGF-A], erythropoietin [EPO], and heme oxygenase-1 [HO-1]) in brain regions responsible for movement (sensorimotor cortex) and memory (hippocampus). Methods 120 mice were randomly assigned to one of four groups: 1) no exercise + no TBI (NOEX-NOTBI [n=30]), 2) no exercise + TBI (NOEX-TBI [n=30]), 3) exercise + no TBI (EX-NOTBI [n=30]), and 4) exercise + TBI (EX-TBI [n=30]). The gridwalk task and radial arm water maze were used to evaluate sensorimotor and cognitive function, respectively. Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction and immunostaining were performed to investigate VEGF-A, EPO, and HO-1 mRNA and protein expression in the right cerebral cortex and ipsilateral hippocampus. Results EX-TBI mice displayed reduced post-TBI sensorimotor and cognitive deficits when compared to NOEX-TBI mice. EX-NOTBI and EX-TBI mice showed elevated VEGF-A and EPO mRNA in the cortex and hippocampus, and increased VEGF-A and EPO staining of sensorimotor cortex neurons 1 day post-TBI and/or post-exercise. EX-TBI mice also exhibited increased VEGF-A staining of hippocampal neurons 1 day post-TBI/post-exercise. NOEX-TBI mice demonstrated increased HO-1 mRNA in the cortex (3 days post-TBI) and hippocampus (3 and 7 days post-TBI), but HO-1 was not increased in mice that exercised. Conclusions Improved TBI outcomes following exercise preconditioning are associated with increased expression of specific neuroprotective genes and proteins (VEGF-A and EPO, but not HO-1) in the brain. PMID:26165153

  14. Exercise preconditioning improves traumatic brain injury outcomes.

    PubMed

    Taylor, Jordan M; Montgomery, Mitchell H; Gregory, Eugene J; Berman, Nancy E J

    2015-10-05

    To determine whether 6 weeks of exercise performed prior to traumatic brain injury (TBI) could improve post-TBI behavioral outcomes in mice, and if exercise increases neuroprotective molecules (vascular endothelial growth factor-A [VEGF-A], erythropoietin [EPO], and heme oxygenase-1 [HO-1]) in brain regions responsible for movement (sensorimotor cortex) and memory (hippocampus). 120 mice were randomly assigned to one of four groups: (1) no exercise+no TBI (NOEX-NOTBI [n=30]), (2) no exercise+TBI (NOEX-TBI [n=30]), (3) exercise+no TBI (EX-NOTBI [n=30]), and (4) exercise+TBI (EX-TBI [n=30]). The gridwalk task and radial arm water maze were used to evaluate sensorimotor and cognitive function, respectively. Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction and immunostaining were performed to investigate VEGF-A, EPO, and HO-1 mRNA and protein expression in the right cerebral cortex and ipsilateral hippocampus. EX-TBI mice displayed reduced post-TBI sensorimotor and cognitive deficits when compared to NOEX-TBI mice. EX-NOTBI and EX-TBI mice showed elevated VEGF-A and EPO mRNA in the cortex and hippocampus, and increased VEGF-A and EPO staining of sensorimotor cortex neurons 1 day post-TBI and/or post-exercise. EX-TBI mice also exhibited increased VEGF-A staining of hippocampal neurons 1 day post-TBI/post-exercise. NOEX-TBI mice demonstrated increased HO-1 mRNA in the cortex (3 days post-TBI) and hippocampus (3 and 7 days post-TBI), but HO-1 was not increased in mice that exercised. Improved TBI outcomes following exercise preconditioning are associated with increased expression of specific neuroprotective genes and proteins (VEGF-A and EPO, but not HO-1) in the brain. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  15. Bertrand and Cournot oligopolies when rivals' costs are unknown

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ferreira, Fernanda A.; Ferreira, Flávio

    2010-10-01

    We study Bertrand and Cournot oligopoly models with incomplete information about rivals' costs, where the uncertainty is given by a uniform distribution. We compute the Bayesian-Nash equilibrium of both games, the ex-ante expected profits and the ex-post profits of each firm. We see that, in the price competition, even though only one firm produces in equilibrium, all firms have a positive ex-ante expected profit.

  16. Research on nursing practice. Stress.

    PubMed

    Lyon, B L; Werner, J S

    1987-01-01

    Clearly, there is not agreement among nurse researchers regarding a definitional orientation to stress that best fits nursing's orientation to human experiences. Varying theoretical orientations are used to explain stress or stress-related phenomena, for example, stress as a stimulus, stress as a response, and stress as a transaction. The studies are fairly evenly distributed among the four definitional categories. The various approaches do not represent expanding theoretical explanations of stress, but rather are incompatible approaches to explaining stress. More disconcerting than the lack of direction in research efforts, however, is that all too commonly the measurement of the variables and the methodology were not "linked" or consistent with the theoretical framework. For the most part the research efforts reviewed fell short of theory testing. Even for those studies that were designed to contribute to theory development, it was rare to find research reports that included implications regarding theory in the discussion sections. Additionally, discussion sections of the reports typically did not identify alternative explanations for the findings. Quasi-experimental, ex post facto, and causal comparative studies typically were flawed with validity problems. If nursing is to strengthen its contribution to knowledge in the area of stress, more emphasis will need to be placed on congruence between design and measurement, and on issues of statistical rigor, validity, and reliability. Although some might argue that it is too early to expect a coalescing of definitional orientations, it is important to point out that considerable confusion regarding stress phenomena results from a nonsystematic or nondeliberative mixture of incompatible orientations to or definitions of stress. It is little wonder that the vast number of opinion articles that appear in the nursing literature include varied definitions of stress, often making conflicting recommendations regarding the nursing assessment of stress and nursing intervention strategies to assist a person in stress management efforts.

  17. Relationship between balance performance in the elderly and some anthropometric variables.

    PubMed

    Fabunmi, A A; Gbiri, C A

    2008-12-01

    Ability to maintain either static or dynamic balance has been found to be influenced by many factors such as height and weight in the elderly. The relationship between other anthropometric variables and balance performance among elderly Nigerians has not been widely studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between these other anthropometric variables and balance performance among old individuals aged >60 years in Ibadan, Nigeria. The study used the ex-post facto design and involved two hundred and three apparently healthy (103 males and 100 females) elderly participants with ages between 60 years and 74 years, selected using multiple step-wise sampling techniques from churches, mosques and market place within Ibadan. They were without history of neurological problem, postural hypotension, orthopeadic conditions or injury to the back and/or upper and lower extremities within the past one year. Selected anthropometric variables were measured, Sharpened Romberg Test (SRT) and Functional Reach Test (FRT) was used to assess static balance and dynamic balance respectively. All data were summarized using range, mean and standard deviation. Pearson's product moment correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between the physical characteristics, anthropometric variables and performance on each of the two balance tests. The results showed that there were low but significant positive correlations between performance on FRT and each of height, weight, trunk length, foot length, shoulder girth and hip girth. (p<0.05). There was low significant and positive correlation between SRT with eyes closed and arm length, foot length and shoulder girth. (p<0.05) and there was low but significant positive correlation between SRT with eyes opened and shoulder girth and foot length (P<0.05). Anthropometric variables affect balance performances in apparently healthy elderly.

  18. Measuring Research Competitiveness in UK Universities: Introducing the Herfindahl Index to the 2008 and 2014 Research Assessment Exercises

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kelly, Anthony

    2016-01-01

    Like its 2008 predecessor, the, 2014 Research Excellence Framework was a high-stakes exercise. For universities and their constituent departments, it had zero-sum implications for league table position in a way that the 2001 exercise did not, and "post facto" it is having a significant effect on investment and disinvestment as…

  19. 47 CFR 1.9003 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... Authority § 1.9003 Definitions. De facto transfer leasing arrangement. A spectrum leasing arrangement in which a licensee retains de jure control of its license while transferring de facto control of the... electronically or manually. Long-term de facto transfer leasing arrangement. A long-term de facto transfer...

  20. Recovery of chemical Estimates by Field Inhomogeneity Neighborhood Error Detection (REFINED): Fat/Water Separation at 7T

    PubMed Central

    Narayan, Sreenath; Kalhan, Satish C.; Wilson, David L.

    2012-01-01

    I.Abstract Purpose To reduce swaps in fat-water separation methods, a particular issue on 7T small animal scanners due to field inhomogeneity, using image postprocessing innovations that detect and correct errors in the B0 field map. Materials and Methods Fat-water decompositions and B0 field maps were computed for images of mice acquired on a 7T Bruker BioSpec scanner, using a computationally efficient method for solving the Markov Random Field formulation of the multi-point Dixon model. The B0 field maps were processed with a novel hole-filling method, based on edge strength between regions, and a novel k-means method, based on field-map intensities, which were iteratively applied to automatically detect and reinitialize error regions in the B0 field maps. Errors were manually assessed in the B0 field maps and chemical parameter maps both before and after error correction. Results Partial swaps were found in 6% of images when processed with FLAWLESS. After REFINED correction, only 0.7% of images contained partial swaps, resulting in an 88% decrease in error rate. Complete swaps were not problematic. Conclusion Ex post facto error correction is a viable supplement to a priori techniques for producing globally smooth B0 field maps, without partial swaps. With our processing pipeline, it is possible to process image volumes rapidly, robustly, and almost automatically. PMID:23023815

  1. Earthquake prediction evaluation standards applied to the VAN Method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jackson, David D.

    Earthquake prediction research must meet certain standards before it can be suitably evaluated for potential application in decision making. For methods that result in a binary (on or off) alarm condition, requirements include (1) a quantitative description of observables that trigger an alarm, (2) a quantitative description, including ranges of time, location, and magnitude, of the predicted earthquakes, (3) documented evidence of all previous alarms, (4) a complete list of predicted earthquakes, (5) a complete list of unpredicted earthquakes. The VAN technique [Varotsos and Lazaridou, 1991; Varotsos et al., 1996] has not yet been stated as a testable hypothesis. It fails criteria (1) and (2) so it is not ready to be evaluated properly. Although telegrams were transmitted in advance of claimed successes, these telegrams did not fully specify the predicted events, and all of the published statistical evaluations involve many subjective ex post facto decisions. Lacking a statistically demonstrated relationship to earthquakes, a candidate prediction technique should satisfy several plausibility criteria, including: (1) a reasonable relationship between the location of the candidate precursor and that of the predicted earthquake, (2) some demonstration that the candidate precursory observations are related to stress, strain, or other quantities related to earthquakes, and (3) the existence of co-seismic as well as pre-seismic variations of the candidate precursor. The VAN technique meets none of these criteria.

  2. Real-time forecasting of ICME shock arrivals at L1 during the "April Fool’s Day" epoch: 28 March  21 April 2001

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sun, W.; Dryer, M.; Fry, C. D.; Deehr, C. S.; Smith, Z.; Akasofu, S.-I.; Kartalev, M. D.; Grigorov, K. G.

    2002-07-01

    The Sun was extremely active during the "April Fool’s Day" epoch of 2001. We chose this period between a solar flare on 28 March 2001 to a final shock arrival at Earth on 21 April 2001. The activity consisted of two presumed helmet-streamer blowouts, seven M-class flares, and nine X-class flares, the last of which was behind the west limb. We have been experimenting since February 1997 with real-time, end-to-end forecasting of interplanetary coronal mass ejection (ICME) shock arrival times. Since August 1998, these forecasts have been distributed in real-time by e-mail to a list of interested scientists and operational USAF and NOAA forecasters. They are made using three different solar wind models. We describe here the solar events observed during the April Fool’s 2001 epoch, along with the predicted and actual shock arrival times, and the ex post facto correction to the real-time coronal shock speed observations. It appears that the initial estimates of coronal shock speeds from Type II radio burst observations and coronal mass ejections were too high by as much as 30%. We conclude that a 3-dimensional coronal density model should be developed for application to observations of solar flares and their Type II radio burst observations.

  3. The use of astronomy questions as an instrument to detect student's misconceptions regarding physics concepts at high school level by using CRI (Certainty of Response Index) as identification methods

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Utami, D. N.; Wulandari, H. R. T.

    2016-11-01

    The aim of this research is to detect misconceptions in the concept of physics at high school level by using astronomy questions as a testing instrument. Misconception is defined as a thought or an idea that is different from what has been agreed by experts who are reliable in the field, and it is believed to interfere with the acquisition of new understanding and integration of new knowledge or skills. While lack of concept or knowledge can be corrected with the next instruction and learning, students who have misconceptions have to “unlearn” their misconception before learning a correct one. Therefore, the ability to differentiate between these two things becomes crucial. CRI is one of the methods that can identify efficiently, between misconceptions and lack of knowledge that occur in the students. This research used quantitative- descriptive method with ex-post-facto research approach. An instrument used for the test is astronomy questions that require an understanding of physics concepts to solve the problem. By using astronomy questions, it is expected to raise a better understanding such that a concept can be viewed from various fields of science. Based on test results, misconceptions are found on several topics of physics. This test also revealed that student's ability to analyse a problem is still quite low.

  4. Recovery of chemical estimates by field inhomogeneity neighborhood error detection (REFINED): fat/water separation at 7 tesla.

    PubMed

    Narayan, Sreenath; Kalhan, Satish C; Wilson, David L

    2013-05-01

    To reduce swaps in fat-water separation methods, a particular issue on 7 Tesla (T) small animal scanners due to field inhomogeneity, using image postprocessing innovations that detect and correct errors in the B0 field map. Fat-water decompositions and B0 field maps were computed for images of mice acquired on a 7T Bruker BioSpec scanner, using a computationally efficient method for solving the Markov Random Field formulation of the multi-point Dixon model. The B0 field maps were processed with a novel hole-filling method, based on edge strength between regions, and a novel k-means method, based on field-map intensities, which were iteratively applied to automatically detect and reinitialize error regions in the B0 field maps. Errors were manually assessed in the B0 field maps and chemical parameter maps both before and after error correction. Partial swaps were found in 6% of images when processed with FLAWLESS. After REFINED correction, only 0.7% of images contained partial swaps, resulting in an 88% decrease in error rate. Complete swaps were not problematic. Ex post facto error correction is a viable supplement to a priori techniques for producing globally smooth B0 field maps, without partial swaps. With our processing pipeline, it is possible to process image volumes rapidly, robustly, and almost automatically. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  5. Anger rumination, social support, and cardiac symptoms in patients undergoing angiography.

    PubMed

    Closa León, Trini; Nouwen, Arie; Sheffield, David; Jaumdally, Rumi; Lip, Gregory Y H

    2010-11-01

    Socially isolated individuals report more cardiac symptoms, suffer increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and experience higher levels of stress and anxiety than those with more effective support resources. However, the complex interactions of psychosocial factors implicated in the disease process remain to be fully elucidated. We sought to explore these relationships, with the addition of a novel psychosocial variable, anger rumination, which could be associated with increased cardiovascular risk. We examined the association of psychological stress, social support, and anger rumination, with surgical anxiety, self-reported cardiac symptoms, and angiographically documented coronary artery disease, using a correlational ex post facto design. One hundred and one patients scheduled for elective coronary angiography completed questionnaires during the week prior to angiography. Disease severity was objectively assessed using the Gensini scoring system. Self-reported cardiac symptom severity was significantly correlated with higher perceived stress, less social support, and higher anger rumination, but none of the psychosocial variables predicted Gensini score. Social support partially mediated the relationship between anger rumination and surgical anxiety. Perceived stress mediated the relationship between anger rumination and cardiac symptoms. For patients awaiting angiography, stress, and lack of social support are important predictors of self-reported cardiac symptoms, irrespective of actual disease severity. Intervention could focus on reducing perceived stress by encouraging reappraisal and a support seeking, rather than a ruminative, anger coping style.

  6. Ex-ante and ex-post measurement of equality of opportunity in health: a normative decomposition.

    PubMed

    Donni, Paolo Li; Peragine, Vito; Pignataro, Giuseppe

    2014-02-01

    This paper proposes and discusses two different approaches to the definition of inequality in health: the ex-ante and the ex-post approach. It proposes strategies for measuring inequality of opportunity in health based on the path-independent Atkinson equality index. The proposed methodology is illustrated using data from the British Household Panel Survey; the results suggest that in the period 2000-2005, at least one-third of the observed health equalities in the UK were equalities of opportunity. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  7. High-cadence Imaging and Imaging Spectroscopy at the GREGOR Solar Telescope—A Collaborative Research Environment for High-resolution Solar Physics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Denker, Carsten; Kuckein, Christoph; Verma, Meetu; González Manrique, Sergio J.; Diercke, Andrea; Enke, Harry; Klar, Jochen; Balthasar, Horst; Louis, Rohan E.; Dineva, Ekaterina

    2018-05-01

    In high-resolution solar physics, the volume and complexity of photometric, spectroscopic, and polarimetric ground-based data significantly increased in the last decade, reaching data acquisition rates of terabytes per hour. This is driven by the desire to capture fast processes on the Sun and the necessity for short exposure times “freezing” the atmospheric seeing, thus enabling ex post facto image restoration. Consequently, large-format and high-cadence detectors are nowadays used in solar observations to facilitate image restoration. Based on our experience during the “early science” phase with the 1.5 m GREGOR solar telescope (2014–2015) and the subsequent transition to routine observations in 2016, we describe data collection and data management tailored toward image restoration and imaging spectroscopy. We outline our approaches regarding data processing, analysis, and archiving for two of GREGOR’s post-focus instruments (see http://gregor.aip.de), i.e., the GREGOR Fabry–Pérot Interferometer (GFPI) and the newly installed High-Resolution Fast Imager (HiFI). The heterogeneous and complex nature of multidimensional data arising from high-resolution solar observations provides an intriguing but also a challenging example for “big data” in astronomy. The big data challenge has two aspects: (1) establishing a workflow for publishing the data for the whole community and beyond and (2) creating a collaborative research environment (CRE), where computationally intense data and postprocessing tools are colocated and collaborative work is enabled for scientists of multiple institutes. This requires either collaboration with a data center or frameworks and databases capable of dealing with huge data sets based on virtual observatory (VO) and other community standards and procedures.

  8. Multimodal Characterization of the Late Effects of Traumatic Brain Injury: A Methodological Overview of the Late Effects of Traumatic Brain Injury Project.

    PubMed

    Edlow, Brian L; Keene, C Dirk; Perl, Daniel P; Iacono, Diego; Folkerth, Rebecca D; Stewart, William; Mac Donald, Christine L; Augustinack, Jean; Diaz-Arrastia, Ramon; Estrada, Camilo; Flannery, Elissa; Gordon, Wayne A; Grabowski, Thomas J; Hansen, Kelly; Hoffman, Jeanne; Kroenke, Christopher; Larson, Eric B; Lee, Patricia; Mareyam, Azma; McNab, Jennifer A; McPhee, Jeanne; Moreau, Allison L; Renz, Anne; Richmire, KatieRose; Stevens, Allison; Tang, Cheuk Y; Tirrell, Lee S; Trittschuh, Emily H; van der Kouwe, Andre; Varjabedian, Ani; Wald, Lawrence L; Wu, Ona; Yendiki, Anastasia; Young, Liza; Zöllei, Lilla; Fischl, Bruce; Crane, Paul K; Dams-O'Connor, Kristen

    2018-05-03

    Epidemiological studies suggest that a single moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with an increased risk of neurodegenerative disease, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Histopathological studies describe complex neurodegenerative pathologies in individuals exposed to single moderate-to-severe TBI or repetitive mild TBI, including chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). However, the clinicopathological links between TBI and post-traumatic neurodegenerative diseases such as AD, PD, and CTE remain poorly understood. Here, we describe the methodology of the Late Effects of TBI (LETBI) study, whose goals are to characterize chronic post-traumatic neuropathology and to identify in vivo biomarkers of post-traumatic neurodegeneration. LETBI participants undergo extensive clinical evaluation using National Institutes of Health TBI Common Data Elements, proteomic and genomic analysis, structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and prospective consent for brain donation. Selected brain specimens undergo ultra-high resolution ex vivo MRI and histopathological evaluation including whole-mount analysis. Co-registration of ex vivo and in vivo MRI data enables identification of ex vivo lesions that were present during life. In vivo signatures of postmortem pathology are then correlated with cognitive and behavioral data to characterize the clinical phenotype(s) associated with pathological brain lesions. We illustrate the study methods and demonstrate proof of concept for this approach by reporting results from the first LETBI participant, who despite the presence of multiple in vivo and ex vivo pathoanatomic lesions had normal cognition and was functionally independent until her mid-80s. The LETBI project represents a multidisciplinary effort to characterize post-traumatic neuropathology and identify in vivo signatures of postmortem pathology in a prospective study.

  9. Optimized magnetic resonance diffusion protocol for ex-vivo whole human brain imaging with a clinical scanner

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Scherrer, Benoit; Afacan, Onur; Stamm, Aymeric; Singh, Jolene; Warfield, Simon K.

    2015-03-01

    Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) provides a novel insight into the brain to facilitate our understanding of the brain connectivity and microstructure. While in-vivo DW-MRI enables imaging of living patients and longitudinal studies of brain changes, post-mortem ex-vivo DW-MRI has numerous advantages. Ex-vivo imaging benefits from greater resolution and sensitivity due to the lack of imaging time constraints; the use of tighter fitting coils; and the lack of movement artifacts. This allows characterization of normal and abnormal tissues with unprecedented resolution and sensitivity, facilitating our ability to investigate anatomical structures that are inaccessible in-vivo. This also offers the opportunity to develop today novel imaging biomarkers that will, with tomorrow's MR technology, enable improved in-vivo assessment of the risk of disease in an individual. Post-mortem studies, however, generally rely on the fixation of specimen to inhibit tissue decay which starts as soon as tissue is deprived from its blood supply. Unfortunately, fixation of tissues substantially alters tissue diffusivity profiles. In addition, ex-vivo DW-MRI requires particular care when packaging the specimen because the presence of microscopic air bubbles gives rise to geometric and intensity image distortion. In this work, we considered the specific requirements of post-mortem imaging and designed an optimized protocol for ex-vivo whole brain DW-MRI using a human clinical 3T scanner. Human clinical 3T scanners are available to a large number of researchers and, unlike most animal scanners, have a bore diameter large enough to image a whole human brain. Our optimized protocol will facilitate widespread ex-vivo investigations of large specimen.

  10. 77 FR 61895 - Electricity Market Transparency Provisions of Section 220 of the Federal Power Act

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-10-11

    ... rate authority and an ex post analysis of whether a seller with market-based rate authority has... Commission in performing ex post analyses to determine whether a seller with market-based rate authority has... Order Nos. 720 and 720-A, whereby the Commission required major intrastate natural gas pipelines to post...

  11. Method for separating video camera motion from scene motion for constrained 3D displacement measurements

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gauthier, L. R.; Jansen, M. E.; Meyer, J. R.

    2014-09-01

    Camera motion is a potential problem when a video camera is used to perform dynamic displacement measurements. If the scene camera moves at the wrong time, the apparent motion of the object under study can easily be confused with the real motion of the object. In some cases, it is practically impossible to prevent camera motion, as for instance, when a camera is used outdoors in windy conditions. A method to address this challenge is described that provides an objective means to measure the displacement of an object of interest in the scene, even when the camera itself is moving in an unpredictable fashion at the same time. The main idea is to synchronously measure the motion of the camera and to use those data ex post facto to subtract out the apparent motion in the scene that is caused by the camera motion. The motion of the scene camera is measured by using a reference camera that is rigidly attached to the scene camera and oriented towards a stationary reference object. For instance, this reference object may be on the ground, which is known to be stationary. It is necessary to calibrate the reference camera by simultaneously measuring the scene images and the reference images at times when it is known that the scene object is stationary and the camera is moving. These data are used to map camera movement data to apparent scene movement data in pixel space and subsequently used to remove the camera movement from the scene measurements.

  12. [Relationship between personality organization and the prevalence of symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress among university students in health careers in the Region of Coquimbo, Chile].

    PubMed

    López, René Barraza; Navarro, Nadia Muñoz; Astorga, Ana Contreras

    The literature reports a set of variables associated with depression, anxiety and stress in health career students. The only one of these that could have a constant input is the structure of personality organisation. The present study aims to determine the relationship between the dimensions of personality organization and depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms reported by first-year university health career students. Under a non-experimental ex-post-facto design, the personality organisation was evaluated in 235 1st year university, medical, nursing, and kinesiology from three universities of La Serena and Coquimbo (Chile). Inventory of personality organization and scale of depression, anxiety and stress to sift participants was used. The relationship of personality with depressive, anxiety and stress symptoms was determined by multiple regression analysis. It was found that the primary and overall personality dimensions explained 28% of the variance of depression (P<.01), 20% of anxiety, and stress 22%, with the use of primitive defenses and identity diffusion dimensions that largely contribute to the explanatory model. The dimensions of personality organization could have a significant relationship with the emergence of depression, anxiety and stress, as the explanatory burden dimension provides the primitive defenses and identity diffusion. These results may be useful for early recognition of aspects of personality of applicants, and to perform actions that strengthen them in order to improve efficiency. Copyright © 2016 Asociación Colombiana de Psiquiatría. Publicado por Elsevier España. All rights reserved.

  13. Factors influencing intensive care unit survival for critically ill elderly patients.

    PubMed

    Kleinpell, R M; Ferrans, C E

    1998-01-01

    To examine factors influencing intensive care unit (ICU) survival for critically ill elderly patients and to compare survivors and nonsurvivors of ICU on demographic and illness-related variables. Retrospective, ex post facto research design. Adult medical and surgical ICUs. The records of 164 survivors and 111 nonsurvivors from 2 medical-surgical ICUs were examined. Patients were placed into 3 age groups (middle-aged, young-old, and old-old) to compare outcomes for elderly ICU patients. ICU survival, ICU treatments received, severity of illness. The Acute Physiology Age and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) was used to assess illness severity. Additional illness-related information was collected by chart review. Predictors of ICU nonsurvival were severity of illness (measured by APACHE II scores) and intubation. Comparison of survivors and nonsurvivors revealed no statistically significant differences in sex or age. For all age groups, nonsurvivors had significantly higher mean days of ICU hospitalization (F (1,239) = 7.20 P < .0078) and higher APACHE II scores (F (1,239) = 106.5 P < .0001). Analysis of ICU treatments received by the 3 age groups of survivors revealed a significant difference only on oxygen therapy, (chi-square = 10.2, df = 2, P = .006), with more young-old (aged 65 to 79) and old-old (aged 80 and older) ICU patients receiving oxygen therapy than middle-aged patients (aged 45 to 64). The findings of this study demonstrated that severity of illness was a predictor of ICU outcome; age was not. Additionally, age was not related to ICU treatments received.

  14. Patient profiles and their relationship with the CES-D scale at the Diabetes Center for Puerto Rico.

    PubMed

    Rodríguez, José R; Rodríguez, Rosa Janet; Disdier, Orville M

    2007-03-01

    The prevalence of diabetes mellitus in Puerto Ricans has been identified and reported as being disproportionately higher as compared to other metabolic pathologies. Recently, diabetes has been identified as the third cause of mortality in Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico Health Department, Vital Statistics Annual Report, 1999-2001). The Research Center, Education and Medical Services for Diabetes in Puerto Rico (also known as the "Centro de Diabetes para Puerto Rico" [CDPR]) is a public corporation in the island created by the government to reduce diabetes prevalence, mortality and morbidity. The CDPR offers Diabetes Self Management Educational Training Program Schools for patients (DSMETPS) island wide. The research design was an ex-post facto. As part of the process, patients are administered an extensive sociodemographic and health information questionnaire, which also includes the CES-D (a symptomatology depressive scale). This study pretends to describe the diabetic patient profiles (n=27) using information from the DSMETPS of the CDPR and explore the association with the CES-D. Variables such as patients' needs, knowledge and understanding of the condition (i.e., pathology management, type and medications utilized and exercise and nutritional patterns), patient attitudes to diabetes and their relations with the CES-D were explored. Results show a negative association, controlling for age and gender, between patients diabetic education/knowledge and CES-D score. Diabetes educators in Puerto Rico need to identify depressive symptomatology in order to prevent mental health complications in their patients since this may affect their future treatment and prognosis. An interdisciplinary team is recommended to improve the effectivity of the intervention.

  15. Weekly iron as a safe alternative to daily supplementation for nonanemic pregnant women.

    PubMed

    Casanueva, Esther; Viteri, Fernando E; Mares-Galindo, Mónica; Meza-Camacho, Carlos; Loría, Alvar; Schnaas, Lourdes; Valdés-Ramos, Roxana

    2006-07-01

    We undertook this study to compare the effectiveness and safety of antenatal daily and weekly supplementation with iron, folic acid, and vitamin B(12) in healthy, pregnant women who were not anemic at gestational week 20. Women with singleton pregnancies and blood hemoglobin (Hb) >115 g/L at gestational week 20 (equivalent to 105 g/L at sea level) were randomly assigned to two groups, one consuming one tablet containing 60 mg iron, 200 mug folic acid and 1 mug vitamin B(12) daily (DS, n = 56); the other consuming two tablets once weekly (WS, n = 60). Blood Hb and serum ferritin concentrations were measured every 4 weeks from weeks 20 to 36, and pregnancy outcomes were evaluated. Mild anemia and hypoferritinemia throughout pregnancy occurred less frequently in DS than WS. None of the 116 women had Hb concentrations <103 g/L at any evaluation point. In contrast, hemoconcentration (Hb >145 g/L) from gestational week 28 onwards occurred in 11% in DS and 2% in WS. We observed ex post facto that hemoconcentration at gestational week 28 was associated with a significantly higher relative risk of low birth weight (RR 6.23, 95% CI 1.46-26.57) and premature delivery (RR 7.78, 95% CI 1.45-24.74). In women who were nonanemic at gestational week 20, both schemes (DS and WS) prevented the occurrence of Hb levels <100 g/L. DS women had a higher incidence of hemoconcentration. Hemoconcentration was associated with increased risk of low birth weight and premature delivery.

  16. Universal patterns or the tale of two systems? Mathematics achievement and educational expectations in post-socialist Europe

    PubMed Central

    Bodovski, Katerina; Kotok, Stephen; Henck, Adrienne

    2014-01-01

    Although communist ideology claimed to destroy former class stratification based on labor market capitalist relationships, de facto during socialism one social class hierarchy was substituted for another that was equally unequal. The economic transition during the 1990s increased stratification by wealth, which affected educational inequality. This study examines the relationships among parental education, gender, educational expectations, and mathematics achievement of youths in five post-socialist Eastern European countries, comparing them with three Western countries. We employed the 8th-grade data from the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 1995 and 2007. The findings point to the universal associations between parental education and student outcomes, whereas gender comparisons present interesting East-West differences. The theoretical and policy implications of these findings are discussed. PMID:25346564

  17. A study of deterioration of pulmonary function parameters among smokers and recovery among ex-smokers in bus depot workers.

    PubMed

    Sreenivas, B Sudha; Sunitha, M S; Nataraj, S M; Dhar, Murali

    2012-01-01

    Smoking has deleterious effects on Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) parameters; however, evidences about recovery in ex-smokers are ambiguous. Therefore present study was conducted to quantify relative deterioration of PFT parameters and to assess reversibility of the same. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 84 bus-depot workers consisting of equal number of smokers, ex-smokers and non-smokers. PFT observations were obtained using Medspiror following standard methods and precautions. Comparisons among three groups were performed employing one-way ANOVA and post-hoc tests. There were substantial effects of smoking on PFT parameters (deterioration was up-to half). Partial recovery was found in all the parameters of ex-smokers. Frequency and duration of smoking were negatively correlated with some of the parameters. In conclusion, present study has demonstrated considerable deterioration of PFT parameters in smokers and indications of recovery in ex-smokers. Further detailed study with larger sample size and stricter definition of ex-smokers is recommended.

  18. Cosmological N-body Simulation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lake, George

    1994-05-01

    .90ex> }}} The ``N'' in N-body calculations has doubled every year for the last two decades. To continue this trend, the UW N-body group is working on algorithms for the fast evaluation of gravitational forces on parallel computers and establishing rigorous standards for the computations. In these algorithms, the computational cost per time step is ~ 10(3) pairwise forces per particle. A new adaptive time integrator enables us to perform high quality integrations that are fully temporally and spatially adaptive. SPH--smoothed particle hydrodynamics will be added to simulate the effects of dissipating gas and magnetic fields. The importance of these calculations is two-fold. First, they determine the nonlinear consequences of theories for the structure of the Universe. Second, they are essential for the interpretation of observations. Every galaxy has six coordinates of velocity and position. Observations determine two sky coordinates and a line of sight velocity that bundles universal expansion (distance) together with a random velocity created by the mass distribution. Simulations are needed to determine the underlying structure and masses. The importance of simulations has moved from ex post facto explanation to an integral part of planning large observational programs. I will show why high quality simulations with ``large N'' are essential to accomplish our scientific goals. This year, our simulations have N >~ 10(7) . This is sufficient to tackle some niche problems, but well short of our 5 year goal--simulating The Sloan Digital Sky Survey using a few Billion particles (a Teraflop-year simulation). Extrapolating past trends, we would have to ``wait'' 7 years for this hundred-fold improvement. Like past gains, significant changes in the computational methods are required for these advances. I will describe new algorithms, algorithmic hacks and a dedicated computer to perform Billion particle simulations. Finally, I will describe research that can be enabled by Petaflop computers. This research is supported by the NASA HPCC/ESS program.

  19. 47 CFR 1.9010 - De facto control standard for spectrum leasing arrangements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 47 Telecommunication 1 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false De facto control standard for spectrum leasing... PROCEDURE Spectrum Leasing General Policies and Procedures § 1.9010 De facto control standard for spectrum..., the following standard is applied for purposes of determining whether a licensee retains de facto...

  20. 47 CFR 1.9030 - Long-term de facto transfer leasing arrangements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 47 Telecommunication 1 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Long-term de facto transfer leasing... PROCEDURE Spectrum Leasing General Policies and Procedures § 1.9030 Long-term de facto transfer leasing...) and a spectrum lessee may enter into a long-term de facto transfer leasing arrangement in which the...

  1. 47 CFR 1.9035 - Short-term de facto transfer leasing arrangements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 47 Telecommunication 1 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Short-term de facto transfer leasing... PROCEDURE Spectrum Leasing General Policies and Procedures § 1.9035 Short-term de facto transfer leasing...) and a spectrum lessee may enter into a short-term de facto transfer leasing arrangement in which the...

  2. 47 CFR 1.9010 - De facto control standard for spectrum leasing arrangements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 47 Telecommunication 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false De facto control standard for spectrum leasing... PROCEDURE Spectrum Leasing General Policies and Procedures § 1.9010 De facto control standard for spectrum..., the following standard is applied for purposes of determining whether a licensee retains de facto...

  3. A Method for a Retrospective Analysis of Course Objectives: Have Pursued Objectives in Fact Been Attained? Twente Educational Report Number 7.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Plomp, Tjeerd; van der Meer, Adri

    A method pertaining to the identification and analysis of course objectives is discussed. A framework is developed by which post facto objectives can be determined and students' attainment of the objectives can be assessed. The method can also be used for examining the quality of instruction. Using this method, it is possible to determine…

  4. The Divisive Gate-Keeping Role of Languages in Jamaica: Establishing Post Primary Schools as Centres for Immersion in the Target Language

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Davids, Melva P.

    2013-01-01

    This paper seeks to examine the role of the official and "de facto" languages of anglophone Caribbean islands such as Jamaica. In reflecting on their statuses as users of language, tertiary level students registered in a Year One Performing Arts Program provided much insights into the interplay of both languages that coexist in society…

  5. An Evaluation of Agonist: Antagonist Strength Ratios and Posture Among Powerlifters.

    PubMed

    Cutrufello, Paul T; Gadomski, Stephen J; Ratamess, Nicholas A

    2017-02-01

    Cutrufello, PT, Gadomski, SJ, and Ratamess, NA. An evaluation of agonist:antagonist strength ratios and posture among powerlifters. J Strength Cond Res 31(2): 298-304, 2017-Powerlifters routinely focus on 3 exercises: bench press, squat, and deadlift. This focus may predispose them to the development of muscle imbalances in either the upper or lower extremity which might also influence posture. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to examine the agonist:antagonist strength ratios and their relationship to postural measures among powerlifters. An ex post facto study design compared 15 male powerlifters (35.3 ± 13.7 years old) and 15 age-matched controls (34.9 ± 14.6 years old). Maximal isometric strength tests were conducted using handheld dynamometry. Posture was evaluated using pectoralis minor length, pelvic tilt, thoracic kyphosis, and lumbar lordosis. Strength imbalances were observed for shoulder horizontal adduction:abduction (2.57 ± 0.58 vs. 1.78 ± 0.28; p < 0.001) and knee flexion:extension (0.61 ± 0.15 vs. 0.50 ± 0.10; p = 0.033). Pectoralis minor length was significantly shorter among the powerlifters (6.1 ± 1.9 vs. 4.2 ± 1.4; p = 0.005); however, there was no statistical difference in thoracic kyphosis (37.7 ± 9.4 vs. 39.1 ± 10.9; p = 0.722), pelvic tilt (10.6 ± 3.6 vs. 11.3 ± 3.7; p = 0.622), or lumbar lordosis (25.0 ± 7.6 vs. 23.0 ± 8.4; p = 0.500) angles. Strength imbalances, including shoulder horizontal adduction:abduction and knee flexion:extension, and a shortened pectoralis minor may evolve as training adaptations among powerlifters, whereas thoracic kyphosis, pelvic tilt, and lumbar lordosis remain unchanged.

  6. Adherence of pain assessment to the German national standard for pain management in 12 nursing homes

    PubMed Central

    Osterbrink, Jürgen; Bauer, Zsuzsa; Mitterlehner, Barbara; Gnass, Irmela; Kutschar, Patrick

    2014-01-01

    BACKGROUND: Pain is very common among nursing home residents. The assessment of pain is a prerequisite for effective multiprofessional pain management. Within the framework of the German health services research project, ‘Action Alliance Pain-Free City Muenster’, the authors investigated pain assessment adherence according to the German national Expert Standard for Pain Management in Nursing, which is a general standard applicable to all chronic/acute pain-affected persons and highly recommended for practice. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the state of pain assessment and to identify need for improvement in 12 nursing homes in a German city. METHODS: In the present study, the authors used an ex-post-facto design (survey methodology). Available written policies for routine pain assessment in residents ≥65 years of age were reviewed and a standardized online survey completed by 151 of 349 nurses in 12 nursing home facilities was conducted between September 2010 and April 2011. RESULTS: Most of the included nursing homes provided written policies for pain assessment, and the majority of nurses reported that they assess and regularly reassess pain. However, observational tools for residents with severe cognitive impairment and written reassessment schedules were lacking in many facilities or were inconsistent. CONCLUSIONS: Essentially, pain assessment appeared to be feasible in the majority of the German nursing homes studied. However, the absence or inconsistency of reassessment schedules indicate that pain management guidelines should include a detailed and explicit reassessment schedule for the heterogenic needs of nursing home residents. For residents with severe cognitive impairment, assessment tools are needed that are simple to use and clearly indicate the presence or absence of pain. PMID:24851238

  7. Suitability of a three-dimensional model to measure empathy and its relationship with social and normative adjustment in Spanish adolescents: a cross-sectional study.

    PubMed

    Herrera-López, Mauricio; Gómez-Ortiz, Olga; Ortega-Ruiz, Rosario; Jolliffe, Darrick; Romera, Eva M

    2017-09-25

    (1) To examine the psychometric properties of the Basic Empathy Scale (BES) with Spanish adolescents, comparing a two and a three-dimensional structure;(2) To analyse the relationship between the three-dimensional empathy and social and normative adjustment in school. Transversal and ex post facto retrospective study. Confirmatory factorial analysis, multifactorial invariance analysis and structural equations models were used. 747 students (51.3% girls) from Cordoba, Spain, aged 12-17 years (M=13.8; SD=1.21). The original two-dimensional structure was confirmed (cognitive empathy, affective empathy), but a three-dimensional structure showed better psychometric properties, highlighting the good fit found in confirmatory factorial analysis and adequate internal consistent valued, measured with Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega. Composite reliability and average variance extracted showed better indices for a three-factor model. The research also showed evidence of measurement invariance across gender. All the factors of the final three-dimensional BES model were direct and significantly associated with social and normative adjustment, being most strongly related to cognitive empathy. This research supports the advances in neuroscience, developmental psychology and psychopathology through a three-dimensional version of the BES, which represents an improvement in the original two-factorial model. The organisation of empathy in three factors benefits the understanding of social and normative adjustment in adolescents, in which emotional disengagement favours adjusted peer relationships. Psychoeducational interventions aimed at improving the quality of social life in schools should target these components of empathy. © 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.

  8. Bullying and Cyberbullying in Minorities: Are They More Vulnerable than the Majority Group?

    PubMed

    Llorent, Vicente J; Ortega-Ruiz, Rosario; Zych, Izabela

    2016-01-01

    Inclusion in education of all the children is necessary for the success, equality and peace among individuals and societies. In this context, special attention needs to be paid to the minorities. These groups might encounter additional difficulties which make them more vulnerable to be involved in bullying and cyberbullying. The current study was conducted with the objective of describing the involvement in bullying and cyberbullying of students from the majority group and also from sexual and ethnic-cultural minorities. The second objective was to explore if the implication is predicted by the interaction with gender, grade and the size of the population where the schools are located. It is an ex post facto transversal descriptive study with a survey on a representative sample of adolescents enrolled in the Compulsory Secondary Education in the south of Spain (Andalusia). The survey was answered by 2139 adolescents (50.9% girls) in 22 schools. These participants were selected through the random multistage cluster sampling with the confidence level of 95% and a sampling error of 2.1%. The results show that the minority groups, especially sexual minorities, are more involved in bullying and cyberbullying. Regression analyses show that being in the majority or a minority group predicts a small but significant percentage of variance of being involved in bullying and cyberbullying. Results are discussed taking into account the social vulnerability of being a part of a minority group and the need of designing educational programs which would prevent this vulnerability thorough the inclusion in education. There is a need for an educational policy that focuses on convivencia and ciberconvivencia which would promote the social and educational development of all the students.

  9. Is older adult care mediated by caregivers' cultural stereotypes? The role of competence and warmth attribution.

    PubMed

    Fernández-Ballesteros, Rocío; Bustillos, Antonio; Santacreu, Marta; Schettini, Rocio; Díaz-Veiga, Pura; Huici, Carmen

    2016-01-01

    The purpose of this study is to examine, from the stereotype content model (SCM) perspective, the role of the competence and warmth stereotypes of older adults held by professional caregivers. A quasi-experimental design, ex post facto with observational analyses, was used in this study. The cultural view on competence and warmth was assessed in 100 caregivers working in a set of six residential geriatric care units (three of them organized following a person-centered care approach and the other three providing standard geriatric care). In order to assess caregivers' cultural stereotypical views, the SCM questionnaire was administered. To evaluate the role of caregivers' cultural stereotypes in their professional performance as well as in older adult functioning, two observational scales from the Sistema de Evaluación de Residencias de Ancianos (assessment system for older adults residences)-RS (staff functioning and residents' functioning) were applied. Caregivers' cultural views of older adults (compared to young people) are characterized by low competence and high warmth, replicating the data obtained elsewhere from the SCM. Most importantly, the person-centered units predict better staff performance and better resident functioning than standard units. Moreover, cultural stereotyping of older adult competence moderates the effects of staff performance on resident functioning, in line with the findings of previous research. Our results underline the influence of caregivers' cultural stereotypes on the type of care, as well as on their professional behaviors and on older adult functioning. Caregivers' cultural stereotypes could be considered as a central issue in older adult care since they mediate the triangle of care: caregivers/older adults/type of care; therefore, much more attention should be paid to this psychosocial care component.

  10. Is older adult care mediated by caregivers’ cultural stereotypes? The role of competence and warmth attribution

    PubMed Central

    Fernández-Ballesteros, Rocío; Bustillos, Antonio; Santacreu, Marta; Schettini, Rocio; Díaz-Veiga, Pura; Huici, Carmen

    2016-01-01

    Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine, from the stereotype content model (SCM) perspective, the role of the competence and warmth stereotypes of older adults held by professional caregivers. Methods A quasi-experimental design, ex post facto with observational analyses, was used in this study. The cultural view on competence and warmth was assessed in 100 caregivers working in a set of six residential geriatric care units (three of them organized following a person-centered care approach and the other three providing standard geriatric care). In order to assess caregivers’ cultural stereotypical views, the SCM questionnaire was administered. To evaluate the role of caregivers’ cultural stereotypes in their professional performance as well as in older adult functioning, two observational scales from the Sistema de Evaluación de Residencias de Ancianos (assessment system for older adults residences)-RS (staff functioning and residents’ functioning) were applied. Results Caregivers’ cultural views of older adults (compared to young people) are characterized by low competence and high warmth, replicating the data obtained elsewhere from the SCM. Most importantly, the person-centered units predict better staff performance and better resident functioning than standard units. Moreover, cultural stereotyping of older adult competence moderates the effects of staff performance on resident functioning, in line with the findings of previous research. Conclusion Our results underline the influence of caregivers’ cultural stereotypes on the type of care, as well as on their professional behaviors and on older adult functioning. Caregivers’ cultural stereotypes could be considered as a central issue in older adult care since they mediate the triangle of care: caregivers/older adults/type of care; therefore, much more attention should be paid to this psychosocial care component. PMID:27217736

  11. [The Battelle developmental inventory screening test for early detection of developmental disorders in cerebral palsy].

    PubMed

    Moraleda-Barreno, E; Romero-López, M; Cayetano-Menéndez, M J

    2011-12-01

    Cerebral palsy is usually associated with motor, cognitive, and language deficits, and with other disorders that cause disability in daily living skills, personal independence, social interaction and academic activities. Early detection of these deficits in the clinical setting is essential to anticipate and provide the child with the necessary support for adapting to the environment in all possible areas. The main objective of this study is to demonstrate that these deficits can be detected at an early age and comprehensively through the use of a brief development scale. We studied 100 children between 4 and 70 months old, half of them with cerebral palsy and the other half without any disorder. All subjects were evaluated using the Battelle Developmental Inventory screening test. We compared the developmental quotients in both groups and between the subjects with different motor impairments, using a simple prospective ex post facto design. The test detected statistically significant differences between the clinical group and the control group at all age levels. Statistically significant differences were also found between tetraplegia and other motor disorders. There were no differences by gender. The deficit in development associated with cerebral palsy can be quantified at early ages through the use of a brief development scale, thus we propose that the systematic implementation of protocols with this screening tool would be helpful for treatment and early intervention. This would also help in anticipating and establishing the means for the multidisciplinary actions required, and could provide guidance to other health professionals, to provide adequate school, social, and family support,. Copyright © 2011 Asociación Española de Pediatría. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

  12. Nutrition and health in hotel staff on different shift patterns.

    PubMed

    Seibt, R; Süße, T; Spitzer, S; Hunger, B; Rudolf, M

    2015-08-01

    Limited research is available that examines the nutritional behaviour and health of hotel staff working alternating and regular shifts. To analyse the nutritional behaviour and health of employees working in alternating and regular shifts. The study used an ex post facto cross-sectional analysis to compare the nutritional behaviour and health parameters of workers with alternating shifts and regular shift workers. Nutritional behaviour was assessed with the Food Frequency Questionnaire. Body dimensions (body mass index, waist hip ratio, fat mass and active cell mass), metabolic values (glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol and low- and high-density lipoprotein), diseases and health complaints were included as health parameters. Participants worked in alternating (n = 53) and regular shifts (n = 97). The average age of subjects was 35 ± 10 years. There was no significant difference in nutritional behaviour, most surveyed body dimensions or metabolic values between the two groups. However, alternating shift workers had significantly lower fat mass and higher active cell mass but nevertheless reported more pronounced health complaints. Sex and age were also confirmed as influencing the surveyed parameters. Shift-dependent nutritional problems were not conspicuously apparent in this sample of hotel industry workers. Health parameters did not show significantly negative attributes for alternating shift workers. Conceivably, both groups could have the same level of knowledge on the health effects of nutrition and comparable opportunities to apply this. Further studies on nutritional and health behaviour in the hotel industry are necessary in order to create validated screening programmes. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society of Occupational Medicine. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  13. Bullying and Cyberbullying in Minorities: Are They More Vulnerable than the Majority Group?

    PubMed Central

    Llorent, Vicente J.; Ortega-Ruiz, Rosario; Zych, Izabela

    2016-01-01

    Inclusion in education of all the children is necessary for the success, equality and peace among individuals and societies. In this context, special attention needs to be paid to the minorities. These groups might encounter additional difficulties which make them more vulnerable to be involved in bullying and cyberbullying. The current study was conducted with the objective of describing the involvement in bullying and cyberbullying of students from the majority group and also from sexual and ethnic-cultural minorities. The second objective was to explore if the implication is predicted by the interaction with gender, grade and the size of the population where the schools are located. It is an ex post facto transversal descriptive study with a survey on a representative sample of adolescents enrolled in the Compulsory Secondary Education in the south of Spain (Andalusia). The survey was answered by 2139 adolescents (50.9% girls) in 22 schools. These participants were selected through the random multistage cluster sampling with the confidence level of 95% and a sampling error of 2.1%. The results show that the minority groups, especially sexual minorities, are more involved in bullying and cyberbullying. Regression analyses show that being in the majority or a minority group predicts a small but significant percentage of variance of being involved in bullying and cyberbullying. Results are discussed taking into account the social vulnerability of being a part of a minority group and the need of designing educational programs which would prevent this vulnerability thorough the inclusion in education. There is a need for an educational policy that focuses on convivencia and ciberconvivencia which would promote the social and educational development of all the students. PMID:27803677

  14. [Suicidal ideation and associated characteristics in adolescent women].

    PubMed

    González-Forteza, C; Berenzon-Gorn, S; Tello-Granados, A M; Facio-Flores, D; Medina-Mora Icaza, M E

    1998-01-01

    To determine the prevalence of suicidal ideation and the symptomatic profile as well as to identify the sociodemographic characteristics highlighting female adolescents with the highest scores on suicidal ideation in adolescents living in Mexico City: students and suicidal patients. A cross-sectional and ex-post-facto study was carried out in order to analyze information from two samples: 1,712 junior and junior high school women students (representative student sample in Mexico City), and 30 adolescents inpatient hospitalized for her suicide attempts (clinical sample). Prevalence of presence as well as persistence of suicidal ideation were higher in the clinical sample, nevertheless 11.8% of the school sample had everyone of the symptoms in a range of 1 to 7 days. The most persistent of the ideation symptoms was: "My family would be better if I were dead"; and in the clinical sample it was "I thought about killing myself". Finally, the sociodemographic characteristics that best matched the student girls having the highest scores in suicidal ideation were: to be on junior high school, to get low grades, to acknowledge school performance as bad and to have interrupted her studies. The characteristics that highlight the girls with a first attempt were analyzed in the clinic sample in comparison with those ones with two or more attempts. It was significant that girls in the second group were living only with one parent and they thought in the last attempt that their dead would be possible or certain. The prevalence of suicidal ideation was important in the school sample. If it is considered that this psychological construct has a strong association with suicidal attempt, and multiple suicide conduct, then is a priority to detect adolescents in risk and to make preventive efforts, considering the sociodemographic characteristics that configurate in risk for suicidal ideation.

  15. The emotional component of the attitude of the physician in situations of obstetric failure.

    PubMed

    Szymańska, M; Knapp, P

    2006-01-01

    The research aim is to study the working attitude of a physician towards his patient with obstetric failures in the emotional component aspect. A sample of 164 gynecological doctors was encompassed by the study. The physicians were mainly interviewed during various types of training courses, specialist conventions and during personal meetings. A 44-question anonymous questionnaire was directed at gynecologists. The question was closed. The survey used for the research (in "ex post facto" procedure) matches quantity and quality elements. Concerning the emotional aspect referred to the most difficult in the physician-- patient relation: 18% of the respondents stated they had positive feelings towards the patient, 16% had self-centred feelings and 1% had negative feelings towards the patient. Concerned the feelings of the doctor when the patient and her husband are in a situation of obstetric failure: 49% shared positive feelings in experiencing obstetric failure in patients, 38% concentrated on themselves and their own feelings and 4% gave a decided negative reply. Physicians' attitudes were measured in relation to the death of a patient: 52% related that experience very personally to themselves, 4% of the physicians referred to the death of their patient with a sense of great sorrow and 1% were negatively trying to put the blame on the deceased patient. The most emotionally difficult obstetric failure in the doctor--patient relation was the death of a prenatal child; the most effective reaction to the sorrow of a mother after the loss of her child was support and bringing relief to the patient; 38% of gynecologists have not answered the question because of luck of such experience and because of the too difficult trauma experience.

  16. Acute Exercise and Insulin Sensitivity in Boys: A Time-Course Study.

    PubMed

    Cockcroft, Emma J; Williams, Craig A; Weaver, Hayley; O'Connor, Amy; Jackman, Sarah R; Armstrong, Neil; Barker, Alan R

    2017-11-01

    This study examined the time course of adaptions in insulin sensitivity (IS) in adolescent boys after acute high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) and moderate-intensity exercise (MIE). Eight boys (15.1±0.4 y) completed three 3-day experimental trials in a randomised order: 1) 8×1 min cycling at 90% peak power with 75 s recovery (HIIE); 2) cycling at 90% of gas exchange threshold for a duration to match work during HIIE (MIE); and 3) rest (CON). Plasma [glucose] and [insulin] were measured before (PRE-Ex), 24 and 48 h post (24 h-POST, 48 h-POST) in a fasted state, and 40 min (POST-Ex) and 24 h (24 h-POST) post in response to an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). IS was estimated using the Cederholm (OGTT) and HOMA (fasted) indices. There was no change to HOMA at 24 h or 48 h-POST (all P> 0.05). IS from the OGTT was higher POST-EX for HIIE compared to CON (17.4%, P =0.010, ES=1.06), and a non-significant increase in IS after MIE compared to CON (9.0%, P =0.14, ES=0.59). At 24 h-POST, IS was higher following both HIIE and MIE compared to CON (HIIE: P =0.019, 13.2%, ES=0.88; MIE: 9.7%, P =0.024, ES=0.65). In conclusion, improvements to IS after a single bout of HIIE and MIE persist up to 24 h after exercise when assessed by OGTT. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

  17. Physiological responses and performance in a simulated trampoline gymnastics competition in elite male gymnasts.

    PubMed

    Jensen, Peter; Scott, Suzanne; Krustrup, Peter; Mohr, Magni

    2013-01-01

    Physiological responses and performance were examined during and after a simulated trampoline competition (STC). Fifteen elite trampoline gymnasts participated, of which eight completed two routines (EX1 and EX2) and a competition final (EX3). Trampoline-specific activities were quantified by video-analysis. Countermovement jump (CMJ) and 20 maximal trampoline jump (20-MTJ) performances were assessed. Heart rate (HR) and quadriceps muscle temperature (Tm) were recorded and venous blood was drawn. A total of 252 ± 16 jumps were performed during the STC. CMJ performance declined (P < 0.05) by 3.8, 5.2 and 4.2% after EX1, EX2 and EX3, respectively, and was 4.8% lower (P < 0.05) than baseline 24 h post-competition. 20-MTJ flight time was ~1% shorter (P < 0.05) for jump 1-10 after EX2 and 24 h post STC. Tm increased (P < 0.05) to ~39°C after the warm-up, but declined (P < 0.05) 1.0 and 0.6ºC before EX2 and EX3, respectively. Peak HR was 95-97% HRmax during EX1-3. Peak blood lactate, plasma K(+) and NH3 were 6.5 ± 0.5, 6.0 ± 0.2 mmol · l(-1) and 92 ± 10 µmol · l(-1), respectively. Plasma CK increased (P < 0.05) by ~50 and 65% 0 and 24 h after STC. In conclusion, a trampoline gymnastic competition includes a high number of repeated explosive and energy demanding jumps, which impairs jump performance during and 24 h post-competition.

  18. Protective effects of ethanol extracts of Artemisia asiatica Nakai ex Pamp. on ageing-induced deterioration in mouse oocyte quality.

    PubMed

    Jeon, Hyuk-Joon; You, Seung Yeop; Kim, Dong Hyun; Jeon, Hong Bae; Oh, Jeong Su

    2017-08-01

    Following ovulation, oocytes undergo a time-dependent deterioration in quality referred to as post-ovulatory ageing. Although various factors influence the post-ovulatory ageing of oocytes, oxidative stress is a key factor involved in deterioration of oocyte quality. Artemisia asiatica Nakai ex Pamp. has been widely used in East Asia as a food ingredient and traditional medicine for the treatment of inflammation, cancer, and microbial infections. Recent studies have shown that A. asiatica exhibits antioxidative effects. In this study, we investigated whether A. asiatica has the potential to attenuate deterioration in oocyte quality during post-ovulatory ageing. Freshly ovulated mouse oocytes were cultured with 0, 50, 100 or 200 μg/ml ethanol extracts of A. asiatica Nakai ex Pamp. After culture for up to 24 h, various ageing-induced oocyte abnormalities, including morphological changes, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, apoptosis, chromosome and spindle defects, and mitochondrial aggregation were determined. Treatment of oocytes with A. asiatica extracts reduced ageing-induced morphological changes. Moreover, A. asiatica extracts decreased ROS generation and the onset of apoptosis by preventing elevation of the Bax/Bcl-2 expression ratio during post-ovulatory ageing. Furthermore, A. asiatica extracts attenuated the ageing-induced abnormalities including spindle defects, chromosome misalignment and mitochondrial aggregation. Our results demonstrate that A. asiatica can relieve deterioration in oocyte quality and delay the onset of apoptosis during post-ovulatory ageing.

  19. WISE-2005: Adrenergic Responses Before and After 60 Days of 6 Degree Head-Down Bed-Rest in Women

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Edgell, H.; Dyson, K.; Shoemaker, J. K.; Custaud, M. A.; Arbeille, Ph.; Greaves, D.; Hughson, R. L.; Hughson, R. L.

    2006-01-01

    Sixteen women who participated in the WISE-2005 headdown bed rest (HDBR) were studied before and on day 56 of bed rest to test the hypothesis that chronic changes in circulating norepinephrine (NOR) would change the response to adrenergic receptor agonists. Five minute infusions of 2 doses of isoproterenol (ISO), and 2 doses of NOR were administered while heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and total peripheral resistance (TPR) were measured. Before HDBR, the higher dose of ISO increased HR by 13 beats/min (P

  20. Nafcillin Enhances Innate Immune-Mediated Killing of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

    PubMed Central

    Sakoulas, George; Okumura, Cheryl Y.; Thienphrapa, Wdee; Olson, Joshua; Nonejuie, Poochit; Dam, Quang; Dhand, Abhay; Pogliano, Joseph; Yeaman, Michael R.; Hensler, Mary E.; Bayer, Arnold S.; Nizet, Victor

    2014-01-01

    Based on in vitro synergy studies, the addition of nafcillin to daptomycin was used to treat refractory methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia. Daptomycin is a de facto cationic antimicrobial peptide in vivo, with antistaphylococcal mechanisms reminiscent of innate host defense peptides (HDPs). In this study, the effects of nafcillin on HDP activity against MRSA were examined in vitro and in vivo. Exposures to β-lactam antimicrobials in general, and nafcillin in particular, significantly increased killing of S. aureus by selected HDPs from, keratinocytes, neutrophils and platelets. This finding correlated with enhanced killing of MRSA by whole blood, neutrophils and keratinocytes after growth in nafcillin. Finally, nafcillin pretreatment ex vivo reduced MRSA virulence in a murine subcutaneous infection model. Despite the lack of direct activity against MRSA, these studies show potent, consistent, and generalized nafcillin-mediated ‘sensitization’ to increased killing of MRSA by various components of the innate host response. The use of nafcillin as adjunctive therapy in MRSA bacteremia merits further study and should be considered in cases refractory to standard therapy. PMID:24297496

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