Estimating abundance

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sutherland, Chris; Royle, Andy

2016-01-01

This chapter provides a non-technical overview of ‘closed population capture–recapture’ models, a class of well-established models that are widely applied in ecology, such as removal sampling, covariate models, and distance sampling. These methods are regularly adopted for studies of reptiles, in order to estimate abundance from counts of marked individuals while accounting for imperfect detection. Thus, the chapter describes some classic closed population models for estimating abundance, with considerations for some recent extensions that provide a spatial context for the estimation of abundance, and therefore density. Finally, the chapter suggests some software for use in data analysis, such as the Windows-based program MARK, and provides an example of estimating abundance and density of reptiles using an artificial cover object survey of Slow Worms (Anguis fragilis).

Estimating abundance: Chapter 27

USGS Publications Warehouse

Royle, J. Andrew

2016-01-01

This chapter provides a non-technical overview of ‘closed population capture–recapture’ models, a class of well-established models that are widely applied in ecology, such as removal sampling, covariate models, and distance sampling. These methods are regularly adopted for studies of reptiles, in order to estimate abundance from counts of marked individuals while accounting for imperfect detection. Thus, the chapter describes some classic closed population models for estimating abundance, with considerations for some recent extensions that provide a spatial context for the estimation of abundance, and therefore density. Finally, the chapter suggests some software for use in data analysis, such as the Windows-based program MARK, and provides an example of estimating abundance and density of reptiles using an artificial cover object survey of Slow Worms (Anguis fragilis).

Study of water recovery and solid waste processing for aerospace and domestic applications. Volume 1: Final report summary

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Guarneri, C. A.; Reed, A.; Renman, R. E.

1972-01-01

This study of water reclamation and waste disposal is directed toward a more efficient utilization of natural resources. From an ecological standpoint improved methods of land use, water processing equipment, and ideal population profiles are investigated. Methods are described whereby significant reduction in water usage can be achieved by the adoption of presently available and practically applied technological concepts. Allowances are made for social, natural, and economic contingencies which are likely to occur up to the year 2000.

Consumer demand for green stormwater management technology in an urban setting: The case of Chicago rain barrels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ando, Amy W.; Freitas, Luiz P. C.

2011-12-01

Hydrological disruption and water pollution from urbanization can be reduced if households in urban areas adopt decentralized storm water controls. We study a citywide municipal subsidized rain-barrel program in the third biggest city in the United States, Chicago, to explore what factors influence whether households purchase this sort of green storm water management technology in an urban setting. Specifically, we regress census-tract level data on the number of rain barrels adopted in different parts of the city on socioeconomic variables, data on local flood frequency, and features of the housing stock. We find that rain-barrel purchases are not correlated with local levels of flooding, even though city residents were told by program managers that rain barrels could alleviate local flooding. Instead, rain barrels are heavily concentrated in places with high-income attitudinally green populations. We do find more rain barrels were adopted in places close to rain-barrel distribution points and near sites of hydrological information campaigns; thus, policy makers might increase green-technology adoption in areas where they can do the most good by reducing transaction costs and providing education programs to those areas. Finally, our results indicate that owner occupancy is positively correlated with green-technology adoption. Low-rise rental housing may have inefficiently low levels of adoption, such that city managers might want to develop programs to encourage storm water management investments by landlords who do not live in their own properties.

Adoption consideration and concerns among young adult female cancer survivors.

PubMed

Gorman, Jessica R; Whitcomb, Brian W; Standridge, Daniel; Malcarne, Vanessa L; Romero, Sally A D; Roberts, Samantha A; Su, H Irene

2017-02-01

We compared adoption consideration between female young adult cancer survivors and women of the same age in the general US population, hypothesizing that cancer survivors who desired children would report greater interest in adoption than an age-adjusted general population sample who desired children. After age-standardizing the cancer survivor cohort to match the age distribution of the 2006-2010 National Survey for Family Growth (NSFG), we estimated adoption consideration among women age 18-35 years who wanted a (another) child in the two cohorts overall and within age groups. We assessed characteristics and concerns related to adoption consideration among cancer survivors. Among cancer survivors, 81.6 % (95 % CI 75.7-87.6) reported that they would consider adoption compared to 40.3 % (95 % CI 40.3-40.3) of women in the general population. While over 80 % of the cancer survivor sample reported that they would consider adoption, only 15 % of cancer survivors reported no concerns about adoption. The most common concerns were desire for a biological child (48 %), expense (45 %), adoption agency candidacy (41 %), and needing more information (39 %). We observed a twofold higher interest in adoption when comparing the cancer survivor with the general population, suggesting that adoption is a consideration for many young women who have survived cancer. Adoption is an important family-building option for those who want to have a child but are unable to or choose not to have a biological child. However, young adult survivors may need more support to understand and navigate this process.

76 FR 71465 - Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement: Management of Manufacturing Risk in Major...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-11-18

... Government procurement. Mary Overstreet, Editor, Defense Acquisition Regulations System. Interim Rule Adopted... Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement: Management of Manufacturing Risk in Major Defense Acquisition...). ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: DoD is adopting as final, without change, an interim rule amending the...

Dual Diagnosis Motivational Interviewing: a modification of Motivational Interviewing for substance-abusing patients with psychotic disorders

PubMed Central

Martino, Steve; Carroll, Kathleen; Kostas, Demetrios; Perkins, Jennifer; Rounsaville, Bruce

2013-01-01

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a brief treatment approach for helping patients develop intrinsic motivation to change addictive behaviors. While initially developed to target primary substance using populations, professionals are increasingly recognizing the promise this approach has for addressing the motivational dilemmas faced by patients who have co-occurring psychiatric and psychoactive substance use disorders. Unfortunately, this recognition has not lead to a clear explication of how MI might be adopted for specific diagnostic populations of dually diagnosed patients. In this article we describe how we have applied the principles and practices of MI to patients who have psychotic disorders and co-occurring drug or alcohol use problems. Specifically, we provide two supplemental guidelines to augment basic MI principles (adopting an integrated dual diagnosis approach, accommodating cognitive impairments and disordered thinking). We present recommended modifications to primary MI skill sets (simplifying open-ended questions, refining reflective listening skills, heightening emphasis on affirmations, integrating psychiatric issues into personalized feedback and decisional balance matrices). Finally, we highlight other clinical considerations (handling psychotic exacerbation and crisis events, recommended professional qualifications) when using MI with psychotic disordered dually diagnosed patients. PMID:12495791

Creating Grander Families: Older Adults Adopting Younger Kin and Nonkin

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hinterlong, James; Ryan, Scott

2008-01-01

Purpose: There is a dearth of research on older adoptive parents caring for minor children, despite a growing number of such adoptions finalized each year. This study offers a large-scale investigation of adoptive families headed by older parents. We describe these families and explore how preadoptive kinship between the adoptive parent and the…

Differences between Adopted and Nonadopted Adolescents in Wilderness and Residential Treatment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bettmann, Joanna E.; Freeman, Pamela Clarkson; Parry, Kimber J.

2015-01-01

Adopted children are disproportionately represented in residential treatment programs in the United States. Adopted children in the United States constitute only 2% to 3% of the U.S population. Nevertheless, they comprise approximately 16.5% of the population in residential care. This descriptive study evaluated a sample of 473 psychological…

Patient Portal Use and Experience Among Older Adults: Systematic Review

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Background The older adult population (65 years or older) in the United States is growing, and it is important for communities to consider ways to support the aging population. Patient portals and electronic personal health records (ePHRs) are technologies that could better serve populations with the highest health care needs, such as older adults. Objective The aim of this study was to assess the existing research landscape related to patient portal and ePHR use and experience among older adults and to understand the benefits and barriers to older adults’ use and adoption of patient portals and ePHRs. Methods We searched six pertinent bibliographic databases for papers, published from 2006 to 2016 and written in English, that focused on adults 60 years or older and their use of or experience with patient portals or ePHRs. We adapted preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to review papers based on exclusion and inclusion criteria. We then applied thematic analysis to identify key themes around use, experience, and adoption. Results We retrieved 199 papers after an initial screening and removal of duplicate papers. Then we applied an inclusion and exclusion criteria, resulting in a final set of 17 papers that focused on 15 separate projects. The majority of papers described studies involving qualitative research, including interviews and focus groups. They looked at the experience and use of ePHRs and patient portals. Overall, we found 2 main barriers to use: (1) privacy and security and (2) access to and ability to use technology and the Internet. We found 2 facilitators: (1) technical assistance and (2) family and provider advice. We also reported on older adults’ experience, including satisfaction with the system and improvement of the quality of their health care. Several studies captured features that older adults wanted from these systems such as further assistance managing health-related tasks and contextual health advice and tips. Conclusions More research is needed to better understand the patient portal experience among older adults from initial use to adoption. There are also opportunities to explore the role of design in addressing barriers and supporting facilitators to patient portal and ePHR use. Finally, the future use of these systems by older adults should be anticipated and considered in the design process. PMID:29038093

Electronic health records: use, barriers and satisfaction among physicians who care for black and Hispanic patients.

PubMed

Jha, Ashish K; Bates, David W; Jenter, Chelsea; Orav, E John; Zheng, Jie; Cleary, Paul; Simon, Steven R

2009-02-01

Electronic health records (EHRs) are a promising tool to improve the quality of health care, although it remains unclear who will benefit from this new technology. Given that a small group of providers care for most racial/ethnic minorities, we sought to determine whether minority-serving providers adopt EHR systems at comparable rates to other providers. We used survey data from stratified random sample of all medical practices in Massachusetts in 2005. We determined rates of EHR adoption, perceived barriers to adoption, and satisfaction with EHR systems. Physicians who reported patient panels of more than 40% black or Hispanic had comparable levels of EHR adoption than other physicians (27.9% and 21.8%, respectively, P = 0.46). Physicians from minority-serving practices identified financial and other barriers to implementing EHR systems at similar rates, although these physicians were less likely to be concerned with privacy and security concerns of EHRs (47.1% vs. 64.4%, P = 0.01). Finally, physicians from high-minority practices had similar perceptions about the positive impact of EHRs on quality (73.7% vs. 76.6%, P = 0.43) and costs (46.9% vs. 51.5%, P = 0.17) of care. In a state with a diverse minority population, we found no evidence that minority-serving providers had lower EHR adoption rates, faced different barriers to adoption or were less satisfied with EHRs. Given the importance of ensuring that minority-serving providers have equal access to EHR systems, we failed to find evidence of a new digital divide.

In Vitro, Ex Vivo and In Vivo Techniques to Study Neuronal Migration in the Developing Cerebral Cortex

PubMed Central

Azzarelli, Roberta; Oleari, Roberto; Lettieri, Antonella; Andre', Valentina; Cariboni, Anna

2017-01-01

Neuronal migration is a fundamental biological process that underlies proper brain development and neuronal circuit formation. In the developing cerebral cortex, distinct neuronal populations, producing excitatory, inhibitory and modulatory neurotransmitters, are generated in different germinative areas and migrate along various routes to reach their final positions within the cortex. Different technical approaches and experimental models have been adopted to study the mechanisms regulating neuronal migration in the cortex. In this review, we will discuss the most common in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo techniques to visualize and study cortical neuronal migration. PMID:28448448

KEY ITEMS OF INNOVATION MANAGEMENT IN THE PRIMARY HEALTHCARE CENTRES CASE STUDY: FINLAND.

PubMed

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

2015-09-01

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

31 CFR Appendix A to Part 357 - Discussion of Final Rule

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... as used in TRADES have been adopted. Section-By-Section Analysis Section 357.21Registration. The... final rules have adopted some of the existing practices applicable to commercial ACH payments, but it is... entities that are a part of the Government direct deposit network. See the discussion under paragraph (b)(2...

31 CFR Appendix A to Part 357 - Discussion of Final Rule

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... as used in TRADES have been adopted. Section-By-Section Analysis Section 357.21Registration. The... final rules have adopted some of the existing practices applicable to commercial ACH payments, but it is... entities that are a part of the Government direct deposit network. See the discussion under paragraph (b)(2...

31 CFR Appendix A to Part 357 - Discussion of Final Rule

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... as used in TRADES have been adopted. Section-By-Section Analysis Section 357.21Registration. The... final rules have adopted some of the existing practices applicable to commercial ACH payments, but it is... entities that are a part of the Government direct deposit network. See the discussion under paragraph (b)(2...

31 CFR Appendix A to Part 357 - Discussion of Final Rule

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... as used in TRADES have been adopted. Section-By-Section Analysis Section 357.21Registration. The... final rules have adopted some of the existing practices applicable to commercial ACH payments, but it is... entities that are a part of the Government direct deposit network. See the discussion under paragraph (b)(2...

Cross-cultural adaptation of the Social and Emotional Questionnaire on Dementia for the Brazilian population.

PubMed

Belfort, Tatiana; Bramham, Jessica; Simões Neto, José Pedro; Sousa, Maria Fernanda Barroso de; Santos, Raquel Luiza dos; Nogueira, Marcela Moreira Lima; Torres, Bianca; Rosa, Rachel Dias Lopes da; Dourado, Marcia Cristina Nascimento

2015-01-01

Impairments in social and emotional functioning may affect the communication skills and interpersonal relationships of people with dementia and their caregivers. This study had the aim of presenting the steps involved in the cross-cultural adaptation of the Social and Emotional Questionnaire (SEQ) for the Brazilian population. Cross-cultural adaptation study, conducted at the Center for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders in a public university. The process adopted in this study required six consecutive steps: initial translation, translation synthesis, back translation, committee of judges, pretesting of final version and submission to the original author. In general, the items had semantic, idiomatic, conceptual and experiential equivalence. During the first pretest, people with dementia and their caregivers had difficulties in understanding some items relating to social skills, which were interpreted ambiguously. New changes were made to allow better adjustment to the target population and, following this, a new pretest was performed. This pre-test showed that the changes were relevant and gave rise to the final version of the instrument. There was no correlation between education level and performance in the questionnaire, among people with dementia (P = 0.951). The Brazilian Portuguese version of the Social and Emotional Questionnaire was well understood and, despite the cultural and linguistic differences, the constructs of the original version were maintained.

Making the Quiet Population of Internationally Adopted Children Heard through Well-Informed Teacher Preparation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Baker, Fiona S.

2013-01-01

A challenge of today's teacher preparation programmes is to educate teachers about families formed through international adoption and of the challenges they face, in order to meet their educational needs. This population has a unique developmental history affected by pre- and post-adoption conditions which stand to impact on learning experiences…

Quantifying Adoption Rates and Energy Savings Over Time for Advanced Manufacturing Technologies

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

Hanes, Rebecca; Carpenter Petri, Alberta C; Riddle, Matt

Energy-efficient manufacturing technologies can reduce energy consumption and lower operating costs for an individual manufacturing facility, but increased process complexity and the resulting risk of disruption means that manufacturers may be reluctant to adopt such technologies. In order to quantify potential energy savings at scales larger than a single facility, it is necessary to account for how quickly and how widely the technology will be adopted by manufacturers. This work develops a methodology for estimating energy-efficient manufacturing technology adoption rates using quantitative, objectively measurable technology characteristics, including energetic, economic and technical criteria. Twelve technology characteristics are considered, and each characteristicmore » is assigned an importance weight that reflects its impact on the overall technology adoption rate. Technology characteristic data and importance weights are used to calculate the adoption score, a number between 0 and 1 that represents how quickly the technology is likely to be adopted. The adoption score is then used to estimate parameters for the Bass diffusion curve, which quantifies the change in the number of new technology adopters in a population over time. Finally, energy savings at the sector level are calculated over time by multiplying the number of new technology adopters at each time step with the technology's facility-level energy savings. The proposed methodology will be applied to five state-of-the-art energy-efficient technologies in the carbon fiber composites sector, with technology data obtained from the Department of Energy's 2016 bandwidth study. Because the importance weights used in estimating the Bass curve parameters are subjective, a sensitivity analysis will be performed on the weights to obtain a range of parameters for each technology. The potential energy savings for each technology and the rate at which each technology is adopted in the sector are quantified and used to identify the technologies which offer the greatest cumulative sector-level energy savings over a period of 20 years. Preliminary analysis indicates that relatively simple technologies, such as efficient furnaces, will be adopted more quickly and result in greater cumulative energy savings compared to more complex technologies that require process retrofitting, such as advanced control systems.« less

New analytical solutions for chemical evolution models: characterizing the population of star-forming and passive galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spitoni, E.; Vincenzo, F.; Matteucci, F.

2017-03-01

Context. Analytical models of chemical evolution, including inflow and outflow of gas, are important tools for studying how the metal content in galaxies evolves as a function of time. Aims: We present new analytical solutions for the evolution of the gas mass, total mass, and metallicity of a galactic system when a decaying exponential infall rate of gas and galactic winds are assumed. We apply our model to characterize a sample of local star-forming and passive galaxies from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey data, with the aim of reproducing their observed mass-metallicity relation. Methods: We derived how the two populations of star-forming and passive galaxies differ in their particular distribution of ages, formation timescales, infall masses, and mass loading factors. Results: We find that the local passive galaxies are, on average, older and assembled on shorter typical timescales than the local star-forming galaxies; on the other hand, the star-forming galaxies with higher masses generally show older ages and longer typical formation timescales compared than star-forming galaxies with lower masses. The local star-forming galaxies experience stronger galactic winds than the passive galaxy population. Exploring the effect of assuming different initial mass functions in our model, we show that to reproduce the observed mass-metallicity relation, stronger winds are requested if the initial mass function is top-heavy. Finally, our analytical models predict the assumed sample of local galaxies to lie on a tight surface in the 3D space defined by stellar metallicity, star formation rate, and stellar mass, in agreement with the well-known fundamental relation from adopting gas-phase metallicity. Conclusions: By using a new analytical model of chemical evolution, we characterize an ensemble of SDSS galaxies in terms of their infall timescales, infall masses, and mass loading factors. Local passive galaxies are, on average, older and assembled on shorter typical timescales than the local star-forming galaxies. Moreover, the local star-forming galaxies show stronger galactic winds than the passive galaxy population. Finally, we find that the fundamental relation between metallicity, mass, and star formation rate for these local galaxies is still valid when adopting the average galaxy stellar metallicity.

Research on water shortage risks and countermeasures in North China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Yuxiang; Fang, Wenxuan; Wu, Ziqin

2017-05-01

In the paper, a grey forecasting model and a population growth model are established for forecasting water resources supply and demand situation in the region, and evaluating the scarcity of water resources thereof in order to solve the problem of water shortage in North China. A concrete plan for alleviating water resources pressure is proposed with AHP as basis, thereby discussing the feasibility of the plan. Firstly, water resources supply and demand in the future 15 years are predicted. There are four sources for the demand of water resources mainly: industry, agriculture, ecology and resident living. Main supply sources include surface water and underground water resources. A grey forecasting method is adopted for predicting in the paper aiming at water resources demands since industrial, agricultural and ecological water consumption data have excessive decision factors and the correlation is relatively fuzzy. Since residents' water consumption is determined by per capita water consumption and local population, a logistic growth model is adopted to forecast the population. The grey forecasting method is used for predicting per capita water consumption, and total water demand can be obtained finally. International calculation standards are adopted as reference aiming at water supply. The grey forecasting method is adopted for forecasting surface water quantity and underground water quantity, and water resources supply is obtained finally. Per capita water availability in the region is calculated by comparing the water resources supply and demand. Results show that per capita water availability in the region is only 283 cubic meters this year, people live in serious water shortage region, who will suffer from water shortage state for long time. Then, sensitivity analysis is applied for model test. The test result is excellent, and the prediction results are more accurate. In the paper, the following measures are proposed for improving water resources condition in the region according to prediction results, such as construction of reservoirs, sewage treatment, water diversion project and other measures. A detailed water supply plan is formulated. Water supply weights of all measures are determined according to the AHP model. Solution is sought after original models are improved. Results show that water resources quantity per capita will be up to 2170 cubic meters or so this year, people suffer from moderate water shortage in the region, which can meet people's life needs and economic development needs basically. In addition, water resources quantity per capita is increased year by year, and it can reach mild water shortage level after 2030. In a word, local water resources dilemma can be effectively solved by the plan actually, and thoughts can be provided for decision makers.

75 FR 31834 - Adoption of Environmental Impact Statement; Availability of an Environmental Reevaluation

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-04

... DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Railroad Administration Adoption of Environmental Impact Statement; Availability of an Environmental Reevaluation AGENCY: Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Adoption and Recirculation of Final Environmental Impact...

24 CFR 58.52 - Adoption of other agencies' EISs.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... entity adopts an EIS prepared by another agency, the procedure in 40 CFR 1506.3 shall be followed. An adopted EIS may have to be revised and modified to adapt it to the particular environmental conditions and... other agencies' EISs. The responsible entity may adopt a draft or final EIS prepared by another agency...

Cross-national diffusion of mental health policy

PubMed Central

Shen, Gordon C

2014-01-01

Background: Following the tenets of world polity and innovation diffusion theories, I focus on the coercive and mimetic forces that influence the diffusion of mental health policy across nations. International organizations’ mandates influence government behavior. Dependency on external resources, namely foreign aid, also affects governments’ formulation of national policy. And finally, mounting adoption in a region alters the risk, benefits, and information associated with a given policy. Methods: I use post-war, discrete time data spanning 1950 to 2011 and describing 193 nations’ mental health systems to test these diffusion mechanisms. Results: I find that the adoption of mental health policy is highly clustered temporally and spatially. Results provide support that membership in the World Health Organization (WHO), interdependence with neighbors and peers in regional blocs, national income status, and migrant sub-population are responsible for isomorphism. Aid, however, is an insufficient determinant of mental health policy adoption. Conclusion: This study examines the extent to which mental, neurological, and substance use disorder are addressed in national and international contexts through the lens of policy diffusion theory. It also adds to policy dialogues about non-communicable diseases as nascent items on the global health agenda. PMID:25337601

22 CFR 96.50 - Placement and post-placement monitoring until final adoption in incoming cases.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... assumes responsibility for making another placement of the child. (e) The agency or person acts promptly... child's country of origin about any new prospective adoptive parent(s). (1) In all cases where removal... the referral of the child for adoption; (2) Informs the prospective adoptive parent(s) that they will...

22 CFR 96.50 - Placement and post-placement monitoring until final adoption in incoming cases.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... assumes responsibility for making another placement of the child. (e) The agency or person acts promptly... child's country of origin about any new prospective adoptive parent(s). (1) In all cases where removal... the referral of the child for adoption; (2) Informs the prospective adoptive parent(s) that they will...

22 CFR 96.50 - Placement and post-placement monitoring until final adoption in incoming cases.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... assumes responsibility for making another placement of the child. (e) The agency or person acts promptly... child's country of origin about any new prospective adoptive parent(s). (1) In all cases where removal... the referral of the child for adoption; (2) Informs the prospective adoptive parent(s) that they will...

22 CFR 96.50 - Placement and post-placement monitoring until final adoption in incoming cases.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... assumes responsibility for making another placement of the child. (e) The agency or person acts promptly... child's country of origin about any new prospective adoptive parent(s). (1) In all cases where removal... the referral of the child for adoption; (2) Informs the prospective adoptive parent(s) that they will...

22 CFR 96.50 - Placement and post-placement monitoring until final adoption in incoming cases.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... assumes responsibility for making another placement of the child. (e) The agency or person acts promptly... child's country of origin about any new prospective adoptive parent(s). (1) In all cases where removal... the referral of the child for adoption; (2) Informs the prospective adoptive parent(s) that they will...

[Final Resolutions Adopted by the Conference on Planning of Rural Areas in Europe, 7 October 1978].

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Council of Europe, Strasbourg (France).

Two final resolutions were adopted by the Council of Europe at the October 1978 European Conference of Ministers Responsible for Regional Planning. Resolution 1 focused on guidelines for the planning of rural areas in Europe. Strategies and policies called for: a more balanced development which makes the living conditions of different regions as…

[A framework to support action in population mental health].

PubMed

Mantoura, Pascale; Roberge, Marie-Claude; Fournier, Louise

In Quebec, like elsewhere in the world, we are witnessing a growing concern for the population's mental health and for the importance of concentrating efforts on prevention and promotion. In this context, public health actors are invited to adopt a leadership role in advancing mental health promotion and mental disorder prevention goals, and establish the required partnerships with actors from the health and social services and from other sectors who are indispensable to the population mental health agenda. In Canada, public heath actors are not yet sufficiently supported in this role. They express the need to access structuring frameworks which can clarify their action in mental health. This article first presents the momentum for change at the policy level within the field of mental health. A framework to support population mental health action is then presented. The framework identifies the various dimensions underlying the promotion of population mental health as well as the reduction of mental health inequalities. The article finally illustrates how the application of a populational (the application of a populational responsibility perspective) responsibility perspective, as it is defined in the context of Quebec, facilitates the implementation of the various elements of this framework. In the end, public health actors are better equipped to situate their practice in favour of the population's mental health.

Ubiquitin in Motion: Structural Studies of the Ubiquitin-Conjugating Enzyme~Ubiquitin Conjugate

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

Pruneda, Jonathan N.; Stoll, Kate E.; Bolton, Laura J.

2011-03-15

Ubiquitination of proteins provides a powerful and versatile post-translational signal in the eukaryotic cell. The formation of a thioester bond between ubiquitin (Ub) and the active site of a ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme (E2) is critical for the transfer of Ub to substrates. Assembly of a functional ubiquitin ligase (E3) complex poised for Ub transfer involves recognition and binding of an E2~Ub conjugate. Therefore, full characterization of the structure and dynamics of E2~Ub conjugates is required for further mechanistic understanding of Ub transfer reactions. Here we present characterization of the dynamic behavior of E2~Ub conjugates of two human enzymes, UbcH5c~Ub and Ubc13~Ub,more » in solution as determined by nuclear magnetic resonance and small-angle X-ray scattering. Within each conjugate, Ub retains great flexibility with respect to the E2, indicative of highly dynamic species that adopt manifold orientations. The population distribution of Ub conformations is dictated by the identity of the E2: the UbcH5c~Ub conjugate populates an array of extended conformations, and the population of Ubc13~Ub conjugates favors a closed conformation in which the hydrophobic surface of Ub faces helix 2 of Ubc13. Finally, we propose that the varied conformations adopted by Ub represent available binding modes of the E2~Ub species and thus provide insight into the diverse E2~Ub protein interactome, particularly with regard to interaction with Ub ligases.« less

Differential positive selection of malaria resistance genes in three indigenous populations of Peninsular Malaysia.

PubMed

Liu, Xuanyao; Yunus, Yushimah; Lu, Dongsheng; Aghakhanian, Farhang; Saw, Woei-Yuh; Deng, Lian; Ali, Mohammad; Wang, Xu; Nor, Fadzilah Mohd; Ghazali, Fadzilah; Rahman, Thuhairah Abdul; Shaari, Shahrul Azlin; Salleh, Mohd Zaki; Phipps, Maude E; Ong, Rick Twee-Hee; Xu, Shuhua; Teo, Yik-Ying; Hoh, Boon-Peng

2015-04-01

The indigenous populations from Peninsular Malaysia, locally known as Orang Asli, continue to adopt an agro-subsistence nomadic lifestyle, residing primarily within natural jungle habitats. Leading a hunter-gatherer lifestyle in a tropical jungle environment, the Orang Asli are routinely exposed to malaria. Here we surveyed the genetic architecture of individuals from four Orang Asli tribes with high-density genotyping across more than 2.5 million polymorphisms. These tribes reside in different geographical locations in Peninsular Malaysia and belong to three main ethno-linguistic groups, where there is minimal interaction between the tribes. We first dissect the genetic diversity and admixture between the tribes and with neighboring urban populations. Later, by implementing five metrics, we investigated the genome-wide signatures for positive natural selection of these Orang Asli, respectively. Finally, we searched for evidence of genomic adaptation to the pressure of malaria infection. We observed that different evolutionary responses might have emerged in the different Orang Asli communities to mitigate malaria infection.

Levels in 227Ac populated in the 230Th( p, α) reaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burke, D. G.; Garrett, P. E.; Qu, Tao

2003-09-01

The 230,232Th(p, α) 227,229Ac reactions were studied using 20 MeV protons and a magnetic spectrograph to analyze the reaction products. Relative populations of levels in 229Ac correlated well with previously published (t, α) results for the same final levels, showing that the similarity of the two reactions observed empirically in the deformed rare earth region extends to actinides. The most strongly populated level in 227Ac is at 639 keV, and is assigned as the 1/2 +[4 0 0] bandhead. The 435 keV level, previously adopted as the 1/2 +[6 6 0] bandhead, also has a significant intensity that is attributed to Δ N=2 mixing between these two K=1/2 proton orbitals. The Δ N=2 matrix element estimated from these data is ˜80 keV, similar to values observed for the same two Nilsson states as neutron orbitals in the dysprosium isotopes.

Adoption Now: A Joint Initiative of New York's Courts and Child Welfare System

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

DeCataldo, Kathleen R.; Carroll, Karen

2007-01-01

In November 2002, Chief Judge Judith Kaye attended the National Adoption Day festivities in Albany County and New York County (Manhattan). Although pleased that 600 adoptions were being finalized statewide on this special day, she was concerned to learn more than 6,000 other children were free for adoption but had not yet found permanent families.…

A Study of Self-Esteem in Adopted Non-adopted Adolescents.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Steward, Robbie J.; Lynn, Betty Jane

This study tested the hypothesis that adopted adolescents have lower self-esteem than do non-adopted adolescents. Male and female students (N=159) between the ages of 18 and 22 were conveniently sampled from college undergraduate populations. Forty-four of the participants reported adoptive status. Each participant completed the Coopersmith…

Agent-Based Modeling of Chronic Diseases: A Narrative Review and Future Research Directions

PubMed Central

Lawley, Mark A.; Siscovick, David S.; Zhang, Donglan; Pagán, José A.

2016-01-01

The United States is experiencing an epidemic of chronic disease. As the US population ages, health care providers and policy makers urgently need decision models that provide systematic, credible prediction regarding the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases to improve population health management and medical decision-making. Agent-based modeling is a promising systems science approach that can model complex interactions and processes related to chronic health conditions, such as adaptive behaviors, feedback loops, and contextual effects. This article introduces agent-based modeling by providing a narrative review of agent-based models of chronic disease and identifying the characteristics of various chronic health conditions that must be taken into account to build effective clinical- and policy-relevant models. We also identify barriers to adopting agent-based models to study chronic diseases. Finally, we discuss future research directions of agent-based modeling applied to problems related to specific chronic health conditions. PMID:27236380

Agent-Based Modeling of Chronic Diseases: A Narrative Review and Future Research Directions.

PubMed

Li, Yan; Lawley, Mark A; Siscovick, David S; Zhang, Donglan; Pagán, José A

2016-05-26

The United States is experiencing an epidemic of chronic disease. As the US population ages, health care providers and policy makers urgently need decision models that provide systematic, credible prediction regarding the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases to improve population health management and medical decision-making. Agent-based modeling is a promising systems science approach that can model complex interactions and processes related to chronic health conditions, such as adaptive behaviors, feedback loops, and contextual effects. This article introduces agent-based modeling by providing a narrative review of agent-based models of chronic disease and identifying the characteristics of various chronic health conditions that must be taken into account to build effective clinical- and policy-relevant models. We also identify barriers to adopting agent-based models to study chronic diseases. Finally, we discuss future research directions of agent-based modeling applied to problems related to specific chronic health conditions.

Adoptive parenting.

PubMed

Grotevant, Harold D; Lo, Albert Yh

2017-06-01

Challenges in adoptive parenting continue to emerge as adoption policies and practices evolve. We review three areas of research in adoptive parenting that reflect contemporary shifts in adoption. First, we highlight recent findings concerning openness in adoption contact arrangements, or contact between a child's families of birth and rearing. Second, we examine research regarding racial and cultural socialization in transracial and international adoptions. Finally, we review investigations of parenting experiences of lesbian and gay adoptive parents. Overall, parenting processes (e.g., supportive vs. problematic family interaction) are better predictors of child adjustment than are group differences (e.g., open vs. closed adoptions; adoption by heterosexual vs. same-sex parents). The distinctive needs of adopted children call for preparation of adoption-competent mental health, casework, education, and health care professionals. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Determinants of Cat Choice and Outcomes for Adult Cats and Kittens Adopted from an Australian Animal Shelter.

PubMed

Zito, Sarah; Paterson, Mandy; Vankan, Dianne; Morton, John; Bennett, Pauleen; Phillips, Clive

2015-04-29

The percentage of adult cats euthanized in animal shelters is greater than that of kittens because adult cats are less likely to be adopted. This study aimed to provide evidence to inform the design of strategies to encourage adult cat adoptions. One such strategy is to discount adoption prices, but there are concerns that this may result in poor adoption outcomes. We surveyed 382 cat adopters at the time of adoption, to assess potential determinants of adopters' cat age group choice (adult or kitten) and, for adult cat adopters, the price they are willing to pay. The same respondents were surveyed again 6-12 months after the adoption to compare outcomes between cat age groups and between adult cats in two price categories. Most adopters had benevolent motivations for adopting from the shelter and had put considerable thought into the adoption and requirements for responsible ownership. However, adult cat adopters were more likely to have been influenced by price than kitten adopters. Adoption outcomes were generally positive for both adult cats and kittens and for adult cats adopted at low prices. The latter finding alleviates concerns about the outcomes of "low-cost" adoptions in populations, such as the study population, and lends support for the use of "low-cost" adoptions as an option for attempting to increase adoption rates. In addition, the results provide information that can be used to inform future campaigns aimed at increasing the number of adult cat adoptions, particularly in devising marketing strategies for adult cats.

National Diffusion/Adoption Network: A First Year Formative Look. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Magi Educational Services, Inc., Port Chester, NY.

A basic function of the Diffusion/Adoption Network is to assist interested school districts in becoming aware of successfully demonstrated, innovative educational ideas, products, and programs; and in aquiring, through training, the competencies necessary to adopt or adapt a proven educational program. There are five basic components of the…

Population pharmacokinetics of aripiprazole in healthy Korean subjects.

PubMed

Jeon, Ji-Young; Chae, Soo-Wan; Kim, Min-Gul

2016-04-01

Aripiprazole is widely used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. This study aimed to develop a combined population pharmacokinetic model for aripiprazole in healthy Korean subjects and to identify the significant covariates in the pharmacokinetic variability of aripiprazole. Aripiprazole plasma concentrations and demographic data were collected retrospectively from previous bioequivalence studies that were conducted in Chonbuk National University Hospital. Informed consent was obtained from subjects for cytochrome P450 (CYP) genotyping. The population pharmacokinetic parameters of aripiprazole were estimated using nonlinear mixed-effect modeling with first-order conditional estimation with interaction method. The effects of age, sex, weight, height, and CYP genotype were assessed as covariates. A total of 1,508 samples from 88 subjects in three bioequivalence studies were collected. The two-compartment model was adopted, and the final population model showed that the CYP2D6 genotype polymorphism, height and weight significantly affect aripiprazole disposition. The bootstrap and visual predictive check results were evaluated, showing that the accuracy of the pharmacokinetic model was acceptable. A population pharmacokinetic model of aripiprazole was developed for Korean subjects. CYP2D6 genotype polymorphism, weight, and height were included as significant factors affecting aripiprazole disposition. The population pharmacokinetic parameters of aripiprazole estimated in the present study may be useful for individualizing clinical dosages and for studying the concentration-effect relationship of the drug.

Dynamics of social contagions with local trend imitation.

PubMed

Zhu, Xuzhen; Wang, Wei; Cai, Shimin; Stanley, H Eugene

2018-05-09

Research on social contagion dynamics has not yet included a theoretical analysis of the ubiquitous local trend imitation (LTI) characteristic. We propose a social contagion model with a tent-like adoption probability to investigate the effect of this LTI characteristic on behavior spreading. We also propose a generalized edge-based compartmental theory to describe the proposed model. Through extensive numerical simulations and theoretical analyses, we find a crossover in the phase transition: when the LTI capacity is strong, the growth of the final adoption size exhibits a second-order phase transition. When the LTI capacity is weak, we see a first-order phase transition. For a given behavioral information transmission probability, there is an optimal LTI capacity that maximizes the final adoption size. Finally we find that the above phenomena are not qualitatively affected by the heterogeneous degree distribution. Our suggested theoretical predictions agree with the simulation results.

Health information technology: initial set of standards, implementation specifications, and certification criteria for electronic health record technology. Interim final rule.

PubMed

2010-01-13

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is issuing this interim final rule with a request for comments to adopt an initial set of standards, implementation specifications, and certification criteria, as required by section 3004(b)(1) of the Public Health Service Act. This interim final rule represents the first step in an incremental approach to adopting standards, implementation specifications, and certification criteria to enhance the interoperability, functionality, utility, and security of health information technology and to support its meaningful use. The certification criteria adopted in this initial set establish the capabilities and related standards that certified electronic health record (EHR) technology will need to include in order to, at a minimum, support the achievement of the proposed meaningful use Stage 1 (beginning in 2011) by eligible professionals and eligible hospitals under the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs.

76 FR 40457 - Administrative Simplification: Adoption of Operating Rules for Eligibility for a Health Plan and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-08

... Plan and Health Care Claim Status Transactions; Interim Final Rule #0;#0;Federal Register / Vol. 76, No... Simplification: Adoption of Operating Rules for Eligibility for a Health Plan and Health Care Claim Status... rules for the health care industry and directed the Secretary of Health and Human Services to ``adopt a...

78 FR 65747 - Environmental Impact Statement: Adoption: St. Tammany Parish, LA

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-11-01

...: Adoption: St. Tammany Parish, LA AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of... District for LA 3241, I-12 to Bush Highway in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana. The FEIS will be supplemented...), intends to adopt an approved Final EIS for the I-12 to Bush Highway in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana. The...

7 CFR 1794.72 - Adoption of an EIS.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 12 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Adoption of an EIS. 1794.72 Section 1794.72... Adoption of an EIS. (a) Where RUS determines that an existing Federal EIS requires additional information... portion of the EIS as a part of its draft EIS. The circulation and notice provisions for a draft and final...

States Adopt Standards at Fast Clip

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gewertz, Catherine

2010-01-01

Nearly half the states have adopted a new set of common academic standards, barely a month after their final release and, in most cases, with little opposition. As of July 9, 23 states had decided to replace their mathematics and English/language arts standards with the common set. Another flurry of adoptions is expected by Aug. 2, since the $4…

Public health oncology: a framework for progress in low- and middle-income countries.

PubMed

Love, R R; Ginsburg, O M; Coleman, C N

2012-12-01

The problems of cancer are increasing in low- and middle-income countries (LMCs), which now have significant majorities of the global case and mortality burdens. The professional oncology community is being increasingly called upon to define pragmatic and realistic approaches to these problems. Focusing on mortality and case burden outcomes defines public health oncology or population-affecting cancer medicine. We use this focus to consider practical approaches. The greatest cancer burdens are in Asia. A public health oncology perspective mandates: first, addressing the major and social challenges of cancer medicine for populations: human rights, health systems, corruption, and our limited knowledge base for value-conscious interventions. Second, adoption of evolving concepts and models for sustainable development in LMCs. Third, clear and realistic statements of action and inaction affecting populations, grounded in our best cancer science, and attention to these. Finally, framing the goals and challenges for population-affecting cancer medicine requires a change in paradigm from historical top-down models of technology transfer, to one which is community-grounded and local-evidence based. Public health oncology perspectives define clear focus for much needed research on country-specific practical approaches to cancer control.

Public health oncology: a framework for progress in low- and middle-income countries†

PubMed Central

Love, R. R.; Ginsburg, O. M.; Coleman, C. N.

2012-01-01

Background The problems of cancer are increasing in low- and middle-income countries (LMCs), which now have significant majorities of the global case and mortality burdens. The professional oncology community is being increasingly called upon to define pragmatic and realistic approaches to these problems. Patients and methods Focusing on mortality and case burden outcomes defines public health oncology or population-affecting cancer medicine. We use this focus to consider practical approaches. Results The greatest cancer burdens are in Asia. A public health oncology perspective mandates: first, addressing the major and social challenges of cancer medicine for populations: human rights, health systems, corruption, and our limited knowledge base for value-conscious interventions. Second, adoption of evolving concepts and models for sustainable development in LMCs. Third, clear and realistic statements of action and inaction affecting populations, grounded in our best cancer science, and attention to these. Finally, framing the goals and challenges for population-affecting cancer medicine requires a change in paradigm from historical top-down models of technology transfer, to one which is community-grounded and local-evidence based. Conclusion Public health oncology perspectives define clear focus for much needed research on country-specific practical approaches to cancer control. PMID:23087162

Growth status of Korean orphans raised in the affluent West: anthropometric trend, multivariate determinants, and descriptive comparison with their North and South Korean peers.

PubMed

Schwekendiek, Daniel J

2017-04-01

This paper investigates the trend in height among adult Korean orphans who were adopted in early life into affluent Western nations. Final heights of 148 females were analyzed based on a Korean government survey conducted in 2008. Height of the orphans was descriptively compared against final heights of South and North Koreans. Furthermore, statistical determinants of orphan height were investigated in multivariate regressions. Mean height of Korean orphans was 160.44 cm (SD 5.89), which was higher than that of South Koreans at 158.83 cm (SD 5.01). Both Korean orphans and South Koreans were taller than North Koreans at 155.30 cm (SD 4.94). However, height of Korean orphans stagnated at around 160-161 cm while those of North and South Koreans improved over time. In the regression analysis, the socioeconomic status of the adoptive family was statistically significant in all models, while dummies for the adoptive nations and age at adoption were insignificant. This study shows that the mean final height of women experiencing extreme environmental improvements in early-life is capped at 160-161 cm, tentatively suggesting that social stress factors in the host nation or early-life factors in the birth nation might have offset some of the environmental enrichment effects achieved through intercountry adoption.

22 CFR 99.2 - Reporting requirements for adoption cases involving children emigrating from the United States.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

...-Convention case, the reporting provider is the one that has child placement responsibility, as evidenced by... (generally the time the child is matched with adoptive parents); (2) Date of U.S. final adoption or date on... involving children emigrating from the United States. 99.2 Section 99.2 Foreign Relations DEPARTMENT OF...

22 CFR 99.2 - Reporting requirements for adoption cases involving children emigrating from the United States.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

...-Convention case, the reporting provider is the one that has child placement responsibility, as evidenced by... (generally the time the child is matched with adoptive parents); (2) Date of U.S. final adoption or date on... involving children emigrating from the United States. 99.2 Section 99.2 Foreign Relations DEPARTMENT OF...

22 CFR 99.2 - Reporting requirements for adoption cases involving children emigrating from the United States.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

...-Convention case, the reporting provider is the one that has child placement responsibility, as evidenced by... (generally the time the child is matched with adoptive parents); (2) Date of U.S. final adoption or date on... involving children emigrating from the United States. 99.2 Section 99.2 Foreign Relations DEPARTMENT OF...

22 CFR 99.2 - Reporting requirements for adoption cases involving children emigrating from the United States.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

...-Convention case, the reporting provider is the one that has child placement responsibility, as evidenced by... (generally the time the child is matched with adoptive parents); (2) Date of U.S. final adoption or date on... involving children emigrating from the United States. 99.2 Section 99.2 Foreign Relations DEPARTMENT OF...

22 CFR 99.2 - Reporting requirements for adoption cases involving children emigrating from the United States.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

...-Convention case, the reporting provider is the one that has child placement responsibility, as evidenced by... (generally the time the child is matched with adoptive parents); (2) Date of U.S. final adoption or date on... involving children emigrating from the United States. 99.2 Section 99.2 Foreign Relations DEPARTMENT OF...

Dynamics of social contagions with memory of nonredundant information

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Wei; Tang, Ming; Zhang, Hai-Feng; Lai, Ying-Cheng

2015-07-01

A key ingredient in social contagion dynamics is reinforcement, as adopting a certain social behavior requires verification of its credibility and legitimacy. Memory of nonredundant information plays an important role in reinforcement, which so far has eluded theoretical analysis. We first propose a general social contagion model with reinforcement derived from nonredundant information memory. Then, we develop a unified edge-based compartmental theory to analyze this model, and a remarkable agreement with numerics is obtained on some specific models. We use a spreading threshold model as a specific example to understand the memory effect, in which each individual adopts a social behavior only when the cumulative pieces of information that the individual received from his or her neighbors exceeds an adoption threshold. Through analysis and numerical simulations, we find that the memory characteristic markedly affects the dynamics as quantified by the final adoption size. Strikingly, we uncover a transition phenomenon in which the dependence of the final adoption size on some key parameters, such as the transmission probability, can change from being discontinuous to being continuous. The transition can be triggered by proper parameters and structural perturbations to the system, such as decreasing individuals' adoption threshold, increasing initial seed size, or enhancing the network heterogeneity.

Understanding the Adoption of TELEs--The Importance of Management

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Christiansen, Ellen; Nyvang, Tom

2006-01-01

For a TELE to become adopted by the vast majority of individual learners as a tool for learning, adoption at the institutional level must be considered, because the vast majority of a population of technology users depends on external stimuli to adopt the technology. This article analyses a case where a social simulation game, a prize-winning…

Envisaging the Adoption Process to Strengthen Gay- and Lesbian-Headed Families: Recommendations for Adoption Professionals

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Matthews, John D.; Cramer, Elizabeth P.

2006-01-01

Although a growing number of child placement agencies are serving lesbians and gay men, a dearth of literature exists for adoption agency policies and practices related to working with this population. This article explores the unique characteristics and strengths of prospective gay and lesbian adoptive parents throughout each of the three phases…

78 FR 33436 - 2013 Final Fee Rate and Fingerprint Fees

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-06-04

... DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR National Indian Gaming Commission 2013 Final Fee Rate and Fingerprint... given, pursuant to 25 CFR 514.2, that the National Indian Gaming Commission has adopted its 2013 final... a certificate of self-regulation under 25 CFR part 518, the 2013 final fee rate on Class II revenues...

Determinants of Cat Choice and Outcomes for Adult Cats and Kittens Adopted from an Australian Animal Shelter

PubMed Central

Zito, Sarah; Paterson, Mandy; Vankan, Dianne; Morton, John; Bennett, Pauleen; Phillips, Clive

2015-01-01

Simple Summary Commonly, more adult cats than kittens are euthanized in animal shelters. We surveyed 382 cat adopters to assess adoption outcomes and potential determinants of adopters’ choice of cat age group and price. Most adopters had benevolent motivations for adopting from the shelter and had put considerable thought into the adoption and responsible ownership requirements. However, adult cat adopters were more likely to have been influenced by price than kitten adopters. Adoption outcomes were generally positive in all age and adoption price groups. This study provides evidence to inform the design of strategies to encourage adult cat adoptions. Abstract The percentage of adult cats euthanized in animal shelters is greater than that of kittens because adult cats are less likely to be adopted. This study aimed to provide evidence to inform the design of strategies to encourage adult cat adoptions. One such strategy is to discount adoption prices, but there are concerns that this may result in poor adoption outcomes. We surveyed 382 cat adopters at the time of adoption, to assess potential determinants of adopters’ cat age group choice (adult or kitten) and, for adult cat adopters, the price they are willing to pay. The same respondents were surveyed again 6–12 months after the adoption to compare outcomes between cat age groups and between adult cats in two price categories. Most adopters had benevolent motivations for adopting from the shelter and had put considerable thought into the adoption and requirements for responsible ownership. However, adult cat adopters were more likely to have been influenced by price than kitten adopters. Adoption outcomes were generally positive for both adult cats and kittens and for adult cats adopted at low prices. The latter finding alleviates concerns about the outcomes of “low-cost” adoptions in populations, such as the study population, and lends support for the use of “low-cost” adoptions as an option for attempting to increase adoption rates. In addition, the results provide information that can be used to inform future campaigns aimed at increasing the number of adult cat adoptions, particularly in devising marketing strategies for adult cats. PMID:26479236

Office of Inspector General; Medicare and state health care programs: fraud and abuse; issuance of advisory opinions by the OIG. Final rule.

PubMed

2008-07-17

OIG is adopting in final form, without change, an interim final rule published on March 26, 2008 (73 FR 15937). We received no comments to the interim final rule. The interim final rule revised the process for advisory opinion requestors to submit payments for advisory opinion costs.

49 CFR 389.39 - Direct final rulemaking procedures

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 49 Transportation 5 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Direct final rulemaking procedures 389.39 Section 389.39 Transportation Other Regulations Relating to Transportation (Continued) FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER... PROCEDURES-FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY REGULATIONS Procedures for Adoption of Rules § 389.39 Direct final...

49 CFR 389.39 - Direct final rulemaking procedures

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 49 Transportation 5 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Direct final rulemaking procedures 389.39 Section 389.39 Transportation Other Regulations Relating to Transportation (Continued) FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER... PROCEDURES-FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY REGULATIONS Procedures for Adoption of Rules § 389.39 Direct final...

Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Fire Safety Requirements for Certain Health Care Facilities. Final rule.

PubMed

2016-05-04

This final rule will amend the fire safety standards for Medicare and Medicaid participating hospitals, critical access hospitals (CAHs), long-term care facilities, intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ICF-IID), ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), hospices which provide inpatient services, religious non-medical health care institutions (RNHCIs), and programs of all-inclusive care for the elderly (PACE) facilities. Further, this final rule will adopt the 2012 edition of the Life Safety Code (LSC) and eliminate references in our regulations to all earlier editions of the Life Safety Code. It will also adopt the 2012 edition of the Health Care Facilities Code, with some exceptions.

Genome-wide evidence of Austronesian-Bantu admixture and cultural reversion in a hunter-gatherer group of Madagascar.

PubMed

Pierron, Denis; Razafindrazaka, Harilanto; Pagani, Luca; Ricaut, François-Xavier; Antao, Tiago; Capredon, Mélanie; Sambo, Clément; Radimilahy, Chantal; Rakotoarisoa, Jean-Aimé; Blench, Roger M; Letellier, Thierry; Kivisild, Toomas

2014-01-21

Linguistic and cultural evidence suggest that Madagascar was the final point of two major dispersals of Austronesian- and Bantu-speaking populations. Today, the Mikea are described as the last-known Malagasy population reported to be still practicing a hunter-gatherer lifestyle. It is unclear, however, whether the Mikea descend from a remnant population that existed before the arrival of Austronesian and Bantu agriculturalists or whether it is only their lifestyle that separates them from the other contemporary populations of South Madagascar. To address these questions we have performed a genome-wide analysis of >700,000 SNP markers on 21 Mikea, 24 Vezo, and 24 Temoro individuals, together with 50 individuals from Bajo and Lebbo populations from Indonesia. Our analyses of these data in the context of data available from other Southeast Asian and African populations reveal that all three Malagasy populations are derived from the same admixture event involving Austronesian and Bantu sources. In contrast to the fact that most of the vocabulary of the Malagasy speakers is derived from the Barito group of the Austronesian language family, we observe that only one-third of their genetic ancestry is related to the populations of the Java-Kalimantan-Sulawesi area. Because no additional ancestry components distinctive for the Mikea were found, it is likely that they have adopted their hunter-gatherer way of life through cultural reversion, and selection signals suggest a genetic adaptation to their new lifestyle.

Genome-wide evidence of Austronesian–Bantu admixture and cultural reversion in a hunter-gatherer group of Madagascar

PubMed Central

Pierron, Denis; Razafindrazaka, Harilanto; Pagani, Luca; Ricaut, François-Xavier; Antao, Tiago; Capredon, Mélanie; Sambo, Clément; Radimilahy, Chantal; Rakotoarisoa, Jean-Aimé; Blench, Roger M.; Letellier, Thierry; Kivisild, Toomas

2014-01-01

Linguistic and cultural evidence suggest that Madagascar was the final point of two major dispersals of Austronesian- and Bantu-speaking populations. Today, the Mikea are described as the last-known Malagasy population reported to be still practicing a hunter-gatherer lifestyle. It is unclear, however, whether the Mikea descend from a remnant population that existed before the arrival of Austronesian and Bantu agriculturalists or whether it is only their lifestyle that separates them from the other contemporary populations of South Madagascar. To address these questions we have performed a genome-wide analysis of >700,000 SNP markers on 21 Mikea, 24 Vezo, and 24 Temoro individuals, together with 50 individuals from Bajo and Lebbo populations from Indonesia. Our analyses of these data in the context of data available from other Southeast Asian and African populations reveal that all three Malagasy populations are derived from the same admixture event involving Austronesian and Bantu sources. In contrast to the fact that most of the vocabulary of the Malagasy speakers is derived from the Barito group of the Austronesian language family, we observe that only one-third of their genetic ancestry is related to the populations of the Java-Kalimantan-Sulawesi area. Because no additional ancestry components distinctive for the Mikea were found, it is likely that they have adopted their hunter-gatherer way of life through cultural reversion, and selection signals suggest a genetic adaptation to their new lifestyle. PMID:24395773

How well can captive breeding programs conserve biodiversity? A review of salmonids

PubMed Central

Fraser, Dylan J

2008-01-01

Captive breeding programs are increasingly being initiated to prevent the imminent extinction of endangered species and/or populations. But how well can they conserve genetic diversity and fitness, or re-establish self-sustaining populations in the wild? A review of these complex questions and related issues in salmonid fishes reveals several insights and uncertainties. Most programs can maintain genetic diversity within populations over several generations, but available research suggests the loss of fitness in captivity can be rapid, its magnitude probably increasing with the duration in captivity. Over the long-term, there is likely tremendous variation between (i) programs in their capacity to maintain genetic diversity and fitness, and (ii) species or even intraspecific life-history types in both the severity and manner of fitness-costs accrued. Encouragingly, many new theoretical and methodological approaches now exist for current and future programs to potentially reduce these effects. Nevertheless, an unavoidable trade-off exists between conserving genetic diversity and fitness in certain instances, such as when captive-bred individuals are temporarily released into the wild. Owing to several confounding factors, there is also currently little evidence that captive-bred lines of salmonids can or cannot be reintroduced as self-sustaining populations. Most notably, the root causes of salmonid declines have not been mitigated where captive breeding programs exist. Little research has also addressed under what conditions an increase in population abundance due to captive-rearing might offset fitness reductions induced in captivity. Finally, more empirical investigation is needed to evaluate the genetic/fitness benefits and risks associated with (i) maintaining captive broodstocks as either single or multiple populations within one or more facilities, (ii) utilizing cryopreservation or surrogate broodstock technologies, and (iii) adopting other alternatives to captive-rearing such as translocations to new habitats. Management recommendations surrounding these issues are proposed, with the aim of facilitating meta-analyses and more general principles or guidelines for captive-breeding. These include the need for the following: (i) captive monitoring to involve, a priori, greater application of hypothesis testing through the use of well-designed experiments and (ii) improved documentation of procedures adopted by specific programs for reducing the loss of genetic diversity and fitness. PMID:25567798

Evaluation of a Novel Dog Adoption Program in Two US Communities

PubMed Central

Mohan-Gibbons, Heather; Weiss, Emily; Garrison, Laurie; Allison, Meg

2014-01-01

Millions of dogs enter animal welfare organizations every year and only a fraction of them are adopted. Despite the most recent American Pet Products Association (APPA) data that nearly half the US population owns a dog, only 20% acquired their dog from an animal welfare organization. Studies show that people consider adopting from an animal shelter more often than they actually do, which indicates a potential market increase if programs can make shelter dogs more visible to adopters. This research focused on a novel adoption program where shelter dogs were transferred into foster homes who were tasked with finding an adopter. Shelter dogs were placed in the path of potential adopters and bypassed the need for the adopter to go to the shelter. The results show that this novel program was effective in a variety of ways including getting dogs adopted. Although length of stay was significantly longer for dogs in the program, the dogs were in a home environment, not taking up kennel space in the shelter. The program also had a lower rate of returns than dogs adopted at the shelter. The foster program tapped adopters in different geographical segments of the community than the dogs adopted from the shelter. By bringing shelter dogs to where adopters spend their time (ex: restaurants, parks, hair salons), the program potentially captured a segment of the population who might have obtained their dog from other sources besides the shelter (such as breeders or pet stores). This novel approach can be an effective method for adoption, has many benefits for shelters, and can tap into a new adopter market by engaging their community in a new way. PMID:24663804

Medicare Program; FY 2017 Hospice Wage Index and Payment Rate Update and Hospice Quality Reporting Requirements. Final rule.

PubMed

2016-08-05

This final rule will update the hospice wage index, payment rates, and cap amount for fiscal year (FY) 2017. In addition, this rule changes the hospice quality reporting program, including adopting new quality measures. Finally, this final rule includes information regarding the Medicare Care Choices Model (MCCM).

VizieR Online Data Catalog: HST astro-photometric analysis of NGC5139. III. (Bellini+, 2017)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bellini, A.; Milone, A. P.; Anderson, J.; Marino, A. F.; Piotto, G.; van der Marel, R. P.; Bedin, L. R.; King, I. R.

2018-03-01

The results presented here are the product of a massive effort, and represent a continuation of what we published in Bellini+ (2010, J/AJ/140/631). Paper I of this series (Bellini+ 2017, J/ApJ/842/6) describes the photometric techniques we adopted and applied to 650 individual exposures in 26 different bands. The photometry has been corrected for differential reddening and zero-point spatial variations in Bellini+ (2017ApJ...842....7B, Paper II). In this paper, we analyze the CMDs and the so-called "chromosome" maps (Milone+ 2017MNRAS.464.3636M) of the MS of the cluster, and finally identify at least 15 distinct stellar populations. (1 data file).

Will the Wave Finally Break? A Brief View of the Adoption of Electronic Medical Records in the United States

PubMed Central

Berner, Eta S.; Detmer, Don E.; Simborg, Donald

2005-01-01

For over thirty years, there have been predictions that the widespread clinical use of computers was imminent. Yet the “wave” has never broken. In this article, two broad time periods are examined: the 1960's to the 1980's and the 1980's to the present. Technology immaturity, health administrator focus on financial systems, application “unfriendliness,” and physician resistance were all barriers to acceptance during the early time period. Although these factors persist, changes in clinicians' economics, more computer literacy in the general population, and, most importantly, changes in government policies and increased support for clinical computing suggest that the wave may break in the next decade. PMID:15492029

Awareness, persuasion, and adoption: Enriching the Bass model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Colapinto, Cinzia; Sartori, Elena; Tolotti, Marco

2014-02-01

In the context of diffusion of innovations, we propose a probabilistic model based on interacting populations connected through new communication channels. The potential adopters are heterogeneous in the connectivity levels and in their taste for innovation. The proposed framework can model the different stages of the adoption dynamics. In particular, the adoption curve is the result of a micro-founded decision process following the awareness phase. Eventually, we recover stylized facts pointed out by the extant literature in the field, such as delayed adoptions and non-monotonic adoption curves.

Test scheduling optimization for 3D network-on-chip based on cloud evolutionary algorithm of Pareto multi-objective

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Chuanpei; Niu, Junhao; Ling, Jing; Wang, Suyan

2018-03-01

In this paper, we present a parallel test strategy for bandwidth division multiplexing under the test access mechanism bandwidth constraint. The Pareto solution set is combined with a cloud evolutionary algorithm to optimize the test time and power consumption of a three-dimensional network-on-chip (3D NoC). In the proposed method, all individuals in the population are sorted in non-dominated order and allocated to the corresponding level. Individuals with extreme and similar characteristics are then removed. To increase the diversity of the population and prevent the algorithm from becoming stuck around local optima, a competition strategy is designed for the individuals. Finally, we adopt an elite reservation strategy and update the individuals according to the cloud model. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm converges to the optimal Pareto solution set rapidly and accurately. This not only obtains the shortest test time, but also optimizes the power consumption of the 3D NoC.

Nanoparticle separation with a miniaturized asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation cartridge

PubMed Central

Müller, David; Cattaneo, Stefano; Meier, Florian; Welz, Roland; de Mello, Andrew J.

2015-01-01

Asymmetrical Flow Field-Flow Fractionation (AF4) is a separation technique applicable to particles over a wide size range. Despite the many advantages of AF4, its adoption in routine particle analysis is somewhat limited by the large footprint of currently available separation cartridges, extended analysis times and significant solvent consumption. To address these issues, we describe the fabrication and characterization of miniaturized AF4 cartridges. Key features of the down-scaled platform include simplified cartridge and reagent handling, reduced analysis costs and higher throughput capacities. The separation performance of the miniaturized cartridge is assessed using certified gold and silver nanoparticle standards. Analysis of gold nanoparticle populations indicates shorter analysis times and increased sensitivity compared to conventional AF4 separation schemes. Moreover, nanoparticulate titanium dioxide populations exhibiting broad size distributions are analyzed in a rapid and efficient manner. Finally, the repeatability and reproducibility of the miniaturized platform are investigated with respect to analysis time and separation efficiency. PMID:26258119

Nanoparticle separation with a miniaturized asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation cartridge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Müller, David; Cattaneo, Stefano; Meier, Florian; Welz, Roland; deMello, Andrew

2015-07-01

Asymmetrical Flow Field-Flow Fractionation (AF4) is a separation technique applicable to particles over a wide size range. Despite the many advantages of AF4, its adoption in routine particle analysis is somewhat limited by the large footprint of currently available separation cartridges, extended analysis times and significant solvent consumption. To address these issues, we describe the fabrication and characterization of miniaturized AF4 cartridges. Key features of the scale-down platform include simplified cartridge and reagent handling, reduced analysis costs and higher throughput capacities. The separation performance of the miniaturized cartridge is assessed using certified gold and silver nanoparticle standards. Analysis of gold nanoparticle populations indicates shorter analysis times and increased sensitivity compared to conventional AF4 separation schemes. Moreover, nanoparticulate titanium dioxide populations exhibiting broad size distributions are analyzed in a rapid and efficient manner. Finally, the repeatability and reproducibility of the miniaturized platform are investigated with respect to analysis time and separation efficiency.

Evolution of Cooperation in Public Goods Games

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xia, Cheng-Yi; Zhang, Juan-Juan; Wang, Yi-Ling; Wang, Jin-Song

2011-10-01

We investigate the evolution of cooperation with evolutionary public goods games based on finite populations, where four pure strategies: cooperators, defectors, punishers and loners who are unwilling to participate are considered. By adopting approximate best response dynamics, we show that the magnitude of rationality not only quantitatively explains the experiment results in [Nature (London) 425 (2003) 390], but also it will heavily influence the evolution of cooperation. Compared with previous results of infinite populations, which result in two equilibriums, we show that there merely exists a special equilibrium and the relevant high value of bounded rationality will sustain cooperation. In addition, we characterize that loner's payoff plays an active role in the maintenance of cooperation, which will only be warranted for the low and moderate values of loner's payoff. It thus indicates the effects of rationality and loner's payoff will influence the cooperation. Finally, we highlight the important result that the introduction of voluntary participation and punishment will facilitate cooperation greatly.

Social contagions on time-varying community networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Mian-Xin; Wang, Wei; Liu, Ying; Tang, Ming; Cai, Shi-Min; Zhang, Hai-Feng

2017-05-01

Time-varying community structures exist widely in real-world networks. However, previous studies on the dynamics of spreading seldom took this characteristic into account, especially those on social contagions. To study the effects of time-varying community structures on social contagions, we propose a non-Markovian social contagion model on time-varying community networks based on the activity-driven network model. A mean-field theory is developed to analyze the proposed model. Through theoretical analyses and numerical simulations, two hierarchical features of the behavior adoption processes are found. That is, when community strength is relatively large, the behavior can easily spread in one of the communities, while in the other community the spreading only occurs at higher behavioral information transmission rates. Meanwhile, in spatial-temporal evolution processes, hierarchical orders are observed for the behavior adoption. Moreover, under different information transmission rates, three distinctive patterns are demonstrated in the change of the whole network's final adoption proportion along with the growing community strength. Within a suitable range of transmission rate, an optimal community strength can be found that can maximize the final adoption proportion. Finally, compared with the average activity potential, the promoting or inhibiting of social contagions is much more influenced by the number of edges generated by active nodes.

Family physicians' ability to perform population management is associated with adoption of other aspects of the patient-centered medical home.

PubMed

Ottmar, Jessica; Blackburn, Brenna; Phillips, Robert L; Peterson, Lars E; Jaén, Carlos Roberto

2015-04-01

The patient-centered medical home (PCMH) model is considered a promising approach to improving population health, but how elements of these advanced practice models relate to population health capability is unknown. To measure associations between family physicians' performance of population management with PCMH components, a cross-sectional survey was conducted with physicians accessing the American Board of Family Medicine Web site in 2011. Bivariate analysis and logistic regression tested associations between physician and practice demographics and specific PCMH features. The primary outcome was performance of population management. The final sample included 3855 physicians, 37.3% of whom reported performing population management. Demographic characteristics significantly associated with greater use of population management were female sex and graduation from an international medical school. PCMH components that remained associated with population management after adjustment were access to clinical case managers (odds ratio [OR]=2.01, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.69, 2.39), behavioral health collaboration (OR=1.49, 95% CI: 1.26, 1.77), having an electronic health record that supports meaningful use (OR=1.47, 95% CI: 1.25, 1.74), recent participation in a quality improvement project (OR=2.47, 95% CI: 2.12, 2.89), and routine measurement of patient difficulty securing an appointment (OR=2.87, 95% CI: 2.45, 3.37). Performance of population management was associated with several PCMH elements and resources not present in traditional primary care offices. Attention to these elements likely will enhance delivery of population management services in primary care.

Empirical study of the perceived ease of use and relative advantage on load-bearing masonry (LBM) technology adoption

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramli, Nor Azlinda; Abdullah, Che Sobry; Nawi, Mohd Nasrun Mohd

2017-11-01

Load-bearing masonry (LBM) technology has been identified as an alternative method that can potentially encourage the sustainability of the housing industry. The adoption of LBM technology is believed to bring beneficial effects to the housing industry as well as company productivity. The factors related to the adoption LBM technology was revealed to strongly influence the implementation of this system in the housing industry. The aim of this study is to determine the factors influencing the adoption of LBM technology among the developer firms in Malaysia as well as the factors that are highly related to perceived ease of use and relative advantage. A random sampling technique was applied and a questionnaire-based field survey was carried out to obtain the data from the respondents. All the data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings of this paper have revealed that perceived ease of use and relative advantage are related to the adoption of LBM technology. The findings also indicated the validity of Technology Acceptance Model TAM (perceived ease of use) and Innovation Diffusion Theory IDT (relative advantage) as the determinant factors in the adoption of LBM technology. Finally, some recommendations for future research are suggested in the final section of this paper.

'She didn't have a word of English; we didn't have a word of Vietnamese': Exploring parent experiences of communication with toddlers who were adopted internationally.

PubMed

McAndrew, Brid; Malley-Keighran, Mary-Pat O

2017-07-01

The purpose of this study was to explore in detail parents' experiences of communicating with toddlers who were adopted internationally. Often, there is a mismatch between parents and children in terms of language, particularly in the early post-adoption period. There is a gap in the literature regarding parent experiences of this phase of their lives. Changing patterns in international adoption have led to an increase in adoptions of toddlers and older children. Due to institutional care, these toddlers and older children often lack exposure to their native language which may lead to language delay. When they are brought home, they are immersed in English. As well beginning to acquire English, these children are also forming an attachment with their parents. While research has investigated speech and language skills in this population, there is a lack of literature exploring the experiences of parents regarding communicating with toddlers who are adopted internationally in the early months following adoption. This is a qualitative study where interviews and thematic analysis were used to explore the experiences of 12 parents of 12 toddlers who were adopted internationally. Three main themes: 'Getting ready', 'Support', and 'Challenges' emerged from the data. The results highlight the ways in which adoptive parents facilitated communication with their toddlers, supporting their acquisition of English. The results also reveal gaps in service provision for this population. Results also illustrate the proactive way in which parents dealt with challenges, even in the presence of limited support services. Gaps in service provision where intense focus pre-adoption was followed by a lack of support post-adoption were identified by parents. The dual needs of developing attachment and common language development strategies were also described by parents. The study demonstrates the need for pre- and post-adoptive speech and language services for this client group. It highlights the importance of the role of speech and language pathology in working with parents of toddlers and children who were adopted internationally. This role is in health promotion and prevention, as well as providing a service to this population as part of a multidisciplinary team, post-adoption. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

78 FR 18285 - Direct Final Rulemaking Procedures

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-03-26

... issue a direct final rule adopting amendments that become effective a number of days (specified in the... rules. NHTSA would not use direct final rule procedures for complex or controversial issues. [[Page... to http://www.regulations.gov and search by Docket ID number NHTSA-2013-0042 at any time. Follow the...

76 FR 38146 - Revision to the Final Principles of Integrated Resource Planning for Use in Resource Acquisition...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-06-29

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Western Area Power Administration Revision to the Final Principles of... Administration (Western) published proposed Principles for Integrated Resource planning (IRP) for use in its... December 6, 1994. After considering public comments on the proposed principles, Western adopted the Final...

The diffusion of Magnet hospital recognition.

PubMed

Abraham, Jean; Jerome-D'Emilia, Bonnie; Begun, James W

2011-01-01

Magnet recognition is promoted by many in the practice community as the gold standard of nursing care quality. The Magnet hospital population has exploded in recent years, with about 8% of U.S. general hospitals now recognized. The purpose of this study was to identify the characteristics that distinguish Magnet-recognized hospitals from other hospitals within the framework of diffusion theory. We conceptualize Magnet recognition as an organizational innovation and Magnet-recognized hospitals as adopters of the innovation. We hypothesize that adoption is associated with selected characteristics of hospitals and their markets. The study population consists of the 3,657 general hospitals in the United States in 2008 located in metropolitan or micropolitan areas. We used logistic regression analysis to estimate the association of Magnet recognition with organizational and market characteristics. Empirical results support hypotheses that adoption is positively associated with hospital complexity and specialization, as measured by teaching affiliation, and with hospital size, slack resources, and not-for-profit or public ownership (vs. for-profit). Adopters also are more likely to be located in markets that are experiencing population growth and are more likely to have competitor hospitals within the market that also have adopted Magnet status. A positive association of adoption with baccalaureate nursing school supply is contrary to the hypothesized relationship. Because of its rapid recent growth, consideration of Magnet program recognition should be on the strategic planning agenda of hospitals and hospital systems. Hospital administrators, particularly in smaller, for-profit hospitals, may expect more of their larger not-for-profit competitors, particularly teaching hospitals, to adopt Magnet recognition, increasing competition for baccalaureate-prepared registered nurses in the labor market.

77 FR 62431 - Adoption of Updated EDGAR Filer Manual

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-10-15

...-30227] Adoption of Updated EDGAR Filer Manual AGENCY: Securities and Exchange Commission. ACTION: Final... Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval System (EDGAR) Filer Manual and related rules to reflect... Manual is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of October 15, 2012. FOR FURTHER...

76 FR 52917 - Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Pennsylvania; Adoption of Control...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-24

... Large Appliance and Metal Furniture Coatings AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION... Techniques Guidelines (CTG) standards for large appliance and metal furniture coatings. In the Final Rules...; Pennsylvania; Adoption of Control Techniques Guidelines for Large Appliance and Metal Furniture Coatings...

2010-11 NCAA[R] Division I Manual

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NJ1), 2010

2010-01-01

This publication incorporates final legislative actions taken during the 2009-10 legislative cycle. Legislation adopted after August 1, 2009, interpretations incorporated by the Legislative Review/Interpretations Committee, modifications of wording and editorial revisions are set off by a gray background and also include an adoption or revision…

Comparing the diversity of information by word-of-mouth vs. web spread

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sela, Alon; Shekhtman, Louis; Havlin, Shlomo; Ben-Gal, Irad

2016-06-01

Many studies have explored spreading and diffusion through complex networks. The following study examines a specific case of spreading of opinions in modern society through two spreading schemes —defined as being either through “word of mouth” (WOM), or through online search engines (WEB). We apply both modelling and real experimental results and compare the opinions people adopt through an exposure to their friend's opinions, as opposed to the opinions they adopt when using a search engine based on the PageRank algorithm. A simulated study shows that when members in a population adopt decisions through the use of the WEB scheme, the population ends up with a few dominant views, while other views are barely expressed. In contrast, when members adopt decisions based on the WOM scheme, there is a far more diverse distribution of opinions in that population. The simulative results are further supported by an online experiment which finds that people searching information through a search engine end up with far more homogenous opinions as compared to those asking their friends.

Psychological adjustment in Spanish young adult domestic adoptees: Mental health and licit substance consumption.

PubMed

Sánchez-Sandoval, Yolanda; Melero, Sandra

2018-05-24

Although adoptive families have been shown to provide a protective context for human development, some adopted children and adolescents are at increased risk for psychological adjustment problems. On the other hand, little is known about psychological adjustment of young adult adoptees. The aim of this study is to analyze the mental health and legal substance consumption (tobacco and alcohol) of young adults (n = 134) who were domestically adopted by Spanish families. Young adults showed significantly worse scores on the Symptom Check-List-90-R (Derogatis, 1975) and also more substance use than did the Spanish general population, but fewer difficulties than did the clinical population. On the Global Severity Index (GSI), 65.7% of adoptees were within the normal range, 24.6% were at risk, and 9.7% were within the clinical range. Male adoptees scored higher than expected for the general population on all subscales, whereas female adoptees did not. Age at adoption was not found to have a significant impact on adjustment. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).

77 FR 54663 - Administrative Simplification: Adoption of a Standard for a Unique Health Plan Identifier...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-09-05

...This final rule adopts the standard for a national unique health plan identifier (HPID) and establishes requirements for the implementation of the HPID. In addition, it adopts a data element that will serve as an other entity identifier (OEID), or an identifier for entities that are not health plans, health care providers, or individuals, but that need to be identified in standard transactions. This final rule also specifies the circumstances under which an organization covered health care provider must require certain noncovered individual health care providers who are prescribers to obtain and disclose a National Provider Identifier (NPI). Lastly, this final rule changes the compliance date for the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD- 10-CM) for diagnosis coding, including the Official ICD-10-CM Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, and the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Procedure Coding System (ICD-10-PCS) for inpatient hospital procedure coding, including the Official ICD-10-PCS Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, from October 1, 2013 to October 1, 2014.

78 FR 60684 - Adoption of Updated EDGAR Filer Manual

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-10-02

...-30722] Adoption of Updated EDGAR Filer Manual AGENCY: Securities and Exchange Commission. ACTION: Final... Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval System (EDGAR) Filer Manual and related rules to reflect... the EDGAR Filer Manual is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of October 2, 2013. FOR...

76 FR 1514 - Adoption of Updated EDGAR Filer Manual

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-01-11

... Filer Manual and the rule amendments is January 11, 2011. In accordance with the APA,\\8\\ we find that...-29547] Adoption of Updated EDGAR Filer Manual AGENCY: Securities and Exchange Commission. ACTION: Final... Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval System (EDGAR) Filer Manual to reflect updates to the...

78 FR 29616 - Adoption of Updated EDGAR Filer Manual

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-05-21

... updated Filer Manual and the rule amendments is May 21, 2013. In accordance with the APA,\\7\\ we find that...-30515] Adoption of Updated EDGAR Filer Manual AGENCY: Securities and Exchange Commission. ACTION: Final... Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval System (EDGAR) Filer Manual and related rules to reflect...

2010-11 NCAA[R] Division II Manual

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NJ1), 2010

2010-01-01

This publication incorporates the final legislative actions of the 104th annual NCAA Convention, January 13-16, 2010. In addition, interpretations incorporated by the Legislative Review Subcommittee, noncontroversial amendments adopted by the Management Council, pursuant to Constitution 5.3.1.1.1, and modifications of wording adopted by the…

77 FR 2446 - Amendments to Regulations Regarding Eligibility for a Medicare Prescription Drug Subsidy

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-01-18

... Administration. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: This final rule adopts, without change, the interim final rule with... incorporated changes to the Medicare prescription drug coverage low-income subsidy (Extra Help) program made by..., 2011. We also revised our regulations to incorporate changes made by the Medicare Improvements for...

75 FR 54526 - Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement; Payment of Costs Prior to Definitization...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-09-08

... in 48 CFR Part 217 Government procurement. Ynette R. Shelkin, Editor, Defense Acquisition Regulations...). ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: DoD is adopting as final, without change, an interim rule amending the... interim rule. Therefore, DoD is finalizing the interim rule without change. This rule was not subject to...

76 FR 446 - Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled; Dedicated Accounts and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-01-05

... SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION 20 CFR Part 416 [Docket No. SSA-2008-0050] RIN 0960-AE59... Payments for Certain Past- Due SSI Benefits AGENCY: Social Security Administration (SSA). ACTION: Final rules. SUMMARY: These final rules adopt, with some minor changes, the interim final rules with request...

City Governments and Aging in Place: Community Design, Transportation and Housing Innovation Adoption

PubMed Central

Lehning, Amanda J.

2012-01-01

Purpose of the study: To examine the characteristics associated with city government adoption of community design, housing, and transportation innovations that could benefit older adults. Design and methods: A mixed-methods study with quantitative data collected via online surveys from 62 city planners combined with qualitative data collected via telephone interviews with a subsample of 18 survey respondents. Results: Results indicate that advocacy is an effective strategy to encourage city government adoption of these innovations. Percent of the population with a disability was positively associated, whereas percent of the population aged 65 and older was not associated or negatively associated, with innovation adoption in the regression models. Qualitative interviews suggest that younger individuals with disabilities are more active in local advocacy efforts. Implications: Results suggest that successful advocacy strategies for local government adoption include facilitating the involvement of older residents, targeting key decision makers within government, emphasizing the financial benefits to the city, and focusing on cities whose aging residents are vulnerable to disease and disability. PMID:21900505

Immunologic Effects Of Peritoneal Photodynamic Treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lynch, David H.; Haddad, Sandra; Jolles, Christopher J.; King, Vernon J.; Ott, Mark J.; Robertson, Bekkie; Straight, Richard C.

1989-06-01

One of the side effects of peritoneal photodynamic treatment (PDT) of mice is a systemic suppression of contact hypersensitivity (CH) responses. Treatment with either laser alone or the photosensitizer, Photofrin II (PFII), alone does not cause suppression of CH responses. Immunosuppression of CH responses is an active process that is adoptively transferable using viable cells, but not serum, from PDT-treated mice. The induction of adoptively transferable suppressor cells in PDT-treated mice requires exposure to an antigenic stimulus, yet the suppressor cells are antigen non-specific in their function. T cell function in PDT-treated mice, as measured by the ability of splenic lymphoid cells to generate allogeneic cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses, is comparable to that detected in normal mice. However, the ability of spleen cells from PDT-treated mice to act as stimulators in a mixed lymhocyte reaction is dramatically impaired, suggesting that the major cell type affected by peritoneal PDT is of the macrophage lineage. Support for this concept is provided by experiments in which spleen cells from PDT-treated mice were chromatographically separated into populations of T cells, B cells and macrophages prior to adoptive transfer into naive recipients. The results indicate that the cell type mediating adoptively transferable suppression of CH responsiveness is of the macrophage lineage. Analysis of hematologic parameters revealed that induction of suppression by PDT-treatment was associated with a marked neutrophilia and lymphocytosis, and was also accompanied by a 5-fold increase in concentration of the acute phase protein, Serum Amyloid P. Finally, attempts to ameliorate PDT-induced immunosuppression by pharmacologic intervention have proved successful using implants of pellets that release indomethacin at a rate of 1.25µg/day. Thus, the data suggest that PDT-treatment induces macrophages to produce factors (e.g., prostaglandins) that are known to be potently immunosuppressive.

Increasing URM Undergraduate Student Success through Assessment-Driven Interventions: A Multiyear Study Using Freshman-Level General Biology as a Model System

PubMed Central

Carmichael, Mary C.; St. Clair, Candace; Edwards, Andrea M.; Barrett, Peter; McFerrin, Harris; Davenport, Ian; Awad, Mohamed; Kundu, Anup; Ireland, Shubha Kale

2016-01-01

Xavier University of Louisiana leads the nation in awarding BS degrees in the biological sciences to African-American students. In this multiyear study with ∼5500 participants, data-driven interventions were adopted to improve student academic performance in a freshman-level general biology course. The three hour-long exams were common and administered concurrently to all students. New exam questions were developed using Bloom’s taxonomy, and exam results were analyzed statistically with validated assessment tools. All but the comprehensive final exam were returned to students for self-evaluation and remediation. Among other approaches, course rigor was monitored by using an identical set of 60 questions on the final exam across 10 semesters. Analysis of the identical sets of 60 final exam questions revealed that overall averages increased from 72.9% (2010) to 83.5% (2015). Regression analysis demonstrated a statistically significant correlation between high-risk students and their averages on the 60 questions. Additional analysis demonstrated statistically significant improvements for at least one letter grade from midterm to final and a 20% increase in the course pass rates over time, also for the high-risk population. These results support the hypothesis that our data-driven interventions and assessment techniques are successful in improving student retention, particularly for our academically at-risk students. PMID:27543637

The Decision to Adopt Educational Technology in Technical Education: A Multivariate Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Beasley, Shannon Wilson Sewell

2016-01-01

Since the seminal work of Davis in 1989 produced the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), researchers have sought to extend the framework and use the resulting models to describe the predictors of technology adoption specific to various populations. Although the TAM has been used to understand the adoption of technology in higher education, most of…

Contact Between Birth and Adoptive Families During the First Year Post-Placement: Perspectives of Lesbian, Gay, and Heterosexual Parents

PubMed Central

Goldberg, Abbie E.

2015-01-01

Despite growing visibility of lesbian- and gay-parent adoption, only one qualitative study has examined birth family contact among adoptive families with lesbian and gay parents (Goldberg, Kinkler, Richardson, & Downing, 2011). We studied adoptive parents’ (34 lesbian, 32 gay, and 37 heterosexual; N = 103 families) perspectives of birth family contact across the first year post-placement. Using questionnaire and interview data, we found few differences in openness dynamics by parental sexual orientation. Most reported some birth mother contact, most had legally finalized their adoption, and few described plans to withhold information from children. We discuss implications for clinical practice, policy, and research. PMID:26843808

Contact Between Birth and Adoptive Families During the First Year Post-Placement: Perspectives of Lesbian, Gay, and Heterosexual Parents.

PubMed

Farr, Rachel H; Goldberg, Abbie E

Despite growing visibility of lesbian- and gay-parent adoption, only one qualitative study has examined birth family contact among adoptive families with lesbian and gay parents (Goldberg, Kinkler, Richardson, & Downing, 2011). We studied adoptive parents' (34 lesbian, 32 gay, and 37 heterosexual; N = 103 families) perspectives of birth family contact across the first year post-placement. Using questionnaire and interview data, we found few differences in openness dynamics by parental sexual orientation. Most reported some birth mother contact, most had legally finalized their adoption, and few described plans to withhold information from children. We discuss implications for clinical practice, policy, and research.

International adoption of children with birth defects: current knowledge and areas for further research.

PubMed

Cochran, Meagan E; Nelson, Katherine R; Robin, Nathaniel H

2014-12-01

To summarize the existing literature on the international adoption of children with birth defects and identify areas for further research. International adoption brings thousands of children to the United States each year, and children with birth defects are overrepresented in this population. Studies have demonstrated disparities in the health of children adopted from different countries as well as the complexity of medical care needed after adoption. Although the health of children involved in international adoption has been well studied, there is a lack of information about the experiences of the adoptive parents of children with birth defects. We discuss a pilot study conducted on adoptive parents of children with a specific birth defect, orofacial clefting, and discuss areas for future research.

Population Genomics and the Statistical Values of Race: An Interdisciplinary Perspective on the Biological Classification of Human Populations and Implications for Clinical Genetic Epidemiological Research

PubMed Central

Maglo, Koffi N.; Mersha, Tesfaye B.; Martin, Lisa J.

2016-01-01

The biological status and biomedical significance of the concept of race as applied to humans continue to be contentious issues despite the use of advanced statistical and clustering methods to determine continental ancestry. It is thus imperative for researchers to understand the limitations as well as potential uses of the concept of race in biology and biomedicine. This paper deals with the theoretical assumptions behind cluster analysis in human population genomics. Adopting an interdisciplinary approach, it demonstrates that the hypothesis that attributes the clustering of human populations to “frictional” effects of landform barriers at continental boundaries is empirically incoherent. It then contrasts the scientific status of the “cluster” and “cline” constructs in human population genomics, and shows how cluster may be instrumentally produced. It also shows how statistical values of race vindicate Darwin's argument that race is evolutionarily meaningless. Finally, the paper explains why, due to spatiotemporal parameters, evolutionary forces, and socio-cultural factors influencing population structure, continental ancestry may be pragmatically relevant to global and public health genomics. Overall, this work demonstrates that, from a biological systematic and evolutionary taxonomical perspective, human races/continental groups or clusters have no natural meaning or objective biological reality. In fact, the utility of racial categorizations in research and in clinics can be explained by spatiotemporal parameters, socio-cultural factors, and evolutionary forces affecting disease causation and treatment response. PMID:26925096

Adoption: biological and social processes linked to adaptation.

PubMed

Grotevant, Harold D; McDermott, Jennifer M

2014-01-01

Children join adoptive families through domestic adoption from the public child welfare system, infant adoption through private agencies, and international adoption. Each pathway presents distinctive developmental opportunities and challenges. Adopted children are at higher risk than the general population for problems with adaptation, especially externalizing, internalizing, and attention problems. This review moves beyond the field's emphasis on adoptee-nonadoptee differences to highlight biological and social processes that affect adaptation of adoptees across time. The experience of stress, whether prenatal, postnatal/preadoption, or during the adoption transition, can have significant impacts on the developing neuroendocrine system. These effects can contribute to problems with physical growth, brain development, and sleep, activating cascading effects on social, emotional, and cognitive development. Family processes involving contact between adoptive and birth family members, co-parenting in gay and lesbian adoptive families, and racial socialization in transracially adoptive families affect social development of adopted children into adulthood.

75 FR 51934 - Telemarketing Sales Rule

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-08-24

... FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION 16 CFR Part 310 Telemarketing Sales Rule AGENCY: Federal Trade Commission. ACTION: Final rule; correction. SUMMARY: The Federal Trade Commission (``Commission'') published a final rule on August 10, 2010, adopting amendments to the Telemarketing Sales Rule that address the...

Health, Environment and Social Management in Enterprises programme in the Republic of Macedonia.

PubMed

Karadzinska-Bislimovska, Jovanka; Baranski, Boguslaw; Risteska-Kuc, Snezana

2004-01-01

Macedonia is the first country in the region to launch implementation of the WHO Health, Environment and Social Management in Enterprises (HESME) Programme, following the WHO Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health held in London in 1999. The aim of this paper is to describe the efforts made to implement this programme. Methods are based on integrated management with joint involvement of crucial partners at all levels of activities suggested by the WHO. Commitment to inter-sectorial and interagency collaboration at national level, adoption of a final version of a National HESME Plan, with basic principles, criteria and concrete activities, establishment of a National coordination center for the HESME Project, development of training curricula and specific educational tools for occupational health personnel, preparation of questionnaires and procedures for a national survey to detect high occupational risks, specific occupational hazards and health promotion needs of the working population, and finally setting up quantitative and qualitative indicators for national or provincial workplace health profiles. Building up the concept of cooperation, partnership and common work in HESME activities is a challenge for the new public health view in Europe.

Understanding the Evolution of Customer Motivations and Adoption Barriers in Residential Solar Markets: Survey Data

DOE Data Explorer

Sigrin, Ben; Dietz, Tom; Henry, Adam; Ingle, Aaron; Lutzenhiser, Loren; Moezzi, Mithra; Spielman, Seth; Stern, Paul; Todd, Annika; Tong, James; Wolske, Kim

2017-06-12

This research focused on accelerating solar photovoltaic (PV) diffusion by collecting new market data and developing predictive modeling frameworks to test and refine understandings of household level motivations for adopting solar. Three different household-level surveys were fielded: one for households who had installed PV on their current home or had signed a contract to do so (the Adopter survey), one for households that had seriously considered PV but had not installed it (the Considerer survey), and one for the general population who did not have PV on their current home (the general population survey or GPS). Survey respondents were from four U.S. states: New Jersey, New York, Arizona, and California. Details of recruiting and sampling are documented below. Research projects on residential PV adoption often collect data only from PV adopters or from the general population. One of the innovations of this project was the three-pronged household survey data collection. By collecting similar data from three fairly different "statuses" with respect to adoption, the surveys provide a basis for understanding how those who do not have rooftop PV differ from those who have, for how and why people do (or don't) transition from not having to having rooftop PV on their home, and for understanding the characteristics and viewpoints of households who have scarcely, or not at all, entered the "PV consideration" track. All three surveys covered single-family owner-occupied households in each of the four target states used in the project -- Arizona, California, New Jersey, and New York - allowing a comparative approach to understanding how the factors that affect PV adoption vary by geography and policy conditions. The General Population and Considerer surveys provide a basis for understanding opinions about and interest in solar, and how these relate to household demographics and other conditions. Paired with the Adopter survey, they also provide data for understanding how those who do not have rooftop PV differ from those who have, and for how and why people do (or don't) transition from not having to having rooftop PV on their home. The Adopter survey questions were designed to capture a broad range of information on what motivates and impedes households to install rooftop PV, as well as the details and timing of the decision and installation. Survey instrument development drew from existing PV adoption survey instruments, PV adoption literature, and research team experience, as well as from past work on household interest in energy efficiency, environmental attitudes, purchasing tendencies, and related knowledge. Early interviews and discussions with installers and others in the PV industry were also taken into consideration.

50 CFR 17.82 - Prohibitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... (CONTINUED) ENDANGERED AND THREATENED WILDLIFE AND PLANTS Experimental Populations § 17.82 Prohibitions. Any population determined by the Secretary to be an experimental population shall be treated as if it were listed... Act with respect to such population. The Special rules (protective regulations) adopted for an...

50 CFR 17.82 - Prohibitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... (CONTINUED) ENDANGERED AND THREATENED WILDLIFE AND PLANTS Experimental Populations § 17.82 Prohibitions. Any population determined by the Secretary to be an experimental population shall be treated as if it were listed... Act with respect to such population. The Special rules (protective regulations) adopted for an...

50 CFR 17.82 - Prohibitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... (CONTINUED) ENDANGERED AND THREATENED WILDLIFE AND PLANTS Experimental Populations § 17.82 Prohibitions. Any population determined by the Secretary to be an experimental population shall be treated as if it were listed... Act with respect to such population. The Special rules (protective regulations) adopted for an...

50 CFR 17.82 - Prohibitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... (CONTINUED) ENDANGERED AND THREATENED WILDLIFE AND PLANTS Experimental Populations § 17.82 Prohibitions. Any population determined by the Secretary to be an experimental population shall be treated as if it were listed... Act with respect to such population. The Special rules (protective regulations) adopted for an...

50 CFR 17.82 - Prohibitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... (CONTINUED) ENDANGERED AND THREATENED WILDLIFE AND PLANTS Experimental Populations § 17.82 Prohibitions. Any population determined by the Secretary to be an experimental population shall be treated as if it were listed... Act with respect to such population. The Special rules (protective regulations) adopted for an...

Building an Evidence-Based Mental Health Program for Children with History of Early Adversity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kroupina, Maria; Vermeulen, Marlous; Moberg, Stephanie

2015-01-01

Adoption is a major intervention in a child's life, however internationally adopted (IA) children remain at risk for long-term neurodevelopmental and mental health issues due to the fact that most of them have a history of early adversity prior to their adoption. In the last 20 years, extensive research with this population has increased the…

Research on MMC-SST Oriented AC/DC Distribution System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Xifeng; Shi, Hua; Zuo, Jianglin; Zhang, Zhigang

2018-01-01

A modular multilevel converter-solid state transformer (MMC-SST) oriented AC/DC Distribution System is designed. Firstly, the topology structure is introduced, MMC is adopted in the input stage, multiple DC-DC converters are adopted in the isolation stage, and a Three-Phase Four-Leg inverter is adopted in the output stage. Then, the control strategy is analysed. Finally, simulation model and an experimental prototype of MMC-SST are built, simulation and experimental results show that topology and control strategy of MMC-SST are feasible.

75 FR 2013 - Health Information Technology: Initial Set of Standards, Implementation Specifications, and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-01-13

...The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is issuing this interim final rule with a request for comments to adopt an initial set of standards, implementation specifications, and certification criteria, as required by section 3004(b)(1) of the Public Health Service Act. This interim final rule represents the first step in an incremental approach to adopting standards, implementation specifications, and certification criteria to enhance the interoperability, functionality, utility, and security of health information technology and to support its meaningful use. The certification criteria adopted in this initial set establish the capabilities and related standards that certified electronic health record (EHR) technology will need to include in order to, at a minimum, support the achievement of the proposed meaningful use Stage 1 (beginning in 2011) by eligible professionals and eligible hospitals under the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs.

75 FR 38725 - Service Performance Measurement

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-06

... of Customer Sastisfaction A. General Considerations B. Rule 3055.91--Consumer Access to Postal Services C. Rule 3055.92--Customer Experience Measurement Surveys D. Rule 3055.93--Mystery Shopper Program... Commission is adopting a final rule on service perfomance measurement and customer satisfaction. The final...

CTLA-4 blockade plus adoptive T cell transfer promotes optimal melanoma immunity in mice

PubMed Central

Mahvi, David A.; Meyers, Justin V.; Tatar, Andrew J.; Contreras, Amanda; Suresh, M.; Leverson, Glen E.; Sen, Siddhartha; Cho, Clifford S.

2014-01-01

Immunotherapeutic approaches to the treatment of advanced melanoma have relied on strategies that augment the responsiveness of endogenous tumor-specific T cell populations (e.g., CTLA-4 blockade-mediated checkpoint inhibition) or introduce exogenously-prepared tumor-specific T cell populations (e.g., adoptive cell transfer). Although both approaches have shown considerable promise, response rates to these therapies remain suboptimal. We hypothesized that a combinatorial approach to immunotherapy using both CTLA-4 blockade and non-lymphodepletional adoptive cell transfer could offer additive therapeutic benefit. C57BL/6 mice were inoculated with syngeneic B16F10 melanoma tumors transfected to express low levels of the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus peptide GP33 (B16GP33), and treated with no immunotherapy, CTLA-4 blockade, adoptive cell transfer, or combination immunotherapy of CTLA-4 blockade with adoptive cell transfer. Combination immunotherapy resulted in optimal control of B16GP33 melanoma tumors. Combination immunotherapy promoted a stronger local immune response reflected by enhanced tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte populations, as well as a stronger systemic immune responses reflected by more potent tumor antigen-specific T cell activity in splenocytes. In addition, whereas both CTLA-4 blockade and combination immunotherapy were able to promote long-term immunity against B16GP33 tumors, only combination immunotherapy was capable of promoting immunity against parental B16F10 tumors as well. Our findings suggest that a combinatorial approach using CTLA-4 blockade with non-lymphodepletional adoptive cell transfer may promote additive endogenous and exogenous T cell activities that enable greater therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of melanoma. PMID:25658614

Regional pest suppression associated with widespread Bt maize adoption benefits vegetable growers.

PubMed

Dively, Galen P; Venugopal, P Dilip; Bean, Dick; Whalen, Joanne; Holmstrom, Kristian; Kuhar, Thomas P; Doughty, Hélène B; Patton, Terry; Cissel, William; Hutchison, William D

2018-03-27

Transgenic crops containing the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) genes reduce pests and insecticide usage, promote biocontrol services, and economically benefit growers. Area-wide Bt adoption suppresses pests regionally, with declines expanding beyond the planted Bt crops into other non-Bt crop fields. However, the offsite benefits to growers of other crops from such regional suppression remain uncertain. With data spanning 1976-2016, we demonstrate that vegetable growers benefit via decreased crop damage and insecticide applications in relation to pest suppression in the Mid-Atlantic United States. We provide evidence for the regional suppression of Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner), European corn borer, and Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), corn earworm, populations in association with widespread Bt maize adoption (1996-2016) and decreased economic levels for injury in vegetable crops [peppers ( Capsicum annuum L.), green beans ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.), and sweet corn ( Zea mays L., convar. saccharata )] compared with the pre-Bt period (1976-1995). Moth populations of both species significantly declined in association with widespread Bt maize (field corn) adoption, even as increased temperatures buffered the population reduction. We show marked decreases in the number of recommended insecticidal applications, insecticides applied, and O. nubilalis damage in vegetable crops in association with widespread Bt maize adoption. These offsite benefits to vegetable growers in the agricultural landscape have not been previously documented, and the positive impacts identified here expand on the reported ecological effects of Bt adoption. Our results also underscore the need to account for offsite economic benefits of pest suppression, in addition to the direct economic benefits of Bt crops.

SecPop Version 4: Sector Population Land Fraction and Economic Estimation Program: Users? Guide Model Manual and Verification Report.

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

Weber, Scott; Bixler, Nathan E.; McFadden, Katherine Letizia

In 1973 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed SecPop to calculate population estimates to support a study on air quality. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) adopted this program to support siting reviews for nuclear power plant construction and license applications. Currently SecPop is used to prepare site data input files for offsite consequence calculations with the MELCOR Accident Consequence Code System (MACCS). SecPop enables the use of site-specific population, land use, and economic data for a polar grid defined by the user. Updated versions of SecPop have been released to use U.S. decennial census population data. SECPOP90 was releasedmore » in 1997 to use 1990 population and economic data. SECPOP2000 was released in 2003 to use 2000 population data and 1997 economic data. This report describes the current code version, SecPop version 4.3, which uses 2010 population data and both 2007 and 2012 economic data. It is also compatible with 2000 census and 2002 economic data. At the time of this writing, the current version of SecPop is 4.3.0, and that version is described herein. This report contains guidance for the installation and use of the code as well as a description of the theory, models, and algorithms involved. This report contains appendices which describe the development of the 2010 census file, 2007 county file, and 2012 county file. Finally, an appendix is included that describes the validation assessments performed.« less

External factors in hospital information system (HIS) adoption model: a case on Malaysia.

PubMed

Lee, Heng Wei; Ramayah, Thurasamy; Zakaria, Nasriah

2012-08-01

Studies related to healthcare ICT integration in Malaysia are relatively little, thus this paper provide a literature review of the integration of information and communication technologies (ICT) in the healthcare sector in Malaysia through the hospital information system (HIS). Our study emphasized on secondary data to investigate the factors related to ICT integration in healthcare through HIS. Therefore this paper aimed to gather an in depth understanding of issues related to HIS adoption, and contributing in fostering HIS adoption in Malaysia and other countries. This paper provides a direction for future research to study the correlation of factors affecting HIS adoption. Finally a research model is proposed using current adoption theories and external factors from human, technology, and organization perspectives.

Colombo opens door for FPA action.

PubMed

1979-01-01

In a 36-point declaration adopted unanimously by the Colombo Conference on Population and Development, the voluntary sector in population was recognized as an equal partner with governments and international agencies. The Conference also called for international assistance for population activities to be increased to an annual target of 1 billion dollars by 1984. Consequently, Family Planning Associations are being encouraged to make contact with parliamentarians who attended the Conference and to support their work in the population field. The Conference, held from August 28-September 1, 1979 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, brought together parliamentarians from both developed and developing nations. Included among the Conference's recommendations for action were the following: 1) the integration of population and development as a key issue in the International Development Strategy to be adopted for the 1980's; and 2) a United Nations World Population Conference in 1984 to review progress made over the 10 years since the Bucharest Conference and to propose further action.

Cost Evaluation of Evidence-Based Treatments

PubMed Central

Sindelar, Jody L.; Ball, Samuel A.

2010-01-01

Many treatment programs have adopted or are considering adopting evidence-based treatments (EBTs). When a program evaluates whether to adopt a new intervention, it must consider program objectives, operational goals, and costs. This article examines cost concepts, cost estimation, and use of cost information to make the final decision on whether to adopt an EBT. Cost categories, including variable and fixed, accounting and opportunity, and costs borne by patients and others, are defined and illustrated using the example of expenditures for contingency management. Ultimately, cost is one consideration in the overall determination of whether implementing an EBT is the best use of a program’s resources. PMID:22002453

An industry perspective: An update on the adoption of whole slide imaging.

PubMed

Montalto, Michael C

2016-01-01

This manuscript is an adaptation of the closing keynote presentation of the Digital Pathology Association Pathology Visions Conference 2015 in Boston, MA, USA. In this presentation, analogies are drawn between the adoption of whole slide imaging (WSI) and other mainstream digital technologies, including digital music and books. In doing so, it is revealed that the adoption of seemingly similar digital technologies does not follow the same adoption profiles and that understanding the unique aspects of value for each customer segment is critical. Finally, a call to action is given to academia and industry to study the value that WSI brings to the global healthcare community.

Final Requirements--School Improvement Grants--Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Final Rule. Federal Register, Part IV, Department of Education, 34 CFR Chapter II

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Archives and Records Administration, 2015

2015-01-01

The Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education adopts final requirements for the School Improvement Grants (SIG) program, authorized under section 1003(g) of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended (ESEA). These final requirements make changes to the current SIG program requirements and implement…

77 FR 40144 - Adoption of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Participation in the Section 106...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-07-06

...) obligations related to MTA's request for financing for the East Side Access project through the FRA Railroad... Statement (EIS) and Participation in the Section 106 Programmatic Agreement for the East Side Access Project... adoption and recirculation of the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the East Side Access Project and...

76 FR 29649 - Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Pennsylvania; Adoption of Control...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-23

... global warming, through regulations that will harm the economy of the United States,'' and asserts that EPA is attempting to take such action on the issue of global warming which Congress has ``decided that... purpose of addressing global warming. IV. Final Action EPA is approving Pennsylvania's adoption of the CTG...

75 FR 42270 - Adoption of Supplemental Standards of Ethical Conduct for Members and Employees of the Securities...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-20

... Supplemental Standards of Ethical Conduct for Members and Employees of the Securities and Exchange Commission and Revisions to the Commission's Ethics Rules; Final Rule #0;#0;Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 138... CFR Part 4401 and 17 CFR Part 200 [Release No. 34-62501] Adoption of Supplemental Standards of Ethical...

75 FR 42269 - Adoption of Supplemental Standards of Ethical Conduct for Members and Employees of the Securities...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-20

... Supplemental Standards of Ethical Conduct for Members and Employees of the Securities and Exchange Commission and Revisions to the Commission's Ethics Rules; Final Rule #0;#0;Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 138... CFR Part 4401 and 17 CFR Part 200 [Release No. 34-62501] Adoption of Supplemental Standards of Ethical...

77 FR 44158 - Fees for Services Performed in Connection With Licensing and Related Services-2012 Update

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-07-27

... AGENCY: Surface Transportation Board, DOT. ACTION: Final rules. SUMMARY: The Board adopts its 2012 user... result of no wage & salary increases given in January 2012, no change to publication costs from their... 1002.3(d). The fee changes adopted here, reflect a combination of the unchanged wage and salary costs...

76 FR 46628 - Regulations Governing Fees for Services Performed in Connection With Licensing and Related...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-03

... Services--2011 Update AGENCY: Surface Transportation Board. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: The Board adopts... decreased costs, resulting from a freeze on wage and salary increases in 2011, coupled with changes to the... adopted here reflect a combination of the unchanged wage and salary costs from the 2010 User Fee Update...

78 FR 13062 - Request for Public Comment on the Proposed Adoption of Administration for Native Americans...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-02-26

..., and rules of agency procedure or practice, and to give notice of the final adoption of such changes at... procedure or practice as they relate to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOA... statements of policy, and rules of agency organization, procedure, or practice. The proposed clarifications...

A Two Population Model for the Stock Market Problem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skiadas, Christos H.

The development of the last year disaster in the Stock Markets all over the world gave rise to reconsidering the previous models used. It is clear that, even in an organized international or national context, large fluctuations and sudden losses may occur. This paper explores a two populations' model. The populations are conflicting into the same environment (a Stock Market) by following the main rules present, that is mutual interaction between adopters, potential adopters, word-of-mouth communication and of course by taking into consideration the innovation diffusion process. The proposed model has special futures expressed by third order terms providing characteristic stationary points.

75 FR 60261 - Federal Acquisition Regulation; Award-Fee Language Revision

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-09-29

...-AL42 Federal Acquisition Regulation; Award-Fee Language Revision AGENCIES: Department of Defense (DoD...: Final rule. SUMMARY: The Civilian Agency Acquisition Council and the Defense Acquisition Regulations Council (Councils) have adopted as final, with changes, the interim rule amending the Federal Acquisition...

Federal employees health benefits acquisition regulation: Board of Contract Appeals. Final rule.

PubMed

2008-10-08

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is adopting as final,without change, the proposed rule published April 7, 2008 to remove the designation of the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals (ASBCA)from the Federal Employees Health Benefits Acquisition Regulation(FEHBAR).

77 FR 38801 - Environmental Impacts Statements; Notice of Availability

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-06-29

... Resource Management (VRM) Plan, Amendment, Class Designation, Carbon County, WY, Review Period Ends: 07/30... Final Vehicle Management Plan, Implementation, Denali National Park and Preserve, AK, Review Period Ends.... EIS No. 20120199, Final EIS, RUS, MS, ADOPTION--Kemper County Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle...

Representing the healthcare organization in a post-Sarbanes-Oxley world: new rules, new paradigms, new perils.

PubMed

Horton, William W

2004-01-01

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act (Act) significantly changed the expected corporate behavior of public companies. The Act governs the relationship between corporate organizations and their in-house or outside counsel. Under Section 307 of the Act, the Securities and Exchange Commission initially proposed expansive rules regarding counsel's duties. After comments and criticism from much of the bar, a final, narrower, version of rules under Section 307 (Final Rule) was adopted. The Final Rule contains alternative reporting procedures, attorney responsibilities, and sanctions for violations. In addition to the Act, the American Bar Association's (ABA) Task Force on Corporate Responsibility(Task Force), which was itself a reaction to Enron, reported on the importance of counsel's role in a corporate setting (Cheek Report). The ABA adopted amendments to its Model Rules of Professional Conduct (Model Rules) 1.6 and 1.13 as proposed in the Cheek Report. The Final Rule and amended Model Rules together suggest that attorneys may owe duties beyond those owed to their clients.

Analysis of antigen-specific B-cell memory directly ex vivo.

PubMed

McHeyzer-Williams, Louise J; McHeyzer-Williams, Michael G

2004-01-01

Helper T-cell-regulated B-cell memory develops in response to initial antigen priming as a cellular product of the germinal center (GC) reaction. On antigen recall, memory response precursors expand rapidly with exaggerated differentiation into plasma cells to produce the high-titer, high-affinity antibody(Ab) that typifies the memory B-cell response in vivo. We have devised a high-resolution flow cytometric strategy to quantify the emergence and maintenance of antigen-specific memory B cells directly ex vivo. Extended cell surface phenotype establishes a level of cellular diversity not previously appreciated for the memory B-cell compartment. Using an "exclusion transfer" strategy, we ascertain the capacity of two distinct memory B-cell populations to transfer antigen-specific memory into naive adoptive hosts. Finally, we sequence expressed messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) from single cells within the population to estimate the level of somatic hypermutation as the best molecular indicator of B-cell memory. In this chapter, we describe the methods used in each of these four sections that serve to provide high-resolution quantification of antigen-specific B-cell memory responses directly ex vivo.

Postplacement relationships between birth mothers and their romantic partners.

PubMed

Henney, Susan M; French, Cynthia A; Ayers-Lopez, Susan; McRoy, Ruth G; Grotevant, Harold D

2011-08-01

Using a mixed-methods approach, the understudied population of birth mothers who placed their infants for adoption 12-20 years ago was explored in the context of their romantic relationships. In a semistructured interview, 104 birth mothers answered detailed questions about their romantic relationships and adoption-related experiences. All birth mothers had disclosed the adoption placement to their romantic partners, and most had done so early because they wanted to be truthful about their past. On average, the birth mothers were satisfied with their romantic relationships and almost half did not believe that the adoption had affected it. Regarding contact in the adoption, a majority of the birth mothers' romantic partners (63.5%) were not directly involved in contact with the adoptive family or adopted youth. Implications about how adoption is perceived and processed within intimate relationships are discussed.

Simulated effects of habitat loss and fragmentation on a solitary, mustellid predator

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

Jager, Yetta; Carr, Eric A; Efroymson, Rebecca Ann

2005-01-01

Brine spills associated with petroleum extraction can reduce the amount of suitable habitat and increase habitat fragmentation for many terrestrial animals. We conducted a simulation study to quantify the effects of habitat loss and fragmentation on a solitary mammal predator. To provide focus, we adopted biological attributes of the American badger (Taxidea taxus) and environmental attributes of the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve in Oklahoma. We simulated badger activities on landscapes with different degrees of habitat loss and fragmentation using a spatially explicit and individual-based population model. Both habitat loss and fragmentation increased the incidence of habitat-related mortality and decreased the proportionmore » of eligible females that mated, which decreased final population sizes and the likelihood of persistence. Parameter exploration suggested that steep, threshold-like, responses to habitat loss occurred when animals included high-risk habitat in their territories. Badger populations showed a steeper decline with increasing habitat loss on landscapes fragmented by spills than on less fragmented landscapes. Habitat fragmentation made it difficult for badgers to form high-quality territories, and exposed individuals to higher risk while seeking to establish a territory. Our simulations also suggest that an inability to find mates (an Allee effect) becomes increasingly important for landscapes that support a sparse distribution of territories. Thus, the presence of unmated females with territories may foreshadow population decline in solitary species that do not normally tolerate marginal adults.« less

Stratification of American hearing aid users by age and audiometric characteristics: a method for representative sampling.

PubMed

Aronoff, Justin M; Yoon, Yang-soo; Soli, Sigfrid D

2010-06-01

Stratified sampling plans can increase the accuracy and facilitate the interpretation of a dataset characterizing a large population. However, such sampling plans have found minimal use in hearing aid (HA) research, in part because of a paucity of quantitative data on the characteristics of HA users. The goal of this study was to devise a quantitatively derived stratified sampling plan for HA research, so that such studies will be more representative and generalizable, and the results obtained using this method are more easily reinterpreted as the population changes. Pure-tone average (PTA) and age information were collected for 84,200 HAs acquired in 2006 and 2007. The distribution of PTA and age was quantified for each HA type and for a composite of all HA users. Based on their respective distributions, PTA and age were each divided into three groups, the combination of which defined the stratification plan. The most populous PTA and age group was also subdivided, allowing greater homogeneity within strata. Finally, the percentage of users in each stratum was calculated. This article provides a stratified sampling plan for HA research, based on a quantitative analysis of the distribution of PTA and age for HA users. Adopting such a sampling plan will make HA research results more representative and generalizable. In addition, data acquired using such plans can be reinterpreted as the HA population changes.

Perceptions of and intentions to adopt HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis among black men who have sex with men in Los Angeles.

PubMed

Brooks, Ronald A; Landovitz, Raphael J; Regan, Rotrease; Lee, Sung-Jae; Allen, Vincent C

2015-12-01

This study assessed perceptions of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and their association with PrEP adoption intention among a convenience sample of 224 low socioeconomic status black men who have sex with men (BMSM) residing in Los Angeles. Participants received educational information about PrEP and completed an in-person interview. More than half (60%) of the participants indicated a high intention to adopt PrEP. Younger BMSM (18-29 years) were twice as likely to report a high intention to adopt PrEP compared to older BMSM (30+ years). Only 33% of participants were aware of PrEP and no participant had ever used PrEP. Negative perceptions were associated with a lower PrEP adoption intention and included being uncomfortable taking an HIV medicine when HIV-negative and not knowing if there are long-term side effects of taking an HIV medication. These findings suggest that BMSM may adopt PrEP but that negative perceptions may limit its uptake among this population. In order to facilitate PrEP adoption among BMSM targeted educational and community awareness programmes are needed to provide accurate information on the benefits of PrEP and to address the negative perceptions of PrEP held by local BMSM populations. © The Author(s) 2015.

Strategic Plan for Federal Research and Monitoring of Ocean Acidification

EPA Science Inventory

On July 19, 2010, the President signed an Executive Order establishing the nation’s first comprehensive National Policy for the Stewardship of the Ocean, Our Coasts, and Great Lakes and adopted the Final Recommendations of the Ocean Policy Task Force (OPTF 2010). The Final Recom...

Cultural hitchhiking on the wave of advance of beneficial technologies.

PubMed

Ackland, Graeme J; Signitzer, Markus; Stratford, Kevin; Cohen, Morrel H

2007-05-22

The wave-of-advance model was introduced to describe the spread of advantageous genes in a population. It can be adapted to model the uptake of any advantageous technology through a population, such as the arrival of neolithic farmers in Europe, the domestication of the horse, and the development of the wheel, iron tools, political organization, or advanced weaponry. Any trait that preexists alongside the advantageous one could be carried along with it, such as genetics or language, regardless of any intrinsic superiority. Decoupling of the advantageous trait from other "hitchhiking" traits depends on its adoption by the preexisting population. Here, we adopt a similar wave-of-advance model based on food production on a heterogeneous landscape with multiple populations. Two key results arise from geographic inhomogeneity: the "subsistence boundary," land so poor that the wave of advance is halted, and the temporary "diffusion boundary" where the wave cannot move into poorer areas until its gradient becomes sufficiently large. At diffusion boundaries, farming technology may pass to indigenous people already in those poorer lands, allowing their population to grow and resist encroachment by farmers. Ultimately, this adoption of technology leads to the halt in spread of the hitchhiking trait and establishment of a permanent "cultural boundary" between distinct cultures with equivalent technology.

Cultural hitchhiking on the wave of advance of beneficial technologies

PubMed Central

Ackland, Graeme J.; Signitzer, Markus; Stratford, Kevin; Cohen, Morrel H.

2007-01-01

The wave-of-advance model was introduced to describe the spread of advantageous genes in a population. It can be adapted to model the uptake of any advantageous technology through a population, such as the arrival of neolithic farmers in Europe, the domestication of the horse, and the development of the wheel, iron tools, political organization, or advanced weaponry. Any trait that preexists alongside the advantageous one could be carried along with it, such as genetics or language, regardless of any intrinsic superiority. Decoupling of the advantageous trait from other “hitchhiking” traits depends on its adoption by the preexisting population. Here, we adopt a similar wave-of-advance model based on food production on a heterogeneous landscape with multiple populations. Two key results arise from geographic inhomogeneity: the “subsistence boundary,” land so poor that the wave of advance is halted, and the temporary “diffusion boundary” where the wave cannot move into poorer areas until its gradient becomes sufficiently large. At diffusion boundaries, farming technology may pass to indigenous people already in those poorer lands, allowing their population to grow and resist encroachment by farmers. Ultimately, this adoption of technology leads to the halt in spread of the hitchhiking trait and establishment of a permanent “cultural boundary” between distinct cultures with equivalent technology. PMID:17517663

Group Threat and Policy Change: The Spatial Dynamics of Prohibition Politics, 1890-1919.

PubMed

Andrews, Kenneth T; Seguin, Charles

2015-09-01

The authors argue that group threat is a key driver of the adoption of new and controversial policies. Conceptualizing threat in spatial terms, they argue that group threat is activated through the joint occurrence of (1) proximity to threatening groups and (2) the population density of threatened groups. By analyzing the adoption of county and state "dry laws" banning alcohol from 1890 to 1919, they first show that prohibition victories were driven by the relative strength of supportive constituencies such as native whites and rural residents, vis-à-vis opponents such as Irish, Italian, or German immigrants or Catholics. Second, they show that threat contributed to prohibition victories: counties bordering large immigrant or urban populations, which did not themselves contain similar populations, were more likely to adopt dry laws. Threat arises primarily from interactions between spatially proximate units at the local level, and therefore higher-level policy change is not reducible to the variables driving local policy.

Exceptions or alternatives to labeling requirements for products held by the Strategic National Stockpile. Final rule.

PubMed

2012-02-06

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is adopting as a final rule, without change, the interim final rule that issued regulations permitting FDA Center Directors to grant exceptions or alternatives to certain regulatory labeling requirements applicable to human drugs, biological products, or medical devices that are or will be included in the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS). FDA is taking this action to complete the rulemaking initiated with the interim final rule.

Energy conservation policy evaluation. Study module IA. Volume II. Technical appendix. Final report

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

Bergstresser, K.; Berney, R.E.; Carter, L.F.

1978-01-01

This volume contains detailed technical analyses of the 19 energy conservation measures which were discussed as regional policy options in the report proper (PB-274 337). For each measure there is a description of how the measure works to reduce consumption; an assessment of potential savings, costs, and returns to adopters; probable 'normal' adoption rates under present policies; and potential adoption rates if some additional conservation policy options are implemented. Report includes chapters on environmental residuals from energy end uses, and policy preferences of households and energy marketers.

The economics of integrated electronic medical record systems.

PubMed

Chismar, William G; Thomas, Sean M

2004-01-01

The decision to adopt electronic medical record systems in private practices is usually based on factors specific to the practice--the cost, cost and timesaving, and impact on quality of care. As evident by the low adoption rates, providers have not found these evaluations compelling. However, it is recognized that the widespread adoption of EMR systems would greatly benefit the health care system as a whole. One explanation for the lack of adoption is that there is a misalignment of the costs and benefits of EMR systems across the health care system. In this paper we present an economic model of the adoption of EMR systems that explicitly represents the distribution of costs and benefits across stakeholders (physicians, hospitals, insurers, etc.). We discuss incentive systems for balancing the costs and benefits and, thus, promoting the faster adoption of EMR systems. Finally, we describe our plan to extend the model and to use real-world data to evaluate our model.

Quality cell therapy manufacturing by design.

PubMed

Lipsitz, Yonatan Y; Timmins, Nicholas E; Zandstra, Peter W

2016-04-01

Transplantation of live cells as therapeutic agents is poised to offer new treatment options for a wide range of acute and chronic diseases. However, the biological complexity of cells has hampered the translation of laboratory-scale experiments into industrial processes for reliable, cost-effective manufacturing of cell-based therapies. We argue here that a solution to this challenge is to design cell manufacturing processes according to quality-by-design (QbD) principles. QbD integrates scientific knowledge and risk analysis into manufacturing process development and is already being adopted by the biopharmaceutical industry. Many opportunities to incorporate QbD into cell therapy manufacturing exist, although further technology development is required for full implementation. Linking measurable molecular and cellular characteristics of a cell population to final product quality through QbD is a crucial step in realizing the potential for cell therapies to transform healthcare.

Strategies to combat poverty and their interface with health promotion.

PubMed

dos Santos Oliveira, Simone Helena; Alves Monteiro, Maria Adelane; Vieira Lopes, Maria do Socorro; Silva de Brito, Daniele Mary; Vieira, Neiva Francenely Cunha; Barroso, Maria Grasiela Teixeira; Ximenes, Lorena Barbosa

2007-01-01

The population impoverishment is a social reality whose overcoming is necessary so that we can think about health as a positive concept. This study proposes a reflection on the coping strategies adopted by the Conjunto Palmeira, a Brazilian community in the Northeast, and their interface with health promotion. This community's reality is an example of overcoming social exclusion for different regions of Brazil and other countries. The history of the Conjunto and the collective strategies of empowerment for coping with poverty and search for human development are initially presented. After that, we establish the relationship of those strategies with the action fields for health promotion. Finally, we consider that the mutual responsibility of the community with its health and its relationship with the environment in which they live are means of promoting transformation towards the conquest of a worthy social space.

78 FR 36743 - Adoption of Final Environmental Assessment (UT-040-09-03) Prepared for the Upper Kanab Creek...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-06-19

... Assessment (UT-040-09-03) Prepared for the Upper Kanab Creek Watershed Vegetation Management Project AGENCY... (NRCS) announces its intent to adopt the Kanab Creek Watershed Vegetation Management Project EA, as... Management Project EA, request a copy of the EA, or submit comments on actions being taken by NRCS regarding...

78 FR 33754 - Railroad Workplace Safety; Adjacent-Track On-Track Safety for Roadway Workers

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-06-05

... Workers AGENCY: Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final... published November 30, 2011, and scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2013. The final rule mandates that roadway workers comply with specified on-track safety procedures that railroads must adopt to protect...

75 FR 47458 - TRICARE; Rare Diseases Definition

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-08-06

... TRICARE; Rare Diseases Definition AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, DoD. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: This final rule revises the definition of rare diseases to adopt the definition of a rare disease as promulgated by the National Institutes of Health, Office of Rare Diseases. The rule modification will result...

76 FR 72327 - NASA Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement; Responsibility, Suspension and Debarment

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-11-23

.... chapter 35). List of Subjects in 48 CFR Part 1809 Government procurement. Sheryl Goddard, Director... Space Administration (NASA). ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: NASA has adopted as final, without change, a... INFORMATION CONTACT: Leigh Pomponio, Procurement Analyst, at (202) 358-0592 or [email protected

76 FR 14570 - Federal Acquisition Regulation; Trade Agreements Thresholds

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-03-16

... application of the World Trade Organization Government Procurement Agreement and the Free Trade Agreements, as... Parts 22, 25, and 52 Government procurement. Dated: March 4, 2011. Millisa Gary, Acting Director, Office... (NASA). ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: DoD, GSA, and NASA have adopted as final, without change, an...

76 FR 35111 - Final Flood Elevation Determinations

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-06-16

... final for the communities listed below. The BFEs and modified BFEs are the basis for the floodplain management measures that each community is required either to adopt or to show evidence of being already in... BFEs for each community. This date may be obtained by contacting the office where the maps are...

75 FR 36395 - Guidance on Sound Incentive Compensation Policies

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-25

... response to comments. For example, the final guidance includes several provisions designed to reduce burden..., FDIC and OTS (collectively, the Agencies) are adopting final guidance designed to help ensure that... risks that are not consistent with the long-term health of the organization. For example, offering large...

76 FR 16531 - Country of Origin of Textile and Apparel Products; Correction

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-03-24

... RIN 1505-AB60) Country of Origin of Textile and Apparel Products; Correction AGENCIES: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security; Department of the Treasury. ACTION: Final rule..., a document which adopted as a final rule, with some changes, interim amendments to the CBP...

76 FR 38552 - Amendments to Regulations Regarding Major Life-Changing Events Affecting Income-Related Monthly...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-01

... to Regulations Regarding Major Life-Changing Events Affecting Income-Related Monthly Adjustment.... SUMMARY: This final rule adopts, without change, the interim final rule with request for comments we... consider major life-changing events for the Medicare Part B income- related monthly adjustment amount...

76 FR 1603 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection, Comment Request: Reporting of Pre...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-01-11

...The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (``Commission'' or ``CFTC'') is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (``PRA''), 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information and to allow 60 days for public comment. The Commission recently adopted an interim final rule, as required by the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (``Dodd-Frank Act''), requiring counterparties to a pre-enactment unexpired swap to report such swaps according to such rules as the Commission may in the future adopt. This notice solicits comments on the record retention requirement that is embedded in the interim final rule's reporting requirement, which was recognized by the Commission in an interpretive note to the final rule.

Zachary-Fort Lauderdale pipeline construction and conversion project: final supplement to final environmental impact statement. Docket No. CP74-192

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

None

This Final Supplement to the Final Environmental Impact Statement (Final Supplement) evaluates the economic, engineering, and environmental aspects of newly developed alternatives to an abandonment/conversion project proposed by Florida Gas Transmission Company (Florida Gas). It also updates the staff's previous FEIS and studies revisions to the original proposal. Wherever possible, the staff has adopted portions of its previous FEIS in lieu of reprinting portions of that analysis which require no change. 60 references, 8 figures, 35 tables.

Current good manufacturing practices, quality control procedures, quality factors, notification requirements, and records and reports, for infant formula. Final rule.

PubMed

2014-06-10

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or we) is issuing a final rule that adopts, with some modifications, the interim final rule (IFR) entitled "Current Good Manufacturing Practices, Quality Control Procedures, Quality Factors, Notification Requirements, and Records and Reports, for Infant Formula'' (February 10, 2014). This final rule affirms the IFR's changes to FDA's regulations and provides additional modifications and clarifications. The final rule also responds to certain comments submitted in response to the request for comments in the IFR.

Adoption of a High-Impact Innovation in a Homogeneous Population

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weiss, Curtis H.; Poncela-Casasnovas, Julia; Glaser, Joshua I.; Pah, Adam R.; Persell, Stephen D.; Baker, David W.; Wunderink, Richard G.; Nunes Amaral, Luís A.

2014-10-01

Adoption of innovations, whether new ideas, technologies, or products, is crucially important to knowledge societies. The landmark studies of adoption dealt with innovations having great societal impact (such as antibiotics or hybrid crops) but where determining the utility of the innovation was straightforward (such as fewer side effects or greater yield). Recent large-scale studies of adoption were conducted within heterogeneous populations and focused on products with little societal impact. Here, we focus on a case with great practical significance: adoption by small groups of highly trained individuals of innovations with large societal impact but for which it is impractical to determine the true utility of the innovation. Specifically, we study experimentally the adoption by critical care physicians of a diagnostic assay that complements current protocols for the diagnosis of life-threatening bacterial infections and for which a physician cannot estimate the true accuracy of the assay based on personal experience. We show through computational modeling of the experiment that infection-spreading models—which have been formalized as generalized contagion processes—are not consistent with the experimental data, while a model inspired by opinion models is able to reproduce the empirical data. Our modeling approach enables us to investigate the efficacy of different intervention schemes on the rate and robustness of innovation adoption in the real world. While our study is focused on critical care physicians, our findings have implications for other settings in education, research, and business, where small groups of highly qualified peers make decisions about the adoption of innovations whose utility is difficult if not impossible to gauge.

Adoption of a High-Impact Innovation in a Homogeneous Population.

PubMed

Weiss, Curtis H; Poncela-Casasnovas, Julia; Glaser, Joshua I; Pah, Adam R; Persell, Stephen D; Baker, David W; Wunderink, Richard G; Nunes Amaral, Luís A

2014-10-15

Adoption of innovations, whether new ideas, technologies, or products, is crucially important to knowledge societies. The landmark studies of adoption dealt with innovations having great societal impact (such as antibiotics or hybrid crops) but where determining the utility of the innovation was straightforward (such as fewer side effects or greater yield). Recent large-scale studies of adoption were conducted within heterogeneous populations and focused on products with little societal impact. Here, we focus on a case with great practical significance: adoption by small groups of highly trained individuals of innovations with large societal impact but for which it is impractical to determine the true utility of the innovation. Specifically, we study experimentally the adoption by critical care physicians of a diagnostic assay that complements current protocols for the diagnosis of life-threatening bacterial infections and for which a physician cannot estimate the true accuracy of the assay based on personal experience. We show through computational modeling of the experiment that infection-spreading models-which have been formalized as generalized contagion processes-are not consistent with the experimental data, while a model inspired by opinion models is able to reproduce the empirical data. Our modeling approach enables us to investigate the efficacy of different intervention schemes on the rate and robustness of innovation adoption in the real world. While our study is focused on critical care physicians, our findings have implications for other settings in education, research, and business, where small groups of highly qualified peers make decisions about the adoption of innovations whose utility is difficult if not impossible to gauge.

Diffusion into new markets: evolving customer segments in the solar photovoltaics market

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sigrin, Ben; Pless, Jacquelyn; Drury, Easan

2015-08-01

The US residential solar market is growing quickly, and as solar adoption diffuses into new populations, later adopters may differ significantly from earlier ones. Using a unique household-level survey dataset including 1234 adopters and 790 non-adopters from San Diego County, California, we explore differences in attitudinal and socio-economic factors for three groups: (i) adopters and non-adopters; (ii) early and more recent adopters; (iii) consumers adopting via buying or leasing. Our results suggest that adopters overall have higher incomes, are more educated, live in larger homes, and expect to stay in their homes for longer than their non-adopting peers. They also differ in their expectations of electricity retail rate changes and the impact solar could have on their home resale value. When examining differences between early and more recent adopters, we find that recent adopters are more representative of general homeowners and more politically moderate. They are also increasingly installing solar to protect against future electricity price increases and to lower electricity costs as opposed to adopting strictly for environmental reasons. Furthermore, more recent adopters differ significantly from earlier adopters in the situations that prompted them to adopt. The findings demonstrate how solar markets are evolving, reflecting changes in the underlying drivers of consumer adoption as well as innovative solar marketing strategies.

Adoption Does Not Increase the Risk of Mortality among Taiwanese Girls in a Longitudinal Analysis.

PubMed

Mattison, Siobhán M; Brown, Melissa J; Floyd, Bruce; Feldman, Marcus W

2015-01-01

Adopted children often experience health and well-being disadvantages compared to biological children remaining in their natal households. The degree of genetic relatedness is thought to mediate the level of parental investment in children, leading to poorer outcomes of biologically unrelated children. We explore whether mortality is related to adoption in a historical Taiwanese population where adoption rarely occurred among kin. Using Cox proportional hazards models in which adoption is included as a time-dependent covariate, we show that adoption of girls does not increase the risk of mortality, as previously suggested; in fact, it is either protective or neutral with respect to mortality. These results suggest that socio-structural variables may produce positive outcomes for adopted children, even compared to biological children who remain in the care of their parents.

Risk management. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Interim rule adopted as final with changes.

PubMed

2000-11-22

This is a final rule amending the NASA FAR Supplement (NFS) to emphasize considerations of risk management, including safety, security (including information technology security), health, export control, and damage to the environment, within the acquisition process. This final rule addresses risk management within the context of acquisition planning, selecting sources, choosing contract type, structuring award fee incentives, administering contracts, and conducting contractor surveillance.

Data breaches. Final rule.

PubMed

2008-04-11

This document adopts, without change, the interim final rule that was published in the Federal Register on June 22, 2007, addressing data breaches of sensitive personal information that is processed or maintained by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This final rule implements certain provisions of the Veterans Benefits, Health Care, and Information Technology Act of 2006. The regulations prescribe the mechanisms for taking action in response to a data breach of sensitive personal information.

Practices Caring For The Underserved Are Less Likely To Adopt Medicare's Annual Wellness Visit.

PubMed

Ganguli, Ishani; Souza, Jeffrey; McWilliams, J Michael; Mehrotra, Ateev

2018-02-01

In 2011 Medicare introduced the annual wellness visit to help address the health risks of aging adults. The visit also offers primary care practices an opportunity to generate revenue, and may allow practices in accountable care organizations to attract healthier patients while stabilizing patient-practitioner assignments. However, uptake of the visit has been uneven. Using national Medicare data for the period 2008-15, we assessed practices' ability and motivation to adopt the visit. In 2015, 51.2 percent of practices provided no annual wellness visits (nonadopters), while 23.1 percent provided visits to at least a quarter of their eligible beneficiaries (adopters). Adopters replaced problem-based visits with annual wellness visits and saw increases in primary care revenue. Compared to nonadopters, adopters had more stable patient assignment and a slightly healthier patient mix. At the same time, visit rates were lower among practices caring for underserved populations (for example, racial minorities and those dually enrolled in Medicaid), potentially worsening disparities. Policy makers should consider ways to encourage uptake of the visit or other mechanisms to promote preventive care in underserved populations and the practices that serve them.

Predictors of language service availability in U.S. hospitals

PubMed Central

Schiaffino, Melody K.; Al-Amin, Mona; Schumacher, Jessica R.

2014-01-01

Background: Hispanics comprise 17% of the total U.S. population, surpassing African-Americans as the largest minority group. Linguistically, almost 60 million people speak a language other than English. This language diversity can create barriers and additional burden and risk when seeking health services. Patients with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) for example, have been shown to experience a disproportionate risk of poor health outcomes, making the provision of Language Services (LS) in healthcare facilities critical. Research on the determinants of LS adoption has focused more on overall cultural competence and internal managerial decision-making than on measuring LS adoption as a process outcome influenced by contextual or external factors. The current investigation examines the relationship between state policy, service area factors, and hospital characteristics on hospital LS adoption. Methods: We employ a cross-sectional analysis of survey data from a national sample of hospitals in the American Hospital Association (AHA) database for 2011 (N= 4876) to analyze hospital characteristics and outcomes, augmented with additional population data from the American Community Survey (ACS) to estimate language diversity in the hospital service area. Additional data from the National Health Law Program (NHeLP) facilitated the state level Medicaid reimbursement factor. Results: Only 64% of hospitals offered LS. Hospitals that adopted LS were more likely to be not-for-profit, in areas with higher than average language diversity, larger, and urban. Hospitals in above average language diverse counties had more than 2-fold greater odds of adopting LS than less language diverse areas [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 2.26, P< 0.01]. Further, hospitals with a strategic orientation toward diversity had nearly 2-fold greater odds of adopting LS (AOR: 1.90, P< 0.001). Conclusion: Our findings support the importance of structural and contextual factors as they relate to healthcare delivery. Healthcare organizations must address the needs of the population they serve and align their efforts internally. Current financial incentives do not appear to influence adoption of LS, nor do Medicaid reimbursement funds, thus suggesting that further alignment of incentives. Organizational and system level factors have a place in disparities research and warrant further analysis; additional spatial methods could enhance our understanding of population factors critical to system-level health services research. PMID:25337600

Population pharmacokinetics of busulfan in pediatric and young adult patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplant: a model-based dosing algorithm for personalized therapy and implementation into routine clinical use.

PubMed

Long-Boyle, Janel R; Savic, Rada; Yan, Shirley; Bartelink, Imke; Musick, Lisa; French, Deborah; Law, Jason; Horn, Biljana; Cowan, Morton J; Dvorak, Christopher C

2015-04-01

Population pharmacokinetic (PK) studies of busulfan in children have shown that individualized model-based algorithms provide improved targeted busulfan therapy when compared with conventional dose guidelines. The adoption of population PK models into routine clinical practice has been hampered by the tendency of pharmacologists to develop complex models too impractical for clinicians to use. The authors aimed to develop a population PK model for busulfan in children that can reliably achieve therapeutic exposure (concentration at steady state) and implement a simple model-based tool for the initial dosing of busulfan in children undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation. Model development was conducted using retrospective data available in 90 pediatric and young adult patients who had undergone hematopoietic cell transplantation with busulfan conditioning. Busulfan drug levels and potential covariates influencing drug exposure were analyzed using the nonlinear mixed effects modeling software, NONMEM. The final population PK model was implemented into a clinician-friendly Microsoft Excel-based tool and used to recommend initial doses of busulfan in a group of 21 pediatric patients prospectively dosed based on the population PK model. Modeling of busulfan time-concentration data indicates that busulfan clearance displays nonlinearity in children, decreasing up to approximately 20% between the concentrations of 250-2000 ng/mL. Important patient-specific covariates found to significantly impact busulfan clearance were actual body weight and age. The percentage of individuals achieving a therapeutic concentration at steady state was significantly higher in subjects receiving initial doses based on the population PK model (81%) than in historical controls dosed on conventional guidelines (52%) (P = 0.02). When compared with the conventional dosing guidelines, the model-based algorithm demonstrates significant improvement for providing targeted busulfan therapy in children and young adults.

HIV/AIDS conspiracy beliefs and intention to adopt preexposure prophylaxis among black men who have sex with men in Los Angeles.

PubMed

Brooks, Ronald A; Allen, Vincent C; Regan, Rotrease; Mutchler, Matt G; Cervantes-Tadeo, Ramon; Lee, Sung-Jae

2018-03-01

In the United States, black men who have sex with men (MSM) are the group most affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an important new HIV prevention strategy that may help reduce new HIV infections among black MSM. This analysis examined the association between HIV/AIDS conspiracy beliefs and intentions to adopt PrEP among 224 black MSM. The likelihood of adopting PrEP was assessed and more than half (60%) of the study population indicated a high intention to adopt PrEP. HIV/AIDS genocidal and treatment-related conspiracies were assessed using scales previously validated with black MSM. Almost two-thirds (63%) endorsed at least one of eight HIV/AIDS conspiracy beliefs presented. In multivariable analyses, black MSM who agreed with the genocidal or treatment-related conspiracy beliefs scales had a lower intention to adopt PrEP (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.54, 0.99 and AOR = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.23, 0.55, respectively). Our findings indicate that preexisting HIV/AIDS conspiracy beliefs may deter some black MSM from adopting PrEP. We suggest strategies PrEP implementers may want to employ to address the influence that HIV/AIDS conspiracy beliefs may have on the adoption of PrEP among black MSM, a population disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS.

Comparative study of the methods used for treatment and final disposal of sewage sludge in European countries.

PubMed

Kelessidis, Alexandros; Stasinakis, Athanasios S

2012-06-01

Municipal wastewater treatment results to the production of large quantities of sewage sludge, which requires proper and environmentally accepted management before final disposal. In European Union, sludge management remains an open and challenging issue for the Member States as the relative European legislation is fragmentary and quite old, while the published data concerning sludge treatment and disposal in different European countries are often incomplete and inhomogeneous. The main objective of the current study was to outline the current situation and discuss future perspectives for sludge treatment and disposal in EU countries. According to the results, specific sludge production is differentiated significantly between European countries, ranging from 0.1 kg per population equivalent (p.e.) and year (Malta) to 30.8 kg per p.e. and year (Austria). More stringent legislations comparing to European Directive 86/278/EC have been adopted for sludge disposal in soil by several European countries, setting lower limit values for heavy metals as well as limit values for pathogens and organic micropollutants. A great variety of sludge treatment technologies are used in EU countries, while differences are observed between Member States. Anaerobic and aerobic digestion seems to be the most popular stabilization methods, applying in 24 and 20 countries, respectively. Mechanical sludge dewatering is preferred comparing to the use of drying beds, while thermal drying is mainly applied in EU-15 countries (old Member States) and especially in Germany, Italy, France and UK. Regarding sludge final disposal, sludge reuse (including direct agricultural application and composting) seems to be the predominant choice for sludge management in EU-15 (53% of produced sludge), following by incineration (21% of produced sludge). On the other hand, the most common disposal method in EU-12 countries (new Member States that joined EU after 2004) is still landfilling. Due to the obligations set by Directive 91/271/EC, a temporary increase of sludge amounts that are disposed in landfills is expected during the following years in EU-12 countries. Beside the above, sludge reuse in land and sludge incineration seem to be the main practices further adopted in EU-27 (all Member States) up to 2020. The reinforcement of these disposal practices will probably result to adoption of advanced sludge treatment technologies in order to achieve higher pathogens removal, odors control and removal of toxic compounds and ensure human health and environmental protection. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Creating grander families: older adults adopting younger kin and nonkin.

PubMed

Hinterlong, James; Ryan, Scott

2008-08-01

There is a dearth of research on older adoptive parents caring for minor children, despite a growing number of such adoptions finalized each year. This study offers a large-scale investigation of adoptive families headed by older parents. We describe these families and explore how preadoptive kinship between the adoptive parent and the child impacts adoption outcomes. We analyze data from kin (n = 98) and nonkin (n = 310) adoptive families headed by adults aged 60 years and older. We find that older kin adoptive families are smaller, report lower income, and include adoptive mothers with less formal education. Children in these families had less severe needs for special care at the time of placement. Although kin and nonkin older parents offer similar assessments of their parent-child relationships, kin adopters indicate a greater willingness to adopt the same child again and yet report less positive current family functioning. Multivariate regression analyses reveal that preadoptive kinship predicts more negative parental assessment of the adoption's impact on the family and less positive family functioning net of other parent, family, and child characteristics. Externalizing behavior by the child (e.g., delinquency or aggression) is the strongest predictor of deleterious outcomes for both groups. Kin adoption by older adults creates new families under strain but does not reduce parental commitment to the child. We conclude that older adults serve as effective adoptive parents but would benefit from preadoption and postadoption services to assist them in preparing for and positively addressing the challenging behaviors exhibited by adopted children.

Racial and Ethnic Socialization as Moderators of Racial Discrimination and School Adjustment of Adopted and Non-adopted Korean American Adolescents

PubMed Central

Seol, Kyoung Ok; Yoo, Hyung Chol; Lee, Richard M.; Park, Ji Eun; Kyeong, Yena

2015-01-01

This study investigated roles of racial and ethnic socialization in the link between racial discrimination and school adjustment among a sample of 233 adopted Korean American adolescents from White adoptive families and 155 non-adopted Korean American adolescents from immigrant Korean families. Adopted Korean American adolescents reported lower levels of racial discrimination, racial socialization, and ethnic socialization than non-adopted Korean American adolescents. However, racial discrimination was negatively related to school belonging and school engagement, and ethnic socialization was positively related to school engagement for both groups. Racial socialization also had a curvilinear relationship with school engagement for both groups. Moderate level of racial socialization predicted positive school engagement, whereas low and high levels of racial socialization predicted negative school engagement. Finally, ethnic socialization moderated the link between racial discrimination and school belonging, which differed between groups. In particular, ethnic socialization exacerbated the relations between racial discrimination and school belonging for adopted Korean American adolescents, whereas, ethnic socialization buffered this link for non-adopted Korean American adolescents. Findings illustrate the complex relationship between racial and ethnic socialization, racial discrimination, and school adjustment. PMID:26479418

Environmental issues in operations management

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muthulingam, Suresh

Adoption of sustainable operating practices is becoming an increasingly important issue for many organizations in the world today. In this dissertation, I use empirical methods to investigate factors that influence the adoption of sustainable practices and also identify issues that may hinder the adoption of such practices. I explore these issues in two diverse settings. In Chapter 1, I investigate the adoption and non-adoption of energy efficiency initiatives using a database of over 100,000 recommendations provided to more than 13,000 small and medium sized manufacturing firms. Even though the average payback across all recommendations is just over one year, many of these profitable opportunities are not implemented. Using a probit instrumental variable model, I identify four biases in the adoption of these recommendations. First, managers are myopic as they miss out on many profitable opportunities. Second, managers are more influenced by upfront costs than by net benefits when evaluating such initiatives. Third, adoption of a recommendation depends not only on its characteristics but also on the sequence in which the recommendations are presented. Adoption rates are higher for initiatives appearing early in a list of recommendations. Finally, adoption is not influenced by the number of options provided to decision makers. This contributes to the debate about whether or not choice overload occurs. We highlight decision biases previously unobserved in the Operations Management literature using field data rather than experimental data. We draw implications for enhancing adoption of energy efficiency initiatives and for other decision contexts where a collection of process improvement recommendations are made to firms. In Chapter 2, I examine the depth of adoption of the voluntary LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards for green buildings. Depth of adoption refers to the extent to which the buildings adopt practices related to the standard. The LEED standard is based on a point system where buildings are awarded different certification levels based on the number of points they achieve. We use a database of 721 buildings certified to the LEED standard to investigate four issues related to the depth of adoption. First, I find that depth of adoption is influenced by the various certification levels (certified, silver, gold, platinum) incorporated into the LEED standards. In the distribution of points achieved by buildings, this results in large "spikes" at the cutoffs for the various certification levels. Second, we find that the depth of adoption of the LEED standard increases over time as the standard becomes more widely accepted. Third, we find that among organizations that adopt the LEED standard, nonprofit organizations adopt it more deeply than other types of organizations. Finally, we find that deeper adoption is associated with longer project completion times, consistent with the greater complexity involved. Our study contributes to the literature by highlighting that the structure of a standard can influence depth of adoption, that depth of adoption can evolve over time, and that depth of adoption is influenced by organization type. We draw implications for the design and future development of similar voluntary standards.

Impact of long term care and mortality risk in community care and nursing homes populations.

PubMed

Lopes, Hugo; Mateus, Céu; Rosati, Nicoletta

To identify the survival time, the mortality risk factors and the individuals' characteristics associated with cognitive and physical status at discharge, among the Portuguese long-term care (LTC) populations. Home-and-Community-Based Services (HCBS) and three types of Nursing Homes (NH). 20,984 individuals admitted and discharged in 2015. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and the Cox Proportional Hazards Models were used to study the mortality risk; the Wilcoxon signed-rank test to identify the number of individuals with cognitive and physical changes between admission and discharge; two cumulative odds ordinal logistic regressions to predict the cognitive and physical dependence levels at discharge RESULTS: The mortality rate at HCBS was 30%, and 17% at the NH, with a median survival time of 173 and 200 days, respectively. The main factors associated with higher mortality were older age, male gender, family/neighbour support, neoplasms and cognitive/physical dependence at admission. In NH/HCBS, 26%/18% of individuals improve their cognitive status, while in physical status the proportion was 38%/27%, respectively. Finally, older age, being illiterate and being classified at the lowest cognitive and physical status at admission decrease the likelihood of achieving a higher level of cognitive and physical independence at discharge. The adoption of a robust and complete assessment tool, the definition of guidelines to enable a periodical assessment of individuals' autonomy and the adoption of benchmark metrics allowing the comparison of results between similar units are some of the main goals to be taken into account for future developments of this care in Portugal. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

78 FR 46781 - Federal Acquisition Regulation; Definition of Contingency Operation

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-08-01

... in 48 CFR Part 2 Government procurement. Dated: July 26, 2013. William Clark, Acting Director, Office...: Final rule. SUMMARY: DoD, GSA, and NASA have adopted as final, without change, an interim rule amending... address the statutory change to the definition made by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal...

Lifelong Learning NCES Task Force: Final Report, Volume II. Working Paper Series.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Center for Education Statistics (ED), Washington, DC.

This document contains the eight appendixes from the National Center for Education Statistics's (NCES's) final report on lifelong learning in the United States. Appendix A discusses the considerations that entered into the formulation of the definition of lifelong learning adopted for the NCES study. Appendix B, "Literature Review on Lifelong…

75 FR 12514 - Stainless Steel Bar From Brazil: Preliminary Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-16

... Brazil: Preliminary Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review AGENCY: Import Administration... results are adopted in our final results of administrative review, we will instruct U.S. Customs and... invited to comment on these preliminary results of review. We intend to issue the final results of review...

78 FR 24669 - Reorganization of Regulations on the Adjudication of Department of Homeland Security Practitioner...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-04-26

... DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Executive Office for Immigration Review 8 CFR Parts 1003 and 1292 [EOIR... Immigration Review, Department of Justice. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: This final rule adopts without change... interim rule amended regulations of the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) at the Department...

The role of siblings in adoption outcomes and experiences from adolescence to emerging adulthood.

PubMed

Farr, Rachel H; Flood, Margaux E; Grotevant, Harold D

2016-04-01

In many families, siblings play important roles in shaping each other's outcomes and experiences across development. In adoptive families, siblings may affect adoptees' feelings about adoption and birth family contact. Among "target adoptees" (i.e., 1 participating adopted individual within adoptive families) with siblings who may have also been adopted or the biological children of the adoptive parents, we examined how adoption experiences and individual adjustment from adolescence into emerging adulthood were associated with sibling relationship dynamics. We present 3 studies using longitudinal, mixed method data within the same overarching sample of adoptive families. Study 1 was a follow-up to Berge et al.'s (2006) study of adolescent adoptees and their adopted siblings with birth family contact; we found evidence of changes in the status of contact collectively experienced by 26 adopted sibling pairs when target adoptees were emerging adults. In Study 2, we found that target adoptees (n = 91) with siblings (adopted or not) who were more involved with target adoptees' birth family contact demonstrated more favorable behavioral outcomes than target adoptees who had uninvolved siblings. Finally in Study 3, for target adoptees with siblings who were also adopted (n = 51), results showed that target adoptees felt more positively about their own adoption when siblings expressed similar positive feelings about individual adoption experiences. Implications of our findings are discussed in terms of the enduring contributions of sibling relationships from childhood into adulthood and the unique ways in which adoptive siblings are important in shaping one another's experiences of adoption. (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

The Role of Siblings in Adoption Outcomes and Experiences from Adolescence to Emerging Adulthood

PubMed Central

Farr, Rachel H.; Flood, Margaux E.; Grotevant, Harold D.

2015-01-01

In many families, siblings play important roles in shaping each other’s outcomes and experiences across development. In adoptive families, siblings may affect adoptees’ feelings about adoption and birth family contact. Among “target adoptees” (i.e., one participating adopted individual within adoptive families) with siblings who may have also been adopted or the biological children of the adoptive parents, we examined how adoption experiences and individual adjustment from adolescence into emerging adulthood were associated with sibling relationship dynamics. We present three studies using longitudinal, mixed method data within the same overarching sample of adoptive families. Study 1 was a follow-up to Berge et al.’s (2006) study of adolescent adoptees and their adopted siblings with birth family contact; we found evidence of changes in the status of contact collectively experienced by 26 adopted sibling pairs when target adoptees were emerging adults. In Study 2, we found that target adoptees (n = 91) with siblings (adopted or not) who were more involved with target adoptees’ birth family contact demonstrated more favorable behavioral outcomes than target adoptees who had uninvolved siblings. Finally in Study 3, for target adoptees with siblings who were also adopted (n = 51), results showed that target adoptees felt more positively about their own adoption when siblings expressed similar positive feelings about individual adoption experiences. Implications of our findings are discussed in terms of the enduring contributions of sibling relationships from childhood into adulthood, and the unique ways in which adoptive siblings are important in shaping one another’s experiences of adoption. PMID:26651349

Population remains top priority for China.

PubMed

Li, H

1998-04-01

China, whose population was 430 million in 1840, is facing a population total of 1.3 billion in 2000. Population increased rapidly in the country during the 1950s, but early efforts at population control were abandoned from the start of the Cultural Revolution in 1966 until the 1970s. Today, the importance of family planning (FP) is recognized throughout Chinese society. With 20 million newborns adding 13 million people to the population each year, controlling the population increase will remain a top priority of China's population policy. Other priorities include 1) increasing the quality of life of the population by improving health, promoting literacy, and developing human resources; 2) facing the impact of population aging; 3) struggling to overcome the poverty experienced by 50 million people; and 4) dealing with the imbalanced sex ratio of newborns. China has been attempting to institute strategies to implement the Program of Action adopted by the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development and is attempting to adopt an integrated approach to population programs that combines FP with development measures and the delivery of multiple services to enhance reproductive health. Since 1984, China has worked with Japan's JOICFP on an Integrated Project that offers FP, maternal and child health services, and parasite control.

Diffusion into new markets: Evolving customer segments in the solar photovoltaics market

DOE PAGES

Sigrin, Ben; Pless, Jacquelyn; Drury, Easan

2015-08-03

The US residential solar market is growing quickly, and as solar adoption diffuses into new populations, later adopters may differ significantly from earlier ones. Using a unique household-level survey dataset including 1234 adopters and 790 non-adopters from San Diego County, California, we explore differences in attitudinal and socio-economic factors for three groups: (i) adopters and non-adopters; (ii) early and more recent adopters; (iii) consumers adopting via buying or leasing. Our results suggest that adopters overall have higher incomes, are more educated, live in larger homes, and expect to stay in their homes for longer than their non-adopting peers. They alsomore » differ in their expectations of electricity retail rate changes and the impact solar could have on their home resale value. When examining differences between early and more recent adopters, we find that recent adopters are more representative of general homeowners and more politically moderate. They are also increasingly installing solar to protect against future electricity price increases and to lower electricity costs as opposed to adopting strictly for environmental reasons. Furthermore, more recent adopters differ significantly from earlier adopters in the situations that prompted them to adopt. Lastly, the findings demonstrate how solar markets are evolving, reflecting changes in the underlying drivers of consumer adoption as well as innovative solar marketing strategies.« less

Diffusion into new markets: Evolving customer segments in the solar photovoltaics market

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

Sigrin, Ben; Pless, Jacquelyn; Drury, Easan

The US residential solar market is growing quickly, and as solar adoption diffuses into new populations, later adopters may differ significantly from earlier ones. Using a unique household-level survey dataset including 1234 adopters and 790 non-adopters from San Diego County, California, we explore differences in attitudinal and socio-economic factors for three groups: (i) adopters and non-adopters; (ii) early and more recent adopters; (iii) consumers adopting via buying or leasing. Our results suggest that adopters overall have higher incomes, are more educated, live in larger homes, and expect to stay in their homes for longer than their non-adopting peers. They alsomore » differ in their expectations of electricity retail rate changes and the impact solar could have on their home resale value. When examining differences between early and more recent adopters, we find that recent adopters are more representative of general homeowners and more politically moderate. They are also increasingly installing solar to protect against future electricity price increases and to lower electricity costs as opposed to adopting strictly for environmental reasons. Furthermore, more recent adopters differ significantly from earlier adopters in the situations that prompted them to adopt. Lastly, the findings demonstrate how solar markets are evolving, reflecting changes in the underlying drivers of consumer adoption as well as innovative solar marketing strategies.« less

Population policies in Southeast Asia and Australia: the international relevance of domestic affairs.

PubMed

Jones, G W

1984-01-01

There are 2 underlying themes to this paper: national perceptions of population circumstances at home and abroad are the crucial determinants of population policies adopted, and the differences in perceptions help explain why national reactions differ to circumtances which appear similar; and population policy, though an internal matter, has international repercussions and thus can become a sensitive issue in international relations. Until recently, ASEAN countries were united with Vietnam on at least 1 issue: attitudes toward the growth and changing distribution of their populations. The objectives were slower growth through lowered fertility, resistance to immigration from abroad except in very special circumstances, resettlement of population to undeveloped areas with potential for agriculture, and slowing the growth of big cities. The Australian situation differed. As a high income nation populated primarily through immigration and set in a region of far more populous and densely settled nations, Australia's policy favored population growth and used an immigration program as a way to realize this end. Yet, even so, population growth in most postwar years was slower than that of all Southeast Asian nations. And, although immigration was encouraged, the resistance to immigration that characterized Southeast Asian countries was shared by Australia with respect to all but North Western Europeans, an "acceptable" category progressively widened by dint of curcumstances to include Eastern Europeans, then Southern Europeans, then certain Middle Eastern peoples, and finally Asians and Latin Americans. Australia shared with Southeast Asian nations the concern with big-city growth and like the Southeast Asian nations searched for appropriate policies to contain this growth and promote that of smaller cities and towns. This search stopped in the 1970s when the report of the National Population showed that accepted projections of the populations of Sydney and Melbourne had been unrealisticably high. Until 1983 Southeast Asia presented a fairly united front on population policy matters. The momentous break occurred when the Malaysian Prime Minister announced to his current 15 million people a target of 70 million for Malaysia's population and followed this up with pronatalist policies in support of this goal. The key point in the context of this paper, is to emphasize that perceptions of national self-interest have led to the adoption of widely divergent policies in neighboring Malaysia and Singapore. Singapore is offering strong financial incentives for its socioeconomically disadvantaged groups to have fewer children. Malaysia's incentives to have more people will have most impact on the disadvantaged groups. There is little difference between Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam on fertility goals, and their perceptions of the problem appear similar. Malaysian population and ethnic policies have had a number of direct effects on Australia. It was ethnic politics that determined Malaysia's hard line attitude toward Vietnamese refugees. Australia's acceptance of large numbers of Vietnamese refugees probably resulted as much from the strong pressure applied by ASEAN nations to do so as from humanitarian grounds. Another aspect of Malaysian ethnic politics which has had direct repercussions on Australia is the discrimination against non-Malay students for places in Malaysian universities.

Policies and practices related to information system adoption in hospitals owned by Ministries of Health in the Arab Gulf.

PubMed

Nabali, H M

1992-07-01

This is a discussion paper based on the findings from a study of the factors affecting the adoption of computer-based hospital information systems (CBHIS) in the Arabian Gulf. The study involved on-site visits to hospitals in Bahrain, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates as well as visits to ministries of health in these countries. The focus of this paper is on the adoption of CBHIS by ministry of health (MOH) hospitals, in specific, because of the main role that ministries of health play as providers of health care in the Region. Prior to describing CBHIS adoption practices, an overview of the Region in terms of its economic development and its health care delivery systems is presented. Next, the research setting along with the major findings are briefly described followed by a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of centralized CBHIS adoptions. Finally, management guidelines related to the adoption of CBHIS by multi-hospital institutions are proposed.

Physical activity in an indigenous Ecuadorian forager-horticulturalist population as measured using accelerometry.

PubMed

Madimenos, Felicia C; Snodgrass, J Josh; Blackwell, Aaron D; Liebert, Melissa A; Sugiyama, Lawrence S

2011-01-01

Minimal information on physical activity is available for non-Western populations undergoing the transition to a market economy. This is unfortunate given the importance of these data for understanding health issues such as the global obesity epidemic. We consider the utility of using accelerometry technology to examine activity patterns and energy use regulation among indigenous Shuar, an Ecuadorian forager-horticulturalist population undergoing economic and lifestyle change. We investigate sex differences in Shuar activity patterns and the effects of reproductive status on activity. Finally, we discuss the potential of accelerometry use in human biology research. Physical activity levels were measured using Actical accelerometers in 49 indigenous Shuar adults (23 males, 26 females) from a rural Ecuadorian community. Female participants were in various reproductive states including pregnant, lactating, and nonpregnant/nonlactating. Activity counts (AC), activity energy expenditure (AEE), and physical activity levels (PAL) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in males than females. Significant differences in energy expenditure were found among pregnant or lactating females and males with pregnant or lactating partners (P < 0.001). Males with pregnant or lactating partners also had significantly higher activity levels than did other men (P < 0.01). Shuar activity levels are relatively low compared to other non-Western populations. Despite increasing market integration, pregnant and lactating females seem to be adopting a strategy noted in other subsistence populations where male participation in subsistence activities increases to compensate for their partners' elevated reproductive costs. Despite certain limitations, use of accelerometry in human biology research shows promise. Copyright © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Communications in public health emergency preparedness: a systematic review of the literature.

PubMed

Savoia, Elena; Lin, Leesa; Viswanath, Kasisomayajula

2013-09-01

During a public health crisis, public health agencies engage in a variety of public communication efforts to inform the population, encourage the adoption of preventive behaviors, and limit the impact of adverse events. Given the importance of communication to the public in public health emergency preparedness, it is critical to examine the extent to which this field of study has received attention from the scientific community. We conducted a systematic literature review to describe current research in the area of communication to the public in public health emergency preparedness, focusing on the association between sociodemographic and behavioral factors and communication as well as preparedness outcomes. Articles were searched in PubMed and Embase and reviewed by 2 independent reviewers. A total of 131 articles were included for final review. Fifty-three percent of the articles were empirical, of which 74% were population-based studies, and 26% used information environment analysis techniques. None had an experimental study design. Population-based studies were rarely supported by theoretical models and mostly relied on a cross-sectional study design. Consistent results were reported on the association between population socioeconomic factors and public health emergency preparedness communication and preparedness outcomes. Our findings show the need for empirical research to determine what type of communication messages can be effective in achieving preparedness outcomes across various population groups. They suggest that a real-time analysis of the information environment is valuable in knowing what is being communicated to the public and could be used for course correction of public health messages during a crisis.

Experimentally induced innovations lead to persistent culture via conformity in wild birds

PubMed Central

Aplin, L.M.; Farine, D.R.; Morand-Ferron, J.; Cockburn, A.; Thornton, A.; Sheldon, B.C.

2014-01-01

In human societies, cultural norms arise when behaviours are transmitted with high-fidelity social learning through social networks1. However a paucity of experimental studies has meant that there is no comparable understanding of the process by which socially transmitted behaviours may spread and persist in animal populations2,3. Here, we introduce alternative novel foraging techniques into replicated wild sub-populations of great tits (Parus major), and employ automated tracking to map the diffusion, establishment and long-term persistence of seeded behaviours. We further use social network analysis to examine social factors influencing diffusion dynamics. From just two trained birds in each sub-population, information spread rapidly through social network ties to reach an average of 75% of individuals, with 508 knowledgeable individuals performing 58,975 solutions. Sub-populations were heavily biased towards the technique originally introduced, resulting in established local arbitrary traditions that were stable over two generations, despite high population turnover. Finally, we demonstrate a strong effect of social conformity, with individuals disproportionately adopting the most frequent local variant when first learning, but then also continuing to favour social over personal information by matching their technique to the majority variant. Cultural conformity is thought to be a key factor in the evolution of complex culture in humans4-7. In providing the first experimental demonstration of conformity in a wild non-primate, and of cultural norms in foraging techniques in any wild animal, our results suggest a much wider evolutionary occurrence of such apparently complex cultural behaviour. PMID:25470065

Communications in Public Health Emergency Preparedness: A Systematic Review of the Literature

PubMed Central

Savoia, Elena; Viswanath, Kasisomayajula

2013-01-01

During a public health crisis, public health agencies engage in a variety of public communication efforts to inform the population, encourage the adoption of preventive behaviors, and limit the impact of adverse events. Given the importance of communication to the public in public health emergency preparedness, it is critical to examine the extent to which this field of study has received attention from the scientific community. We conducted a systematic literature review to describe current research in the area of communication to the public in public health emergency preparedness, focusing on the association between sociodemographic and behavioral factors and communication as well as preparedness outcomes. Articles were searched in PubMed and Embase and reviewed by 2 independent reviewers. A total of 131 articles were included for final review. Fifty-three percent of the articles were empirical, of which 74% were population-based studies, and 26% used information environment analysis techniques. None had an experimental study design. Population-based studies were rarely supported by theoretical models and mostly relied on a cross-sectional study design. Consistent results were reported on the association between population socioeconomic factors and public health emergency preparedness communication and preparedness outcomes. Our findings show the need for empirical research to determine what type of communication messages can be effective in achieving preparedness outcomes across various population groups. They suggest that a real-time analysis of the information environment is valuable in knowing what is being communicated to the public and could be used for course correction of public health messages during a crisis. PMID:24041193

Physical activity in an indigenous Ecuadorian forager-horticulturalist population as measured using accelerometry

PubMed Central

Madimenos, Felicia C.; Snodgrass, J. Josh; Blackwell, Aaron D.; Liebert, Melissa A.; Sugiyama, Lawrence S.

2011-01-01

Objective Minimal information on physical activity is available for non-Western populations undergoing the transition to a market economy. This is unfortunate given the importance of these data for understanding health issues such as the global obesity epidemic. We consider the utility of using accelerometry technology to examine activity patterns and energy use regulation among indigenous Shuar, an Ecuadorian forager-horticulturalist population undergoing economic and lifestyle change. We investigate sex differences in Shuar activity patterns and the effects of reproductive status on activity. Finally, we discuss the potential of accelerometry use in human biology research. Methods Physical activity levels were measured using Actical accelerometers in 49 indigenous Shuar adults (23 males, 26 females) from a rural Ecuadorian community. Female participants were in various reproductive states including pregnant, lactating, and non-pregnant/non-lactating. Results Activity counts (AC), activity energy expenditure (AEE), and physical activity levels (PAL) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in males than females. Significant differences in energy expenditure were found among pregnant or lactating females and males with pregnant or lactating partners (P < 0.001). Males with pregnant or lactating partners also had significantly higher activity levels than did other men (P < 0.01). Conclusions Shuar activity levels are relatively low compared to other non-Western populations. Despite increasing market integration, pregnant and lactating females seem to be adopting a strategy noted in other subsistence populations where male participation in subsistence activities increases to compensate for their partners’ elevated reproductive costs. Despite certain limitations, use of accelerometry in human biology research shows promise. PMID:21538650

Methods for Evaluating the Content, Usability, and Efficacy of Commercial Mobile Health Apps

PubMed Central

Silfee, Valerie J; Waring, Molly E; Boudreaux, Edwin D; Sadasivam, Rajani S; Mullen, Sean P; Carey, Jennifer L; Hayes, Rashelle B; Ding, Eric Y; Bennett, Gary G; Pagoto, Sherry L

2017-01-01

Commercial mobile apps for health behavior change are flourishing in the marketplace, but little evidence exists to support their use. This paper summarizes methods for evaluating the content, usability, and efficacy of commercially available health apps. Content analyses can be used to compare app features with clinical guidelines, evidence-based protocols, and behavior change techniques. Usability testing can establish how well an app functions and serves its intended purpose for a target population. Observational studies can explore the association between use and clinical and behavioral outcomes. Finally, efficacy testing can establish whether a commercial app impacts an outcome of interest via a variety of study designs, including randomized trials, multiphase optimization studies, and N-of-1 studies. Evidence in all these forms would increase adoption of commercial apps in clinical practice, inform the development of the next generation of apps, and ultimately increase the impact of commercial apps. PMID:29254914

Combined production of fucoxanthin and EPA from two diatom strains Phaeodactylum tricornutum and Cylindrotheca fusiformis cultures.

PubMed

Wang, Hui; Zhang, Yan; Chen, Lin; Cheng, Wentao; Liu, Tianzhong

2018-04-04

Fucoxanthin and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) provide significant health benefits for human population. Diatom is a potential natural livestock for the combined production of EPA and fucoxanthin. In this study, first, the effects of three important parameters including light intensity, nitrogen concentration and salinity were evaluated for the production of EPA and fucoxanthin in two diatom strains Phaeodactylum tricornutum and Cylindrotheca fusiformis. And then, two steps method based on light intensity were applied to produce EPA and fucoxanthin in large scale. Higher light intensity was first adopted for the high growth rate and lipid content of diatom, and after a period of time, light intensity was lowered to enhance the accumulation of fucoxanthin and EPA. In final, the highest EPA yields were 62.55 and 27.32 mg L -1 for P. tricornutum and C. fusiformis, and the fucoxanthin yield reached 8.32 and 6.05 mg L -1 , respectively.

Organizing vertical layout environments: a forward-looking development strategy for high-rise building projects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Magay, A. A.; Bulgakova, E. A.; Zabelina, S. A.

2018-03-01

The article highlights issues surrounding development of high rise buildings. With the rapid increase of the global population there has been a trend for people to migrate into megacities and has caused the expansion of big city territories. This trend, coupled with the desire for a comfortable living environment, has resulted in numerous problems plaguing the megacity. This article proposes that a viable solution to the problems facing megacities is to create vertical layout environments. Potential options for creating vertical layout environments are set out below including the construction of buildings with atriums. Further, the article puts forth suggested spatial organization of the environment as well as optimal landscaping of high-rise buildings and constructions for the creation of vertical layout environments. Finally, the persuasive reasons for the adoption of vertical layout environments is that it will decrease the amount of developed urban areas, decrease traffic and increase environmental sustainability.

A Multidimensional View of Personal Health Systems for Underserved Populations

PubMed Central

Botts, Nathan E; Burkhard, Richard J

2010-01-01

The advent of electronic personal health records (PHR) provides a major opportunity to encourage positive health management practices, such as chronic disease management. Yet, to date there has been little attention toward the use of PHRs where advanced health information services are perhaps most needed, namely, in underserved communities. Drawing upon research conducted with safety net providers and patients, the authors propose a multi-level analytical framework for guiding actions aimed at fostering PHR adoption and utilization. The authors first outline distinctive user and technical requirements that need to be considered. Next, they assess organizational requirements necessary to implement PHRs within health systems bound by limited resources. Finally, the authors analyze the overriding health care policy context that can facilitate or thwart such efforts. The conclusion notes that heightened national attention toward health information technology and reform provides a significant opportunity for initiatives whose goal is to increase widepread access to PHRs. PMID:20685644

A call for a new approach towards midwifery practice.

PubMed

1993-01-01

According to the President of the Ghana Registered Midwives Association, a bold new approach is needed if the goal of Safe Birth for All by the Year 2000 is to be achieved. Lovia Owusu-Asiedu urged midwives to adopt a community-based, prevention-oriented approach to their work. Of utmost importance is health education aimed at modifying traditional norms (e.g., mistrust of contraception) that mitigate against women's health. As educators, midwives must transfer to the general population their knowledge about pregnancy, the causes of maternal and infant mortality, breastfeeding, and family planning. This can be accomplished, in part, through workshops on health and development. Midwives and the traditional birth attendants under their supervision need to increase their collaboration with other health professionals. Finally, Mrs. Owusu-Asiedu urged midwives to broaden their role definition to include the struggle against the high rate of female illiteracy, the subservient role of women, and early age at marriage and first birth.

Current healthcare in Bulgaria: time for predictive diagnostics and preventive medicine.

PubMed

Dimitrov, Dimiter V

2010-12-01

Since 1990 Bulgaria gradually moved from monopolistic to market regulated economy and healthcare. In 2007 the country became member of the European Union and started to adopt EU legislations. However, significant gaps between the average European and Bulgarian level of social, health and economic efficiency remain to be narrowed. The major challenge is the demographic situation, where recent trends give alarming signals. Plans for reformation include transition towards out-patient palliative healthcare centers for the aging population as well as reduction of the costs with new electronic system of health insurance. The favorable location of the country at the Black Sea coast gives opportunities for medical tourism, which can provide quality health service for foreign customers. Finally, national platforms on prevention of major non-communicable diseases, such as obesity, cancer and diabetes, must be established as coordinated actions for the health and wellness of next generations.

Synchronization scenarios in the Winfree model of coupled oscillators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gallego, Rafael; Montbrió, Ernest; Pazó, Diego

2017-10-01

Fifty years ago Arthur Winfree proposed a deeply influential mean-field model for the collective synchronization of large populations of phase oscillators. Here we provide a detailed analysis of the model for some special, analytically tractable cases. Adopting the thermodynamic limit, we derive an ordinary differential equation that exactly describes the temporal evolution of the macroscopic variables in the Ott-Antonsen invariant manifold. The low-dimensional model is then thoroughly investigated for a variety of pulse types and sinusoidal phase response curves (PRCs). Two structurally different synchronization scenarios are found, which are linked via the mutation of a Bogdanov-Takens point. From our results, we infer a general rule of thumb relating pulse shape and PRC offset with each scenario. Finally, we compare the exact synchronization threshold with the prediction of the averaging approximation given by the Kuramoto-Sakaguchi model. At the leading order, the discrepancy appears to behave as an odd function of the PRC offset.

Local and global epidemic outbreaks in populations moving in inhomogeneous environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buscarino, Arturo; Fortuna, Luigi; Frasca, Mattia; Rizzo, Alessandro

2014-10-01

We study disease spreading in a system of agents moving in a space where the force of infection is not homogeneous. Agents are random walkers that additionally execute long-distance jumps, and the plane in which they move is divided into two regions where the force of infection takes different values. We show the onset of a local epidemic threshold and a global one and explain them in terms of mean-field approximations. We also elucidate the critical role of the agent velocity, jump probability, and density parameters in achieving the conditions for local and global outbreaks. Finally, we show that the results are independent of the specific microscopic rules adopted for agent motion, since a similar behavior is also observed for the distribution of agent velocity based on a truncated power law, which is a model often used to fit real data on motion patterns of animals and humans.

Equilibrium geometries, electronic and magnetic properties of small AunNi- (n = 1-9) clusters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Cui-Ming; Chen, Xiao-Xu; Yang, Xiang-Dong

2014-05-01

Geometrical, electronic and magnetic properties of small AunNi- (n = 1-9) clusters have been investigated based on density functional theory (DFT) at PW91P86 level. An extensive structural search shows that the relative stable structures of AunNi- (n = 1-9) clusters adopt 2D structure for n = 1-5, 7 and 3D structure for n = 6, 8-9. And the substitution of a Ni atom for an Au atom in the Au-n+1 cluster obviously changes the structure of the host cluster. Moreover, an odd-even alternation phenomenon has been found for HOMO-LUMO energy gaps, indicating that the relative stable structures of the AunNi- clusters with odd-numbered gold atoms have a higher relative stability. Finally, the natural population analysis (NPA) and the vertical detachment energies (VDE) are studied, respectively. The theoretical values of VDE are reported for the first time to our best knowledge.

The impact of randomness on the distribution of wealth: Some economic aspects of the Wright-Fisher diffusion process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bouleau, Nicolas; Chorro, Christophe

2017-08-01

In this paper we consider some elementary and fair zero-sum games of chance in order to study the impact of random effects on the wealth distribution of N interacting players. Even if an exhaustive analytical study of such games between many players may be tricky, numerical experiments highlight interesting asymptotic properties. In particular, we emphasize that randomness plays a key role in concentrating wealth in the extreme, in the hands of a single player. From a mathematical perspective, we interestingly adopt some diffusion limits for small and high-frequency transactions which are otherwise extensively used in population genetics. Finally, the impact of small tax rates on the preceding dynamics is discussed for several regulation mechanisms. We show that taxation of income is not sufficient to overcome this extreme concentration process in contrast to the uniform taxation of capital which stabilizes the economy and prevents agents from being ruined.

Comparative adoption of cone beam computed tomography and panoramic radiography machines across Australia.

PubMed

Zhang, A; Critchley, S; Monsour, P A

2016-12-01

The aim of the present study was to assess the current adoption of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and panoramic radiography (PR) machines across Australia. Information regarding registered CBCT and PR machines was obtained from radiation regulators across Australia. The number of X-ray machines was correlated with the population size, the number of dentists, and the gross state product (GSP) per capita, to determine the best fitting regression model(s). In 2014, there were 232 CBCT and 1681 PR machines registered in Australia. Based on absolute counts, Queensland had the largest number of CBCT and PR machines whereas the Northern Territory had the smallest number. However, when based on accessibility in terms of the population size and the number of dentists, the Australian Capital Territory had the most CBCT machines and Western Australia had the most PR machines. The number of X-ray machines correlated strongly with both the population size and the number of dentists, but not with the GSP per capita. In 2014, the ratio of PR to CBCT machines was approximately 7:1. Projected increases in either the population size or the number of dentists could positively impact on the adoption of PR and CBCT machines in Australia. © 2016 Australian Dental Association.

Final Report: Towards an Emergent Model of Technology Adoption for Accelerating the Diffusion of Residential Solar PV

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

Rai, Varun

This project sought to enable electric utilities in Texas to accelerate diffusion of residential solar photovoltaic (PV) by systematically identifying and targeting existing barriers to PV adoption. A core goal of the project was to develop an integrated research framework that combines survey research, econometric modeling, financial modeling, and implementation and evaluation of pilot projects to study the PV diffusion system. This project considered PV diffusion as an emergent system, with attention to the interactions between the constituent parts of the PV socio-technical system including: economics of individual decision-making; peer and social influences; behavioral responses; and information and transaction costs.more » We also conducted two pilot projects, which have yielded new insights into behavioral and informational aspects of PV adoption. Finally, this project has produced robust and generalizable results that will provide deeper insights into the technology-diffusion process that will be applicable for the design of utility programs for other technologies such as home-energy management systems and plug-in electric vehicles. When we started this project in 2013 there was little systematic research on characterizing the decision-making process of households interested in adopting PV. This project was designed to fill that research gap by analyzing the PV adoption process from the consumers' decision-making perspective and with the objective to systematically identifying and addressing the barriers that consumers face in the adoption of PV. The two key components of that decision-making process are consumers' evaluation of: (i) uncertainties and non-monetary costs associated with the technology and (ii) the direct monetary cost-benefit. This project used an integrated approach to study both the non-monetary and the monetary components of the consumer decision-making process.« less

Different Is Not Deficient: Contradicting Stereotypes of Chinese International Students in US Higher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Heng, Tang T.

2018-01-01

Mainland Chinese students form the largest international tertiary student population in the USA, yet most discourse around them tends to adopt a deficit perspective. Adopting a hybridized sociocultural framework, this qualitative study follows 18 Chinese undergraduates over one year to examine how challenges they face are influenced by…

A Systematic Review of Attachment-Based Psychotherapeutic Interventions for Adopted Children

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rose, Jenny; O'Reilly, Bryn

2017-01-01

Background: The link between disorders of attachment and psychopathology is well documented. Consequently, a person's attachment style has a profound effect on his or her development and psychological well-being. At-risk populations such as adopted children are more prone to developing pervasive patterns of attachment, given the maternal…

Decisional Stage Distribution for Colorectal Cancer Screening among Diverse, Low-Income Study Participants

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hester, C. M.; Born, W. K.; Yeh, H. W.; Young, K. L.; James, A. S.; Daley, C. M.; Greiner, K. A.

2015-01-01

Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening uptake among minorities and those with lower incomes is suboptimal. Behavioral interventions specifically tailored to these populations can increase screening rates and save lives. The Precaution Adoption Process Model (PAPM) allows assignment of a decisional stage for adoption of a behavior such as CRC screening.…

Interjurisdictional Placement of Children in Foster Care

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Freundlich, Madelyn; Heffernan, Maureen; Jacobs, Jill

2004-01-01

As the population of children in foster care has increased and more children are freed for adoption, foster and adoptive families are needed in ever increasing numbers. One avenue for expanding the pool of families is through placement of children with families in other counties and states. This article considers the policy and practice…

[Recent population policy measures in Belgium, especially with respect to fertility].

PubMed

Bosman, E

1985-01-01

Policy measures affecting fertility, recently adopted in Belgium, are reviewed. The author notes that although responsibility for population matters has been delegated to the respective language groups, the responsibility for family law, divorce, abortion, social security, taxation, and labor policy remains a national responsibility. There are currently no measures in these areas adopted primarily for demographic reasons. Differences between the approaches taken by the French- and Dutch-speaking communities are noted. The author suggests that the French-speaking community has focused on problems relating to contraception and abortion, and the Dutch-speaking community has emphasized social welfare and family policy

The Perinatal Risk Index: Early Risks Experienced by Domestic Adoptees in the United States.

PubMed

Marceau, Kristine; De Araujo-Greecher, Marielena; Miller, Emily S; Massey, Suena H; Mayes, Linda C; Ganiban, Jody M; Reiss, David; Shaw, Daniel S; Leve, Leslie D; Neiderhiser, Jenae M

2016-01-01

We aimed to assess comprehensively the prevalence of perinatal risks experienced by a potentially high-risk yet understudied population of children domestically adopted in the United States. Data are from participant report and medical records from mothers (n = 580) who completed a domestic adoption placement with nonrelatives at or near birth (Mean placement age = 7 days). We describe a comprehensive measure of perinatal risks, including divergences from previous assessment tools and the incorporation of multiple reporters, and report the prevalence of various types of perinatal risks. The prevalence of each specific risk factor was generally low, although several risks were more prevalent in this sample than estimates from nationally representative publicly available data. Nearly the entire sample (99%) experienced some type of risk exposure. Birth mothers who placed their children for adoption domestically in the US experience higher levels of perinatal risks than the national average, but not for all specific types of risk. Thus, the developmental trajectories of children adopted domestically may systematically differ from the general population to the extent that these specific perinatal risks impact development.

76 FR 21812 - Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement; Ownership or Control by a Foreign Government...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-04-19

... (44 U.S.C. chapter 35). List of Subjects in 48 CFR Parts 209 and 252 Government procurement. Mary...-AG78 Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement; Ownership or Control by a Foreign Government...). ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: DoD is adopting as a final rule, without change, an interim rule that...

75 FR 13425 - Federal Acquisition Regulation; Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-39; Small Entity Compliance Guide

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-19

... 2008 National Defense Authorization Act. V Trade Agreements--Costa Rica, Oman, and Peru. 2008-036..., Oman, and Peru (FAR Case 2008- 036) The Councils have adopted as final, without change, an interim rule... United States-Oman Free Trade Agreement, and the United States-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement. This final...

75 FR 17313 - Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Carry-Over Funds

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-06

.... SUMMARY: This final rule implements the statutory change to section 404(e) of the Social Security Act as enacted by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. This change allows States, Tribes and... published at 74 FR 25161 on May 27, 2009, is adopted as a final rule without change. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION...

The Genetic Legacy of the Indian Ocean Slave Trade: Recent Admixture and Post-admixture Selection in the Makranis of Pakistan.

PubMed

Laso-Jadart, Romuald; Harmant, Christine; Quach, Hélène; Zidane, Nora; Tyler-Smith, Chris; Mehdi, Qasim; Ayub, Qasim; Quintana-Murci, Lluis; Patin, Etienne

2017-12-07

From the eighth century onward, the Indian Ocean was the scene of extensive trade of sub-Saharan African slaves via sea routes controlled by Muslim Arab and Swahili traders. Several populations in present-day Pakistan and India are thought to be the descendants of such slaves, yet their history of admixture and natural selection remains largely undefined. Here, we studied the genome-wide diversity of the African-descent Makranis, who reside on the Arabian Sea coast of Pakistan, as well that of four neighboring Pakistani populations, to investigate the genetic legacy, population dynamics, and tempo of the Indian Ocean slave trade. We show that the Makranis are the result of an admixture event between local Baluch tribes and Bantu-speaking populations from eastern or southeastern Africa; we dated this event to ∼300 years ago during the Omani Empire domination. Levels of parental relatedness, measured through runs of homozygosity, were found to be similar across Pakistani populations, suggesting that the Makranis rapidly adopted the traditional practice of endogamous marriages. Finally, we searched for signatures of post-admixture selection at traits evolving under positive selection, including skin color, lactase persistence, and resistance to malaria. We demonstrate that the African-specific Duffy-null blood group-believed to confer resistance against Plasmodium vivax infection-was recently introduced to Pakistan through the slave trade and evolved adaptively in this P. vivax malaria-endemic region. Our study reconstructs the genetic and adaptive history of a neglected episode of the African Diaspora and illustrates the impact of recent admixture on the diffusion of adaptive traits across human populations. Copyright © 2017 American Society of Human Genetics. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Climate change, transgenic corn adoption and field-evolved resistance in corn earworm.

PubMed

Venugopal, P Dilip; Dively, Galen P

2017-06-01

Increased temperature anomaly during the twenty-first century coincides with the proliferation of transgenic crops containing the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Berliner) (Bt) to express insecticidal Cry proteins. Increasing temperatures profoundly affect insect life histories and agricultural pest management. However, the implications of climate change on Bt crop-pest interactions and insect resistance to Bt crops remains unexamined. We analysed the relationship of temperature anomaly and Bt adoption with field-evolved resistance to Cry1Ab Bt sweet corn in a major pest, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie). Increased Bt adoption during 1996-2016 suppressed H. zea populations, but increased temperature anomaly buffers population reduction. Temperature anomaly and its interaction with elevated selection pressure from high Bt acreage probably accelerated the Bt-resistance development. Helicoverpa zea damage to corn ears, kernel area consumed, mean instars and proportion of late instars in Bt varieties increased with Bt adoption and temperature anomaly, through additive or interactive effects. Risk of Bt-resistant H. zea spreading is high given extensive Bt adoption, and the expected increase in overwintering and migration. Our study highlights the challenges posed by climate change for Bt biotechnology-based agricultural pest management, and the need to incorporate evolutionary processes affected by climate change into Bt-resistance management programmes.

Medicare and Medicaid programs; fire safety requirements for certain health care facilities. Final rule.

PubMed

2003-01-10

This final rule amends the fire safety standards for hospitals, long-term care facilities, intermediate care facilities for the mentally retarded, ambulatory surgery centers, hospices that provide inpatient services, religious nonmedical health care institutions, critical access hospitals, and Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly facilities. Further, this final rule adopts the 2000 edition of the Life Safety Code and eliminates references in our regulations to all earlier editions.

Medicare and Medicaid programs; modifications to the Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Program for 2014 and other changes to EHR Incentive Program; and health information technology: revision to the certified EHR technology definition and EHR certification changes related to standards. Final rule.

PubMed

2014-09-04

This final rule changes the meaningful use stage timeline and the definition of certified electronic health record technology (CEHRT) to allow options in the use of CEHRT for the EHR reporting period in 2014. It also sets the requirements for reporting on meaningful use objectives and measures as well as clinical quality measure (CQM) reporting in 2014 for providers who use one of the CEHRT options finalized in this rule for their EHR reporting period in 2014. In addition, it finalizes revisions to the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs to adopt an alternate measure for the Stage 2 meaningful use objective for hospitals to provide structured electronic laboratory results to ambulatory providers; to correct the regulation text for the measures associated with the objective for hospitals to provide patients the ability to view online, download, and transmit information about a hospital admission; and to set a case number threshold exemption for CQM reporting applicable for eligible hospitals and critical access hospitals (CAHs) beginning with FY 2013. Finally, this rule finalizes the provisionally adopted replacement of the Data Element Catalog (DEC) and the Quality Reporting Document Architecture (QRDA) Category III standards with updated versions of these standards.

Multi-Objective Community Detection Based on Memetic Algorithm

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

Community detection has drawn a lot of attention as it can provide invaluable help in understanding the function and visualizing the structure of networks. Since single objective optimization methods have intrinsic drawbacks to identifying multiple significant community structures, some methods formulate the community detection as multi-objective problems and adopt population-based evolutionary algorithms to obtain multiple community structures. Evolutionary algorithms have strong global search ability, but have difficulty in locating local optima efficiently. In this study, in order to identify multiple significant community structures more effectively, a multi-objective memetic algorithm for community detection is proposed by combining multi-objective evolutionary algorithm with a local search procedure. The local search procedure is designed by addressing three issues. Firstly, nondominated solutions generated by evolutionary operations and solutions in dominant population are set as initial individuals for local search procedure. Then, a new direction vector named as pseudonormal vector is proposed to integrate two objective functions together to form a fitness function. Finally, a network specific local search strategy based on label propagation rule is expanded to search the local optimal solutions efficiently. The extensive experiments on both artificial and real-world networks evaluate the proposed method from three aspects. Firstly, experiments on influence of local search procedure demonstrate that the local search procedure can speed up the convergence to better partitions and make the algorithm more stable. Secondly, comparisons with a set of classic community detection methods illustrate the proposed method can find single partitions effectively. Finally, the method is applied to identify hierarchical structures of networks which are beneficial for analyzing networks in multi-resolution levels. PMID:25932646

Multi-objective community detection based on memetic algorithm.

PubMed

Wu, Peng; Pan, Li

2015-01-01

Community detection has drawn a lot of attention as it can provide invaluable help in understanding the function and visualizing the structure of networks. Since single objective optimization methods have intrinsic drawbacks to identifying multiple significant community structures, some methods formulate the community detection as multi-objective problems and adopt population-based evolutionary algorithms to obtain multiple community structures. Evolutionary algorithms have strong global search ability, but have difficulty in locating local optima efficiently. In this study, in order to identify multiple significant community structures more effectively, a multi-objective memetic algorithm for community detection is proposed by combining multi-objective evolutionary algorithm with a local search procedure. The local search procedure is designed by addressing three issues. Firstly, nondominated solutions generated by evolutionary operations and solutions in dominant population are set as initial individuals for local search procedure. Then, a new direction vector named as pseudonormal vector is proposed to integrate two objective functions together to form a fitness function. Finally, a network specific local search strategy based on label propagation rule is expanded to search the local optimal solutions efficiently. The extensive experiments on both artificial and real-world networks evaluate the proposed method from three aspects. Firstly, experiments on influence of local search procedure demonstrate that the local search procedure can speed up the convergence to better partitions and make the algorithm more stable. Secondly, comparisons with a set of classic community detection methods illustrate the proposed method can find single partitions effectively. Finally, the method is applied to identify hierarchical structures of networks which are beneficial for analyzing networks in multi-resolution levels.

[The Glivec® case: the first example of a global debate on the drug patent system].

PubMed

Moital, Inês; Bosch, Fèlix; Farré, Magí; Maddaleno, Mariano; Baños, Josep-E

2014-01-01

To describe the sequence of events involving the Glivec® case in India and to analyze the opinions generated in distinct settings. We performed a systematic search for articles concerning the imatinib (Glivec®) patent in India. We selected those sources that described the events, decisions of the authorities involved, and press and scientific opinions. Dates and arguments presented by the involved parties were clearly identified. Of 886 documents initially obtained, we selected 40 documents published between 2003 and 2013. Most of them were press news and commentaries. The process lasted 7 years, starting in 2006 when the Indian Patent Office rejected the patent application filed by Novartis. It ended in 2013 when the Indian Supreme Court upheld this decision. It was argued that the Indian Patent Law would facilitate access to medicines in the Third World and the final decision has received support by the general population. Although the court's final decision has been supported by several institutions, an objective analysis should also take into account the arguments of the pharmaceutical companies and other entities. The Glivec® case gave rise to an intense debate on the appropriateness of international standards on patents, their applicability and how they should be adopted in each country. This case, as well as other cases, should serve to stimulate reflection on the international patent system and to achieve scenarios in which the health of the poorest populations is protected but also balanced against intellectual property protection and innovation. Copyright © 2014 SESPAS. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Representing Heterogeneity in Structural Relationships Among Multiple Choice Variables Using a Latent Segmentation Approach

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

Garikapati, Venu; Astroza, Sebastian; Pendyala, Ram M.

Travel model systems often adopt a single decision structure that links several activity-travel choices together. The single decision structure is then used to predict activity-travel choices, with those downstream in the decision-making chain influenced by those upstream in the sequence. The adoption of a singular sequential causal structure to depict relationships among activity-travel choices in travel demand model systems ignores the possibility that some choices are made jointly as a bundle as well as the possible presence of structural heterogeneity in the population with respect to decision-making processes. As different segments in the population may adopt and follow different causalmore » decision-making mechanisms when making selected choices jointly, it would be of value to develop simultaneous equations model systems relating multiple endogenous choice variables that are able to identify population subgroups following alternative causal decision structures. Because the segments are not known a priori, they are considered latent and determined endogenously within a joint modeling framework proposed in this paper. The methodology is applied to a national mobility survey data set to identify population segments that follow different causal structures relating residential location choice, vehicle ownership, and car-share and mobility service usage. It is found that the model revealing three distinct latent segments best describes the data, confirming the efficacy of the modeling approach and the existence of structural heterogeneity in decision-making in the population. Future versions of activity-travel model systems should strive to incorporate such structural heterogeneity to better reflect varying decision processes across population subgroups.« less

Motivations and barriers to prosthesis users participation in physical activity, exercise and sport: a review of the literature.

PubMed

Deans, Sarah; Burns, David; McGarry, Anthony; Murray, Kevin; Mutrie, Nanette

2012-09-01

The UK will host the Paralympics in 2012 and the Commonwealth Games in 2014 showcasing the talents of elite athletes and aiming to inspire the population to become involved. However, low levels of physical activity are prevalent: only 40% of men and 28% of women meet the minimum UK physical activity recommendations. The population of people with limb absence is no exception. To determine if people with amputation are participating in physical activity and sport; whether post-amputation activity levels match pre-amputation levels; and if there are motivations and barriers to participation. Literature review. Five reviewers systematically searched all peer reviewed and gray literature in seven bibliographic databases and the Cochrane Library. Following rigorous elimination, 12 articles were finally included in the review and critically appraised. Four themes were identified: components; rehabilitation outcomes; body image; and motivations and barriers to participation. People with limb absence are not participating in physical activity conducive to health benefits, and only a minority participate in exercise and sports. Participation following amputation does not mirror that of pre-amputation levels, and more barriers than motivations exist to adopting or maintaining a physically active lifestyle.

Considerations of Methodological Approaches in the Recruitment and Retention of Immigrant Participants.

PubMed

Lopez-Class, Maria; Cubbins, Lisa; Loving, Ashley McClure

2016-06-01

This study aims to identify effective strategies related to recruitment and retention of immigrant survey participants. The study used a multi-mode approach in, first, conducting a literature review of recent articles on surveys that either targeted immigrants or included large numbers of immigrants in their samples. Next, six surveys were reviewed that either targeted or included large numbers of immigrants. Finally, expert opinions on immigration were gathered regarding recruitment and retention of immigrant survey participants. Although immigrants may be difficult to recruit due to limited English proficiency, mistrust of strangers, and/or high mobility, many of these challenges can be overcome by adopting the same strategies used when surveying ethnically diverse populations (e.g., snowballing versus advertisement, establishing a personal connection with data collectors). Nonetheless, a few practices were identified as most relevant for recruitment and retention of immigrant populations, including involving local community organizations relevant to immigrants, translation of materials tailored to the vernacular language of the various ethnicities, and customizing non-monetary incentives to the specific ethnicity. Based on the reviews and expert interviews, multiple strategies have been shown to be effective in recruiting and retaining immigrant participants.

ETHNOS: A versatile electronic tool for the development and curation of national genetic databases

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

National and ethnic mutation databases (NEMDBs) are emerging online repositories, recording extensive information about the described genetic heterogeneity of an ethnic group or population. These resources facilitate the provision of genetic services and provide a comprehensive list of genomic variations among different populations. As such, they enhance awareness of the various genetic disorders. Here, we describe the features of the ETHNOS software, a simple but versatile tool based on a flat-file database that is specifically designed for the development and curation of NEMDBs. ETHNOS is a freely available software which runs more than half of the NEMDBs currently available. Given the emerging need for NEMDB in genetic testing services and the fact that ETHNOS is the only off-the-shelf software available for NEMDB development and curation, its adoption in subsequent NEMDB development would contribute towards data content uniformity, unlike the diverse contents and quality of the available gene (locus)-specific databases. Finally, we allude to the potential applications of NEMDBs, not only as worldwide central allele frequency repositories, but also, and most importantly, as data warehouses of individual-level genomic data, hence allowing for a comprehensive ethnicity-specific documentation of genomic variation. PMID:20650823

ETHNOS : A versatile electronic tool for the development and curation of national genetic databases.

PubMed

van Baal, Sjozef; Zlotogora, Joël; Lagoumintzis, George; Gkantouna, Vassiliki; Tzimas, Ioannis; Poulas, Konstantinos; Tsakalidis, Athanassios; Romeo, Giovanni; Patrinos, George P

2010-06-01

National and ethnic mutation databases (NEMDBs) are emerging online repositories, recording extensive information about the described genetic heterogeneity of an ethnic group or population. These resources facilitate the provision of genetic services and provide a comprehensive list of genomic variations among different populations. As such, they enhance awareness of the various genetic disorders. Here, we describe the features of the ETHNOS software, a simple but versatile tool based on a flat-file database that is specifically designed for the development and curation of NEMDBs. ETHNOS is a freely available software which runs more than half of the NEMDBs currently available. Given the emerging need for NEMDB in genetic testing services and the fact that ETHNOS is the only off-the-shelf software available for NEMDB development and curation, its adoption in subsequent NEMDB development would contribute towards data content uniformity, unlike the diverse contents and quality of the available gene (locus)-specific databases. Finally, we allude to the potential applications of NEMDBs, not only as worldwide central allele frequency repositories, but also, and most importantly, as data warehouses of individual-level genomic data, hence allowing for a comprehensive ethnicity-specific documentation of genomic variation.

Heritability, assortative mating and gender differences in violent crime: results from a total population sample using twin, adoption, and sibling models.

PubMed

Frisell, Thomas; Pawitan, Yudi; Långström, Niklas; Lichtenstein, Paul

2012-01-01

Research addressing genetic and environmental determinants to antisocial behaviour suggests substantial variability across studies. Likewise, evidence for etiologic gender differences is mixed, and estimates might be biased due to assortative mating. We used longitudinal Swedish total population registers to estimate the heritability of objectively measured violent offending (convictions) in classic twin (N = 36,877 pairs), adoptee-parent (N = 5,068 pairs), adoptee-sibling (N = 10,610 pairs), and sibling designs (N = 1,521,066 pairs). Type and degree of assortative mating were calculated from comparisons between spouses of siblings and half-siblings, and across consecutive spouses. Heritability estimates for the liability of violent offending agreed with previously reported heritability for self-reported antisocial behaviour. While the sibling model yielded estimates similar to the twin model (A ≈ 55%, C ≈ 13%), adoptee-models appeared to underestimate familial effects (A ≈ 20-30%, C ≈ 0%). Assortative mating was moderate to strong (r (spouse) = 0.4), appeared to result from both phenotypic assortment and social homogamy, but had only minor effect on variance components. Finally, we found significant gender differences in the etiology of violent crime.

Cooperation guided by the coexistence of imitation dynamics and aspiration dynamics in structured populations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Kuangyi; Li, Kun; Cong, Rui; Wang, Long

2017-02-01

In the framework of the evolutionary game theory, two fundamentally different mechanisms, the imitation process and the aspiration-driven dynamics, can be adopted by players to update their strategies. In the former case, individuals imitate the strategy of a more successful peer, while in the latter case individuals change their strategies based on a comparison of payoffs they collect in the game to their own aspiration levels. Here we explore how cooperation evolves for the coexistence of these two dynamics. Intriguingly, cooperation reaches its lowest level when a certain moderate fraction of individuals pick aspiration-level-driven rule while the others choose pairwise comparison rule. Furthermore, when individuals can adjust their update rules besides their strategies, either imitation dynamics or aspiration-driven dynamics will finally take over the entire population, and the stationary cooperation level is determined by the outcome of competition between these two dynamics. We find that appropriate synergetic effects and moderate aspiration level boost the fixation probability of aspiration-driven dynamics most effectively. Our work may be helpful in understanding the cooperative behavior induced by the coexistence of imitation dynamics and aspiration dynamics in the society.

Adoption status and family relationships during the transition to young adulthood.

PubMed

Walkner, Amy J; Rueter, Martha A

2014-12-01

Although adoptive family research has increased, most has focused on childhood and adolescence. Despite the known importance of parent-adolescent relationships drawn from the general population, we know little about how adoptive family relationships change or remain the same as adopted adolescents enter young adulthood. Using the Sibling Interaction and Behavior Study, the purpose of this study was to build on previous research to explore differences in conflict, closeness, and relationship quality between adoptive and nonadoptive families during the transition from late adolescence into young adulthood. Self-report and independent observations were collected from children, mothers, and fathers at late adolescence (range: 14.50-18.49 years) and young adulthood (range:18.50-22.49 years), and analyzed using within-subjects repeated measures. Although adoptive family dyads had lower relationship indicators than nonadoptive family dyads, similar trends over time occurred for both family types. Using individuation theory, we suggest individuation occurs for both types of families, with adoptees facing unique additional challenges during this process, including integration of adoption status, adoption communicativeness, adoption information seeking, and relationship with birth parents as possible influences in this process.

Speed of Dog Adoption: Impact of Online Photo Traits.

PubMed

Lampe, Rachel; Witte, Thomas H

2015-01-01

The Internet has radically changed how dogs are advertised for adoption in the United States. This study was used to investigate how different characteristics in dogs' photos presented online affected the speed of their adoptions, as a proof of concept to encourage more research in this field. The study analyzed the 1st images of 468 adopted young and adult black dogs identified as Labrador Retriever mixed breeds across the United States. A subjective global measure of photo quality had the largest impact on time to adoption. Other photo traits that positively impacted adoption speed included direct canine eye contact with the camera, the dog standing up, the photo being appropriately sized, an outdoor photo location, and a nonblurry image. Photos taken in a cage, dogs wearing a bandana, dogs having a visible tongue, and some other traits had no effect on how fast the dogs were adopted. Improving the quality of online photos of dogs presented for adoption may speed up and possibly increase the number of adoptions, thereby providing a cheap and easy way to help fight the homeless companion animal population problem.

Adoption of workplaces and reach of employees for a multi-faceted intervention targeting low back pain among nurses' aides.

PubMed

Rasmussen, Charlotte Diana Nørregaard; Larsen, Anne Konring; Holtermann, Andreas; Søgaard, Karen; Jørgensen, Marie Birk

2014-05-01

Workplace adoption and reach of health promotion are important, but generally poorly reported. The aim of this study is therefore to evaluate the adoption of workplaces (organizational level) and reach of employees (individual level) of a multi-faceted workplace health promotion and work environment intervention targeting low back pain among nurses' aides in elderly care. Percentage of adopters was calculated among eligible workplaces and differences between adopters and non-adopters were evaluated through workplace registrations and manager questionnaires from all eligible workplaces. From the adopted workplaces reach was calculated among eligible employees as the percentage who responded on a questionnaire. Responders were compared with non-responders using data from company registrations. Among responders, comparisons based on questionnaire data were performed between those consenting to participate in the intervention (consenters) and those not consenting to participate in the intervention (non-consenters). Comparisons were done using Student's t-test for the continuous variables, Fisher's exact test for dichotomous variables and the Pearson's chi(2) for categorical variables. Moreover odds ratios for non-responding and non-consenting were investigated with binary logistic regression analyses. The project was adopted by 44% of the offered workplaces. The main differences between adopters and non-adopters were that workplaces adopting the intervention had a more stable organization as well as a management with positive beliefs of the intervention's potential benefits. Of eligible employees, 71% responded on the questionnaire and 57% consented to participate. Non-responders and non-consenters did not differ from the responders and consenters on demographic factors and health. However, more non-responders and non-consenters were low skilled, worked less than 30 hours pr. week, and worked evening and nightshift compared to responders and consenters, respectively. Consenters had more musculoskeletal pain and reduced self-rated health, as well as higher physical exertion during work compared to non-consenters. Our recruitment effort yielded a population of consenters that was representative of the target population of nurses' aides with respect to demographic factors, and health. Moreover more consenters had problems like pain and high physical exertion during work, which fitted the scope of the intervention. The study is registered as ISRCTN78113519.

The decision to adopt evidence-based and other innovative mental health practices: risky business?

PubMed

Panzano, Phyllis C; Roth, Dee

2006-08-01

A risk-based decision-making framework was used to examine the decision to adopt innovative mental health practices, including both evidence-based and other research-guided practices. Seventy-eight projects involving decisions to adopt one of four innovative mental health practices were the focus of this study. Key informants with direct knowledge about the adoption decision provided data for hypothesis testing. As predicted, the propensity to adopt an innovative practice-as measured by decision stage-was negatively related to the perceived risk of adopting the practice, positively related to expected capacity to manage risk, and positively related to an organization's past propensity to take risks. Further, perceived risk, anticipated resource availability, and exposure to field-based evidence explained a substantial part of what differentiated adopters from nonadopters. Finally, several features of innovations known to influence innovation adoption decisions were found to be related in expected ways to perceived risk, capacity to manage risk, and risk propensity. This research supports the view that the decision to adopt an innovative mental health practice is a decision made in consideration of risk. Contrary to popular views that early adopters of innovations are willing to take enormous risks, these data offer the novel idea that early adopters act because they see the risks associated with adopting as lower than their nonadopter counterparts, partly because the risks are seen as more manageable. Implications of results are discussed for organizations considering adoption of innovative health care practices and for state or local mental health authorities hoping for a higher level of adoption in their areas.

Adoption research, practice, and societal trends: Ten years of progress.

PubMed

Wiley, Mary O'Leary

2017-12-01

Adoption involves the legal transfer of parental rights and responsibilities from a child's birth parents to adults who will raise the child (Reitz & Watson, 1992). Research related to adoption has expanded over the past 10 years and has incorporated more focus on implications for practice and public policy. This expansion has reflected increased awareness of the lived experience of adopted individuals, in addition to that of adoptive families and birth or first parents and families, collectively known as the adoption kinship network (Grotevant & McRoy, 1998). Trends discussed included research and social trends or movements (2007-2017) since the publication of the final article in a series of articles in the psychological literature related to adoption in The Counseling Psychologist (Baden & Wiley, 2007; Lee, 2003; O'Brien & Zamostny, 2003; Wiley & Baden, 2005; Zamostny, O'Brien, Baden, & Wiley, 2003; Zamostny, Wiley, O'Brien, Lee, & Baden, 2003). This article summarizes the social trends and research related to adoption over the last 10 years, including longitudinal and meta-analytic studies, increased research and conceptualization of ethnic and racial identity development, research on microaggressions, and research on diverse adoptive families, including those with gay and lesbian parents. Social trends included increased knowledge related to Internet accessibility, genetic information, continued focus on openness, and viewing adoption through a more critical lens. Implications are discussed for the development of programs that enhance competence of mental health professionals and adoption professionals in adoption-competent practice. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved).

Predicting re-involvement for children adopted out of a public child welfare system.

PubMed

Orsi, Rebecca

2015-01-01

Some of the approximately 400,000 children currently placed out-of-home in a public child welfare system will not reunify with their family of origin. They may instead be adopted into a new family. Adoption placements can be characterized by poor adjustment for children; some such placements even result in disruption or dissolution. We conducted a stratified Cox regression of 4,016 children from the Colorado public child welfare system. All of the children had a finalized adoption during the years 2002 through 2006. The two outcomes analyzed were new child protection and youth-in-conflict referrals and assessments for these previously adopted children. New child welfare referrals and assessments may be early indicators of poor adjustment for adopted children within the adoptive family. Study results indicate that older children and Hispanic children had higher rates of referral and assessment. Children with a pre-adoption history including longer time out-of-home or a larger number of out-of-home placements also experienced higher referral and assessment rates. Additional factors which predicted subsequent system re-involvement included presence of paid adoption assistance, adoption by a non-relative foster parent and younger adoptive parent age. Several study results were moderated by the presence or absence of an ethnic match between the child and the adoptive parents. We provide an overview of the statistical model used for analysis and we discuss implications of the study results for child welfare practice. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A Plan for the Study of Influence Processes in Military Organizations,

DTIC Science & Technology

1969-05-01

Is congruent with either a rational or an irrational value system, thus keeping internalizatlon rooted in reality . Finally, it should be said that...adoption or refusal to adopt new agricultural techniques. In virtually all of these spheres, the exercise of opinion leadership, or of personal...unimportant for high authoritarians when the communicator is in <-. position of strong authority. It may be virtually Impossible to devise a program that

76 FR 29240 - Environmental Impacts Statements; Notice of Availability

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-20

...-283-7681. EIS No. 20110150, Final EIS, DOE, ID, ADOPTION--Areva Eagle Rock Enrichment Facility... Uranium Enrichment Facility, Construction, Operation, and Decommission, License Issuance, Piketon, OH...

Reaching those most in need: a review of diabetes self-management interventions in disadvantaged populations.

PubMed

Eakin, Elizabeth G; Bull, Sheana S; Glasgow, Russell E; Mason, Mondi

2002-01-01

There has been increased recognition of the importance of developing diabetes self-management education (DSME) interventions that are effective with under-served and minority populations. Despite several recent studies in this area, there is to our knowledge no systematic review or synthesis of what has been learned from this research. An electronic literature search identified five formative evaluations and ten controlled DSME intervention trials focused on under-served (low-income, minority or aged) populations. The RE-AIM (Reach, Efficacy, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) evaluation framework was used to evaluate the controlled studies on the dimensions of reach, efficacy, adoption, implementation, and maintenance. Fifty percent of the studies identified reported on the percentage of patients who participated, and the percentages were highly variable. The methodological quality of the articles was generally good and the short-term results were encouraging, especially on behavioral outcomes. Data on adoption (representativeness of settings and clinicians who participate) and implementation were almost never reported. Studies of modalities in addition to group meetings are needed to increase the reach of DSME with under-served populations. The promising formative evaluation work that has been conducted needs to be extended for more systematic study of the process of intervention implementation and adaptation with special populations. Studies that explicitly address the community context and that address multiple issues related to public health impact of DSME interventions are recommended to enhance long-term results. Copyright 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

An evolutionary strategy based on partial imitation for solving optimization problems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Javarone, Marco Alberto

2016-12-01

In this work we introduce an evolutionary strategy to solve combinatorial optimization tasks, i.e. problems characterized by a discrete search space. In particular, we focus on the Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP), i.e. a famous problem whose search space grows exponentially, increasing the number of cities, up to becoming NP-hard. The solutions of the TSP can be codified by arrays of cities, and can be evaluated by fitness, computed according to a cost function (e.g. the length of a path). Our method is based on the evolution of an agent population by means of an imitative mechanism, we define 'partial imitation'. In particular, agents receive a random solution and then, interacting among themselves, may imitate the solutions of agents with a higher fitness. Since the imitation mechanism is only partial, agents copy only one entry (randomly chosen) of another array (i.e. solution). In doing so, the population converges towards a shared solution, behaving like a spin system undergoing a cooling process, i.e. driven towards an ordered phase. We highlight that the adopted 'partial imitation' mechanism allows the population to generate solutions over time, before reaching the final equilibrium. Results of numerical simulations show that our method is able to find, in a finite time, both optimal and suboptimal solutions, depending on the size of the considered search space.

A longitudinal study of language and speech in children who were internationally adopted at different ages.

PubMed

Glennen, Sharon

2014-07-01

The author followed 56 internationally adopted children during the first 3 years after adoption to determine how and when they reached age-expected language proficiency in Standard American English. The influence of age of adoption was measured, along with the relationship between early and later language and speech outcomes. Children adopted from Eastern Europe at ages 12 months to 4 years, 11 months, were assessed 5 times across 3 years. Norm-referenced measures of receptive and expressive language and articulation were compared over time. In addition, mean length of utterance (MLU) was measured. Across all children, receptive language reached age-expected levels more quickly than expressive language. Children adopted at ages 1 and 2 "caught up" more quickly than children adopted at ages 3 and 4. Three years after adoption, there was no difference in test scores across age of adoption groups, and the percentage of children with language or speech delays matched population estimates. MLU was within the average range 3 years after adoption but significantly lower than other language test scores. Three years after adoption, age of adoption did not influence language or speech outcomes, and most children reached age-expected language levels. Expressive syntax as measured by MLU was an area of relative weakness.

78 FR 55339 - Regulatory Capital Rules: Regulatory Capital, Implementation of Basel III, Capital Adequacy...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-09-10

...The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) is adopting an interim final rule that revises its risk-based and leverage capital requirements for FDIC-supervised institutions. This interim final rule is substantially identical to a joint final rule issued by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Federal Reserve) (together, with the FDIC, the agencies). The interim final rule consolidates three separate notices of proposed rulemaking that the agencies jointly published in the Federal Register on August 30, 2012, with selected changes. The interim final rule implements a revised definition of regulatory capital, a new common equity tier 1 minimum capital requirement, a higher minimum tier 1 capital requirement, and, for FDIC-supervised institutions subject to the advanced approaches risk-based capital rules, a supplementary leverage ratio that incorporates a broader set of exposures in the denominator. The interim final rule incorporates these new requirements into the FDIC's prompt corrective action (PCA) framework. In addition, the interim final rule establishes limits on FDIC-supervised institutions' capital distributions and certain discretionary bonus payments if the FDIC-supervised institution does not hold a specified amount of common equity tier 1 capital in addition to the amount necessary to meet its minimum risk-based capital requirements. The interim final rule amends the methodologies for determining risk-weighted assets for all FDIC-supervised institutions. The interim final rule also adopts changes to the FDIC's regulatory capital requirements that meet the requirements of section 171 and section 939A of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. The interim final rule also codifies the FDIC's regulatory capital rules, which have previously resided in various appendices to their respective regulations, into a harmonized integrated regulatory framework. In addition, the FDIC is amending the market risk capital rule (market risk rule) to apply to state savings associations. The FDIC is issuing these revisions to its capital regulations as an interim final rule. The FDIC invites comments on the interaction of this rule with other proposed leverage ratio requirements applicable to large, systemically important banking organizations. This interim final rule otherwise contains regulatory text that is identical to the common rule text adopted as a final rule by the Federal Reserve and the OCC. This interim final rule enables the FDIC to proceed on a unified, expedited basis with the other federal banking agencies pending consideration of other issues. Specifically, the FDIC intends to evaluate this interim final rule in the context of the proposed well- capitalized and buffer levels of the supplementary leverage ratio applicable to large, systemically important banking organizations, as described in a separate Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPR) published in the Federal Register August 20, 2013. The FDIC is seeking commenters' views on the interaction of this interim final rule with the proposed rule regarding the supplementary leverage ratio for large, systemically important banking organizations.

Improving the outcome of adoptive cell transfer by targeting tumor escape

PubMed Central

Kaluza, Karen M.; Vile, Richard

2013-01-01

Adoptive T-cell transfer is among the most promising immunotherapies against cancer. To continue increasing the potential of this therapy, our studies focus on the inhibition of tumor recurrence. Recently, we have demonstrated several ways in which combination therapies involving multiple T-cell populations and immunostimulatory chemotherapy can enhance long-term survival. PMID:23483796

Modelling latrine diffusion in Benin: towards a community typology of demand for improved sanitation in developing countries.

PubMed

Jenkins, Marion W; Cairncross, Sandy

2010-03-01

Latrine diffusion patterns across 502 villages in Benin, West Africa, were analysed to explore factors driving initial and increasing levels of household adoption in low-coverage rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa. Variables explaining adoption related to population density, size, infrastructure/services, non-agricultural occupations, road and urban proximity, and the nearby latrine adoption rate, capturing differences in the physical and social environment, lifestyles and latrine exposure involved in stimulating status/prestige and well-being reasons for latrine adoption. Contagion was most important in explaining adoption initiation. Cluster analysis revealed four distinct village typologies of demand for latrines which provide a framework for tailoring promotional interventions to better match the different sanitation demand characteristics of communities in scaling-up sanitation development and promotion programmes.

76 FR 50918 - Final Flood Elevation Determinations

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-17

...Base (1% annual-chance) Flood Elevations (BFEs) and modified BFEs are made final for the communities listed below. The BFEs and modified BFEs are the basis for the floodplain management measures that each community is required either to adopt or to show evidence of being already in effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

75 FR 55941 - Supplemental Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Export-Import Bank of the United...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-09-15

...] Supplemental Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Export-Import Bank of the United States AGENCY... the concurrence of the Office of Government Ethics (OGE), is issuing a final rule that supplements the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch (Standards). This final rule adopts prior...

From birth mothers to first mothers: toward a compassionate understanding of the life-long act of adoption placement.

PubMed

Coleman, Priscilla K; Garratt, Debbie

2016-01-01

Women who place a child for adoption have historically been far less actively researched than the other individuals in the adoption triad (adoptees and adoptive parents). They often have unmet psychological needs related to the decision to place for adoption, the placement experience, and as they endeavor to move forward post-adoption. In this review an effort is made to provide a description and analysis of the professional literature on women's placement experiences, with attention to methodological challenges inherent in deriving valid results. Next an overview of the results of a mixed method pilot study on birth mothers' decision-making and adjustment is shared. Finally, the most pressing future research needs on the topic of adoption placement from the birth mother's perspective are outlined. Data sources and extraction: Employing the following search terms: adoption, open-adoption, closed adoption, birth-mother, biological mother, relinquishment, and adoption placement, an exhaustive search for empirical journal articles, reviews, and edited book chapters was conducted yielding over 80 publications. Sources spanning a 50 year period (1974-2014) were identified via MEDLINE, PUBMED, and PsycINFO. Based on an in-depth analysis of the best available evidence on the psychological lives of women who choose adoption, an argument is made for more focused research attention and enhanced sensitivity to the unmet needs of birth mothers in our communities. As the experiences of birth mothers are more fully understood, more substantive and compassionate counseling before, during, and after adoption will become more feasible.

tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9-THC)] in Schedule II. Final rule.

PubMed

2017-11-22

This final rule adopts without changes an interim final rule with request for comments published in the Federal Register on March 23, 2017. On July 1, 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new drug application for Syndros, a drug product consisting of dronabinol [(-)-delta-9-trans-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9-THC)] oral solution. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) maintains FDA-approved products of oral solutions containing dronabinol in schedule II of the Controlled Substances Act.

Schedules of Controlled Substances: Table of Excluded Nonnarcotic Products: Nasal Decongestant Inhaler/Vapor Inhaler. Final rule.

PubMed

2016-02-08

This final rule adopts, without change, the interim final rule that was published in the Federal Register on October 27, 2015. The Drug Enforcement Administration is amending the table of Excluded Nonnarcotic Products to update the company name for the drug product Nasal Decongestant Inhaler/Vapor Inhaler (containing 50 milligrams levmetamfetamine) to Aphena Pharma Solutions--New York, LLC. This over-the-counter, nonnarcotic drug product is excluded from the provisions of the Controlled Substances Act.

Student Assistance General Provisions; Federal Pell Grant Program; Academic Competitiveness Grant Program; and National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant Program. Final Rule. Federal Register, Part IV, Department of Education, 34 CFR Parts 668, 690, and 691

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Archives and Records Administration, 2006

2006-01-01

The Secretary is adopting as final, with changes, interim final regulations in: 34 CFR part 691 for the Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) and National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (National SMART Grant) programs; 34 CFR part 668 (Student Assistance General Provisions); and 34 CFR part 690 (Federal Pell Grant Program).…

Factors influencing health care and service providers' and their respective "at risk" populations' adoption of the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI): a qualitative study.

PubMed

Radisic, Sally; Newbold, K Bruce

2016-03-31

The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) provides air quality and health information such that the public can implement health protective behaviours (reducing and/or rescheduling outdoor activity) and decrease exposure to outdoor air pollution. The AQHI's health messages account for increased risk associated with "at risk" populations (i.e. young children, elderly and those with pre-existing respiratory and/or cardiovascular conditions) who rely on health care and service providers for guidance. Using Rogers' Diffusion of Innovations theory, our objective with respect to health care and service providers and their respective "at risk" populations was to explore: 1) level of AQHI knowledge; 2) factors influencing AQHI adoption and; 3) strategies that may increase uptake of AQHI, according to city divisions and socioeconomic status (SES). Semi-structured face-to-face interviews with health care (Registered Nurses and Certified Respiratory Educators) and service providers (Registered Early Childhood Educators) and focus groups with their respective "at risk" populations explored barriers and facilitators to AQHI adoption. Participants were selected using purposive sampling. Each transcript was analyzed using an Interpretive Description approach to identify themes. Analyses were informed by Rogers' Diffusion of Innovations theory. Fifty participants (6 health care and service providers, 16 parents, 13 elderly, 15 people with existing respiratory conditions) contributed to this study. AQHI knowledge, AQHI characteristics and perceptions of air quality and health influenced AQHI adoption. AQHI knowledge centred on numerical reliance and health protective intent but varied with SES. More emphasis on AQHI relevance with respect to health benefits was required to stress relative advantage over other indices and reduce index confusion. AQHI reporting at a neighbourhood scale was recognized as addressing geographic variability and uncertainty in perceived versus measured air quality impacting health. Participants predominantly expressed that they relied on sensory cues (i.e. feel, sight, taste) to determine when to implement health protective behaviours. Time constraints were identified as barriers; whereas local media reporting and wearable devices were identified as facilitators to AQHI adoption. Increasing knowledge, emphasizing relevance, and reporting AQHI information at a neighbourhood scale via local media sources and wearable devices may facilitate AQHI adoption while accounting for SES differences.

Does adopting a prenatal substance use protocol reduce racial disparities in CPS reporting related to maternal drug use? A California case study.

PubMed

Roberts, S C M; Zahnd, E; Sufrin, C; Armstrong, M A

2015-02-01

This study examined whether adopting a standardized prenatal substance use protocol (protocol) in a hospital labor and delivery unit reduced racial disparities in reporting to child protective services (CPS) related to maternal drug use during pregnancy. This study used an interrupted time series design with a non-equivalent control. One hospital adopted a protocol and another hospital group serving a similar geographic population did not change protocols. Data on CPS reporting disparities from these hospitals over 3.5 years were analyzed using segmented regression. In the hospital that adopted the protocol, almost five times more black than white newborns were reported during the study period. Adopting the protocol was not associated with reduced disparities. Adopting a protocol cannot be assumed to reduce CPS reporting disparities. Efforts to encourage hospitals to adopt protocols as a strategy to reduce disparities may be misguided. Other strategies to reduce disparities are needed.

A Role for M-Matrices in Modelling Population Growth

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

James, Glyn; Rumchev, Ventsi

2006-01-01

Adopting a discrete-time cohort-type model to represent the dynamics of a population, the problem of achieving a desired total size of the population under a balanced growth (contraction) and the problem of maintaining the desired size, once achieved, are studied. Properties of positive-time systems and M-matrices are used to develop the results,…

Scaling rules for the final decline to extinction

PubMed Central

Griffen, Blaine D.; Drake, John M.

2009-01-01

Space–time scaling rules are ubiquitous in ecological phenomena. Current theory postulates three scaling rules that describe the duration of a population's final decline to extinction, although these predictions have not previously been empirically confirmed. We examine these scaling rules across a broader set of conditions, including a wide range of density-dependent patterns in the underlying population dynamics. We then report on tests of these predictions from experiments using the cladoceran Daphnia magna as a model. Our results support two predictions that: (i) the duration of population persistence is much greater than the duration of the final decline to extinction and (ii) the duration of the final decline to extinction increases with the logarithm of the population's estimated carrying capacity. However, our results do not support a third prediction that the duration of the final decline scales inversely with population growth rate. These findings not only support the current standard theory of population extinction but also introduce new empirical anomalies awaiting a theoretical explanation. PMID:19141422

Inequalities in adoption of cancer screening from a diffusion of innovation perspective: identification of late adopters.

PubMed

Hahm, Myung-Il; Park, Eun-Cheol; Choi, Kui Son; Lee, Hoo-Yeon; Park, Jae-Hyun; Park, Sohee

2011-02-01

Although national-level organized cancer screening programs have reduced barriers to screening for people of low socioeconomic status, barriers to early screening remain. Our aim was to determine the diffusion pattern and identify the factors associated with early participation in stomach and breast cancer screening programs. The study population was derived from the Korean National Cancer Screening Survey, conducted in 2007. A stratified random sample of people aged 40 years and older from a nationwide population-based database was gathered in Korea (n=1,517) in 2007. Time of participation in early screening was defined as the number of years that had elapsed between the participant's 30th birthday and the age at first screening. Significant differences were observed in the probability of adopting stomach and breast cancer screening in relation to education, household income, and job level. Results from Cox's proportional hazard model indicated that higher household income was significantly associated with an increased probability of adopting stomach cancer screening earlier (p<0.05), and people with high household incomes were more likely to adopt breast cancer screening earlier than were those with incomes under US$1,500 per month (p<0.01). When considered at a significance level of 0.1, we found that the most highly educated women were more likely than the least educated to be screened early. Despite organized governmental screening programs, there are still inequalities in the early adoption of cancer screening. The results of this study also suggest that inequalities in early adoption may affect participation in regular screening. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Future directions of multiple behavior change research.

PubMed

Geller, Karly; Lippke, Sonia; Nigg, Claudio R

2017-02-01

Non-communicable diseases (i.e., chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic respiratory disease, diabetes and obesity) result in 36 million deaths each year. Individuals' habitual participation in a single health-risk behaviors substantially contribute to morbidity and mortality (e.g., tobacco use, daily fast food intake, etc.); however, more concerning is the impact of typically co-occurring or clustering of multiple health-risk behaviors. This burden can be minimized through successful cessation of health-risk behaviors and adoption of healthy behaviors; namely healthy lifestyle adoption or multiple health behavior change (MHBC). MHBC is a developing field and future research recommendations are provided to advance MHBC research. A valid measure of MHBC (i.e., lifestyle) is warranted to provide the needed basis for MHBC investigations and evaluations. MHBC is thought to occur through shared co-variation of underlying motivating mechanisms, but how these relationships influence behavior remains unclear. A better understanding of the relationship between behaviors and the related motivating mechanisms (and potential cross-relationship of influences) is needed. Future research should also aim to improve lifestyles through understanding how to change multiple health behaviors. Finally, MHBC research should target the development of sustainable interventions which result in lasting effects (e.g., capacity, systems, policy and environmental changes), with dissemination considered during development. Focusing MHBC research in these areas will increase our understanding and maximize the impact on the health of populations.

The public role in promoting child health information technology.

PubMed

Conway, Patrick H; White, P Jonathan; Clancy, Carolyn

2009-01-01

The public sector plays an important role in promoting child health information technology. Public sector support is essential in 5 main aspects of child health information technology, namely, data standards, pediatric functions in health information systems, privacy policies, research and implementation funding, and incentives for technology adoption. Some innovations in health information technology for adult populations can be transferred to or adapted for children, but there also are unique needs in the pediatric population. Development of health information technology that addresses children's needs and effective adoption of that technology are critical for US children to receive care of the highest possible quality in the future.

The Effectiveness of Cigarette Price and Smoke-Free Homes on Low-Income Smokers in the United States

PubMed Central

Vijayaraghavan, Maya; Messer, Karen; White, Martha M.

2013-01-01

Objectives. We examined the effectiveness of state cigarette price and smoke-free homes on smoking behaviors of low-income and high-income populations in the United States. Methods. We used the 2006–2007 Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey. The primary outcomes were average daily cigarette consumption and successful quitting. We used multivariable regression to examine the association of cigarette price and smoke-free home policies on these outcomes. Results. High state cigarette price (pack price ≥ $4.50) was associated with lower consumption across all income levels. Although low-income individuals were least likely to adopt smoke-free homes, those who adopted them had consumption levels and successful quit rates that were similar to those among higher-income individuals. In multivariable analysis, both policies were independently associated with lower consumption, but only smoke-free homes were associated with sustained cessation at 90 days. Conclusions. High cigarette prices and especially smoke-free homes have the potential to reduce smoking behaviors among low-income individuals. Interventions are needed to increase adoption of smoke-free homes among low-income populations to increase cessation rates and prevent relapse. PMID:24134354

Accepting adoption's uncertainty: the limited ethics of pre-adoption genetic testing.

PubMed

Leighton, Kimberly J

2014-06-01

An increasing number of children are adopted in the United States from countries where both medical care and environmental conditions are extremely poor. In response to worries about the accuracy of medical histories, prospective adoptive parents increasingly request genetic testing of children prior to adoption. Though a general consensus on the ethics of pre-adoption genetic testing (PAGT) argues against permitting genetic testing on children available for adoption that is not also permitted for children in general, a view gaining traction argues for expanding the tests permitted. The reasoning behind this view is that the State has a duty to provide a child with parents who are the best "match," and thus all information that advances this end should be obtained. While the matching argument aims to promote the best interests of children, I show how it rests on the claim that what is in the best interests of children available for adoption is for prospective adoptive parents to have their genetic preferences satisfied such that the "genetics" of the children they end up adopting accurately reflects those preferences. Instead of protecting a vulnerable population, I conclude, PAGT contributes to the risks of harm such children face as it encourages people with strong genetic preferences to adopt children whose genetic backgrounds will always be uncertain.

Impact of Concomitant Chemotherapy on Outcomes of Radiation Therapy for Head-and-Neck Cancer: A Population-Based Study

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

Gupta, Shlok; Kong, Weidong; Booth, Christopher M.

2014-01-01

Purpose: Clinical trials have shown that the addition of chemotherapy to radiation therapy (RT) improves survival in advanced head-and-neck cancer. The objective of this study was to describe the effectiveness of concomitant chemoradiation therapy (C-CRT) in routine practice. Methods and Materials: This was a population-based cohort study. Electronic records of treatment from all provincial cancer centers were linked to a population--based cancer registry to describe the adoption of C-CRT for head-and-neck cancer patients in Ontario, Canada. The study population was then divided into pre- and postadoption cohorts, and their outcomes were compared. Results: Between 1992 and 2008, 18,867 patients hadmore » diagnoses of head-and-neck cancer in Ontario, of whom 7866 (41.7%) were treated with primary RT. The proportion of primary RT cases that received C-CRT increased from 2.2% in the preadoption cohort (1992-1998) to 39.3% in the postadoption cohort (2003-2008). Five-year survival among all primary RT cases increased from 43.6% in the preadoption cohort to 51.8% in the postadoption cohort (P<.001). Over the same period, treatment-related hospital admissions increased significantly, but there was no significant increase in treatment-related deaths. Conclusions: C-CRT was widely adopted in Ontario after 2003, and its adoption was temporally associated with an improvement in survival.« less

Differences in influence patterns between groups predicting the adoption of a solar disinfection technology for drinking water in Bolivia.

PubMed

Moser, Stephanie; Mosler, Hans-Joachim

2008-08-01

The lack of safe drinking water is one of the major problems faced by developing countries. The consequences of contaminated water are diseases such as diarrhea, one of the main causes of infant mortality. Because of its simplicity, solar water-disinfection technology provides a good way of treating water at the household level. Despite its obvious advantages and considerable promotional activities, this innovation has had rather a slow uptake. We conducted a field survey in which 644 households in Bolivia were interviewed in order to gain insights on motivations that resulted in adopting the technology. The aim was to examine possible differences in the predictors for adopting this technology during the diffusion process using the theory of innovation diffusion. Our findings indicate that early adoption was predicted by increased involvement in the topic of drinking water and that adoption in the middle of the diffusion process was predicted by increased involvement by opinion leaders and by recognition of a majority who supported the technology. Finally, late adoption was predicted by recognition that a majority had already adopted. Suggestions for future promotional strategies are outlined.

International adoption: a health and developmental prospective.

PubMed

Mason, Patrick; Narad, Christine

2005-02-01

Adoptions from international countries have become an option for many US families, with over 150,000 children adopted in the past 14 years. Typically, internationally adopted children present with a host of medical and developmental concerns. Issues such as growth stunting, abnormal behaviors, and significant delays in motor, speech, and language development are likely directly related to the prenatal and early postnatal environment experienced prior to adoption. The new family and its health-care team must quickly work to identify and address these issues to aid the child's integration into his or her new family. This article will examine potential issues seen in children who are being adopted, including the impact of early environment on subsequent development. We will summarize early and long-term medical issues and review the extent of developmental delays seen in children adopted internationally. Finally, we will discuss possible mechanisms leading to the observed delays, including the impact of stress on subsequent development. By understanding the extent of expected delays and the mechanisms likely causing the issues, the health-care team will be in a good position to quickly identify and develop intervention protocols that will foster the child's assimilation into his or her new family.

Under-estimation of genetic diversity within wild potato (Solanum) species populations

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Genebanks seek to know the partitioning of diversity among species, populations, and individuals in the collection, since this informs decisions for adopting the most effective approaches to collecting, maintaining and evaluating that diversity. Recent reports suggest that heterogeneity within gene...

77 FR 11251 - Commodity Pool Operators and Commodity Trading Advisors: Compliance Obligations

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-02-24

...The Commodity Futures Trading Commission is adopting amendments to its existing part 4 regulations and promulgating one new regulation regarding Commodity Pool Operators and Commodity Trading Advisors. The Commission is also adopting new data collections for CPOs and CTAs that are consistent with a data collection required under the Dodd-Frank Act for entities registered with both the Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission. The adopted amendments rescind the exemption from registration; rescind relief from the certification requirement for annual reports provided to operators of certain pools offered only to qualified eligible persons (QEPs; modify the criteria for claiming relief); and require the annual filing of notices claiming exemptive relief under several sections of the Commission's regulations. Finally, the adopted amendments include new risk disclosure requirements for CPOs and CTAs regarding swap transactions.

The maintenance of sex: Ronald Fisher meets the Red Queen.

PubMed

Green, David; Mason, Chris

2013-08-21

Sex in higher diploids carries a two-fold cost of males that should reduce its fitness relative to cloning, and result in its extinction. Instead, sex is widespread and clonal species face early obsolescence. One possible reason is that sex is an adaptation that allows organisms to respond more effectively to endless changes in their environment. The purpose of this study was to model mutation and selection in a diploid organism in an evolving environment and ascertain their support for sex. We used a computational approach to model finite populations where a haploid environment subjects a diploid host to endlessly evolving change. Evolution in both populations is primarily through adoption of novel advantageous mutations within a large allele space. Sex outcompetes cloning by two complementary mechanisms. First, sexual diploids adopt advantageous homozygous mutations more rapidly than clonal ones under conditions of lag load (the gap between the actual adaptation of the diploid population and its theoretical optimum). This rate advantage can offset the higher fecundity of cloning. Second, a relative advantage to sex emerges where populations are significantly polymorphic, because clonal polymorphism runs the risk of clonal interference caused by selection on numerous lines of similar adaptation. This interference extends allele lifetime and reduces the rate of adaptation. Sex abolishes the interference, making selection faster and elevating population fitness. Differences in adaptation between sexual and clonal populations increase markedly with the number of loci under selection, the rate of mutation in the host, and a rapidly evolving environment. Clonal interference in these circumstances leads to conditions where the greater fecundity of clones is unable to offset their poor adaptation. Sexual and clonal populations then either co-exist, or sex emerges as the more stable evolutionary strategy. Sex can out-compete clones in a rapidly evolving environment, such as that characterized by pathogens, where clonal interference reduces the adaptation of clonal populations and clones adopt advantageous mutations more slowly. Since all organisms carry parasitic loads, the model is of potentially general applicability.

Supporting parents of preschool children in adopting a healthy lifestyle

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Childhood obesity is a public health epidemic. In Canada 21.5% of children aged 2–5 are overweight, with psychological and physical consequences for the child and economic consequences for society. Parents often do not view their children as overweight. One way to prevent overweight is to adopt a healthy lifestyle (HL). Nurses with direct access to young families could assess overweight and support parents in adopting HL. But what is the best way to support them if they do not view their child as overweight? A better understanding of parents’ representation of children’s overweight might guide the development of solutions tailored to their needs. Methods/design This study uses an action research design, a participatory approach mobilizing all stakeholders around a problem to be solved. The general objective is to identify, with nurses working with families, ways to promote HL among parents of preschoolers. Specific objectives are to: 1) describe the prevalence of overweight in preschoolers at vaccination time; 2) describe the representation of overweight and HL, as reported by preschoolers’ parents; 3) explore the views of nurses working with young families regarding possible solutions that could become a clinical tool to promote HL; and 4) try to identify a direction concerning the proposed strategies that could be used by nurses working with this population. First, an epidemiological study will be conducted in vaccination clinics: 288 4–5-year-olds will be weighed and measured. Next, semi-structured interviews will be conducted with 20 parents to describe their representation of HL and their child’s weight. Based on the results from these two steps, by means of a focus group nurses will identify possible strategies to the problem. Finally, focus groups of parents, then nurses and finally experts will give their opinions of these strategies in order to find a direction for these strategies. Descriptive and correlational statistical analyses will be done on the quantitative survey data using SPSS. Qualitative data will be analyzed using Huberman and Miles’ (2003) approach. NVivo will be used for the analysis and data management. Discussion The anticipated benefits of this rigorous approach will be to identify and develop potential intervention strategies in partnership with preschoolers’ parents and produce a clinical tool reflecting the views of parents and nurses working with preschoolers’ parents. PMID:22852762

Supporting parents of preschool children in adopting a healthy lifestyle.

PubMed

Lemelin, Lucie; Gallagher, Frances; Haggerty, Jeannie

2012-08-01

Childhood obesity is a public health epidemic. In Canada 21.5% of children aged 2-5 are overweight, with psychological and physical consequences for the child and economic consequences for society. Parents often do not view their children as overweight. One way to prevent overweight is to adopt a healthy lifestyle (HL). Nurses with direct access to young families could assess overweight and support parents in adopting HL. But what is the best way to support them if they do not view their child as overweight? A better understanding of parents' representation of children's overweight might guide the development of solutions tailored to their needs. This study uses an action research design, a participatory approach mobilizing all stakeholders around a problem to be solved. The general objective is to identify, with nurses working with families, ways to promote HL among parents of preschoolers. Specific objectives are to: 1) describe the prevalence of overweight in preschoolers at vaccination time; 2) describe the representation of overweight and HL, as reported by preschoolers' parents; 3) explore the views of nurses working with young families regarding possible solutions that could become a clinical tool to promote HL; and 4) try to identify a direction concerning the proposed strategies that could be used by nurses working with this population. First, an epidemiological study will be conducted in vaccination clinics: 288 4-5-year-olds will be weighed and measured. Next, semi-structured interviews will be conducted with 20 parents to describe their representation of HL and their child's weight. Based on the results from these two steps, by means of a focus group nurses will identify possible strategies to the problem. Finally, focus groups of parents, then nurses and finally experts will give their opinions of these strategies in order to find a direction for these strategies. Descriptive and correlational statistical analyses will be done on the quantitative survey data using SPSS. Qualitative data will be analyzed using Huberman and Miles' (2003) approach. NVivo will be used for the analysis and data management. The anticipated benefits of this rigorous approach will be to identify and develop potential intervention strategies in partnership with preschoolers' parents and produce a clinical tool reflecting the views of parents and nurses working with preschoolers' parents.

Adoption Status and Family Relationships During the Transition to Young Adulthood

PubMed Central

Walkner, Amy J.; Rueter, Martha A.

2015-01-01

While adoptive family research has increased, most has focused on childhood and adolescence. Despite the known importance of parent-adolescent relationships drawn from the general population, we know little about how adoptive family relationships change or remain the same as adopted adolescents enter young adulthood. Utilizing the Sibling Interaction and Behavior Study, the purpose of this study is to build upon previous research to explore differences in conflict, closeness, and relationship quality between adoptive and nonadoptive families during the transition from late adolescence into young adulthood. Self-report and independent observations were collected from children, mothers, and fathers at late adolescence (14.50–18.49 years) and young adulthood (18.50–22.49 years), and analyzed using within subjects repeated measures. While adoptive family dyads had lower relationship indicators compared to nonadoptive family dyads, similar trends over time occurred for both family types. Using individuation theory, we suggest individuation occurs for both types of families, with adoptees facing unique additional challenges during this process, including integration of adoption status, adoption communicativeness, adoption information seeking, and relationship with birth parents as possible influences in this process. PMID:25221972

With Declining Number of High School Graduates, Where Do We Find Enough Students for Our Colleges in the 1980's?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Otto, George

Community colleges, facing a decline in the 18 to 24 year old college age population, should adopt the marketing philosophy of private enterprise to discover and meet the unsatisfied educational needs of non-traditional, though potential, clients. The adoption of this philosophy, while necessitating that colleges provide education on terms…

An Assessment on Awareness and Acceptability of Child Adoption in Edo State

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aluyor, P.; Salami, L. I.

2017-01-01

The study examines the awareness and acceptability of child adoption in Edo State. The design used for the study was survey design. The population for the study is made up of adults male and female in Esan West Local Government Area. One hundred respondents were randomly selected using random sampling techniques. The validity was ascertained by…

Varied Student Perception of E-Text Use among Student Populations in Biology Courses

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McDaniel, Kerrie; Daday, Jerry

2018-01-01

The faculty in a biology department at a four-year public comprehensive university adopted e-texts for all 100 and 200 level biology courses with the primary motivation of reducing textbook costs to students. This study examines the students' perceptions of the e-texts adopted for these 100 and 200 level biology courses. An online questionnaire…

State, Adoption and Use of ICTs by Students and Academic Staff at Mzuzu University, Malawi

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chaputula, Aubrey Harvey

2012-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to look at the state, adoption and use of ICTs by students and academic staff at Mzuzu University. Design/methodology/approach: The research used a survey method whose study population included students, academic and library staff. Data for the study were collected using an interview guide and…

An observational study of the relationship between Capacity for Care as an animal shelter management model and cat health, adoption and death in three animal shelters.

PubMed

Karsten, C L; Wagner, D C; Kass, P H; Hurley, K F

2017-09-01

Animal shelters struggle to function at their 'right size' in terms of physical, staffing and outcome capacity, especially with seasonal fluctuations in cat intake. To address this, a Capacity for Care (C4C) management model was devised to balance health and welfare requirements of all animals while maintaining or improving goals for positive outcomes, such as adoption or transfer. In this observational study of three shelters, applying the C4C management system gave each organization an optimal average daily shelter cat population target (to be achieved through proactive length of stay management) and helped each shelter to increase the size of their feline housing units. Pre- and post-C4C implementation data were evaluated to determine impact on average monthly isolation ward populations and cat outcomes such as adoptions and shelter deaths (euthanasia/died). Improved outcomes including increased adoption probability, decreased shelter death probability and fewer cats requiring infectious disease isolation were seen after C4C institution. Results suggest that implementation of this management model could help other shelters achieve similar results. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

GalMod: A Galactic Synthesis Population Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pasetto, Stefano; Grebel, Eva K.; Chiosi, Cesare; Crnojević, Denija; Zeidler, Peter; Busso, Giorgia; Cassarà, Letizia P.; Piovan, Lorenzo; Tantalo, Rosaria; Brogliato, Claudio

2018-06-01

We present a new Galaxy population synthesis Model, GalMod. GalMod is a star-count model featuring an asymmetric bar/bulge as well as spiral arms and related extinction. The model, initially introduced in Pasetto et al., has been here completed with a central bar, a new bulge description, new disk vertical profiles, and several new bolometric corrections. The model can generate synthetic mock catalogs of visible portions of the Milky Way, external galaxies like M31, or N-body simulation initial conditions. At any given time, e.g., at a chosen age of the Galaxy, the model contains a sum of discrete stellar populations, namely the bulge/bar, disk, and halo. These populations are in turn the sum of different components: the disk is the sum of the spiral arms, thin disks, a thick disk, and various gas components, while the halo is the sum of a stellar component, a hot coronal gas, and a dark-matter component. The Galactic potential is computed from these population density profiles and used to generate detailed kinematics by considering up to the first four moments of the collisionless Boltzmann equation. The same density profiles are then used to define the observed color–magnitude diagrams in a user-defined field of view (FoV) from an arbitrary solar location. Several photometric systems have been included and made available online, and no limits on the size of the FoV are imposed thus allowing full-sky simulations, too. Finally, we model the extinction by adopting a dust model with advanced ray-tracing solutions. The model's Web page (and tutorial) can be accessed at www.GalMod.org and support is provided at Galaxy.Model@yahoo.com.

Genetic Patterns of Common-Bean Seed Acquisition and Early-Stage Adoption Among Farmer Groups in Western Uganda

PubMed Central

Wilkus, Erin L.; Berny Mier y Teran, Jorge C.; Mukankusi, Clare M.; Gepts, Paul

2018-01-01

Widespread adoption of new varieties can be valuable, especially where improved agricultural production technologies are hard to access. However, as farmers adopt new varieties, in situ population structure and genetic diversity of their seed holdings can change drastically. Consequences of adoption are still poorly understood due to a lack of crop genetic diversity assessments and detailed surveys of farmers' seed management practices. Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is an excellent model for these types of studies, as it has a long history of cultivation among smallholder farmers, exhibits eco-geographic patterns of diversity (e.g., Andean vs. Mesoamerican gene-pools), and has been subjected to post-Columbian dispersal and recent introduction of improved cultivars. The Hoima district of western Uganda additionally provides an excellent social setting for evaluating consequences of adoption because access to improved varieties has varied across farmer groups in this production region. This study establishes a baseline understanding of the common bean diversity found among household producers in Uganda and compares the crop population structure, diversity and consequences of adoption of household producers with different adoption practices. Molecular diversity analysis, based on 4,955 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers, evaluated a total of 1,156 seed samples that included 196 household samples collected from household producers in the Hoima district, 19 breeder-selected varieties used in participatory breeding activities that had taken place prior to the study in the region, and a global bean germplasm collection. Households that had participated in regional participatory breeding efforts were more likely to adopt new varieties and, consequently, diversify their seed stocks than those that had not participated. Of the three farmer groups that participated in breeding efforts, households from the farmer group with the longest history of bean production were more likely to conserve “Seed Engufu”, a local “Calima”-type variety of the Andean bean gene pool, and, at the same time, introduce rare Mesoamerican gene pool varieties into household seed stocks. PMID:29868053

Genetic Patterns of Common-Bean Seed Acquisition and Early-Stage Adoption Among Farmer Groups in Western Uganda.

PubMed

Wilkus, Erin L; Berny Mier Y Teran, Jorge C; Mukankusi, Clare M; Gepts, Paul

2018-01-01

Widespread adoption of new varieties can be valuable, especially where improved agricultural production technologies are hard to access. However, as farmers adopt new varieties, in situ population structure and genetic diversity of their seed holdings can change drastically. Consequences of adoption are still poorly understood due to a lack of crop genetic diversity assessments and detailed surveys of farmers' seed management practices. Common bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris ) is an excellent model for these types of studies, as it has a long history of cultivation among smallholder farmers, exhibits eco-geographic patterns of diversity (e.g., Andean vs. Mesoamerican gene-pools), and has been subjected to post-Columbian dispersal and recent introduction of improved cultivars. The Hoima district of western Uganda additionally provides an excellent social setting for evaluating consequences of adoption because access to improved varieties has varied across farmer groups in this production region. This study establishes a baseline understanding of the common bean diversity found among household producers in Uganda and compares the crop population structure, diversity and consequences of adoption of household producers with different adoption practices. Molecular diversity analysis, based on 4,955 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers, evaluated a total of 1,156 seed samples that included 196 household samples collected from household producers in the Hoima district, 19 breeder-selected varieties used in participatory breeding activities that had taken place prior to the study in the region, and a global bean germplasm collection. Households that had participated in regional participatory breeding efforts were more likely to adopt new varieties and, consequently, diversify their seed stocks than those that had not participated. Of the three farmer groups that participated in breeding efforts, households from the farmer group with the longest history of bean production were more likely to conserve "Seed Engufu", a local "Calima"-type variety of the Andean bean gene pool, and, at the same time, introduce rare Mesoamerican gene pool varieties into household seed stocks.

Phenotypes, genome wide markers and structured genetic populations; a means to understand economically important traits in beta vulgaris and to inform the process of germplasm enhancement

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Although hybrid seed systems in beet have been widely adopted due to profitability and productivity, the population remains the operational unit of beet improvement and thus characterizing populations in terms of markers and phenotypes is critical for novel trait discovery and eventual deployment of...

On Adopting Solutions to Improve Population Health: Do We Have the Political Will?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Galea, Sandro

2016-01-01

In this column, Sandro Galea addresses what would be required to identify and implement solutions that can improve the health of populations. Galea suggests that two perspectives need to inform solutions that might prove successful. First, solutions that aim to improve the health of populations need to be grounded in clarity of purpose, aiming to…

Adoptive cell therapy for lymphoma with CD4 T cells depleted of CD137-expressing regulatory T cells.

PubMed

Goldstein, Matthew J; Kohrt, Holbrook E; Houot, Roch; Varghese, Bindu; Lin, Jack T; Swanson, Erica; Levy, Ronald

2012-03-01

Adoptive immunotherapy with antitumor T cells is a promising novel approach for the treatment of cancer. However, T-cell therapy may be limited by the cotransfer of regulatory T cells (T(reg)). Here, we explored this hypothesis by using 2 cell surface markers, CD44 and CD137, to isolate antitumor CD4 T cells while excluding T(regs). In a murine model of B-cell lymphoma, only CD137(neg)CD44(hi) CD4 T cells infiltrated tumor sites and provided protection. Conversely, the population of CD137(pos)CD44hi CD4 T cells consisted primarily of activated T(regs). Notably, this CD137(pos) T(reg) population persisted following adoptive transfer and maintained expression of FoxP3 as well as CD137. Moreover, in vitro these CD137(pos) cells suppressed the proliferation of effector cells in a contact-dependent manner, and in vivo adding the CD137(pos)CD44(hi) CD4 cells to CD137(neg)CD44(hi) CD4 cells suppressed the antitumor immune response. Thus, CD137 expression on CD4 T cells defined a population of activated T(regs) that greatly limited antitumor immune responses. Consistent with observations in the murine model, human lymphoma biopsies also contained a population of CD137(pos) CD4 T cells that were predominantly CD25(pos)FoxP3(pos) T(regs). In conclusion, our findings identify 2 surface markers that can be used to facilitate the enrichment of antitumor CD4 T cells while depleting an inhibitory T(reg) population.

Reference intervals for thyrotropin in an area of Northern Italy: the Pordenone thyroid study (TRIPP).

PubMed

Tozzoli, R; D'Aurizio, F; Metus, P; Steffan, A; Mazzon, C; Bagnasco, M

2018-01-16

Thyrotropin (TSH) is the most accurate marker of thyroid dysfunction in the absence of pituitary or hypothalamic disease. Studies on TSH reference intervals (RIs) showed wide inter-individual variability and prompted an intense debate about the best estimation of TSH RIs. We performed a population study on TSH RIs, using current data stored in the laboratory information system (LIS), at the Hospital Department of Laboratory Medicine, Pordenone (Italy), historically an area of mild-moderate iodine deficiency with a relatively high goiter prevalence. 136,650 individuals constituted the final sample. A TSH immunoassay was performed on fasting serum samples with the Dimension Vista 1500 analyzer (Siemens Healthineers). We adopted the Kairisto's procedure to analyze TSH data downloaded by the LIS, applying the indirect strategy for deriving RIs. TSH RIs of the entire population were 0.32-3.36 mIU/L with a distribution skewed towards higher values. RIs were 0.26-3.61 mIU/L for females, and 0.32-3.01 mIU/L for males. Unlike other studies, TSH median levels progressively decreased from 0-4 to 85-104 years in the overall population, both in male and in female subgroups, showing an inverse correlation between TSH and age in all groups. This study is the first to analyze a high percentage (40%) of individuals from an ethnically homogenous Caucasian population. The results obtained emphasize the opportunity to define the TSH RIs according to age, gender and race, in addition to assay methods, and provide further insight about the possible role of iodine status.

43 CFR 3420.4-1 - Timing of consultation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... § 3420.4-1 Timing of consultation. Following the release of the final regional lease sale environmental impact statement, and prior to adopting a regional lease sale schedule, the Secretary shall engage in...

43 CFR 3420.4-1 - Timing of consultation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... § 3420.4-1 Timing of consultation. Following the release of the final regional lease sale environmental impact statement, and prior to adopting a regional lease sale schedule, the Secretary shall engage in...

43 CFR 3420.4-1 - Timing of consultation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... § 3420.4-1 Timing of consultation. Following the release of the final regional lease sale environmental impact statement, and prior to adopting a regional lease sale schedule, the Secretary shall engage in...

43 CFR 3420.4-1 - Timing of consultation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... § 3420.4-1 Timing of consultation. Following the release of the final regional lease sale environmental impact statement, and prior to adopting a regional lease sale schedule, the Secretary shall engage in...

Development and validation of Iranian children’s participation assessment scale

PubMed Central

Amini, Malek; Hassani Mehraban, Afsoon; Haghni, Hamid; Asgharnezhad, Ali Asghar; Khayatzadeh Mahani, Mohammad

2016-01-01

Background: Participation is mostly cultural and familial based, and there is not any assessment scales for evaluating kids’ participation in Iranian context, therefore the purpose of this study was developing children’s participation assessment scale for Iranian children. Methods: Development of this scale occurred in two phases; phase I: planning: following reviewing the literature and adopting and compiling some items of available evaluation tools in the area (such as CAPE, CPQ, CLASS, Life-H) and receiving advice from two expert panels, the preliminary94- item questionnaire was prepared. Phase II: construct: the survey study was carried out on40 children and 21 of their parents to assess the popularity of the activity in Iran; thus, the items of the questionnaire reduced to 92 and after face and content validity, the final version prepared with 71 items. Results: The final 71-item questionnaire was developed in two parent-report and child-report versions. The 71 items based on the literature and expert panels’ advice were categorized in 8 areas of occupation according to Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (ADL, IADL, Play, leisure, social participation, education, work, and sleep/rest). Conclusion: Iranian children’s participation assessment is a useful and culturally relevant tool to measure participation of Iranian children. It can be used in rigorous clinical and population-based research. PMID:27390703

ADOPTION IN SHARI'A LAW, ITS IMPACT ON THE MUSLIM MINORITY IN ISRAEL, AND THE THERAPIST-PATIENT RELATIONSHIP WHEN PSYCHOLOGICAL INTERVENTION IS NECESSARY.

PubMed

Gith, Emad

2014-10-01

Adoption is an act of kindness and an expression of the most exalted of human morality. It fulfills the needs of both the adoptive parents and the adopted child. Muslim religious law has rejected the concept of adoption as it exists in the western world and presents several alternatives including personal liability, declaration of guardianship, bestowing a gift and leaving a last will and testament. Nevertheless, over the past 20 years, the Arab-Muslim population in Israel has developed a certain acceptance of the more typical concept of adoption and the willingness to accept the civil legislation that is applied in domestic courts in Israel. This gradual integration into Israeli society as well as the very act of adoption, which remains controversial, often creates the need for treatment, consultation and guidance for the adoptive family and the adopted child. The traditional, collective characteristics of the Arab-Muslim society have a significant impact on the child's emotional state and behavior and, of course, effect the adoptive family's social standing as well. In such situations, it is imperative to discuss the interaction and the often difficult and complex relationship that develops between the therapist or counselor and the patient.

Increasing URM Undergraduate Student Success through Assessment-Driven Interventions: A Multiyear Study Using Freshman-Level General Biology as a Model System.

PubMed

Carmichael, Mary C; St Clair, Candace; Edwards, Andrea M; Barrett, Peter; McFerrin, Harris; Davenport, Ian; Awad, Mohamed; Kundu, Anup; Ireland, Shubha Kale

2016-01-01

Xavier University of Louisiana leads the nation in awarding BS degrees in the biological sciences to African-American students. In this multiyear study with ∼5500 participants, data-driven interventions were adopted to improve student academic performance in a freshman-level general biology course. The three hour-long exams were common and administered concurrently to all students. New exam questions were developed using Bloom's taxonomy, and exam results were analyzed statistically with validated assessment tools. All but the comprehensive final exam were returned to students for self-evaluation and remediation. Among other approaches, course rigor was monitored by using an identical set of 60 questions on the final exam across 10 semesters. Analysis of the identical sets of 60 final exam questions revealed that overall averages increased from 72.9% (2010) to 83.5% (2015). Regression analysis demonstrated a statistically significant correlation between high-risk students and their averages on the 60 questions. Additional analysis demonstrated statistically significant improvements for at least one letter grade from midterm to final and a 20% increase in the course pass rates over time, also for the high-risk population. These results support the hypothesis that our data-driven interventions and assessment techniques are successful in improving student retention, particularly for our academically at-risk students. © 2016 M. C. Carmichael et al. CBE—Life Sciences Education © 2016 The American Society for Cell Biology. This article is distributed by The American Society for Cell Biology under license from the author(s). It is available to the public under an Attribution–Noncommercial–Share Alike 3.0 Unported Creative Commons License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0).

Adoption of workplaces and reach of employees for a multi-faceted intervention targeting low back pain among nurses’ aides

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Workplace adoption and reach of health promotion are important, but generally poorly reported. The aim of this study is therefore to evaluate the adoption of workplaces (organizational level) and reach of employees (individual level) of a multi-faceted workplace health promotion and work environment intervention targeting low back pain among nurses’ aides in elderly care. Methods Percentage of adopters was calculated among eligible workplaces and differences between adopters and non-adopters were evaluated through workplace registrations and manager questionnaires from all eligible workplaces. From the adopted workplaces reach was calculated among eligible employees as the percentage who responded on a questionnaire. Responders were compared with non-responders using data from company registrations. Among responders, comparisons based on questionnaire data were performed between those consenting to participate in the intervention (consenters) and those not consenting to participate in the intervention (non-consenters). Comparisons were done using Student's t-test for the continuous variables, Fisher's exact test for dichotomous variables and the Pearson’s chi2 for categorical variables. Moreover odds ratios for non-responding and non-consenting were investigated with binary logistic regression analyses. Results The project was adopted by 44% of the offered workplaces. The main differences between adopters and non-adopters were that workplaces adopting the intervention had a more stable organization as well as a management with positive beliefs of the intervention’s potential benefits. Of eligible employees, 71% responded on the questionnaire and 57% consented to participate. Non-responders and non-consenters did not differ from the responders and consenters on demographic factors and health. However, more non-responders and non-consenters were low skilled, worked less than 30 hours pr. week, and worked evening and nightshift compared to responders and consenters, respectively. Consenters had more musculoskeletal pain and reduced self-rated health, as well as higher physical exertion during work compared to non-consenters. Conclusions Our recruitment effort yielded a population of consenters that was representative of the target population of nurses’ aides with respect to demographic factors, and health. Moreover more consenters had problems like pain and high physical exertion during work, which fitted the scope of the intervention. Trial registration The study is registered as ISRCTN78113519. PMID:24885476

Environmental market factors associated with electronic health record adoption among cancer hospitals.

PubMed

Tarver, Will L; Menachemi, Nir

2017-02-22

Although recent literature has explored the relationship between various environmental market characteristics and the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) among general, acute care hospitals, no such research currently exists for specialty hospitals, including those providing cancer care. The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between market characteristics and the adoption of EHRs among Commission on Cancer (CoC)-accredited hospitals. Secondary data on EHR adoption combined with hospital and environmental market characteristics were analyzed using logistic regression. Using the resource dependence theory, we examined how measures of munificence, complexity, and dynamism are related to the adoption of EHRs among CoC-accredited hospitals and, separately, hospitals not CoC-accredited. In a sample of 2,670 hospitals, 141 (0.05%) were academic-based CoC-accredited hospitals and 562 (21%) were community-based CoC-accredited hospitals. Measures of munificence such as cancer incidence rates (OR = 0.99, CI [0.99, 1.00], p = .020) and percentage population aged 65+ (OR = 0.99, CI [0.99, 1.00], p = .001) were negatively associated with basic EHR adoption, whereas urban location was positively associated with comprehensive EHR adoption (OR = 3.07, CI [0.89, 10.61], p = .076) for community-based CoC-accredited hospitals. Measures of complexity such as hospitals in areas with less competition were less likely to adopt a basic EHR (OR = 0.33, CI [0.19, 0.96], p = .005), whereas Medicare Managed Care penetration was positively associated with comprehensive EHR adoption (OR = 1.02, CI [1.00, 1.05], p = .070) among community-based CoC-accredited hospitals. Lastly, dynamism, measured as population change, was negatively associated with the adoption of comprehensive EHRs (OR = 0.99, CI [0.99, 1.00], p = .070) among academic-based CoC-accredited hospitals. A greater understanding of the environment's relationship to health information technology adoption in cancer hospitals will help stakeholders in these institutions make informed strategic decisions about information technology investments guided by their facilities' respective environmental factors. The results of this study may also be useful to hospital chief information officers and chief executive officers seeking to either improve their quality of care or achieve and maintain accreditation in providing cancer care.

User profiles and personas in the design and development of consumer health technologies.

PubMed

LeRouge, Cynthia; Ma, Jiao; Sneha, Sweta; Tolle, Kristin

2013-11-01

"The graying of the globe" has resulted in exponential rise in health care expenses, over-worked health care professionals and a growing patient base suffering from multiple chronic diseases, one of which is diabetes. Consumer health technologies (CHT) are considered important catalysts for empowering health care consumers to take a proactive role in managing their health and related costs. Adoption rate and usability of such devices among the aging is far from being satisfactory. Past studies noted the motivation for adoption by the aging is dependent on the suitability/relevance, perceived usability and anticipated benefits associated with usage of technological innovation. Traditional information technology (IT) development adopts a systematic approach without necessarily using a specific user model that personalizes the system to the aging user groups. The aging patient population has unique needs arising from progressive deterioration in both physiological and psychological abilities. These needs are often ignored in the design, development, trial and adoption of consumer health products resulting in low adoption and usage. The main objective of this research is to investigate the user-centered design (UCD), specifically user profiles and personas, as methodological tools to inform the design and development of CHT devices for an aging population. The adoption of user profile and persona has not received much attention in health care informatics research and, in particular, research involving CHT. Our work begins to fill this void in three ways. We (1) illuminate the process of developing CHT user profiles and personas for a Chinese elder population with a demanding health care needs, i.e., self-management of chronic diabetes, with the hope that the resulting profiles and personas may be used as foundational material for informing the design, development and evaluation of CHT in other similar contexts; (2) call attention to how to further enhance and complement traditional user profile and persona techniques for CHT design by integrating cognitive structures and present behavior that drive health care thinking, future behavior and demand; (3) show how the profiles and personas can be used to inform requirements, design and implementation decisions for a technology aimed at facilitating CHT adoption and diffusion for the elderly. To exemplify process and application, we use an action-research methodology, where user profiles and personas of an aging patient population were developed. The resultant profiles and personas were leveraged to improve the design, development and implementation plans of a smart phone application to assist chronically ill aging Chinese diabetic population capable of disease self-management. The results from the study show that user profile and persona can be a valuable methodological approach in capturing the conceptual model of the aging and informing the design and development decisions of CHT. The demonstration of techniques used in this study can serve as a guideline to CHT developers in bringing conceptual user modeling into the design of software interfaces targeted for users with specific health care needs. Specifically, the study provides guidance on the creation and use of profiles and personas to tap into the conceptual models of the targeted elderly population reflecting their preferences, capabilities and attitudes towards using technology in self-management care in general and the smart phone diabetes management application in particular. Insight into the mental model of the aging group has been shown to inform later stages of UCD development (e.g., the creation of prototypes and usability testing) as well as implementation and adoption strategies. The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that by 2025, 80% of all new cases of diabetes are expected to appear in the developing countries. In fact, the number of diabetic patients in China is estimated to rise to 42.3 million in 2030 from 20.8 million in 2000. Thus, we investigate the Chinese aging population in order to demonstrate the process of developing and using user profile and persona. We hope that the resultant conceptual model of the Chinese aging diabetic population can be used in future research to guide CHT designers interested in designing health care devices for this vulnerable user group. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

The timid crusade.

PubMed

Grant, L

1994-01-01

US population at present growth rates will approach 400 million and maybe pass 500 million by year 2050. Population growth may, however, be reduced by lowering fertility and/or reducing immigration flows. The author opens with the argument that President Bill Clinton should follow ex-President Nixon's recommendation to establish a national goal of providing adequate family planning services for all who want them and notes early efforts to affect population policy in the US. The National Commission on Population Growth and the American Future concluded in 1972 that the government should establish a long-term strategy to monitor demographic, resource, and environmental trends; reform government archaic organizations in anticipation of growing urbanization; adopt a national, publicly funded, volunteer program to reduce unwanted fertility, improve pregnancy outcomes, and improve child health; and forcibly limit immigration. These recommendations were shelved, but certainly warrant consideration and adoption two decades later. A less pointed Global 2000 Report was present to President Carter in 1980. Environmentalist groups began to address population in the late 1970s and 1980s, with eighteen environmental organizations joining forces in 1988 to develop the Blueprint for the Environment as a guide for the incoming US administration. The author describes the views of these groups on US population and stresses the need for them to lobby on population. Potential approaches are suggested.

Population Pharmacokinetics of Busulfan in Pediatric and Young Adult Patients Undergoing Hematopoietic Cell Transplant: A Model-Based Dosing Algorithm for Personalized Therapy and Implementation into Routine Clinical Use

PubMed Central

Long-Boyle, Janel; Savic, Rada; Yan, Shirley; Bartelink, Imke; Musick, Lisa; French, Deborah; Law, Jason; Horn, Biljana; Cowan, Morton J.; Dvorak, Christopher C.

2014-01-01

Background Population pharmacokinetic (PK) studies of busulfan in children have shown that individualized model-based algorithms provide improved targeted busulfan therapy when compared to conventional dosing. The adoption of population PK models into routine clinical practice has been hampered by the tendency of pharmacologists to develop complex models too impractical for clinicians to use. The authors aimed to develop a population PK model for busulfan in children that can reliably achieve therapeutic exposure (concentration-at-steady-state, Css) and implement a simple, model-based tool for the initial dosing of busulfan in children undergoing HCT. Patients and Methods Model development was conducted using retrospective data available in 90 pediatric and young adult patients who had undergone HCT with busulfan conditioning. Busulfan drug levels and potential covariates influencing drug exposure were analyzed using the non-linear mixed effects modeling software, NONMEM. The final population PK model was implemented into a clinician-friendly, Microsoft Excel-based tool and used to recommend initial doses of busulfan in a group of 21 pediatric patients prospectively dosed based on the population PK model. Results Modeling of busulfan time-concentration data indicates busulfan CL displays non-linearity in children, decreasing up to approximately 20% between the concentrations of 250–2000 ng/mL. Important patient-specific covariates found to significantly impact busulfan CL were actual body weight and age. The percentage of individuals achieving a therapeutic Css was significantly higher in subjects receiving initial doses based on the population PK model (81%) versus historical controls dosed on conventional guidelines (52%) (p = 0.02). Conclusion When compared to the conventional dosing guidelines, the model-based algorithm demonstrates significant improvement for providing targeted busulfan therapy in children and young adults. PMID:25162216

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in internationally adopted children.

PubMed

Spring, Rachel; Schlaack, Hanna; Rice, Marilyn; Staat, Mary A; Quinn, Charles T

2018-05-01

There are conflicting guidelines about screening of internationally adopted children for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, a common genetic disorder. In a multi-ethnic population of 2,169 internationally adopted children, we found that the prevalence of G6PD deficiency was 1.6% overall and 2.2% in males. Prevalence differed by country or region of origin, ranging from 0 to 13% overall and 0 to 22% in males. The prevalence in females was 1%. A diagnosis of G6PD deficiency informs the treatment of malaria and enables education and counseling to prevent morbidity and mortality from G6PD deficiency. Screening for G6PD deficiency should be strongly considered for internationally adopted children. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Increasing the health promotion practices of workplaces in Australia with a proactive telephone-based intervention.

PubMed

Daly, Justine; Licata, Milly; Gillham, Karen; Wiggers, John

2005-01-01

The aim of this study was to explore the potential effectiveness of a proactive telephone-based intervention in increasing workplace adoption of health promotion initiatives. A telephone-based direct marketing strategy was used to contact a sample of Australian workplaces to encourage the adoption of health promotion initiatives. Workplaces were offered free services and resources designed to facilitate adoption of health promotion initiatives. A total of 227 (71%) workplaces provided informed consent to participate in both baseline and 4-year follow-up surveys. Significant increases were evident for seven of the eight health promotion initiatives. The findings of this study suggest that a proactive telephone-based intervention has the potential to be effective in increasing the prevalence of health promotion initiatives across a range of health topics in a large population of workplaces. Given the capacity to reach an entire population of workplaces, this approach represents a promising means of achieving the established potential of workplace health promotion.

Dynamics of social contagions with limited contact capacity.

PubMed

Wang, Wei; Shu, Panpan; Zhu, Yu-Xiao; Tang, Ming; Zhang, Yi-Cheng

2015-10-01

Individuals are always limited by some inelastic resources, such as time and energy, which restrict them to dedicate to social interaction and limit their contact capacities. Contact capacity plays an important role in dynamics of social contagions, which so far has eluded theoretical analysis. In this paper, we first propose a non-Markovian model to understand the effects of contact capacity on social contagions, in which each adopted individual can only contact and transmit the information to a finite number of neighbors. We then develop a heterogeneous edge-based compartmental theory for this model, and a remarkable agreement with simulations is obtained. Through theory and simulations, we find that enlarging the contact capacity makes the network more fragile to behavior spreading. Interestingly, we find that both the continuous and discontinuous dependence of the final adoption size on the information transmission probability can arise. There is a crossover phenomenon between the two types of dependence. More specifically, the crossover phenomenon can be induced by enlarging the contact capacity only when the degree exponent is above a critical degree exponent, while the final behavior adoption size always grows continuously for any contact capacity when degree exponent is below the critical degree exponent.

Adoptive cell transfer in autoimmune hepatitis.

PubMed

Czaja, Albert J

2015-06-01

Adoptive cell transfer is an intervention in which autologous immune cells that have been expanded ex vivo are re-introduced to mitigate a pathological process. Tregs, mesenchymal stromal cells, dendritic cells, macrophages and myeloid-derived suppressor cells have been transferred in diverse immune-mediated diseases, and Tregs have been the focus of investigations in autoimmune hepatitis. Transferred Tregs have improved histological findings in animal models of autoimmune hepatitis and autoimmune cholangitis. Key challenges relate to discrepant findings among studies, phenotypic instability of the transferred population, uncertain side effects and possible need for staged therapy involving anti-inflammatory drugs. Future investigations must resolve issues about the purification, durability and safety of these cells and consider alternative populations if necessary.

Understanding gender differences in m-health adoption: a modified theory of reasoned action model.

PubMed

Zhang, Xiaofei; Guo, Xitong; Lai, Kee-Hung; Guo, Feng; Li, Chenlei

2014-01-01

Mobile health (m-health) services are becoming increasingly popular in healthcare, but research on m-health adoption is rare. This study was designed to obtain a better understanding of m-health adoption intention. We conducted an empirical research of a 481-respondent sample consisting of 44.7% women and 55.3% men and developed a modified theory of reasoned action (TRA) model by incorporating the nonlinearities between attitude and subjective norms and the moderating effect of gender. The results indicate that, based on the study population in China: (1) facilitating conditions, attitude, and subjective norms are significant predictors of m-health adoption intention; (2) the model including the nonlinearities enhances its explanatory ability; (3) males enjoy a higher level of m-health adoption intention compared with females; (4) the modified TRA model can predict men's behavior intention better than that of women; and (5) males have an Edgeworth-Pareto substitutability between attitude and subjective norms in predicting m-health adoption intention. Thus, we found gender differences in m-health adoption from the perspective of social psychology.

Standby gasoline rationing plan

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1980-06-01

Title 10 - Energy, Chapter II - Department of Energy, PART 570 - Standby gasoline rationing plan regulations. Final rules adopted by the President for a Standby Gasoline Rationing Plan required by the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1979 (P.L. ...

Perceived barriers to adopting an Asian-language quitline service: a survey of state funding agencies.

PubMed

Zhuang, Yue-Lin; Cummins, Sharon E; Lee, Hye-ryeon; Dearing, James; Kirby, Carrie; Zhu, Shu-Hong

2012-10-01

This study examined the perceived barriers to adopting an Asian-language quitline service among agencies that fund current state quitline services across the U.S. A self-administered survey on organizational readiness was sent to the funding agencies of 47 states plus Washington D.C. that currently fund state quitlines in English and Spanish, but not in Asian languages (response rate = 58%). The 2010 Census and the 2009 North American Quitline Consortium Survey were used to obtain the proportion of Asians among the state population and state quitline funding level, respectively. The most frequently cited reasons for not adopting an Asian quitline are: the Asian population in the state would be too small (71.4%), costs of service would be too high (57.1%), and the belief that using third-party translation for counseling is sufficient (39.3%). However, neither the actual proportion of Asians among the state population (range = 0.7% to 7.3%), nor the quitline funding level (range = $0.17 to $20.8 per capita) predicts the reported reasons. The results indicate that quitline funding agencies need more education on the necessity and the feasibility of an Asian-language quitline. Three states are currently participating in a multi-state Asian-language quitline in which each state promotes the service to its residents and one state (CA) provides the services for all the states. This centralized multi-state Asian-language quitline operation, which helps reduce practical barriers in adoption and disparity in access to service, could be extended.

LEGEND, a LEO-to-GEO Environment Debris Model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liou, Jer Chyi; Hall, Doyle T.

2013-01-01

LEGEND (LEO-to-GEO Environment Debris model) is a three-dimensional orbital debris evolutionary model that is capable of simulating the historical and future debris populations in the near-Earth environment. The historical component in LEGEND adopts a deterministic approach to mimic the known historical populations. Launched rocket bodies, spacecraft, and mission-related debris (rings, bolts, etc.) are added to the simulated environment. Known historical breakup events are reproduced, and fragments down to 1 mm in size are created. The LEGEND future projection component adopts a Monte Carlo approach and uses an innovative pair-wise collision probability evaluation algorithm to simulate the future breakups and the growth of the debris populations. This algorithm is based on a new "random sampling in time" approach that preserves characteristics of the traditional approach and captures the rapidly changing nature of the orbital debris environment. LEGEND is a Fortran 90-based numerical simulation program. It operates in a UNIX/Linux environment.

Health, agricultural, and economic effects of adoption of healthy diet recommendations.

PubMed

Lock, Karen; Smith, Richard D; Dangour, Alan D; Keogh-Brown, Marcus; Pigatto, Gessuir; Hawkes, Corinna; Fisberg, Regina Mara; Chalabi, Zaid

2010-11-13

Transition to diets that are high in saturated fat and sugar has caused a global public health concern, as the pattern of food consumption is a major modifiable risk factor for chronic non-communicable diseases. Although agri-food systems are intimately associated with this transition, agriculture and health sectors are largely disconnected in their priorities, policy, and analysis, with neither side considering the complex inter-relation between agri-trade, patterns of food consumption, health, and development. We show the importance of connection of these perspectives through estimation of the eff ect of adopting a healthy diet on population health, agricultural production, trade, the economy, and livelihoods,with a computable general equilibrium approach. On the basis of case-studies from the UK and Brazil, we suggest that benefits of a healthy diet policy will vary substantially between different populations, not only because of population dietary intake but also because of agricultural production, trade, and other economic factors.

European Upper Atmosphere Server DIAS - Final Conference/ Abstract

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-01-10

PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) INGV - Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (Nat Instit Geophysics, Volcanology) Via di Vigna...organised by the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV), Rome, Italy. D6.8 Report on the Final Conference - 3 - In general, the DIAS...the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia in Rome focused on the general overview of scientific and technical tools adopted by the DIAS

The Quiet Migration Redux: International Adoption, Race, and Difference

PubMed Central

Leinaweaver, Jessaca B.

2014-01-01

Demographers frame international adoption primarily as an unusual kind of migration. This insight offers anthropologists new ways to think about kinship. Drawing on demographic scholarship and anthropological kinship and migration studies, this article develops a new and hybrid approach to international adoption as a complex social process that is both migratory and productive of kinship. Viewing international adoption as a form of migration reveals how the stated “push factors” and actual “pull factors” of international adoption do not align perfectly. Using an anthropological life course perspective, the article then explores how the experiences of these “migrants” and those close to them, over time, are better understood as racialization than solely the product of migration. Looking at adoptees’ lives through a migration lens reveals some of the persistent discomforts that prevent open conversations about racial difference and minority status in an adoptive context, that is, one where children have been caused to migrate, recruited into families. This article draws on data from ethnographic fieldwork with Spanish parents who have adopted Peruvian children to argue that international adoption is a unique form of immigration that produces a minority category within a majority population. PMID:25598546

The Quiet Migration Redux: International Adoption, Race, and Difference.

PubMed

Leinaweaver, Jessaca B

2014-01-01

Demographers frame international adoption primarily as an unusual kind of migration. This insight offers anthropologists new ways to think about kinship. Drawing on demographic scholarship and anthropological kinship and migration studies, this article develops a new and hybrid approach to international adoption as a complex social process that is both migratory and productive of kinship. Viewing international adoption as a form of migration reveals how the stated "push factors" and actual "pull factors" of international adoption do not align perfectly. Using an anthropological life course perspective, the article then explores how the experiences of these "migrants" and those close to them, over time, are better understood as racialization than solely the product of migration. Looking at adoptees' lives through a migration lens reveals some of the persistent discomforts that prevent open conversations about racial difference and minority status in an adoptive context, that is, one where children have been caused to migrate, recruited into families. This article draws on data from ethnographic fieldwork with Spanish parents who have adopted Peruvian children to argue that international adoption is a unique form of immigration that produces a minority category within a majority population.

Tribal child welfare. Interim final rule.

PubMed

2012-01-06

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is issuing this interim final rule to implement statutory provisions related to the Tribal title IV-E program. Effective October 1, 2009, section 479B(b) of the Social Security Act (the Act) authorizes direct Federal funding of Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and Tribal consortia that choose to operate a foster care, adoption assistance and, at Tribal option, a kinship guardianship assistance program under title IV-E of the Act. The Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008 requires that ACF issue interim final regulations which address procedures to ensure that a transfer of responsibility for the placement and care of a child under a State title IV-E plan to a Tribal title IV-E plan occurs in a manner that does not affect the child's eligibility for title IV-E benefits or medical assistance under title XIX of the Act (Medicaid) and such services or payments; in-kind expenditures from third-party sources for the Tribal share of administration and training expenditures under title IV-E; and other provisions to carry out the Tribal-related amendments to title IV-E. This interim final rule includes these provisions and technical amendments necessary to implement a Tribal title IV-E program.

Adoption and hospital admission in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

PubMed

Pameh, Wendy; Ripa, Paulus; Vince, John; Mueller, Ivo

2002-10-01

We report a study of adopted children admitted to the children's wards of Port Moresby General Hospital, Papua New Guinea over a 5-month period in 2000. The proportion of hospitalized children known to be adopted was almost three times that in the children's outpatients department. Gastroenteritis and neonatal sepsis were more common causes of admission in adopted children than in the general paediatric hospital population. Admitted adopted children were lighter and shorter than the controls with no difference in weight-for-height, suggesting that stunting is the predominant nutritional problem among adopted children. These differences were even more marked in children with diagnoses other than gastroenteritis. Thirty-three (82.5 per cent) of the adopted children had ever been bottle fed compared with 11 (13.75 per cent) of the controls (p = 0.029). Twelve (30 per cent) children had been adopted because of neglect or abandonment. The biological mothers of seven of these children had died, and two children had been bought for cash. Biological mothers were more likely than the adoptive or control mothers to be single and less than 20 years of age. Knowledge of formal adoption procedures was very poor. The present study therefore shows that adoption in Papua New Guinea is not without risk and it is important that adoption should be recognized as having the potential for serious adverse effects on the child's well-being, especially since adoption is likely to become even more prevalent as the HIV epidemic continues. Consideration needs to be given to protection of the rights of children at high risk of adoption.

An experimental study of homophily in the adoption of health behavior.

PubMed

Centola, Damon

2011-12-02

How does the composition of a population affect the adoption of health behaviors and innovations? Homophily--similarity of social contacts--can increase dyadic-level influence, but it can also force less healthy individuals to interact primarily with one another, thereby excluding them from interactions with healthier, more influential, early adopters. As a result, an important network-level effect of homophily is that the people who are most in need of a health innovation may be among the least likely to adopt it. Despite the importance of this thesis, confounding factors in observational data have made it difficult to test empirically. We report results from a controlled experimental study on the spread of a health innovation through fixed social networks in which the level of homophily was independently varied. We found that homophily significantly increased overall adoption of a new health behavior, especially among those most in need of it.

Adoption of health information technologies by physicians for clinical practice: The Andalusian case.

PubMed

Villalba-Mora, Elena; Casas, Isabel; Lupiañez-Villanueva, Francisco; Maghiros, Ioannis

2015-07-01

We investigated the level of adoption of Health Information Technologies (HIT) services, and the factors that influence this, amongst specialised and primary care physicians; in Andalusia, Spain. We analysed the physicians' responses to an online survey. First, we performed a statistical descriptive analysis of the data; thereafter, a principal component analysis; and finally an order logit model to explain the effect of the use in the adoption and to analyse which are the existing barriers. The principal component analysis revealed three main uses of Health Information Technologies: Electronic Health Records (EHR), ePrescription and patient management and telemedicine services. Results from an ordered logit model showed that the frequency of use of HIT is associated with the physicians' perceived usefulness. Lack of financing appeared as a common barrier to the adoption of the three types of services. For ePrescription and patient management, the physician's lack of skills is still a barrier. In the case of telemedicine services, lack of security and lack of interest amongst professionals are the existing barriers. EHR functionalities are fully adopted, in terms of perceived usefulness. EPrescription and patient management are almost fully adopted, while telemedicine is in an early stage of adoption. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Information and communications technology in U.S. health care: why is adoption so slow and is slower better?

PubMed

Christensen, Michael C; Remler, Dahlia

2009-12-01

Politicians across the political spectrum support greater investment in health care information and communications technology (ICT) and expect it to significantly decrease costs and improve health outcomes. We address three policy questions about adoption of ICT in health care: First, why is there so little adoption? Second, what policies will facilitate and accelerate adoption? Third, what is the best pace for adoption? We first describe the unusual economics of ICT, particularly network externalities, and then determine how those economics interact with and are exacerbated by the unusual economics of health care. High replacement costs and the need for technical compatibility are general barriers to ICT adoption and often result in lock-in to adopted technologies. These effects are compounded in health care because the markets for health care services, health insurance, and labor are interlinked. In addition, the government interacts with all markets in its role as an insurer. Patient heterogeneity further exacerbates these effects. Finally, ICT markets are often characterized by natural monopolies, resulting in little product diversity, an effect ill-suited to patient heterogeneity. The ongoing process for setting technical standards for health care ICT is critical but needs to include all relevant stakeholders, including patient groups. The process must be careful (i.e., slow), flexible, and allow for as much diversity as possible. We find that waiting to adopt ICT is a surprisingly wise policy.

Assessment of Dietary Intake Patterns and Their Correlates among University Students in Lebanon

PubMed Central

Salameh, Pascale; Jomaa, Lamis; Issa, Carine; Farhat, Ghada; Salamé, Joseph; Zeidan, Nina; Baldi, Isabelle

2014-01-01

Introduction: Unhealthy dietary habits are major risk factors for chronic diseases, particularly if adopted during early years of adulthood. Limited studies have explored the food consumption patterns among young adults in Lebanon. Our study aimed to examine common dietary patterns and their correlates among a large sample of university student population in Lebanon, focusing on correlation with gender and body mass index (BMI). Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 3384 students, using a proportionate cluster sample of Lebanese students from both public and private universities. A self-administered food frequency questionnaire was used to assess dietary intake of university students. Factor analysis of food items and groups, cluster analysis of dietary patterns, and multivariate regressions were carried out. Results: Three dietary patterns were identified among university youth namely a vegetarian/low calorie dietary pattern (characterized mainly by consumption of plant-based food while avoiding “western” food, composite dishes, and bread); a mixed dietary pattern (characterized by high consumption of plant-based food, followed by composite dishes, bread, and a low consumption of western type food); and finally, a westernized dietary pattern (characterized by high consumption of white bread and western food, and a strong avoidance of plant food and composite dishes). We observed significant differences between males and females in terms of their reported food intake and dietary patterns. Females were particularly more prone to adopt the vegetarian/low calorie diet than males (ORa = 1.69; p < 0.001), while males were more likely to adopt a westernized diet (ORa = 1.51; p < 0.001), seemingly in private universities (p = 0.053). Students with high income and obese students (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) were more likely to consume vegetarian/low calorie diets (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Male university students reported a higher consumption of the westernized dietary pattern as compared to female university students in Lebanon, while the latter reported a higher adoption of a vegetarian diet. Health promotion programs are needed to address the dietary intakes and lifestyle behaviors of young adults in Lebanon to help prevent obesity and other associated comorbidities. PMID:25374885

Impact of Electronic Health Records on Long-Term Care Facilities: Systematic Review

PubMed Central

Mileski, Michael; Vijaykumar, Alekhya Ganta; Viswanathan, Sneha Vishnampet; Suskandla, Ujwala; Chidambaram, Yazhini

2017-01-01

Background Long-term care (LTC) facilities are an important part of the health care industry, providing care to the fastest-growing group of the population. However, the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) in LTC facilities lags behind other areas of the health care industry. One of the reasons for the lack of widespread adoption in the United States is that LTC facilities are not eligible for incentives under the Meaningful Use program. Implementation of an EHR system in an LTC facility can potentially enhance the quality of care, provided it is appropriately implemented, used, and maintained. Unfortunately, the lag in adoption of the EHR in LTC creates a paucity of literature on the benefits of EHR implementation in LTC facilities. Objective The objective of this systematic review was to identify the potential benefits of implementing an EHR system in LTC facilities. The study also aims to identify the common conditions and EHR features that received favorable remarks from providers and the discrepancies that needed improvement to build up momentum across LTC settings in adopting this technology. Methods The authors conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health (CINAHL), and MEDLINE databases. Papers were analyzed by multiple referees to filter out studies not germane to our research objective. A final sample of 28 papers was selected to be included in the systematic review. Results Results of this systematic review conclude that EHRs show significant improvement in the management of documentation in LTC facilities and enhanced quality outcomes. Approximately 43% (12/28) of the papers reported a mixed impact of EHRs on the management of documentation, and 33% (9/28) of papers reported positive quality outcomes using EHRs. Surprisingly, very few papers demonstrated an impact on patient satisfaction, physician satisfaction, the length of stay, and productivity using EHRs. Conclusions Overall, implementation of EHRs has been found to be effective in the few LTC facilities that have implemented them. Implementation of EHRs in LTC facilities caused improved management of clinical documentation that enabled better decision making. PMID:28963091

Limitations and barriers for adopting sustainable management practices in different farm types across Europe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guzmán, Gema; Portero, Ángela; Vanwalleghem, Tom; Pedrera, Ana; Jesús Gaitán, Antonio; Ten Berge, Hein

2014-05-01

Although apparently the conservation of natural resources such as water and soil does not represent important concerns for our society, the evolution of the world population and the degradation of these resources pose a challenge to improving agricultural food production capacity and conserving, and in some cases restoring, the environmental quality. Unfortunately, the history contains numerous examples of abandonment of these resources (McNeill 1992, Montgomery 2007). Although most of the agronomic conservation practices have been known for millennia, their implementation has often been hindered by non-agricultural motives (Davis et al. 2012). The European project CATCH-C (ten Berge 2011) started last year with the aim of evaluating sustainable soil management practices and exploring the difficulties for their adoption, both at farm and institutional level, to overcome them in the near future. As a first step with that purpose, a selection of best management practices (BMPs) based on interviews with advisors and scientific knowledge were proposed for each of the considered farm typologies: arable crops, permanent crops and pasture. These farm types are representative of the Mediterranean area in terms of agroecological properties, extension, economical importance and soil degradation problems. Semi-structured interviews were carried out by addressing different profiles of farmers to identify in a qualitative way the main limitations for adopting these BMPs on their farms. Different questionnaires were prepared based on the farmers' responses and launched at a larger scale, with the aim of achieving approximately 100 responses per each farm typology. Finally, responses from the questionnaires will be analyzed to explore the causes that hinder or impede the adoption of BMPs in different farm typologies. References: Davis A.S. et al. 2012. Plos ONE 7(10): e4719. doi:10.1371/journalpone.0047149. McNeill, J.R. 1992. The mountains of the Mediterranean world. Cambridge, U.P. Cambridge. Montgomery, D.R. 2007. Dirt. Univ. California Press. Berkeley. ten Berge, H.F.T.M. coord. 2011. Compatibility of Agricultural Management Practices and Types of Farming in the EU to enhance Climate Change Mitigation and Soil Health.

Promising adoption of an electronic clinical decision support system for antenatal and intrapartum care in rural primary healthcare facilities in sub-Saharan Africa: The QUALMAT experience.

PubMed

Sukums, Felix; Mensah, Nathan; Mpembeni, Rose; Massawe, Siriel; Duysburgh, Els; Williams, Afua; Kaltschmidt, Jens; Loukanova, Svetla; Haefeli, Walter E; Blank, Antje

2015-09-01

The QUALMAT project has successfully implemented an electronic clinical decision support system (eCDSS) for antenatal and intrapartum care in two sub-Saharan African countries. The system was introduced to facilitate adherence to clinical practice guidelines and to support decision making during client encounter to bridge the know-do gap of health workers. This study aimed to describe health workers' acceptance and use of the eCDSS for maternal care in rural primary health care (PHC) facilities of Ghana and Tanzania and to identify factors affecting successful adoption of such a system. This longitudinal study was conducted in Lindi rural district in Tanzania and Kassena-Nankana district in Ghana between October 2011 and December 2013 employing mixed methods. The study population included healthcare workers who were involved in the provision of maternal care in six rural PHC facilities from one district in each country where the eCDSS was implemented. All eCDSS users participated in the study with 61 and 56 participants at the midterm and final assessment, respectively. After several rounds of user training and support the eCDSS has been successfully adopted and constantly used during patient care in antenatal clinics and maternity wards. The eCDSS was used in 71% (2703/3798) and 59% (14,189/24,204) of all ANC clients in Tanzania and Ghana respectively, while it was also used in 83% (1185/1427) and 67% (1435/2144) of all deliveries in Tanzania and in Ghana, respectively. Several barriers reported to hinder eCDSS use were related to individual users, tasks, technology, and organization attributes. Implementation of an eCDSS in resource-constrained PHC facilities in sub-Saharan Africa was successful and the health workers accepted and continuously used the system for maternal care. Facilitators for eCDSS use included sufficient training and regular support whereas the challenges to sustained use were unreliable power supply and perceived high workload. However our study also shows that most of the perceived challenges did not substantially hinder adoption and utilization of the eCDSS during patient care. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Strategies to work with HLA data in human populations for histocompatibility, clinical transplantation, epidemiology and population genetics: HLA-NET methodological recommendations.

PubMed

Sanchez-Mazas, A; Vidan-Jeras, B; Nunes, J M; Fischer, G; Little, A-M; Bekmane, U; Buhler, S; Buus, S; Claas, F H J; Dormoy, A; Dubois, V; Eglite, E; Eliaou, J F; Gonzalez-Galarza, F; Grubic, Z; Ivanova, M; Lie, B; Ligeiro, D; Lokki, M L; da Silva, B Martins; Martorell, J; Mendonça, D; Middleton, D; Voniatis, D Papioannou; Papasteriades, C; Poli, F; Riccio, M E; Vlachou, M Spyropoulou; Sulcebe, G; Tonks, S; Nevessignsky, M Toungouz; Vangenot, C; van Walraven, A-M; Tiercy, J-M

2012-12-01

HLA-NET (a European COST Action) aims at networking researchers working in bone marrow transplantation, epidemiology and population genetics to improve the molecular characterization of the HLA genetic diversity of human populations, with an expected strong impact on both public health and fundamental research. Such improvements involve finding consensual strategies to characterize human populations and samples and report HLA molecular typings and ambiguities; proposing user-friendly access to databases and computer tools and defining minimal requirements related to ethical aspects. The overall outcome is the provision of population genetic characterizations and comparisons in a standard way by all interested laboratories. This article reports the recommendations of four working groups (WG1-4) of the HLA-NET network at the mid-term of its activities. WG1 (Population definitions and sampling strategies for population genetics' analyses) recommends avoiding outdated racial classifications and population names (e.g. 'Caucasian') and using instead geographic and/or cultural (e.g. linguistic) criteria to describe human populations (e.g. 'pan-European'). A standard 'HLA-NET POPULATION DATA QUESTIONNAIRE' has been finalized and is available for the whole HLA community. WG2 (HLA typing standards for population genetics analyses) recommends retaining maximal information when reporting HLA typing results. Rather than using the National Marrow Donor Program coding system, all ambiguities should be provided by listing all allele pairs required to explain each genotype, according to the formats proposed in 'HLA-NET GUIDELINES FOR REPORTING HLA TYPINGS'. The group also suggests taking into account a preliminary list of alleles defined by polymorphisms outside the peptide-binding sites that may affect population genetic statistics because of significant frequencies. WG3 (Bioinformatic strategies for HLA population data storage and analysis) recommends the use of programs capable of dealing with ambiguous data, such as the 'gene[rate]' computer tools to estimate frequencies, test for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and selective neutrality on data containing any number and kind of ambiguities. WG4 (Ethical issues) proposes to adopt thorough general principles for any HLA population study to ensure that it conforms to (inter)national legislation or recommendations/guidelines. All HLA-NET guidelines and tools are available through its website http://hla-net.eu. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Strategies to work with HLA data in human populations for histocompatibility, clinical transplantation, epidemiology and population genetics: HLA-NET methodological recommendations

PubMed Central

Sanchez-Mazas, A; Vidan-Jeras, B; Nunes, J M; Fischer, G; Little, A-M; Bekmane, U; Buhler, S; Buus, S; Claas, F H J; Dormoy, A; Dubois, V; Eglite, E; Eliaou, J F; Gonzalez-Galarza, F; Grubic, Z; Ivanova, M; Lie, B; Ligeiro, D; Lokki, M L; da Silva, B Martins; Martorell, J; Mendonça, D; Middleton, D; Voniatis, D Papioannou; Papasteriades, C; Poli, F; Riccio, M E; Vlachou, M Spyropoulou; Sulcebe, G; Tonks, S; Nevessignsky, M Toungouz; Vangenot, C; van Walraven, A-M; Tiercy, J-M

2012-01-01

HLA-NET (a European COST Action) aims at networking researchers working in bone marrow transplantation, epidemiology and population genetics to improve the molecular characterization of the HLA genetic diversity of human populations, with an expected strong impact on both public health and fundamental research. Such improvements involve finding consensual strategies to characterize human populations and samples and report HLA molecular typings and ambiguities; proposing user-friendly access to databases and computer tools and defining minimal requirements related to ethical aspects. The overall outcome is the provision of population genetic characterizations and comparisons in a standard way by all interested laboratories. This article reports the recommendations of four working groups (WG1-4) of the HLA-NET network at the mid-term of its activities. WG1 (Population definitions and sampling strategies for population genetics’ analyses) recommends avoiding outdated racial classifications and population names (e.g. ‘Caucasian’) and using instead geographic and/or cultural (e.g. linguistic) criteria to describe human populations (e.g. ‘pan-European’). A standard ‘HLA-NET POPULATION DATA QUESTIONNAIRE’ has been finalized and is available for the whole HLA community. WG2 (HLA typing standards for population genetics analyses) recommends retaining maximal information when reporting HLA typing results. Rather than using the National Marrow Donor Program coding system, all ambiguities should be provided by listing all allele pairs required to explain each genotype, according to the formats proposed in ‘HLA-NET GUIDELINES FOR REPORTING HLA TYPINGS’. The group also suggests taking into account a preliminary list of alleles defined by polymorphisms outside the peptide-binding sites that may affect population genetic statistics because of significant frequencies. WG3 (Bioinformatic strategies for HLA population data storage and analysis) recommends the use of programs capable of dealing with ambiguous data, such as the ‘gene[rate]’ computer tools to estimate frequencies, test for Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and selective neutrality on data containing any number and kind of ambiguities. WG4 (Ethical issues) proposes to adopt thorough general principles for any HLA population study to ensure that it conforms to (inter)national legislation or recommendations/guidelines. All HLA-NET guidelines and tools are available through its website http://hla-net.eu. PMID:22533604

Medicare and Medicaid programs; fire safety requirements for certain health care facilities; amendment. Final rule.

PubMed

2006-09-22

This final rule adopts the substance of the April 15, 2004 tentative interim amendment (TIA) 00-1 (101), Alcohol Based Hand Rub Solutions, an amendment to the 2000 edition of the Life Safety Code, published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). This amendment allows certain health care facilities to place alcohol-based hand rub dispensers in egress corridors under specified conditions. This final rule also requires that nursing facilities at least install battery-operated single station smoke alarms in resident rooms and common areas if they are not fully sprinklered or they do not have system-based smoke detectors in those areas. Finally, this final rule confirms as final the provisions of the March 25, 2005 interim final rule with changes and responds to public comments on that rule.

A policy framework for accelerating adoption of new vaccines

PubMed Central

Hajjeh, Rana; Wecker, John; Cherian, Thomas; O'Brien, Katherine L; Knoll, Maria Deloria; Privor-Dumm, Lois; Kvist, Hans; Nanni, Angeline; Bear, Allyson P; Santosham, Mathuram

2010-01-01

Rapid uptake of new vaccines can improve health and wealth and contribute to meeting Millennium Development Goals. In the past, however, the introduction and use of new vaccines has been characterized by delayed uptake in the countries where the need is greatest. Based on experience with accelerating the adoption of Hib, pneumococcal and rotavirus vaccines, we propose here a framework for new vaccine adoption that may be useful for future efforts. The framework organizes the major steps in the process into a continuum from evidence to policy, implementation and finally access. It highlights the important roles of different actors at various times in the process and may allow new vaccine initiatives to save time and improve their efficiency by anticipating key steps and actions. PMID:21150269

A policy framework for accelerating adoption of new vaccines.

PubMed

Levine, Orin S; Hajjeh, Rana; Wecker, John; Cherian, Thomas; O'Brien, Katherine L; Knoll, Maria Deloria; Privor-Dumm, Lois; Kvist, Hans; Nanni, Angeline; Bear, Allyson P; Santosham, Mathuram

2010-12-01

Rapid uptake of new vaccines can improve health and wealth and contribute to meeting Millennium Development Goals. In the past, however, the introduction and use of new vaccines has been characterized by delayed uptake in the countries where the need is greatest. Based on experience with accelerating the adoption of Hib, pneumococcal and rotavirus vaccines, we propose here a framework for new vaccine adoption that may be useful for future efforts. The framework organizes the major steps in the process into a continuum from evidence to policy, implementation and finally access. It highlights the important roles of different actors at various times in the process and may allow new vaccine initiatives to save time and improve their efficiency by anticipating key steps and actions.

A Systematic Review of Rural, Theory-based Physical Activity Interventions.

PubMed

Walsh, Shana M; Meyer, M Renée Umstattd; Gamble, Abigail; Patterson, Megan S; Moore, Justin B

2017-05-01

This systematic review synthesized the scientific literature on theory-based physical activity (PA) interventions in rural populations. PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases were searched to identify studies with a rural study sample, PA as a primary outcome, use of a behavioral theory or model, randomized or quasi-experimental research design, and application at the primary and/or secondary level of prevention. Thirty-one studies met our inclusion criteria. The Social Cognitive Theory (N = 14) and Transtheoretical Model (N = 10) were the most frequently identified theories; however, most intervention studies were informed by theory but lacked higher-level theoretical application and testing. Interventions largely took place in schools (N = 10) and with female-only samples (N = 8). Findings demonstrated that theory-based PA interventions are mostly successful at increasing PA in rural populations but require improvement. Future studies should incorporate higher levels of theoretical application, and should explore adapting or developing rural-specific theories. Study designs should employ more rigorous research methods to decrease bias and increase validity of findings. Follow-up assessments to determine behavioral maintenance and/or intervention sustainability are warranted. Finally, funding agencies and journals are encouraged to adopt rural-urban commuting area codes as the standard for defining rural.

A harmonized segmentation protocol for hippocampal and parahippocampal subregions: why do we need one and what are the key goals?

PubMed Central

Olsen, Rosanna K.; Berron, David; Carr, Valerie A.; Stark, Craig E.L.; Amaral, Robert S.C.; Amunts, Katrin; Augustinack, Jean C.; Bender, Andrew R.; Bernstein, Jeffrey D.; Boccardi, Marina; Bocchetta, Martina; Burggren, Alison; Chakravarty, M. Mallar; Chupin, Marie; Ekstrom, Arne; de Flores, Robin; Insausti, Ricardo; Kanel, Prabesh; Kedo, Olga; Kennedy, Kristen M.; Kerchner, Geoffrey A.; LaRocque, Karen F.; Liu, Xiuwen; Maass, Anne; Malykhin, Nicolai; Mueller, Susanne G.; Ofen, Noa; Palombo, Daniela J.; Parekh, Mansi B.; Pluta, John B.; Pruessner, Jens C.; Raz, Naftali; Rodrigue, Karen M.; Schoemaker, Dorothee; Shafer, Andrea T.; Steve, Trevor A.; Suthana, Nanthia; Wang, Lei; Winterburn, Julie L.; Yassa, Michael A.; Yushkevich, Paul A.; la Joie, Renaud

2016-01-01

The advent of high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has enabled in vivo research in a variety of populations and diseases on the structure and function of hippocampal subfields and subdivisions of the parahippocampal gyrus. Due to the many extant and highly discrepant segmentation protocols, comparing results across studies is difficult. To overcome this barrier, the Hippocampal Subfields Group was formed as an international collaboration with the aim of developing a harmonized protocol for manual segmentation of hippocampal and parahippocampal subregions on high-resolution MRI. In this commentary we discuss the goals for this protocol and the associated key challenges involved in its development. These include differences among existing anatomical reference materials, striking the right balance between reliability of measurements and anatomical validity, and the development of a versatile protocol that can be adopted for the study of populations varying in age and health. The commentary outlines these key challenges, as well as the proposed solution of each, with concrete examples from our working plan. Finally, with two examples, we illustrate how the harmonized protocol, once completed, is expected to impact the field by producing measurements that are quantitatively comparable across labs and by facilitating the synthesis of findings across different studies. PMID:27862600

Helminth infections of the central nervous system occurring in Southeast Asia and the Far East.

PubMed

Lv, Shan; Zhang, Yi; Steinmann, Peter; Zhou, Xiao-Nong; Utzinger, Jürg

2010-01-01

Although helminth infections of the central nervous system (CNS) are rare, their public health implications must not be neglected. Indeed, several helminth species can cause cerebrospinal infections, especially if humans serve as intermediate or non-permissive host. The diagnosis of cerebrospinal helminthiases is difficult, and the detection of parasites in cerebrospinal fluid is rarely successful. Cerebrospinal helminth infections therefore often remain undetected, and hence prognosis is poor. Increases in tourism and population movements are risk factors for cerebrospinal helminthiases and infections pose particular challenges to clinicians in non-endemic areas. In this review, we focus primarily on food-borne helminthiases that are endemic and often emerging in Southeast Asia and the Far East, namely angiostrongyliasis, gnathostomiasis, sparganosis, paragonimiasis and cysticercosis. Additionally, we discuss neuroschistosomiasis, a disease that is transmitted through human-water contact. For each disease, we describe the pathogen, its transmission route and possible mechanisms for entering the CNS. We also summarise common signs and symptoms, challenges and opportunities for diagnosis, treatment, clinical management, geographical distribution and epidemiology. The adoption of a comprehensive set of diagnostic criteria for different cerebrospinal helminthiases is proposed, including epidemiological history, typical signs and symptoms, neuroimaging and laboratory findings. Finally, risk factors, and research needs for enhanced patient management and population-based control measures are discussed.

A Bee Evolutionary Guiding Nondominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II for Multiobjective Flexible Job-Shop Scheduling.

PubMed

Deng, Qianwang; Gong, Guiliang; Gong, Xuran; Zhang, Like; Liu, Wei; Ren, Qinghua

2017-01-01

Flexible job-shop scheduling problem (FJSP) is an NP-hard puzzle which inherits the job-shop scheduling problem (JSP) characteristics. This paper presents a bee evolutionary guiding nondominated sorting genetic algorithm II (BEG-NSGA-II) for multiobjective FJSP (MO-FJSP) with the objectives to minimize the maximal completion time, the workload of the most loaded machine, and the total workload of all machines. It adopts a two-stage optimization mechanism during the optimizing process. In the first stage, the NSGA-II algorithm with T iteration times is first used to obtain the initial population N , in which a bee evolutionary guiding scheme is presented to exploit the solution space extensively. In the second stage, the NSGA-II algorithm with GEN iteration times is used again to obtain the Pareto-optimal solutions. In order to enhance the searching ability and avoid the premature convergence, an updating mechanism is employed in this stage. More specifically, its population consists of three parts, and each of them changes with the iteration times. What is more, numerical simulations are carried out which are based on some published benchmark instances. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed BEG-NSGA-II algorithm is shown by comparing the experimental results and the results of some well-known algorithms already existed.

Interleukin-2-dependent long-term cultures of low-density lymphocytes allow the proliferation of lymphokine-activated killer cells with natural killer, Ti gamma/delta or TNK phenotype.

PubMed

Testa, U; Care, A; Montesoro, E; Fossati, C; Giannella, G; Masciulli, R; Fagioli, M; Bulgarini, D; Habetswallner, D; Isacchi, G

1990-01-01

We have developed a culture system for "long-term" growth of human lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells exhibiting an elevated, wide-spectrum antitumor cytotoxicity. The system allows the exponential growth of monocyte-depleted low-density lymphocytes in the presence of human serum and recombinant human interleukin-2 (10(3) U/ml), alone or in combination with interleukin-1 alpha or beta (both at 10 U/ml). Eighteen cultures were established from 18 normal adult donors. The membrane phenotypes of the final LAK cell population, assessed by a panel of monoclonal antibodies (mAb), consist of three main types: (a) NKH-1+, Ti alpha/beta-, Ti gamma/delta-, and CD3- lymphocytes; (b) NKH-1+, Ti alpha/beta-, Ti gamma/delta+, and CD3+ lymphocytes and (c) NKH-1+, Ti alpha/beta+, Ti gamma/delta- and CD3+ lymphocytes. Northern blot analysis showed that all these cell populations express relatively high levels of perforin RNA, particularly cells exhibiting the first phenotype. This culture system may provide a tool for cellular and molecular studies on the mechanisms of antitumor cytotoxicity, as well as the basis for new adoptive immunotherapy protocols in advanced center.

A Bee Evolutionary Guiding Nondominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II for Multiobjective Flexible Job-Shop Scheduling

PubMed Central

Deng, Qianwang; Gong, Xuran; Zhang, Like; Liu, Wei; Ren, Qinghua

2017-01-01

Flexible job-shop scheduling problem (FJSP) is an NP-hard puzzle which inherits the job-shop scheduling problem (JSP) characteristics. This paper presents a bee evolutionary guiding nondominated sorting genetic algorithm II (BEG-NSGA-II) for multiobjective FJSP (MO-FJSP) with the objectives to minimize the maximal completion time, the workload of the most loaded machine, and the total workload of all machines. It adopts a two-stage optimization mechanism during the optimizing process. In the first stage, the NSGA-II algorithm with T iteration times is first used to obtain the initial population N, in which a bee evolutionary guiding scheme is presented to exploit the solution space extensively. In the second stage, the NSGA-II algorithm with GEN iteration times is used again to obtain the Pareto-optimal solutions. In order to enhance the searching ability and avoid the premature convergence, an updating mechanism is employed in this stage. More specifically, its population consists of three parts, and each of them changes with the iteration times. What is more, numerical simulations are carried out which are based on some published benchmark instances. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed BEG-NSGA-II algorithm is shown by comparing the experimental results and the results of some well-known algorithms already existed. PMID:28458687

[Study on the dissemination of human immunodeficiency virus risk behaviors in a floating workers coming from the countryside in China].

PubMed

Yang, Ting-zhong

2006-03-01

To explore the pattern of transmission of human immunodeficiency virus through risky sexual behaviors (RSB) in floating workers coming from the countryside to the cities. Data were collected anonymously through a structured questionnaire survey in 1595 men from Hangzhou and Guangzhou cities, using a multi-stage sampling method. Data from both preliminary analyses and multivariate regression analysis would show the cumulative adoption of RSB over time and the identification of factors associated with the adoption in this population from the two areas. 57.9% - 88.1% of the study samples with the pre-stage RSB (receiving shampoo, massage or leisure-seeking activities from "sexual workers") and 79.9% of those with commercial RSB were initiated during the period when they were working away from their home-towns. The highest adoption rate (15.2% - 26.8%) was happened in the third month after moving to the urban areas for pre-stage RSB, while the highest rate (14.4%) was noticed in the sixth month for the commercial ones. The transition interval between the two behaviors was around 3 months. The cumulative rate was peaked from 57.3% to 70.4% for pre-stage RSB and 48.9% for commercial RSB. The cumulative adoption curves showed that the robust increment was more pronounced in the pre-stage than in the commercial RSB. Most of the early adopters were married and holding higher hedonistic beliefs for the commercial RSB. Communication of sex information and behavioral adoption of RSB was associated with the perceived stress and hedonistic beliefs. RSB epidemics seemed to be social and group phenomena, suggesting that related social strategies should be developed in order to control the RSB in this population.

High-speed rail turnout literature review : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-08-01

High-speed rail (HSR) turnout design criteria generally address unbalanced lateral acceleration or cant deficiency (CD), cant deficiency change rate (CDCR), and entry and exit jerk. Various countries have adopted different design values for their HSR...

76 FR 43156 - Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plan; Missouri; Final Disapproval of...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-20

... EPA to fashion for small entities less burdensome compliance or reporting requirements or timetables... adopted by voluntary consensus standards bodies. NTTAA directs EPA to provide Congress, through the Office...

FHWA Research and Technology Evaluation: Roundabout Research Final Report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2018-06-01

This evaluation assesses the effects of the Federal Highway Administrations (FHWAs) investment in roundabout research and related activities on the availability and quality of such research, the adoption of roundabouts in the United States, and...

The economy of preventive maintenance of concrete bridges : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-03-01

The most economical approach to maintain existing concrete bridges is by adopting an active preventive maintenance : approach. An in-depth investigation of the combined deterioration effects of various deterioration mechanisms is needed : to establis...

Who wants to adopt and who wants to be adopted: a sample of American families and sub-Saharan African orphans.

PubMed

Balding, Christopher; Feng, Yan; Atashband, Armita

2015-12-01

The debate between pro- and anti-international adoption advocates relies heavily on rhetoric and little on data analysis. To better understand the state of orphans and potential adopters in this debate, we utilize the National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) and the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) to study who adopts internationally and the status of orphaned children in sub-Saharan Africa. According to NSFG data adopters are church going, highly educated, stable families aware of the challenges faced by international adoption, with high rates of infertility and rates of child abuse half the population average. According to the DHS data, orphans in sub-Saharan Africa suffer from significantly higher deprivation, reduced schooling and increased levels of stunting and underweight reported than their cohort. Using this data, we estimate conservatively that that 1 50 000 orphans from our sample of sub-Saharan African countries died from their 5-year birth cohort. Given the large number of families seeking to adopt and the high number of orphan deaths, it seems counterproductive to restrict international adoptions given the significantly lower risks faced by children in adopted families compared with remaining orphaned. © The Author 2015; all rights reserved. Published by Oxford University Press in association with The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

Recent controversies on comparative effectiveness research investigations: Challenges, opportunities, and pitfalls.

PubMed

Kirpalani, Haresh; Truog, William E; D'Angio, Carl T; Cotten, Michael

2016-10-01

The purpose of comparative effectiveness research (CER) is to improve health outcomes by developing and disseminating evidence-based information about which currently available interventions and practices are most effective for patients. Randomized Controlled Trials (RCT) are the hallmark of scientific proof, and have been used to compare interventions used in variable ways by different clinicians (comparative effectiveness RCTs, CER-RCTs). But such CER-RCTs have at times generated controversy. Usually the background for the CER-RCT is a range of "standard therapy" or "standard of care." This may have been adopted on observational data alone, or pilot data. At times, such prior data may derive from populations that differ from the population in which the widely variable standard approach is being applied. We believe that controversies related to these CER-RCTs result from confusing "accepted" therapies and "rigorously evaluated therapies." We first define evidence-based medicine and consider how well neonatology conforms to that definition. We then contrast the approach of testing new therapies and those already existing and widely adopted, as in CER-RCTs. We next examine a central challenge in incorporating the control arm within CER-RCTs and aspects of the "titrated" trial. We finally briefly consider some ethical issues that have arisen, and discuss the wide range of neonatology practices that could be tested by CER-RCTs or alternative CER-based strategies that might inform practice. Throughout, we emphasize the lack of awareness of the lay community, and indeed many researchers or commentators, in appreciating the wide variation of standard of care. There is a corresponding need to identify the best uses of available resources that will lead to the best outcomes for our patients. We conclude that CER-RCTs are an essential methodology in modern neonatology to address many unanswered questions and test unproven therapies in newborn care. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Behavioural risk factors in L'Aquila (Central Italy) 3-5 years after the 2009 earthquake].

PubMed

Minardi, Valentina; Gigantesco, Antonella; Mancini, Cristiana; Quarchioni, Elisa; D'Argenio, Paolo; Cofini, Vincenza

2016-01-01

to evaluate the long-term impact on the health of the general population of L'Aquila earthquake that occurred on April 6th, 2009. three consecutive surveys were performed on samples of the population of 18-69 years resident in L'Aquila and in the other towns affected by the earthquake. Data on health-related quality of life, depressive disorders, behaviour risk factor, and adoption of preventive measures were collected through telephone interviews in 2007-2008, in 2010, and in 2011-2014. the prevalence of individuals who declared to have economic difficulties increased after 3-5 years from the earthquake (8% in 2010 vs. 14% in 2011-2014). Nevertheless, health-related quality of life improved (decrease of unhealthy days: 7 in 2010 vs. 5 in 2011-2014), while the prevalence of depressive symptoms decreased so that it reached the national average rates (16% in 2010 vs. 7% in 2011-2014). Lack of physical activity, a serious consequence of the first period after the earthquake, became less habitual (39% in 2010 vs. 27% in 2011-2014), probably due to an improvement in the urban redevelopment. The prevalence of smoking and harmful use of alcohol is high (34% and 21%), mostly among young adults. 3-5 years after the earthquake of L'Aquila, compared to 2010 the quality of life related to health is improved (except in people with at least one chronic disease), and the frequency of depressive symptoms decreased, a sign of an extended recovery from conditions caused by the earthquake, despite of an increasing economic difficulties. On the other hand, we must emphasize critical elements, such as the high prevalence of smoking and consumption of alcoholic beverages other than as part of the meals, especially among young people, and very frequent physical inactivity, particularly among the elderly, although lower than in 2010. Finally, adherence to preventive measures and screening for cancer, and adoption of road safety devices could be improved.

Resting-state fMRI correlations: From link-wise unreliability to whole brain stability.

PubMed

Pannunzi, Mario; Hindriks, Rikkert; Bettinardi, Ruggero G; Wenger, Elisabeth; Lisofsky, Nina; Martensson, Johan; Butler, Oisin; Filevich, Elisa; Becker, Maxi; Lochstet, Martyna; Kühn, Simone; Deco, Gustavo

2017-08-15

The functional architecture of spontaneous BOLD fluctuations has been characterized in detail by numerous studies, demonstrating its potential relevance as a biomarker. However, the systematic investigation of its consistency is still in its infancy. Here, we analyze within- and between-subject variability and test-retest reliability of resting-state functional connectivity (FC) in a unique data set comprising multiple fMRI scans (42) from 5 subjects, and 50 single scans from 50 subjects. We adopt a statistical framework that enables us to identify different sources of variability in FC. We show that the low reliability of single links can be significantly improved by using multiple scans per subject. Moreover, in contrast to earlier studies, we show that spatial heterogeneity in FC reliability is not significant. Finally, we demonstrate that despite the low reliability of individual links, the information carried by the whole-brain FC matrix is robust and can be used as a functional fingerprint to identify individual subjects from the population. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A meta-analysis of interleukin-10-1082 promoter genetic polymorphism associated with atherosclerotic risk.

PubMed

Chao, Li; Lei, Huang; Fei, Jin

2014-01-01

This meta-analysis was conducted to assess the relationship between interleukin-10-1082 G/A single nucleotide polymorphism with atherosclerosis (AS) risk. The databases of PubMed, EMBASE, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wan-Fang were searched from January 2000 to January 2014. 16 studies (involving 7779 cases and 7271 controls) were finally included. Each eligible study was scored for quality assessment. We adopted the most probably appropriate genetic model (recessive model) after carefully calculation. Between study heterogeneity was explored by subgroup analysis and publication bias was estimated by Begg's funnel plot and Egger's regression test. Statistically significant association was observed between AA genotype with overall AS risk, being mainly in coronary heart disease and stroke subgroups among Asian population, and peripheral artery disease (PAD) subgroup among Caucasians. Interleukin-10-1082 AA genotype is associated with increased overall AS risk. AA carriers of Asians seem to be more susceptible to coronary artery disease and stroke, and Caucasians are more susceptible to PAD.

Community-Based Financing of Family Planning in Developing Countries: A Systematic Review.

PubMed

Karra, Mahesh; Canning, David; Hu, Janice; Ali, Moazzam; Lissner, Craig

2016-12-01

In this systematic review, we gather evidence on community financing schemes and insurance programs for family planning in developing countries, and we assess the impact of these programs on primary outcomes related to contraceptive use. To identify and evaluate the research findings, we adopt a four-stage review process that employs a weight-of-evidence and risk-of-bias analytic approach. Out of 19,138 references that were identified, only four studies were included in our final analysis, and only one study was determined to be of high quality. In the four studies, the evidence on the impact of community-based financing on family planning and fertility outcomes is inconclusive. These limited and mixed findings suggest that either: 1) more high-quality evidence on community-based financing for family planning is needed before any conclusions can be made; or 2) community-based financing for family planning may, in fact, have little or no effect on family planning outcomes. © 2016 The Population Council, Inc.

Determinants of trust in B2C e-commerce and their relationship with consumer online trust

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bojang, Ismaila; Medvedev, Maxim A.; Spasov, Kamen B.; Matvevnina, Arina I.

2017-12-01

The aim of this research was to investigate specific determinants or factors that influence consumer online trust in the B2C e-commerce with a focus on consumers. Constructs such as perceived security, perceived privacy, perceived third party assurance, perceived reputation, perceived familiarity and perceived website quality and their relationship with online trust in the B2C context were studied. In conducting the research, a convenience sampling technique was adopted in carrying out the survey. Questionnaires were distributed to the target respondents and the data were analyzed using SPSS version 24. A Pearson's correlation was used to test the six hypotheses identified in this study. The results provided evidence that perceived security has the greatest influence on online trust. This was followed closely by perceived reputation and finally perceived privacy. This clearly shows that e-commerce consumer population considers these factors very imperative in engendering their trust in the virtual B2C e-commerce environment.

Final Report: Conceptual Design of an Electron Accelerator for Bio-Solid Waste Treatment

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

Cooper, Charles

Several studies have identified electron beam (EB) irradiation of municipal wastewater and bio-solids as an effective and promising approach to the environmental remediation of the enormous quantities of human waste created by a growing world-wide population and increased urbanization. However, despite the technical success of experimental and pilot programs over the last several decades, the technique is still not in commercial use anywhere in the world. In addition, the report also identifies the need for “Financial and infrastructure participation from a utility for demonstration project” and “Education and awareness of safety of utilizing electron beam technology” as two additional roadblocksmore » preventing technology adoption of EB treatment for bio-solids. In this concept design, we begin to address these barriers by working with Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) and by the applying the latest accelerator technologies developed at Fermilab and within the DOE Office of Science laboratory complex.« less

Senior-driven design and development of tablet-based cognitive games.

PubMed

Marques, João; Vasconcelos, Ana; Teixeira, Luís F

2013-01-01

This paper describes the design and development of a tablet-based gaming platform targeting the senior population, aiming at improving their overall wellbeing by stimulating their cognitive capabilities and promoting social interaction between players. To achieve these goals, we started by performing a study of the specific characteristics of the senior user as well as what makes a game appealing to the player. Furthermore we investigated why the tablet proves to be an advantageous device to our target audience. Based on the results of our research, we developed a solution that incorporates cognitive and social mechanisms into its games, while performing iterative evaluations together with the final user by adopting a user-centered design methodology. In each design phase, a pre-selected group of senior participants experimented with the game platform and provided feedback to improve its features and usability. Through a series of short-term and a long-term evaluation, the game platform proved to be appealing to its intended users, providing an enjoyable gaming experience.

Why Aren't Our Digital Solutions Working for Everyone?

PubMed

Winkle, Brian Van; Carpenter, Neil; Moscucci, Mauro

2017-11-01

The article explores a digital injustice that is occurring across the country: that digital solutions intended to increase health care access and quality often neglect those that need them most. It further shows that when it comes to digital innovation, health care professionals and technology companies rarely have any incentives to focus on underserved populations. Nevertheless, we argue that the technologies that are leaving these communities behind are the same ones that can best support them. The key is in leveraging these technologies with: (a) design features that accommodate various levels of technological proficiency (e-literacy), (b) tech-enabled community health workers and navigators who can function as liaisons between patients and clinicians, and (c) analytics and customer relationship management tools that enable health care professionals and support networks to provide the right interventions to the right patients. Finally, we argue that community health care workers will need to be incentivized to play a larger role in building and adopting innovations targeting the underserved. © 2017 American Medical Association. All Rights Reserved.

[Policy and management of human resources in the health care system of Portugal].

PubMed

Biscaia, André; Conceiçao, Claudia; Martins, José; Ferrinho, Paulo

2003-01-01

Portugal has adopted the Beveridgian model of National Health Service after the revolution of 1974. However, certain principles have been proclaimed long before that date. In particular, equity in access to and solidarity in financing of health care have been emphasized since many decades, although not yet completely implemented nowadays. The NHS is managed by the Ministry of Health who employed in 1999 approximatively 115,500 professionals. In 1998, the Portuguese NHS had 245 medical doctors and 334 nurses per 100,000 population. As concerns ambulatory care, the NHS deploys throughout the country health centers where GPs act as gatekeepers. The NHS is plagued by several chronic shortcomings: politics and politicians are deeply involved in its decision-making process, its information system is weak, manpower planning is lacking, the medical careers outside hospitals are not appreciated, continuing education of health workers is neglected, the working conditions and skill-mix are deteriorating and, finally, the remuneration system is outdated.

Distinguishing the opponents promotes cooperation in well-mixed populations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wardil, Lucas; da Silva, Jafferson K. L.

2010-03-01

Cooperation has been widely studied when an individual strategy is adopted against all coplayers. In this context, some extra mechanisms, such as punishment, reward, memory, and network reciprocity must be introduced in order to keep cooperators alive. Here, we adopt a different point of view. We study the adoption of different strategies against different opponents instead of adoption of the same strategy against all of them. In the context of the prisoner dilemma, we consider an evolutionary process in which strategies that provide more benefits are imitated and the players replace the strategy used in one of the interactions furnishing the worst payoff. Individuals are set in a well-mixed population, so that network reciprocity effect is excluded and both synchronous and asynchronous updates are analyzed. As a consequence of the replacement rule, we show that mutual cooperation is never destroyed and the initial fraction of mutual cooperation is a lower bound for the level of cooperation. We show by simulation and mean-field analysis that (i) cooperation dominates for synchronous update and (ii) only the initial mutual cooperation is maintained for asynchronous update. As a side effect of the replacement rule, an “implicit punishment” mechanism comes up in a way that exploitations are always neutralized providing evolutionary stability for cooperation.

The final size of a SARS epidemic model without quarantine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hsu, Sze-Bi; Roeger, Lih-Ing W.

2007-09-01

In this article, we present the continuing work on a SARS model without quarantine by Hsu and Hsieh [Sze-Bi Hsu, Ying-Hen Hsieh, Modeling intervention measures and severity-dependent public response during severe acute respiratory syndrome outbreak, SIAM J. Appl. Math. 66 (2006) 627-647]. An "acting basic reproductive number" [psi] is used to predict the final size of the susceptible population. We find the relation among the final susceptible population size S[infinity], the initial susceptible population S0, and [psi]. If [psi]>1, the disease will prevail and the final size of the susceptible, S[infinity], becomes zero; therefore, everyone in the population will be infected eventually. If [psi]<1, the disease dies out, and then S[infinity]>0 which means part of the population will never be infected. Also, when S[infinity]>0, S[infinity] is increasing with respect to the initial susceptible population S0, and decreasing with respect to the acting basic reproductive number [psi].

The gastropod Phorcus sauciatus (Koch, 1845) along the north-west Iberian Peninsula: filling historical gaps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rubal, Marcos; Veiga, Puri; Moreira, Juan; Sousa-Pinto, Isabel

2014-03-01

The intertidal gastropod Phorcus sauciatus is a subtropical grazer that reaches its northern boundary in the Iberian Peninsula. Distribution of P. sauciatus along the Iberian Peninsula shows, however, gaps in its distribution. The present study was aimed at detecting possible recent changes on the population structure and distribution of P. sauciatus along the north-west Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula. To achieve this aim, we adopted a qualitative sampling design to explore the presence of P. sauciatus along a region within its historical gap of distribution (north Portuguese coast). In addition, a quantitative sampling design was adopted to test hypotheses about the abundance and size structure of P. sauciatus populations among regions with different historical records of its abundance and among shores with different exposure. Results showed that P. sauciatus was present along the north Portuguese coast. However, the abundance and size structure of the newly settled populations were significantly different to those of the historically recorded populations. Moreover, P. sauciatus was able to establish populations at sheltered shores. Considering these results, we propose models for the distribution of P. sauciatus along the Iberian Peninsula, based on effects of sea surface temperature, and to explain the size-frequency of their populations based on their density.

Study on goaf gas control technology of gob-side entry driving

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Qihan; Yuan, Benqing; Li, Qiansi

2018-01-01

The 1112 (1) track gate roadway of Gu Qiao coal mine of Huainan mining group adopt the method of gob-side entry driving, the gas emission is large during the driving of the roadway, the gas in the goaf seriously influences the safe driving of the roadway. Equalizing method, drilling drainage method, jet grouting method and other goaf gas controlling measures has been adopted. Finally, it effectively solves the safety threat of gas in goaf to roadway driving, it provides a good reference for the gas control of the gob-side entry.

Implementing Motivational Interviewing in an Urban Homeless Population: An Agency-University Collaboration

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Crouch, Cathy; Parrish, Danielle E.

2015-01-01

This article describes the experiences of an agency administrator who developed a meaningful and effective collaboration with university researchers to address the needs of her client population. The initial agency-university collaboration process and its benefits are described as well as the efforts required and challenges faced when adopting and…

Examining iPod Use by Texas Agricultural Science and Technology Teachers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Murphrey, Theresa Pesl; Miller, Kimberly A.; Roberts, T. Grady

2009-01-01

The purpose of this study was to establish baseline data regarding the adoption of iPods and similar technologies by agricultural science and technology teachers. The population consisted of all agricultural science and technology teachers in Texas. A sample of 310 was randomly drawn from the population. Study findings reveal that while…

Adapting the ALP Model for Student and Institutional Needs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sides, Meredith

2016-01-01

With the increasing adoption of accelerated models of learning comes the necessary step of adapting these models to fit the unique needs of the student population at each individual institution. One such college adapted the ALP (Accelerated Learning Program) model and made specific changes to the target population, structure and scheduling, and…

Economic and demographic impacts of passenger rail systems : the impact of intercity passenger rails on population and employment change in the United States, 2000-2010.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-12-01

This research examines the impact of intercity passenger rails on change in population and employment at the county level in the continental United States from 2000 to 2010. This research adopts an integrated spatial regression approach that incorpor...

76 FR 43153 - Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plan; New Jersey and New York; Final...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-20

... the SIP. Accordingly, it affords no opportunity for EPA to fashion for small entities less burdensome... procedures, and business practices) that are developed or adopted by voluntary consensus standards bodies...

Innovative contracting practices for ITS : task E : final report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1999-07-01

The Peer Exchange is a process adopted by the Office of Motor Carrier and Highway Safety in which teams of professionals, representing state and federal government and private industry, identify effective commercial motor vehicle safety findings for ...

77 FR 33309 - Safety Zone; Race on the Lake, Onondaga Lake, Syracuse, NY

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-06-06

... participants and the boating public. C. Discussion of the Final Rule With the aforementioned risks in mind, the... are developed or adopted by voluntary consensus standards bodies. This rule does not use technical...

[Population dynamics and development in the Caribbean].

PubMed

Boland, B

1995-12-01

The impact is examined of socioeconomic factors on Caribbean population dynamics. This work begins by describing the socioeconomic context of the late 1980s and early 1990s, under the influence of the economic changes and crises of the 1980s. The small size, openness, dependency, and lack of diversification of the Caribbean economies have made them vulnerable to external pressures. The Bahamas and Belize had economic growth rates exceeding 5% annually during 1981-90, but most of the countries had low or negative growth. Unemployment, poverty, the structural adjustment measures adopted in the mid-1980s, and declines in social spending exacerbated general economic conditions. In broad terms, the population situation of the Caribbean is marked by diversity of sizes and growth rates. A few countries oriented toward services and tourism had demographic growth rates exceeding 3%, while at least 7 had almost no growth or negative growth. Population growth rates reflected different combinations of natural increase and migration. Crude death rates ranged from around 5/1000 to 11/1000, except in Haiti, and all countries of the region except Haiti had life expectancies of 70 years or higher. Despite fertility decline, the average crude birth rate was still relatively high at 26/1000, and the rate of natural increase was 1.8% annually for the region. Nearly half of the regional population was under 15 or over 65 years old. The body of this work provides greater detail on mortality patterns, variations by sex, infant mortality, causes of death, and implications for policy. The discussion of fertility includes general patterns and trends, age specific fertility rates, contraceptive prevalence, levels of adolescent fertility and age factors in adolescent sexual behavior, characteristics of adolescent unions, contraceptive usage, health and social consequences of adolescent childbearing, and the search for solutions. The final section describes the magnitude and causes of emigration from the Caribbean and the impact of emigration on population composition, with attention to intraregional and return migration.

Claims Procedure for Plans Providing Disability Benefits. Final rule.

PubMed

2016-12-19

This document contains a final regulation revising the claims procedure regulations under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) for employee benefit plans providing disability benefits. The final rule revises and strengthens the current rules primarily by adopting certain procedural protections and safeguards for disability benefit claims that are currently applicable to claims for group health benefits pursuant to the Affordable Care Act. This rule affects plan administrators and participants and beneficiaries of plans providing disability benefits, and others who assist in the provision of these benefits, such as third-party benefits administrators and other service providers.

Impact of Inuit customary adoption on behavioral problems in school-age Inuit children.

PubMed

Decaluwe, Béatrice; Jacobson, Sandra W; Poirier, Marie-Andrée; Forget-Dubois, Nadine; Jacobson, Joseph L; Muckle, Gina

2015-05-01

A large proportion of Inuit children in Arctic Quebec are adopted in accordance with traditional Inuit customs. In contrast to adoptions in Southern Canada and the United States, the child is adopted at birth and by a close family member; he or she knows who his or her biological parents are, and will typically have contact with them. Studies of other populations have reported an increased incidence of behavior problems in adopted compared with nonadopted children. This study examined the actual extent of the increase in the number of behavior problems seen in Inuit children adopted in accordance with traditional customs. In a prospective longitudinal study conducted in the Canadian Arctic (n = 46 adopted and 231 nonadopted children), prenatal and familial variables were documented at birth and at school age (M = 11.3 years). Behavior problems were assessed on the Teacher Report Form of the Child Behavior Checklist. Adopted children lived in more economically disadvantaged families, but their caregivers were less prone to depression, domestic violence, or alcohol abuse compared with those of the nonadopted children. The adoption status was not related to the teacher's report of attention problems, externalizing or internalizing behaviors, after controlling for confounders. Despite less favorable socioeconomic circumstances, a higher extent of behavioral problems was not seen at school age in Inuit children adopted at birth by a family member. Psychosocial stressors associated with adoption are more likely to be responsible for an association with higher levels of childhood behavior problems rather than adoption per se. (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved).

Human Vulnerability to Climate Variability in the Sahel: Farmers' Adaptation Strategies in Northern Burkina Faso

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barbier, Bruno; Yacouba, Hamma; Karambiri, Harouna; Zoromé, Malick; Somé, Blaise

2009-05-01

In this study, the authors investigate farmers’ vulnerability to climate variability and evaluate local adoption of technology and farmers’ perceptions of adaptation strategies to rainfall variability and policies. A survey was conducted in a community in northern Burkina Faso following the crop failure of 2004. In 2006, following a better harvest, another survey was conducted to compare farmers’ actions and reactions during two contrasted rainy seasons. The results confirm that farmers from this community have substantially changed their practices during the last few decades. They have adopted a wide range of techniques that are intended to simultaneously increase crop yield and reduce yield variability. Micro water harvesting (Zaï) techniques have been widely adopted (41%), and a majority of fields have been improved with stone lines (60%). Hay (48%) and sorghum residues are increasingly stored to feed animals during the dry season, making bull and sheep fattening now a common practice. Dry season vegetable production also involves a majority of the population (60%). According to farmers, most of the new techniques have been adopted because of growing land scarcity and new market opportunities, rather than because of climate variability. Population pressure has reached a critical threshold, while land scarcity, declining soil fertility and reduced animal mobility have pushed farmers to intensify agricultural production. These techniques reduce farmers’ dependency on rainfall but are still insufficient to reduce poverty and vulnerability. Thirty-nine percent of the population remains vulnerable after a good rainy season. Despite farmers’ desire to remain in their own communities, migrations are likely to remain a major source of regular income and form of recourse in the event of droughts.

Social media adoption in local health departments nationwide.

PubMed

Harris, Jenine K; Mueller, Nancy L; Snider, Doneisha

2013-09-01

We examined whether characteristics of local health departments (LHD) and their geographic region were associated with using Facebook and Twitter. We also examined the number of tweets per month for Twitter accounts as an indicator of social media use by LHDs. In 2012, we searched for Facebook and Twitter accounts for 2565 LHDs nationwide, and collected adoption date and number of connections for each account. Number of tweets sent indicated LHD use of social media. LHDs were classified as innovators, early adopters, or nonadopters. Characteristics of LHDs were compared across adoption categories, and we examined geographic characteristics, connections, and use. Twenty-four percent of LHDs had Facebook, 8% had Twitter, and 7% had both. LHDs serving larger populations were more likely to be innovators, tweeted more often, and had more social media connections. Frequency of tweeting was not associated with adoption category. There were differences in adoption across geographic regions, with western states more likely to be innovators. Innovation was also higher in states where the state health department adopted social media. Social media has the potential to aid LHDs in disseminating information across the public health system. More evidence is needed to develop best practices for this emerging tool.

Stimulating a Sustainable Construction through Holistic BIM Adoption: The Root Causes of Recurring Low BIM Adoption in Malaysia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mamter, S.; Abdul-Aziz, AR; Mamat, ME

2017-06-01

Fostering the Building Information Modelling (BIM) implementation is one of Malaysia sustainable strategies towards greener construction. Hence, the Eleventh Malaysia plan focuses on transforming construction industry through the increase of technology adoption in order to enhance construction productivity. Therefore, there is a growing and urgent demand to provide BIM competent. However, a significant number of parties are reluctant to develop and invest in BIM due to unsolved root causes. Scholars have identified barriers relating to the infancy stage of BIM adoption in Malaysia. Unfortunately, there is a lack of study to explore deeper the root causes of recurring for the barriers anticipate the low BIM adoption. This paper attempts to delve into the initiatives of BIM stake players in fostering BIM adoption and to determine the root causes of recurring barriers due to low BIM adoption. The study adopted the semi-structured interviews which involved BIM stake players as a sample population. From the findings, authors revealed four root causes of recurring barriers; absence of BIM policy and BIM compulsion, poor holistic readiness, software integration competition strategy, and reluctant in sharing knowledge. The findings espoused here are preliminary and more results are expected to emerge as the research progresses.

Political economy and population health: is Australia exceptional?

PubMed Central

Boxall, Anne-marie; Short, Stephanie D

2006-01-01

Background It is accepted knowledge that social and economic conditions – like education and income – affect population health. What remains uncertain is whether the degree of inequality in these conditions influences population health and if so, how. Some researchers who argue that inequalities are important, say there is a relationship between political economy, inequality and population health. Their evidence comes from comparative studies showing that countries with neo-liberal political economies generally have poorer population health outcomes than those with social or Christian democratic political economies. According to these researchers, neo-liberal political economies adopt labour market and welfare state policies that lead to greater levels of inequality and poorer population health outcomes for us all. Discussion Australia has experienced considerable social and economic reforms over the last 20 years, with both major political parties increasingly adopting neo-liberal policies. Despite these reforms, population health outcomes are amongst the best in the world. Summary Australia appears to contest theories suggesting a link between political economy and population health. To progress our understanding, researchers need to concentrate on policy areas outside health – such as welfare, economics and industrial relations. We need to do longitudinal studies on how reforms in these areas affect levels of social and economic inequality, as well population health. We need to draw on social scientific methods, especially concerning case selection, to advance our understanding of casual relationships in policy studies. It is important to find out if, and why, Australia has resisted the affects of neo-liberalism on population health so we ensure our high standards are maintained in the future. PMID:16737549

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

Lu, Yu; Benson, Andrew; Mao, Yao -Yuan

Many properties of the Milky Way's (MW) dark matter halo, including its mass-assembly history, concentration, and subhalo population, remain poorly constrained. We explore the connection between these properties of the MW and its satellite galaxy population, especially the implication of the presence of the Magellanic Clouds for the properties of the MW halo. Using a suite of high-resolution N-body simulations of MW-mass halos with a fixed finalmore » $${M}_{\\mathrm{vir}}\\sim {10}^{12.1}\\,{M}_{\\odot }$$, we find that the presence of Magellanic Cloud-like satellites strongly correlates with the assembly history, concentration, and subhalo population of the host halo, such that MW-mass systems with Magellanic Clouds have lower concentration, more rapid recent accretion, and more massive subhalos than typical halos of the same mass. Using a flexible semi-analytic galaxy formation model that is tuned to reproduce the stellar mass function of the classical dwarf galaxies of the MW with Markov-Chain Monte-Carlo, we show that adopting host halos with different mass-assembly histories and concentrations can lead to different best-fit models for galaxy-formation physics, especially for the strength of feedback. These biases arise because the presence of the Magellanic Clouds boosts the overall population of high-mass subhalos, thus requiring a different stellar-mass-to-halo-mass ratio to match the data. These biases also lead to significant differences in the mass–metallicity relation, the kinematics of low-mass satellites, the number counts of small satellites associated with the Magellanic Clouds, and the stellar mass of MW itself. Finally, observations of these galaxy properties can thus provide useful constraints on the properties of the MW halo.« less

The connection between the host halo and the satellite galaxies of the Milky Way

DOE PAGES

Lu, Yu; Benson, Andrew; Mao, Yao -Yuan; ...

2016-10-11

Many properties of the Milky Way's (MW) dark matter halo, including its mass-assembly history, concentration, and subhalo population, remain poorly constrained. We explore the connection between these properties of the MW and its satellite galaxy population, especially the implication of the presence of the Magellanic Clouds for the properties of the MW halo. Using a suite of high-resolution N-body simulations of MW-mass halos with a fixed finalmore » $${M}_{\\mathrm{vir}}\\sim {10}^{12.1}\\,{M}_{\\odot }$$, we find that the presence of Magellanic Cloud-like satellites strongly correlates with the assembly history, concentration, and subhalo population of the host halo, such that MW-mass systems with Magellanic Clouds have lower concentration, more rapid recent accretion, and more massive subhalos than typical halos of the same mass. Using a flexible semi-analytic galaxy formation model that is tuned to reproduce the stellar mass function of the classical dwarf galaxies of the MW with Markov-Chain Monte-Carlo, we show that adopting host halos with different mass-assembly histories and concentrations can lead to different best-fit models for galaxy-formation physics, especially for the strength of feedback. These biases arise because the presence of the Magellanic Clouds boosts the overall population of high-mass subhalos, thus requiring a different stellar-mass-to-halo-mass ratio to match the data. These biases also lead to significant differences in the mass–metallicity relation, the kinematics of low-mass satellites, the number counts of small satellites associated with the Magellanic Clouds, and the stellar mass of MW itself. Finally, observations of these galaxy properties can thus provide useful constraints on the properties of the MW halo.« less

Technology adoption and prediction tools for everyday technologies aimed at people with dementia.

PubMed

Chaurasia, Priyanka; McClean, Sally I; Nugent, Chris D; Cleland, Ian; Shuai Zhang; Donnelly, Mark P; Scotney, Bryan W; Sanders, Chelsea; Smith, Ken; Norton, Maria C; Tschanz, JoAnn

2016-08-01

A wide range of assistive technologies have been developed to support the elderly population with the goal of promoting independent living. The adoption of these technology based solutions is, however, critical to their overarching success. In our previous research we addressed the significance of modelling user adoption to reminding technologies based on a range of physical, environmental and social factors. In our current work we build upon our initial modeling through considering a wider range of computational approaches and identify a reduced set of relevant features that can aid the medical professionals to make an informed choice of whether to recommend the technology or not. The adoption models produced were evaluated on a multi-criterion basis: in terms of prediction performance, robustness and bias in relation to two types of errors. The effects of data imbalance on prediction performance was also considered. With handling the imbalance in the dataset, a 16 feature-subset was evaluated consisting of 173 instances, resulting in the ability to differentiate between adopters and non-adopters with an overall accuracy of 99.42 %.

Cultural Identity and Internationally Adopted Children: Qualitative Approach to Parental Representations

PubMed Central

Harf, Aurélie; Skandrani, Sara; Sibeoni, Jordan; Pontvert, Caroline; Revah-Levy, Anne; Moro, Marie Rose

2015-01-01

Approximately 30 000 children are adopted across national borders each year. A review of the literature on the cultural belonging of these internationally adopted children shows substantial differences between the literature from English-speaking countries and that from France and Europe in general. The objective of this study is to start from the discourse of French adoptive parents to explore their representations of their child's cultural belonging and their positions (their thoughts and representations) concerning connections with the child's country of birth and its culture. The study includes 51 French parents who adopted one or more children internationally. Each parent participated in a semi-structured interview, focused on the adoption procedure and their current associations with the child's birth country. The interviews were analyzed according to a qualitative phenomenological method, Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. The principal themes that emerged from our analysis of the interviews made it possible to classify the parents into three different groups. The first group maintained no association with the child's country of birth and refused any multiplicity of cultural identities. The second group actively maintained regular associations with the child's country of birth and culture and affirmed that their family was multicultural. Finally, the third group adapted their associations with the child's birth country and its culture according to the child's questions and interests. Exploring parental representations of the adopted child enables professionals involved in adoption to provide better support to these families and to do preventive work at the level of family interactions. PMID:25775255

Policy support, economic incentives and the adoption of irrigation technology in China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cremades, R.; Wang, J.; Morris, J.

2014-11-01

The challenges China faces in terms of water availability in the agricultural sector are exacerbated by the sector's low irrigation efficiency. To increase irrigation efficiency, promoting irrigation technology has been emphasized by policy makers in China. The overall goal of this paper is to understand the effect of policy support and economic incentives on the adoption of irrigation technology in China. Based on a unique dataset collected at household and village levels from seven provinces in China, results indicated that household-based irrigation technology has become noticeable in almost every Chinese village. In contrast, only about half of Chinese villages have adopted community-based irrigation technology. Despite the relatively high adoption level of household-based irrigation technology at the village level, its actual adoption on crop-sown areas was not high, and it was even lower for community-based irrigation technology. The econometric analyses results revealed that policy supports via subsidies and extension services have played an important role in promoting the adoption of irrigation technology. Strikingly, the present irrigation pricing policy has played significant but contradictory roles in promoting the adoption of different types of irrigation technology. Irrigation pricing showed a positive impact on household-based irrigation technology, and a negative impact on community-based irrigation technology, possibly related to their substitution relationship, because having higher adoption of household-based irrigation technology reduce the incentives to invest in community-based irrigation technology. The paper finally concludes and discusses some policy implications.

Cultural identity and internationally adopted children: qualitative approach to parental representations.

PubMed

Harf, Aurélie; Skandrani, Sara; Sibeoni, Jordan; Pontvert, Caroline; Revah-Levy, Anne; Moro, Marie Rose

2015-01-01

Approximately 30 000 children are adopted across national borders each year. A review of the literature on the cultural belonging of these internationally adopted children shows substantial differences between the literature from English-speaking countries and that from France and Europe in general. The objective of this study is to start from the discourse of French adoptive parents to explore their representations of their child's cultural belonging and their positions (their thoughts and representations) concerning connections with the child's country of birth and its culture. The study includes 51 French parents who adopted one or more children internationally. Each parent participated in a semi-structured interview, focused on the adoption procedure and their current associations with the child's birth country. The interviews were analyzed according to a qualitative phenomenological method, Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. The principal themes that emerged from our analysis of the interviews made it possible to classify the parents into three different groups. The first group maintained no association with the child's country of birth and refused any multiplicity of cultural identities. The second group actively maintained regular associations with the child's country of birth and culture and affirmed that their family was multicultural. Finally, the third group adapted their associations with the child's birth country and its culture according to the child's questions and interests. Exploring parental representations of the adopted child enables professionals involved in adoption to provide better support to these families and to do preventive work at the level of family interactions.

Understanding the Perception of Very Small Software Companies towards the Adoption of Process Standards

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Basri, Shuib; O'Connor, Rory V.

This paper is concerned with understanding the issues that affect the adoption of software process standards by Very Small Entities (VSEs), their needs from process standards and their willingness to engage with the new ISO/IEC 29110 standard in particular. In order to achieve this goal, a series of industry data collection studies were undertaken with a collection of VSEs. A twin track approach of a qualitative data collection (interviews and focus groups) and quantitative data collection (questionnaire) were undertaken. Data analysis was being completed separately and the final results were merged, using the coding mechanisms of grounded theory. This paper serves as a roadmap for both researchers wishing to understand the issues of process standards adoption by very small companies and also for the software process standards community.

A profile of Hawaiians in the Medicaid Fee-For-Service program.

PubMed

Loke, M; Kang-Kaulupali, K T; Honbo, L

2001-09-01

In Hawai'i, the Medicaid Fee-For-Service (FFS) program enrolled approximately 39,000 individuals in fiscal year (FY) 1999. This program specifically provides healthcare services to enrollees classified as aged, blind, disabled, in-state foster children, and children who live out-of-state in subsidized adoptions. The total expenditure associated with this program was over $300 million in FY 1999. Nearly 4,600 enrollees in the Medicaid FFS program were self-identified as Native Hawaiians or part-Hawaiians. Although the proportion of Hawaiians in the Medicaid program was a fair representation of Hawaiians in the state, the distribution by recipient category within the program was in sharp contrast. Aged Hawaiians appeared to be under-represented in the program while disabled Hawaiians were overrepresented. Foster children and children under subsidized adoption accounted for 1% of the total Hawaiian population. Excluding the foster children and children under subsidized adoption, recipients of Hawaiian ancestry in the Medicaid FFS program (aged, blind, and disabled) obtained health care services amounting to approximately $34 million in FY 1999. Females in this population received more services, with total Medicaid payments amounting to $18.7 million. A higher proportion of Hawaiian recipients were on the neighbor islands. In this FFS Hawaiian population, the top three disease-states by dollar volume in FY 1999, were Alzheimer's disease, acute cerebrovascular disease, and profound mental retardation. A total of $3 million in services were provided to recipients with these primary disease-states. The five leading disease-states facing Hawaiians were generally comparable to those confronting the overall FFS population.

[Determining health policy for sensible mobile phone use--current world status].

PubMed

Sagi, Omer Itzhak; Sadetzki, Siegal

2011-03-01

Mobile phones have become the leading communication system, with more than 4.5 billions users around the world. The sharp increase in the number of users, and its penetration to all populations, including children, has raised concern about possible adverse health effects, particularly cancer This article reviews the public health policies introduced in Israel and several other countries regarding mobile phone use in view of the lack of clarity concerning the safety of this new technology. The data show that most countries have adopted the precautionary principle as the leading guideline, recommending the use of simple and low-cost safety measures which could substantially reduce exposure to the brain and other body organs from mobile phones. These include the use of text messages, hands-free kits, and/or the loud-speaker mode of the phone. Accordingly, recommendations, guidelines, standards, and legislation aimed at the general population, drivers, state institutions and the industry have been formulated. For children, who are considered to be more susceptible to cancer development following exposure to carcinogens, there is widespread consensus for a stricter approach. In some countries, measures such as banning use of mobile phones in schools, prohibiting sales/advertisements targeted at young age groups, expanding warnings on phones/ packages, and encouraging educational campaigns have been adopted for this population. Regulations regarding phone use while driving have been instituted in most countries. In conclusion, many public health practitioners have moved from the theoretical level (adoption of the precautionary principle) to an active phase of introducing regulations, with specific emphasis to various populations.

Simulating anchovy's full life cycle in the northern Aegean Sea (eastern Mediterranean): A coupled hydro-biogeochemical-IBM model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Politikos, D.; Somarakis, S.; Tsiaras, K. P.; Giannoulaki, M.; Petihakis, G.; Machias, A.; Triantafyllou, G.

2015-11-01

A 3-D full life cycle population model for the North Aegean Sea (NAS) anchovy stock is presented. The model is two-way coupled with a hydrodynamic-biogeochemical model (POM-ERSEM). The anchovy life span is divided into seven life stages/age classes. Embryos and early larvae are passive particles, but subsequent stages exhibit active horizontal movements based on specific rules. A bioenergetics model simulates the growth in both the larval and juvenile/adult stages, while the microzooplankton and mesozooplankton fields of the biogeochemical model provide the food for fish consumption. The super-individual approach is adopted for the representation of the anchovy population. A dynamic egg production module, with an energy allocation algorithm, is embedded in the bioenergetics equation and produces eggs based on a new conceptual model for anchovy vitellogenesis. A model simulation for the period 2003-2006 with realistic initial conditions reproduced well the magnitude of population biomass and daily egg production estimated from acoustic and daily egg production method (DEPM) surveys, carried out in the NAS during June 2003-2006. Model simulated adult and egg habitats were also in good agreement with observed spatial distributions of acoustic biomass and egg abundance in June. Sensitivity simulations were performed to investigate the effect of different formulations adopted for key processes, such as reproduction and movement. The effect of the anchovy population on plankton dynamics was also investigated, by comparing simulations adopting a two-way or a one-way coupling of the fish with the biogeochemical model.

Health and behavior problems in dogs and cats one week and one month after adoption from animal shelters.

PubMed

Lord, Linda K; Reider, Linda; Herron, Meghan E; Graszak, Kristy

2008-12-01

To characterize health and behavior problems in dogs and cats 1 week and 1 month after adoption from animal shelters and identify factors associated with the likelihood that owners of adopted animals would visit a veterinarian. Cross-sectional study. Sample Population-2,766 (1 week) and 2,545 (1 month) individuals who had adopted an animal from a shelter. Internet and telephone survey responses were collected 1 week and 1 month after animal adoption. Overall, 1,361 of 2,624 (51.9%) dogs and cats had health problems 1 week after adoption, and 239 of 2,312 (10.3%) had a health problem 1 month after adoption. The most common health problem for dogs and cats was respiratory tract disease. A total of 1,630 of 2,689 (60.6%) respondents had taken their animal to a veterinarian within the first week after adoption and 1,865 of 2,460 (75.8%) had within the first month after adoption. Respondents were more likely to have visited a veterinarian if they had adopted a dog versus a cat or if the animal was young (< or = 1 year old), had > or = 1 health problem, or had adjusted moderately to extremely well to its new home within the first month after adoption. Cats had fewer behavior problems than dogs. One week after adoption, the most commonly reported behavior problem was house training for dogs and chewing, digging, or scratching at objects for cats. Results suggested that improvements can be made in the percentage of new owners who visit a veterinarian after adopting an animal from a shelter.

Governing multicultural populations and family life.

PubMed

Ali, Suki

2014-03-01

Shortly after coming to power in Britain, the Conservative-Liberal Democratic alliance placed family life at the heart of their political agenda, and set out their plans to reform adoption. The paper draws upon debates about the reforms and considers them in articulation with concerns about health of the nation expressed in political pronouncements on 'broken Britain' and the failures of 'state multiculturalism'. The paper considers the debates about domestic (transracial) and intercountry adoption, and uses feminist postcolonial perspectives to argue that we can only understand what are expressed as national issues within a transnational and postcolonial framework which illuminate the processes of state and institutional race-making. The paper analyses three key instances of biopower and governmentality in the adoption debates: the population, the normalizing family and the individual. The paper argues that we need to understand the reforms as part of a wider concern with the 'problem' of multicultural belonging, and that the interlocking discourses of nation, family and identities are crucial to the constitution and regulation of gendered, racialized subjects. © London School of Economics and Political Science 2013.

75 FR 67389 - Notice of Availability of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Yesler Terrace...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-02

... Terrace, street vacation, preliminary and final plat approval, adoption of a Planned Action Ordinance... the time a permit application is made to an earlier phase in the process, such as at the Comprehensive...

Traffic counting using existing video detection cameras : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-04-01

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the video detection technologies currently adopted by the city of Baton Rouge and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. The main objective is to review the performance of Econolite Autosc...

Integrated corridor management : implementation guide and lessons learned (final report version 2.0).

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-09-01

This implementation guide is intended for use by adopters of integrated corridor management (ICM) approaches and strategies to address congestion and travel time reliability issues within specific travel corridors. It introduces the topic of ICM and ...

78 FR 1723 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-01-09

... Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule; request for comments. SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus... Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus...

8 CFR 204.308 - Where to file Form I-800A or Form I-800.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... IMMIGRANT PETITIONS Intercountry Adoption of a Convention Adoptee § 204.308 Where to file Form I-800A or... adjudicate the child's application for an immigrant or nonimmigrant visa has jurisdiction to grant final...

78 FR 25365 - Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Helicopters

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-05-01

... Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Helicopters AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter France... applies. FAA's Determination These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of France and...

76 FR 23871 - Guidelines for the Supervisory Review Committee

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-04-29

... NATIONAL CREDIT UNION ADMINISTRATION 12 CFR Chapter VII [IRPS 11-1] Guidelines for the Supervisory Review Committee AGENCY: National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). ACTION: Final Interpretative Ruling.... 2160 (1994), the NCUA Board (Board) adopted guidelines that established an independent appellate...

78 FR 60185 - Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson)

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-10-01

... Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company (Robinson) AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Robinson... effective November 5, 2013. ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact Robinson...

Connected vehicle pilot deployment program phase 1 : lessons learned : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-01-30

The Connected Vehicle Pilot Deployment (CV Pilots) Program seeks to spur innovation among early adopters of connected vehicle application concepts. Pilot deployment awards were given to three sites, New York City, Wyoming, and Tampa, FL. The CV pilot...

Investigation of automated and interactive crack measurement systems : final report, May 27, 2008.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2008-05-27

Currently adopted manual distress surveys involve a high degree of subjectivity, low production rates, and exposure to hazardous conditions. FDOT has acquired and validated a multi-functional survey vehicle (MPSV). However, when an automated crack di...

Final Rule for Control of Air Pollution From Aircraft and Aircraft Engines; Emission Standards and Test Procedures

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

EPA adopted emission standards and related provisions for aircraft gas turbine engines with rated thrusts greater than 26.7 kilonewtons. These engines are used primarily on commercial passenger and freight aircraft.

VizieR Online Data Catalog: Long-term core-collapse supernova simulations (Nakamura+, 2016)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakamura, K.; Horiuchi, S.; Tanaka, M.; Hayama, K.; Takiwaki, T.; Kotake, K.

2017-11-01

In Table 2, we compiled a list of nearby RSGs from the literature. RSGs associated with OB associations and other RSGs. Our final RSG list consists of 212 RSG candidates. To estimate the CCSN rate of each galaxy, we adopt a subset of the Karachentsev catalogue for which the star formation rate can be observationally estimated. The resulting CCSN rates are summarized in the final column of Table 3. (2 data files).

Contagion on complex networks with persuasion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Wei-Min; Zhang, Li-Jie; Xu, Xin-Jian; Fu, Xinchu

2016-03-01

The threshold model has been widely adopted as a classic model for studying contagion processes on social networks. We consider asymmetric individual interactions in social networks and introduce a persuasion mechanism into the threshold model. Specifically, we study a combination of adoption and persuasion in cascading processes on complex networks. It is found that with the introduction of the persuasion mechanism, the system may become more vulnerable to global cascades, and the effects of persuasion tend to be more significant in heterogeneous networks than those in homogeneous networks: a comparison between heterogeneous and homogeneous networks shows that under weak persuasion, heterogeneous networks tend to be more robust against random shocks than homogeneous networks; whereas under strong persuasion, homogeneous networks are more stable. Finally, we study the effects of adoption and persuasion threshold heterogeneity on systemic stability. Though both heterogeneities give rise to global cascades, the adoption heterogeneity has an overwhelmingly stronger impact than the persuasion heterogeneity when the network connectivity is sufficiently dense.

Contagion on complex networks with persuasion

PubMed Central

Huang, Wei-Min; Zhang, Li-Jie; Xu, Xin-Jian; Fu, Xinchu

2016-01-01

The threshold model has been widely adopted as a classic model for studying contagion processes on social networks. We consider asymmetric individual interactions in social networks and introduce a persuasion mechanism into the threshold model. Specifically, we study a combination of adoption and persuasion in cascading processes on complex networks. It is found that with the introduction of the persuasion mechanism, the system may become more vulnerable to global cascades, and the effects of persuasion tend to be more significant in heterogeneous networks than those in homogeneous networks: a comparison between heterogeneous and homogeneous networks shows that under weak persuasion, heterogeneous networks tend to be more robust against random shocks than homogeneous networks; whereas under strong persuasion, homogeneous networks are more stable. Finally, we study the effects of adoption and persuasion threshold heterogeneity on systemic stability. Though both heterogeneities give rise to global cascades, the adoption heterogeneity has an overwhelmingly stronger impact than the persuasion heterogeneity when the network connectivity is sufficiently dense. PMID:27029498

Contagion on complex networks with persuasion.

PubMed

Huang, Wei-Min; Zhang, Li-Jie; Xu, Xin-Jian; Fu, Xinchu

2016-03-31

The threshold model has been widely adopted as a classic model for studying contagion processes on social networks. We consider asymmetric individual interactions in social networks and introduce a persuasion mechanism into the threshold model. Specifically, we study a combination of adoption and persuasion in cascading processes on complex networks. It is found that with the introduction of the persuasion mechanism, the system may become more vulnerable to global cascades, and the effects of persuasion tend to be more significant in heterogeneous networks than those in homogeneous networks: a comparison between heterogeneous and homogeneous networks shows that under weak persuasion, heterogeneous networks tend to be more robust against random shocks than homogeneous networks; whereas under strong persuasion, homogeneous networks are more stable. Finally, we study the effects of adoption and persuasion threshold heterogeneity on systemic stability. Though both heterogeneities give rise to global cascades, the adoption heterogeneity has an overwhelmingly stronger impact than the persuasion heterogeneity when the network connectivity is sufficiently dense.

Stigma, social context, and mental health: lesbian and gay couples across the transition to adoptive parenthood.

PubMed

Goldberg, Abbie E; Smith, JuliAnna Z

2011-01-01

This is the first study to examine change in depression and anxiety across the first year of adoptive parenthood in same-sex couples (90 couples: 52 lesbian, 38 gay male). Given that sexual minorities uniquely contend with sexual orientation-related stigma, this study examined how both internalized and enacted forms of stigma affect the mental health of lesbians and gay men during the transition to parenthood. In addition, the role of contextual support was examined. Higher perceived workplace support, family support, and relationship quality were related to lower depressive and anxious symptoms at the time of the adoption, and higher perceived friend support was related to lower anxiety symptoms. Lower internalized homophobia and higher perceived neighborhood gay-friendliness were related to lower depressive symptoms. Finally, individuals with high internalized homophobia who lived in states with unfavorable legal climates regarding gay adoption experienced the steepest increases in depressive and anxious symptoms. Findings have important implications for counselors working with sexual minorities, especially those experiencing the transition to parenthood.

Privacy and senior willingness to adopt smart home information technology in residential care facilities.

PubMed

Courtney, K L

2008-01-01

With large predicted increases of the older adult (65 years and older) population, researchers have been exploring the use of smart home information technologies (IT) in residential care (RC) facilities to enhance resident quality of life and safety. Older adults' perceptions of privacy can inhibit their acceptance and subsequent adoption of smart home IT. This qualitative study, guided by principles of grounded theory research, investigated the relationship between privacy, living environment and willingness of older adults living in residential care facilities to adopt smart home IT through focus groups and individual interviews. The findings from this study indicate that privacy can be a barrier for older adults' adoption of smart home IT; however their own perception of their need for the technology may override their privacy concerns. Privacy concerns, as a barrier to technology adoption, can be influenced by both individual-level and community-level factors. Further exploration of the factors influencing older adults' perceptions of smart home IT need is necessary.

Adopt a Bacterium - an active and collaborative learning experience in microbiology based on social media.

PubMed

Piantola, Marco Aurélio Floriano; Moreno, Ana Carolina Ramos; Matielo, Heloísa Alonso; Taschner, Natalia Pasternak; Cavalcante, Rafael Ciro Marques; Khan, Samia; Ferreira, Rita de Cássia Café

2018-04-24

The "Adopt a Bacterium" project is based on the use of social network as a tool in Microbiology undergraduate education, improving student learning and encouraging students to participate in collaborative learning. The approach involves active participation of both students and teachers, emphasizing knowledge exchange, based on widely used social media. Students were organized in groups and asked to adopt a specific bacterial genus and, subsequently, submit posts about "adopted genus". The formative assessment is based on posting information on Facebook®, and the summative assessment involves presentation of seminars about the adopted theme. To evaluate the project, students filled out three anonymous and voluntary surveys. Most of the students enjoyed the activities and positively evaluated the experience. A large amount of students declared a change in their attitude towards the way they processed information, especially regarding the use of scientific sources. Finally, we evaluated knowledge retention six months after the end of the course and students were able to recall relevant Microbiology concepts. Our results suggest that the "Adopt a Bacterium" project represents a useful strategy in Microbiology learning and may be applied to other academic fields. Copyright © 2018 Sociedade Brasileira de Microbiologia. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

45 CFR Appendix C to Part 1356 - Calculating Sample Size for NYTD Follow-Up Populations

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES THE ADMINISTRATION ON CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES, FOSTER CARE MAINTENANCE PAYMENTS, ADOPTION ASSISTANCE, AND CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES... applied when the sample is drawn from a population of one to 5,000 youth, because the sample is more than...

Different preventions methods lead to different choices? Questions on HIV/AIDS prevention for men who have sex with men and other vulnerable populations.

PubMed

Terto, Veriano

2015-09-01

On the basis of an ethnographic narrative on sexual interactions observed in urban parks in large Brazilian cities, the article discusses the adoption of new strategies and methods for AIDS prevention in vulnerable populations, especially in men who have sex with men (MSM). By following some guiding questions, the text debates when, why, with whom, and in which context the new prevention methods should be adopted. It emphasizes, in agreement to the initial narrative, the importance of taking into account the prevention strategies created by the population itself to manage HIV risk infection. It also addresses how prevention practices and messages are adapted and recreated by individuals and groups in an attempt to suit them to their sexual desires, practices, and choices. In this perspective, the article recommends the inclusion of the experiences and voices of individuals and groups considered vulnerable in the new AIDS prevention methods and programs targeted to them.

Ancient inland human dispersals from Myanmar into interior East Asia since the Late Pleistocene.

PubMed

Li, Yu-Chun; Wang, Hua-Wei; Tian, Jiao-Yang; Liu, Li-Na; Yang, Li-Qin; Zhu, Chun-Ling; Wu, Shi-Fang; Kong, Qing-Peng; Zhang, Ya-Ping

2015-03-26

Given the existence of plenty of river valleys connecting Southeast and East Asia, it is possible that some inland route(s) might have been adopted by the initial settlers to migrate into the interior of East Asia. Here we analyzed mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) HVS variants of 845 newly collected individuals from 14 Myanmar populations and 5,907 published individuals from 115 populations from Myanmar and its surroundings. Enrichment of basal lineages with the highest genetic diversity in Myanmar suggests that Myanmar was likely one of the differentiation centers of the early modern humans. Intriguingly, some haplogroups were shared merely between Myanmar and southwestern China, hinting certain genetic connection between both regions. Further analyses revealed that such connection was in fact attributed to both recent gene flow and certain ancient dispersals from Myanmar to southwestern China during 25-10 kya, suggesting that, besides the coastal route, the early modern humans also adopted an inland dispersal route to populate the interior of East Asia.

Evolution with Reinforcement Learning in Negotiation

PubMed Central

Zou, Yi; Zhan, Wenjie; Shao, Yuan

2014-01-01

Adaptive behavior depends less on the details of the negotiation process and makes more robust predictions in the long term as compared to in the short term. However, the extant literature on population dynamics for behavior adjustment has only examined the current situation. To offset this limitation, we propose a synergy of evolutionary algorithm and reinforcement learning to investigate long-term collective performance and strategy evolution. The model adopts reinforcement learning with a tradeoff between historical and current information to make decisions when the strategies of agents evolve through repeated interactions. The results demonstrate that the strategies in populations converge to stable states, and the agents gradually form steady negotiation habits. Agents that adopt reinforcement learning perform better in payoff, fairness, and stableness than their counterparts using classic evolutionary algorithm. PMID:25048108

Evolution with reinforcement learning in negotiation.

PubMed

Zou, Yi; Zhan, Wenjie; Shao, Yuan

2014-01-01

Adaptive behavior depends less on the details of the negotiation process and makes more robust predictions in the long term as compared to in the short term. However, the extant literature on population dynamics for behavior adjustment has only examined the current situation. To offset this limitation, we propose a synergy of evolutionary algorithm and reinforcement learning to investigate long-term collective performance and strategy evolution. The model adopts reinforcement learning with a tradeoff between historical and current information to make decisions when the strategies of agents evolve through repeated interactions. The results demonstrate that the strategies in populations converge to stable states, and the agents gradually form steady negotiation habits. Agents that adopt reinforcement learning perform better in payoff, fairness, and stableness than their counterparts using classic evolutionary algorithm.

Automobile driver on-road performance test. Volume 1, final report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1981-09-30

The Automobile Driver On-Road Performance Test (ADOPT) was developed during a three-phase project. In Phase 1, 51 candidate behaviors were identified and selected with the help of experts in the fields of traffic safety, measurement of driver perform...

78 FR 49908 - Airworthiness Directives; Eclipse Aerospace, Inc. Airplanes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-08-16

... Airworthiness Directives; Eclipse Aerospace, Inc. Airplanes AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Eclipse Aerospace... Eclipse Aerospace, Inc., 26 East Palatine Road, Wheeling, Illinois 60090; telephone: (877) 373-7978...

76 FR 78524 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-12-19

... Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus... an aeroplane from the Airbus production line, a fault message was triggered on FDU1 [fire detection...

78 FR 23105 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-04-18

... Directives; Airbus Airplanes AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model... Agency] has received a report via Airbus and Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Ltd, from a Maintenance repair...

78 FR 77563 - Technical Amendments

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-12-24

... NATIONAL CREDIT UNION ADMINISTRATION 12 CFR Parts 700, 701, and 704 RIN 3133-AE33 Technical Amendments AGENCY: National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: The NCUA Board... credit unions. The technical amendments conform the regulations to a recent policy change adopted by the...

Direct Final Rule for Control of Air Pollution From Aircraft and Aircraft Engines; Emission Standards and Test Procedures

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This rule will adopt the current voluntary NOx and CO emissions standards of the United Nations International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), bringing the United States aircraft standards into alignment with the international standards.

Implementation of the new AASHTO pavement design procedure in Louisiana : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1990-06-01

This study was undertaken to provide the LA DOTD with an implementation package to facilitate adoption of the new AASHTO Guide for Design of Pavement Structures. The study included evaluation of design parameters for rigid and flexible pavements, inc...

78 FR 18230 - Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Helicopters

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-03-26

... Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Helicopters AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter France... approved by the aviation authority of France and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant...

78 FR 65871 - Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Helicopters

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-11-04

... Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Helicopters AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter France... aviation authority of France and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral...

78 FR 25380 - Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Helicopters

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-05-01

... Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Helicopters AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter France... Determination These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of France and are approved for...

77 FR 70360 - Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Helicopters

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-11-26

... Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Helicopters AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Eurocopter France... France and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with...

77 FR 57996 - Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Helicopters

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-09-19

... Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Helicopters AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter France... directive (AD): 2012-18-08 EUROCOPTER FRANCE: Amendment 39-17184; Docket No. FAA- 2011-1408; Directorate...

78 FR 857 - Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Helicopters

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-01-07

... Directives; Eurocopter France Helicopters AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter France (Eurocopter... been approved by the aviation authority of France and are approved for operation in the United States...

77 FR 35625 - Statement of General Policy on the Sequencing of the Compliance Dates for Final Rules Applicable...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-06-14

... a ``big bang'' approach where all of the rules to be adopted under Title VII go into effect... `big bang' approach to implementation would be too disruptive to the marketplace--particularly given...

ADOPTION OF PRECISION FARMING TECHNOLOGIES IN THREE MIDWEST WATERSHEDS. (R825761)

EPA Science Inventory

The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Concl...

76 FR 65938 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A310 Series Airplanes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-10-25

... CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety... DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA-2011...), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness...

Evaluation of catch basin grates : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1972-10-01

The Louisiana Department of Highways has adopted new designs for the Standard Plans for the RCB 22X catch basin to replace the old standard cast iron grate with either a welded bar steel grate or an alternate riveted steel reticuline grate. This revi...

78 FR 10638 - Proposed Amendment to the Information Collection Requirements of Prohibited Transaction Exemption...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-02-14

... specified Internet site.\\3\\ \\1\\ See 74 FR 4546 (January 26, 2009). The final rule adopted, among other things, parallel amendments to SEC Form N-1A (the registration form for mutual funds) and to Rule 498...

78 FR 70211 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-11-25

.... ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing... assemblies of the inboard track of the left and right inboard flaps for cracking, and corrective actions if... Operations, M-30, West Building [[Page 70212

Fair credit reporting medical information regulations. Final rules.

PubMed

2005-11-22

The OCC, Board, FDIC, OTS, and NCUA (Agencies) are publishing final rules to implement section 411 of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 (FACT Act). The final rules create exceptions to the statute's general prohibition on creditors obtaining or using medical information pertaining to a consumer in connection with any determination of the consumer's eligibility, or continued eligibility, for credit for all creditors. The exceptions permit creditors to obtain or use medical information in connection with credit eligibility determinations where necessary and appropriate for legitimate purposes, consistent with the Congressional intent to restrict the use of medical information for inappropriate purposes. The final rules also create limited exceptions to permit affiliates to share medical information with each other without becoming consumer reporting agencies. The final rules are substantially similar to the rules adopted by the Agencies on an interim final basis in June 2005.

Free-roaming dog populations: a cost-benefit model for different management options, applied to Abruzzo, Italy.

PubMed

Høgåsen, H R; Er, C; Di Nardo, A; Dalla Villa, P

2013-11-01

Since 1991, Italian free-roaming dogs have been under government protection and euthanasia is restricted by law. Management measures are regulated at the regional level and include: kennelling, adoptions, conversion of stray dogs into block dogs, and population control of owned dogs. "Block dogs" are free-roaming dogs that have been collected by the veterinary services, microchipped, sterilised, vaccinated, and released under the responsibility of the local municipalities. The present paper describes a cost-benefit model for different management options and applies it to two provinces in Abruzzo, central Italy. The model considers welfare, nuisance and direct costs to the municipality. Welfare is quantified based on the expert opinions of 60 local veterinarians, who were asked to assign a score for each dog category according to the five freedoms: freedom from pain, physical discomfort, disease, fear, and freedom to express normal behaviour. Nuisance was assessed only for comparisons between management options, using the number of free-roaming dogs per inhabitant as a proxy indicator. A community dog population model was constructed to predict the effect of management on the different subpopulations of dogs during a ten-year period. It is a user-friendly deterministic model in Excel, easily adaptable to different communities to assess the impact of their dog management policy on welfare, nuisance and direct monetary cost. We present results for Teramo and Pescara provinces. Today's management system is compared to alternative models, which evaluate the effect of specific interventions. These include either a 10% yearly increase in kennel capacity, an increase in adoptions from kennels, a doubling of the capture of stray dogs, or a stabilisation of the owned dog population. Results indicate that optimal management decisions are complex because welfare, nuisance and monetary costs may imply conflicting interventions. Nevertheless, they clearly indicate that management actions that would act on dog ownership patterns to reduce the number of free-roaming dogs would have the most favourable outcomes. These include reducing the reproductive capacity of the owned dog population, stronger enforcement of mandatory dog identification, reducing abandonment and increasing adoptions. This would increase welfare and free resources for implementing public campaigns. Block dogs may be an important intermediary means to reduce stray dogs, but adoption would be preferable. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Barriers to adopting and implementing local-level tobacco control policies.

PubMed

Satterlund, Travis D; Cassady, Diana; Treiber, Jeanette; Lemp, Cathy

2011-08-01

Although California communities have been relatively successful in adopting and implementing a wide range of local tobacco control policies, the process has not been without its setbacks and barriers. Little is known about local policy adoption, and this paper examines these processes related to adopting and implementing outdoor smoke-free policies, focusing on the major barriers faced by local-level tobacco control organizations in this process. Ninety-six projects funded by the California Tobacco Control Program submitted final evaluation reports pertaining to an outdoor smoking objective, and the reports from these projects were analyzed. The barriers were grouped in three primary areas: politically polarizing barriers, organizational barriers, and local political orientation. The barriers identified in this study underscore the need for an organized action plan in adopting local tobacco policy. The authors also suggest potential strategies to offset the barriers, including: (1) having a "champion" who helps to carry an objective forward; (2) tapping into a pool of youth volunteers; (3) collecting and using local data as a persuasive tool; (4) educating the community in smoke-free policy efforts; (5) working strategically within the local political climate; and (6) demonstrating to policymakers the constituent support for proposed policy.

Racial and ethnic socialization as moderators of racial discrimination and school adjustment of adopted and nonadopted Korean American adolescents.

PubMed

Seol, Kyoung Ok; Yoo, Hyung Chol; Lee, Richard M; Park, Ji Eun; Kyeong, Yena

2016-04-01

This study investigated the roles of racial and ethnic socialization in the link between racial discrimination and school adjustment among a sample of 233 adopted Korean American adolescents from White adoptive families and 155 nonadopted Korean American adolescents from immigrant Korean families. Adopted Korean American adolescents reported lower levels of racial discrimination, racial socialization, and ethnic socialization than nonadopted Korean American adolescents. However, racial discrimination was negatively related to school belonging and school engagement, and ethnic socialization was positively related to school engagement for both groups. Racial socialization also had a curvilinear relationship with school engagement for both groups. A moderate level of racial socialization predicted positive school engagement, whereas low and high levels of racial socialization predicted negative school engagement. Finally, ethnic socialization moderated the link between racial discrimination and school belonging, which differed between groups. In particular, ethnic socialization exacerbated the relations between racial discrimination and school belonging for adopted Korean American adolescents, whereas ethnic socialization buffered this link for nonadopted Korean American adolescents. The findings illustrate the complex relationship between racial and ethnic socialization, racial discrimination, and school adjustment. (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

NASA Safety and Health (Short Form). Final rule

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2001-01-01

This final rule adopts with changes the interim rule published in the Federal Register on April 5, 2001 (65 FR 18051-18053), which amended the NASA FAR Supplement to implement a Safety and Health (Short Form) clause to address safety and occupational health in all NASA contracts above the micro-purchase threshold where the existing Safety and Health clause did not apply, and amended other safety and health clauses to be consistent with the new NASA Safety and Health (Short Form) clause.

Validation of the attitudes toward intellectual disability: ATTID questionnaire.

PubMed

Morin, D; Crocker, A G; Beaulieu-Bergeron, R; Caron, J

2013-03-01

Individuals with an intellectual disability (ID) continue to experience major obstacles towards social, educational and vocational integration. Negative attitudes toward persons with ID has remained relevant over time and has led to discrimination and stigma. The present study describes the development of a new questionnaire for tapping into the general population's attitudes toward individuals with ID and addresses its psychometric properties. Adopting a multidimensional perspective, the Attitudes Toward Intellectual Disability Questionnaire (ATTID) was developed from a series of previously validated instruments and principles from the Montreal Declaration on Intellectual Disability (2004). The ATTID was administered by phone to 1605 randomly selected adult men and women, stratified by region in the Province of Quebec, Canada. The ATTID yielded a five-factor structure overlapping the tri-partite model of attitudes. The cognitive component was represented by two factors: knowledge of capacity and rights and knowledge of causes of ID. The affective component tapped into two factors: discomfort and sensitivity/compassion. Finally, the behavioural component emerged as a single factor. The ATTID had good internal consistency with Cronbach's alpha coefficients ranging from 0.59 to 0.89 for the five factors and of 0.92 for the overall questionnaire. Test-retest reliability yielded correlations from 0.62 to 0.83 for the five factors. The ATTID can be used to measure attitudes among different populations and allows comparisons over time within the same population as a function of various intervention strategies for de-stigmatising ID. © 2012 The Authors. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Predictors of school engagement among same-sex and heterosexual adoptive parents of Kindergarteners.

PubMed

Goldberg, Abbie E; Smith, JuliAnna Z

2014-10-01

Little research has explored parental engagement in schools in the context of adoptive parent families or same-sex parent families. The current cross-sectional study explored predictors of parents' self-reported school involvement, relationships with teachers, and school satisfaction, in a sample of 103 female same-sex, male same-sex, and heterosexual adoptive parent couples (196 parents) of kindergarten-age children. Parents who reported more contact by teachers about positive or neutral topics (e.g., their child's good grades) reported more involvement and greater satisfaction with schools, regardless of family type. Parents who reported more contact by teachers about negative topics (e.g., their child's behavior problems) reported better relationships with teachers but lower school satisfaction, regardless of family type. Regarding the broader school context, across all family types, parents who felt more accepted by other parents reported more involvement and better parent-teacher relationships; socializing with other parents was related to greater involvement. Regarding the adoption-specific variables, parents who perceived their children's schools as more culturally sensitive were more involved and satisfied with the school, regardless of family type. Perceived cultural sensitivity mattered more for heterosexual adoptive parents' relationships with their teachers than it did for same-sex adoptive parents. Finally, heterosexual adoptive parents who perceived high levels of adoption stigma in their children's schools were less involved than those who perceived low levels of stigma, whereas same-sex adoptive parents who perceived high levels of stigma were more involved than those who perceived low levels of stigma. Our findings have implications for school professionals, such as school psychologists, who work with diverse families. Copyright © 2014 Society for the Study of School Psychology. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Predicting Parents’ School Engagement Among Lesbian, Gay, and Heterosexual Adoptive Parents of Kindergarteners

PubMed Central

Goldberg, Abbie E.; Smith, JuliAnna Z.

2014-01-01

Little research has explored parental engagement in schools in the context of adoptive parent families or same-sex parent families. The current cross-sectional study explored predictors of parents’ self-reported school involvement, relationships with teachers, and school satisfaction, in a sample of 103 female same-sex, male same-sex, and heterosexual adoptive parent couples (196 parents) of kindergarten-age children. Parents who reported more contact by teachers about positive or neutral topics (e.g., their child’s good grades) reported more involvement and greater satisfaction with schools, regardless of family type. Parents who reported more contact by teachers about negative topics (e.g., their child’s behavior problems) reported better relationships with teachers but lower school satisfaction, regardless of family type. Regarding the broader school context, across all family types, parents who felt more accepted by other parents reported more involvement and better parent–teacher relationships; socializing with other parents was related to greater involvement. Regarding the adoption-specific variables, parents who perceived their children’s schools as more culturally sensitive were more involved and satisfied with the school, regardless of family type. Perceived cultural sensitivity mattered more for heterosexual adoptive parents’ relationships with their teachers than it did for same-sex adoptive parents. Finally, heterosexual adoptive parents who perceived high levels of adoption stigma in their children’s schools were less involved than those who perceived low levels of stigma, whereas same-sex adoptive parents who perceived high levels of stigma were more involved than those who perceived low levels of stigma. Our findings have implications for school professionals, such as school psychologists, who work with diverse families. PMID:25267169

Policies, economic incentives and the adoption of modern irrigation technology in China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cremades, R.; Wang, J.; Morris, J.

2015-07-01

The challenges China faces in terms of water availability in the agricultural sector are exacerbated by the sector's low irrigation efficiency. To increase irrigation efficiency, promoting modern irrigation technology has been emphasized by policy makers in the country. The overall goal of this paper is to understand the effect of governmental support and economic incentives on the adoption of modern irrigation technology in China, with a focus on household-based irrigation technology and community-based irrigation technology. Based on a unique data set collected at household and village levels from seven provinces, the results indicated that household-based irrigation technology has become noticeable in almost every Chinese village. In contrast, only about half of Chinese villages have adopted community-based irrigation technology. Despite the relatively high adoption level of household-based irrigation technology at the village level, its actual adoption in crop sown areas was not high, even lower for community-based irrigation technology. The econometric analysis results revealed that governmental support instruments like subsidies and extension services policies have played an important role in promoting the adoption of modern irrigation technology. Strikingly, the present irrigation pricing policy has played a significant but contradictory role in promoting the adoption of different types of modern irrigation technology. Irrigation pricing showed a positive impact on household-based irrigation technology, and a negative impact on community-based irrigation technology, possibly related to the substitution effect that is, the higher rate of adoption of household-based irrigation technology leads to lower incentives for investment in community-based irrigation technology. The paper finally concludes and discusses some policy implications.

Adoption of preventive measures during and after the 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus pandemic peak in Spain.

PubMed

Agüero, Fernando; Adell, Manel Nebot; Pérez Giménez, Anna; López Medina, María José; Garcia Continente, Xavier

2011-09-01

This study describes the preventive measures adopted by the Spanish population towards 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus and their associated factors. An anonymous computer-assisted telephone interview survey was conducted in Spain in December 2009 and February 2010. Respondents were asked about their perceptions of influenza A (H1N1) virus and the preventive measures adopted. Factors associated with the adoption of preventive measures were assessed by logistic regression analyses. Out of 4892 households approached, 1627 valid responses were obtained (response rate of 33.3%). The most commonly adopted preventive measures were respiratory hygiene and hand washing. Factors independently associated with the adoption of the preventive measures recommended by the Spanish Ministry of Health were female gender, higher educational level, size of municipality of residence >50,000 inhabitants, high perceived susceptibility to infection, high perceived effectiveness of the measures and high perceived usefulness of the information provided by the government. The presence of school-aged children in household was associated with purchasing masks and hand sanitizer. In addition to demographic factors, modifiable factors such as personal beliefs and expectations play a role in the adoption of preventive measures. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Translating ecology, physiology, biochemistry and population genetics research to meet the challenge of tick and tick-borne diseases in North America

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Emerging and re-emerging tick-borne diseases threaten public health and the wellbeing of domestic animals and wildlife globally. The adoption of an evolutionary ecology framework aimed to diminish the impact of tick-borne diseases needs to be part of strategies to protect human and animal population...

Effective School-Community Relations as a Key Performance Indicator for the Secondary School Administrator in Aba South District, Nigeria

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Abraham, Nath. M.; Ememe, Ogbonna N.

2012-01-01

This study investigates Effective School-Community Relations as a key Performance Indicator (KPI) of Secondary Schools Administrator in Aba South District, Nigeria. Descriptive survey method was adopted. All the 248 teachers made up the population and sample in a purposive sampling technique representing 100% of the entire population as sample. A…

T Cell Responses: Naive to Memory and Everything in Between

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pennock, Nathan D.; White, Jason T.; Cross, Eric W.; Cheney, Elizabeth E.; Tamburini, Beth A.; Kedl, Ross M.

2013-01-01

The authors describe the actions that take place in T cells because of their amazing capacity to proliferate and adopt functional roles aimed at clearing a host of an infectious agent. There is a drastic decline in the T cell population once the primary response is over and the infection is terminated. What remains afterward is a population of T…

DEVELOPMENT, DIFFUSION, AND EVALUATION.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

GUBA, EGON G.

THE KNOWLEDGE GAP BETWEEN INITIAL RESEARCH AND FINAL USE IS DISCUSSED IN TERMS OF THE FOUR STATES OF THE THEORY-PRACTICE CONTINUUM (RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, DIFFUSION, AND ADOPTION). THE TWO MIDDLE STAGES ARE EMPHASIZED. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTERS, REGIONAL EDUCATIONAL LABORATORIES, AND TITLE III PROJECTS ARE SUGGESTED AS AGENCIES RESPONSIBLE…

77 FR 54565 - Endangered and Threatened Species; Recovery Plans

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-09-05

... and authority. Recovery of Central California Coast coho salmon will require a long-term effort in... and Threatened Species; Recovery Plans AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National... public meetings. SUMMARY: NMFS announces the adoption of a Final Endangered Species Act (ESA) recovery...

25 CFR 23.4 - Information collection.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR HUMAN SERVICES INDIAN CHILD WELFARE ACT Purpose... in involuntary Indian child custody proceedings in state courts, who are not eligible for legal... § 23.71 is collected from state courts entering final adoption decrees for any Indian child and is...

78 FR 39968 - Flight Data Recorder Airplane Parameter Specification Omissions and Corrections

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-07-03

... comprise the adoption of a different standard that will affect airplanes operating under these regulations...), DOT. ACTION: Final rule; request for comments. SUMMARY: This action amends the operating regulations... technical questions concerning this action contact Chris Parfitt, Flight Standards Service, Aircraft...

76 FR 28168 - Securities of Nonmember Insured Banks

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-16

... November 30, 2010. The final rule adopts amendments to the FDIC's securities disclosure regulations... bonuses and profits), 306 (insider trades during blackout periods), 401(b) (disclosure of pro forma... financial officers), and 407 (disclosure of audit committee financial experts) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act...

77 FR 16137 - Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model Helicopters

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-03-20

... Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model Helicopters AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the Eurocopter France... directive (AD): 2012-05-01 Eurocopter France: Amendment 39-16973; Docket No. FAA- 2011-0454; Directorate...

78 FR 1739 - Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Helicopters

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-01-09

... Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Helicopters AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Eurocopter France... Directorate General for Civil Aviation (DGAC France) AD F-2008-04, dated June 4, 2008, for the Eurocopter...

78 FR 21233 - Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Helicopters

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-04-10

... Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Helicopters AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter France... (NPRM), which proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to Eurocopter France...

75 FR 34939 - Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Ohio; Final Approval and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-21

...)(5), (OO), (OO)(1), (OO)(2), (OO)(3), (OO)(4), (PP)(2), (UU)(3), (AAA), (DDD), and Appendix A. EPA is... Compounds from Stationary Sources, Paragraph (AAA), as adopted by Ohio on October 25, 2002, effective on...

76 FR 67341 - Airworthiness Directives; SOCATA Airplanes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-11-01

... after receipt. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety... DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA-2011... Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain...

78 FR 76061 - Authorization for Non-VA Medical Services

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-12-16

..., Health professions, Health records, Homeless, Mental health programs, Nursing homes, Reporting and... final rule adopts the proposed rule without changes. We received several comments urging VA to expand....009, Veterans Medical Care Benefits; 64.010, Veterans Nursing Home Care; 64.011, Veterans Dental Care...

Medicare program; prospective payment system and consolidated billing for skilled nursing facilities for FY 2014. Final rule.

PubMed

2013-08-06

This final rule updates the payment rates used under the prospective payment system for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) for fiscal year (FY) 2014. In addition, it revises and rebases the SNF market basket, revises and updates the labor related share, and makes certain technical and conforming revisions in the regulations text. This final rule also includes a policy for reporting the SNF market basket forecast error in certain limited circumstances and adds a new item to the Minimum Data Set (MDS), Version 3.0 for reporting the number of distinct therapy days. Finally, this final rule adopts a change to the diagnosis code used to determine which residents will receive the AIDS add-on payment, effective for services provided on or after the October 1, 2014 implementation date for conversion to ICD-10-CM.

Generalizability of causal inference in observational studies under retrospective convenience sampling.

PubMed

Hu, Zonghui; Qin, Jing

2018-05-20

Many observational studies adopt what we call retrospective convenience sampling (RCS). With the sample size in each arm prespecified, RCS randomly selects subjects from the treatment-inclined subpopulation into the treatment arm and those from the control-inclined into the control arm. Samples in each arm are representative of the respective subpopulation, but the proportion of the 2 subpopulations is usually not preserved in the sample data. We show in this work that, under RCS, existing causal effect estimators actually estimate the treatment effect over the sample population instead of the underlying study population. We investigate how to correct existing methods for consistent estimation of the treatment effect over the underlying population. Although RCS is adopted in medical studies for ethical and cost-effective purposes, it also has a big advantage for statistical inference: When the tendency to receive treatment is low in a study population, treatment effect estimators under RCS, with proper correction, are more efficient than their parallels under random sampling. These properties are investigated both theoretically and through numerical demonstration. Published 2018. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

77 FR 35199 - Swap Data Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements: Pre-Enactment and Transition Swaps

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-06-12

...The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (``Commission'' or ``CFTC'') is adopting rules to further implement the Commodity Exchange Act (``CEA'' or ``Act'') with respect to the new statutory framework regarding swap data recordkeeping and reporting established by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (``Dodd-Frank Act''). The Dodd-Frank Act, which amended the CEA, directs that rules adopted by the Commission shall provide for the reporting of data relating to swaps entered into before the date of enactment of the Dodd-Frank Act, the terms of which have not expired as of the date of enactment of the Dodd-Frank Act (``pre-enactment swaps'') and data relating to swaps entered into on or after the date of enactment of the Dodd-Frank Act and prior to the compliance date specified in the Commission's final swap data reporting rules (``transition swaps''). These final rules establish swap data recordkeeping and reporting requirements for pre-enactment swaps and transition swaps.

77 FR 13831 - Health Information Technology: Standards, Implementation Specifications, and Certification...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-03-07

...Under section 3004 of the Public Health Service Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services is proposing to revise the initial set of standards, implementation specifications, and certification criteria adopted in an interim final rule published on January 13, 2010, and a subsequent final rule that was published on July 28, 2010, as well as to adopt new standards, implementation specifications, and certification criteria. The proposed new and revised certification criteria would establish the technical capabilities and specify the related standards and implementation specifications that Certified Electronic Health Record (EHR) Technology would need to include to, at a minimum, support the achievement of meaningful use by eligible professionals, eligible hospitals, and critical access hospitals under the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs beginning with the EHR reporting periods in fiscal year and calendar year 2014. This notice of proposed rulemaking also proposes revisions to the permanent certification program for health information technology, which includes changing the program's name.

Barriers to Electronic Health Record Adoption: a Systematic Literature Review.

PubMed

Kruse, Clemens Scott; Kristof, Caitlin; Jones, Beau; Mitchell, Erica; Martinez, Angelica

2016-12-01

Federal efforts and local initiatives to increase adoption and use of electronic health records (EHRs) continue, particularly since the enactment of the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act. Roughly one in four hospitals not adopted even a basic EHR system. A review of the barriers may help in understanding the factors deterring certain healthcare organizations from implementation. We wanted to assemble an updated and comprehensive list of adoption barriers of EHR systems in the United States. Authors searched CINAHL, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar, and accepted only articles relevant to our primary objective. Reviewers independently assessed the works highlighted by our search and selected several for review. Through multiple consensus meetings, authors tapered articles to a final selection most germane to the topic (n = 27). Each article was thoroughly examined by multiple authors in order to achieve greater validity. Authors identified 39 barriers to EHR adoption within the literature selected for the review. These barriers appeared 125 times in the literature; the most frequently mentioned barriers were regarding cost, technical concerns, technical support, and resistance to change. Despite federal and local incentives, the initial cost of adopting an EHR is a common existing barrier. The other most commonly mentioned barriers include technical support, technical concerns, and maintenance/ongoing costs. Policy makers should consider incentives that continue to reduce implementation cost, possibly aimed more directly at organizations that are known to have lower adoption rates, such as small hospitals in rural areas.

Who Adopts Queer and Pansexual Sexual Identities?

PubMed

Morandini, James S; Blaszczynski, Alexander; Dar-Nimrod, Ilan

2017-09-01

Some nonheterosexual individuals are eschewing lesbian/gay and bisexual identities for queer and pansexual identities. The present study aimed to examine the sexual and demographic characteristics of nonheterosexual individuals who adopt these labels. A convenience sample of 2,220 nonheterosexual (1,459 lesbian/gay, 413 bisexual, 168 queer, 146 pansexual, and 34 other "write-in") individuals were recruited for a cross-sectional online survey. In support of our hypotheses, those adopting pansexual identities were younger than those adopting lesbian, gay, and bisexual identities, and those adopting queer and pansexual identities were more likely to be noncisgender than cisgender, and more likely to be cisgender women than men. The majority of pansexual individuals demonstrated sexual orientation indices within the bisexual range, and showed equivalent patterns of sexual attraction, romantic attraction, sexual behavior, and partner gender as bisexual-identified men and women. In contrast, three-quarters of queer men, and more than half of queer women, reported sexual attraction in the homosexual range. This study found that rather than a general movement toward nontraditional sexual identities, queer and pansexual identities appear most appealing to nonheterosexual women and noncisgender individuals. These findings contribute important information regarding who adopts queer and pansexual identities in contemporary sexual minority populations.

Alleles versus mutations: Understanding the evolution of genetic architecture requires a molecular perspective on allelic origins.

PubMed

Remington, David L

2015-12-01

Perspectives on the role of large-effect quantitative trait loci (QTL) in the evolution of complex traits have shifted back and forth over the past few decades. Different sets of studies have produced contradictory insights on the evolution of genetic architecture. I argue that much of the confusion results from a failure to distinguish mutational and allelic effects, a limitation of using the Fisherian model of adaptive evolution as the lens through which the evolution of adaptive variation is examined. A molecular-based perspective reveals that allelic differences can involve the cumulative effects of many mutations plus intragenic recombination, a model that is supported by extensive empirical evidence. I discuss how different selection regimes could produce very different architectures of allelic effects under a molecular-based model, which may explain conflicting insights on genetic architecture from studies of variation within populations versus between divergently selected populations. I address shortcomings of genome-wide association study (GWAS) practices in light of more suitable models of allelic evolution, and suggest alternate GWAS strategies to generate more valid inferences about genetic architecture. Finally, I discuss how adopting more suitable models of allelic evolution could help redirect research on complex trait evolution toward addressing more meaningful questions in evolutionary biology. © 2015 The Author(s). Evolution © 2015 The Society for the Study of Evolution.

Development of a theater-based nutrition and physical activity intervention for low-income, urban, African American adolescents.

PubMed

Jackson, Caree J; Mullis, Rebecca M; Hughes, Marilyn

2010-01-01

Childhood overweight is disproportionately worse in minority and low-income populations. Theater is a promising and effective tool for delivering health education to these underserved populations, but no known studies have examined the use of theater to promote both nutrition and physical activity to minority youth. To develop an interactive, theater-based intervention that conveys health messages to low-income, urban, African Americans and engages them in learning ways to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Community partners worked to develop a theater-based nutrition and physical activity intervention. A focus group provided urban adolescents' thoughts about their desires for the intervention. Based on input from all community partners, the group created a theater-based intervention. Researchers used a quasi-experimental (pre-/posttest) design with a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach. Participants learned health messages through theater, dance, and music and gave feedback on the program sessions and materials. The program ended with a dinner theater performance showcasing information that students learned during the intervention. Participants received six theater-based health lessons. Learning objectives for each health education session were achieved. Each participant contributed to and performed in the final performance. All program participants were highly satisfied with the theater-based method of learning health messages. A community-academic partnership succeeded in developing a theater-based nutrition and physical activity intervention that satisfied participating adolescents.

A harmonized segmentation protocol for hippocampal and parahippocampal subregions: Why do we need one and what are the key goals?

PubMed

Wisse, Laura E M; Daugherty, Ana M; Olsen, Rosanna K; Berron, David; Carr, Valerie A; Stark, Craig E L; Amaral, Robert S C; Amunts, Katrin; Augustinack, Jean C; Bender, Andrew R; Bernstein, Jeffrey D; Boccardi, Marina; Bocchetta, Martina; Burggren, Alison; Chakravarty, M Mallar; Chupin, Marie; Ekstrom, Arne; de Flores, Robin; Insausti, Ricardo; Kanel, Prabesh; Kedo, Olga; Kennedy, Kristen M; Kerchner, Geoffrey A; LaRocque, Karen F; Liu, Xiuwen; Maass, Anne; Malykhin, Nicolai; Mueller, Susanne G; Ofen, Noa; Palombo, Daniela J; Parekh, Mansi B; Pluta, John B; Pruessner, Jens C; Raz, Naftali; Rodrigue, Karen M; Schoemaker, Dorothee; Shafer, Andrea T; Steve, Trevor A; Suthana, Nanthia; Wang, Lei; Winterburn, Julie L; Yassa, Michael A; Yushkevich, Paul A; la Joie, Renaud

2017-01-01

The advent of high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has enabled in vivo research in a variety of populations and diseases on the structure and function of hippocampal subfields and subdivisions of the parahippocampal gyrus. Because of the many extant and highly discrepant segmentation protocols, comparing results across studies is difficult. To overcome this barrier, the Hippocampal Subfields Group was formed as an international collaboration with the aim of developing a harmonized protocol for manual segmentation of hippocampal and parahippocampal subregions on high-resolution MRI. In this commentary we discuss the goals for this protocol and the associated key challenges involved in its development. These include differences among existing anatomical reference materials, striking the right balance between reliability of measurements and anatomical validity, and the development of a versatile protocol that can be adopted for the study of populations varying in age and health. The commentary outlines these key challenges, as well as the proposed solution of each, with concrete examples from our working plan. Finally, with two examples, we illustrate how the harmonized protocol, once completed, is expected to impact the field by producing measurements that are quantitatively comparable across labs and by facilitating the synthesis of findings across different studies. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Assessment and improvement of the Italian healthcare system: first evidence from a pilot national performance evaluation system.

PubMed

Nuti, Sabina; Seghieri, Chiara; Vainieri, Milena; Zett, Silvia

2012-01-01

The Italian National Health System (NHS), established in 1978, follows a model similar to the Beveridge model developed by the British NHS (Beveridge 1942; Musgrove 2000). Like the British NHS, healthcare coverage for the Italian population is provided and financed by the government through taxes. Universal coverage provides uniform healthcare access to citizens and is the characteristic usually considered the added value of a welfare system financed by tax revenues. Nonetheless, in Italy the strong policy of decentralization, which has been taking place since the early 1990s, has gradually shifted powers from the state to the 21 Italian regions. Consequently, the state now retains limited supervisory control and continues to have overall responsibility for the NHS in order to ensure uniform and essential levels of health services across the country. In this context, it has become essential, both for the ministry and for regions, to adopt a common performance evaluation system (PES). This article reports the definition, implementation, and first evidences of a pilot PES at a national level. It shows how this PES can be viewed as a strategic tool supporting the Ministry of Health (MoH) in ensuring uniform levels of care for the population and assisting regional managers to evaluate performance in benchmarking. Finally, lessons for other health systems, based on the Italian experience, are provided.

Planet engulfment and the planetary nebula morphology mystery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boyle, Laura A.

2018-04-01

This thesis presents an investigation into the galactic population of planetary nebulae (PNe) whose progenitors have evolved through the engulfment of massive planets during the asymptotic giant branch (AGB) phase of their evolution. The objective of this research was to investigate the hypothesis that planet engulfment can aid in explaining the observed non-spherical planetary nebula (PN) population, as a complementary shaping mechanism to the binary hypothesis. This was performed by the design and development of a new research tool, simsplash (SIMulationS for the PLAnet Shaping Hypothesis), which was developed for the specific purpose of conducting, for the first time, a population synthesis of planet engulfment in planetary nebula progenitors. The first step in this investigation involved modelling the tidal evolution of planets orbiting PN progenitor stars to determine the importance of the adopted initial conditions and input physics in the stellar models and their effects on the orbital evolution of star-planet systems. The next step was to determine the probabilities of stars having and engulfing massive planets as a function of stellar mass and metallicity. This was achieved by combining the tidal evolution treatment with both the known exoplanet populations, as well as theoretical planet populations, and the occurrence rates of massive planets. Finally, taking into consideration the results from the analyses described above, a PN population synthesis was performed using the star formation history and metallicity evolution of the galaxy as well as varying forms of the initial mass function and planetary nebula formation constraints. The population of visible PNe in the present-day galaxy was calculated to consist of a total of 16,500±2,200 PNe, of which 240±20 PNe (≃ 1.5%) have evolved from the engulfment of a massive planet on the AGB and 3,300±200 PNe are the result of binary interactions (≃ 20%), translating to an expected non-spherical population of ≃ 21.5% of all PNe currently visible in the galaxy. The overall conclusion from this work is that while planet engulfment can explain a small fraction of the observed population of non-spherical PNe (≃ 7%), the hypothesis is not capable of resolving the mystery of the unexplained population of non-spherical planetary nebula morphologies. This conclusion adds support to the emerging view that not all low-to-intermediate mass stars can form visible PNe.

Managed care and the diffusion of intensity-modulated radiotherapy for prostate cancer.

PubMed

Jacobs, Bruce L; Zhang, Yun; Skolarus, Ted A; Wei, John T; Montie, James E; Schroeck, Florian R; Hollenbeck, Brent K

2012-12-01

To better understand associations between managed care penetration in health care markets and the adoption of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). We used Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare data to identify men diagnosed with prostate cancer between 2001 and 2007 who were treated with radiotherapy (n = 55,162). We categorized managed care penetration in Health Service Areas (HSAs) as low (<3%), intermediate (3%-10%), and high (>10%), and assessed our main outcomes (ie, probability of IMRT adoption, which is the ability of a health care market to deliver IMRT, and IMRT utilization in HSA markets) using a Cox proportional hazards model and Poisson regression model, respectively. Compared with markets with low managed care penetration, populations in highly penetrated HSAs were more racially diverse (25% vs 15% non-white, P <.01), densely populated (2110 vs 145 people/square mile, P <.01), and wealthier (median income, $48,500 vs $31,900, P <.01). The probability of IMRT adoption was greatest in markets with the highest managed care penetration (eg, 0.82 [high] vs 0.72 [low] in 2007, P = .05). Among adopting markets, the use of IMRT increased in all HSA categories. However, relative to markets with low managed care penetration, IMRT use was constrained in markets with the highest penetration (0.69 [high] vs 0.76 [low] in 2007, P <.01). Markets with higher managed care penetration demonstrated a greater propensity for acquiring IMRT technology. However, after adopting IMRT, more highly penetrated markets had roughly 7% slower growth in IMRT use during the study period. These findings provide insight into the implications of delivery system reforms for cancer-related technologies. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Reimbursement of licensed cell and gene therapies across the major European healthcare markets

PubMed Central

Jørgensen, Jesper; Kefalas, Panos

2015-01-01

Objective The aim of this research is to identify the pricing, reimbursement, and market access (P&R&MA) considerations most relevant to advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) in the Big5EU, and to inform their manufacturers about the key drivers for securing adoption at a commercially viable reimbursed price. Methodology The research was structured following three main steps: 1) Identifying the market access pathways relevant to ATMPs through secondary research; 2) Validating the secondary research findings and addressing any data gaps in primary research, by qualitative interviews with national, regional, and local-level payers and their clinical and economic advisors; 3) Collating of primary and secondary findings to compare results across countries. Results The incremental clinical benefit forms the basis for all P&R&MA processes. Budget impact is a key consideration, regardless of geography. Cost-effectiveness analyses are increasingly applied; however, only the United Kingdom has a defined threshold that links the cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) specifically and methodologically to the reimbursed price. Funding mechanisms to enable adoption of new and more expensive therapies exist in all countries, albeit to varying extents. Willingness to pay is typically higher in smaller patient populations, especially in populations with high disease burden. Outcomes modelling and risk-sharing agreements (RSAs) provide strategies to address the data gap and uncertainties often associated with trials in niche populations. Conclusions The high cost of ATMPs, coupled with the uncertainty at launch around their long-term claims, present challenges for their adoption at a commercially viable reimbursed price. Targeting populations of high disease burden and unmet needs may be advantageous, as the potential for improvement in clinical benefit is greater, as well as the potential for capitalising on healthcare cost offsets. Also, targeting small populations can also help reduce both payers’ budget impact concerns and the risk of reimbursement restrictions being imposed. PMID:27123175

78 FR 39964 - Amendment of Restricted Areas R-2907A and R-2907B, Lake George, FL; and R-2910, Pinecastle, FL

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-07-03

... evaluation of the U.S. Navy's ``Final Environmental Assessment (FEA),'' dated August 2012, regarding the expansion of the Pinecastle Range Complex. The FAA adopted the FEA and prepared a Finding of No Significant...

76 FR 9680 - Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement; Limitations on Procurements With Non-Defense...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-02-22

... Subjects in 48 CFR Part 217 Government procurement. Mary Overstreet, Editor, Defense Acquisition... Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement; Limitations on Procurements With Non-Defense Agencies (DFARS...: Final rule. SUMMARY: DoD is adopting without change an interim rule amending the Defense Federal...

32 CFR 161.12 - Benefits for former uniformed services members.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... for commissary privileges until there is a final divorce decree. In the case of a divorce, children.... Children, Unmarried, Under 21 Years: Legitimate, adopted, stepchild, illegitimate child of record of female member, or illegitimate child of male member whose paternity has been judicially determined or...

Cheating Behaviours, the Internet and Education Undergraduate Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Trushell, J.; Byrne, K.; Simpson, R.

2012-01-01

This paper describes an illuminative small-scale study that piloted an initial survey instrument intended to investigate correspondences between 47 undergraduate Education final year students' use of information and communications technology (ICT), including the Internet, and--within the context of their adoption of tactics intended to impress…

76 FR 65935 - Brucellosis in Swine; Add Texas to List of Validated Brucellosis-Free States

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-10-25

... breeding swine from Texas. DATES: Effective on October 25, 2011, we are adopting as a final rule the... Brucella. The disease mainly affects cattle, bison, and swine, but goats, sheep, horses, and even humans.... That action relieved certain [[Page 65936

78 FR 17071 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-03-20

... Directives; Airbus Airplanes AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A330-200, -300, and -200 Freighter series airplanes; and all Airbus Model A340-200 and -300 series...

78 FR 53635 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-08-30

... Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A330-200 and... Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): 2013-17-03 Airbus: Amendment 39...

76 FR 31261 - Relay Services for Deaf-Blind Individuals

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-31

... for Deaf-Blind Individuals AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Final rule; correction... Federal Register of May 9, 2011, 76 FR 26641. The document adopts rules to establish the National Deaf... Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA). DATES: Effective June 8, 2011. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT...

77 FR 9837 - Airworthiness Directives; Lycoming Engines Reciprocating Engines

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-02-21

... Directives; Lycoming Engines Reciprocating Engines AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Lycoming Engines reciprocating engines. This AD was prompted by a report of a ``machined-from-billet'' HA-6 carburetor having a...

78 FR 78769 - Medical Body Area Networks

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-12-27

... Area Networks AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Final rule; announcement of effective... of Medical Body Area Networks'' adopted in a First Report and Order, ET Docket No. 08-59 (FCC 12-54... for the Operation of Medical Body Area Networks rules contained in the Commission's First Report and...

77 FR 38717 - Supplemental Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-06-29

... Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees AGENCY: Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction... the concurrence of the Office of Government Ethics (OGE), is adopting as final, without changes, an interim rule for SIGAR employees that will supplement the executive branch-wide Standards of Ethical...

77 FR 31302 - Review of Federal Permit Conditions

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-05-25

...'' because the agency believes this should be interpreted based on the circumstances of the project at the... OFFICE OF THE FEDERAL COORDINATOR FOR ALASKA NATURAL GAS TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS Review of Federal... Projects. ACTION: Notice of Adoption of Final Policy. SUMMARY: The Office of the Federal Coordinator for...

10 CFR 50.37 - Agreement limiting access to Classified Information.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... Section 50.37 Energy NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION DOMESTIC LICENSING OF PRODUCTION AND UTILIZATION... or the issuance of a license, construction permit, early site permit, or standard design approval, or before the Commission has adopted a final standard design certification rule under part 52 of this...

78 FR 36677 - Radio Experimentation and Market Trials-Streamlining Rules

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-06-19

... Experimentation and Market Trials--Streamlining Rules AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: In this document the Commission modifies on its own motion the rules adopted in this... being conducted under a program, medical testing, and compliance testing license. Thus, this action will...

77 FR 56755 - Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Helicopters

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-09-14

... Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Helicopters AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter France... proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to Eurocopter France Model SA341G...

75 FR 78992 - Environmental Impacts Statements; Notice of Availability

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-12-17

...--Solar Energy Development in Six Southwestern States, To Establish a New BLM Solar Energy Program applicable to Utility-Scale Solar Energy Development and DOE's Proposed Action to Develop new Program... 01/20/2011. EIS No. 20100339, Final EIS, BLM, CA, Adoption--Genesis Solar Energy Project, Application...

Investigation of the Bailey Method for the design and analysis of dense-graded HMAC using Oregon aggregates : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2006-09-01

Historically Oregon has specified gradations for dense-graded hot mix asphalt concrete (HMAC) using a combination of broadband limits and recommended ideal gradations. The recent adoption of SuperPave and Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA) technolog...

76 FR 27227 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A310 Series Airplanes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-11

.... List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by... DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA-2010...), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness...

76 FR 27220 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A310 Series Airplanes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-11

.... List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by... DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA-2010...), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness...

76 FR 70042 - Airworthiness Directives; Pacific Aerospace Limited Airplanes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-11-10

... DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA-2011...), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness... Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12...

78 FR 40474 - Environmental Impact Statements; Notice of Availability

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-07-05

..., Draft EIS, USA, TX, Implementation of Energy, Water, and Solid Waste Sustainability Initiatives at Fort... Land Management (BLM) has adopted the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's FEIS 20100001, filed 01/07.... 20130197, Final EIS, USACE, FL, Everglades Agricultural Area A- 1 Shallow Flow Equalization Basin, Review...

78 FR 64879 - Liquidity and Contingency Funding Plans

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-10-30

.... Regulatory Procedures I. Background A. Why is NCUA adopting this final rule? The recent financial crisis demonstrated the importance of good liquidity risk management to the safety and soundness of financial... liquidity in a prudent manner. In some cases, these institutions had difficulty meeting their obligations as...

75 FR 71411 - Radio Broadcasting Services; Silverpeak, NV

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-23

... rule; dismissal. SUMMARY: The Audio Division dismisses the petition for rule making filed by Shamrock... Division dismissed the petition for rule making and terminated the proceeding without adoption of a final..., and released November 5, 2010. The full text of this Commission decision is available for inspection...

Faculty Return to Industry. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hulse, David R.

Lagging productivity and increased competitiveness from abroad are forcing U.S. management companies to adopt new management styles that promote efficiency and quality in production. High on the agenda is the incorporation of Statistical Process Control (SPC). SPC requires definition of process and product specifications to facilitate their…

76 FR 44464 - Process for Review of Swaps for Mandatory Clearing

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-26

... COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION 17 CFR Parts 39 and 140 RIN 3038-AD00 Process for Review of Swaps for Mandatory Clearing AGENCY: Commodity Futures Trading Commission. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (Commission or CFTC) is adopting regulations to implement...

78 FR 17073 - Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-03-20

... of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive..., and CL-604 Variants) airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of jamming/malfunctioning of the left-hand engine thrust control mechanism. This AD requires modifying the left-hand engine upper core-cowl...

Nash equilibrium and evolutionary dynamics in semifinalists' dilemma.

PubMed

Baek, Seung Ki; Son, Seung-Woo; Jeong, Hyeong-Chai

2015-04-01

We consider a tournament among four equally strong semifinalists. The players have to decide how much stamina to use in the semifinals, provided that the rest is available in the final and the third-place playoff. We investigate optimal strategies for allocating stamina to the successive matches when players' prizes (payoffs) are given according to the tournament results. From the basic assumption that the probability to win a match follows a nondecreasing function of stamina difference, we present symmetric Nash equilibria for general payoff structures. We find three different phases of the Nash equilibria in the payoff space. First, when the champion wins a much bigger payoff than the others, any pure strategy can constitute a Nash equilibrium as long as all four players adopt it in common. Second, when the first two places are much more valuable than the other two, the only Nash equilibrium is such that everyone uses a pure strategy investing all stamina in the semifinal. Third, when the payoff for last place is much smaller than the others, a Nash equilibrium is formed when every player adopts a mixed strategy of using all or none of its stamina in the semifinals. In a limiting case that only last place pays the penalty, this mixed-strategy profile can be proved to be a unique symmetric Nash equilibrium, at least when the winning probability follows a Heaviside step function. Moreover, by using this Heaviside step function, we study the tournament by using evolutionary replicator dynamics to obtain analytic solutions, which reproduces the corresponding Nash equilibria on the population level and gives information on dynamic aspects.

Type and Location of Wearable Sensors for Monitoring Falls during Static and Dynamic Tasks in Healthy Elderly: A Review

PubMed Central

Sorriso, Antonietta; Liparoti, Marianna; Ferraioli, Giampaolo; Sorrentino, Pierpaolo

2018-01-01

In recent years, the meaning of successful living has moved from extending lifetime to improving the quality of aging, mainly in terms of high cognitive and physical functioning together with avoiding diseases. In healthy elderly, falls represent an alarming accident both in terms of number of events and the consequent decrease in the quality of life. Stability control is a key approach for studying the genesis of falls, for detecting the event and trying to develop methodologies to prevent it. Wearable sensors have proved to be very useful in monitoring and analyzing the stability of subjects. Within this manuscript, a review of the approaches proposed in the literature for fall risk assessment, fall prevention and fall detection in healthy elderly is provided. The review has been carried out by using the most adopted publication databases and by defining a search strategy based on keywords and boolean algebra constructs. The analysis aims at evaluating the state of the art of such kind of monitoring, both in terms of most adopted sensor technologies and of their location on the human body. The review has been extended to both dynamic and static analyses. In order to provide a useful tool for researchers involved in this field, the manuscript also focuses on the tests conducted in the analyzed studies, mainly in terms of characteristics of the population involved and of the tasks used. Finally, the main trends related to sensor typology, sensor location and tasks have been identified. PMID:29783647

Adoptive immunotherapy for acute leukemia: New insights in chimeric antigen receptors

PubMed Central

Heiblig, Maël; Elhamri, Mohamed; Michallet, Mauricette; Thomas, Xavier

2015-01-01

Relapses remain a major concern in acute leukemia. It is well known that leukemia stem cells (LSCs) hide in hematopoietic niches and escape to the immune system surveillance through the outgrowth of poorly immunogenic tumor-cell variants and the suppression of the active immune response. Despite the introduction of new reagents and new therapeutic approaches, no treatment strategies have been able to definitively eradicate LSCs. However, recent adoptive immunotherapy in cancer is expected to revolutionize our way to fight against this disease, by redirecting the immune system in order to eliminate relapse issues. Initially described at the onset of the 90’s, chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) are recombinant receptors transferred in various T cell subsets, providing specific antigens binding in a non-major histocompatibility complex restricted manner, and effective on a large variety of human leukocyte antigen-divers cell populations. Once transferred, engineered T cells act like an expanding “living drug” specifically targeting the tumor-associated antigen, and ensure long-term anti-tumor memory. Over the last decades, substantial improvements have been made in CARs design. CAR T cells have finally reached the clinical practice and first clinical trials have shown promising results. In acute lymphoblastic leukemia, high rate of complete and prolonged clinical responses have been observed after anti-CD19 CAR T cell therapy, with specific but manageable adverse events. In this review, our goal was to describe CAR structures and functions, and to summarize recent data regarding pre-clinical studies and clinical trials in acute leukemia. PMID:26328018

Y-chromosome diversity in Catalan surname samples: insights into surname origin and frequency

PubMed Central

Solé-Morata, Neus; Bertranpetit, Jaume; Comas, David; Calafell, Francesc

2015-01-01

The biological behavior of the Y chromosome, which is paternally inherited, implies that males sharing the same surname may also share a similar Y chromosome. However, socio-cultural factors, such as polyphyletism, non-paternity, adoption, or matrilineal surname transmission, may prevent the joint transmission of the surname and the Y chromosome. By genotyping 17 Y-STRs and 68 SNPs in ~2500 male samples that each carried one of the 50 selected Catalan surnames, we could determine sets of descendants of a common ancestor, the population of origin of the common ancestor, and the date when such a common ancestor lived. Haplotype diversity was positively correlated with surname frequency, that is, rarer surnames showed the strongest signals of coancestry. Introgression rates of Y chromosomes into a surname by non-paternity, adoption, and transmission of the maternal surname were estimated at 1.5−2.6% per generation, with some local variation. Average ages for the founders of the surnames were estimated at ~500 years, suggesting a delay between the origin of surnames (twelfth and thirteenth centuries) and the systematization of their paternal transmission. We have found that, in general, a foreign etymology for a surname does not often result in a non-indigenous origin of surname founders; however, bearers of some surnames with an Arabic etymology show an excess of North African haplotypes. Finally, we estimate that surname prediction from a Y-chromosome haplotype, which may have interesting forensic applications, has a ~60% sensitivity but a 17% false discovery rate. PMID:25689924