Sample records for modified nominal group

  1. Consensus development of core competencies in intensive and critical care medicine training in China.

    PubMed

    Hu, Xiaoyun; Xi, Xiuming; Ma, Penglin; Qiu, Haibo; Yu, Kaijiang; Tang, Yaoqing; Qian, Chuanyun; Fang, Qiang; Wang, Yushan; Yu, Xiangyou; Xu, Yuan; Du, Bin

    2016-10-16

    The aim of this study is to develop consensus on core competencies required for postgraduate training in intensive care medicine. We used a combination of a modified Delphi method and a nominal group technique to create and modify the list of core competencies to ensure maximum consensus. Ideas were generated modified from Competency Based Training in Intensive Care Medicine in Europe collaboration (CoBaTrICE) core competencies. An online survey invited healthcare professionals, educators, and trainees to rate and comment on these competencies. The output from the online survey was edited and then reviewed by a nominal group of 13 intensive care professionals to identify each competence for importance. The resulting list was then recirculated in the nominal group for iterative rating. The online survey yielded a list of 199 competencies for nominal group reviewing. After five rounds of rating, 129 competencies entered the final set defined as core competencies. We have generated a set of core competencies using a consensus technique which can serve as an indicator for training program development.

  2. Accountability in public health units: using a modified nominal group technique to develop a balanced scorecard for performance measurement.

    PubMed

    Robinson, Victoria A; Hunter, Duncan; Shortt, Samuel E D

    2003-01-01

    Little attention has been paid to the need for accountability instruments applicable across all health units in the public health system. One tool, the balanced scorecard was created for industry and has been successfully adapted for use in Ontario hospitals. It consists of 4 quadrants: financial performance, outcomes, customer satisfaction and organizational development. The aim of the present study was to determine if a modified nominal group technique could be used to reach consensus among public health unit staff and public health specialists in Ontario about the components of a balanced scorecard for public health units. A modified nominal group technique consensus method was used with the public health unit staff in 6 Eastern Ontario health units (n=65) and public health specialists (n=18). 73.8% of the public health unit personnel from all six health units in the eastern Ontario region participated in the survey of potential indicators. A total of 74 indicators were identified in each of the 4 quadrants: program performance (n=44); financial performance (n=11); public perceptions (n=11); and organizational performance (n=8). The modified nominal group technique was a successful method of incorporating the views of public health personnel and specialists in the development of a balanced scorecard for public health.

  3. How to Help Parents Pack Better Preschool Sack Lunches: Advice from Parents for Educators

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sweitzer, Sara J.; Briley, Margaret E.; Roberts-Gray, Cindy; Hoelscher, Deanna M.; Staskel, Deanna M.; Almansour, Fawaz D.

    2011-01-01

    Objectives: This exploratory study obtained parent suggestions about messages and activities to guide parents to pack healthful sack lunches for preschool-aged children. Methods: A facilitator conducted group interviews using a modified nominal group technique with a convenience sample of parents who pack daily lunches for their children.…

  4. FROM NEEDS ASSESSMENT TO PARTICIPATORY RESEARCH: A COMMUNITY VISION OF HEALTH PROMOTION PROGRAMS IN ONE NATIVE AMERICAN COMMUNITY

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    OBJECTIVE: Identify unique cultural needs, priorities, program delivery preferences and barriers to achieving a healthy diet and lifestyle in one Native American community. DESIGN: A novel modified nominal group technique (NGT) conducted in four districts and three age groups (Elders, adults and...

  5. Composition of a Vision Screen for Servicemembers With Traumatic Brain Injury: Consensus Using a Modified Nominal Group Technique

    PubMed Central

    Finkelstein, Marsha; Llanos, Imelda; Scheiman, Mitchell; Wagener, Sharon Gowdy

    2014-01-01

    Vision impairment is common in the first year after traumatic brain injury (TBI), including among service members whose brain injuries occurred during deployment in Iraq and Afghanistan. Occupational therapy practitioners provide routine vision screening to inform treatment planning and referral to vision specialists, but existing methods are lacking because many tests were developed for children and do not screen for vision dysfunction typical of TBI. An expert panel was charged with specifying the composition of a vision screening protocol for servicemembers with TBI. A modified nominal group technique fostered discussion and objective determinations of consensus. After considering 29 vision tests, the panel recommended a nine-test vision screening that examines functional performance, self-reported problems, far–near acuity, reading, accommodation, convergence, eye alignment and binocular vision, saccades, pursuits, and visual fields. Research is needed to develop reliable, valid, and clinically feasible vision screening protocols to identify TBI-related vision disorders in adults. PMID:25005505

  6. Nominal Modifiers in Mandarin Chinese.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hou, John Y.

    In the surface structure of Chinese nominal modifiers (quantifiers, determiners, adjectives, measure phrase, relative clause, etc.) may occur either before or after a modified noun. In most of the transformational studies of Chinese syntax (e.g. Cheng 1966; Hashimoto 1966; Mei 1972; Tai 1973; Teng 1974), it has been assumed that such NP's have the…

  7. Identification and Prioritization of Important Attributes of Disease-Modifying Drugs in Decision Making among Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Nominal Group Technique and Best-Worst Scaling.

    PubMed

    Kremer, Ingrid E H; Evers, Silvia M A A; Jongen, Peter J; van der Weijden, Trudy; van de Kolk, Ilona; Hiligsmann, Mickaël

    2016-01-01

    Understanding the preferences of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) for disease-modifying drugs and involving these patients in clinical decision making can improve the concordance between medical decisions and patient values and may, subsequently, improve adherence to disease-modifying drugs. This study aims first to identify which characteristics-or attributes-of disease-modifying drugs influence patients´ decisions about these treatments and second to quantify the attributes' relative importance among patients. First, three focus groups of relapsing-remitting MS patients were formed to compile a preliminary list of attributes using a nominal group technique. Based on this qualitative research, a survey with several choice tasks (best-worst scaling) was developed to prioritize attributes, asking a larger patient group to choose the most and least important attributes. The attributes' mean relative importance scores (RIS) were calculated. Nineteen patients reported 34 attributes during the focus groups and 185 patients evaluated the importance of the attributes in the survey. The effect on disease progression received the highest RIS (RIS = 9.64, 95% confidence interval: [9.48-9.81]), followed by quality of life (RIS = 9.21 [9.00-9.42]), relapse rate (RIS = 7.76 [7.39-8.13]), severity of side effects (RIS = 7.63 [7.33-7.94]) and relapse severity (RIS = 7.39 [7.06-7.73]). Subgroup analyses showed heterogeneity in preference of patients. For example, side effect-related attributes were statistically more important for patients who had no experience in using disease-modifying drugs compared to experienced patients (p < .001). This study shows that, on average, patients valued effectiveness and unwanted effects as most important. Clinicians should be aware of the average preferences but also that attributes of disease-modifying drugs are valued differently by different patients. Person-centred clinical decision making would be needed and requires eliciting individual preferences.

  8. Identification and Prioritization of Important Attributes of Disease-Modifying Drugs in Decision Making among Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Nominal Group Technique and Best-Worst Scaling

    PubMed Central

    Kremer, Ingrid E. H.; van der Weijden, Trudy; van de Kolk, Ilona

    2016-01-01

    Objectives Understanding the preferences of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) for disease-modifying drugs and involving these patients in clinical decision making can improve the concordance between medical decisions and patient values and may, subsequently, improve adherence to disease-modifying drugs. This study aims first to identify which characteristics–or attributes–of disease-modifying drugs influence patients´ decisions about these treatments and second to quantify the attributes’ relative importance among patients. Methods First, three focus groups of relapsing-remitting MS patients were formed to compile a preliminary list of attributes using a nominal group technique. Based on this qualitative research, a survey with several choice tasks (best-worst scaling) was developed to prioritize attributes, asking a larger patient group to choose the most and least important attributes. The attributes’ mean relative importance scores (RIS) were calculated. Results Nineteen patients reported 34 attributes during the focus groups and 185 patients evaluated the importance of the attributes in the survey. The effect on disease progression received the highest RIS (RIS = 9.64, 95% confidence interval: [9.48–9.81]), followed by quality of life (RIS = 9.21 [9.00–9.42]), relapse rate (RIS = 7.76 [7.39–8.13]), severity of side effects (RIS = 7.63 [7.33–7.94]) and relapse severity (RIS = 7.39 [7.06–7.73]). Subgroup analyses showed heterogeneity in preference of patients. For example, side effect-related attributes were statistically more important for patients who had no experience in using disease-modifying drugs compared to experienced patients (p < .001). Conclusions This study shows that, on average, patients valued effectiveness and unwanted effects as most important. Clinicians should be aware of the average preferences but also that attributes of disease-modifying drugs are valued differently by different patients. Person-centred clinical decision making would be needed and requires eliciting individual preferences. PMID:27812117

  9. Solvent Hold Tank Sample Results for MCU-16-1247-1248-1249: August 2016 Monthly Sample

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

    Fondeur, F. F.; Jones, D. H.

    Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) received one set of Solvent Hold Tank (SHT) samples (MCU-16-1247-1248-1249), pulled on 08/22/2016 for analysis. The samples were combined and analyzed for composition. Analysis of the composite sample MCU-16-1247-1248-1249 indicated the Isopar™L concentration is above its nominal level (101%). The extractant (MaxCalix) and the modifier (CS-7SB) are 7% and 9 % below their nominal concentrations. The suppressor (TiDG) is 63% below its nominal concentration. This analysis confirms the solvent may require the addition of TiDG, and possibly of modifier and MaxCalix to restore then to nominal levels. Based on the current monthly sample, the levelsmore » of TiDG, Isopar™L, MaxCalix, and modifier are sufficient for continuing operation but are expected to decrease with time. Periodic characterization and trimming additions to the solvent are recommended. At the time of writing this report, A solvent trim batch containing TiDG, modifier and MaxCalix, was added to the SHT (October 2016) and expect the concentration of these components to be at their nominal values.« less

  10. Long range ordered alloys modified by addition of niobium and cerium

    DOEpatents

    Liu, C.T.

    1984-08-22

    Long range ordered alloys are described having the nominal composition (Fe,Ni,Co)/sub 3/ (V,M) where M is a ductility enhancing metal selected from the group Ti, Zr, Hf with additions of small amounts of cerium and niobium to dramatically enhance the creep properties of the resulting alloys.

  11. Long range ordered alloys modified by addition of niobium and cerium

    DOEpatents

    Liu, Chain T.

    1987-01-01

    Long range ordered alloys are described having the nominal composition (Fe,Ni,Co).sub.3 (V,M) where M is a ductility enhancing metal selected from the group Ti, Zr, Hf with additions of small amounts of cerium and niobium to drammatically enhance the creep properties of the resulting alloys.

  12. Development and face validation of strategies for improving consultation skills.

    PubMed

    Lefroy, Janet; Thomas, Adam; Harrison, Chris; Williams, Stephen; O'Mahony, Fidelma; Gay, Simon; Kinston, Ruth; McKinley, R K

    2014-12-01

    While formative workplace based assessment can improve learners' skills, it often does not because the procedures used do not facilitate feedback which is sufficiently specific to scaffold improvement. Provision of pre-formulated strategies to address predicted learning needs has potential to improve the quality and automate the provision of written feedback. To systematically develop, validate and maximise the utility of a comprehensive list of strategies for improvement of consultation skills through a process involving both medical students and their clinical primary and secondary care tutors. Modified Delphi study with tutors, modified nominal group study with students with moderation of outputs by consensus round table discussion by the authors. 35 hospital and 21 GP tutors participated in the Delphi study and contributed 153 new or modified strategies. After review of these and the 205 original strategies, 265 strategies entered the nominal group study to which 46 year four and five students contributed, resulting in the final list of 249 validated strategies. We have developed a valid and comprehensive set of strategies which are considered useful by medical students. This list can be immediately applied by any school which uses the Calgary Cambridge Framework to inform the content of formative feedback on consultation skills. We consider that the list could also be mapped to alternative skills frameworks and so be utilised by schools which do not use the Calgary Cambridge Framework.

  13. 76 FR 67007 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; Boston Stock Exchange Clearing Corporation; Notice of Filing of...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-10-28

    ..., NASDAQ OMX is proposing to amend the compositional requirements of the Nominating & Governance Committee... requirements of the Nominating & Governance Committee, including independence requirements. BSECC expects that... increase the size of the Nominating & Governance Committee to six directors, but will not modify the size...

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    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-10-28

    ..., NASDAQ OMX is proposing to amend the compositional requirements of the Nominating & Governance Committee... requirements of the Nominating & Governance Committee, including independence requirements. SCCP expects that... increase the size of the Nominating & Governance Committee to six directors, but will not modify the size...

  15. 76 FR 67015 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; NASDAQ OMX PHLX LLC; Notice of Filing of Proposed Rule Change To...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

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    ..., NASDAQ OMX is proposing to amend the compositional requirements of the Nominating & Governance Committee... other compositional requirements of the Nominating & Governance Committee, including independence... modified authority to increase the size of the Nominating & Governance Committee to six directors, but will...

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    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-10-28

    ... Nominating & Governance Committee in Section 4.13(h) to replace a requirement that the committee comprise... any of the other compositional requirements of the Nominating & Governance Committee, including..., use the modified authority to increase the size of the Nominating & Governance Committee to six...

  17. 76 FR 67013 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; NASDAQ OMX BX, Inc.; Notice of Filing of Proposed Rule Change With...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-10-28

    ... Nominating & Governance Committee in Section 4.13(h) to replace a requirement that the committee comprise... any of the other compositional requirements of the Nominating & Governance Committee, including... the modified authority to increase the size of the Nominating & Governance Committee to six directors...

  18. Identifying future models for delivering genetic services: a nominal group study in primary care

    PubMed Central

    Elwyn, Glyn; Edwards, Adrian; Iredale, Rachel; Davies, Peter; Gray, Jonathon

    2005-01-01

    Background To enable primary care medical practitioners to generate a range of possible service delivery models for genetic counselling services and critically assess their suitability. Methods Modified nominal group technique using in primary care professional development workshops. Results 37 general practitioners in Wales, United Kingdom too part in the nominal group process. The practitioners who attended did not believe current systems were sufficient to meet anticipated demand for genetic services. A wide range of different service models was proposed, although no single option emerged as a clear preference. No argument was put forward for genetic assessment and counselling being central to family practice, neither was there a voice for the view that the family doctor should become skilled at advising patients about predictive genetic testing and be able to counsel patients about the wider implications of genetic testing for patients and their family members, even for areas such as common cancers. Nevertheless, all the preferred models put a high priority on providing the service in the community, and often co-located in primary care, by clinicians who had developed expertise. Conclusion There is a need for a wider debate about how healthcare systems address individual concerns about genetic concerns and risk, especially given the increasing commercial marketing of genetic tests. PMID:15831099

  19. Solvent hold tank sample results for MCU-16-1317-1318-1319. September 2016 monthly sample

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

    Fondeur, F. F.; Jones, D. H.

    2017-01-01

    Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) received one set of Solvent Hold Tank (SHT) samples (MCU-16-1317-1318-1319), pulled on 09/12/2016 for analysis. The samples were combined and analyzed for composition. Analysis of the composite sample MCU-16-1317-1318-1319 indicated the Isopar™L concentration is above its nominal level (102%). The extractant (MaxCalix) and the modifier (CS-7SB) are 5% and 10 % below their nominal concentrations. The suppressor (TiDG) is 77% below its nominal concentration. A summary of the concentration of the relevant solvent components is shown below. This analysis confirms the Isopar™ addition to the solvent in August. This analysis also indicates the solvent maymore » require the addition of TiDG, and possibly of modifier to restore them to nominal levels.« less

  20. Solvent Hold Tank Sample Results for MCU-16-596-597-598: April 2016 Monthly Sample

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

    Fondeur, F. F.; Jones, D. H.

    2016-07-12

    Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) received one set of Solvent Hold Tank (SHT) samples (MCU-16-596-597-598), pulled on 04/30/2016 for analysis. The samples were combined and analyzed for composition. Analysis of the composite sample MCU-16-596-597-598 indicated the Isopar™L concentration is above its nominal level (102%). The modifier (CS-7SB) is 14% below its nominal concentration, while the TiDG and MaxCalix concentrations are at and above their nominal concentrations, respectively. This analysis confirms the solvent may require the addition of modifier. Based on the current monthly sample, the levels of TiDG, Isopar™L, MaxCalix, and modifier are sufficient for continuing operation but are expectedmore » to decrease with time. Periodic characterization and trimming additions to the solvent are recommended.« less

  1. Development of criteria for evaluating clinical response in thyroid eye disease using a modified Delphi technique.

    PubMed

    Douglas, Raymond S; Tsirbas, Angelo; Gordon, Mark; Lee, Diana; Khadavi, Nicole; Garneau, Helene Chokron; Goldberg, Robert A; Cahill, Kenneth; Dolman, Peter J; Elner, Victor; Feldon, Steve; Lucarelli, Mark; Uddin, Jimmy; Kazim, Michael; Smith, Terry J; Khanna, Dinesh

    2009-09-01

    To identify components of a provisional clinical response index for thyroid eye disease using a modified Delphi technique. The International Thyroid Eye Disease Society conducted a structured, 3-round Delphi exercise establishing consensus for a core set of measures for clinical trials in thyroid eye disease. The steering committee discussed the results in a face-to-face meeting (nominal group technique) and evaluated each criterion with respect to its feasibility, reliability, redundancy, and validity. Redundant measures were consolidated or excluded. Criteria were parsed into 11 domains for the Delphi surveys. Eighty-four respondents participated in the Delphi 1 survey, providing 220 unique items. Ninety-two members (100% of the respondents from Delphi 1 plus 8 new participants) responded in Delphi 2 and rated the same 220 items. Sixty-four members (76% of participants) rated 153 criteria in Delphi 3 (67 criteria were excluded because of redundancy). Criteria with a mean greater than 6 (1 = least appropriate to 9 = most appropriate) were further evaluated by the nominal group technique and provisional core measures were chosen. Using a Delphi exercise, we developed provisional core measures for assessing disease activity and severity in clinical trials of therapies for thyroid eye disease. These measures will be iteratively refined for use in multicenter clinical trials.

  2. Development of criteria for evaluating clinical response in thyroid eye disease (CRI-TED) using a modified Delphi technique

    PubMed Central

    Douglas, Raymond S.; Tsirbas, Angelo; Gordon, Mark; Lee, Diana; Khadavi, Nicole; Garneau, Helene Chokron; Goldberg, Robert A.; Cahill, Kenneth; Dolman, Peter J.; Elner, Victor; Feldon, Steve; Lucarelli, Mark; Uddin, Jimmy; Kazim, Michael; Smith, Terry J.; Khanna, Dinesh

    2014-01-01

    To identify components of a provisional clinical response index for thyroid eye disease (CRI-TED) using a modified Delphi technique. The International Thyroid Eye Disease Society (ITEDS) conducted a structured, 3-round Delphi exercise establishing consensus for a core set of measures for clinical trials in TED. The steering committee discussed the results in a face-to-face meeting (nominal group technique) and evaluated each criterion with respect to its feasibility, reliability, redundancy, and validity. Redundant measures were consolidated or excluded. Criteria were parsed into 11 domains for the Delphi surveys. Eighty four respondents participated in the Delphi-1 survey, providing 220 unique items. Ninety- two members (100% of the respondents from Delphi 1 plus eight new participants) responded in Delphi-2 and rated the same 220 items. Sixty-four members (76% of participants) rated 153 criteria in Delphi-3 (67 criteria were excluded due to redundancy). Criteria with a mean greater than 6 (1 least appropriate to 9 most appropriate) were further evaluated by the nominal group technique and provisional core measures were chosen. Using a Delphi exercise, we developed provisional core measures for assessing disease activity and severity in clinical trials of therapies for TED. These measures will be iteratively refined for use in multicenter clinical trials. PMID:19752424

  3. SNP-by-fitness and SNP-by-BMI interactions from seven candidate genes and incident hypertension after 20 years of follow-up: the CARDIA Fitness Study.

    PubMed

    Sarzynski, M A; Rankinen, T; Sternfeld, B; Fornage, M; Sidney, S; Bouchard, C

    2011-08-01

    The association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from seven candidate genes, including genotype-by-baseline fitness and genotype-by-baseline body mass index (BMI) interactions, with incident hypertension over 20 years was investigated in 2663 participants (1301 blacks, 1362 whites) of the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study (CARDIA). Baseline cardiorespiratory fitness was determined from duration of a modified Balke treadmill test. A total of 98 SNPs in blacks and 89 SNPs in whites from seven candidate genes were genotyped. Participants that became hypertensive (295 blacks and 146 whites) had significantly higher blood pressure and BMI (both races), and lower fitness (blacks only) at baseline than those who remained normotensive. Markers at the peroxisome proliferative activated receptor gamma coactivator 1α (PPARGC1A) and bradykinin β2 receptor (BDKRB2) genes were nominally associated with greater risk of hypertension, although one marker each at the BDKRB2 and endothelial nitric oxide synthase-3 (NOS3) genes were nominally associated with lower risk. The association of baseline fitness with risk of hypertension was nominally modified by genotype at markers within the angiotensin converting enzyme, angiotensinogen, BDKRB2 and NOS3 genes in blacks and the BDKRB2, endothelin-1 and PPARGC1A genes in whites. BDKRB2 rs4900318 showed nominal interactions with baseline fitness on the risk of hypertension in both races. The association of baseline BMI with risk of hypertension was nominally modified by GNB3 rs2301339 genotype in whites. None of the above associations were statistically significant after correcting for multiple testing. We found that SNPs in these candidate genes did not modify the association between baseline fitness or BMI and risk of hypertension in CARDIA participants.

  4. Pyrolysis oil combustion in a horizontal box furnace with an externally mixed nozzle

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Combustion characteristics of neat biomass fast-pyrolysis oil were studied in a horizontal combustion chamber with a rectangular cross-section. An air-assisted externally mixed nozzle known to successfully atomize heavy fuel oils was installed in a modified nominal 100 kW (350,000 BTU/h nominal cap...

  5. 76 FR 37867 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated; Order Approving...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-06-28

    ..., as Modified by Amendment No. 1, to Reduce the Minimum Size of the Nominating and Governance Committee... proposed rule change to reduce the minimum size of the Nominating and Governance Committee (``NGC'') from... the original proposed rule change, it had not yet obtained formal approval from its Board of Directors...

  6. Nominal Group as Qualifier to "Someone"

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sujatna, Eva Tuckyta Sari; Wahyuni, Sri

    2017-01-01

    The paper titled "Nominal Group as Qualifier to 'Someone'" investigated types of qualifiers which are embedded to the head "someone" in a nominal group. This research was conducted in the light of Systemic Functional Linguistics analysis. The data was analyzed, classified then described using descriptive qualitative method.…

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

    Fondeur, F. F.; Jones, D. H.

    Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) received one set of three Solvent Hold Tank (SHT) samples (MCU-16-1363-1364-1365), pulled on 11/15/2016 for analysis. The samples were combined and analyzed for composition. Analysis of the composite sample MCU-16-1363-1364-1365 indicated the Isopar™L concentration is at its nominal level (100%). The extractant (MaxCalix) and the modifier (CS- 7SB) are 8% and 2 % below their nominal concentrations. The suppressor (TiDG) is 7% below its nominal concentration. This analysis confirms the trim and Isopar™ additions to the solvent in November. This analysis also indicates the solvent did not require further additions. Based on the current monthlymore » sample, the levels of TiDG, Isopar™L, MaxCalix, and modifier are sufficient for continuing operation but are expected to decrease with time. Periodic characterization and trimming additions to the solvent are recommended.« less

  8. Defining quality criteria for online continuing medical education modules using modified nominal group technique.

    PubMed

    Shortt, S E D; Guillemette, Jean-Marc; Duncan, Anne Marie; Kirby, Frances

    2010-01-01

    The rapid increase in the use of the Internet for continuing education by physicians suggests the need to define quality criteria for accredited online modules. Continuing medical education (CME) directors from Canadian medical schools and academic researchers participated in a consensus process, Modified Nominal Group Technique, to develop agreement on the most important quality criteria to guide module development. Rankings were compared to responses to a survey of a subset of Canadian Medical Association (CMA) members. A list of 17 items was developed, of which 10 were deemed by experts to be important and 7 were considered secondary. A quality module would: be needs-based; presented in a clinical format; utilize evidence-based information; permit interaction with content and experts; facilitate and attempt to document practice change; be accessible for later review; and include a robust course evaluation. There was less agreement among CMA members on criteria ranking, with consensus on ranking reached on only 12 of 17 items. In contrast to experts, members agreed that the need to assess performance change as a result of an educational experience was not important. This project identified 10 quality criteria for accredited online CME modules that representatives of Canadian organizations involved in continuing education believe should be taken into account when developing learning products. The lack of practitioner support for documentation of change in clinical behavior may suggest that they favor traditional attendance- or completion-based CME; this finding requires further research.

  9. An International Consensus Definition of the Wish to Hasten Death and Its Related Factors

    PubMed Central

    Porta-Sales, Josep; Alonso-Babarro, Alberto; Altisent, Rogelio; Aradilla-Herrero, Amor; Bellido-Pérez, Mercedes; Breitbart, William; Centeno, Carlos; Cuervo, Miguel Angel; Deliens, Luc; Frerich, Gerrit; Gastmans, Chris; Lichtenfeld, Stephanie; Limonero, Joaquín T; Maier, Markus A; Materstvedt, Lars Johan; Nabal, María; Rodin, Gary; Rosenfeld, Barry; Schroepfer, Tracy; Tomás-Sábado, Joaquín; Trelis, Jordi; Villavicencio-Chávez, Christian; Voltz, Raymond

    2016-01-01

    Background The desire for hastened death or wish to hasten death (WTHD) that is experienced by some patients with advanced illness is a complex phenomenon for which no widely accepted definition exists. This lack of a common conceptualization hinders understanding and cooperation between clinicians and researchers. The aim of this study was to develop an internationally agreed definition of the WTHD. Methods Following an exhaustive literature review, a modified nominal group process and an international, modified Delphi process were carried out. The nominal group served to produce a preliminary definition that was then subjected to a Delphi process in which 24 experts from 19 institutions from Europe, Canada and the USA participated. Delphi responses and comments were analysed using a pre-established strategy. Findings All 24 experts completed the three rounds of the Delphi process, and all the proposed statements achieved at least 79% agreement. Key concepts in the final definition include the WTHD as a reaction to suffering, the fact that such a wish is not always expressed spontaneously, and the need to distinguish the WTHD from the acceptance of impending death or from a wish to die naturally, although preferably soon. The proposed definition also makes reference to possible factors related to the WTHD. Conclusions This international consensus definition of the WTHD should make it easier for clinicians and researchers to share their knowledge. This would foster an improved understanding of the phenomenon and help in developing strategies for early therapeutic intervention. PMID:26726801

  10. An International Consensus Definition of the Wish to Hasten Death and Its Related Factors.

    PubMed

    Balaguer, Albert; Monforte-Royo, Cristina; Porta-Sales, Josep; Alonso-Babarro, Alberto; Altisent, Rogelio; Aradilla-Herrero, Amor; Bellido-Pérez, Mercedes; Breitbart, William; Centeno, Carlos; Cuervo, Miguel Angel; Deliens, Luc; Frerich, Gerrit; Gastmans, Chris; Lichtenfeld, Stephanie; Limonero, Joaquín T; Maier, Markus A; Materstvedt, Lars Johan; Nabal, María; Rodin, Gary; Rosenfeld, Barry; Schroepfer, Tracy; Tomás-Sábado, Joaquín; Trelis, Jordi; Villavicencio-Chávez, Christian; Voltz, Raymond

    2016-01-01

    The desire for hastened death or wish to hasten death (WTHD) that is experienced by some patients with advanced illness is a complex phenomenon for which no widely accepted definition exists. This lack of a common conceptualization hinders understanding and cooperation between clinicians and researchers. The aim of this study was to develop an internationally agreed definition of the WTHD. Following an exhaustive literature review, a modified nominal group process and an international, modified Delphi process were carried out. The nominal group served to produce a preliminary definition that was then subjected to a Delphi process in which 24 experts from 19 institutions from Europe, Canada and the USA participated. Delphi responses and comments were analysed using a pre-established strategy. All 24 experts completed the three rounds of the Delphi process, and all the proposed statements achieved at least 79% agreement. Key concepts in the final definition include the WTHD as a reaction to suffering, the fact that such a wish is not always expressed spontaneously, and the need to distinguish the WTHD from the acceptance of impending death or from a wish to die naturally, although preferably soon. The proposed definition also makes reference to possible factors related to the WTHD. This international consensus definition of the WTHD should make it easier for clinicians and researchers to share their knowledge. This would foster an improved understanding of the phenomenon and help in developing strategies for early therapeutic intervention.

  11. Validation of modified forms of the PedsQL generic core scales and cancer module scales for adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer or a blood disorder.

    PubMed

    Ewing, Jane E; King, Madeleine T; Smith, Narelle F

    2009-03-01

    To validate two health-related quality of life (HRQOL) measures, the PedsQL Generic Core and Cancer Module adolescent forms (13-18 years), after modification for 16-25-year-old adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer or a blood disorder. AYA patients and nominated proxies were recruited from three Sydney hospitals. Modified forms were administered by telephone or in clinics/wards. Analyses included correlations, factor analysis, and analysis of variance of known-groups (defined by the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale). Eighty-eight patients and 79 proxies completed questionnaires. Factor structures consistent with those of the unmodified forms confirmed construct validity. Cronbach's alpha ranged 0.81-0.98. Inter-scale correlations were as hypothesized, confirming discriminant validity. Statistically significant differences between groups with mild, moderate, and severe symptoms (P < 0.05) confirmed clinical validity. These modified forms provide reliable and valid measures of HRQOL in AYA with cancer or a blood disorder, suitable for clinical trials, research, and practice.

  12. Developing a Cancer Prevention Programme for African-American Daughters and Mothers

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Annang, Lucy; Spencer, S. Melinda; Jackson, Dawnyéa; Rosemond, Tiara N.; Best, Alicia L.; Williams, Leah R.; Carlos, Bethany

    2015-01-01

    Objective: To describe how nominal group technique was used to inform the development of a breast and cervical cancer awareness programme for African-American adult daughters and mothers. Design: A qualitative approach using nominal group technique. Setting: A mid-sized city in the Southern USA. Method: Nominal group technique was used with 30…

  13. E-learning for Critical Thinking: Using Nominal Focus Group Method to Inform Software Content and Design.

    PubMed

    Parker, Steve; Mayner, Lidia; Michael Gillham, David

    2015-12-01

    Undergraduate nursing students are often confused by multiple understandings of critical thinking. In response to this situation, the Critiique for critical thinking (CCT) project was implemented to provide consistent structured guidance about critical thinking. This paper introduces Critiique software, describes initial validation of the content of this critical thinking tool and explores wider applications of the Critiique software. Critiique is flexible, authorable software that guides students step-by-step through critical appraisal of research papers. The spelling of Critiique was deliberate, so as to acquire a unique web domain name and associated logo. The CCT project involved implementation of a modified nominal focus group process with academic staff working together to establish common understandings of critical thinking. Previous work established a consensus about critical thinking in nursing and provided a starting point for the focus groups. The study was conducted at an Australian university campus with the focus group guided by open ended questions. Focus group data established categories of content that academic staff identified as important for teaching critical thinking. This emerging focus group data was then used to inform modification of Critiique software so that students had access to consistent and structured guidance in relation to critical thinking and critical appraisal. The project succeeded in using focus group data from academics to inform software development while at the same time retaining the benefits of broader philosophical dimensions of critical thinking.

  14. E-learning for Critical Thinking: Using Nominal Focus Group Method to Inform Software Content and Design

    PubMed Central

    Parker, Steve; Mayner, Lidia; Michael Gillham, David

    2015-01-01

    Background: Undergraduate nursing students are often confused by multiple understandings of critical thinking. In response to this situation, the Critiique for critical thinking (CCT) project was implemented to provide consistent structured guidance about critical thinking. Objectives: This paper introduces Critiique software, describes initial validation of the content of this critical thinking tool and explores wider applications of the Critiique software. Materials and Methods: Critiique is flexible, authorable software that guides students step-by-step through critical appraisal of research papers. The spelling of Critiique was deliberate, so as to acquire a unique web domain name and associated logo. The CCT project involved implementation of a modified nominal focus group process with academic staff working together to establish common understandings of critical thinking. Previous work established a consensus about critical thinking in nursing and provided a starting point for the focus groups. The study was conducted at an Australian university campus with the focus group guided by open ended questions. Results: Focus group data established categories of content that academic staff identified as important for teaching critical thinking. This emerging focus group data was then used to inform modification of Critiique software so that students had access to consistent and structured guidance in relation to critical thinking and critical appraisal. Conclusions: The project succeeded in using focus group data from academics to inform software development while at the same time retaining the benefits of broader philosophical dimensions of critical thinking. PMID:26835469

  15. Expressed Satisfaction with the Nominal Group Technique among Change Agents. A Summary Report of Research. Departmental Information Bulletin 86-1.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gresham, Jon N.

    A study examined the different degrees of satisfaction with the nominal group technique (NGT) felt by policymakers and change agents with differing professional backgrounds and responsibilities who participated in nominal groups. A total of 206 participants at four conferences at Texas A&M University (international food and water policy, Texas…

  16. Solvent hold tank sample results for MCU-16-1247-1248-1249: August 2016 monthly sample

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

    Fondeur, F. F.; Jones, D. H.

    Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) received one set of Solvent Hold Tank (SHT) samples (MCU-16-1247-1248-1249), pulled on 08/22/2016 for analysis. The samples were combined and analyzed for composition. Analysis of the composite sample MCU-16-1247-1248-1249 indicated the Isopar™L concentration is above its nominal level (101%). The extractant (MaxCalix) and the modifier (CS-7SB) are 7% and 9 % below their nominal concentrations. The suppressor (TiDG) is 63% below its nominal concentration. A summary of the concentration of the relevant solvent components is shown below.

  17. 78 FR 4591 - Bank Secrecy Act Advisory Group; Solicitation of Application for Membership

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-01-22

    .... ACTION: Notice and request for nominations. SUMMARY: FinCEN is inviting the public to nominate financial... FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ina Boston, Senior Advisor, Office of Outreach, Regulatory Policy and... organization's participation on the BSAAG will bring value to the group Organizations may nominate themselves...

  18. Assessing the Utility of the Nominal Group Technique as a Consensus-Building Tool in Extension-Led Avian Influenza Response Planning

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kline, Terence R.

    2013-01-01

    The intent of the project described was to apply the Nominal Group Technique (NGT) to achieve a consensus on Avian Influenza (AI) planning in Northeastern Ohio. Nominal Group Technique is a process first developed by Delbecq, Vande Ven, and Gustafsen (1975) to allow all participants to have an equal say in an open forum setting. A very diverse…

  19. Solvent hold tank sample results for MCU-16-1317-1318-1319: September 2016 monthly sample

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

    Fondeur, F. F.; Jones, D. H.

    Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) received one set of three Solvent Hold Tank (SHT) samples (MCU-16-1317-1318-1319), pulled on 09/12/2016 for analysis. The samples were combined and analyzed for composition. Analysis of the composite sample MCU-16-1317-1318-1319 indicated the Isopar™L concentration is above its nominal level (102%). The extractant (MaxCalix) and the modifier (CS-7SB) are 5% and 9% below their nominal concentrations. The suppressor (TiDG) is 76% below its nominal concentration. A summary of the concentration of the relevant solvent components is shown below.

  20. Solvent hold tank sample results for MCU-16-1363-1364-1365: November 2016 monthly sample

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

    Fondeur, F. F.; Jones, D. H.

    Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) received one set of three Solvent Hold Tank (SHT) samples (MCU-16-1363-1364-1365), pulled on 11/15/2016 for analysis. The samples were combined and analyzed for composition. Analysis of the composite sample MCU-16-1363-1364-1365 indicated the Isopar™L concentration is at its nominal level (100%). The extractant (MaxCalix) and the modifier (CS- 7SB) are 8% and 2 % below their nominal concentrations. The suppressor (TiDG) is 7% below its nominal concentration. A summary of the concentration of the relevant solvent components is shown below.

  1. Social Preference Choices in Late Elementary School: Within and across Group Nominations

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Farmer, Thomas W.; Leung, Man-Chi; Keagy, Kristen; Boudah, Daniel J.; Akos, Patrick; McDonough, Erin; Hall, Cristin M.

    2009-01-01

    This study examined the social preference nominations (i.e., "liked most" and "liked least") in relation to peer group and classroom social dynamics in a sample of 622 fifth graders from 11 schools in a southeastern state. Liked most and liked least nominations were given to a small concentration of students within classrooms.…

  2. Unblocking brainstorms.

    PubMed

    Gallupe, R B; Bastianutti, L M; Cooper, W H

    1991-02-01

    Brainstorming groups have consistently produced fewer ideas than have the equivalent number of individuals working by themselves. These results have been attributed to social loafing, evaluation apprehension, and production blocking in groups. In this study, a new brainstorming technique--electronic brainstorming--that may reduce both production blocking and evaluation apprehension was assessed. Electronic and nonelectronic groups and nominal and interacting groups were compared in a 2 x 2 factorial design. Electronic groups were more productive than nonelectronic groups, but the productivity of nominal and interacting groups did not differ. In contrast, interacting groups felt better about the idea-generation process than did nominal groups. Ways in which electronic brainstorming can reopen a long dormant area of research and application are discussed.

  3. Three decision-making aids: brainstorming, nominal group, and Delphi technique.

    PubMed

    McMurray, A R

    1994-01-01

    The methods of brainstorming, Nominal Group Technique, and the Delphi technique can be important resources for nursing staff development educators who wish to expand their decision-making skills. Staff development educators may find opportunities to use these methods for such tasks as developing courses, setting departmental goals, and forecasting trends for planning purposes. Brainstorming, Nominal Group Technique, and the Delphi technique provide a structured format that helps increase the quantity and quality of participant responses.

  4. Exploring Reference Group Effects on Teachers' Nominations of Gifted Students

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Rothenbusch, Sandra; Zettler, Ingo; Voss, Thamar; Lösch, Thomas; Trautwein, Ulrich

    2016-01-01

    Teachers are often asked to nominate students for enrichment programs for gifted children, and studies have repeatedly indicated that students' intelligence is related to their likelihood of being nominated as gifted. However, it is unknown whether class-average levels of intelligence influence teachers' nominations as suggested by theory--and…

  5. Bridging the Ethnic Divide: Student and School Characteristics in African American, Asian-Descent, Latino, and White Adolescents' Cross-Ethnic Friend Nominations

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hamm, Jill V.; Bradford Brown, B.; Heck, Daniel J.

    2005-01-01

    Based on the revised social contact theory, correlates of cross-ethnic friend nomination among 580 African American, 948 Asian-descent, 860 Latino, and 3986 White adolescents were examined. Socioeconomic and academic disparities between ethnic groups differentiated cross-ethnic friend nomination between schools for all groups but African…

  6. 22 CFR 94.8 - Interagency coordinating group.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... 22 Foreign Relations 1 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Interagency coordinating group. 94.8 Section 94... § 94.8 Interagency coordinating group. The U.S. Central Authority shall nominate federal employees and may, from time to time, nominate private citizens to serve on an interagency coordinating group to...

  7. 22 CFR 94.8 - Interagency coordinating group.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... 22 Foreign Relations 1 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Interagency coordinating group. 94.8 Section 94... § 94.8 Interagency coordinating group. The U.S. Central Authority shall nominate federal employees and may, from time to time, nominate private citizens to serve on an interagency coordinating group to...

  8. 22 CFR 94.8 - Interagency coordinating group.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... 22 Foreign Relations 1 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Interagency coordinating group. 94.8 Section 94... § 94.8 Interagency coordinating group. The U.S. Central Authority shall nominate federal employees and may, from time to time, nominate private citizens to serve on an interagency coordinating group to...

  9. Evaluating a nursing erasmus exchange experience: Reflections on the use and value of the Nominal Group Technique for evaluation.

    PubMed

    Cunningham, Sheila

    2017-09-01

    This paper discusses the use of Nominal Group Technique (NGT) for European nursing exchange evaluation at one university. The NGT is a semi-quantitative evaluation method derived from the Delphi method popular in the 1970s and 1980s. The NGT was modified from the traditional version retaining the structured cycles and but adding a broader group discussion. The NGT had been used for 2 successive years but required analysis and evaluation itself for credibility and 'fit' for purpose which is presented here. It aimed to explore nursing students' exchange experiences and aid programme development futures exchanges and closure from exchange. Results varied for the cohorts and students as participants enthusiastically engaged generating ample data which they ranked and categorised collectively. Evaluation of the NGT itself was two fold: by the programme team who considered purpose, audience, inclusivity, context and expertise. Secondly, students were asked for their thoughts using a graffiti board. Students avidly engaged with NGT but importantly also reported an effect from the process itself as an opportunity to reflect and share their experiences. The programme team concluded the NGT offered a credible evaluation tool which made use of authentic student voice and offered interactive group processes. Pedagogially, it enabled active reflection thus aiding reorientation back to the United Kingdom and awareness of 'transformative' consequences of their exchange experiences. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  10. Low-Speed Flight Dynamic Tests and Analysis of the Orion Crew Module Drogue Parachute System

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hahne, David E.; Fremaux, C. Michael

    2008-01-01

    A test of a dynamically scaled model of the NASA Orion Crew Module (CM) with drogue parachutes was conducted in the NASA-Langley 20-Foot Vertical Spin Tunnel. The primary test objective was to assess the ability of the Orion Crew Module drogue parachute system to adequately stabilize the CM and reduce angular rates at low subsonic Mach numbers. Two attachment locations were tested: the current design nominal and an alternate. Experimental results indicated that the alternate attachment location showed a somewhat greater tendency to attenuate initial roll rate and reduce roll rate oscillations than the nominal location. Comparison of the experimental data to a Program To Optimize Simulated Trajectories (POST II) simulation of the experiment yielded results for the nominal attachment point that indicate differences between the low-speed pitch and yaw damping derivatives in the aerodynamic database and the physical model. Comparisons for the alternate attachment location indicate that riser twist plays a significant role in determining roll rate attenuation characteristics. Reevaluating the impact of the alternate attachment points using a simulation modified to account for these results showed significantly reduced roll rate attenuation tendencies when compared to the original simulation. Based on this modified simulation the alternate attachment point does not appear to offer a significant increase in allowable roll rate over the nominal configuration.

  11. Statistical Significance and Baseline Monitoring.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1984-07-01

    impacted at once........................... 24 6 Observed versus nominal a levels for multivariate tests of data sets (50 runs of 4 groups each...cumulative proportion of the observations found for each nominal level. The results of the comparisons of the observed versus nominal a levels for the...a values are always higher than nominal levels. Virtual- . .,ly all nominal a levels are below 0.20. In other words, the discriminant analysis models

  12. 78 FR 18625 - Call for Nominations for the California Desert District Advisory Council

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-03-27

    ... without compensation other than travel expenses. Members serve 3-year terms and may be nominated for.... Any group or individual may nominate a qualified person, based upon education, training, and knowledge...

  13. Focus Group Meets Nominal Group Technique: An Effective Combination for Student Evaluation?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Varga-Atkins, Tünde; McIsaac, Jaye; Willis, Ian

    2017-01-01

    In Higher Education Focus Groups and Nominal Group Technique are two well-established methods for obtaining student feedback about their learning experience. These methods are regularly used for the enhancement and quality assurance. Based on small-scale research of educational developers' practice in curriculum development, this study presents…

  14. 78 FR 13103 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing of Proposed Rule Change Amending...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-02-26

    ... Arca Bylaws or rules, the Nominating Committee of NYSE Arca Holdings shall nominate directors for... provided in the NYSE Arca Bylaws or rules, the Holding Member shall nominate directors for election at the... specifically provide for a Nominating Committee. The NYSE Group Bylaws are available at http://usequities.nyx...

  15. Stakeholders identify similar barriers but different strategies to facilitate return-to-work: A vignette of a worker with an upper extremity condition.

    PubMed

    Peters, Susan E; Truong, Anthony P; Johnston, Venerina

    2018-01-01

    Stakeholders involved in the return-to-work (RTW) process have different roles and qualificationsOBJECTIVE:To explore the perspectives of Australian stakeholders of the RTW barriers and strategies for a worker with an upper extremity condition and a complex workers' compensation case. Using a case vignette, stakeholders were asked to identify barriers and recommend strategies to facilitate RTW. Content analysis was performed on the open-ended responses. The responses were categorised into RTW barriers and strategies using the biopsychosocial model. Pearson's Chi Square and ANOVA were performed to establish group differences. 621 participants (488 healthcare providers (HCPs), 62 employers, 55 insurers and 16 lawyers) identified 36 barriers (31 modifiable): 4 demographic; 8 biological; 15 psychological and 9 social barriers. 484 participants reported 16 RTW strategies: 4 biological; 6 psychological and 6 social strategies. 'Work relationship stressors' (83.4%) and 'Personal relationship stressors' (64.7%) were the most frequently nominated barriers. HCPs most frequently nominated 'Pain management' (49.6%), while employers, insurers and lawyers nominated 'RTW planning/Suitable duties programs' (40.5%; 42.9%; 80%). Stakeholders perceived similar barriers for RTW but recommended different strategies. Stakeholders appeared to be more proficient in identifying barriers than recommending strategies. Future research should focus on tools to both identify RTW barriers and direct intervention.

  16. Occupational therapy with people with depression: using nominal group technique to collate clinician opinion.

    PubMed

    Hitch, Danielle; Taylor, Michelle; Pepin, Genevieve

    2015-05-01

    This aim of this study was to obtain a consensus from clinicians regarding occupational therapy for people with depression, for the assessments and practices they use that are not currently supported by research evidence directly related to functional performance. The study also aimed to discover how many of these assessments and practices were currently supported by research evidence. Following a previously reported systematic review of assessments and practices used in occupational therapy for people with depression, a modified nominal group technique was used to discover which assessments and practices occupational therapists currently utilize. Three online surveys gathered initial data on therapeutic options (survey 1), which were then ranked (survey 2) and re-ranked (survey 3) to gain the final consensus. Twelve therapists completed the first survey, whilst 10 clinicians completed both the second and third surveys. Only 30% of the assessments and practices identified by the clinicians were supported by research evidence. A consensus was obtained on a total of 35 other assessments and interventions. These included both occupational-therapy-specific and generic assessments and interventions. Principle conclusion. Very few of the assessments and interventions identified were supported by research evidence directly related to functional performance. While a large number of options were generated, the majority of these were not occupational therapy specific.

  17. International standards for programmes of training in intensive care medicine in Europe.

    PubMed

    2011-03-01

    To develop internationally harmonised standards for programmes of training in intensive care medicine (ICM). Standards were developed by using consensus techniques. A nine-member nominal group of European intensive care experts developed a preliminary set of standards. These were revised and refined through a modified Delphi process involving 28 European national coordinators representing national training organisations using a combination of moderated discussion meetings, email, and a Web-based tool for determining the level of agreement with each proposed standard, and whether the standard could be achieved in the respondent's country. The nominal group developed an initial set of 52 possible standards which underwent four iterations to achieve maximal consensus. All national coordinators approved a final set of 29 standards in four domains: training centres, training programmes, selection of trainees, and trainers' profiles. Only three standards were considered immediately achievable by all countries, demonstrating a willingness to aspire to quality rather than merely setting a minimum level. Nine proposed standards which did not achieve full consensus were identified as potential candidates for future review. This preliminary set of clearly defined and agreed standards provides a transparent framework for assuring the quality of training programmes, and a foundation for international harmonisation and quality improvement of training in ICM.

  18. The Use of Nominal Group Technique: Case Study in Vietnam

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Dang, Vi Hoang

    2015-01-01

    The Nominal Group Technique (NGT) is a structured process to gather information from a group. The technique was first described in early 1970s and has since become a widely-used standard to facilitate working groups. The NGT is effective for generating large numbers of creative new ideas and for group priority setting. This article reports on a…

  19. Total quality management: Strengths and barriers to implementation and cultural adaptation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Siegfeldt, Denise V.; Glenn, Michael; Hamilton, Louise

    1992-01-01

    NASA/Langley Research Center (LaRC) is in the process of implementing Total Quality Management (TQM) throughout the organization in order to improve productivity and make the Center an even better place to work. The purpose of this project was to determine strengths and barriers to TQM being implemented and becoming a part of the organizational culture of the Human Resources Management Division (HRMD) at Langley. The target population for this project was both supervisory and nonsupervisory staff of the HMRD. In order to generate data on strengths and barriers to TQM implementation and cultural adaptation, a modified nominal group technique was used.

  20. Comparing a single case to a control group - Applying linear mixed effects models to repeated measures data.

    PubMed

    Huber, Stefan; Klein, Elise; Moeller, Korbinian; Willmes, Klaus

    2015-10-01

    In neuropsychological research, single-cases are often compared with a small control sample. Crawford and colleagues developed inferential methods (i.e., the modified t-test) for such a research design. In the present article, we suggest an extension of the methods of Crawford and colleagues employing linear mixed models (LMM). We first show that a t-test for the significance of a dummy coded predictor variable in a linear regression is equivalent to the modified t-test of Crawford and colleagues. As an extension to this idea, we then generalized the modified t-test to repeated measures data by using LMMs to compare the performance difference in two conditions observed in a single participant to that of a small control group. The performance of LMMs regarding Type I error rates and statistical power were tested based on Monte-Carlo simulations. We found that starting with about 15-20 participants in the control sample Type I error rates were close to the nominal Type I error rate using the Satterthwaite approximation for the degrees of freedom. Moreover, statistical power was acceptable. Therefore, we conclude that LMMs can be applied successfully to statistically evaluate performance differences between a single-case and a control sample. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. The Use of Nominal Group Technique to Determine Additional Support Needs for a Group of Victorian TAFE Managers and Senior Educators

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bailey, Anthony

    2013-01-01

    The nominal group technique (NGT) is a structured process to gather information from a group. The technique was first described in 1975 and has since become a widely-used standard to facilitate working groups. The NGT is effective for generating large numbers of creative new ideas and for group priority setting. This paper describes the process of…

  2. Do genetic modifiers of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels also modify their response to a lifestyle intervention in the setting of obesity and type-2 diabetes mellitus?: The Action for Health in Diabetes (Look AHEAD) study.

    PubMed

    Huggins, Gordon S; Papandonatos, George D; Erar, Bahar; Belalcazar, L Maria; Brautbar, Ariel; Ballantyne, Christie; Kitabchi, Abbas E; Wagenknecht, Lynne E; Knowler, William C; Pownall, Henry J; Wing, Rena R; Peter, Inga; McCaffery, Jeanne M

    2013-08-01

    High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglycerides are cardiovascular risk factors susceptible to lifestyle behavior modification and genetics. We hypothesized that genetic variants identified by genome-wide association studies as associated with HDL-C or triglyceride levels modify 1-year treatment response to an intensive lifestyle intervention, relative to a usual care of diabetes mellitus support and education. We evaluated 82 single-nucleotide polymorphisms, which represent 31 loci demonstrated by genome-wide association studies to be associated with HDL-C and triglycerides, in 3561 participants who consented for genetic studies and met eligibility criteria. Variants associated with higher baseline HDL-C levels, cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP) rs3764261 and hepatic lipase (LIPC) rs8034802, were found to be associated with HDL-C increases with intensive lifestyle intervention (P=0.0038 and 0.013, respectively) and had nominally significant treatment interactions (P=0.047 and 0.046, respectively). The fatty acid desaturase-2 rs1535 variant, associated with low baseline HDL-C (P=0.017), was associated with HDL-C increases with intensive lifestyle intervention (0.0037) and had a nominal treatment interaction (P=0.035). Apolipoprotein B (rs693) and LIPC (rs8034802) single-nucleotide polymorphisms showed nominally significant associations with HDL-C and triglyceride changes with intensive lifestyle intervention and a treatment interaction (P<0.05). Phosphatidylglycerophosphate synthase-1 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (rs4082919) showed the most significant triglyceride treatment interaction in the full cohort (P=0.0009). This is the first study to identify genetic variants modifying lipid responses to a randomized lifestyle behavior intervention in overweight or obese individuals with diabetes mellitus. The effects of genetic factors on lipid changes may differ from the effects on baseline lipids and are modifiable by behavioral intervention.

  3. Do Genetic Modifiers of HDL-C and Triglyceride Levels also Modify Their Response to a Lifestyle Intervention in the Setting of Obesity and Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus? The Look AHEAD Study

    PubMed Central

    Huggins, Gordon S.; Papandonatos, George D.; Erar, Bahar; Belalcazar, L. Maria; Brautbar, Ariel; Ballantyne, Christie; Kitabchi, Abbas E.; Wagenknecht, Lynne E.; Knowler, William C.; Pownall, Henry J.; Wing, Rena R.; Peter, Inga; McCaffery, Jeanne M.

    2014-01-01

    Background High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglycerides are cardiovascular risk factors susceptible to lifestyle behavior modification and genetics. We hypothesized that genetic variants identified by genome-wide association studies (GWASs) as associated with HDL-C or triglyceride levels will modify 1-year treatment response to an intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI), relative to a usual care of diabetes support and education (DSE). Methods and Results We evaluated 82 SNPs, representing 31 loci demonstrated by GWAS to be associated with HDL-C and/or triglycerides, in 3,561 participants who consented for genetic studies and met eligibility criteria. Variants associated with higher baseline HDL-C levels, cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP) rs3764261 and hepatic lipase (LIPC) rs8034802, were found to be associated with HDL-C increases with ILI (p=0.0038 and 0.013, respectively) and had nominally significant treatment interactions (p=0.047 and 0.046, respectively). The fatty acid desaturase-2 (FADS-2) rs1535 variant, associated with low baseline HDL-C (p=0.017), was associated with HDL-C increases with ILI (0.0037) and had a nominal treatment interaction (p= 0.035). ApoB (rs693) and LIPC (rs8034802) SNPs showed nominally significant associations with HDL-C and triglyceride changes with ILI and a treatment interaction (p<0.05). A PGS1 SNP (rs4082919) showed the most significant triglyceride treatment interaction in the full cohort (p=0.0009). Conclusions This is the first study to identify genetic variants modifying lipid responses to a randomized lifestyle behavior intervention in overweight/obese diabetic individuals. The effect of genetic factors on lipid changes may differ from the effects on baseline lipids and are modifiable by behavioral intervention. PMID:23861364

  4. Performance of a 16.6 Meter Diameter Modified Ringsail Parachute in a Simulated Martian Environment

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Whitlock, Charles H.; Henning, Allen B.; Coltrane, Lucille C.

    1968-01-01

    Inflation, drag, and stability characteristics of a 54.5 -foot nominal-diameter (16.6-meter) modified ringsail parachute deployed in the wake of a 15-foot-diameter (4.6-meter) spacecraft traveling at a Mach number of 1.6 and a dynamic pressure equal to 11.6 psf (555 N/m(exp 2)) were obtained from the third balloon-launched flight test of the Planetary Entry Parachute Program. After deployment, the parachute inflated rapidly to a full condition, partially collapsed, and reinflated to a stable configuration. After reinflation, an average drag coefficient near 0.6 based on nominal surface area was obtained. During descent, an aerodynamic trim angle was observed in a plane near several torn sails. Amplitude of the trim was approximately 15 degrees and oscillation about trim was less than 11 degrees.

  5. Towards a consumer-informed research agenda for aphasia: preliminary work.

    PubMed

    Hinckley, Jacqueline; Boyle, Erika; Lombard, Diane; Bartels-Tobin, Lori

    2014-01-01

    Person-centeredness in clinical practice incorporates the values of clients into a shared decision-making approach. The values of person-centeredness can be extended into the realm of research when the views of consumers towards relevant and important research topics are sought. Work in other health domains has shown the importance of gathering consumer views on health care research, which ultimately extends into health care policy and practice. The purpose of this paper is to report methods used successfully to gather the views of individuals living with aphasia on research topics they view as important. The project is founded on principles of community-based participatory research. Using a modified nominal group technique, members of an aphasia support group generated a list of research topics. The Aphasia Support Group identified twenty-two potential research questions. Although a majority (59%) of the research questions generated by persons with aphasia could be addressed with accumulated scientific evidence, the remainder of the generated questions has not been addressed in the research literature. This project demonstrates that consumers with aphasia can participate as stakeholders in the discussion of research needs in aphasia. Additional work is needed to fully develop a consumer-informed research agenda for aphasia. The perspectives of individuals with post-stroke aphasia on research needs can be successfully collected using nominal group techniques. Consumer input to research agendas and priorities can help to address potential research biases. Clinicians and researchers can use these techniques and other communication supports to foster collaborative, patient-centered care in their practice and work.

  6. 77 FR 41201 - Call for Nominations for the Pinedale Anticline Working Group, Wyoming

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-07-12

    ... as follows: 1. Develop recommendations for the BLM regarding matters relating to monitoring and.... Nominations are being solicited for persons representing any of the following categories: 1. Federal grazing... the local government. Nomination packages should contain the following information: 1. Name of...

  7. Large-angle slewing maneuvers for flexible spacecraft

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Chun, Hon M.; Turner, James D.

    1988-01-01

    A new class of closed-form solutions for finite-time linear-quadratic optimal control problems is presented. The solutions involve Potter's solution for the differential matrix Riccati equation, which assumes the form of a steady-state plus transient term. Illustrative examples are presented which show that the new solutions are more computationally efficient than alternative solutions based on the state transition matrix. As an application of the closed-form solutions, the neighboring extremal path problem is presented for a spacecraft retargeting maneuver where a perturbed plant with off-nominal boundary conditions now follows a neighboring optimal trajectory. The perturbation feedback approach is further applied to three-dimensional slewing maneuvers of large flexible spacecraft. For this problem, the nominal solution is the optimal three-dimensional rigid body slew. The perturbation feedback then limits the deviations from this nominal solution due to the flexible body effects. The use of frequency shaping in both the nominal and perturbation feedback formulations reduces the excitation of high-frequency unmodeled modes. A modified Kalman filter is presented for estimating the plant states.

  8. 77 FR 2315 - Call for Nominations for the Pinedale Anticline Working Group, Wyoming

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-01-17

    ... DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [LLWYD01000.L13110000.EJ0000.LXSI 016K0000... Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: Nominations are being solicited for one position representing... deliver nominations to Shelley Gregory, Bureau of Land Management, Pinedale Field Office, 1625 West Pine...

  9. Ground radar detection of meteoroids in space

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Kessler, D. J.; Landry, P. M.; Gabbard, J. R.; Moran, J. L. T.

    1980-01-01

    A special test to lower the detection threshold for satellite fragments potentially dangerous to spacecraft was carried out by NORAD for NASA, using modified radar software. The Perimeter Acquisition Radar Attack Characterization System, a large, planar face, phased radar, operates at a nominal 430 MHz and produces 120 pulses per second, 45 of which were dedicated to search. In a time period of 8.4 hours of observations over three days, over 6000 objects were detected and tracked of which 37 were determined to have velocities greater than escape velocity. Six of these were larger objects with radar cross sections greater than 0.1 sq m and were probably orbiting satellites. A table gives the flux of both observed groups.

  10. 76 FR 77997 - Office of External Affairs and Environmental Education; Request for Nominations of Candidates for...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-12-15

    ... nominations of diverse candidates, EPA encourages nominations of women and men of all racial and ethnic groups... looking for individuals who demonstrate the ability to make the time commitment, strong leadership skills, strong analytical skills, strong communication and writing skills, the ability to evaluate programs in an...

  11. Affected sib pair tests in inbred populations.

    PubMed

    Liu, W; Weir, B S

    2004-11-01

    The affected-sib-pair (ASP) method for detecting linkage between a disease locus and marker loci was first established 50 years ago, and since then numerous modifications have been made. We modify two identity-by-state (IBS) test statistics of Lange (Lange, 1986a, 1986b) to allow for inbreeding in the population. We evaluate the power and false positive rates of the modified tests under three disease models, using simulated data. Before estimating false positive rates, we demonstrate that IBS tests are tests of both linkage and linkage disequilibrium between marker and disease loci. Therefore, the null hypothesis of IBS tests should be no linkage and no LD. When the population inbreeding coefficient is large, the false positive rates of Lange's tests become much larger than the nominal value, while those of our modified tests remain close to the nominal value. To estimate power with a controlled false positive rate, we choose the cutoff values based on simulated datasets under the null hypothesis, so that both Lange's tests and the modified tests generate same false positive rate. The powers of Lange's z-test and our modified z-test are very close and do not change much with increasing inbreeding. The power of the modified chi-square test also stays stable when the inbreeding coefficient increases. However, the power of Lange's chi-square test increases with increasing inbreeding, and is larger than that of our modified chi-square test for large inbreeding coefficients. The power is high under a recessive disease model for both Lange's tests and the modified tests, though the power is low for additive and dominant disease models. Allowing for inbreeding is therefore appropriate, at least for diseases known to be recessive.

  12. 78 FR 36596 - Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans; Nominations for Vacancies

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-06-18

    ... fields of insurance, corporate trust, actuarial counseling, investment counseling, [[Page 36597... expire this year. The groups or fields they represent are as follows: (1) Employee organizations; (2... groups or fields specified in the preceding paragraph may submit nominations to Larry Good, Council...

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

    Fondeur, F.; Taylor-Pashow, K.

    Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) received one set of Solvent Hold Tank (SHT) samples (MCU-15-556, MCU-15-557, and MCU-15-558), pulled on 03/16/2015 for analysis. The samples were combined and analyzed for composition. Analysis of the composite sample MCU-15-556-557-558 indicated a low concentration (~ 78 % of nominal) of the suppressor (TiDG) and concentrations of the extractant (MaxCalix), and of the modifier (CS-7SB) in the solvent that were slightly lower than nominal. This analysis confirms the addition of TiDG, MaxCalix, and modifier to the solvent in February 2015. Based on the current monthly sample, the levels of TiDG, MaxCalix, and modifier aremore » sufficient for continuing operation without adding a trim at this time. No impurities above the 1000 ppm level were found in this solvent by the Semi-Volatile Organic Analysis (SVOA). However, the p-nut vials that delivered the samples contained small (1 mm) droplets of oxidized modifier and amides (as detected by the FTIR analysis). In addition, up to 21 microgram of mercury per gram of solvent (or 17.4 µg/mL) was detected in this sample. The laboratory will continue to monitor the quality of the solvent in particular for any new impurities or degradation of the solvent components.« less

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

    Fondeur, F.; Taylor-Pashow, K.

    Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) received two sets of Solvent Hold Tank (SHT) samples (MCU-15-389 and MCU-15-390 pulled on February 23, 2015 and MCU-15-439, MCU-15-440, and MCU-15-441 pulled on February 28, 2015) for analysis. The samples in each set were combined and analyzed for composition. Analysis of the composite samples MCU-15-389-390 and MCU-15-439-440- 441 indicated a low concentration (~ 92 to 93 % of nominal) of the suppressor (TiDG) and slightly below nominal concentrations of the extractant (MaxCalix), but nominal levels of the modifier (CS-7SB) and of the Isopar™ L. This analysis confirms the addition of TiDG, MaxCalix, and modifiermore » to the solvent on February 22, 2015. Despite that the values are below the target component levels, the current levels of TiDG and MaxCalix are sufficient for continuing operation without adding a trim at this time. No impurities above the 1000 ppm level were found in this solvent. However, the p-nut vials that delivered the samples contained small (1 mm) droplets of oxidized modifier and amides. The laboratory will continue to monitor the quality of the solvent in particular for any new impurity or degradation of the solvent components.« less

  15. Use of consensus development to establish national research priorities in critical care

    PubMed Central

    Vella, Keryn; Goldfrad, Caroline; Rowan, Kathy; Bion, Julian; Black, Nick

    2000-01-01

    Objectives To test the feasibility of using a nominal group technique to establish clinical and health services research priorities in critical care and to test the representativeness of the group's views. Design Generation of topics by means of a national survey; a nominal group technique to establish the level of consensus; a survey to test the representativeness of the results. Setting United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland. Subjects Nominal group composed of 10 doctors (8 consultants, 2 trainees) and 2 nurses. Main outcome measure Level of support (median) and level of agreement (mean absolute deviation from the median) derived from a 9 point Likert scale. Results Of the 325 intensive care units approached, 187 (58%) responded, providing about 1000 suggestions for research. Of the 106 most frequently suggested topics considered by the nominal group, 37 attracted strong support, 48 moderate support and 21 weak support. There was more agreement after the group had met—overall mean of the mean absolute deviations from the median fell from 1.41 to 1.26. The group's views represented the views of the wider community of critical care staff (r=0.73, P<0.01). There was no significant difference in the views of staff from teaching or from non-teaching hospitals. Of the 37 topics that attracted the strongest support, 24 were concerned with organisational aspects of critical care and only 13 with technology assessment or clinical research. Conclusions A nominal group technique is feasible and reliable for determining research priorities among clinicians. This approach is more democratic and transparent than the traditional methods used by research funding bodies. The results suggest that clinicians perceive research into the best ways of delivering and organising services as a high priority. PMID:10753149

  16. Modification of the Nominal Group Activity for On-Line Instruction.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Maulding, Wanda S.

    This paper discusses how the Nominal Group Technique (NGT) can be adapted for use in online instruction. The four basic stages of the NGT (listing, recording, collating, and prioritizing) are described, and modifications for online delivery are detailed, including: (1) the instructor posts the Socratic question or problem to be posed; (2) students…

  17. An Empirical Test of the Nominal Group Technique in State Solar Energy Planning.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Stephenson, Blair Y.; And Others

    1982-01-01

    Investigated use of the Nominal Group Technique (NGT) as an informational input mechanism into the formulation of a Solar Energy Plan. Data collected from a questionnaire indicated that the NGT was rated as being a highly effective mechanism providing input into the solar energy planning process. (Author/RC)

  18. 75 FR 66789 - Notice of Intent To Solicit Nominations: Pinedale Anticline Working Group, Wyoming

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-10-29

    ... elected office; 2. Are employed by a State Agency responsible for the management of natural resources, land, or water; 3. Are employed as academicians by a natural resource management or natural sciences... group nominating more than one person should indicate its preferred order of appointment selection...

  19. Additions to the checklist of the ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) of Peru.

    PubMed

    Guénard, Benoit; Economo, Evan P

    2015-11-10

    A recent species checklist of the ants of Peru recorded 592 nominal species and 79 genera on the basis of a literature review. Here we complement the previously published checklist with the addition of 83 nominal species and six genera, including three genera recorded only from morphospecies. This increases the list of ants reported from Peru to at least 679 species and subspecies and 85 genera. We also modify the list of species known as endemic from Peru, discuss the historical importance of the Peruvian ant fauna in myrmecology, and highlight potential research for future studies.

  20. Barriers and facilitators for consumer adherence to the dietary guidelines for Americans: the HEALTH study.

    PubMed

    Nicklas, Theresa A; Jahns, Lisa; Bogle, Margaret L; Chester, Deirdra N; Giovanni, Maria; Klurfeld, David M; Laugero, Kevin; Liu, Yan; Lopez, Sandra; Tucker, Katherine L

    2013-10-01

    The majority of the US population does not meet recommendations for consumption of milk, whole grains, fruit, and vegetables. The goal of our study was to understand barriers and facilitators to adherence to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans for four nutrient-rich food groups in fifth-grade children and unrelated adult caregivers across six sites in a multistate study. A total of 281 unrelated adult caregivers (32% African American, 33% European American, and 35% Hispanic American) and 321 children (33% African American, 33% European American, and 34% Hispanic American) participated in 97 Nominal Group Technique sessions. Nominal Group Technique is a qualitative method of data collection that enables a group to generate and prioritize a large number of issues within a structure that gives everyone an equal voice. The core barriers specific to unrelated adult caregivers were lack of meal preparation skills or recipes (whole grains, fruit, vegetables); difficulty in changing eating habits (whole grains, fruit, vegetables), cost (milk, whole grains, fruit, vegetables), lack of knowledge of recommendation/portion/health benefits (milk, vegetables), and taste (milk, whole grains, vegetables). Specific to children, the core barriers were competing foods (ie, soda, junk foods, sugary foods [whole grains, milk, fruit, vegetables]), health concerns (ie, milk allergy/upset stomach [milk]), taste/flavor/smell (milk, whole grains, fruit, vegetables), forget to eat them (vegetables, fruit), and hard to consume or figure out the recommended amount (milk, fruit). For both unrelated adult caregivers and children, reported facilitators closely coincided with the barriers, highlighting modifiable conditions that could help individuals to meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Copyright © 2013 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  1. Comparison and alignment of an academic medical center's strategic goals with ASHP initiatives.

    PubMed

    Engels, Melanie J; Chaffee, Bruce W; Clark, John S

    2015-12-01

    An academic medical center's strategic goals were compared and aligned with the 2015 ASHP Health-System Pharmacy Initiative and the Pharmacy Practice Model Initiative (PPMI). The department's pharmacy practice model steering committee identified potential solutions to narrow prioritized gaps using a modified nominal group technique and a multivoting dot technique. Five priority solutions were identified and assigned to work groups to develop business plans, which included admission medication history and reconciliation for high-risk patients and those with complex medication regimens, pharmacist provision of discharge counseling to high-risk patients and those with complex medication regimens, improved measurement and reporting of the impact of PPMI programs on patient outcomes, implementation of a departmentwide formalized peer review and evaluation process, and the greeting of every patient at some time during his or her visit by a pharmacy team member. Stakeholders evaluated the business plans based on feasibility, financial return on investment, and anticipated safety enhancements. The solution that received the highest priority ranking and was subsequently implemented was "improved measurement and reporting of the impact of PPMI programs on patient outcomes." A defined process was followed for identifying gaps among current practices at an academic medical center and the 2015 ASHP Health-System Pharmacy Initiative and the PPMI. A key priority to better document the impact of pharmacists on patient care was identified for our department by using a nominal group technique brainstorming process and a multivoting dot technique and creating standardized business plans for five potential priority projects. Copyright © 2015 by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. All rights reserved.

  2. Nurses' Educational Needs Assessment for Financial Management Education Using the Nominal Group Technique.

    PubMed

    Noh, Wonjung; Lim, Ji Young

    2015-06-01

    The purpose of this study was to identify the financial management educational needs of nurses in order to development an educational program to strengthen their financial management competencies. Data were collected from two focus groups using the nominal group technique. The study consisted of three steps: a literature review, focus group discussion using the nominal group technique, and data synthesis. After analyzing the results, nine key components were selected: corporate management and accounting, introduction to financial management in hospitals, basic structure of accounting, basics of hospital accounting, basics of financial statements, understanding the accounts of financial statements, advanced analysis of financial statements, application of financial management, and capital financing of hospitals. The present findings can be used to develop a financial management education program to strengthen the financial management competencies of nurses. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  3. 21 CFR 14.84 - Nominations and selection of nonvoting members of standing technical advisory committees.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... one person selected by consumer groups and organizations and one person selected by industry groups... subcommittees may be made at any time. All nominations are to be submitted in writing to Advisory Committee Oversight and Management Staff, Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Ave., Bldg. 32, rm. 1503...

  4. Vertical boring mill capacity is increased

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Young, R. J.

    1968-01-01

    Commercially available vertical boring mill with a nominal capacity to 27 feet in diameter of workpiece has been modified in-shop to handle work up to 36 feet in diameter. Capacity was increased by adding extension saddles to the mill support columns on each side.

  5. Solvent Hold Tank Sample Results for MCU-16-701-702-703: May 2016 Monthly Sample and MCU-16-710-711-712: May 2016 Superwashed Sample

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

    Fondeur, F. F.; Jones, D. H.

    The Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) received one set of Solvent Hold Tank (SHT) samples (MCU-16-701, MCU-16-702 and MCU-16-703), pulled on 05/23/2016, and another set of SHT samples (MCU-16-710, MCU-16-711, and MCU-16-712) were pulled on 05/28/2016 after the solvent was superwashed with 300 mM sodium hydroxide for analysis. Samples MCU-16-701, MCU-16-702, and MCU-16-703 were combined into one sample (MCU-16-701-702-703) and samples MCU-16-710, MCU- 16-711, and MCU-16-712 were combined into one sample (MCU-16-710-711-712). Of the two composite samples MCU-16-710-711-712 represents the current chemical state of the solvent at MCU. All analytical conclusions are based on the chemical analysis of MCU-16-710-711-712. Theremore » were no chemical differences between MCU-16-701-702-703 and superwashed MCU-16-710-711-712. Analysis of the composited sample MCU-16-710-712-713 indicated the Isopar™L concentration is above its nominal level (102%). The modifier (CS-7SB) is 16% below its nominal concentration, while the TiDG and MaxCalix concentrations are at and above their nominal concentrations, respectively. The TiDG level has begun to decrease, and it is 7% below its nominal level as of May 28, 2016. Based on this current analysis, the levels of TiDG, Isopar™L, MaxCalix, and modifier are sufficient for continuing operation but are expected to decrease with time. Periodic characterization and trimming additions to the solvent are recommended.« less

  6. The influence of student characteristics on the dependability of behavioral observation data.

    PubMed

    Briesch, Amy M; Volpe, Robert J; Ferguson, Tyler David

    2014-06-01

    Although generalizability theory has been used increasingly in recent years to investigate the dependability of behavioral estimates, many of these studies have relied on use of general education populations as opposed to those students who are most likely to be referred for assessment due to problematic classroom behavior (e.g., inattention, disruption). The current study investigated the degree to which differences exist in terms of the magnitude of both variance component estimates and dependability coefficients between students nominated by their teachers for Tier 2 interventions due to classroom behavior problems and a general classroom sample (i.e., including both nominated and non-nominated students). The academic engagement levels of 16 (8 nominated, 8 non-nominated) middle school students were measured by 4 trained observers using momentary time-sampling procedures. A series of G and D studies were then conducted to determine whether the 2 groups were similar in terms of the (a) distribution of rating variance and (b) number of observations needed to achieve an adequate level of dependability. Results suggested that the behavior of students in the teacher-nominated group fluctuated more across time and that roughly twice as many observations would therefore be required to yield similar levels of dependability compared with the combined group. These findings highlight the importance of constructing samples of students that are comparable to those students with whom the measurement method is likely to be applied when conducting psychometric investigations of behavioral assessment tools. PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved.

  7. Gout and comorbidity: a nominal group study of people with gout.

    PubMed

    Singh, Jasvinder A

    2017-09-15

    Comorbidities are common in patients with gout, yet qualitative research is lacking. The study objective was to examine the impact of gout on comorbidities. Nine nominal groups were conducted. Patients with gout discussed and rank-ordered their concerns in response to the question, "How does gout or its treatment affect your other conditions and their treatment?" Nine nominal groups had 45 gout patients, with mean age 61 years (standard deviation (SD) 10.7) and mean gout duration 14.9 years (SD 12). Of these, 62% were men, 45% African-American, 51% married and 63% were currently using allopurinol. The most frequently cited highly ranked concerns among the nine nominal groups were: (1) interaction of gout medication with medications for other medical conditions (three groups); (2) worsening of other medical comorbidities, including hospitalizations (seven groups); (3) worsening of anxiety and depression (three groups); (4) significant dietary changes for gout that contrasted with diet for other conditions (three groups); (5) new diseases diagnosed due to gout (three groups); (6) irreversible joint damage (three groups); (7) inability to exercise and weight gain (four groups); and (8) gout misdiagnosed as another health condition (three groups). Other domains ranked highly were: (1) impact of gout on daily life and activities, including the ability to work and social activities (six groups); (2) medication side effects, real and perceived (nine groups); (3) weight loss due to gout related to frequent flares (one group); and (4) cost and burden (three groups). Gout and the medications used for its treatment have a significant effect on comorbidities and their management. These findings provide insights into potential targets for improving outcomes in patients with gout.

  8. Solvent Hold Tank Sample Results For MCU-15-750-751-752-: June Monthly Sample

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

    Fondeur, F.; Taylor-Pashow, K.

    2015-10-07

    Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) received one set of Solvent Hold Tank (SHT) samples (MCU-15-750, MCU-15-751, and MCU-15-752), pulled on 06/22/2015 for analysis. The samples were combined and analyzed for composition. Analysis of the composite sample MCU-15-750-751-752 indicated a low concentration (~ 49 % of nominal) of the suppressor (TiDG) and slightly lower than nominal concentrations of the extractant (MaxCalix), and of the modifier (Cs-7SB) in the solvent. This analysis confirms the addition of TiDG, MaxCalix, and modifier to the solvent in February 2015. Based on the current monthly sample, the levels of TiDG, MaxCalix, and modifier are sufficient formore » continuing operation without adding a trim at this time but it is recommended that an addition of TiDG, modifier and Isopar™L should be made in the near future. No impurities above the 1000 ppm level were found in this solvent by the Semi-Volatile Organic Analysis (SVOA). No impurities were observed in the Hydrogen Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (HNMR). In addition, up to 13.9 micrograms of mercury per gram of solvent (or 11.5 µg/mL) was detected in this sample. The laboratory will continue to monitor the quality of the solvent in particular for any new impurities or degradation of the solvent components.« less

  9. Development and initial validation of the Classification of Early-Onset Scoliosis (C-EOS).

    PubMed

    Williams, Brendan A; Matsumoto, Hiroko; McCalla, Daren J; Akbarnia, Behrooz A; Blakemore, Laurel C; Betz, Randal R; Flynn, John M; Johnston, Charles E; McCarthy, Richard E; Roye, David P; Skaggs, David L; Smith, John T; Snyder, Brian D; Sponseller, Paul D; Sturm, Peter F; Thompson, George H; Yazici, Muharrem; Vitale, Michael G

    2014-08-20

    Early-onset scoliosis is a heterogeneous condition, with highly variable manifestations and natural history. No standardized classification system exists to describe and group patients, to guide optimal care, or to prognosticate outcomes within this population. A classification system for early-onset scoliosis is thus a necessary prerequisite to the timely evolution of care of these patients. Fifteen experienced surgeons participated in a nominal group technique designed to achieve a consensus-based classification system for early-onset scoliosis. A comprehensive list of factors important in managing early-onset scoliosis was generated using a standardized literature review, semi-structured interviews, and open forum discussion. Three group meetings and two rounds of surveying guided the selection of classification components, subgroupings, and cut-points. Initial validation of the system was conducted using an interobserver reliability assessment based on the classification of a series of thirty cases. Nominal group technique was used to identify three core variables (major curve angle, etiology, and kyphosis) with high group content validity scores. Age and curve progression ranked slightly lower. Participants evaluated the cases of thirty patients with early-onset scoliosis for reliability testing. The mean kappa value for etiology (0.64) was substantial, while the mean kappa values for major curve angle (0.95) and kyphosis (0.93) indicated almost perfect agreement. The final classification consisted of a continuous age prefix, etiology (congenital or structural, neuromuscular, syndromic, and idiopathic), major curve angle (1, 2, 3, or 4), and kyphosis (-, N, or +) variables, and an optional progression modifier (P0, P1, or P2). Utilizing formal consensus-building methods in a large group of surgeons experienced in treating early-onset scoliosis, a novel classification system for early-onset scoliosis was developed with all core components demonstrating substantial to excellent interobserver reliability. This classification system will serve as a foundation to guide ongoing research efforts and standardize communication in the clinical setting. Copyright © 2014 by The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Incorporated.

  10. Solvent hold tank sample results for MCU-17-122-124 (March 2017), MCU-17-130-132 (April 2017), MCU-17-133-135 (May 2017), and MCU-17-141-149 (June 2017): Quarterly Report

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

    Fondeur, F.; Jones, D.

    A trend summary of four Solvent Hold Tank (SHT) monthly samples; MCU-16-122-124 (March 2017), MCU-17-130-132 (April 2017), MCU-17-133-135 (May 2017), and MCU-17-141-149 (June 2017) are reported. Analyses of the June SHT sample (MCU-17-141-149) indicated that the modifier (CS-7SB) and the extractant (MaxCalix) concentrations were slightly below (4% each) their nominal recommended levels (169,000 mg/L and 46,400 mg/L respectively). The suppressor (TiDG) level has decreased since the January 2017 measurement but has remained steady in the range of 666 to 705 mg/L, well above the minimum recommended level (479 mg/L), but below the nominal level. The “flat” trends observed in themore » TiDG, MaxCalix, modifier, and Gamma measurement are consistent with the solvent being idle since January 10, 2017.« less

  11. Occupational Health Nurses' Perceptions of Their Education and Training Needs To Meet the New Public Health Agenda using the Nominal Group Technique.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bamford, Margaret; Warder, Judith

    2001-01-01

    Occupational health nurses (n=18) in the National Health Service in Britain participated in a nominal group to identify issues and educational needs. Findings indicated a need for management skills and legal/legislative knowledge, evidence-based approaches, and sharing of expertise. Incremental continuing education was recommended. (Contains 33…

  12. Caries preventive measures in orthodontic practice: the development of a clinical practice guideline.

    PubMed

    Oosterkamp, B C M; van der Sanden, W J M; Frencken, J E F M; Kuijpers-Jagtman, A M

    2016-02-01

    White spot lesions (WSLs) are a side effect of orthodontic treatment, causing esthetic problems and a risk of deeper enamel and dentine lesions. Many strategies have been developed for preventing WSLs, but great variability exists in preventive measures between orthodontists. This study developed statements on which a clinical practice guideline (CPG) can be developed in order to help orthodontists select preventive measures based on the best available evidence. A nominal group technique (RAND-e modified Delphi procedure) was used. A multidisciplinary expert panel rated 264 practice- and evidence-based statements related to the management of WSLs. To provide panel members with the same knowledge, a total of six articles obtained from a systematic review of the literature were read by the panel in preparation of three consensus rounds. According to the technique, a threshold of 75% of all ratings within any 3-point section of the 9-point scale regarding a specific statement was accepted as consensus. After the first and second consensus rounds, consensus was reached on 37.5 and 31.1% of statements, respectively. For the remaining 31.4% of statements, consensus was reached during a 4-h consensus meeting. Statements on the management of WSLs derived from a systematic literature review combined with expert opinion were formally integrated toward consensus through a nominal group technique. These statements formed the basis for developing a CPG on the management of WSLs before and during orthodontic treatment. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  13. Priority issues for pressure injury research: An Australian consensus study.

    PubMed

    Haesler, Emily; Carville, Keryln; Haesler, Paul

    2018-06-08

    Pressure injuries are a significant health concern in all clinical settings. The current body of research on pressure injuries reported in the literature presents primarily low level evidence. The purpose of the current study was to identify and prioritize pressure injury research issues. The approach entailed evidence scoping and implementing a formal consensus process using a modified nominal group technique based on the Research and Development/University of California at Los Angeles appropriateness method. Sixteen Australian pressure injury experts participated in five consensus voting rounds in May to June 2015. From 60 initial research issues, the experts reached agreement that 26 issues are a priority for future pressure injury research. The highest priorities were strategies to assess skin and tissues, appropriate outcome measures for indicators of pressure injury healing and recurrence, heel pressure off-loading and shear reduction strategies, economic cost of pressure injuries and their management and effectiveness of skin moisturizers and barrier products. Developing a prioritized research agenda, informed by clinical and academic pressure injury experts, can assist in reducing the burden of pressure injuries by identifying topics of the highest need for further research. A web-based nominal group voting process was successful in engaging expert decision-making and has wide-reaching international appeal in facilitating cost-effective consensus methodologies. The priority list generated from this research is currently used in Australia to inform government investment in pressure injury research. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  14. The use of the nominal group technique as an evaluative tool in the teaching and summative assessment of the inter-personal skills of student mental health nurses.

    PubMed

    Perry, Jonathan; Linsley, Sue

    2006-05-01

    Nominal group technique is a semi-quantitative/qualitative evaluative methodology. It has been used in health care education for generating ideas to develop curricula and find solutions to problems in programme delivery. This paper aims to describe the use of nominal group technique and present the data from nominal group evaluations of a developing module which used novel approaches to the teaching and assessment of interpersonal skills. Evaluations took place over 3 years. Thirty-six students took part in annual groups. Analysis of the data produced the following themes based on items generated in the groups: role play, marking, course content, teaching style and user involvement. Findings indicate that students valued the role play, feedback from service users and emphasis on engagement and collaboration elements of the module. The areas which participants found difficult and desired change included anxiety during experiential practice, the "snap shot" nature of assessment and the use of specific interventions. Indications are also given regarding the impact of changes made by teaching staff over the 3 year evaluation period. The findings support themes within the existing literature on the teaching of interpersonal skills and may to some extent point the way toward best practice in this area. The paper discusses these findings and their implications for nurse education.

  15. 75 FR 57972 - Advisory Committee on Interdisciplinary, Community-Based Linkages Notice for Request for Nominations

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-09-23

    ... counseling, or marriage and family therapy. HRSA has a special interest in the legislative requirements of... minorities. HRSA encourages nominations of qualified candidates from these groups as well as individuals with...

  16. Closed-Loop Simulation Study of the Ares I Upper Stage Thrust Vector Control Subsystem for Nominal and Failure Scenarios

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Chicatelli, Amy; Fulton, Chris; Connolly, Joe; Hunker, Keith

    2010-01-01

    As a replacement to the current Shuttle, the Ares I rocket and Orion crew module are currently under development by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). This new launch vehicle is segmented into major elements, one of which is the Upper Stage (US). The US is further broken down into subsystems, one of which is the Thrust Vector Control (TVC) subsystem which gimbals the US rocket nozzle. Nominal and off-nominal simulations for the US TVC subsystem are needed in order to support the development of software used for control systems and diagnostics. In addition, a clear and complete understanding of the effect of off-nominal conditions on the vehicle flight dynamics is desired. To achieve these goals, a simulation of the US TVC subsystem combined with the Ares I vehicle as developed. This closed-loop dynamic model was created using Matlab s Simulink and a modified version of a vehicle simulation, MAVERIC, which is currently used in the Ares I project and was developed by the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). For this report, the effects on the flight trajectory of the Ares I vehicle are investigated after failures are injected into the US TVC subsystem. The comparisons of the off-nominal conditions observed in the US TVC subsystem with those of the Ares I vehicle flight dynamics are of particular interest.

  17. The human as a detector of changes in variance and bandwidth

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Curry, R. E.; Govindaraj, T.

    1977-01-01

    The detection of changes in random process variance and bandwidth was studied. Psychophysical thresholds for these two parameters were determined using an adaptive staircase technique for second order random processes at two nominal periods (1 and 3 seconds) and damping ratios (0.2 and 0.707). Thresholds for bandwidth changes were approximately 9% of nominal except for the (3sec,0.2) process which yielded thresholds of 12%. Variance thresholds averaged 17% of nominal except for the (3sec,0.2) process in which they were 32%. Detection times for suprathreshold changes in the parameters may be roughly described by the changes in RMS velocity of the process. A more complex model is presented which consists of a Kalman filter designed for the nominal process using velocity as the input, and a modified Wald sequential test for changes in the variance of the residual. The model predictions agree moderately well with the experimental data. Models using heuristics, e.g. level crossing counters, were also examined and are found to be descriptive but do not afford the unification of the Kalman filter/sequential test model used for changes in mean.

  18. Kanasi: A Brief Grammar Sketch.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Pappenhagen, Ronald W.

    An outline of the grammar of Kanasi, a non-Austronesian language in the Indo-Pacific family of the Daga branch and spoken in Papua New Guinea, includes analysis of noun phrases (numerals and descriptive modifiers, genitive constructions, and adpositions); verbs (affixes; tense, aspect, and moods; and causation); predicate nominals; existential,…

  19. Processing and problems in manufacturing a Ti-modified Nb/sub 3/Sn MJR billet. Volume 2

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

    McDonald, W.K.; Smathers, D.; Geno, J.D.

    1985-06-18

    This report is submitted to complete Task II of University of California Order Number 4321405. Task I had Teledyne Wah Chang Albany (TWCA) assemble and process by the Modified Jelly Roll (MJR) method a Ti-modified Nb/sub 3/Sn superconductor billet. This billet was identified as M103 by TWCA. The billet matrix is nominally composed of copper 13.5 wt % tin bronze sheet and niobium 1.2 wt % titanium expanded metal with a volume ratio of three parts bronze to one part niobium alloy. All processing steps and problems encountered in manufacturing billet M103 are described in this report.

  20. Using Nominal Group Technique to Develop a Consensus Derived Model for Peer Review of Teaching across a Multi-School Faculty

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Burrows, Tracy; Findlay, Naomi; Killen, Chloe; Dempsey, Shane E.; Hunter, Sharyn; Chiarelli, Pauline; Snodgrass, Suzanne

    2011-01-01

    This paper describes the development of a peer review of teaching model for the Faculty of Health at the University of Newcastle, Australia. The process involved using the nominal group technique to engage Faculty academic staff to consider seven key decision points that informed the development of the peer review of teaching model. Use of the…

  1. Atrioventricular and ventricular-to-ventricular programming in patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy: results from ALTITUDE.

    PubMed

    Steinberg, Benjamin A; Wehrenberg, Scott; Jackson, Kevin P; Hayes, David L; Varma, Niraj; Powell, Brian D; Day, John D; Frazier-Mills, Camille G; Stein, Kenneth M; Jones, Paul W; Piccini, Jonathan P

    2015-12-01

    Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) improves outcomes in patients with heart failure, yet response rates are variable. We sought to determine whether physician-specified CRT programming was associated with improved outcomes. Using data from the ALTITUDE remote follow-up cohort, we examined sensed atrioventricular (AV) and ventricular-to-ventricular (VV) programming and their associated outcomes in patients with de novo CRT from 2009-2010. Outcomes included arrhythmia burden, left ventricular (LV) pacing, and all-cause mortality at 4 years. We identified 5709 patients with de novo CRT devices; at the time of implant, 34% (n = 1959) had entirely nominal settings programmed, 40% (n = 2294) had only AV timing adjusted, 11% (n = 604) had only VV timing adjusted, and 15% (n = 852) had both AV and VV adjusted from nominal programming. Suboptimal LV pacing (<95%) during follow-up was similar across groups; however, the proportion with atrial fibrillation (AF) burden >5% was lowest in the AV-only adjusted group (17.9%) and highest in the nominal (27.7%) and VV-only adjusted (28.3%) groups. Adjusted all-cause mortality was significantly higher among patients with non-nominal AV delay >120 vs. <120 ms (adjusted heart rate (HR) 1.28, p = 0.008) but similar when using the 180-ms cutoff (adjusted HR 1.13 for >180 vs. ≤180 ms, p = 0.4). Nominal settings for de novo CRT implants are frequently altered, most commonly the AV delay. There is wide variability in reprogramming. Patients with nominal or AV-only adjustments appear to have favorable pacing and arrhythmia outcomes. Sensed AV delays less than 120 ms are associated with improved survival.

  2. Defining competency-based evaluation objectives in family medicine

    PubMed Central

    Lawrence, Kathrine; Allen, Tim; Brailovsky, Carlos; Crichton, Tom; Bethune, Cheri; Donoff, Michel; Laughlin, Tom; Wetmore, Stephen; Carpentier, Marie-Pierre; Visser, Shaun

    2011-01-01

    Abstract Objective To develop key features for priority topics previously identified by the College of Family Physicians of Canada that, together with skill dimensions and phases of the clinical encounter, broadly describe competence in family medicine. Design Modified nominal group methodology, which was used to develop key features for each priority topic through an iterative process. Setting The College of Family Physicians of Canada. Participants An expert group of 7 family physicians and 1 educational consultant, all of whom had experience in assessing competence in family medicine. Group members represented the Canadian family medicine context with respect to region, sex, language, community type, and experience. Methods The group used a modified Delphi process to derive a detailed operational definition of competence, using multiple iterations until consensus was achieved for the items under discussion. The group met 3 to 4 times a year from 2000 to 2007. Main findings The group analyzed 99 topics and generated 773 key features. There were 2 to 20 (average 7.8) key features per topic; 63% of the key features focused on the diagnostic phase of the clinical encounter. Conclusion This project expands previous descriptions of the process of generating key features for assessment, and removes this process from the context of written examinations. A key-features analysis of topics focuses on higher-order cognitive processes of clinical competence. The project did not define all the skill dimensions of competence to the same degree, but it clearly identified those requiring further definition. This work generates part of a discipline-specific, competency-based definition of family medicine for assessment purposes. It limits the domain for assessment purposes, which is an advantage for the teaching and assessment of learners. A validation study on the content of this work would ensure that it truly reflects competence in family medicine. PMID:21998245

  3. 76 FR 2410 - Call for Nominations for Advisory Groups

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-01-13

    ... Schools and Community Self-Determination Act, and management options for specific National Landscape...-large; or area school officials or teachers. Individuals may nominate themselves or others. Nominees... Winn, 777 NW Garden Valley Blvd., Roseburg, Oregon 97470, (541) 440-4930; and Salem District: Richard...

  4. Healthcare professional versus patient goal setting in intermittent allergic rhinitis.

    PubMed

    O'Connor, J; Seeto, C; Saini, B; Bosnic-Anticevich, S; Krass, I; Armour, C; Smith, L

    2008-01-01

    To examine the impact of healthcare professional versus patient goal setting for the self-management of intermittent allergic rhinitis (AR) on symptom severity and quality of life. This was a 6 week, parallel group study. Group A participants, with pharmacist facilitation, nominated personally relevant goals and strategies relating to their AR. Group B participants had their goals and strategies set by the pharmacist. The main outcome measures used included perceived symptom severity and quality of life. In addition, goals and strategies data from participants of both groups were collected and analysed. Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in symptom severity and quality of life scores however Group B symptom severity scores improved more. Group B set a greater number of goals and strategies which were better structured and more task specific. This is the first study to investigate the impact of goal setting on patient behaviour in a chronic yet episodic illness. Our results suggest that self-management goals set by the healthcare professional which are clinically indicated but tailored to the patient's nominated symptoms yields better outcomes than goals nominated by the patient. A brief, structured intervention, tailored to patient symptoms, can enhance self-management of intermittent allergic rhinitis.

  5. All-digital phase-lock loops for noise-free signals

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Anderson, T. O.

    1973-01-01

    Bit-synchronizers utilize all-digital phase-lock loops that are referenced to a high frequency digital clock. Phase-lock loop of first design acquires frequency within nominal range and tracks phase; second design is modified for random binary data by addition of simple transition detector; and third design acquires frequency over wide dynamic range.

  6. Pre-Posed Possessive Constructions in Russian and Polish

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Houle, Erik Richard

    2013-01-01

    In Contemporary Standard Russian (CSR) and Contemporary Standard Polish (CSP) nominal possession is conveyed by means of the adnominal genitive. In this construction the dependent follows the noun it modifies and is marked morphologically for possession in the genitive case. The head noun is marked morphologically for any one of the six…

  7. 46 CFR 56.30-10 - Flanged joints (modifies 104.5.1(a)).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 104.5.1(a)). (a) Flanged or butt-welded joints are required for Classes I and I-L piping for nominal... Marine Safety Center. Pressure temperature ratings of the appropriate ANSI/ASME standard must not be... service pressure-temperature ratings for flanges of class 300 and lower, within the temperature...

  8. Neural-network-based online HJB solution for optimal robust guaranteed cost control of continuous-time uncertain nonlinear systems.

    PubMed

    Liu, Derong; Wang, Ding; Wang, Fei-Yue; Li, Hongliang; Yang, Xiong

    2014-12-01

    In this paper, the infinite horizon optimal robust guaranteed cost control of continuous-time uncertain nonlinear systems is investigated using neural-network-based online solution of Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman (HJB) equation. By establishing an appropriate bounded function and defining a modified cost function, the optimal robust guaranteed cost control problem is transformed into an optimal control problem. It can be observed that the optimal cost function of the nominal system is nothing but the optimal guaranteed cost of the original uncertain system. A critic neural network is constructed to facilitate the solution of the modified HJB equation corresponding to the nominal system. More importantly, an additional stabilizing term is introduced for helping to verify the stability, which reinforces the updating process of the weight vector and reduces the requirement of an initial stabilizing control. The uniform ultimate boundedness of the closed-loop system is analyzed by using the Lyapunov approach as well. Two simulation examples are provided to verify the effectiveness of the present control approach.

  9. Protein immobilization onto electrochemically synthesized CoFe nanowires

    PubMed Central

    Torati, Sri Ramulu; Reddy, Venu; Yoon, Seok Soo; Kim, CheolGi

    2015-01-01

    CoFe nanowires have been synthesized by the electrodeposition technique into the pores of a polycarbonate membrane with a nominal pore diameter of 50 nm, and the composition of CoFe nanowires varying by changing the source concentration of iron. The synthesized nanowire surfaces were functionalized with amine groups by treatment with aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) linker, and then conjugated with streptavidin-Cy3 protein via ethyl (dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide and N-hydroxysuccinimide coupling chemistry. The oxide surface of CoFe nanowire is easily modified with aminopropyltriethoxysilane to form an amine terminating group, which is covalently bonded to streptavidin-Cy3 protein. The physicochemical properties of the nanowires were analyzed through different characterization techniques such as scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometer. Fluorescence microscopic studies and Fourier transform infrared studies confirmed the immobilization of protein on the nanowire surface. In addition, the transmission electron microscope analysis reveals the thin protein layer which is around 12–15 nm on the nanowire surfaces. PMID:25609966

  10. The Integration of Emotions in Memories: Cognitive-Emotional Distinctiveness and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

    PubMed Central

    Boals, Adriel; Rubin, David C.

    2013-01-01

    The current study examined cognitive-emotional distinctiveness (CED), the extent to which emotions are linked with event information, in memories associated with PTSD. Participants either with PTSD (n=68) or without PTSD (n=40) completed a modified multidimensional scaling technique to measure CED for their most negative and most positive events. The results revealed that participants in the PTSD group evidenced significantly lower levels of CED. This group difference remained significant when we limited the analysis to traumatic events that led to a PTSD diagnosis (n=33) in comparison to control participants who nominated a traumatic event that did not result in PTSD (n=32). Replicating previous findings, CED levels were higher in memories of negative events, in comparison to positive events. These results provide empirical evidence that memories associated with PTSD do contain special organizational features with respect to the links between emotions and memory. Implications for understanding and treating PTSD are discussed. PMID:23436960

  11. 77 FR 51041 - 30-Day Extension of Call for Nominations for the U.S. Extractive Industries Transparency...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-08-23

    ... DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Office of the Secretary [Docket No. ONRR-2012-0003] 30-Day Extension of Call for Nominations for the U.S. Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative Advisory Committee... the United States Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (USEITI) Multi- Stakeholder Group (MSG...

  12. 75 FR 55333 - Request for Nominations for AHRQ Study Section Members

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-09-10

    ... and evenhandedness in judgment and review; ability to work effectively in a group context; and commitment to complete work assignments. A diversity of perspectives is valuable to AHRQ's work. To help obtain a diversity of perspectives among nominees, AHRQ encourages nominations of women and members of...

  13. 26 CFR 1.271-1 - Debts owed by political parties.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ...-presidential electors, or the selection, nomination, or election of any individual to any Federal, State, or local elective public office, whether or not such individual or electors are selected, nominated, or elected. Accordingly, a political party includes a committee or other group which accepts contributions or...

  14. 26 CFR 1.271-1 - Debts owed by political parties.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ...-presidential electors, or the selection, nomination, or election of any individual to any Federal, State, or local elective public office, whether or not such individual or electors are selected, nominated, or elected. Accordingly, a political party includes a committee or other group which accepts contributions or...

  15. 26 CFR 1.271-1 - Debts owed by political parties.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ...-presidential electors, or the selection, nomination, or election of any individual to any Federal, State, or local elective public office, whether or not such individual or electors are selected, nominated, or elected. Accordingly, a political party includes a committee or other group which accepts contributions or...

  16. 26 CFR 1.271-1 - Debts owed by political parties.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ...-presidential electors, or the selection, nomination, or election of any individual to any Federal, State, or local elective public office, whether or not such individual or electors are selected, nominated, or elected. Accordingly, a political party includes a committee or other group which accepts contributions or...

  17. 26 CFR 1.271-1 - Debts owed by political parties.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ...-presidential electors, or the selection, nomination, or election of any individual to any Federal, State, or local elective public office, whether or not such individual or electors are selected, nominated, or elected. Accordingly, a political party includes a committee or other group which accepts contributions or...

  18. The Value of Clinical Jazz: Teaching Critical Reflection on, in, and Toward Action.

    PubMed

    Casapulla, Sharon; Longenecker, Randall; Beverly, Elizabeth A

    2016-05-01

    Clinical Jazz is a small-group strategy in medical education designed to develop interpersonal skills and improve doctor-patient and interprofessional relationships. The purpose of this study was to explore medical students' and faculty facilitators' perceived value of Clinical Jazz. We conducted a modified Nominal Group Process with participating medical students (n=21), faculty facilitators (n=5), and research team members (n=3). Students and faculty facilitators independently answered the question, "What do you value about Clinical Jazz?" We then conducted content and thematic analyses on the resulting data. Three themes emerged during analysis: (1) students and faculty appreciated the opportunity to learn and practice a thoughtful and structured process for problem solving, (2) students and faculty valued the safety of the group process in sharing a diversity of perspectives on topics in medicine, and (3) students and faculty acknowledged the importance of addressing real and challenging problems that are rarely addressed in formal lectures and other planned small-group settings. Clinical Jazz provides students and faculty with the opportunity to address the hidden and/or informal curriculum in medical education, while providing a safe space and time to solve important clinical and interprofessional problems.

  19. Adolescent personality factors in self-ratings and peer nominations and their prediction of peer acceptance and peer rejection.

    PubMed

    Scholte, R H; van Aken, M A; van Lieshout, C F

    1997-12-01

    In this study, the robustness of the Big Five personality factors in adolescents' self-ratings and peer nominations was investigated. Data were obtained on 2,001 adolescents attending secondary school (885 girls; 1,116 boys; M age = 14.5 years). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses on the self-ratings confirmed the Big Five personality factors. In contrast, exploratory analysis on the peer nominations revealed five different factors: Aggression-Inattentiveness, Achievement-Withdrawal, Self-Confidence, Sociability, and Emotionality-Nervousness. It is suggested that peers evaluate group members not in terms of their personality but in terms of their group reputation. Peer evaluations contributed substantially to the prediction of peer acceptance and rejection; the Big Five personality factors based on self-ratings did not.

  20. Identification of Strategies to Facilitate Organ Donation among African Americans using the Nominal Group Technique

    PubMed Central

    Qu, Haiyan; Shewchuk, Richard; Mannon, Roslyn B.; Gaston, Robert; Segev, Dorry L.; Mannon, Elinor C.; Martin, Michelle Y.

    2015-01-01

    Background and objectives African Americans are disproportionately affected by ESRD, but few receive a living donor kidney transplant. Surveys assessing attitudes toward donation have shown that African Americans are less likely to express a willingness to donate their own organs. Studies aimed at understanding factors that may facilitate the willingness of African Americans to become organ donors are needed. Design, setting, participants, & measurements A novel formative research method was used (the nominal group technique) to identify and prioritize strategies for facilitating increases in organ donation among church-attending African Americans. Four nominal group technique panel interviews were convened (three community and one clergy). Each community panel represented a distinct local church; the clergy panel represented five distinct faith-based denominations. Before nominal group technique interviews, participants completed a questionnaire that assessed willingness to become a donor; 28 African-American adults (≥19 years old) participated in the study. Results In total, 66.7% of participants identified knowledge- or education-related strategies as most important strategies in facilitating willingness to become an organ donor, a view that was even more pronounced among clergy. Three of four nominal group technique panels rated a knowledge-based strategy as the most important and included strategies, such as information on donor involvement and donation-related risks; 29.6% of participants indicated that they disagreed with deceased donation, and 37% of participants disagreed with living donation. Community participants’ reservations about becoming an organ donor were similar for living (38.1%) and deceased (33.4%) donation; in contrast, clergy participants were more likely to express reservations about living donation (33.3% versus 16.7%). Conclusions These data indicate a greater opposition to living donation compared with donation after one’s death among African Americans and suggest that improving knowledge about organ donation, particularly with regard to donor involvement and donation-related risks, may facilitate increases in organ donation. Existing educational campaigns may fall short of meeting information needs of African Americans. PMID:25635038

  1. Identification of strategies to facilitate organ donation among African Americans using the nominal group technique.

    PubMed

    Locke, Jayme E; Qu, Haiyan; Shewchuk, Richard; Mannon, Roslyn B; Gaston, Robert; Segev, Dorry L; Mannon, Elinor C; Martin, Michelle Y

    2015-02-06

    African Americans are disproportionately affected by ESRD, but few receive a living donor kidney transplant. Surveys assessing attitudes toward donation have shown that African Americans are less likely to express a willingness to donate their own organs. Studies aimed at understanding factors that may facilitate the willingness of African Americans to become organ donors are needed. A novel formative research method was used (the nominal group technique) to identify and prioritize strategies for facilitating increases in organ donation among church-attending African Americans. Four nominal group technique panel interviews were convened (three community and one clergy). Each community panel represented a distinct local church; the clergy panel represented five distinct faith-based denominations. Before nominal group technique interviews, participants completed a questionnaire that assessed willingness to become a donor; 28 African-American adults (≥19 years old) participated in the study. In total, 66.7% of participants identified knowledge- or education-related strategies as most important strategies in facilitating willingness to become an organ donor, a view that was even more pronounced among clergy. Three of four nominal group technique panels rated a knowledge-based strategy as the most important and included strategies, such as information on donor involvement and donation-related risks; 29.6% of participants indicated that they disagreed with deceased donation, and 37% of participants disagreed with living donation. Community participants' reservations about becoming an organ donor were similar for living (38.1%) and deceased (33.4%) donation; in contrast, clergy participants were more likely to express reservations about living donation (33.3% versus 16.7%). These data indicate a greater opposition to living donation compared with donation after one's death among African Americans and suggest that improving knowledge about organ donation, particularly with regard to donor involvement and donation-related risks, may facilitate increases in organ donation. Existing educational campaigns may fall short of meeting information needs of African Americans. Copyright © 2015 by the American Society of Nephrology.

  2. Experimental study of modification mechanism at a wear-resistant surfacing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dema, R. R.; Amirov, R. N.; Kalugina, O. B.

    2018-01-01

    In the study, a simulation of the crystallization process was carried out for the deposition of the near-eutectic structure alloys with inoculants presence in order to reveal the regularities of the inoculant effect and parameters of the process mode simulating surfacing on the structure of the crystallization front and on the nucleation rate and kinetics of growth of equiaxed crystallites of primary phases occurring in the volume of the melt. The simulation technique of primary crystallization of alloys similar to eutectic alloys in the presence of modifiers is offered. The possibility of fully eutectic structure during surfacing of nominal hypereutectic alloys of type white cast irons in wide range of deviations from the nominal composition is revealed.

  3. Collaborative recall of details of an emotional film.

    PubMed

    Wessel, Ineke; Zandstra, Anna Roos E; Hengeveld, Hester M E; Moulds, Michelle L

    2015-01-01

    Collaborative inhibition refers to the phenomenon that when several people work together to produce a single memory report, they typically produce fewer items than when the unique items in the individual reports of the same number of participants are combined (i.e., nominal recall). Yet, apart from this negative effect, collaboration may be beneficial in that group members remove errors from a collaborative report. Collaborative inhibition studies on memory for emotional stimuli are scarce. Therefore, the present study examined both collaborative inhibition and collaborative error reduction in the recall of the details of emotional material in a laboratory setting. Female undergraduates (n = 111) viewed a film clip of a fatal accident and subsequently engaged in either collaborative (n = 57) or individual recall (n = 54) in groups of three. The results show that, across several detail categories, collaborating groups recalled fewer details than nominal groups. However, overall, nominal recall produced more errors than collaborative recall. The present results extend earlier findings on both collaborative inhibition and error reduction to the recall of affectively laden material. These findings may have implications for the applied fields of forensic and clinical psychology.

  4. 77 FR 50457 - Secretary's Advisory Committee on Animal Health; Intent To Renew and Request for Nominations

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-08-21

    ...: Mrs. R.J. Cabrera, Designated Federal Official, VS, APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 35, Riverdale, MD... organizations and individuals. An organization may nominate individuals from within or outside its membership... needs of the diverse groups served by the Department, membership should include, to the extent...

  5. 77 FR 59639 - 15-Day Extension of Call for Nominations for the U.S. Extractive Industries Transparency...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-09-28

    ... DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Office of the Secretary [Docket No. ONRR-2012-0003] 15-Day Extension of Call for Nominations for the U.S. Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative Advisory Committee... Industries Transparency Initiative (USEITI) Multi- Stakeholder Group (MSG). This notice also included a...

  6. 75 FR 81233 - Nomination of Existing Marine Protected Areas to the National System of Marine Protected Areas

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-12-27

    ... to fill key conservation gaps in important ocean areas. DATES: Comments on the nominations to the... and management initiatives (such as integrated ocean observing systems, systematic monitoring and evaluation, targeted outreach to key user groups, and helping to identify and address MPA research needs). In...

  7. 78 FR 22550 - Solicitation of Nomination for Appointment to the Advisory Committee on Minority Health

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-04-16

    ... groups; (6) ensure that the National Center for Health Statistics collects data on the health status of... DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Solicitation of Nomination for Appointment to the Advisory Committee on Minority Health AGENCY: Office of Minority Health, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health...

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

    Fukuoka, T.

    Many studies have been devoted to investigate how the maximum stress occurring in the bolted joint could be reduced. Patterson and Kenny suggest that a modified nut with a straight bevel at the bearing surface is effective. However, they only dealt with M30, and estimations on the nut geometry had not been necessarily sufficient. In this study, an extensive finite element approach for solving general multi-body contact problem is proposed by incorporating a regularization method into stiffness matrices with singularity involved; thus, numerical analyses are executed to accurately determine the optimal shape of the modified nut for various design factors.more » A modified nut with a curved bevel is also treated, and it is concluded that the modified nuts are significantly effective for bolts with larger nominal diameter and fine pitch, and are practically useful compared to pitch modification and tapered thread methods.« less

  9. 76 FR 65534 - Call for Nominations for the Pinedale Anticline Working Group, Wyoming

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-10-21

    ... DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [LLWYD01000.L13110000.EJ0000.LXSI016K0000... Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: Nominations are being solicited for two positions on the... Management (BLM), Pinedale Field Office, 1625 West Pine Street, P.O. Box 768, Pinedale, WY 82941, or e-mailed...

  10. Characteristics of Teachers Nominated for an Accelerated Principal Preparation Program

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Rios, Steve J.; Reyes-Guerra, Daniel

    2012-01-01

    This article reports the initial evaluation results of a new accelerated, job-embedded principal preparation program funded by a Race to the Top Grant (U.S. Department of Education, 2012a) in Florida. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, and chi-square analyses were used to describe the characteristics of a group of potential applicants nominated to…

  11. 75 FR 10481 - Science Advisory Board Staff Office; Request for Nominations of Experts To Augment the SAB...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-03-08

    ... men of all racial and ethnic groups. The EPA SAB Staff Office will acknowledge receipt of nominations...; (c) absence of financial conflicts of interest; (d) absence of an appearance of a lack of... financial conflicts of interest will include a review of the ``Confidential Financial Disclosure Form for...

  12. 77 FR 64990 - Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee; Request for Nominations to the Pesticide Program Dialogue...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-10-24

    ... candidates, EPA encourages nominations of women and men of all racial and ethnic groups. Vacancies are... the public in general, and may be of particular interest to persons who work in agricultural settings... performance of duties imposed on the Agency by law. The following sectors are represented on the current PPDC...

  13. Vapor-liquid phase separator permeability results

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Yuan, S. W. K.; Frederking, T. H. K.

    1981-01-01

    Continued studies are described in the area of vapor-liquid phase separator work with emphasis on permeabilities of porous sintered plugs (stainless steel, nominal pore size 2 micrometer). The temperature dependence of the permeability has been evaluated in classical fluid using He-4 gas at atmospheric pressure and in He-2 on the basis of a modified, thermosmotic permeability of the normal fluid.

  14. Asteroid/comet encounter opportunities for the Galileo VEEGA mission

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Johannesen, Jennie R.; Nolan, Brian G.; Byrnes, Dennis V.; D'Amario, Louis A.

    1988-01-01

    The opportunity for the Galileo spacecraft to perform a close flyby of an asteroid or distant observation of a comet while on the Venus-Earth-Earth-Gravity-Assist (VEEGA) mission to Jupiter is discussed. More than 120 nominal trajectories were used in a scan program to identify asteroids passing within 30 million km of the spacecraft. A total of 47 asteroids were examined to determine the propellant cost of a close flyby. The possible flybys include a double asteroid flyby with No. 951 in October, 1991, with a flyby of No. 243 in August 1993. The factors considered in the selection of an asteroid include the propellant margin cost of modifying a nominal trajectory to include a close flyby, the size and type of asteroid, and the Jupiter arrival date.

  15. Solvent Hold Tank Sample Results for MCU-16-934-935-936: June 2016 Monthly Sample

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

    Fondeur, F. F.; Jones, D. H.

    2016-08-30

    Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) received one set of Solvent Hold Tank (SHT) samples (MCU-16-934-935-936), pulled on 07/01/2016 for analysis. The samples were combined and analyzed for composition. Analysis of the composite sample MCU-16-934-935-936 indicated the Isopar™L concentration is above its nominal level (101%). The modifier (CS-7SB) and the TiDG concentrations are 8% and 29 % below their nominal concentrations. This analysis confirms the solvent may require the addition of TiDG, and possibly of modifier. Based on the current monthly sample, the levels of TiDG, Isopar™L, MaxCalix, and modifier are sufficient for continuing operation but are expected to decrease withmore » time. Periodic characterization and trimming additions to the solvent are recommended. No impurities above the 1000 ppm level were found in this solvent by the Semi-Volatile Organic Analysis (SVOA). No impurities were observed in the Hydrogen Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (HNMR). However, up to 21.1 ± 4 micrograms of mercury per gram of solvent (or 17.5 μg/mL) was detected in this sample (as determined by the XRF method of undigested sample). The current gamma level (1.41E5 dpm/mL) confirmed that the gamma concentration has returned to previous levels (as observed in the late 2015 samples) where the process operated normally and as expected.« less

  16. Prioritizing Information for Quality Improvement Using Resident Assessment Instrument Data: Experiences in One Canadian Province

    PubMed Central

    Sales, Anne; O'Rourke, Hannah M.; Draper, Kellie; Teare, Gary F.; Maxwell, Colleen

    2011-01-01

    Purpose: To elicit priority rankings of indicators of quality of care among providers and decision-makers in continuing care in Alberta, Canada. Methods: We used modified nominal group technique to elicit priorities and criteria for prioritization among the quality indicators and resident/client assessment protocols developed by the interRAI consortium for use in long-term care and home care. Results: The top-ranked items from the long-term care assessment data were pressure ulcers, pain and incontinence. The top-ranked items from the home care data were pain, falls and proportion of clients at high risk for residential placement. Participants considered a variety of issues in deciding how to rank the indicators. Implications: This work reflects the beginning of a process to better understand how providers and policy makers can work together to assess priorities for quality improvement within continuing care. PMID:22294992

  17. Using Nominal Technique to Inform a Sexual Health Program for Black Youth

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Annang, Lucy; Hannon, Lonnie; Fletcher, Faith E.; Horn, Wendy Sykes; Cornish, Disa

    2011-01-01

    Objectives: To describe how nominal group technique (NGT) was used to inform the development of a sexual health education program for black high school youth in the South. Methods: NGT was used with a community advisory board (CAB) to obtain information regarding the key components of a sexual health program for youth in their community. Results:…

  18. Correction of false memory for associated word lists by collaborating groups.

    PubMed

    Weigold, Arne; Russell, Elizabeth J; Natera, Sara N

    2014-01-01

    Collaborative inhibition is often observed for both correct and false memories. However, research examining the mechanisms by which collaborative inhibition occurs, such as retrieval disruption, reality monitoring, or group filtering, is lacking. In addition, the creation of the nominal groups (i.e., groups artificially developed by combining individuals' recall) necessary for examining collaborative inhibition do not use statistical best practices. Using the Deese-Roediger-McDermott paradigm, we examined percentages of correct and false memories in individuals, collaborative interactive groups, and correctly created nominal groups, as well as the processes that the collaborative interactive groups used to determine which memories to report. Results showed evidence of the collaborative inhibition effect. In addition, analyses of the collaborative interactive groups' discussions found that these groups wrote down almost all presented words but less than half of nonpresented critical words, after discussing them, with nonpresented critical words being stated to the group with lower confidence and rejected by other group members more often. Overall, our findings indicated support for the group filtering hypothesis.

  19. Collective memory: collaborative and individual processes in remembering.

    PubMed

    Weldon, M S; Bellinger, K D

    1997-09-01

    Two experiments compared collaborative and individual recall. In Experiment 1, participants encoded pictures and words with a deep or shallow processing task, then recalled them twice either individually or collaboratively. Collaborative groups recalled more than individuals, but less than nominal groups (pooled individuals), thus exhibiting collaborative inhibition. However, group recall appeared to be more stable over time than individual recall. Groups and individuals both showed a picture-superiority effect, a level-of-processing effect, and hypermnesia. In Experiment 2, participants recalled the story "War of the Ghosts" (from F. C. Bartlett, 1932), and again collaborative groups recalled more than individuals, but less than nominal groups. Both the individual and collaborative recalls were highly organized. There was evidence that the collaborative groups tended to rely on the best individual to a greater extent in story than in list recall. Possible social and cognitive mechanisms are considered.

  20. Any sleep is a dream far away: a nominal group study assessing how gout affects sleep.

    PubMed

    Singh, Jasvinder A

    2018-02-23

    There are no qualitative studies of sleep in gout; the aim of this study was to examine the impact of gout on sleep. Nine nominal groups were conducted, oversampling for African-Americans and women with gout. Patients discussed and rank-ordered their concerns. Nine nominal groups with 46 gout patients were conducted with mean age, 61 years (s.d. 10.6) and gout duration, 14.9 years (s.d. 12); 63% were men, 46% African-American, 52% married, 46% retired and 63% were allopurinol users. The most frequently cited highly ranked concerns could be divided into three categories. The first category, character of sleep interruption, included the concerns: severe and complete sleep interruption by gout flare pain (nine groups); and inability to get rapid eye movement sleep (one group). The second category, causes of sleep interruption, included: inability to get into a comfortable position during sleep (six groups); anxiety and depression associated with severe gout pain (seven groups); sleep interruption by moderate chronic joint pain (three groups); frequent trips to the bathroom interfering with sleep (two groups); gout medication side effects (four groups); frequent trips to the emergency room (one group); joint swelling with physical/functional deficit interfering with sleep (two groups); and flare pain interfering with sleep apnoea management (two groups). The final category, consequences of sleep interruption, included: effect on daily functioning (two groups); worsens other health conditions, which then affect sleep (four groups); and cumulative effect on sleep (one group). Gout has significant impact on sleep quantity, quality and architecture. Sleep disruption due to gout has several pathways and significant consequences.

  1. Solvent Hold Tank Sample Results for MCU-15-661-662-663: April 2015 Monthly Sample

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

    Fondeur, F.; Taylor-Pashow, K.

    2015-07-08

    The Savannah River National Lab (SRNL) received one set of Solvent Hold Tank (SHT) samples (MCU-15-661, MCU-15-662, and MCU-15-663 pulled on April 2, 2015) for analysis. The samples were combined and analyzed for composition. Analysis of the composite sample MCU-15-661-662-663 indicated a low concentration (~ 63% of nominal) of the suppressor (TiDG) and a slightly below the nominal concentration (~ 10% below nominal) of the extractant (MaxCalix). The modifier (CS-7SB) level was also 10% below its nominal value while the Isopar™ L level was slightly above its nominal value. This analysis confirms the addition of Isopar™L to the solvent onmore » March 6, 2015. Despite that the values are below target component levels, the current levels of TiDG, CS-7SB and MaxCalix are sufficient for continuing operation without adding a trim at this time until the next monthly sample. No impurities above the 1000 ppm level were found in this solvent. However, the sample was found to contain approximately 18.4 ug/g solvent mercury. The gamma level increased to 8 E5 dpm/mL solvent and it represents an order of magnitude increase relative to previous solvent samples. The increase means less cesium is being stripped from the solvent. Further analysis is needed to determine if the recent spike in the gamma measurement is due to external factors such as algae or other material that may impede stripping. The laboratory will continue to monitor the quality of the solvent in particular for any new impurity or degradation of the solvent components.« less

  2. Identifying the Priority Topics for the Assessment of Competence in Care of the Elderly

    PubMed Central

    Frank, Chris C.; Allen, Tim; Lozanovska, Tatjana; Arcand, Marcel; Feldman, Sidney; Lam, Robert E.; Mehta, Pravinsagar G.; Mangal, Nadia Y.

    2018-01-01

    Background With Canada’s senior population increasing, there is greater demand for family physicians with enhanced skills in Care of the Elderly (COE). The College of Family Physicians Canada (CFPC) has introduced Certificates of Added Competence (CACs), one being in COE. Our objective is to summarize the process used to determine the Priority Topics for the assessment of competence in COE. Methods A modified Delphi technique was used, with online surveys and face-to-face meetings. The Working Group (WG) of six physicians acted as the nominal group, and a larger group of randomly selected practitioners from across Canada acted as the Validation Group (VG). The WG, and then the VG, completed electronic write-in surveys that asked them to identify the Priority Topics. Responses were compiled, coded, and tabulated to identify the topics and to calculate the frequencies of their selection. The WG used face-to-face meetings and iterative discussion to decide on the final topic names. Results The correlation between the initial Priority Topic list identified by the VG and that identified by the WG is 0.6793. The final list has 18 Priority Topics. Conclusion Defining the required competencies is a first step to establishing national standards in COE. PMID:29581816

  3. 24 CFR 597.200 - Nominations by State and local governments.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... groups, health and social service groups, environmental groups, religious organizations, the private and...: (1) Indicate and briefly describe the specific groups, organizations, and individuals participating in the production of the plan and describe the history of these groups in the community; (2) Explain...

  4. Detecting grouting quality of tendon ducts using the impact-echo method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Qu, Guangzhen; Sun, Min; Zhou, Guangli

    2018-06-01

    The performance, durability and safety of prestressed concrete bridge were directly affected by the compaction of prestressed pipe. However, the pipe was hidden in the beam, and its grouting density was difficult to detect. The paper had modified three different status of gouting quality through making test model. After that, the impact-Echo method was adopted to detect the grouting quality of tendon ducts, the study was sunmmarized as follow. If the reflect time of slab bottom and nominal thickness of slab increased, the degree of density will increase; testing from half-hole of web, the reflect time and nominal thickness of slab was biggest. At the same time, the reflect time of compacted and uncompacted tendon ducts were mainly. At last, the method was verified by the engineering project, which provided reference value.

  5. Opposites Detract: Middle School Peer Group Antipathies

    PubMed Central

    Laursen, Brett; Bukowski, William M.; Nurmi, Jari-Eri; Marion, Donna; Salmela-Aro, Katariina; Kiuru, Noona

    2010-01-01

    This study examines variability in patterns of peer group antipathy. Same-grade adolescent peer groups were identified from sociometric nominations of preferred affiliates in a community sample of 600 Finnish 9th grade middle school students (M = 15.0 years-old). Hierarchical linear modeling determined characteristics of youth in actor groups (nominators) that predicted antipathy for youth in target groups (nominatees) on the basis of target group characteristics. Most antipathies were based on dissimilarity between groups representing the mainstream culture and groups opposed to it. The higher a peer group's school burnout, the more its members disliked students in peer groups with higher school grades and students in peer groups with higher sports participation. Conversely, the higher a peer group's school grades, the more its members disliked students in peer groups with higher school burnout. Students in peer groups with less problem behavior disliked students in peer groups with more problem behavior. There was some evidence of rivalry within the mainstream culture: The higher a group's school grades, the more its members disliked those in groups whose members participated in sports. PMID:20378125

  6. Nominal and functional task difficulty in skill acquisition: Effects on performance in two tests of transfer.

    PubMed

    Sanli, Elizabeth A; Lee, Timothy D

    2015-06-01

    The influence of nominal and functional task difficulty during the acquisition of a motor skill was examined in two tests of transfer of learning. The task involved a ballistic, target-directed, finger action. Nominal task difficulty was defined as the distance of the target from the home position. Functional task difficulty was created by manipulating the progression of target distances during practice. Based on the challenge point framework (Guadagnoli & Lee, 2004), we predicted that practice with a set of targets farther away from the performer would benefit from less functional task difficulty, while practice with a closer set of targets would benefit from more functional task difficulty. In single-task transfer tests, learners who practiced using the high nominal task difficulty targets benefitted in terms of persistence of performance over time. In dual-task transfer tests, groups with an intermediate combined (nominal and functional) task difficulty performed with greater persistence over time on tests of transfer than those who practiced with the highest or lowest combined difficulty. Together these findings suggest that the influences of nominal and functional task difficulty during acquisition are weighted differentially depending upon the transfer test context. The challenge point framework does not accurately capture this complex relationship in its current form. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  7. 46 CFR 56.30-10 - Flanged joints (modifies 104.5.1(a)).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ...-10 (b), Method 8. Welding neck flanges may be used on any piping provided the flanges are butt-welded..., refer to 46 CFR 56.30-5(b) for requirements. (9) Figure 56.30-10 (b), Method 9. Welding neck flanges may.... ER16DE08.002 Note to Fig. 56.30-10(b): “T” is the nominal pipe wall thickness used. Consult the text of...

  8. Modified lithium vanadium oxide electrode materials products and methods

    DOEpatents

    Thackeray, Michael M.; Kahaian, Arthur J.; Visser, Donald R.; Dees, Dennis W.; Benedek, Roy

    1999-12-21

    A method of improving certain vanadium oxide formulations is presented. The method concerns fluorine doping formulations having a nominal formula of LiV.sub.3 O.sub.8. Preferred average formulations are provided wherein the average oxidation state of the vanadium is at least 4.6. Herein preferred fluorine doped vanadium oxide materials, electrodes using such materials, and batteries including at least one electrode therein comprising such materials are provided.

  9. Flight Tests of a 40-Foot Nominal Diameter Modified Ringsail Parachute Deployed at Mach 1.64 and Dynamic Pressure of 9.1 Pounds Per Square Foot

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Eckstrom, Clinton V.; Murrow, Harold N.; Preisser, John S.

    1967-01-01

    A ringsail parachute, which had a nominal diameter of 40 feet (12.2 meters) and reference area of 1256 square feet (117 m(exp 2)) and was modified to provide a total geometric porosity of 15 percent of the reference area, was flight tested as part of the rocket launch portion of the NASA Planetary Entry Parachute Program. The payload for the flight test was an instrumented capsule from which the test parachute was ejected by a deployment mortar when the system was at a Mach number of 1.64 and a dynamic pressure of 9.1 pounds per square foot (43.6 newtons per m(exp 2)). The parachute deployed to suspension line stretch in 0.45 second with a resulting snatch force of 1620 pounds (7200 newtons). Canopy inflation began 0.07 second later and the parachute projected area increased slowly to a maximum of 20 percent of that expected for full inflation. During this test, the suspension lines twisted, primarily because the partially inflated canopy could not restrict the twisting to the attachment bridle and risers. This twisting of the suspension lines hampered canopy inflation at a time when velocity and dynamic-pressure conditions were more favorable.

  10. "Teaches People That I'm More Than a Disability": Using Nominal Group Technique in Patient-Oriented Research for People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

    PubMed

    Spassiani, Natasha A; Sawyer, Amanda R; Chacra, Megan S Abou; Koch, Kimberley; Muñoz, Yasmin A; Lunsky, Yona

    2016-04-01

    Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have complex healthcare needs, which are often unmet. Nominal group technique (NGT) uses a mixed-methods approach, which may engage the IDD population in the research process in a person-centered manner and address the shortcomings of traditional research methods with this population. NGT was used with a group of 10 self-advocates to evaluate a series of healthcare tools created by and for individuals with IDD. Participants provided helpful input about the strengths of these tools and suggestions to improve them. NGT was found to be an effective way to engage all participants in the research process.

  11. INSERM sets up forum.

    PubMed

    Walgate, R

    Considerable public controversy is expected over the composition and role of a new ethics advisory committee set up in association with France's medical research council, INSERM. French president Mitterrand has tried to represent all possible conflicting groups on the committee, which includes 15 scientists nominated by research institutions, 15 persons knowledgeable about ethical issues nominated by various legislative and judicial bodies, and five representatives of the "principal philosophical families": Catholicism, Protestantism, Judaism, Islam, and Communism.

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

    Fondeur, F. F.; Jones, D. H.

    Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) received one set of Solvent Hold Tank (SHT) samples (MCU-15-815-816-817-818-819-820), pulled on 11/29/2015 for analysis. The samples were inspected, combined, and analyzed for composition. Chemical analysis of the composite sample MCU-15-815-816-817-818-819-820 indicated the TiDG, Isopar™L, and MaxCalix are at nominal levels. The modifier concentration is 3% below its nominal concentration. This analysis confirms the addition of TiDG, MaxCalix, and modifier to the solvent on November 28, 2015. Based on the current monthly sample, the levels of TiDG, Isopar™L, MaxCalix, and modifier are sufficient for continuing operation but are expected to decrease with time. Periodic characterizationmore » and trimming additions to the solvent are recommended. No impurities above the 1000 ppm level were found in this solvent by the Semi-Volatile Organic Analysis (SVOA). No impurities were observed in the Hydrogen Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (HNMR). However, up to 12.5 ± 3 micrograms of mercury per gram of solvent (or 10.4 μg/mL) was detected in this sample. The solids residues found at the bottom of the p-nut vial from sample MCU-15-815 were determined to be left-over pipe residues that were flushed into the sample and they were found to have no impact on the solvent purity or on the chemical and physical properties of the solvent. The laboratory will continue to monitor the quality of the solvent in particular for any new impurities or degradation of the solvent components.« less

  13. Recommendations for a culturally relevant Internet-based tool to promote physical activity among overweight young African American women, Alabama, 2010-2011.

    PubMed

    Durant, Nefertiti H; Joseph, Rodney P; Cherrington, Andrea; Cuffee, Yendelela; Knight, BernNadette; Lewis, Dwight; Allison, Jeroan J

    2014-01-16

    Innovative approaches are needed to promote physical activity among young adult overweight and obese African American women. We sought to describe key elements that African American women desire in a culturally relevant Internet-based tool to promote physical activity among overweight and obese young adult African American women. A mixed-method approach combining nominal group technique and traditional focus groups was used to elicit recommendations for the development of an Internet-based physical activity promotion tool. Participants, ages 19 to 30 years, were enrolled in a major university. Nominal group technique sessions were conducted to identify themes viewed as key features for inclusion in a culturally relevant Internet-based tool. Confirmatory focus groups were conducted to verify and elicit more in-depth information on the themes. Twenty-nine women participated in nominal group (n = 13) and traditional focus group sessions (n = 16). Features that emerged to be included in a culturally relevant Internet-based physical activity promotion tool were personalized website pages, diverse body images on websites and in videos, motivational stories about physical activity and women similar to themselves in size and body shape, tips on hair care maintenance during physical activity, and online social support through social media (eg, Facebook, Twitter). Incorporating existing social media tools and motivational stories from young adult African American women in Internet-based tools may increase the feasibility, acceptability, and success of Internet-based physical activity programs in this high-risk, understudied population.

  14. EPS analysis of nominal STS-1 flight

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wolfgram, D. F.; Pipher, M. D.

    1980-01-01

    The results of electrical power system (EPS) analysis of the planned Shuttle Transportation System Flight 1 mission are presented. The capability of the orbiter EPS to support the planned flight and to provide program tape information and supplementary data specifically requested by the flight operations directorate was assessed. The analysis was accomplished using the orbiter version of the spacecraft electrical power simulator program, operating from a modified version of orbiter electrical equipment utilization baseline revision four. The results indicate that the nominal flight, as analyzed, is within the capabilities of the orbiter power generation system, but that a brief, and minimal, current overload may exist between main distributor 1 and mid power controlled 1, and that inverter 9 may the overloaded for extended periods of time. A comparison of results with launch commit criteria also indicated that some of the presently existing launch redlines may be violated during the terminal countdown.

  15. Navy Ship Names: Background for Congress

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-09-14

    Secretary considers these nominations , along with others he receives as well as his own thoughts in this matter. At appropriate times, he selects names...Research Service 16 “ nomination ” process is often fiercely contested as differing groups make the case that “their” ship name is the most fitting...and practices of the Navy for naming vessels of the Navy, and an explanation for such variances;  Assesses the feasibility and advisability of

  16. 75 FR 70906 - Nominations to the Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-11-19

    ..., governmental, tribal and consumer groups, and other living marine resource interest groups from a balance of U.S. geographical regions, including Puerto Rico, the Western Pacific, and U.S. Virgin Islands. A...

  17. Comparison of Wood Preservatives in Stake Tests (1981 Progress Report).

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1981-12-01

    infected with Trichoderma mold, plus other selected species such as oak, Douglas-fir, and Engelmann spruce. Southern pine untreated control stakes...acetylated wood, cyanoethylated wood, that with thiamine destroyed, chemically modified wood, wood infected with Trichoderma mold, embedded fiberboard (western...14 toA4 41U(4 a ...- 44- Table 31.--Condition of southern pine stakes (2 x 4 in. nominal x 18 in.) of uninfected and Trichoderma mcid-infected wood

  18. Assessment of Group Preferences and Group Uncertainty for Decision Making

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1976-06-01

    the individ- uals. decision making , group judgments should be preferred to individual judgments if obtaining group judgments costs more. -26- -YI IV... decision making group . IV. A. 3. Aggregation using conjugate distribution. Arvther procedure for combining indivi(jai probability judgments into a group...statisticized group group decision making group judgment subjective probability Delphi method expected utility nominal group 20. ABSTRACT (Continue on

  19. Multi-Reader ROC studies with Split-Plot Designs: A Comparison of Statistical Methods

    PubMed Central

    Obuchowski, Nancy A.; Gallas, Brandon D.; Hillis, Stephen L.

    2012-01-01

    Rationale and Objectives Multi-reader imaging trials often use a factorial design, where study patients undergo testing with all imaging modalities and readers interpret the results of all tests for all patients. A drawback of the design is the large number of interpretations required of each reader. Split-plot designs have been proposed as an alternative, in which one or a subset of readers interprets all images of a sample of patients, while other readers interpret the images of other samples of patients. In this paper we compare three methods of analysis for the split-plot design. Materials and Methods Three statistical methods are presented: Obuchowski-Rockette method modified for the split-plot design, a newly proposed marginal-mean ANOVA approach, and an extension of the three-sample U-statistic method. A simulation study using the Roe-Metz model was performed to compare the type I error rate, power and confidence interval coverage of the three test statistics. Results The type I error rates for all three methods are close to the nominal level but tend to be slightly conservative. The statistical power is nearly identical for the three methods. The coverage of 95% CIs fall close to the nominal coverage for small and large sample sizes. Conclusions The split-plot MRMC study design can be statistically efficient compared with the factorial design, reducing the number of interpretations required per reader. Three methods of analysis, shown to have nominal type I error rate, similar power, and nominal CI coverage, are available for this study design. PMID:23122570

  20. Multi-reader ROC studies with split-plot designs: a comparison of statistical methods.

    PubMed

    Obuchowski, Nancy A; Gallas, Brandon D; Hillis, Stephen L

    2012-12-01

    Multireader imaging trials often use a factorial design, in which study patients undergo testing with all imaging modalities and readers interpret the results of all tests for all patients. A drawback of this design is the large number of interpretations required of each reader. Split-plot designs have been proposed as an alternative, in which one or a subset of readers interprets all images of a sample of patients, while other readers interpret the images of other samples of patients. In this paper, the authors compare three methods of analysis for the split-plot design. Three statistical methods are presented: the Obuchowski-Rockette method modified for the split-plot design, a newly proposed marginal-mean analysis-of-variance approach, and an extension of the three-sample U-statistic method. A simulation study using the Roe-Metz model was performed to compare the type I error rate, power, and confidence interval coverage of the three test statistics. The type I error rates for all three methods are close to the nominal level but tend to be slightly conservative. The statistical power is nearly identical for the three methods. The coverage of 95% confidence intervals falls close to the nominal coverage for small and large sample sizes. The split-plot multireader, multicase study design can be statistically efficient compared to the factorial design, reducing the number of interpretations required per reader. Three methods of analysis, shown to have nominal type I error rates, similar power, and nominal confidence interval coverage, are available for this study design. Copyright © 2012 AUR. All rights reserved.

  1. Nominations sought for U.S. National Medal of Science

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Showstack, Randy

    2012-01-01

    Nominations are now being accepted for the 2012 U.S. National Medal of Science, which is the nation's highest honor for American scientists and engineers, presented annually by the president. The award is given to individuals “deserving of special recognition by reason of their outstanding cumulative contributions to knowledge” in the physical, biological, chemical, mathematical, engineering, or behavioral or social sciences, in combination with exemplary service to the nation, according to the program, which is administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. A note in NSF's call for nominations states, “We are especially interested in identifying women, members of minority groups, and persons with disabilities for consideration.”

  2. 75 FR 23224 - Notice of Request for Nominations for the Colorado Recreation Resource Advisory Committee...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-05-03

    ... recreation, (4) Non-motorized outfitter guides, (5) Local environmental groups, (6) State tourism official...; and (c) Local environmental groups. (3) Three persons, as follows: (a) State tourism official to...

  3. Results of investigations on a 0.004-scale 140C modified configuration space shuttle vehicle orbiter model (74-0) in the NASA/Langley Research Center hypersonic helium tunnel

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hawthorne, P. J.

    1975-01-01

    Data obtained during a wind tunnel test of a 0.004-scale 140C modified configuration SSV orbiter are documented. The test was conducted during August 1974 with 80 occupancy hours charged, and all runs were conducted at a nominal Mach number of 20 and at Reynolds numbers of 0.7, 1.0, 1.8, and 1,100,000 based on body length. The complete -140C modified model was tested with various elevon settings at angles of attack from 10 to 50 degrees at zero yaw and from angles of sideslip of -10 to +10 at 35 deg angle of attack. The purpose of this test was to obtain high hypersonic longitudinal and lateral-directional stability and control characteristics of the updated SSV configuration.

  4. Space Shuttle Orbiter flight heating rate measurement sensitivity to thermal protection system uncertainties

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bradley, P. F.; Throckmorton, D. A.

    1981-01-01

    A study was completed to determine the sensitivity of computed convective heating rates to uncertainties in the thermal protection system thermal model. Those parameters considered were: density, thermal conductivity, and specific heat of both the reusable surface insulation and its coating; coating thickness and emittance; and temperature measurement uncertainty. The assessment used a modified version of the computer program to calculate heating rates from temperature time histories. The original version of the program solves the direct one dimensional heating problem and this modified version of The program is set up to solve the inverse problem. The modified program was used in thermocouple data reduction for shuttle flight data. Both nominal thermal models and altered thermal models were used to determine the necessity for accurate knowledge of thermal protection system's material thermal properties. For many thermal properties, the sensitivity (inaccuracies created in the calculation of convective heating rate by an altered property) was very low.

  5. Transparent conducting oxide nanotubes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Alivov, Yahya; Singh, Vivek; Ding, Yuchen; Nagpal, Prashant

    2014-09-01

    Thin film or porous membranes made of hollow, transparent, conducting oxide (TCO) nanotubes, with high chemical stability, functionalized surfaces and large surface areas, can provide an excellent platform for a wide variety of nanostructured photovoltaic, photodetector, photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic devices. While large-bandgap oxide semiconductors offer transparency for incident light (below their nominal bandgap), their low carrier concentration and poor conductivity makes them unsuitable for charge conduction. Moreover, materials with high conductivity have nominally low bandgaps and hence poor light transmittance. Here, we demonstrate thin films and membranes made from TiO2 nanotubes heavily-doped with shallow Niobium (Nb) donors (up to 10%, without phase segregation), using a modified electrochemical anodization process, to fabricate transparent conducting hollow nanotubes. Temperature dependent current-voltage characteristics revealed that TiO2 TCO nanotubes, doped with 10% Nb, show metal-like behavior with resistivity decreasing from 6.5 × 10-4 Ωcm at T = 300 K (compared to 6.5 × 10-1 Ωcm for nominally undoped nanotubes) to 2.2 × 10-4 Ωcm at T = 20 K. Optical properties, studied by reflectance measurements, showed light transmittance up to 90%, within wavelength range 400 nm-1000 nm. Nb doping also improves the field emission properties of TCO nanotubes demonstrating an order of magnitude increase in field-emitter current, compared to undoped samples.

  6. Long Life Testing of Oxide-Coated Iridium/Rhenium Rockets

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Reed, Brian D.

    1995-01-01

    22-N class rockets, composed of a rhenium (Re) substrate, an iridium (Ir) coating, and an additional composite coating consisting of Ir and a ceramic oxide, were tested on gaseous oxygen/gaseous hydrogen (GO2/GH2) propellants. Two rockets were tested, one for nearly 39 hours at a nominal mixture ratio (MR) of 4.6 and chamber pressure (Pc) of 469 kPa, and the other for over 13 hours at a nominal MR of 5.8 and 621 kPa Pc. Four additional Ir/Re rockets, with a composite Ir-oxide coating fabricated using a modified process, were also tested, including one for 1.3 hours at a nominal MR of 16.7 and Pc of 503 kPa. The long lifetimes demonstrated on low MR GO2/GH2 suggest greatly extended chamber lifetimes (tens of hours) in the relatively low oxidizing combustion environments of Earth storable propellants. The oxide coatings could also serve as a protective coating in the near injector region, where a still-mixing flowfield may cause degradation of the Ir layer. Operation at MR close to 17 suggests that oxide-coated Ir/Re rockets could be used in severely oxidizing combustion environments, such as high MR GO2/GH2, oxygen/hydrocarbon, and liquid gun propellants.

  7. The relative effectiveness of computer-based and traditional resources for education in anatomy.

    PubMed

    Khot, Zaid; Quinlan, Kaitlyn; Norman, Geoffrey R; Wainman, Bruce

    2013-01-01

    There is increasing use of computer-based resources to teach anatomy, although no study has compared computer-based learning to traditional. In this study, we examine the effectiveness of three formats of anatomy learning: (1) a virtual reality (VR) computer-based module, (2) a static computer-based module providing Key Views (KV), (3) a plastic model. We conducted a controlled trial in which 60 undergraduate students had ten minutes to study the names of 20 different pelvic structures. The outcome measure was a 25 item short answer test consisting of 15 nominal and 10 functional questions, based on a cadaveric pelvis. All subjects also took a brief mental rotations test (MRT) as a measure of spatial ability, used as a covariate in the analysis. Data were analyzed with repeated measures ANOVA. The group learning from the model performed significantly better than the other two groups on the nominal questions (Model 67%; KV 40%; VR 41%, Effect size 1.19 and 1.29, respectively). There was no difference between the KV and VR groups. There was no difference between the groups on the functional questions (Model 28%; KV, 23%, VR 25%). Computer-based learning resources appear to have significant disadvantages compared to traditional specimens in learning nominal anatomy. Consistent with previous research, virtual reality shows no advantage over static presentation of key views. © 2013 American Association of Anatomists.

  8. The impact of gout on patient's lives: a study of African-American and Caucasian men and women with gout.

    PubMed

    Singh, Jasvinder A

    2014-06-24

    The aim of this study was to examine the impact of gout on quality of life (QOL) and study differences by gender and race. Ten race- and sex-stratified nominal groups were conducted, oversampling for African-Americans and women with gout. Patients presented, discussed, combined and rank-ordered their concerns. A total of 62 patients with mean age 65.1 years, 60% men, 64% African-American, participated in 10 nominal groups: African-American men (n = 23; 3 groups); African-American women (n = 18; 3 groups); Caucasian men (n = 15; 3 groups); and Caucasian women (n = 6; 1 group). The most frequently cited high-ranked concerns among the ten nominal groups were: (1) effect of gout flare on daily activities (n = 10 groups); (2) work disability (n = 8 groups); (3) severe pain (n = 8 groups); (4) joint swelling and tenderness (n = 6 groups); (5) food restrictions (n = 6 groups); (6) medication related issues (n = 6 groups); (7) dependency on family and others (n = 5 groups); (8) emotional Impact (n = 5 groups); (9) interference with sexual function (n = 4 groups); (10) difficulty with shoes (n = 4 groups); and (11) sleep disruption (n = 4 groups). Compared with men, women ranked the following concerns high more often: problems with shoes (n = 4 versus n = 0 groups); dependency (n = 3 versus n = 2 groups); and joint/limb deformity (n = 2 versus n = 0 group). Compared with Caucasians, African-Americans ranked the following concerns high more often: dietary restrictions (n = 6 versus n = 0 groups); severe pain (n = 6 versus n = 2 groups); gout bringing the day to a "halt" (n = 2 versus n = 0 group); effect on emotional health (n = 4 versus n = 1 groups); and the need for canes/crutches during flares (n = 2 versus n = 0 group). Gout has a significant impact on a patient's QOL. Important differences in the impact of gout by gender and race were noted.

  9. 22 CFR 94.8 - Interagency coordinating group.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 22 Foreign Relations 1 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Interagency coordinating group. 94.8 Section 94.8 Foreign Relations DEPARTMENT OF STATE LEGAL AND RELATED SERVICES INTERNATIONAL CHILD ABDUCTION § 94.8 Interagency coordinating group. The U.S. Central Authority shall nominate federal employees and...

  10. The Measurement of Distortion Tendencies Induced by the Win-Lose Nature of In-Group Loyalty.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Burton, Gene E.

    1990-01-01

    Examined the effects of group loyalty and distortion tendencies during a nominal grouping exercise involving 42 members of a management team in a decision-making seminar, divided into 5 groups to generate ideas on developing a program of flextime scheduling. Results showed distortion of judgment resulting from in-group loyalty in both…

  11. Genes related to sex steroids, neural growth, and social-emotional behavior are associated with autistic traits, empathy, and Asperger syndrome.

    PubMed

    Chakrabarti, B; Dudbridge, F; Kent, L; Wheelwright, S; Hill-Cawthorne, G; Allison, C; Banerjee-Basu, S; Baron-Cohen, S

    2009-06-01

    Genetic studies of autism spectrum conditions (ASC) have mostly focused on the "low functioning" severe clinical subgroup, treating it as a rare disorder. However, ASC is now thought to be relatively common ( approximately 1%), and representing one end of a quasi-normal distribution of autistic traits in the general population. Here we report a study of common genetic variation in candidate genes associated with autistic traits and Asperger syndrome (AS). We tested single nucleotide polymorphisms in 68 candidate genes in three functional groups (sex steroid synthesis/transport, neural connectivity, and social-emotional responsivity) in two experiments. These were (a) an association study of relevant behavioral traits (the Empathy Quotient (EQ), the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ)) in a population sample (n=349); and (b) a case-control association study on a sample of people with AS, a "high-functioning" subgroup of ASC (n=174). 27 genes showed a nominally significant association with autistic traits and/or ASC diagnosis. Of these, 19 genes showed nominally significant association with AQ/EQ. In the sex steroid group, this included ESR2 and CYP11B1. In the neural connectivity group, this included HOXA1, NTRK1, and NLGN4X. In the socio-responsivity behavior group, this included MAOB, AVPR1B, and WFS1. Fourteen genes showed nominally significant association with AS. In the sex steroid group, this included CYP17A1 and CYP19A1. In the socio-emotional behavior group, this included OXT. Six genes were nominally associated in both experiments, providing a partial replication. Eleven genes survived family wise error rate (FWER) correction using permutations across both experiments, which is greater than would be expected by chance. CYP11B1 and NTRK1 emerged as significantly associated genes in both experiments, after FWER correction (P<0.05). This is the first candidate-gene association study of AS and of autistic traits. The most promising candidate genes require independent replication and fine mapping.

  12. The impact of gender and nationality on winning a professional society award

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Holmes, Mary Anne; McKenzie, Judith

    2016-04-01

    Women are under-represented for science awards and fellow status in professional science societies (accounting for career stage) and are over-represented for teaching and service awards (Ball et al., 2015; Lincoln et al., 2012; Holmes et al., 2011). In addition, for the American Geophysical Union, non-U.S. members are under-represented among all awardees. Gender bias in evaluation processes are well-documented (e.g., Valian, 1999), and cultural differences are at play in the under-representation of non U.S. members. U.S. members are more likely to nominate their peers for awards, and to write effusive letters to support the nomination (Ball et al., 2015). There are effective mechanisms to reduce bias in both nomination and evaluation processes, a few of which are: 1) separate the nomination and evaluation processes by creating nomination committees of a diverse group of people who actively seek potential nominees and promote their nominations; this expands the pool of nominees; 2) educate nomination and evaluation committees on the research that demonstrates the impact of implicit bias on nomination and selection processes (e.g., http://www.enei.org.uk/pages/unconscious-bias.html; http://wiseli.engr.wisc.edu/bias.php); 3) minimize use of simple bibliometric indices, which are known to exhibit gender bias (men self-cite more than women; Maliniak et al., 2013) and nationality bias (papers in English language journals are more likely to be cited than non-English journals (Bornmann et al., 2012; González-Alcaide et al., 2012); 4) members of the selection committee should understand the effects of gender on the quality of letters written for women (Trix and Psenka, 2003); 5) establish and follow clear criteria for the award. Professional societies can promote fairness and inclusion by self-study: find and compile the data on the gender, race, ethnicity and nationality of members who are nominated for and win awards, as well as on who is doing the nominating. Compare these data with membership demographics to reveal where in the awards process procedures could be improved. For the AGU, after working to enact the recommendations above for five years, we have begun to see an increase in the number of women nominated for and winning awards. Future efforts will include non-U.S. members as well.

  13. Recommendations for a Culturally Relevant Internet-Based Tool to Promote Physical Activity Among Overweight Young African American Women, Alabama, 2010–2011

    PubMed Central

    Joseph, Rodney P.; Cherrington, Andrea; Cuffee, Yendelela; Knight, BernNadette; Lewis, Dwight; Allison, Jeroan J.

    2014-01-01

    Introduction Innovative approaches are needed to promote physical activity among young adult overweight and obese African American women. We sought to describe key elements that African American women desire in a culturally relevant Internet-based tool to promote physical activity among overweight and obese young adult African American women. Methods A mixed-method approach combining nominal group technique and traditional focus groups was used to elicit recommendations for the development of an Internet-based physical activity promotion tool. Participants, ages 19 to 30 years, were enrolled in a major university. Nominal group technique sessions were conducted to identify themes viewed as key features for inclusion in a culturally relevant Internet-based tool. Confirmatory focus groups were conducted to verify and elicit more in-depth information on the themes. Results Twenty-nine women participated in nominal group (n = 13) and traditional focus group sessions (n = 16). Features that emerged to be included in a culturally relevant Internet-based physical activity promotion tool were personalized website pages, diverse body images on websites and in videos, motivational stories about physical activity and women similar to themselves in size and body shape, tips on hair care maintenance during physical activity, and online social support through social media (eg, Facebook, Twitter). Conclusion Incorporating existing social media tools and motivational stories from young adult African American women in Internet-based tools may increase the feasibility, acceptability, and success of Internet-based physical activity programs in this high-risk, understudied population. PMID:24433625

  14. The use of the nominal group technique as an evaluative tool in medical undergraduate education.

    PubMed

    Lloyd-Jones, G; Fowell, S; Bligh, J G

    1999-01-01

    In the present state of flux affecting UK medical undergraduate education, there is a pressing need for evaluative methods which will identify relevant outcomes both expected and unanticipated. The student perspective is now legitimately accepted to form part of any evaluative exercise but qualitative methods commonly used for this purpose are expensive in time and analytical skills. The nominal group technique (NGT) has been used for various purposes, including course evaluation, and appears well suited to this application. It combines qualitative and quantitative components in a structured interaction, which minimizes the influences of the researcher, and of group dynamics. The sequence and mechanics of the NGT process are described as applied to an end of first year evaluation in a novel undergraduate course. Doubts have been raised as to whether the results of NGT can be generalized to the larger group. In this paper, this problem is overcome by compiling a questionnaire based on the NGT items which was distributed throughout the class. Nominal group technique with questionnaire development. The medical school at The University of Liverpool. Medical students. Previous claims made on behalf of the NGT, such as the focus on the student voice, the minimizing of leadership influence and the richness of the data, are upheld in this report. Broad agreement was found with the NGT items but two items (10%) did not display any consensus. The questionnaire extension of the NGT provides back-up evidence of the reliability of the data derived from the technique and enables it to be applied to the larger groups typical of undergraduate medicine.

  15. Applying Concept Mapping Methodology to Identify the Perceptions of Risk and Protective Factors for Childhood Obesity among Southeast Asian Refugees.

    PubMed

    Keita, Akilah Dulin; Whittaker, Shannon; Wynter, Jamila; Kidanu, Tamnnet Woldemichael; Chhay, Channavy; Cardel, Michelle; Gans, Kim M

    2016-01-01

    This study identifies Southeast Asian refugee parents' and grandparents' perceptions of the risk and protective factors for childhood obesity. We used a mixed methods approach (concept mapping) for data collection and analyses. Fifty-nine participants engaged in modified nominal group meetings where they generated statements about children's weight status and structuring meetings where they sorted statements into piles based on similarity and rated statements on relative importance. Concept Systems® software generated clusters of ideas, cluster ratings, and pattern matches. Eleven clusters emerged. Participants rated "Healthy Food Changes Made within the School" and "Parent-related Physical Activity Factors" as most important, whereas "Neighborhood Built Features" was rated as the least important. Cambodian and Hmong participants agreed the most on cluster ratings of relative importance (r = 0.62). The study findings may be used to inform the development of culturally appropriate obesity prevention interventions for Southeast Asian refugee communities.

  16. A modified approach to estimating sample size for simple logistic regression with one continuous covariate.

    PubMed

    Novikov, I; Fund, N; Freedman, L S

    2010-01-15

    Different methods for the calculation of sample size for simple logistic regression (LR) with one normally distributed continuous covariate give different results. Sometimes the difference can be large. Furthermore, some methods require the user to specify the prevalence of cases when the covariate equals its population mean, rather than the more natural population prevalence. We focus on two commonly used methods and show through simulations that the power for a given sample size may differ substantially from the nominal value for one method, especially when the covariate effect is large, while the other method performs poorly if the user provides the population prevalence instead of the required parameter. We propose a modification of the method of Hsieh et al. that requires specification of the population prevalence and that employs Schouten's sample size formula for a t-test with unequal variances and group sizes. This approach appears to increase the accuracy of the sample size estimates for LR with one continuous covariate.

  17. Effects of the high-density lipoprotein mimetic agent CER-001 on coronary atherosclerosis in patients with acute coronary syndromes: a randomized trial.

    PubMed

    Tardif, Jean-Claude; Ballantyne, Christie M; Barter, Philip; Dasseux, Jean-Louis; Fayad, Zahi A; Guertin, Marie-Claude; Kastelein, John J P; Keyserling, Constance; Klepp, Heather; Koenig, Wolfgang; L'Allier, Philippe L; Lespérance, Jacques; Lüscher, Thomas F; Paolini, John F; Tawakol, Ahmed; Waters, David D

    2014-12-07

    High-density lipoproteins (HDLs) have several potentially protective vascular effects. Most clinical studies of therapies targeting HDL have failed to show benefits vs. placebo. To investigate the effects of an HDL-mimetic agent on atherosclerosis by intravascular ultrasonography (IVUS) and quantitative coronary angiography (QCA). A prospective, double-blinded, randomized trial was conducted at 51 centres in the USA, the Netherlands, Canada, and France. Intravascular ultrasonography and QCA were performed to assess coronary atherosclerosis at baseline and 3 (2-5) weeks after the last study infusion. Five hundred and seven patients were randomized; 417 and 461 had paired IVUS and QCA measurements, respectively. Patients were randomized to receive 6 weekly infusions of placebo, 3 mg/kg, 6 mg/kg, or 12 mg/kg CER-001. The primary efficacy parameter was the nominal change in the total atheroma volume. Nominal changes in per cent atheroma volume on IVUS and coronary scores on QCA were also pre-specified endpoints. The nominal change in the total atheroma volume (adjusted means) was -2.71, -3.13, -1.50, and -3.05 mm(3) with placebo, CER-001 3 mg/kg, 6 mg/kg, and 12 mg/kg, respectively (primary analysis of 12 mg/kg vs. placebo: P = 0.81). There was also no difference among groups for the nominal change in per cent atheroma volume (0.02, -0.02, 0.01, and 0.19%; nominal P = 0.53 for 12 mg/kg vs. placebo). Change in the coronary artery score was -0.022, -0.036, -0.022, and -0.015 mm (nominal P = 0.25, 0.99, 0.55), and change in the cumulative coronary stenosis score was -0.51, 2.65, 0.71, and -0.77% (compared with placebo, nominal P = 0.85 for 12 mg/kg and nominal P = 0.01 for 3 mg/kg). The number of patients with major cardiovascular events was 10 (8.3%), 16 (13.3%), 17 (13.7%), and 12 (9.8%) in the four groups. CER-001 infusions did not reduce coronary atherosclerosis on IVUS and QCA when compared with placebo. Whether CER-001 administered in other regimens or to other populations could favourably affect atherosclerosis must await further study. Name of the trial registry: Clinicaltrials.gov; Registry's URL: http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01201837?term=cer-001&rank=2; NCT01201837. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology.

  18. 78 FR 26638 - National Advisory Council for Healthcare Research and Quality: Request for Nominations for Public...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-05-07

    ... improvement; (3) in the practice of medicine; (4) in other health professions; (5) in representing the private... groups; minority groups; women; children; the elderly; and individuals with special health care needs...

  19. Solvent hold tank sample results for MCU-15-914-915-916. December 2015 Monthly sample

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

    Fondeur, F. F.; Jones, D. H.

    2016-03-01

    Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) received one set of Solvent Hold Tank (SHT) samples (MCU-15-914-915-916), pulled on 12/22/2015 for analysis. The samples were combined and analyzed for composition. Analysis of the composite sample MCU-15-914-915-916 indicated the TiDG, Isopar™L, and MaxCalix are at nominal levels. The modifier concentration is 3% below its nominal concentration. This analysis confirms the addition of TiDG, MaxCalix, and modifier to the solvent in November 2015. Based on the current monthly sample, the levels of TiDG, Isopar™L, MaxCalix, and modifier are sufficient for continuing operation but are expected to decrease with time. Periodic characterization and trimming additionsmore » to the solvent are recommended. No impurities above the 1000 ppm level were found in this solvent by the Semi-Volatile Organic Analysis (SVOA). No impurities were observed in the Hydrogen Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (HNMR). However, the Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR) method detected trace levels (a few ppm) of amides (more indicative of bacteria than a possible degradation product of TiDG). In addition, up to 18 ± 4 micrograms of mercury per gram of solvent (or 14.8 μg/mL) was detected in this sample. The current gamma concentration level (8.48E4 dpm/mL) confirmed that the gamma concentration has returned to the previous level where the process operated normally as expected. The laboratory will continue to monitor the quality of the solvent in particular for any new impurities or degradation of the solvent components.« less

  20. Solvent hold tank sample results for MCU-16-53-55. January 2016 Monthly sample

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

    Fondeur, F. F.; Jones, D. H.

    Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) received one set of Solvent Hold Tank (SHT) samples (MCU-16-53-54-55), pulled on 01/25/2016 for analysis. The samples were combined and analyzed for composition. Analysis of the composite sample MCU-16-53-54-55 indicated the Isopar™L, and MaxCalix are at nominal levels. The modifier and TiDG concentrations are 3% and 23 % below their nominal concentrations. This analysis confirms the addition of TiDG, MaxCalix, and modifier to the solvent on November 28, 2015. Based on the current monthly sample, the levels of TiDG, Isopar™L, MaxCalix, and modifier are sufficient for continuing operation but are expected to decrease with time.more » Periodic characterization and trimming additions to the solvent are recommended. No impurities above the 1000 ppm level were found in this solvent by the Semi-Volatile Organic Analysis (SVOA). No impurities were observed in the Hydrogen Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (HNMR). However, the Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR) method detected trace levels (a few ppm) of amides (a possible degradation product of TiDG). In addition, up to 21 ± 4 micrograms of mercury per gram of solvent (or 17.5 μg/mL) was detected in this sample. There appears to be a possible correlation between the mercury level and the TiDG concentration in the solvent. The current gamma level (9.16 E4 dpm/mL) confirmed that the gamma concentration has returned to previous level where the process operated normally and as expected. The laboratory will continue to monitor the quality of the solvent in particular for any new impurities or degradation of the solvent components.« less

  1. An Archeological Overview and Management Plan for Tooele Army Depot North and South

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1984-03-29

    1978, Heizer and Krieger 1956, Heizer and Harper 1970, and Warren and Ranere 1968). Over the years, Jennings (1974) has modified his Desert Culture...received special supernatural power that would capture the animals’ souls, rendering them docile and stupid (Steward 1970:34). Other large game was present...nomination Form: "Great Basin Style rock art is primarily a petroglyph style, originally defined by Julian Steward (1929) and aescribed in detail by Heizer

  2. Radiation Production by Charged Particle Beams Ejected from a Plasma Focus.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1981-02-01

    The scope of this investigation concerns the development of a pulsed radiation source using the charged particle beam ejected from a plasma focus device...satellite components for radiation hardening and survivability. The plasma focus is operated in a modified geometry such that electron bursts which...a radiation facility. The plasma focus , identified as the Mark IV, is nominally rated at 34 kJ with a capacitance of 168 micro F at 20 kV. The

  3. Spherical gradient-index lenses as perfect imaging and maximum power transfer devices.

    PubMed

    Gordon, J M

    2000-08-01

    Gradient-index lenses can be viewed from the perspectives of both imaging and nonimaging optics, that is, in terms of both image fidelity and achievable flux concentration. The simple class of gradient-index lenses with spherical symmetry, often referred to as modified Luneburg lenses, is revisited. An alternative derivation for established solutions is offered; the method of Fermat's strings and the principle of skewness conservation are invoked. Then these nominally perfect imaging devices are examined from the additional vantage point of power transfer, and the degree to which they realize the thermodynamic limit to flux concentration is determined. Finally, the spherical gradient-index lens of the fish eye is considered as a modified Luneburg lens optimized subject to material constraints.

  4. An intermediary enhances out-group trust and in-group profit expectation of Chinese but not Australians.

    PubMed

    Ye, Jiawen; Ng, Sik Hung

    2017-06-01

    In this research, we made a theoretical distinction between direct and intermediary-mediated trust situations, and conducted a cross-cultural (Chinese vs. Australians) investment trust game to test the overlooked effects of an intermediary on investors' trust decisions, with respect to how much to invest in and expect from trustees. Compared to situations of direct trust, a nominal intermediary increased the number of Chinese investors expecting in-group trustees to repay a profit on their investments (Hypothesis 1) and raised their level of investment in out-group trustees (Hypothesis 2). These results applied to Chinese, but not Australians in support of the proposal that a nominal intermediary would serve as a cue to activate different cultural stereotypes of the functions and meanings of an intermediary with respect to trust and expectation of reciprocity. Coexisting with these culture-specific effects of an intermediary, the minimal categorisation of people into in-group and out-group on trivial grounds leads to a highly significant in-group favouritism in investment levels of both Chinese and Australians (Hypothesis 3). © 2015 International Union of Psychological Science.

  5. Increases in New Social Network Ties are Associated with Increased Cohesion among Intervention Participants

    PubMed Central

    Gesell, Sabina B.; Barkin, Shari L.; Sommer, Evan C.; Thompson, Jessica R.; Valente, Thomas W.

    2016-01-01

    Objective Many behavior change programs are delivered in group settings to manage implementation costs and to foster support and interactions among group members to facilitate behavior change. Understanding the group dynamics that evolve in group settings (e.g., weight management, Alcoholics Anonymous) is important, yet rarely measured. This paper examined the relationship between social network ties and group cohesion in a group-based intervention to prevent obesity in children. Method The data reported are process measures from an ongoing community-based randomized controlled trial. 305 parents with a child (3-6 years) at risk of developing obesity were assigned to an intervention that taught parents healthy lifestyles. Parents met weekly for 12 weeks in small consistent groups. Two measures were collected at weeks 3 and 6: a social network survey (people in the group with whom one discusses healthy lifestyles); and the validated Perceived Cohesion Scale (Bollen & Hoyle, 1990). We used lagged random and fixed effects regression models to analyze the data. Results Cohesion increased from 6.51 to 6.71 (t=4.4, p<0.01). Network nominations tended to increase over the 3-week period in each network. In the combined discussion and advice network, the number of nominations increased from 1.76 to 1.95 (z=2.59, p<0.01). Cohesion at week 3 was the strongest predictor of cohesion at week 6 (b=0.55, p<0.01). Number of new network nominations at week 6 was positively related to cohesion at week 6 (b=0.06, p<.01). In sum, being able to name new network contacts was associated with feelings of cohesion. Conclusion This is the first study to demonstrate how network changes affect perceived group cohesion within a behavioral intervention. Given that many behavioral interventions occur in group settings, intentionally building new social networks could be promising to augment desired outcomes. PMID:26286298

  6. Increases in Network Ties Are Associated With Increased Cohesion Among Intervention Participants.

    PubMed

    Gesell, Sabina B; Barkin, Shari L; Sommer, Evan C; Thompson, Jessica R; Valente, Thomas W

    2016-04-01

    Many behavior change programs are delivered in group settings to manage implementation costs and to foster support and interactions among group members in order to facilitate behavior change. Understanding the group dynamics that evolve in group settings (e.g., weight management, Alcoholics Anonymous) is important, yet rarely measured. This article examined the relationship between social network ties and group cohesion in a group-based intervention to prevent obesity in children. The data reported are process measures from an ongoing community-based randomized controlled trial. A total of 305 parents with a child (3-6 years) at risk of developing obesity were assigned to an intervention that taught parents healthy lifestyles. Parents met weekly for 12 weeks in small consistent groups. Two measures were collected at Weeks 3 and 6: a social network survey (people in the group with whom one discusses healthy lifestyles) and the validated Perceived Cohesion Scale. We used lagged random and fixed effects regression models to analyze the data. Cohesion increased from 6.51 to 6.71 (t= 4.4,p< .01). Network nominations tended to increase over the 3-week period in each network. In the combined discussion and advice network, the number of nominations increased from 1.76 to 1.95 (z= 2.59,p< .01). Cohesion at Week 3 was the strongest predictor of cohesion at Week 6 (b= 0.55,p< .01). Number of new network nominations at Week 6 was positively related to cohesion at Week 6 (b= 0.06,p< .01). In sum, being able to name new network contacts was associated with feelings of cohesion. This is the first study to demonstrate how network changes affect perceived group cohesion within a behavioral intervention. Given that many behavioral interventions occur in group settings, intentionally building new social networks could be promising to augment desired outcomes. © 2015 Society for Public Health Education.

  7. Deficiencies in social relationships of individuals with neurosis

    PubMed Central

    Srivastava, Sunil

    2006-01-01

    Background: Social interaction and network of individuals with neurosis have been reported to be inadequate. Aim: To measure deficiencies in the social network of individuals with neurosis. Methods: Fifty consecutive patients with neurosis attending the OPD of the Department of Psychiatry, King George's Medical College, Lucknow, who were diagnosed as per the criteria of ICD-9, were included in the study. A control group of 40 healthy persons matched for age, sex, education and marital status was also taken. Interaction with the primary group (defined as consisting of all kin, nominated friends, work associates and neighbours) was measured by the Social Interaction Schedule of Henderson et al. as modified for the Indian population. Results: Patients reported significantly higher mean duration of unpleasant but affectively intense interaction with one person within or outside the primary group and affectively unpleasant and intense interaction with more than one person within or outside the primary group or affectively superficial but unpleasant interaction with one or more person of the primary group. Healthy subjects reported more of pleasant interaction with one person within or outside the primary group and affectively intense and pleasant interaction with more than one person within or outside the primary group or affectively superficial but pleasant interaction with one or more persons of the primary group; the difference was statistically significant as compared to patients with neurosis. Conclusion: The primary group of patients with neurosis was significantly smaller in numerical size as compared with that of controls and in terms of the total time spent with members of the primary group, patients with neurosis reported more interactions of unpleasant type and less of pleasant type as compared with healthy controls. PMID:20844645

  8. 76 FR 11492 - Notice for Request for Nominations

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-03-02

    ... members who represent disciplines and stakeholder groups such as: Disciplines [cir] Medicine (allopathic... primary care) Professional counseling Geriatrics Students, residents or fellows representing the following... advisory committee. Every effort is made to ensure that the views of women, ethnic and racial groups, and...

  9. Genius begins at home: Shared social identity enhances the recognition of creative performance.

    PubMed

    Steffens, Niklas K; Haslam, S Alexander; Ryan, Michelle K; Millard, Kathryn

    2017-11-01

    The present research examines the extent to which the recognition of creative performance is structured by social group membership. It does this by analysing the award of merit prizes for Best Actor and Actress in a Leading Role for the international award of US-based Oscars and British-based BAFTAs since BAFTA's inception of this category in 1968. For both awards, the exclusive assessment criterion is the quality of artists' performance in the international arena. Results show that US artists won a greater proportion of Oscars than BAFTAs (odds ratio: 2.10), whereas British artists won a greater proportion of BAFTAs than Oscars (OR: 2.26). Furthermore, results support the hypothesis that these patterns are more pronounced as the diagnostic value of a quality indicator increases - that is, in the conferring of actual awards rather than nominations. Specifically, US artists won a greater proportion of Oscar awards than nominations (OR: 1.77), while British artists won a greater proportion of BAFTA awards than nominations (OR: 1.62). Additional analyses show that the performances of in-group actors in movies portraying in-group culture (US culture in the case of Oscars, British culture in the case of BAFTAs) are more likely to be recognized than the performances of in-group actors in movies portraying the culture of other (out-)groups. These are the first data to provide clear evidence from the field that the recognition of exceptional creative performance is enhanced by shared social identity between perceivers and performers. © 2017 The British Psychological Society.

  10. Instituting organizational learning for quality improvement through strategic planning nominal group processes.

    PubMed

    White, D B

    2000-01-01

    Healthcare managers are faced with unprecedented challenges as characterized by managed care constraints, downsizing, increased client needs, and a society demanding more responsive services. Managers must initiate change for quality, efficiency, and survival. This article provides information and strategies for (a) assessing the change readiness of an organization, (b) conducting an organizational diagnosis, (c) instituting a team culture, (d) developing a change strategy, (e) integrating the strategy with a quality improvement process, and (f) identifying the leadership skills to implement organization renewal. Nominal group processes, namely, SWOT and the Search Conference, are described, and case examples are provided. The implementation strategies have been used successfully in a variety of milieus; practical advice for success is described in detail.

  11. Time course of the effects of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate in two phase 3, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trials in adults with binge‐eating disorder

    PubMed Central

    Hudson, James I.; Gasior, Maria; Herman, Barry K.; Radewonuk, Jana; Wilfley, Denise; Busner, Joan

    2017-01-01

    Abstract Objective This study examined the time course of efficacy‐related endpoints for lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (LDX) versus placebo in adults with protocol‐defined moderate to severe binge‐eating disorder (BED). Methods In two 12‐week, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled studies, adults meeting DSM‐IV‐TR BED criteria were randomized 1:1 to receive placebo or dose‐optimized LDX (50 or 70 mg). Analyses across visits used mixed‐effects models for repeated measures (binge eating days/week, binge eating episodes/week, Yale‐Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale modified for Binge Eating [Y‐BOCS‐BE] scores, percentage body weight change) and chi‐square tests (Clinical Global Impressions—Improvement [CGI‐I; from the perspective of BED symptoms] scale dichotomized as improved or not improved). These analyses were not part of the prespecified testing strategy, so reported p values are nominal (unadjusted and descriptive only). Results Least squares mean treatment differences for change from baseline in both studies favored LDX over placebo (all nominal p values <  .001) starting at Week 1 for binge eating days/week, binge‐eating episodes/week, and percentage weight change and at the first posttreatment assessment (Week 4) for Y‐BOCS‐BE total and domain scores. On the CGI‐I, more participants on LDX than placebo were categorized as improved starting at Week 1 in both studies (both nominal p values <  .001). Across these efficacy‐related endpoints, the superiority of LDX over placebo was maintained at each posttreatment assessment in both studies (all nominal p values <  .001). Discussion In adults with BED, LDX treatment appeared to be associated with improvement on efficacy measures as early as 1 week, which was maintained throughout the 12‐week studies. PMID:28481434

  12. Surgical process improvement tools: defining quality gaps and priority areas in gastrointestinal cancer surgery.

    PubMed

    Wei, A C; Devitt, K S; Wiebe, M; Bathe, O F; McLeod, R S; Urbach, D R

    2014-04-01

    Surgery is a cornerstone of cancer treatment, but significant differences in the quality of surgery have been reported. Surgical process improvement tools (spits) modify the processes of care as a means to quality improvement (qi). We were interested in developing spits in the area of gastrointestinal (gi) cancer surgery. We report the recommendations of an expert panel held to define quality gaps and establish priority areas that would benefit from spits. The present study used the knowledge-to-action cycle was as a framework. Canadian experts in qi and in gi cancer surgery were assembled in a nominal group workshop. Participants evaluated the merits of spits, described gaps in current knowledge, and identified and ranked processes of care that would benefit from qi. A qualitative analysis of the workshop deliberations using modified grounded theory methods identified major themes. The expert panel consisted of 22 participants. Experts confirmed that spits were an important strategy for qi. The top-rated spits included clinical pathways, electronic information technology, and patient safety tools. The preferred settings for use of spits included preoperative and intraoperative settings and multidisciplinary contexts. Outcomes of interest were cancer-related outcomes, process, and the technical quality of surgery measures. Surgical process improvement tools were confirmed as an important strategy. Expert panel recommendations will be used to guide future research efforts for spits in gi cancer surgery.

  13. Surgical process improvement tools: defining quality gaps and priority areas in gastrointestinal cancer surgery

    PubMed Central

    Wei, A.C.; Devitt, K.S.; Wiebe, M.; Bathe, O.F.; McLeod, R.S.; Urbach, D.R.

    2014-01-01

    Background Surgery is a cornerstone of cancer treatment, but significant differences in the quality of surgery have been reported. Surgical process improvement tools (spits) modify the processes of care as a means to quality improvement (qi). We were interested in developing spits in the area of gastrointestinal (gi) cancer surgery. We report the recommendations of an expert panel held to define quality gaps and establish priority areas that would benefit from spits. Methods The present study used the knowledge-to-action cycle was as a framework. Canadian experts in qi and in gi cancer surgery were assembled in a nominal group workshop. Participants evaluated the merits of spits, described gaps in current knowledge, and identified and ranked processes of care that would benefit from qi. A qualitative analysis of the workshop deliberations using modified grounded theory methods identified major themes. Results The expert panel consisted of 22 participants. Experts confirmed that spits were an important strategy for qi. The top-rated spits included clinical pathways, electronic information technology, and patient safety tools. The preferred settings for use of spits included preoperative and intraoperative settings and multidisciplinary contexts. Outcomes of interest were cancer-related outcomes, process, and the technical quality of surgery measures. Conclusions Surgical process improvement tools were confirmed as an important strategy. Expert panel recommendations will be used to guide future research efforts for spits in gi cancer surgery. PMID:24764704

  14. A Social Media-Based Acute Alcohol Consumption Behavior (NekNomination): Case Series in Italian Emergency Departments

    PubMed Central

    Lucchetta, Vittorio; Gaudio, Rosa Maria; Tredese, Alberto; Bergamini, Mauro; Vettore, Gianna; Pietrantonio, Vincenzo; Avato, Francesco Maria; Donato, Daniele; Boemo, Deris Gianni; Nesoti, Maria Vittoria; Snenghi, Rossella

    2018-01-01

    Background NekNomination, also known as NekNominate, Neck and Nominate, or Neck Nomination, is a social network–based drinking game which is thought to have originated in Australia and spread all over the world between 2013 and 2014. Individuals record videos of themselves while rapidly drinking excessive quantities of alcoholic drinks (necking) and then nominate friends to outdo them within 24 hours; the videos are then posted on social media such as Facebook or YouTube. The consequences of this drinking game have been very dangerous; at least 5 people under age 30 years have died after drinking deadly cocktails, and many others have suffered from alcohol intoxication. Objective The goal of the research is to evaluate data about clinically important acute alcohol intoxication among teenagers and young adults and inform and educate the general public, especially parents, teachers, and health workers, about the spreading craze of dangerous Internet-related behavior among today’s teenagers and young people up to the age of 23 years. Methods Patients aged 15 to 23 years with acute alcohol intoxication who came to the emergency department (ED) of 2 major hospitals in Italy from January 1, 2011, to June 30, 2014, were included in this study. Data were retrieved from prehospital and intrahospital medical records and included personal information, methods of intoxication, triage color code, date and time of access to the ED, any relevant signs and symptoms, blood alcohol concentration, and diagnosis at discharge. Results A total of 450 young patients (male 277/450, 61.5%, female 173/450, 38.5%; age 15 to 16 years 15/450, 3.3%, age 17 to 18 years 184/450, 40.9%, age 19 to 23 years 251/450, 55.8%) were recruited. The causes of intoxication were happy hour, binge drinking, NekNominate, eyeballing, other alcoholic games, or a mix of them. Happy hour was found to be more common among the older patients, whereas NekNominate accounted for almost half of the youngest group of hospitalizations. Eyeballing occurred in 1.6% (7/450) of cases; binge drinking and other alcoholic games caused 23.3% (105/450) and 23.8% (107/450) of hospitalizations, respectively. On admission, 44.2% (199/450) of patients were assigned a red or yellow color code requiring immediate medical attention; about 14% of them required additional medical assistance (after being in the ED) or hospitalization, some in semi-intensive care units. Conclusions Our study shows that the increased numbers of hospitalizations due to alcohol intoxication in the adolescent age group, as a consequence of NekNominate or other drinking games, is alarming and represents a serious public health issue. The potential markers of improper use of social networks must be clearly identified, including categories at risk of alcohol abuse, in order to develop intervention and prevention strategies in terms of education and awareness, which may help in averting potentially fatal episodes. PMID:29386170

  15. Cleft Palate Foundation

    MedlinePlus

    ... be postmarked by Oct. 31st. ACPA Family Services Leadership Award ACPA Family Services is now accepting nominations for the 2018 Leadership Award, which recognizes individuals or groups who have ...

  16. Catalog of the Neotropical Trichoptera (Caddisflies)

    PubMed Central

    Holzenthal, Ralph W.; Calor, Adolfo R.

    2017-01-01

    Abstract The Neotropical caddisfly (Trichoptera) fauna is cataloged from a review of over 1,000 literature citations through 2015 (partial 2016) to include 3,262 currently recognized, valid species-group names in 25 families and 155 extant genera. Fourteen subspecies are included in the total as well as 35 fossil species and 1 fossil genus. The region covered includes all of Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America. Genus-group and species-group synonyms are listed. For each nominal species, information on the type locality, type depository, sex of type, distribution by country, and other pertinent taxonomic or biological information is included. Summary information on taxonomy, phylogeny, distribution, immature stages, and biology are provided for each family and genus where known. An extensive index to all nominal taxa is included to facilitate use of the catalog. The glossosomatid species Mexitrichia usseglioi Rueda Martín & Gibon, is transferred to Mortoniella comb. n. PMID:28331396

  17. Modeling and control for closed environment plant production systems

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Fleisher, David H.; Ting, K. C.; Janes, H. W. (Principal Investigator)

    2002-01-01

    A computer program was developed to study multiple crop production and control in controlled environment plant production systems. The program simulates crop growth and development under nominal and off-nominal environments. Time-series crop models for wheat (Triticum aestivum), soybean (Glycine max), and white potato (Solanum tuberosum) are integrated with a model-based predictive controller. The controller evaluates and compensates for effects of environmental disturbances on crop production scheduling. The crop models consist of a set of nonlinear polynomial equations, six for each crop, developed using multivariate polynomial regression (MPR). Simulated data from DSSAT crop models, previously modified for crop production in controlled environments with hydroponics under elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration, were used for the MPR fitting. The model-based predictive controller adjusts light intensity, air temperature, and carbon dioxide concentration set points in response to environmental perturbations. Control signals are determined from minimization of a cost function, which is based on the weighted control effort and squared-error between the system response and desired reference signal.

  18. Development and application of a gradient method for solving differential games

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Roberts, D. A.; Montgomery, R. C.

    1971-01-01

    A technique for solving n-dimensional games is developed and applied to two pursuit-evasion games. The first is a two-dimensional game similar to the homicidal chauffeur but modified to resemble an airplane-helicopter engagement. The second is a five-dimensional game of two airplanes at constant altitude and with thrust and turning controls. The performance function to be optimized by the pursuer and evader was the distance between the evader and a given target point in front of the pursuer. The analytic solution to the first game reveals that both unique and nonunique solutions exist. A comparison between the gradient results and the analytic solution shows a dependence on the nominal controls in regions where nonunique solutions exist. In the unique solution region, the results from the two methods agree closely. The results for the five-dimensional two-airplane game are also shown to be dependent on the nominal controls selected and indicate that initial conditions are in a region of nonunique solutions.

  19. Predictive Validity of a Continuous Alternative to Nominal Subtypes of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder for DSM-V

    PubMed Central

    Lahey, Benjamin B.; Willcutt, Erik G.

    2010-01-01

    Three subtypes of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) based on numbers of symptoms of inattention (I) and hyperactivity-impulsivity (HI) were defined in DSM-IV to reduce heterogeneity of the disorder, but the subtypes proved to be highly unstable over time. A continuous alternative to nominal subtyping is evaluated in a longitudinal study of 129 4–6 year old children with ADHD and 130 comparison children. Children who met criteria for all subtypes in year 1 continued to exhibit greater functional impairment than comparison children during years 2–9. Among children with ADHD in year 1, I and HI symptoms differentially predicted teacher-rated need for treatment and reading and mathematics achievement scores over the next 8 years in controlled analyses. Consistent with other studies, these findings suggest that the use of diagnostic modifiers specifying the numbers of I and HI symptoms could reduce heterogeneity and facilitate clinical intervention, prognosis, and research. PMID:21058124

  20. Predictive validity of a continuous alternative to nominal subtypes of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder for DSM-V.

    PubMed

    Lahey, Benjamin B; Willcutt, Erik G

    2010-01-01

    Three subtypes of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) based on numbers of symptoms of inattention (I) and hyperactivity-impulsivity (HI) were defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.) to reduce heterogeneity of the disorder, but the subtypes proved to be highly unstable over time. A continuous alternative to nominal subtyping is evaluated in a longitudinal study of 129 four- to six-year-old children with ADHD and 130 comparison children. Children who met criteria for all subtypes in Year 1 continued to exhibit greater functional impairment than comparison children during Years 2 to 9. Among children with ADHD in Year 1, I and HI symptoms differentially predicted teacher-rated need for treatment and reading and mathematics achievement scores over the next 8 years in controlled analyses. Consistent with other studies, these findings suggest that the use of diagnostic modifiers specifying the numbers of I and HI symptoms could reduce heterogeneity and facilitate clinical intervention, prognosis, and research.

  1. Children's comprehension skill and the understanding of nominal metaphors.

    PubMed

    Seigneuric, Alix; Megherbi, Hakima; Bueno, Steve; Lebahar, Julie; Bianco, Maryse

    2016-10-01

    According to Levorato and Cacciari's global elaboration model, understanding figurative language is explained by the same processes and background knowledge that are required for literal language. In this study, we investigated the relation between children's comprehension skill and the ability to understand referential nominal metaphors. Two groups of poor versus good comprehenders (8- to 10-year-olds) matched for word reading and vocabulary skills were invited to identify the referent of nouns used metaphorically or literally in short texts. Compared with good comprehenders, performance of poor comprehenders showed a substantial decrease in the metaphoric condition. Moreover, their performance was strongly affected by the degree of semantic incongruence between the terms of the nominal metaphor. These findings are discussed in relation to several factors, in particular the ability to use contextual information and semantic processing. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  2. The impact of gout on patient’s lives: a study of African-American and Caucasian men and women with gout

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Introduction The aim of this study was to examine the impact of gout on quality of life (QOL) and study differences by gender and race. Methods Ten race- and sex-stratified nominal groups were conducted, oversampling for African-Americans and women with gout. Patients presented, discussed, combined and rank-ordered their concerns. Results A total of 62 patients with mean age 65.1 years, 60% men, 64% African-American, participated in 10 nominal groups: African-American men (n = 23; 3 groups); African-American women (n = 18; 3 groups); Caucasian men (n = 15; 3 groups); and Caucasian women (n = 6; 1 group). The most frequently cited high-ranked concerns among the ten nominal groups were: (1) effect of gout flare on daily activities (n = 10 groups); (2) work disability (n = 8 groups); (3) severe pain (n = 8 groups); (4) joint swelling and tenderness (n = 6 groups); (5) food restrictions (n = 6 groups); (6) medication related issues (n = 6 groups); (7) dependency on family and others (n = 5 groups); (8) emotional Impact (n = 5 groups); (9) interference with sexual function (n = 4 groups); (10) difficulty with shoes (n = 4 groups); and (11) sleep disruption (n = 4 groups). Compared with men, women ranked the following concerns high more often: problems with shoes (n = 4 versus n = 0 groups); dependency (n = 3 versus n = 2 groups); and joint/limb deformity (n = 2 versus n = 0 group). Compared with Caucasians, African-Americans ranked the following concerns high more often: dietary restrictions (n = 6 versus n = 0 groups); severe pain (n = 6 versus n = 2 groups); gout bringing the day to a “halt” (n = 2 versus n = 0 group); effect on emotional health (n = 4 versus n = 1 groups); and the need for canes/crutches during flares (n = 2 versus n = 0 group). Conclusions Gout has a significant impact on a patient’s QOL. Important differences in the impact of gout by gender and race were noted. PMID:24961941

  3. Gene by Environment Investigation of Incident Lung Cancer Risk in African-Americans.

    PubMed

    David, Sean P; Wang, Ange; Kapphahn, Kristopher; Hedlin, Haley; Desai, Manisha; Henderson, Michael; Yang, Lingyao; Walsh, Kyle M; Schwartz, Ann G; Wiencke, John K; Spitz, Margaret R; Wenzlaff, Angela S; Wrensch, Margaret R; Eaton, Charles B; Furberg, Helena; Mark Brown, W; Goldstein, Benjamin A; Assimes, Themistocles; Tang, Hua; Kooperberg, Charles L; Quesenberry, Charles P; Tindle, Hilary; Patel, Manali I; Amos, Christopher I; Bergen, Andrew W; Swan, Gary E; Stefanick, Marcia L

    2016-02-01

    Genome-wide association studies have identified polymorphisms linked to both smoking exposure and risk of lung cancer. The degree to which lung cancer risk is driven by increased smoking, genetics, or gene-environment interactions is not well understood. We analyzed associations between 28 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) previously associated with smoking quantity and lung cancer in 7156 African-American females in the Women's Health Initiative (WHI), then analyzed main effects of top nominally significant SNPs and interactions between SNPs, cigarettes per day (CPD) and pack-years for lung cancer in an independent, multi-center case-control study of African-American females and males (1078 lung cancer cases and 822 controls). Nine nominally significant SNPs for CPD in WHI were associated with incident lung cancer (corrected p-values from 0.027 to 6.09 × 10(-5)). CPD was found to be a nominally significant effect modifier between SNP and lung cancer for six SNPs, including CHRNA5 rs2036527[A](betaSNP*CPD = - 0.017, p = 0.0061, corrected p = 0.054), which was associated with CPD in a previous genome-wide meta-analysis of African-Americans. These results suggest that chromosome 15q25.1 variants are robustly associated with CPD and lung cancer in African-Americans and that the allelic dose effect of these polymorphisms on lung cancer risk is most pronounced in lighter smokers.

  4. NOMINAL VALUES FOR SELECTED SOLAR AND PLANETARY QUANTITIES: IAU 2015 RESOLUTION B3

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

    Prša, Andrej; Harmanec, Petr; Torres, Guillermo

    In this brief communication we provide the rationale for and the outcome of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) resolution vote at the XXIXth General Assembly in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 2015, on recommended nominal conversion constants for selected solar and planetary properties. The problem addressed by the resolution is a lack of established conversion constants between solar and planetary values and SI units: a missing standard has caused a proliferation of solar values (e.g., solar radius, solar irradiance, solar luminosity, solar effective temperature, and solar mass parameter) in the literature, with cited solar values typically based on best estimates at the timemore » of paper writing. As precision of observations increases, a set of consistent values becomes increasingly important. To address this, an IAU Working Group on Nominal Units for Stellar and Planetary Astronomy formed in 2011, uniting experts from the solar, stellar, planetary, exoplanetary, and fundamental astronomy, as well as from general standards fields to converge on optimal values for nominal conversion constants. The effort resulted in the IAU 2015 Resolution B3, passed at the IAU General Assembly by a large majority. The resolution recommends the use of nominal solar and planetary values, which are by definition exact and are expressed in SI units. These nominal values should be understood as conversion factors only, not as the true solar/planetary properties or current best estimates. Authors and journal editors are urged to join in using the standard values set forth by this resolution in future work and publications to help minimize further confusion.« less

  5. Nominal Values for Selected Solar and Planetary Quantities: IAU 2015 Resolution B3

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Prša, Andrej; Harmanec, Petr; Torres, Guillermo; Mamajek, Eric; Asplund, Martin; Capitaine, Nicole; Christensen-Dalsgaard, Jørgen; Depagne, Éric; Haberreiter, Margit; Hekker, Saskia; Hilton, James; Kopp, Greg; Kostov, Veselin; Kurtz, Donald W.; Laskar, Jacques; Mason, Brian D.; Milone, Eugene F.; Montgomery, Michele; Richards, Mercedes; Schmutz, Werner; Schou, Jesper; Stewart, Susan G.

    2016-08-01

    In this brief communication we provide the rationale for and the outcome of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) resolution vote at the XXIXth General Assembly in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 2015, on recommended nominal conversion constants for selected solar and planetary properties. The problem addressed by the resolution is a lack of established conversion constants between solar and planetary values and SI units: a missing standard has caused a proliferation of solar values (e.g., solar radius, solar irradiance, solar luminosity, solar effective temperature, and solar mass parameter) in the literature, with cited solar values typically based on best estimates at the time of paper writing. As precision of observations increases, a set of consistent values becomes increasingly important. To address this, an IAU Working Group on Nominal Units for Stellar and Planetary Astronomy formed in 2011, uniting experts from the solar, stellar, planetary, exoplanetary, and fundamental astronomy, as well as from general standards fields to converge on optimal values for nominal conversion constants. The effort resulted in the IAU 2015 Resolution B3, passed at the IAU General Assembly by a large majority. The resolution recommends the use of nominal solar and planetary values, which are by definition exact and are expressed in SI units. These nominal values should be understood as conversion factors only, not as the true solar/planetary properties or current best estimates. Authors and journal editors are urged to join in using the standard values set forth by this resolution in future work and publications to help minimize further confusion.

  6. The Viking Orbiter 1975 beryllium INTEREGEN rocket engine assembly.

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Martinez, R. S.; Mcfarland, B. L.; Fischler, S.

    1972-01-01

    Description of the conversion of the Mariner 9 rocket engine for Viking Orbiter use. Engine conversion consists of replacing the 40:1 expansion area ratio nozzle with a 60:1 nozzle of the internal regeneratively (INTEREGEN) cooled rocket engine. Five converted engines using nitrogen tetroxide and monomethylhydrazine demonstrated thermal stability during the nominal 2730-sec burn, but experienced difficulty at operating extremes. The thermal stability characteristic was treated in two ways. The first treatment consisted of mapping the operating regime of the engine to determine its safest operating boundaries as regards thermal equilibrium. Six engines were used for this purpose. Two of the six engines were then modified to effect the second approach - i.e., extend the operating regime. The engines were modified by permitting fuel injection into the acoustic cavity.

  7. APOE Genotypes Associate With Cognitive Performance but Not Cerebral Structure: Diabetes Heart Study MIND

    PubMed Central

    Raffield, Laura M.; Hardy, Joycelyn C.; Hsu, Fang-Chi; Divers, Jasmin; Xu, Jianzhao; Smith, S. Carrie; Hugenschmidt, Christina E.; Wagner, Benjamin C.; Whitlow, Christopher T.; Sink, Kaycee M.; Maldjian, Joseph A.; Williamson, Jeff D.; Bowden, Donald W.; Freedman, Barry I.

    2016-01-01

    OBJECTIVE Dementia is a debilitating illness with a disproportionate burden in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Among the contributors, genetic variation at the apolipoprotein E locus (APOE) is posited to convey a strong effect. This study compared and contrasted the association of APOE with cognitive performance and cerebral structure in the setting of T2D. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS European Americans from the Diabetes Heart Study (DHS) MIND (n = 754) and African Americans from the African American (AA)-DHS MIND (n = 517) were examined. The cognitive battery assessed executive function, memory, and global cognition, and brain MRI was performed. RESULTS In European Americans and African Americans, the APOE E4 risk haplotype group was associated with poorer performance on the modified Mini-Mental Status Examination (P < 0.017), a measure of global cognition. In contrast to the literature, the APOE E2 haplotype group, which was overrepresented in these participants with T2D, was associated with poorer Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test performance (P < 0.032). Nominal associations between APOE haplotype groups and MRI-determined cerebral structure were observed. CONCLUSIONS Compared with APOE E3 carriers, E2 and E4 carriers performed worse in the cognitive domains of memory and global cognition. Identification of genetic contributors remains critical to understanding new pathways to prevent and treat dementia in the setting of T2D. PMID:27703028

  8. Attitudes towards reforming primary care in Belgium: social network analysis in a pluralist context.

    PubMed

    Lorant, Vincent; Rihoux, Benoît; Nicaise, Pablo

    2016-10-01

    Health care policies are influenced by many groups which in turn influence each other. Our aim was to describe a network of nominated influential stakeholders and analyze how it affects attitudes to reforming primary care. Face-to-face interviews were carried out in Belgium with 102 influential people. Each respondent was asked to score solutions for improving the role of general practice in the health care system and to nominate up to six other influential stakeholders. Social network and multivariate analyses were used to describe the nomination network and its effect on attitudes to reform. The network was highly centralized and homophilous (tendency to bond with people who are similar) for language groups. Despite Belgium having a strong pluralist tradition of decision making, policy makers were central to the network (average indegree = 10.8) compared to professional representatives (6.9). Respondents supported an enhanced role for general practitioners but did not support radically new policies. Social network analysis contributes to understanding why health care reforms may languish in pluralistic, decentralized health care systems. The central position of a stakeholder in a network is related to perceived influence but does not favour a radical policy orientation. In addition, language-group homophily in the 'perceived influence network' leads to a weak coalition that only favours small-step reform. © The Author(s) 2016.

  9. SOLVENT HOLD TANK SAMPLE RESULTS FOR MCU-11-1452, MCU-11-1453, MCU-11-1454, MCU-11-1455, MCU-11-1456 AND MCU-11-1457

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

    Peters, T.; Fondeur, F.; Fink, S.

    Solvent Hold Tank (SHT) samples are sent to Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) to examine solvent composition changes over time. On December 5, 2011, Operations personnel delivered six samples from the SHT (MCU-11-1452 through -1457) for analysis. These samples are intended to verify that the solvent is within the specified composition range. The results from the analyses are presented in this document. Samples were received in p-nut vials containing {approx}10 mL each. Once taken into the Shielded Cells, the samples were combined. Samples were removed for analysis by density, semi-volatile organic analysis (SVOA), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and Fourier-Transformmore » Infra-Red spectroscopy (FTIR). Details for the work are contained in a controlled laboratory notebook. Each of the six p-nut vials contained a single phase, with no apparent solids contamination or cloudiness. Table 1 contains the results of the analyses for the combined samples. A duplicate density measurement of the organic phase gave a result of 0.844 g/mL (1.2% residual standard deviation - RSD). Using the density as a starting point, we know that the Isopar{reg_sign} L should be slightly higher than nominal and the other components should be slightly lower than nominal. The results as a whole are internally consistent. All measurements indicate Isopar{reg_sign} L higher than nominal, and Modifier lower than nominal. The extractant result is higher than expected - given the other results, the extractant concentration should be under nominal values. Using the measured density as well as the Isopar{reg_sign} L and Modifier concentrations from the FTIR results, we calculate an extractant concentration of 6888 mg/L. This value is outside the analytical uncertainty of the reported HPLC value. Given the other results, this most likely indicates that the HPLC extractant result was biased high. When compared to the MCU density target of 0.845 g/mL, there is no need to add an Isopar{reg_sign} L trim. However, it is advisable to add sufficient trioctylamine (TOA) to return the solvent composition to within specifications as that component has declined to about 64% the concentration since the last analysis. The TOA measurement was performed twice, so the result is not an analytical aberration. TOA has not been added to the system since the previous quarterly sample in October 2011. As with the previous solvent sample results, these analyses indicate that the solvent does not require Isopar{reg_sign} L trimming at this time. However, addition of TOA is warranted. These findings indicate that the new protocols for solvent monitoring and control are yielding favorable results. Nevertheless, the deviation in the TOA concentration since the last analysis indicates continued periodic (i.e., quarterly) monitoring is recommended.« less

  10. THE CLASSIFICATION OF SERBO-CROATIAN DIALECTS.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    NAYLOR, KENNETH E.

    THE CAKAVIAN GROUP OF SERBO-CROATIAN DIALECTS CAN BE RECLASSIFIED USING SYNCHRONIC CRITERIA RATHER THAN TRADITIONALLY USED DIACHRONIC CRITERIA. THE APPROACH IS TYPOLOGICAL RATHER THAN GENETIC AND COMPARES THE NOMINAL MORPHOLOGICAL AND MORPHOPHONEMIC SYSTEMS OF SEVEN DIALECTS SELECTED TO PROVIDE A GEOGRAPHICAL SAMPLING OF THE CAKAVIAN GROUP.…

  11. Results of tests performed on the Acoustic Quiet Flow Facility Three-Dimensional Model Tunnel: Report on the Modified D.S.M.A. Design

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Barna, P. S.

    1996-01-01

    Numerous tests were performed on the original Acoustic Quiet Flow Facility Three-Dimensional Model Tunnel, scaled down from the full-scale plans. Results of tests performed on the original scale model tunnel were reported in April 1995, which clearly showed that this model was lacking in performance. Subsequently this scale model was modified to attempt to possibly improve the tunnel performance. The modifications included: (a) redesigned diffuser; (b) addition of a collector; (c) addition of a Nozzle-Diffuser; (d) changes in location of vent-air. Tests performed on the modified tunnel showed a marked improvement in performance amounting to a nominal increase of pressure recovery in the diffuser from 34 percent to 54 percent. Results obtained in the tests have wider application. They may also be applied to other tunnels operating with an open test section not necessarily having similar geometry as the model under consideration.

  12. Establishing the values for patient engagement (PE) in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) research: an international, multiple-stakeholder perspective.

    PubMed

    Haywood, Kirstie; Lyddiatt, Anne; Brace-McDonnell, Samantha J; Staniszewska, Sophie; Salek, Sam

    2017-06-01

    Active patient engagement is increasingly viewed as essential to ensuring that patient-driven perspectives are considered throughout the research process. However, guidance for patient engagement (PE) in HRQoL research does not exist, the evidence-base for practice is limited, and we know relatively little about underpinning values that can impact on PE practice. This is the first study to explore the values that should underpin PE in contemporary HRQoL research to help inform future good practice guidance. A modified 'World Café' was hosted as a collaborative activity between patient partners, clinicians and researchers: self-nominated conference delegates participated in group discussions to explore values associated with the conduct and consequences of PE. Values were captured via post-it notes and by nominated note-takers. Data were thematically analysed: emergent themes were coded and agreement checked. Association between emergent themes, values and the Public Involvement Impact Assessment Framework were explored. Eighty participants, including 12 patient partners, participated in the 90-min event. Three core values were defined: (1) building relationships; (2) improving research quality and impact; and (3) developing best practice. Participants valued the importance of building genuine, collaborative and deliberative relationships-underpinned by honesty, respect, co-learning and equity-and the impact of effective PE on research quality and relevance. An explicit statement of values seeks to align all stakeholders on the purpose, practice and credibility of PE activities. An innovative, flexible and transparent research environment was valued as essential to developing a trustworthy evidence-base with which to underpin future guidance for good PE practice.

  13. Building Consensus: Development of Best Practice Guidelines on Wrong Level Surgery in Spinal Deformity.

    PubMed

    Vitale, Michael; Minkara, Anas; Matsumoto, Hiroko; Albert, Todd; Anderson, Richard; Angevine, Peter; Buckland, Aaron; Cho, Samuel; Cunningham, Matthew; Errico, Thomas; Fischer, Charla; Kim, Han Jo; Lehman, Ronald; Lonner, Baron; Passias, Peter; Protopsaltis, Themistocles; Schwab, Frank; Lenke, Lawrence

    Consensus-building using the Delphi and nominal group technique. To establish best practice guidelines using formal techniques of consensus building among a group of experienced spinal deformity surgeons to avert wrong-level spinal deformity surgery. Numerous previous studies have demonstrated that wrong-level spinal deformity occurs at a substantial rate, with more than half of all spine surgeons reporting direct or indirect experience operating on the wrong levels. Nevertheless, currently, guidelines to avert wrong-level spinal deformity surgery have not been developed. The Delphi process and nominal group technique were used to formally derive consensus among 16 fellowship-trained spine surgeons. Surgeons were surveyed for current practices, presented with the results of a systematic review, and asked to vote anonymously for or against item inclusion during three iterative rounds. Agreement of 80% or higher was considered consensus. Items near consensus (70% to 80% agreement) were probed in detail using the nominal group technique in a facilitated group meeting. Participants had a mean of 13.4 years of practice (range: 2-32 years) and 103.1 (range: 50-250) annual spinal deformity surgeries, with a combined total of 24,200 procedures. Consensus was reached for the creation of best practice guidelines (BPGs) consisting of 17 interventions to avert wrong-level surgery. A final checklist consisting of preoperative and intraoperative methods, including standardized vertebral-level counting and optimal imaging criteria, was supported by 100% of participants. We developed consensus-based best practice guidelines for the prevention of wrong-vertebral-level surgery. This can serve as a tool to reduce the variability in preoperative and intraoperative practices and guide research regarding the effectiveness of such interventions on the incidence of wrong-level surgery. Level V. Copyright © 2017 Scoliosis Research Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. 77 FR 32594 - Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-06-01

    ... Advisors). The Bureau seeks to collect selection-related information from nominees to the CAB, such as... for other Advisory Groups, members of other Advisory Groups, and Special Advisors to CAB and other... obtain information on the qualifications of individuals nominated to the CAB and will aid the Bureau in...

  15. 76 FR 40887 - Nominations to the Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-07-12

    ... organizations, academic institutions, governmental, tribal and consumer groups, and other living marine resource interest groups from a balance of U.S. geographical regions, including Puerto Rico, the Western Pacific, and U.S. Virgin Islands. A MAFAC member cannot be a Federal employee, a member of a Regional Fishery...

  16. 40 CFR 65.64 - Group determination procedures.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... used to determine group status. (b)(1) Sampling site. For purposes of determining TOC or HAP... inches) in nominal inside diameter. (c) TOC or HAP concentration. The TOC or HAP concentrations used for... appropriate concentration in table 1 of this subpart, TOC or HAP concentration shall be determined based on...

  17. 75 FR 45166 - Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans; Nominations for Vacancies

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-08-02

    ... fields of insurance, corporate trust, actuarial counseling, investment counseling, investment management..., 2010. The groups or fields they represent are as follows: (1) Employee organizations (representing an... and Pension Benefit Plans, to represent any of the groups or fields specified in the preceding...

  18. 76 FR 44047 - Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans; Nominations for Vacancies

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-07-22

    ... fields of insurance, corporate trust, actuarial counseling, investment counseling, investment management... November 14, 2011. The groups or fields they represent are as follows: (1) Employee organizations; (2... Benefit Plans, to represent any of the groups or fields specified in the preceding paragraph, may submit...

  19. 77 FR 66583 - Solicitation of Nominations for Membership on the Civil Nuclear Trade Advisory Committee

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-11-06

    ... the Department as chair of the Civil Nuclear Trade Working Group (CINTWG) of the Trade Promotion... of the Civil Nuclear Trade Working Group of the Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee. In particular... Membership on the Civil Nuclear Trade Advisory Committee AGENCY: International Trade Administration, Commerce...

  20. 77 FR 46112 - Call for Nominations for Advisory Groups, Oregon/Washington

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-08-02

    ... Steens Mountain Advisory Council. Citizens who serve on these groups provide advice and recommendations to the BLM on land use planning and management of the National System of Public Lands within their geographic areas and management options for a specific National Landscape Conservation System site. The BLM...

  1. Comparing acceptance and rejection in the classroom interaction of students who stutter and their peers: A social network analysis.

    PubMed

    Adriaensens, Stefanie; Van Waes, Sara; Struyf, Elke

    2017-06-01

    Recent work has reported adverse effects of students' stuttering on their social and emotional functioning at school. Yet, few studies have provided an in-depth examination of classroom interaction of students who stutter (SWS). The current study uses a network perspective to compare acceptance and rejection in the classroom interaction between SWS and their peers in secondary education. The sample comprised 22 SWS and 403 non-stuttering peers (22 classes) of secondary education in Flanders (Belgium). Students' nominations regarding three acceptance and three rejection criteria were combined. Social network analysis offered procedures that considered direct and indirect interaction between all classmates. We found few significant differences: SWS and their peers were distributed similarly across positive and negative status groups. Both considered and were considered by, on average, six or seven classmates as 'a friend', who they liked and could count on, and nominated or were nominated by one or two classmates as 'no friend', somebody who they disliked and could not count on. On average, SWS and their classmates also did not differ in terms of structural position in the class group (degree, closeness and betweenness), reciprocated rejection, and clique size. However, SWS do tend to be slightly more stringent or more careful in nominating peers, which led to fewer reciprocated friendships. Our results suggest that SWS are quite accepted by peers in secondary education in Flanders. Such positive peer interaction can create a supportive and encouraging climate for SWS to deal with specific challenges. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  2. Membership nominations in international scientific assessments

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Leifeld, Philip; Fisher, Dana R.

    2017-10-01

    International scientific assessments are transnational knowledge-based expert networks with a mandate to advise policymakers. A well-known example is the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA), which synthesized research on ecosystem services between 2001 and 2005, utilizing the knowledge of 1,360 expert members. Little, however, is known about the membership composition and the driving forces behind membership nominations in the MA and similar organizations. Here we introduce a survey data set on recruitment in the MA and analyse nomination patterns among experts as a complex network. The results indicate that membership recruitment was governed by prior contacts in other transnational elite organizations and a range of other factors related to personal affinity. Network analysis demonstrates how some core individuals were particularly influential in shaping the overall membership composition of the group. These findings add to recently noted concerns about the lack of diversity of views represented in international scientific assessments.

  3. CNTRICS Final Task Selection: Control of Attention

    PubMed Central

    Nuechterlein, Keith H.; Luck, Steven J.; Lustig, Cindy; Sarter, Martin

    2009-01-01

    The construct of attention has many facets that have been examined in human and animal research and in healthy and psychiatrically disordered conditions. The Cognitive Neuroscience Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia (CNTRICS) group concluded that control of attention—the processes that guide selection of task-relevant inputs—is particularly impaired in schizophrenia and could profit from further work with refined measurement tools. Thus, nominations for cognitive tasks that provide discrete measures of control of attention were sought and were then evaluated at the third CNTRICS meeting for their promise for future use in treatment development. This article describes the 5 nominated measures and their strengths and weaknesses for cognitive neuroscience work relevant to treatment development. Two paradigms, Guided Search and the Distractor Condition Sustained Attention Task, were viewed as having the greatest immediate promise for development into tools for treatment research in schizophrenia and are described in more detail by their nominators. PMID:19074499

  4. [Interdisciplinary AWMF guideline for the diagnostics of primary immunodeficiency].

    PubMed

    Farmand, S; Baumann, U; von Bernuth, H; Borte, M; Foerster-Waldl, E; Franke, K; Habermehl, P; Kapaun, P; Klock, G; Liese, J; Marks, R; Müller, R; Nebe, T; Niehues, T; Schuster, V; Warnatz, K; Witte, T; Ehl, S; Schulze, I

    2011-11-01

    Primary immunodeficiencies are potentially life-threatening diseases. Over the last years, the clinical phenotype and the molecular basis of an increasing number of immunological defects have been characterized. However, in daily practice primary immunodeficiencies are still often diagnosed too late. Considering that an early diagnosis may reduce morbidity and mortality of affected patients, an interdisciplinary guideline for the diagnosis of primary immunodeficiencies was developed on behalf of the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Pädiatrische Immunologie (API) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Immunologie (DGfI). The guideline is based on expert opinion and on knowledge from other guidelines and recommendations from Germany and other countries, supplemented by data from studies that support the postulated key messages (level of evidence III). With the contribution of 20 representatives, belonging to 14 different medical societies and associations, a consensus-based guideline with a representative group of developers and a structured consensus process was created (S2k). Under the moderation of a representative of the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany (AWMF) the nominal group process took place in April 2011. The postulated key messages were discussed and voted on following a structured consensus procedure. In particular, modified warning signs for primary immunodeficiencies were formulated and immunological emergency situations were defined. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

  5. Clinical Decision Rules for Diagnostic Imaging in the Emergency Department: A Research Agenda.

    PubMed

    Finnerty, Nathan M; Rodriguez, Robert M; Carpenter, Christopher R; Sun, Benjamin C; Theyyunni, Nik; Ohle, Robert; Dodd, Kenneth W; Schoenfeld, Elizabeth M; Elm, Kendra D; Kline, Jeffrey A; Holmes, James F; Kuppermann, Nathan

    2015-12-01

    Major gaps persist in the development, validation, and implementation of clinical decision rules (CDRs) for diagnostic imaging. The objective of this working group and article was to generate a consensus-based research agenda for the development and implementation of CDRs for diagnostic imaging in the emergency department (ED). The authors followed consensus methodology, as outlined by the journal Academic Emergency Medicine (AEM), combining literature review, electronic surveys, telephonic communications, and a modified nominal group technique. Final discussions occurred in person at the 2015 AEM consensus conference. A research agenda was developed, prioritizing the following questions: 1) what are the optimal methods to justify the derivation and validation of diagnostic imaging CDRs, 2) what level of evidence is required before disseminating CDRs for widespread implementation, 3) what defines a successful CDR, 4) how should investigators best compare CDRs to clinical judgment, and 5) what disease states are amenable (and highest priority) to development of CDRs for diagnostic imaging in the ED? The concepts discussed herein demonstrate the need for further research on CDR development and implementation regarding diagnostic imaging in the ED. Addressing this research agenda should have direct applicability to patients, clinicians, and health care systems. © 2015 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine.

  6. Development of a Draft Core Set of Domains for Measuring Shared Decision Making in Osteoarthritis: An OMERACT Working Group on Shared Decision Making.

    PubMed

    Toupin-April, Karine; Barton, Jennifer; Fraenkel, Liana; Li, Linda; Grandpierre, Viviane; Guillemin, Francis; Rader, Tamara; Stacey, Dawn; Légaré, France; Jull, Janet; Petkovic, Jennifer; Scholte-Voshaar, Marieke; Welch, Vivian; Lyddiatt, Anne; Hofstetter, Cathie; De Wit, Maarten; March, Lyn; Meade, Tanya; Christensen, Robin; Gaujoux-Viala, Cécile; Suarez-Almazor, Maria E; Boonen, Annelies; Pohl, Christoph; Martin, Richard; Tugwell, Peter S

    2015-12-01

    Despite the importance of shared decision making for delivering patient-centered care in rheumatology, there is no consensus on how to measure its process and outcomes. The aim of this Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) working group is to determine the core set of domains for measuring shared decision making in intervention studies in adults with osteoarthritis (OA), from the perspectives of patients, health professionals, and researchers. We followed the OMERACT Filter 2.0 method to develop a draft core domain set by (1) forming an OMERACT working group; (2) conducting a review of domains of shared decision making; and (3) obtaining opinions of all those involved using a modified nominal group process held at a session activity at the OMERACT 12 meeting. In all, 26 people from Europe, North America, and Australia, including 5 patient research partners, participated in the session activity. Participants identified the following domains for measuring shared decision making to be included as part of the draft core set: (1) identifying the decision, (2) exchanging information, (3) clarifying views, (4) deliberating, (5) making the decision, (6) putting the decision into practice, and (7) assessing the effect of the decision. Contextual factors were also suggested. We proposed a draft core set of shared decision-making domains for OA intervention research studies. Next steps include a workshop at OMERACT 13 to reach consensus on these proposed domains in the wider OMERACT group, as well as to detail subdomains and assess instruments to develop a core outcome measurement set.

  7. Development of a Draft Core Set of Domains for Measuring Shared Decision Making in Osteoarthritis: An OMERACT Working Group on Shared Decision Making

    PubMed Central

    Toupin April, Karine; Barton, Jennifer; Fraenkel, Liana; Li, Linda; Grandpierre, Viviane; Guillemin, Francis; Rader, Tamara; Stacey, Dawn; Légaré, France; Jull, Janet; Petkovic, Jennifer; Scholte Voshaar, Marieke; Welch, Vivian; Lyddiatt, Anne; Hofstetter, Cathie; De Wit, Maarten; March, Lyn; Meade, Tanya; Christensen, Robin; Gaujoux-Viala, Cécile; Suarez-Almazor, Maria E.; Boonen, Annelies; Pohl, Christoph; Martin, Richard; Tugwell, Peter

    2015-01-01

    Objective Despite the importance of shared decision making for delivering patient-centred care in rheumatology, there is no consensus on how to measure its process and outcomes. The aim of this OMERACT working group is to determine the core set of domains for measuring shared decision making in intervention studies in adults with osteoarthritis (OA), from the perspective of patients, health professionals and researchers. Methods We followed the OMERACT Filter 2.0 to develop a draft core domain set, which consisted of: (i) forming an OMERACT working group; (ii) conducting a review of domains of shared decision making; and (iii) obtaining the opinions of stakeholders using a modified nominal group process held at a session activity at the OMERACT 2014 meeting. Results 26 stakeholders from Europe, North America and Australia, including 5 patient research partners, participated in the session activity. Participants identified the following domains for measuring shared decision making to be included as part of the Draft Core Set: 1) Identifying the decision; 2) Exchanging Information; 3) Clarifying views; 4) Deliberating; 5) Making the decision; 6) Putting the decision into practice; and 7) Assessing the impact of the decision. Contextual factors were also suggested. Conclusion We propose a Draft Core Set of shared decision making domains for OA intervention research studies. Next steps include a workshop at OMERACT 2016 to reach consensus on these proposed domains in the wider OMERACT group, as well as detail sub-domains and assess instruments to develop a Core Outcome Measurement Set. PMID:25877502

  8. The more the merrier? Increasing group size may be detrimental to decision-making performance in nominal groups.

    PubMed

    Amir, Ofra; Amir, Dor; Shahar, Yuval; Hart, Yuval; Gal, Kobi

    2018-01-01

    Demonstrability-the extent to which group members can recognize a correct solution to a problem-has a significant effect on group performance. However, the interplay between group size, demonstrability and performance is not well understood. This paper addresses these gaps by studying the joint effect of two factors-the difficulty of solving a problem and the difficulty of verifying the correctness of a solution-on the ability of groups of varying sizes to converge to correct solutions. Our empirical investigations use problem instances from different computational complexity classes, NP-Complete (NPC) and PSPACE-complete (PSC), that exhibit similar solution difficulty but differ in verification difficulty. Our study focuses on nominal groups to isolate the effect of problem complexity on performance. We show that NPC problems have higher demonstrability than PSC problems: participants were significantly more likely to recognize correct and incorrect solutions for NPC problems than for PSC problems. We further show that increasing the group size can actually decrease group performance for some problems of low demonstrability. We analytically derive the boundary that distinguishes these problems from others for which group performance monotonically improves with group size. These findings increase our understanding of the mechanisms that underlie group problem-solving processes, and can inform the design of systems and processes that would better facilitate collective decision-making.

  9. SCIAMACHY In-orbit Operations until 2013

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gottwald, Manfred; Krieg, Eckhart; Lichtenberg, Günter; Noël, Stefan; Bramstedt, Klaus; Bovensmann, Heinrich

    In 2010 ENVISAT enters its next mission extension phase when a manoeuvre transfers the plat-form from its nominal into a modified orbit. This modified orbit is not only characterized by the lower altitude but also by slightly drifting parameters such as e.g. the inclination or the Mean Local Solar Time at ascending node crossing. Thus all SCIAMACHY measurements requiring an accurate pointing knowledge are affected. How the line-of-sight evolves along the orbit de-pends on orbit altitude and orbital period. Therefore adjustments to SCIAMACHY's on-board instrument configuration are necessary reflecting this orbit chance. Based on a detailed analysis simulating SCIAMACHY operations in the modified orbit until the end of 2013, the impacts on nadir, limb and solar and lunar occultation measurements when orbiting the Earth at a reduced altitude was studied. By modifying SCIAMACHY's configuration these impacts can be compensated for. Thus the current performance of instrument operations, including the pointing knowledge, can be maintained. It ensures acquisition of high quality measurement data for the entire duration of the mission. This presentation describes how the instrument will be configured for achieving successful operations until the end of 2013. In addition a brief outlook is given how the drifting modified orbit may impact an operations phase even beyond 2013 and potential corrective countermeasures.

  10. IMPaCT - Integration of Missions, Programs, and Core Technologies

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Balacuit, Carlos P.; Cutts, James A.; Peterson, Craig E.; Beauchamp, Patricia M.; Jones, Susan K.; Hang, Winnie N.; Dastur, Shahin D.

    2013-01-01

    IMPaCT enables comprehensive information on current NASA missions, prospective future missions, and the technologies that NASA is investing in, or considering investing in, to be accessed from a common Web-based interface. It allows dependencies to be established between missions and technology, and from this, the benefits of investing in individual technologies can be determined. The software also allows various scenarios for future missions to be explored against resource constraints, and the nominal cost and schedule of each mission to be modified in an effort to fit within a prescribed budget.

  11. Modified ferritic iron alloys with improved high-temperature mechanical properties and oxidation resistance

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Oldrieve, R. E.

    1975-01-01

    An alloy modification program was conducted in which the compositions of two existing Fe-Cr-Al alloys (Armco 18SR and GE-1541) were changed to achieve either improved high-temperature strength or improved fabricability. Only modifications of Armco 18SR were successful in achieving increased strength without loss of fabricability or oxidation resistance. The best modified alloy, designated NASA-18T, had twice the rupture strength of Armco 18SR at 800 and 1000 C. The NASA-18T alloy also had better oxidation resistance than Armco 18SR and comparable fabricability. The nominal composition of NASA-18T is Fe-18Cr-2Al-1Si-1.25Ta. All attempted modifications of the GE-1541 alloy were unsuccessful in terms of achieving better fabricability without sacrificing high-temperature strength and oxidation resistance.

  12. A comparison of confidence interval methods for the intraclass correlation coefficient in community-based cluster randomization trials with a binary outcome.

    PubMed

    Braschel, Melissa C; Svec, Ivana; Darlington, Gerarda A; Donner, Allan

    2016-04-01

    Many investigators rely on previously published point estimates of the intraclass correlation coefficient rather than on their associated confidence intervals to determine the required size of a newly planned cluster randomized trial. Although confidence interval methods for the intraclass correlation coefficient that can be applied to community-based trials have been developed for a continuous outcome variable, fewer methods exist for a binary outcome variable. The aim of this study is to evaluate confidence interval methods for the intraclass correlation coefficient applied to binary outcomes in community intervention trials enrolling a small number of large clusters. Existing methods for confidence interval construction are examined and compared to a new ad hoc approach based on dividing clusters into a large number of smaller sub-clusters and subsequently applying existing methods to the resulting data. Monte Carlo simulation is used to assess the width and coverage of confidence intervals for the intraclass correlation coefficient based on Smith's large sample approximation of the standard error of the one-way analysis of variance estimator, an inverted modified Wald test for the Fleiss-Cuzick estimator, and intervals constructed using a bootstrap-t applied to a variance-stabilizing transformation of the intraclass correlation coefficient estimate. In addition, a new approach is applied in which clusters are randomly divided into a large number of smaller sub-clusters with the same methods applied to these data (with the exception of the bootstrap-t interval, which assumes large cluster sizes). These methods are also applied to a cluster randomized trial on adolescent tobacco use for illustration. When applied to a binary outcome variable in a small number of large clusters, existing confidence interval methods for the intraclass correlation coefficient provide poor coverage. However, confidence intervals constructed using the new approach combined with Smith's method provide nominal or close to nominal coverage when the intraclass correlation coefficient is small (<0.05), as is the case in most community intervention trials. This study concludes that when a binary outcome variable is measured in a small number of large clusters, confidence intervals for the intraclass correlation coefficient may be constructed by dividing existing clusters into sub-clusters (e.g. groups of 5) and using Smith's method. The resulting confidence intervals provide nominal or close to nominal coverage across a wide range of parameters when the intraclass correlation coefficient is small (<0.05). Application of this method should provide investigators with a better understanding of the uncertainty associated with a point estimator of the intraclass correlation coefficient used for determining the sample size needed for a newly designed community-based trial. © The Author(s) 2015.

  13. 40 CFR 1033.230 - Grouping locomotives into engine families.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... nominal bore and stroke dimensions. (4) The approximate intake and exhaust event timing and duration... approximate bore and stroke dimensions. (4) The approximate location of the intake and exhaust valves (or...

  14. CLUSTERING SOUTH AFRICAN HOUSEHOLDS BASED ON THEIR ASSET STATUS USING LATENT VARIABLE MODELS

    PubMed Central

    McParland, Damien; Gormley, Isobel Claire; McCormick, Tyler H.; Clark, Samuel J.; Kabudula, Chodziwadziwa Whiteson; Collinson, Mark A.

    2014-01-01

    The Agincourt Health and Demographic Surveillance System has since 2001 conducted a biannual household asset survey in order to quantify household socio-economic status (SES) in a rural population living in northeast South Africa. The survey contains binary, ordinal and nominal items. In the absence of income or expenditure data, the SES landscape in the study population is explored and described by clustering the households into homogeneous groups based on their asset status. A model-based approach to clustering the Agincourt households, based on latent variable models, is proposed. In the case of modeling binary or ordinal items, item response theory models are employed. For nominal survey items, a factor analysis model, similar in nature to a multinomial probit model, is used. Both model types have an underlying latent variable structure—this similarity is exploited and the models are combined to produce a hybrid model capable of handling mixed data types. Further, a mixture of the hybrid models is considered to provide clustering capabilities within the context of mixed binary, ordinal and nominal response data. The proposed model is termed a mixture of factor analyzers for mixed data (MFA-MD). The MFA-MD model is applied to the survey data to cluster the Agincourt households into homogeneous groups. The model is estimated within the Bayesian paradigm, using a Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm. Intuitive groupings result, providing insight to the different socio-economic strata within the Agincourt region. PMID:25485026

  15. Evaluation of an advanced physical diagnosis course using consumer preferences methods: the nominal group technique.

    PubMed

    Coker, Joshua; Castiglioni, Analia; Kraemer, Ryan R; Massie, F Stanford; Morris, Jason L; Rodriguez, Martin; Russell, Stephen W; Shaneyfelt, Terrance; Willett, Lisa L; Estrada, Carlos A

    2014-03-01

    Current evaluation tools of medical school courses are limited by the scope of questions asked and may not fully engage the student to think on areas to improve. The authors sought to explore whether a technique to study consumer preferences would elicit specific and prioritized information for course evaluation from medical students. Using the nominal group technique (4 sessions), 12 senior medical students prioritized and weighed expectations and topics learned in a 100-hour advanced physical diagnosis course (4-week course; February 2012). Students weighted their top 3 responses (top = 3, middle = 2 and bottom = 1). Before the course, 12 students identified 23 topics they expected to learn; the top 3 were review sensitivity/specificity and high-yield techniques (percentage of total weight, 18.5%), improving diagnosis (13.8%) and reinforce usual and less well-known techniques (13.8%). After the course, students generated 22 topics learned; the top 3 were practice and reinforce advanced maneuvers (25.4%), gaining confidence (22.5%) and learn the evidence (16.9%). The authors observed no differences in the priority of responses before and after the course (P = 0.07). In a physical diagnosis course, medical students elicited specific and prioritized information using the nominal group technique. The course met student expectations regarding education of the evidence-based physical examination, building skills and confidence on the proper techniques and maneuvers and experiential learning. The novel use for curriculum evaluation may be used to evaluate other courses-especially comprehensive and multicomponent courses.

  16. Identifying critical issues in recreation planning and management: improving the management-research partnership

    Treesearch

    John H. Schomaker; David W. Lime

    1988-01-01

    The "nominal group" process is a proven technique to systematically arrive at a consensus about critical information needs in recreation planning and management. Using this process, 41 managers who attended a 1983 conference on river management identified 114 specific information needs grouped under 11 general questions. Clearly, some concerns of...

  17. Early Adolescent Social Networks and Substance Use

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Henry, David B.; Kobus, Kimberly

    2007-01-01

    This study examined the relationships between social network position and the use of tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, and inhalants in a sample of 1,119 sixth-grade youth. Social network analyses of peer nominations were used to categorize youth as "members" of social groups, "liaisons" between groups, or social "isolates." The results revealed that…

  18. 78 FR 50112 - Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans; Notice of Extension of Deadline...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-08-16

    ... representative each from the fields of insurance, corporate trust, actuarial counseling, investment counseling... expire this year. The groups or fields they represent are as follows: (1) Employee organizations; (2... represent any of the groups or fields specified in the preceding paragraph may submit nominations to Larry...

  19. Production of False Memories in Collaborative Memory Tasks Using the DRM Paradigm

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Saraiva, Magda; Albuquerque, Pedro B.; Arantes, Joana

    2017-01-01

    Studies on collaborative memory have revealed an interesting phenomenon called collaborative inhibition (CI) (i.e., nominal groups recall more information than collaborative groups). However, the results of studies on false memories in collaborative memory tasks are controversial. This study aimed to understand the production of false memories in…

  20. Understanding American-Indian children’s perceived barriers and facilitators to following the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA)

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Ninety-two American Indian 5th graders from a rural, northern plains reservation community completed Nominal Group Technique (NGT) sessions designed to understand both barriers and facilitators to following DGA. Individually and in small groups, children generated lists of responses to specific que...

  1. Improving Operational Acceptability of Dynamic Weather Routes Through Analysis of Commonly Use Routings

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Evans, Antony D.; Sridhar, Banavar; McNally, David

    2016-01-01

    The Dynamic Weather Routes (DWR) tool is a ground-based trajectory automation system that continuously and automatically analyzes active in-flight aircraft in en route airspace to find simple modifications to flight plan routes that can save significant flying time, while avoiding weather and considering traffic conflicts, airspace sector congestion, special use airspace, and FAA routing restrictions. Trials of the DWR system have shown that significant delay savings are possible. However, some DWR advised routes are also rejected by dispatchers or modified before being accepted. Similarly, of those sent by dispatchers to flight crews as proposed route change requests, many are not accepted by air traffic control, or are modified before implementation as Center route amendments. Such actions suggest that the operational acceptability of DWR advised route corrections could be improved, which may reduce workload and increase delay savings. This paper analyzes the historical usage of different flight routings, varying from simple waypoint pairs to lengthy strings of waypoints incorporating jet routes, in order to improve DWR route acceptability. An approach is developed that can be incorporated into DWR, advising routings with high historical usage and savings potential similar to that of the nominal DWR advisory. It is hypothesized that modifying a nominal DWR routing to one that is commonly used, and nearby, will result in more actual savings since common routings are generally familiar and operationally acceptable to air traffic control. The approach allows routing segments with high historical usage to be concatenated to form routes that meet all DWR constraints. The relevance of a route's historical usage to its acceptance by dispatchers and air traffic control is quantified by analyzing historical DWR data. Results indicate that while historical usage may be less of a concern to flight dispatchers accepting or rejecting DWR advised route corrections, it may be important to air traffic control acceptance of DWR routes.

  2. Technical support for creating an artificial intelligence system for feature extraction and experimental design

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Glick, B. J.

    1985-01-01

    Techniques for classifying objects into groups or clases go under many different names including, most commonly, cluster analysis. Mathematically, the general problem is to find a best mapping of objects into an index set consisting of class identifiers. When an a priori grouping of objects exists, the process of deriving the classification rules from samples of classified objects is known as discrimination. When such rules are applied to objects of unknown class, the process is denoted classification. The specific problem addressed involves the group classification of a set of objects that are each associated with a series of measurements (ratio, interval, ordinal, or nominal levels of measurement). Each measurement produces one variable in a multidimensional variable space. Cluster analysis techniques are reviewed and methods for incuding geographic location, distance measures, and spatial pattern (distribution) as parameters in clustering are examined. For the case of patterning, measures of spatial autocorrelation are discussed in terms of the kind of data (nominal, ordinal, or interval scaled) to which they may be applied.

  3. Socialization of Physical and Social Aggression in Early Adolescents' Peer Groups: High-Status Peers, Individual Status, and Gender

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Shi, Bing; Xie, Hongling

    2012-01-01

    The influence of high-status peers on a target individual's physical and manipulative social aggression in peer groups was examined in a diverse sample of seventh-grade students. A total of 245 individual members belonging to 65 groups were included in analyses. Aggression was assessed by peer and victim nominations in the fall and spring…

  4. Planetary Suit Hip Bearing Model for Predicting Design vs. Performance

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Cowley, Matthew S.; Margerum, Sarah; Harvil, Lauren; Rajulu, Sudhakar

    2011-01-01

    Designing a planetary suit is very complex and often requires difficult trade-offs between performance, cost, mass, and system complexity. In order to verifying that new suit designs meet requirements, full prototypes must eventually be built and tested with human subjects. Using computer models early in the design phase of new hardware development can be advantageous, allowing virtual prototyping to take place. Having easily modifiable models of the suit hard sections may reduce the time it takes to make changes to the hardware designs and then to understand their impact on suit and human performance. A virtual design environment gives designers the ability to think outside the box and exhaust design possibilities before building and testing physical prototypes with human subjects. Reductions in prototyping and testing may eventually reduce development costs. This study is an attempt to develop computer models of the hard components of the suit with known physical characteristics, supplemented with human subject performance data. Objectives: The primary objective was to develop an articulating solid model of the Mark III hip bearings to be used for evaluating suit design performance of the hip joint. Methods: Solid models of a planetary prototype (Mark III) suit s hip bearings and brief section were reverse-engineered from the prototype. The performance of the models was then compared by evaluating the mobility performance differences between the nominal hardware configuration and hardware modifications. This was accomplished by gathering data from specific suited tasks. Subjects performed maximum flexion and abduction tasks while in a nominal suit bearing configuration and in three off-nominal configurations. Performance data for the hip were recorded using state-of-the-art motion capture technology. Results: The results demonstrate that solid models of planetary suit hard segments for use as a performance design tool is feasible. From a general trend perspective, the suited performance trends were comparable between the model and the suited subjects. With the three off-nominal bearing configurations compared to the nominal bearing configurations, human subjects showed decreases in hip flexion of 64%, 6%, and 13% and in hip abduction of 59%, 2%, and 20%. Likewise the solid model showed decreases in hip flexion of 58%, 1%, and 25% and in hip abduction of 56%, 0%, and 30%, under the same condition changes from the nominal configuration. Differences seen between the model predictions and the human subject performance data could be attributed to the model lacking dynamic elements and performing kinematic analysis only, the level of fit of the subjects with the suit, the levels of the subject s suit experience.

  5. Subject Matter Expert Evaluation of Multi-Flight Common Route Advisories

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bilimoria, Karl; Hayashi, Miwa; Sheth, Kapil S.

    2017-01-01

    Traffic flow management seeks to balance the demand for National Airspace System (NAS) flight resources, such as airspace and airports, with the available supply. When forecasted weather blocks nominal air traffic routes, traffic managers must re-route affected flights for weather avoidance. Depending on the nature and scope of the weather, traffic managers may use pre-coordinated re-routes such as Playbook Routes or Coded Departure Routes, or may design ad hoc local re-routes. The routes of affected flights are modified accordingly. These weather avoidance routes will, of course, be less efficient than the nominal routes due to increased flight time and fuel burn. In current traffic management operations, the transition into a weather avoidance re-routing initiative is typically implemented more aggressively than the transition out of that initiative after the weather has dissipated or moved away. For example, strategic large-scale Playbook re-routes are sometimes left in place (as initially implemented) for many hours before being lifted entirely when the weather dissipates. There is an opportunity to periodically modify the re-routing plan as weather evolves, thereby attenuating its adverse impact on flight time and fuel consumption; this is called delay recovery. Multi-Flight Common Routes (MFCR) is a NASA-developed operational concept and associated decision support tool for delay recovery, designed to assist traffic managers to efficiently update weather avoidance traffic routes after the original re-routes have become stale due to subsequent evolution of the convective weather system. MFCR groups multiple flights to reduce the number of advisories that the traffic manager needs to evaluate, and also merges these flights on a common route segment to provide an orderly flow of re-routed traffic. The advisory is presented to the appropriate traffic manager who evaluates it and has the option to modify it using MFCRs graphical user interface. If the traffic manager finds the advisory to be operationally appropriate, he or she would coordinate with the Area Supervisor(s) of the sectors that currently control the flights in the advisory. When the traffic manager accepts the MFCR advisory via the user interface, the corresponding flight plan amendments would be sent to the displays of the appropriate sector controllers, using the Airborne Re-Routing (ABRR) capability which is scheduled for nationwide operation in 2017. The sector controllers would then offer this time-saving route modification to the pilots of the affected flights via datalink (or voice), and implement the corresponding flight plan amendment if the pilots accept it. MFCR is implemented as an application in the software environment of the Future Air traffic management Concepts Evaluation Tool (FACET). This paper focuses on an initial subject matter expert (SME) evaluation of MFCR. The evaluation covers MFCRs operational concept, algorithm, and user interface.

  6. 76 FR 72764 - Bank Secrecy Act Advisory Group; Solicitation of Application for Membership

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-11-25

    ... INFORMATION: The Annunzio-Wylie Anti-Money Laundering Act of 1992 required the Secretary of the Treasury to... Representatives--Money Services Businesses (1 vacancy). Organizations may nominate themselves, but applications...

  7. Nominate a Codex MRL

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    The Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues (CCPR) is responsible for establishing maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pesticide residues in specific food items or in groups of food for Codex. Learn how to submit a request for a CODEX MRL.

  8. Feasibility and process scale-up low cost alumina fibers for advanced Re-usable Surface Insulation (RSI)

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Pearson, A.

    1975-01-01

    The objective of this program was to establish feasibility of a process to produce low cost aluminum oxide fibers having sufficient strength, flexibility, and thermal stability for multiple re-use at temperatures to 1480 C in advanced RSI type heat shields for reentry vehicles. Using bench-scale processing apparatus, the Alcoa 'Saphiber' process was successfully modified to produce nominally 8 microns diameter polycrystalline alpha-alumina fiber. Thermal stability was demonstrated in vacuum reheating tests to 1371 C and in atmospheric reheating to 1483 C. Individual fiber properties of strength, modulus, and flexibility were not determined because of friability and short length of the fiber. Rigidized tile produced from fiber of nominally 8, 20 and 40 micron diameter had thermal conductivities significantly higher than those of RSI SiO2 or mullite at relatively low temperature but became comparable above about 1000 C. Tile densities were high due to short fiber length, especially in the coarser diameter fiber. No significant effect of fiber diameter on thermal properties could be determined form the data. Mechanical properties of tiles deteriorated as fiber diameter increased.

  9. The effect of aluminum on the work hardening and wear resistance of hadfield manganese steel

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zuidema, B. K.; Subramanyam, D. K.; Leslie, W. C.

    1987-09-01

    A study has been made of the work-hardening and wear resistance of aluminum-modified Hadfield manganese steels ranging in composition from 1.00 to 1.75 Pct carbon and from 0.0 to 4.0 Pct aluminum. Aluminum additions reduced carbon activity and diffusivity in austenites of Hadfield’s composition, increasing the metastable solubility of carbon in Hadfield steel. Aluminum additions inhibited mechanical twinning and, by inference, increased the stacking fault energy of austenite. Increasing carbon in solution in austenite expanded the temperature range over which dynamic strain aging and rapid work hardening occurred. Simultaneous aluminum additions and increased carbon content increased the work-hardening rate and high-stress abrasion resistance of Hadfield steel, but there was an optimum aluminum content beyond which both declined. Maximum work-hardening rate was exhibited by an alloy containing nominally 1.75 Pct C, 13.5 Pct Mn, and 1.3 Pct Al. Improved high-stress abrasion resistance was also found in an alloy containing nominally 1.00 Pct C, 13.5 Pct Mn, and 4.0 Pct Al.

  10. Crops Models for Varying Environmental Conditions

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Jones, Harry; Cavazzoni, James; Keas, Paul

    2001-01-01

    New variable environment Modified Energy Cascade (MEC) crop models were developed for all the Advanced Life Support (ALS) candidate crops and implemented in SIMULINK. The MEC models are based on the Volk, Bugbee, and Wheeler Energy Cascade (EC) model and are derived from more recent Top-Level Energy Cascade (TLEC) models. The MEC models simulate crop plant responses to day-to-day changes in photosynthetic photon flux, photoperiod, carbon dioxide level, temperature, and relative humidity. The original EC model allows changes in light energy but uses a less accurate linear approximation. The simulation outputs of the new MEC models for constant nominal environmental conditions are very similar to those of earlier EC models that use parameters produced by the TLEC models. There are a few differences. The new MEC models allow setting the time for seed emergence, have realistic exponential canopy growth, and have corrected harvest dates for potato and tomato. The new MEC models indicate that the maximum edible biomass per meter squared per day is produced at the maximum allowed carbon dioxide level, the nominal temperatures, and the maximum light input. Reducing the carbon dioxide level from the maximum to the minimum allowed in the model reduces crop production significantly. Increasing temperature decreases production more than it decreases the time to harvest, so productivity in edible biomass per meter squared per day is greater at nominal than maximum temperatures, The productivity in edible biomass per meter squared per day is greatest at the maximum light energy input allowed in the model, but the edible biomass produced per light energy input unit is lower than at nominal light levels. Reducing light levels increases light and power use efficiency. The MEC models suggest we can adjust the light energy day-to- day to accommodate power shortages or Lise excess power while monitoring and controlling edible biomass production.

  11. Time course of the effects of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate in two phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials in adults with binge-eating disorder.

    PubMed

    McElroy, Susan L; Hudson, James I; Gasior, Maria; Herman, Barry K; Radewonuk, Jana; Wilfley, Denise; Busner, Joan

    2017-08-01

    This study examined the time course of efficacy-related endpoints for lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (LDX) versus placebo in adults with protocol-defined moderate to severe binge-eating disorder (BED). In two 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies, adults meeting DSM-IV-TR BED criteria were randomized 1:1 to receive placebo or dose-optimized LDX (50 or 70 mg). Analyses across visits used mixed-effects models for repeated measures (binge eating days/week, binge eating episodes/week, Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale modified for Binge Eating [Y-BOCS-BE] scores, percentage body weight change) and chi-square tests (Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement [CGI-I; from the perspective of BED symptoms] scale dichotomized as improved or not improved). These analyses were not part of the prespecified testing strategy, so reported p values are nominal (unadjusted and descriptive only). Least squares mean treatment differences for change from baseline in both studies favored LDX over placebo (all nominal p values <  .001) starting at Week 1 for binge eating days/week, binge-eating episodes/week, and percentage weight change and at the first posttreatment assessment (Week 4) for Y-BOCS-BE total and domain scores. On the CGI-I, more participants on LDX than placebo were categorized as improved starting at Week 1 in both studies (both nominal p values <  .001). Across these efficacy-related endpoints, the superiority of LDX over placebo was maintained at each posttreatment assessment in both studies (all nominal p values <  .001). In adults with BED, LDX treatment appeared to be associated with improvement on efficacy measures as early as 1 week, which was maintained throughout the 12-week studies. © 2017 The Authors International Journal of Eating Disorders Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  12. A Social Media-Based Acute Alcohol Consumption Behavior (NekNomination): Case Series in Italian Emergency Departments.

    PubMed

    Barbieri, Stefania; Feltracco, Paolo; Lucchetta, Vittorio; Gaudio, Rosa Maria; Tredese, Alberto; Bergamini, Mauro; Vettore, Gianna; Pietrantonio, Vincenzo; Avato, Francesco Maria; Donato, Daniele; Boemo, Deris Gianni; Nesoti, Maria Vittoria; Snenghi, Rossella

    2018-01-31

    NekNomination, also known as NekNominate, Neck and Nominate, or Neck Nomination, is a social network-based drinking game which is thought to have originated in Australia and spread all over the world between 2013 and 2014. Individuals record videos of themselves while rapidly drinking excessive quantities of alcoholic drinks (necking) and then nominate friends to outdo them within 24 hours; the videos are then posted on social media such as Facebook or YouTube. The consequences of this drinking game have been very dangerous; at least 5 people under age 30 years have died after drinking deadly cocktails, and many others have suffered from alcohol intoxication. The goal of the research is to evaluate data about clinically important acute alcohol intoxication among teenagers and young adults and inform and educate the general public, especially parents, teachers, and health workers, about the spreading craze of dangerous Internet-related behavior among today's teenagers and young people up to the age of 23 years. Patients aged 15 to 23 years with acute alcohol intoxication who came to the emergency department (ED) of 2 major hospitals in Italy from January 1, 2011, to June 30, 2014, were included in this study. Data were retrieved from prehospital and intrahospital medical records and included personal information, methods of intoxication, triage color code, date and time of access to the ED, any relevant signs and symptoms, blood alcohol concentration, and diagnosis at discharge. A total of 450 young patients (male 277/450, 61.5%, female 173/450, 38.5%; age 15 to 16 years 15/450, 3.3%, age 17 to 18 years 184/450, 40.9%, age 19 to 23 years 251/450, 55.8%) were recruited. The causes of intoxication were happy hour, binge drinking, NekNominate, eyeballing, other alcoholic games, or a mix of them. Happy hour was found to be more common among the older patients, whereas NekNominate accounted for almost half of the youngest group of hospitalizations. Eyeballing occurred in 1.6% (7/450) of cases; binge drinking and other alcoholic games caused 23.3% (105/450) and 23.8% (107/450) of hospitalizations, respectively. On admission, 44.2% (199/450) of patients were assigned a red or yellow color code requiring immediate medical attention; about 14% of them required additional medical assistance (after being in the ED) or hospitalization, some in semi-intensive care units. Our study shows that the increased numbers of hospitalizations due to alcohol intoxication in the adolescent age group, as a consequence of NekNominate or other drinking games, is alarming and represents a serious public health issue. The potential markers of improper use of social networks must be clearly identified, including categories at risk of alcohol abuse, in order to develop intervention and prevention strategies in terms of education and awareness, which may help in averting potentially fatal episodes. ©Stefania Barbieri, Paolo Feltracco, Vittorio Lucchetta, Rosa Maria Gaudio, Alberto Tredese, Mauro Bergamini, Gianna Vettore, Vincenzo Pietrantonio, Francesco Maria Avato, Daniele Donato, Deris Gianni Boemo, Maria Vittoria Nesoti, Rossella Snenghi. Originally published in the Interactive Journal of Medical Research (http://www.i-jmr.org/), 31.01.2018.

  13. Combining evidence and values in priority setting: testing the balance sheet method in a low-income country.

    PubMed

    Makundi, Emmanuel; Kapiriri, Lydia; Norheim, Ole Frithjof

    2007-09-24

    Procedures for priority setting need to incorporate both scientific evidence and public values. The aim of this study was to test out a model for priority setting which incorporates both scientific evidence and public values, and to explore use of evidence by a selection of stakeholders and to study reasons for the relative ranking of health care interventions in a setting of extreme resource scarcity. Systematic search for and assessment of relevant evidence for priority setting in a low-income country. Development of a balance sheet according to Eddy's explicit method. Eight group interviews (n-85), using a modified nominal group technique for eliciting individual and group rankings of a given set of health interventions. The study procedure made it possible to compare the groups' ranking before and after all the evidence was provided to participants. A rank deviation is significant if the rank order of the same intervention differed by two or more points on the ordinal scale. A comparison between the initial rank and the final rank (before deliberation) showed a rank deviation of 67%. The difference between the initial rank and the final rank after discussion and voting gave a rank deviation of 78%. Evidence-based and deliberative decision-making does change priorities significantly in an experimental setting. Our use of the balance sheet method was meant as a demonstration project, but could if properly developed be feasible for health planners, experts and health workers, although more work is needed before it can be used for laypersons.

  14. 76 FR 50753 - Agency Information Collections Activities; The Pecora Award; Application and Nomination Process

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-08-16

    ... groups that make outstanding contributions toward understanding the earth by means of remote sensing. The... motivating force behind the establishment of a program for civil remote sensing of the earth from space. The purpose of the award is to recognize individuals or groups working in the field of remote sensing of the...

  15. 75 FR 17938 - Advisory Committee on Interdisciplinary, Community-Based Linkages; Notice for Request for...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-04-08

    ... shall be made without discrimination on the basis of age, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and... women and minorities. HRSA encourages nominations of qualified candidates from these groups as well as...

  16. NEWS: Teachers' Awards 2001

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    2000-09-01

    Every year, as the result of an Education Group initiative, the UK Institute of Physics honours a small number of practising teachers in both the primary and secondary sectors. Nominations come from a variety of sources: students, pupils, head teachers, colleagues, governors, advisers, Institute branches and parents. Selection is by a panel of teachers and former teachers, people fully aware of the real work and rewards of being a teacher. To qualify for a Teacher's Award there is one basic criterion: is this person an exceptional teacher? It is not a competition, merely a wish to spotlight and celebrate the work of physics teachers in the classroom. This year nine awards were made, one for primary science and the rest for teaching physics in secondary schools and colleges. This was a higher number than in previous years and reflects the increased number of nominations received. If you know of a teacher who deserves recognition then please tell us. We are looking for teachers who inspire in their students a love of science (at the primary level) or physics (at the secondary level). We would particularly welcome more nominations from the primary sector. If you, or any of your children or relatives, can think of such a teacher then please contact Steven Chapman (Steven.Chapman@iop.org) for more details or a nomination form.

  17. Nominations sought for extractive industries committee

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Showstack, Randy

    2012-08-01

    U.S. secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced on 26 July the establishment of a national committee to guide U.S. implementation of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative. The Interior Department is seeking nominations of people interested in serving on the committee, which will be convened as a new federal advisory group. The initiative calls on governments to publicly disclose revenues from oil, gas, and mining assets and for companies to make disclosures about payments. U.S. president Barack Obama announced the commitment of the United States to participate in this initiative as part of the U.S. National Action Plan for the International Open Government Partnership.

  18. The dual role of friendship and antipathy relations in the marginalization of overweight children in their peer networks: The TRAILS Study.

    PubMed

    de la Haye, Kayla; Dijkstra, Jan Kornelis; Lubbers, Miranda J; van Rijsewijk, Loes; Stolk, Ronald

    2017-01-01

    Weight-based stigma compromises the social networks of overweight children. To date, research on the position of overweight children in their peer network has focused only on friendship relations, and not on negative relationship dimensions. This study examined how overweight was associated with relations of friendship and dislike (antipathies) in the peer group. Exponential random graph models (ERGM) were used to examine friendship and antipathy relations among overweight children and their classmates, using a sub-sample from the TRacking Adolescents' Individual Lives Survey (N = 504, M age 11.4). Findings showed that overweight children were less likely to receive friendship nominations, and were more likely to receive dislike nominations. Overweight children were also more likely than their non-overweight peers to nominate classmates that they disliked. Together, the results indicate that positive and negative peer relations are impacted by children's weight status, and are relevant to addressing the social marginalization of overweight children.

  19. Internally coated air-cooled gas turbine blading

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hsu, L.; Stevens, W. G.; Stetson, A. R.

    1979-01-01

    Ten candidate modified nickel-aluminide coatings were developed using the slip pack process. These coatings contain additives such as silicon, chromium and columbium in a nickel-aluminum coating matrix with directionally solidified MAR-M200 + Hf as the substrate alloy. Following a series of screening tests which included strain tolerance, dynamic oxidation and hot corrosion testing, the Ni-19A1-1Cb (nominal composition) coating was selected for application to the internal passages of four first-stage turbine blades. Process development results indicate that a dry pack process is suitable for internal coating application resulting in 18 percent or less reduction in air flow. Coating uniformity, based on coated air-cooled blades, was within + or - 20 percent. Test results show that the presence of additives (silicon, chromium or columbium) appeared to improve significantly the ductility of the NiA1 matrix. However, the environmental resistance of these modified nickel-aluminides were generally inferior to the simple aluminides.

  20. Effects of eddy viscosity and thermal conduction and Coriolis force in the dynamics of gravity wave driven fluctuations in the OH nightglow

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hickey, M. P.

    1988-01-01

    The chemical-dynamical model of Walterscheid et al. (1987), which describes wave-driven fluctuations in OH nightglow, was modified to include the effects of both eddy thermal conduction and viscosity, as well as the Coriolis force (with the shallow atmosphere approximation). Using the new model, calculations were performed for the same nominal case as used by Walterscheid et al. but with only wave periods considered. For this case, the Coriolis force was found to be unimportant at any wave period. For wave periods greater than 2 or 3 hours, the inclusion of thermal conduction alone greatly modified the results (in terms of a complex ratio 'eta' which expresses the relationship between the intensity oscillation about the time-averaged intensity and the temperature oscillation about the time-averaged temperature); this effect was reduced with the further inclusion of the eddy viscosity.

  1. Bilevel shared control for teleoperators

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hayati, Samad A. (Inventor); Venkataraman, Subramanian T. (Inventor)

    1992-01-01

    A shared system is disclosed for robot control including integration of the human and autonomous input modalities for an improved control. Autonomously planned motion trajectories are modified by a teleoperator to track unmodelled target motions, while nominal teleoperator motions are modified through compliance to accommodate geometric errors autonomously in the latter. A hierarchical shared system intelligently shares control over a remote robot between the autonomous and teleoperative portions of an overall control system. Architecture is hierarchical, and consists of two levels. The top level represents the task level, while the bottom, the execution level. In space applications, the performance of pure teleoperation systems depend significantly on the communication time delays between the local and the remote sites. Selection/mixing matrices are provided with entries which reflect how each input's signals modality is weighted. The shared control minimizes the detrimental effects caused by these time delays between earth and space.

  2. Smooth integral sliding mode controller for the position control of Stewart platform.

    PubMed

    Kumar P, Ramesh; Chalanga, Asif; Bandyopadhyay, B

    2015-09-01

    This paper proposes the application of a new algorithm for the position control of a Stewart platform. The conventional integral sliding mode controller is a combination of nominal control and discontinuous feedback control hence the overall control is discontinuous in nature. The discontinuity in the feedback control is undesirable for practical applications due to chattering which causes the wear and tear of the mechanical actuators. In this paper the existing integral sliding mode control law for systems with matched disturbances is modified by replacing the discontinuous part by a continuous modified twisting control. This proposed controller is continuous in nature due to the combinations of two continuous controls. The desired position of the platform has been achieved using the proposed controller even in the presence of matched disturbances. The effectiveness of the proposed controller has been proved with the simulation results. Copyright © 2015 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  3. The Use of the Delphi and Other Consensus Group Methods in Medical Education Research: A Review.

    PubMed

    Humphrey-Murto, Susan; Varpio, Lara; Wood, Timothy J; Gonsalves, Carol; Ufholz, Lee-Anne; Mascioli, Kelly; Wang, Carol; Foth, Thomas

    2017-10-01

    Consensus group methods, such as the Delphi method and nominal group technique (NGT), are used to synthesize expert opinions when evidence is lacking. Despite their extensive use, these methods are inconsistently applied. Their use in medical education research has not been well studied. The authors set out to describe the use of consensus methods in medical education research and to assess the reporting quality of these methods and results. Using scoping review methods, the authors searched the Medline, Embase, PsycInfo, PubMed, Scopus, and ERIC databases for 2009-2016. Full-text articles that focused on medical education and the keywords Delphi, RAND, NGT, or other consensus group methods were included. A standardized extraction form was used to collect article demographic data and features reflecting methodological rigor. Of the articles reviewed, 257 met the inclusion criteria. The Modified Delphi (105/257; 40.8%), Delphi (91/257; 35.4%), and NGT (23/257; 8.9%) methods were most often used. The most common study purpose was curriculum development or reform (68/257; 26.5%), assessment tool development (55/257; 21.4%), and defining competencies (43/257; 16.7%). The reporting quality varied, with 70.0% (180/257) of articles reporting a literature review, 27.2% (70/257) reporting what background information was provided to participants, 66.1% (170/257) describing the number of participants, 40.1% (103/257) reporting if private decisions were collected, 37.7% (97/257) reporting if formal feedback of group ratings was shared, and 43.2% (111/257) defining consensus a priori. Consensus methods are poorly standardized and inconsistently used in medical education research. Improved criteria for reporting are needed.

  4. Understanding neighborhood environment related to Hong Kong children's physical activity: a qualitative study using nominal group technique.

    PubMed

    He, Gang; Cerin, Ester; Huang, Wendy Y; Wong, Stephen H

    2014-01-01

    Relationships between the neighborhood environment and children's physical activity have been well documented in Western countries but are less investigated in ultra-dense Asian cities. The aim of this study was to identify the environmental facilitators and barriers of physical activity behaviors among Hong Kong Chinese children using nominal group technique. Five nominal groups were conducted among 34 children aged 10-11 years from four types of neighborhoods varying in socio-economic status and walkability in Hong Kong. Environmental factors were generated by children in response to the question "What neighborhood environments do you think would increase or decrease your willingness to do physical activity?" Factors were prioritized in order of their importance to children's physical activity. Sixteen unique environmental factors, which were perceived as the most important to children's physical activity, were identified. Factors perceived as physical activity-facilitators included "Sufficient lighting", "Bridge or tunnel", "Few cars on roads", "Convenient transportation", "Subway station", "Recreation grounds", "Shopping malls with air conditioning", "Fresh air", "Interesting animals", and "Perfume shop". Factors perceived as physical activity-barriers included "People who make me feel unsafe", "Crimes nearby", "Afraid of being taken or hurt at night", "Hard to find toilet in shopping mall", "Too much noise", and "Too many people in recreation grounds". Specific physical activity-related environmental facilitators and barriers, which are unique in an ultra-dense city, were identified by Hong Kong children. These initial findings can inform future examinations of the physical activity-environment relationship among children in Hong Kong and similar Asian cities.

  5. Hybrid adaptive ascent flight control for a flexible launch vehicle

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lefevre, Brian D.

    For the purpose of maintaining dynamic stability and improving guidance command tracking performance under off-nominal flight conditions, a hybrid adaptive control scheme is selected and modified for use as a launch vehicle flight controller. This architecture merges a model reference adaptive approach, which utilizes both direct and indirect adaptive elements, with a classical dynamic inversion controller. This structure is chosen for a number of reasons: the properties of the reference model can be easily adjusted to tune the desired handling qualities of the spacecraft, the indirect adaptive element (which consists of an online parameter identification algorithm) continually refines the estimates of the evolving characteristic parameters utilized in the dynamic inversion, and the direct adaptive element (which consists of a neural network) augments the linear feedback signal to compensate for any nonlinearities in the vehicle dynamics. The combination of these elements enables the control system to retain the nonlinear capabilities of an adaptive network while relying heavily on the linear portion of the feedback signal to dictate the dynamic response under most operating conditions. To begin the analysis, the ascent dynamics of a launch vehicle with a single 1st stage rocket motor (typical of the Ares 1 spacecraft) are characterized. The dynamics are then linearized with assumptions that are appropriate for a launch vehicle, so that the resulting equations may be inverted by the flight controller in order to compute the control signals necessary to generate the desired response from the vehicle. Next, the development of the hybrid adaptive launch vehicle ascent flight control architecture is discussed in detail. Alterations of the generic hybrid adaptive control architecture include the incorporation of a command conversion operation which transforms guidance input from quaternion form (as provided by NASA) to the body-fixed angular rate commands needed by the hybrid adaptive flight controller, development of a Newton's method based online parameter update that is modified to include a step size which regulates the rate of change in the parameter estimates, comparison of the modified Newton's method and recursive least squares online parameter update algorithms, modification of the neural network's input structure to accommodate for the nature of the nonlinearities present in a launch vehicle's ascent flight, examination of both tracking error based and modeling error based neural network weight update laws, and integration of feedback filters for the purpose of preventing harmful interaction between the flight control system and flexible structural modes. To validate the hybrid adaptive controller, a high-fidelity Ares I ascent flight simulator and a classical gain-scheduled proportional-integral-derivative (PID) ascent flight controller were obtained from the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. The classical PID flight controller is used as a benchmark when analyzing the performance of the hybrid adaptive flight controller. Simulations are conducted which model both nominal and off-nominal flight conditions with structural flexibility of the vehicle either enabled or disabled. First, rigid body ascent simulations are performed with the hybrid adaptive controller under nominal flight conditions for the purpose of selecting the update laws which drive the indirect and direct adaptive components. With the neural network disabled, the results revealed that the recursive least squares online parameter update caused high frequency oscillations to appear in the engine gimbal commands. This is highly undesirable for long and slender launch vehicles, such as the Ares I, because such oscillation of the rocket nozzle could excite unstable structural flex modes. In contrast, the modified Newton's method online parameter update produced smooth control signals and was thus selected for use in the hybrid adaptive launch vehicle flight controller. In the simulations where the online parameter identification algorithm was disabled, the tracking error based neural network weight update law forced the network's output to diverge despite repeated reductions of the adaptive learning rate. As a result, the modeling error based neural network weight update law (which generated bounded signals) is utilized by the hybrid adaptive controller in all subsequent simulations. Comparing the PID and hybrid adaptive flight controllers under nominal flight conditions in rigid body ascent simulations showed that their tracking error magnitudes are similar for a period of time during the middle of the ascent phase. Though the PID controller performs better for a short interval around the 20 second mark, the hybrid adaptive controller performs far better from roughly 70 to 120 seconds. Elevating the aerodynamic loads by increasing the force and moment coefficients produced results very similar to the nominal case. However, applying a 5% or 10% thrust reduction to the first stage rocket motor causes the tracking error magnitude observed by the PID controller to be significantly elevated and diverge rapidly as the simulation concludes. In contrast, the hybrid adaptive controller steadily maintains smaller errors (often less than 50% of the corresponding PID value). Under the same sets of flight conditions with flexibility enabled, the results exhibit similar trends with the hybrid adaptive controller performing even better in each case. Again, the reduction of the first stage rocket motor's thrust clearly illustrated the superior robustness of the hybrid adaptive flight controller.

  6. Wind tunnel tests of modified cross, hemisflo, and disk-gap-band parachutes with emphasis in the transonic range

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Foughner, J. T., Jr.; Alexander, W. C.

    1974-01-01

    Transonic wind-tunnel studies were conducted with modified cross, hemisflo, and disk-gap-band parachute models in the wake of a cone-cylinder shape forebody. The basic cross design was modified with the addition of a circumferential constraining band at the lower edge of the canopy panels. The tests covered a Mach number range of 0.3 to 1.2 and a dynamic pressure range from 479 Newtons per square meter to 5746 Newtons per square meter. The parachute models were flexible textile-type structures and were tethered to a rigid forebody with a single flexible riser. Different size models of the modified cross and disk-gap-band canopies were tested to evaluate scale effects. Model reference diameters were 0.30, 0.61, and 1.07 meters (1.0, 2.0, and 3.5 ft) for the modified cross; and nominal diameters of 0.25 and 0.52 meter (0.83 and 1.7 ft) for the disk-gap-band; and 0.55 meter (1.8 ft) for the hemisflo. Reefing information is presented for the 0.61-meter-diameter cross and the 0.52-meter-diameter disk-gap-band. Results are presented in the form of the variation of steady-state average drag coefficient with Mach number. General stability characteristics of each parachute are discussed. Included are comments on canopy coning, spinning, and fluttering motions.

  7. Improving the Yule-Nielsen modified Neugebauer model by dot surface coverages depending on the ink superposition conditions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hersch, Roger David; Crété, Frédérique

    2004-12-01

    Dot gain is different when dots are printed alone, printed in superposition with one ink or printed in superposition with two inks. In addition, the dot gain may also differ depending on which solid ink the considered halftone layer is superposed. In a previous research project, we developed a model for computing the effective surface coverage of a dot according to its superposition conditions. In the present contribution, we improve the Yule-Nielsen modified Neugebauer model by integrating into it our effective dot surface coverage computation model. Calibration of the reproduction curves mapping nominal to effective surface coverages in every superposition condition is carried out by fitting effective dot surfaces which minimize the sum of square differences between the measured reflection density spectra and reflection density spectra predicted according to the Yule-Nielsen modified Neugebauer model. In order to predict the reflection spectrum of a patch, its known nominal surface coverage values are converted into effective coverage values by weighting the contributions from different reproduction curves according to the weights of the contributing superposition conditions. We analyze the colorimetric prediction improvement brought by our extended dot surface coverage model for clustered-dot offset prints, thermal transfer prints and ink-jet prints. The color differences induced by the differences between measured reflection spectra and reflection spectra predicted according to the new dot surface estimation model are quantified on 729 different cyan, magenta, yellow patches covering the full color gamut. As a reference, these differences are also computed for the classical Yule-Nielsen modified spectral Neugebauer model incorporating a single halftone reproduction curve for each ink. Taking into account dot surface coverages according to different superposition conditions considerably improves the predictions of the Yule-Nielsen modified Neugebauer model. In the case of offset prints, the mean difference between predictions and measurements expressed in CIE-LAB CIE-94 ΔE94 values is reduced at 100 lpi from 1.54 to 0.90 (accuracy improvement factor: 1.7) and at 150 lpi it is reduced from 1.87 to 1.00 (accuracy improvement factor: 1.8). Similar improvements have been observed for a thermal transfer printer at 600 dpi, at lineatures of 50 and 75 lpi. In the case of an ink-jet printer at 600 dpi, the mean ΔE94 value is reduced at 75 lpi from 3.03 to 0.90 (accuracy improvement factor: 3.4) and at 100 lpi from 3.08 to 0.91 (accuracy improvement factor: 3.4).

  8. Improving the Yule-Nielsen modified Neugebauer model by dot surface coverages depending on the ink superposition conditions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hersch, Roger David; Crete, Frederique

    2005-01-01

    Dot gain is different when dots are printed alone, printed in superposition with one ink or printed in superposition with two inks. In addition, the dot gain may also differ depending on which solid ink the considered halftone layer is superposed. In a previous research project, we developed a model for computing the effective surface coverage of a dot according to its superposition conditions. In the present contribution, we improve the Yule-Nielsen modified Neugebauer model by integrating into it our effective dot surface coverage computation model. Calibration of the reproduction curves mapping nominal to effective surface coverages in every superposition condition is carried out by fitting effective dot surfaces which minimize the sum of square differences between the measured reflection density spectra and reflection density spectra predicted according to the Yule-Nielsen modified Neugebauer model. In order to predict the reflection spectrum of a patch, its known nominal surface coverage values are converted into effective coverage values by weighting the contributions from different reproduction curves according to the weights of the contributing superposition conditions. We analyze the colorimetric prediction improvement brought by our extended dot surface coverage model for clustered-dot offset prints, thermal transfer prints and ink-jet prints. The color differences induced by the differences between measured reflection spectra and reflection spectra predicted according to the new dot surface estimation model are quantified on 729 different cyan, magenta, yellow patches covering the full color gamut. As a reference, these differences are also computed for the classical Yule-Nielsen modified spectral Neugebauer model incorporating a single halftone reproduction curve for each ink. Taking into account dot surface coverages according to different superposition conditions considerably improves the predictions of the Yule-Nielsen modified Neugebauer model. In the case of offset prints, the mean difference between predictions and measurements expressed in CIE-LAB CIE-94 ΔE94 values is reduced at 100 lpi from 1.54 to 0.90 (accuracy improvement factor: 1.7) and at 150 lpi it is reduced from 1.87 to 1.00 (accuracy improvement factor: 1.8). Similar improvements have been observed for a thermal transfer printer at 600 dpi, at lineatures of 50 and 75 lpi. In the case of an ink-jet printer at 600 dpi, the mean ΔE94 value is reduced at 75 lpi from 3.03 to 0.90 (accuracy improvement factor: 3.4) and at 100 lpi from 3.08 to 0.91 (accuracy improvement factor: 3.4).

  9. 78 FR 14090 - EPA Office of External Affairs and Environmental Education; Request for Nominations of Candidates...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-03-04

    ... men of all racial and ethnic groups. DATES: Applications should be submitted by March 25, 2013 per... players who demonstrate strong analytical, communication and writing skills. How to Submit Applications...

  10. An Investigation of Detect, Practice, and Repair to Remedy Math-Fact Deficits in a Group of Third-Grade Students

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Poncy, Brian C.; Skinner, Christopher H.; Axtell, Philip K.

    2010-01-01

    A multiple-probe-across-problem-sets (tasks) design was used to evaluate the effects of the Detect, Practice, and Repair (DPR) on multiplication-fact fluency development in seven third-grade students nominated by their teacher as needing remediation. DPR is a multicomponent intervention and begins with a group-administered, metronome-paced…

  11. Evaluating a blended-learning course taught to different groups of learners in a dental school.

    PubMed

    Pahinis, Kimon; Stokes, Christopher W; Walsh, Trevor F; Cannavina, Giuseppe

    2007-02-01

    The purpose of this study was to present and evaluate a blended-learning course developed for undergraduate (B.D.S.), postgraduate, and diploma (hygiene and therapy) students at the University of Sheffield School of Clinical Dentistry. Blended learning is the integration of classroom face-to-face learning with online learning. The overall methodology used for this study was action research. The data were collected using three processes: questionnaires to collect contextual data from the students taking the course; a student-led, nominal group technique to collect group data from the participants; and a non-participant observer technique to record the context in which certain group and individual behaviors occurred. The online component of the course was accepted as a valuable resource by 65 percent of those responding. While online information-sharing occurred (31 percent of the students posted in forums), there was no evidence of online collaboration, with only 8 percent replying to forum postings. Accessibility of the online environment was one of the main concerns of the students at the nominal group sessions. Differences regarding overall engagement with the course between the student groups (years) were observed during the sessions. The majority of the students were satisfied with the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) course. No statistically significant differences between males and females were found, but there were differences between different student cohorts (year groups).

  12. The development of the PARENTS: a tool for parents to assess residents' non-technical skills in pediatric emergency departments.

    PubMed

    Moreau, Katherine A; Eady, Kaylee; Tang, Kenneth; Jabbour, Mona; Frank, Jason R; Campbell, Meaghan; Hamstra, Stanley J

    2017-11-14

    Parents can assess residents' non-technical skills (NTS) in pediatric emergency departments (EDs). There are no assessment tools, with validity evidence, for parental use in pediatric EDs. The purpose of this study was to develop the Parents' Assessment of Residents Enacting Non-Technical Skills (PARENTS) educational assessment tool and collect three sources of validity evidence (i.e., content, response process, internal structure) for it. We established content evidence for the PARENTS through interviews with physician-educators and residents, focus groups with parents, a literature review, and a modified nominal group technique with experts. We collected response process evidence through cognitive interviews with parents. To examine the internal structure evidence, we administered the PARENTS and performed exploratory factor analysis. Initially, a 20-item PARENTS was developed. Cognitive interviews led to the removal of one closed-ended item, the addition of resident photographs, and wording/formatting changes. Thirty-seven residents and 434 parents participated in the administration of the resulting 19-item PARENTS. Following factor analysis, a one-factor model prevailed. The study presents initial validity evidence for the PARENTS. It also highlights strategies for potentially: (a) involving parents in the assessment of residents, (b) improving the assessment of NTS in pediatric EDs, and (c) capturing parents' perspectives to improve the preparation of future physicians.

  13. Associations of medical student personality and health/wellness characteristics with their medical school performance across the curriculum.

    PubMed

    Haight, Scott J; Chibnall, John T; Schindler, Debra L; Slavin, Stuart J

    2012-04-01

    To assess the relationships of cognitive and noncognitive performance predictors to medical student preclinical and clinical performance indicators across medical school years 1 to 3 and to evaluate the association of psychological health/wellness factors with performance. In 2010, the authors conducted a cross-sectional, correlational, retrospective study of all 175 students at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine who had just completed their third (first clinical) year. Students were asked to complete assessments of personality, stress, anxiety, depression, social support, and community cohesion. Performance measures included total Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) score, preclinical academic grades, National Board of Medical Examiners subject exam scores, United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 score, clinical evaluations, and Humanism in Medicine Honor Society nominations. A total of 152 students (87%) participated. MCAT scores predicted cognitive performance indicators (academic tests), whereas personality variables (conscientiousness, extraversion, empathy) predicted noncognitive indicators (clinical evaluations, humanism nominations). Conscientiousness predicted all clinical skills, extraversion predicted clinical skills reflecting interpersonal behavior, and empathy predicted motivation. Health/wellness variables had limited associations with performance. In multivariate analyses that included control for shelf exam scores, conscientiousness predicted clinical evaluations, and extraversion and empathy predicted humanism nominations. This study identified two sets of skills (cognitive, noncognitive) used during medical school, with minimal overlap across the types of performance (e.g., exam performance versus clinical interpersonal skills) they predict. Medical school admission and evaluation efforts may need to be modified to reflect the importance of personality and other noncognitive factors.

  14. Reexamination of the Classical View of how Drag-Reducing Polymer Solutions Modify the Mean Velocity Profile: Baseline Results

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Farsiani, Yasaman; Baade, Jacquelyne; Elbing, Brian

    2016-11-01

    Recent numerical and experimental data have shown that the classical view of how drag-reducing polymer solutions modify the mean turbulent velocity profile is incorrect. The classical view is that the log-region is unmodified from the traditional law-of-the-wall for Newtonian fluids, though shifted outward. Thus the current study reexamines the modified velocity distribution and its dependence on flow and polymer properties. Based on previous work it is expected that the behavior will depend on the Reynolds number, Weissenberg number, ratio of solvent viscosity to the zero-shear viscosity, and the ratio between the coiled and fully extended polymer chain lengths. The long-term objective for this study includes a parametric study to assess the velocity profile sensitivity to each of these parameters. This study will be performed using a custom design water tunnel, which has a test section that is 1 m long with a 15.2 cm square cross section and a nominal speed range of 1 to 10 m/s. The current presentation focuses on baseline (non-polymeric) measurements of the velocity distribution using PIV, which will be used for comparison of the polymer modified results. Preliminary polymeric results will also be presented. This work was supported by NSF Grant 1604978.

  15. Experimental and analytical investigation of a modified ring cusp NSTAR engine

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Sengupta, Anita

    2005-01-01

    A series of experimental measurements on a modified laboratory NSTAR engine were used to validate a zero dimensional analytical discharge performance model of a ring cusp ion thruster. The model predicts the discharge performance of a ring cusp NSTAR thruster as a function the magnetic field configuration, thruster geometry, and throttle level. Analytical formalisms for electron and ion confinement are used to predict the ionization efficiency for a given thruster design. Explicit determination of discharge loss and volume averaged plasma parameters are also obtained. The model was used to predict the performance of the nominal and modified three and four ring cusp 30-cm ion thruster configurations operating at the full power (2.3 kW) NSTAR throttle level. Experimental measurements of the modified engine configuration discharge loss compare well with the predicted value for propellant utilizations from 80 to 95%. The theory, as validated by experiment, indicates that increasing the magnetic strength of the minimum closed reduces maxwellian electron diffusion and electrostatically confines the ion population and subsequent loss to the anode wall. The theory also indicates that increasing the cusp strength and minimizing the cusp area improves primary electron confinement increasing the probability of an ionization collision prior to loss at the cusp.

  16. A comparison of two multi-variable integrator windup protection schemes

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mattern, Duane

    1993-01-01

    Two methods are examined for limit and integrator wind-up protection for multi-input, multi-output linear controllers subject to actuator constraints. The methods begin with an existing linear controller that satisfies the specifications for the nominal, small perturbation, linear model of the plant. The controllers are formulated to include an additional contribution to the state derivative calculations. The first method to be examined is the multi-variable version of the single-input, single-output, high gain, Conventional Anti-Windup (CAW) scheme. Except for the actuator limits, the CAW scheme is linear. The second scheme to be examined, denoted the Modified Anti-Windup (MAW) scheme, uses a scalar to modify the magnitude of the controller output vector while maintaining the vector direction. The calculation of the scalar modifier is a nonlinear function of the controller outputs and the actuator limits. In both cases the constrained actuator is tracked. These two integrator windup protection methods are demonstrated on a turbofan engine control system with five measurements, four control variables, and four actuators. The closed-loop responses of the two schemes are compared and contrasted during limit operation. The issue of maintaining the direction of the controller output vector using the Modified Anti-Windup scheme is discussed and the advantages and disadvantages of both of the IWP methods are presented.

  17. Perception Measurement in Clinical Trials of Schizophrenia: Promising Paradigms From CNTRICS

    PubMed Central

    Green, Michael F.; Butler, Pamela D.; Chen, Yue; Geyer, Mark A.; Silverstein, Steven; Wynn, Jonathan K.; Yoon, Jong H.; Zemon, Vance

    2009-01-01

    The third meeting of the Cognitive Neuroscience Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia (CNTRICS) focused on selecting promising measures for each of the cognitive constructs selected in the first CNTRICS meeting. In the domain of perception, the 2 constructs of interest were gain control and visual integration. CNTRICS received 5 task nominations for gain control and three task nominations for visual integration. The breakout group for perception evaluated the degree to which each of these tasks met prespecified criteria. For gain control, the breakout group for perception believed that 2 of the tasks (prepulse inhibition of startle and mismatch negativity) were already mature and in the process of being incorporated into multisite clinical trials. However, the breakout group recommended that steady-state visual-evoked potentials be combined with contrast sensitivity to magnocellular vs parvocellular biased stimuli and that this combined task and the contrast-contrast effect task be recommended for translation for use in clinical trial contexts in schizophrenia research. For visual integration, the breakout group recommended the Contour Integration and Coherent Motion tasks for translation for use in clinical trials. This manuscript describes the ways in which each of these tasks met the criteria used by the breakout group to evaluate and recommend tasks for further development. PMID:19023123

  18. Physiological Anatomical Rodent Experiment (PARE) .04 feasibility test 2

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Burden, Hubert W.

    1994-01-01

    The objective of this feasibility study was to subject pregnant rats of the same age, strain, and size that will be utilized in a shuttle flight experiment to all flight conditions except the unique microgravity of space flight and determine the feasibility of the proposed experimental design to meet the experimental objectives. The study utilized facilities at NASA, Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA to subject the rats to the gravitational stresses of a simulated shuttle launch and simulated shuttle landing. One hundred pregnant rats were received on gestation day (G) 2 (day 1 = day of vaginal sperm) and on G7, eighty rats were laparotomized to determine the condition of pregnancy and allow assignment to test groups. The five test groups (N=10 each group) were as follows: Group 1, Nominal Flight; Group 2, Laparotomy Control; Group 3, Hysterectomy Control; Group 4, Vivarium Control; Group 5, Delayed Recovery. On G9, animals in groups 1,2,3, and 5 were subjected to a shuttle launch simulation. On G18, groups 1,2, and 3 were subjected to a shuttle landing simulation and on this same day groups 1 and 2 were subjected to unilateral hysterectomy to obtain fetuses and placentas for evaluation. Fetal crown-rump length and fetal weight of the Nominal Flight group was significantly less than the Laparotomy Control group, but placentas were similar. On G20, group 5 was subjected to a shuttle landing simulation and on this day this group received a unilateral hysterectomy and fetuses and placentas were weighed. Animals in all groups were allowed to go to term and all animals delivered between 06:00 hours G22 and 18:00 hours G23. After delivery, a blood sample was taken from each experimental dam, and they were euthanized and the thymus and adrenal glands weighed. The thymus weight from all experimental group dams was decreased relative to the Vivarium Control group but adrenal glands and hormone values in dam plasma was similar in all groups. Pups from experimental groups were tattooed for identification, the anogenital distance of male pups was measured, and all pups placed with foster dams and litter sizes were standardized to 10. There was no difference in anogenital distances between male pups from different test groups. Pups delivered from Delayed Recovery animals were smaller than pups delivered from Nominal Flight animals. On neonatal day 7, all pups were euthanized and pup adrenal glands and thymus weighed. There was no difference in weights of thymus and adrenal glands in pups euthanized at neonatal day 7. Collectively, these data confirm the feasibility of the experimental design to meet objectives of the studies proposed for shuttle flight.

  19. Thermal Model Predictions of Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator Performance

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wang, Xiao-Yen J.; Fabanich, William Anthony; Schmitz, Paul C.

    2014-01-01

    This paper presents recent thermal model results of the Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator (ASRG). The three-dimensional (3D) ASRG thermal power model was built using the Thermal Desktop(trademark) thermal analyzer. The model was correlated with ASRG engineering unit test data and ASRG flight unit predictions from Lockheed Martin's (LM's) I-deas(trademark) TMG thermal model. The auxiliary cooling system (ACS) of the ASRG is also included in the ASRG thermal model. The ACS is designed to remove waste heat from the ASRG so that it can be used to heat spacecraft components. The performance of the ACS is reported under nominal conditions and during a Venus flyby scenario. The results for the nominal case are validated with data from Lockheed Martin. Transient thermal analysis results of ASRG for a Venus flyby with a representative trajectory are also presented. In addition, model results of an ASRG mounted on a Cassini-like spacecraft with a sunshade are presented to show a way to mitigate the high temperatures of a Venus flyby. It was predicted that the sunshade can lower the temperature of the ASRG alternator by 20 C for the representative Venus flyby trajectory. The 3D model also was modified to predict generator performance after a single Advanced Stirling Convertor failure. The geometry of the Microtherm HT insulation block on the outboard side was modified to match deformation and shrinkage observed during testing of a prototypic ASRG test fixture by LM. Test conditions and test data were used to correlate the model by adjusting the thermal conductivity of the deformed insulation to match the post-heat-dump steady state temperatures. Results for these conditions showed that the performance of the still-functioning inboard ACS was unaffected.

  20. Development and evaluation of a gas chromatographic method for the determination of triazine herbicides in natural water samples

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Steinheimer, T.R.; Brooks, M.G.

    1984-01-01

    A multi-residue method is described for the determination of triazine herbicides in natural water samples. The technique uses solvent extraction followed by gas chromatographic separation and detection employing nitrogen-selective devices. Seven compounds can be determined simultaneously at a nominal detection limit of 0.1 ??g/L in a 1-litre sample. Three different natural water samples were used for error analysis via evaluation of recovery efficiencies and estimation of overall method precision. As an alternative to liquid-liquid partition (solvent extraction) for removal of compounds of interest from water, solid-phase extraction (SPE) techniques employing chromatographic grade silicas with chemically modified surfaces have been examined. SPE is found to provide rapid and efficient concentration with quantitative recovery of some triazine herbicides from natural water samples. Concentration factors of 500 to 1000 times are obtained readily by the SPE technique.A multi-residue method is described for the determination of triazine herbicides in natural water samples. The technique uses solvent extraction followed by gas chromatographic separation and detection employing nitrogen-selective devices. Seven compounds can be determined simultaneously at a nominal detection limit of 0. 1 mu g/L in a 1-litre sample. As an alternative to liquid-liquid partition (solvent extraction) for removal of compounds of interest from water, solid-phase extraction (SPE) techniques employing chromatographic grade silicas with chemically modified surfaces have been examined. SPE is found to provide rapid and efficient concentration with quantitative recovery of some triazine herbicides from natural water samples. Concentration factors of 500 to 1000 times are obtained readily by the SPE technique.

  1. Identifying the needs of critical and acute cardiac care nurses within the first two years of practice in Egypt using a nominal group technique.

    PubMed

    Gorman, Linda L; McDowell, Joan R S

    2018-01-01

    Nursing in Egypt faces many challenges and working conditions in health care settings are generally poor. Little is known about the needs of new nurses transitioning in Egypt. The literature focuses on the first year of practice and only a small body of research has explored the transition needs within acute care speciality settings. This paper reports on the important professional needs of new graduate nurses working in an acute cardiac setting in Egypt during the first two years of practice and differences between their perceived most important needs. The total population participated and two group interviews were conducted (n = 5; n = 6) using the nominal group technique. Needs were identified and prioritised using both rankings and ratings to attain consensus. Content analysis was conducted to produce themes and enable cross-group comparison. Rating scores were standardised for comparison within and between groups. Both groups ranked and rated items as important: 1) education, training and continued professional development; 2) professional standards; 3) supportive clinical practice environment; 4) manageable work patterns, and 5) organisational structure. It is important that health care organisations are responsive to these needs to ensure support strategies reflect the priorities of new nurses transitioning in acute care hospitals within Egypt. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  2. 76 FR 18575 - Nominations of New Members to the Invasive Species Advisory Committee (ISAC)

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-04-04

    ..., outreach, and public relations experts; coordinating diverse groups of stakeholders to resolve complex... assessment, biological control of invasive species, public health/epidemiology, industry activities...., agriculture, fisheries, public utilities, recreational users, tourism, etc.); representing sectors of the...

  3. 75 FR 56667 - Facilitating Shareholder Director Nominations

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-09-16

    ... Company (``DuPont''); Eaton Corporation (``Eaton''); Michael Eng (``M. Eng''); FedEx Corporation (``FedEx... Corporation (``ExxonMobil''); FedEx; Financial Services Roundtable (``Financial Services Roundtable...; Cummins; Davis Polk; Dewey; DuPont; Eaton; M. Eng; FedEx; FMC Corp.; FPL Group; Frontier; GE; General...

  4. 78 FR 2255 - Nominations to the Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-01-10

    ... geographic balance of the Committee created by recent vacancies and encourages candidates from the Hawaii..., diverse individuals representing commercial and recreational fisheries interests, environmental... interest groups from a balance of U.S. geographical regions, including the Western Pacific and Caribbean. A...

  5. 76 FR 24464 - Federal Register Notice Requesting Nominations for the Subcommittee on Data Standardization Under...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-05-02

    ... recommendations for a standardized reference data depository representing the universe of legal and financial... individual transactions, underlying legal documents (including master agreements and credit support... agencies, industry, exchanges, academia, information technology, information systems, and groups...

  6. 77 FR 2755 - Call for Nominations for the Bureau of Land Management's California Desert District Advisory Council

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-01-19

    ... management of the public lands. The Council also is balanced geographically, and the BLM will try to [[Page... to be filled include one representative of transportation/rights-of-way groups or organizations, one...

  7. 12 CFR 711.2 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... of interest between the depository organizations. In making this determination, the appropriate... her immediate family, whose shares are necessary to constitute the group owns a nominal percentage of... includes any State or territory of the United States of America, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico...

  8. 12 CFR 711.2 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... of interest between the depository organizations. In making this determination, the appropriate... her immediate family, whose shares are necessary to constitute the group owns a nominal percentage of... includes any State or territory of the United States of America, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico...

  9. 12 CFR 711.2 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... of interest between the depository organizations. In making this determination, the appropriate... her immediate family, whose shares are necessary to constitute the group owns a nominal percentage of... includes any State or territory of the United States of America, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico...

  10. 12 CFR 711.2 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... of interest between the depository organizations. In making this determination, the appropriate... her immediate family, whose shares are necessary to constitute the group owns a nominal percentage of... includes any State or territory of the United States of America, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico...

  11. Criteria for clinical audit of the quality of hospital-based obstetric care in developing countries.

    PubMed Central

    Graham, W.; Wagaarachchi, P.; Penney, G.; McCaw-Binns, A.; Antwi, K. Y.; Hall, M. H.

    2000-01-01

    Improving the quality of obstetric care is an urgent priority in developing countries, where maternal mortality remains high. The feasibility of criterion-based clinical audit of the assessment and management of five major obstetric complications is being studied in Ghana and Jamaica. In order to establish case definitions and clinical audit criteria, a systematic review of the literature was followed by three expert panel meetings. A modified nominal group technique was used to develop consensus among experts on a final set of case definitions and criteria. Five main obstetric complications were selected and definitions were agreed. The literature review led to the identification of 67 criteria, and the panel meetings resulted in the modification and approval of 37 of these for the next stage of audit. Criterion-based audit, which has been devised and tested primarily in industrialized countries, can be adapted and applied where resources are poorer. The selection of audit criteria for such settings requires local expert opinion to be considered in addition to research evidence, so as to ensure that the criteria are realistic in relation to conditions in the field. Practical methods for achieving this are described in the present paper. PMID:10859855

  12. Ray Tracing through the Edge Focusing of Rectangular Benders and an Improved Model for the Los Alamos Proton Storage Ring

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

    Kolski, Jeffrey S.; Barlow, David B.; Macek, Robert J.

    2011-01-01

    Particle ray tracing through simulated 3D magnetic fields was executed to investigate the effective quadrupole strength of the edge focusing of the rectangular bending magnets in the Los Alamos Proton Storage Ring (PSR). The particle rays receive a kick in the edge field of the rectangular dipole. A focal length may be calculated from the particle tracking and related to the fringe field integral (FINT) model parameter. This tech note introduces the baseline lattice model of the PSR and motivates the need for an improvement in the baseline model's vertical tune prediction, which differs from measurement by .05. An improvedmore » model of the PSR is created by modifying the fringe field integral parameter to those suggested by the ray tracing investigation. This improved model is then verified against measurement at the nominal PSR operating set point and at set points far away from the nominal operating conditions. Lastly, Linear Optics from Closed Orbits (LOCO) is employed in an orbit response matrix method for model improvement to verify the quadrupole strengths of the improved model.« less

  13. Efficacy and safety of epratuzumab in patients with moderate/severe active systemic lupus erythematosus: results from EMBLEM, a phase IIb, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre study.

    PubMed

    Wallace, Daniel J; Kalunian, Kenneth; Petri, Michelle A; Strand, Vibeke; Houssiau, Frederic A; Pike, Marilyn; Kilgallen, Brian; Bongardt, Sabine; Barry, Anna; Kelley, Lexy; Gordon, Caroline

    2014-01-01

    To identify a suitable dosing regimen of the CD22-targeted monoclonal antibody epratuzumab in adults with moderately to severely active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A phase IIb, multicentre, randomised controlled study (NCT00624351) was conducted with 227 patients (37-39 per arm) receiving either: placebo, epratuzumab 200 mg cumulative dose (cd) (100 mg every other week (EOW)), 800 mg cd (400 mg EOW), 2400 mg cd (600 mg weekly), 2400 mg cd (1200 mg EOW), or 3600 mg cd (1800 mg EOW). The primary endpoint (not powered for significance) was the week 12 responder rate measured using a novel composite endpoint, the British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG)-based Combined Lupus Assessment (BICLA). Proportion of responders was higher in all epratuzumab groups than with placebo (overall treatment effect test p=0.148). Exploratory pairwise analysis demonstrated clinical improvement in patients receiving a cd of 2400 mg epratuzumab (OR for 600 mg weekly vs placebo: 3.2 (95% CI 1.1 to 8.8), nominal p=0.03; OR for 1200 mg EOW vs placebo: 2.6 (0.9 to 7.1), nominal p=0.07). Post-hoc comparison of all 2400 mg cd patients versus placebo found an overall treatment effect (OR=2.9 (1.2 to 7.1), nominal p=0.02). Incidence of adverse events (AEs), serious AEs and infusion reactions was similar between epratuzumab and placebo groups, without decreases in immunoglobulin levels and only partial reduction in B-cell levels. Treatment with epratuzumab 2400 mg cd was well tolerated in patients with moderately to severely active SLE, and associated with improvements in disease activity. Phase III studies are ongoing.

  14. PHENOTYPIC AND GENETIC HETEROGENEITY AMONG SUBJECTS WITH MILD AIRFLOW OBSTRUCTION IN COPDGENE

    PubMed Central

    Lee, Jin Hwa; Cho, Michael H.; McDonald, Merry-Lynn N.; Hersh, Craig P.; Castaldi, Peter J.; Crapo, James D.; Wan, Emily S.; Dy, Jennifer G.; Chang, Yale; Regan, Elizabeth A.; Hardin, Megan; DeMeo, Dawn L.; Silverman, Edwin K.

    2014-01-01

    Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by marked phenotypic heterogeneity. Most previous studies have focused on COPD subjects with FEV1 < 80% predicted. We investigated the clinical and genetic heterogeneity in subjects with mild airflow limitation in spirometry grade 1 defined by the Global Initiative for chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD 1). Methods Data from current and former smokers participating in the COPDGene Study (NCT00608764) were analyzed. K-means clustering was performed to explore subtypes within 794 GOLD 1 subjects. For all subjects with GOLD 1 and with each cluster, a genome-wide association study and candidate gene testing were performed using smokers with normal lung function as a control group. Combinations of COPD genome-wide significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were tested for association with FEV1 (% predicted) in GOLD 1 and in a combined group of GOLD1 and smoking control subjects. Results K-means clustering of GOLD 1 subjects identified putative “near-normal”, “airway-predominant”, “emphysema-predominant” and “lowest FEV1 % predicted” subtypes. In non-Hispanic whites, the only SNP nominally associated with GOLD 1 status relative to smoking controls was rs7671167 (FAM13A) in logistic regression models with adjustment for age, sex, pack-years of smoking, and genetic ancestry. The emphysema-predominant GOLD 1 cluster was nominally associated with rs7671167 (FAM13A) and rs161976 (BICD1). The lowest FEV1 % predicted cluster was nominally associated with rs1980057 (HHIP) and rs1051730 (CHRNA3). Combinations of COPD genome-wide significant SNPs were associated with FEV1 (% predicted) in a combined group of GOLD 1 and smoking control subjects. Conclusions Our results indicate that GOLD 1 subjects show substantial clinical heterogeneity, which is at least partially related to genetic heterogeneity. PMID:25154699

  15. Understanding Neighborhood Environment Related to Hong Kong Children’s Physical Activity: A Qualitative Study Using Nominal Group Technique

    PubMed Central

    He, Gang; Cerin, Ester; Huang, Wendy Y.; Wong, Stephen H.

    2014-01-01

    Background Relationships between the neighborhood environment and children’s physical activity have been well documented in Western countries but are less investigated in ultra-dense Asian cities. The aim of this study was to identify the environmental facilitators and barriers of physical activity behaviors among Hong Kong Chinese children using nominal group technique. Methods Five nominal groups were conducted among 34 children aged 10–11 years from four types of neighborhoods varying in socio-economic status and walkability in Hong Kong. Environmental factors were generated by children in response to the question “What neighborhood environments do you think would increase or decrease your willingness to do physical activity?” Factors were prioritized in order of their importance to children’s physical activity. Results Sixteen unique environmental factors, which were perceived as the most important to children’s physical activity, were identified. Factors perceived as physical activity-facilitators included “Sufficient lighting”, “Bridge or tunnel”, “Few cars on roads”, “Convenient transportation”, “Subway station”, “Recreation grounds”, “Shopping malls with air conditioning”, “Fresh air”, “Interesting animals”, and “Perfume shop”. Factors perceived as physical activity-barriers included “People who make me feel unsafe”, “Crimes nearby”, “Afraid of being taken or hurt at night”, “Hard to find toilet in shopping mall”, “Too much noise”, and “Too many people in recreation grounds”. Conclusions Specific physical activity-related environmental facilitators and barriers, which are unique in an ultra-dense city, were identified by Hong Kong children. These initial findings can inform future examinations of the physical activity-environment relationship among children in Hong Kong and similar Asian cities. PMID:25187960

  16. Phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity among subjects with mild airflow obstruction in COPDGene.

    PubMed

    Lee, Jin Hwa; Cho, Michael H; McDonald, Merry-Lynn N; Hersh, Craig P; Castaldi, Peter J; Crapo, James D; Wan, Emily S; Dy, Jennifer G; Chang, Yale; Regan, Elizabeth A; Hardin, Megan; DeMeo, Dawn L; Silverman, Edwin K

    2014-10-01

    Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by marked phenotypic heterogeneity. Most previous studies have focused on COPD subjects with FEV1 < 80% predicted. We investigated the clinical and genetic heterogeneity in subjects with mild airflow limitation in spirometry grade 1 defined by the Global Initiative for chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD 1). Data from current and former smokers participating in the COPDGene Study (NCT00608764) were analyzed. K-means clustering was performed to explore subtypes within 794 GOLD 1 subjects. For all subjects with GOLD 1 and with each cluster, a genome-wide association study and candidate gene testing were performed using smokers with normal lung function as a control group. Combinations of COPD genome-wide significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were tested for association with FEV1 (% predicted) in GOLD 1 and in a combined group of GOLD 1 and smoking control subjects. K-means clustering of GOLD 1 subjects identified putative "near-normal", "airway-predominant", "emphysema-predominant" and "lowest FEV1% predicted" subtypes. In non-Hispanic whites, the only SNP nominally associated with GOLD 1 status relative to smoking controls was rs7671167 (FAM13A) in logistic regression models with adjustment for age, sex, pack-years of smoking, and genetic ancestry. The emphysema-predominant GOLD 1 cluster was nominally associated with rs7671167 (FAM13A) and rs161976 (BICD1). The lowest FEV1% predicted cluster was nominally associated with rs1980057 (HHIP) and rs1051730 (CHRNA3). Combinations of COPD genome-wide significant SNPs were associated with FEV1 (% predicted) in a combined group of GOLD 1 and smoking control subjects. Our results indicate that GOLD 1 subjects show substantial clinical heterogeneity, which is at least partially related to genetic heterogeneity. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  17. 77 FR 52330 - Request for Additional Nominations of Candidates for the EPA's Science Advisory Board (SAB...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-08-29

    ... person or organization may nominate qualified persons to be considered for appointment to this advisory committee. Individuals may self-nominate. Nominations should be submitted in electronic format (preferred) following the instructions for ``Nominating Experts to the Chemical Assessment Advisory Committee'' provided...

  18. 76 FR 71561 - Request for Nominations of Candidates to the EPA's Science Advisory Board (SAB) Chemical...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-11-18

    ... nominate qualified persons to be considered for appointment to this advisory committee. Individuals may self-nominate. Nominations should be submitted in electronic format (preferred) following the instructions for ``Nominating Experts to the Chemical Assessment Advisory Committee'' provided on the SAB Web...

  19. Implications of Systematic Nominator Missingness for Peer Nomination Data

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Babcock, Ben; Marks, Peter E. L.; van den Berg, Yvonne H. M.; Cillessen, Antonius H. N.

    2018-01-01

    Missing data are a persistent problem in psychological research. Peer nomination data present a unique missing data problem, because a nominator's nonparticipation results in missing data for other individuals in the study. This study examined the range of effects of systematic nonparticipation on the correlations between peer nomination data when…

  20. Nominalizations in Spanish. Studies in Linguistics and Language Learning, Volume V.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Falk, Julia Sableski

    Using methods developed in transformational generative grammar, three types of nominal constructions in Spanish are treated in this paper: Fact nominalizations ("[El] Escribir es agradable"), Manner nominalizations ("El tocar [de la mujer] es agradable"), and Abstract noun nominalizations ("La construccion rapida de esta escuela es dudosa"). While…

  1. Multisociety task force recommendations of competencies in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine.

    PubMed

    Buckley, John D; Addrizzo-Harris, Doreen J; Clay, Alison S; Curtis, J Randall; Kotloff, Robert M; Lorin, Scott M; Murin, Susan; Sessler, Curtis N; Rogers, Paul L; Rosen, Mark J; Spevetz, Antoinette; King, Talmadge E; Malhotra, Atul; Parsons, Polly E

    2009-08-15

    Numerous accrediting organizations are calling for competency-based medical education that would help define specific specialties and serve as a foundation for ongoing assessment throughout a practitioner's career. Pulmonary Medicine and Critical Care Medicine are two distinct subspecialties, yet many individual physicians have expertise in both because of overlapping content. Establishing specific competencies for these subspecialties identifies educational goals for trainees and guides practitioners through their lifelong learning. To define specific competencies for graduates of fellowships in Pulmonary Medicine and Internal Medicine-based Critical Care. A Task Force composed of representatives from key stakeholder societies convened to identify and define specific competencies for both disciplines. Beginning with a detailed list of existing competencies from diverse sources, the Task Force categorized each item into one of six core competency headings. Each individual item was reviewed by committee members individually, in group meetings, and conference calls. Nominal group methods were used for most items to retain the views and opinions of the minority perspective. Controversial items underwent additional whole group discussions with iterative modified-Delphi techniques. Consensus was ultimately determined by a simple majority vote. The Task Force identified and defined 327 specific competencies for Internal Medicine-based Critical Care and 276 for Pulmonary Medicine, each with a designation as either: (1) relevant, but competency is not essential or (2) competency essential to the specialty. Specific competencies in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine can be identified and defined using a multisociety collaborative approach. These recommendations serve as a starting point and set the stage for future modification to facilitate maximum quality of care as the specialties evolve.

  2. Developing a pressure ulcer risk factor minimum data set and risk assessment framework.

    PubMed

    Coleman, Susanne; Nelson, E Andrea; Keen, Justin; Wilson, Lyn; McGinnis, Elizabeth; Dealey, Carol; Stubbs, Nikki; Muir, Delia; Farrin, Amanda; Dowding, Dawn; Schols, Jos M G A; Cuddigan, Janet; Berlowitz, Dan; Jude, Edward; Vowden, Peter; Bader, Dan L; Gefen, Amit; Oomens, Cees W J; Schoonhoven, Lisette; Nixon, Jane

    2014-10-01

    To agree a draft pressure ulcer risk factor Minimum Data Set to underpin the development of a new evidenced-based Risk Assessment Framework. A recent systematic review identified the need for a pressure ulcer risk factor Minimum Data Set and development and validation of an evidenced-based pressure ulcer Risk Assessment Framework. This was undertaken through the Pressure UlceR Programme Of reSEarch (RP-PG-0407-10056), funded by the National Institute for Health Research and incorporates five phases. This article reports phase two, a consensus study. Consensus study. A modified nominal group technique based on the Research and Development/University of California at Los Angeles appropriateness method. This incorporated an expert group, review of the evidence and the views of a Patient and Public Involvement service user group. Data were collected December 2010-December 2011. The risk factors and assessment items of the Minimum Data Set (including immobility, pressure ulcer and skin status, perfusion, diabetes, skin moisture, sensory perception and nutrition) were agreed. In addition, a draft Risk Assessment Framework incorporating all Minimum Data Set items was developed, comprising a two stage assessment process (screening and detailed full assessment) and decision pathways. The draft Risk Assessment Framework will undergo further design and pre-testing with clinical nurses to assess and improve its usability. It will then be evaluated in clinical practice to assess its validity and reliability. The Minimum Data Set could be used in future for large scale risk factor studies informing refinement of the Risk Assessment Framework. © 2014 The Authors. Journal of Advanced Nursing Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  3. Feasibility of a Friendship Network-Based Pediatric Obesity Intervention.

    PubMed

    Giannini, Courtney M; Irby, Megan B; Skelton, Joseph A; Gesell, Sabina B

    2017-02-01

    There is growing evidence supporting social network-based interventions for adolescents with obesity. This study's aim was to determine the feasibility of a social network-based intervention by assessing adolescents' friendship networks, willingness to involve friends in treatment, and how these factors influence enjoyment. Adolescents (N = 42) were recruited from a tertiary care obesity clinic. Participants gave a list of closest friends, friendship characteristics, and which of their friends they would involve in treatment. A subset (N = 14) participated in group treatment, were encouraged to bring friends, and invited to a second interview. Participants nominated a mean of 4.0 (standard deviation [SD] = 1.6) friends and were more likely to nominate closer friends (p = 0.003). Friends who attended group sessions were more likely to have multiple friendships in common with the participant's own network (p = 0.04). Involving friends in treatment is feasible and desired by adolescents and may be a novel approach for augmenting obesity treatment outcomes.

  4. Investigation of the /sup 234/U//sup 238/U disequilibrium in the natural waters of the Santa Fe River basin north-central Florida

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

    Briel, L.I.

    1976-01-01

    Typical surface water masses in the Santa Fe basin are characterized by a /sup 238/U concentration of 0.224 +- .014 ppB and a /sup 234/U//sup 238/U activity ratio of 1.081 +- .038. The Floridan aquifer in this area is represented by at least two distinct regimes of ground water. The effluent from the Poe Springs group has a nominal uranium concentration of 0.938 +- .014 ppB and an activity ratio of 0.900 +- .012, while the effluent from the Ichetucknee Springs group has a nominal uranium concentration of 0.558 +- .018 ppB and an activity ratio of 0.707 +- .022.more » The effluent from ten additional springs in the Santa Fe system can be represented by hypothetical mixtures of these two ground water regimes and a hypothetical surface water component, which may reflect the extent of local recharge to the aquifer in different parts of the basin.« less

  5. Compound nouns in spoken language production by speakers with aphasia compared to neurologically healthy speakers: an exploratory study.

    PubMed

    Eiesland, Eli Anne; Lind, Marianne

    2012-03-01

    Compounds are words that are made up of at least two other words (lexemes), featuring lexical and syntactic characteristics and thus particularly interesting for the study of language processing. Most studies of compounds and language processing have been based on data from experimental single word production and comprehension tasks. To enhance the ecological validity of morphological processing research, data from other contexts, such as discourse production, need to be considered. This study investigates the production of nominal compounds in semi-spontaneous spoken texts by a group of speakers with fluent types of aphasia compared to a group of neurologically healthy speakers. The speakers with aphasia produce significantly fewer nominal compound types in their texts than the non-aphasic speakers, and the compounds they produce exhibit fewer different types of semantic relations than the compounds produced by the non-aphasic speakers. The results are discussed in relation to theories of language processing.

  6. Towards high-quality, useful practice guidelines for child and youth mental health disorders: protocol for a systematic review and consensus exercise

    PubMed Central

    Bennett, Kathryn; Duda, Stephanie; Brouwers, Melissa; Szatmari, Peter; Newton, Amanda; McLennan, John; Sundar, Purnima; Cleverley, Kristin; Charach, Alice; Courtney, Darren; Rice, Maureen

    2018-01-01

    Introduction The quality of clinical practice guidelines (PGs) has not been evaluated in child and youth mental health (CYMH). To address this gap, we will: (1) conduct a systematic review (SR) to answer the question ‘among eligible PGs relevant to the prevention or treatment of CYMH conditions, which PGs meet criteria for minimum and high quality?’; (2) apply nominal group methods to create recommendations for how CYMH PG quality, completeness and usefulness can be strengthened. Methods and analysis SR: Potentially eligible PGs will be identified in 12 databases using a reproducible search strategy developed by a research librarian. Trained raters will: (1) apply prespecified criteria to identify eligible PGs relevant to depression, anxiety, suicidality, bipolar disorder, behaviour disorder (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder) and substance use disorder; (2) extract descriptive data and (3) assess PG quality using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) tool. Scores on three AGREE II domains (rigour of development, stakeholder involvement, editorial independence) will designate PGs as minimum (≥50%) or high quality (≥70%). Nominal group: Four CYMH PG knowledge user groups (clinicians, mental health service planners, youth and adult family members) will participate in structured exercises derived using nominal group methods to generate recommendations to improve PG quality, completeness and usefulness. Ethics and dissemination Ethics approval is not required. Study products will be disseminated as follows. A cross-platform website will house eligible CYMH PGs and their quality ratings. Twitter and Facebook tools will promote it to a wide variety of PG users. Data from Google Analytics, Twitonomy and Altmetrics will inform usage evaluation. Complementary educational workshops will be conducted for CYMH professionals. Print materials and journal articles will be produced. PROSPERO registration number CRD42017060738. PMID:29437752

  7. Towards high-quality, useful practice guidelines for child and youth mental health disorders: protocol for a systematic review and consensus exercise.

    PubMed

    Bennett, Kathryn; Duda, Stephanie; Brouwers, Melissa; Szatmari, Peter; Newton, Amanda; McLennan, John; Sundar, Purnima; Cleverley, Kristin; Charach, Alice; Henderson, Joanna; Courtney, Darren; Rice, Maureen

    2018-02-06

    The quality of clinical practice guidelines (PGs) has not been evaluated in child and youth mental health (CYMH). To address this gap, we will: (1) conduct a systematic review (SR) to answer the question 'among eligible PGs relevant to the prevention or treatment of CYMH conditions, which PGs meet criteria for minimum and high quality?'; (2) apply nominal group methods to create recommendations for how CYMH PG quality, completeness and usefulness can be strengthened. SR: Potentially eligible PGs will be identified in 12 databases using a reproducible search strategy developed by a research librarian. Trained raters will: (1) apply prespecified criteria to identify eligible PGs relevant to depression, anxiety, suicidality, bipolar disorder, behaviour disorder (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder) and substance use disorder; (2) extract descriptive data and (3) assess PG quality using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) tool. Scores on three AGREE II domains (rigour of development, stakeholder involvement, editorial independence) will designate PGs as minimum (≥50%) or high quality (≥70%). Nominal group: Four CYMH PG knowledge user groups (clinicians, mental health service planners, youth and adult family members) will participate in structured exercises derived using nominal group methods to generate recommendations to improve PG quality, completeness and usefulness. Ethics approval is not required. Study products will be disseminated as follows. A cross-platform website will house eligible CYMH PGs and their quality ratings. Twitter and Facebook tools will promote it to a wide variety of PG users. Data from Google Analytics, Twitonomy and Altmetrics will inform usage evaluation. Complementary educational workshops will be conducted for CYMH professionals. Print materials and journal articles will be produced. CRD42017060738. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

  8. The influence of status on group drinking by young adults: a survey of natural drinking groups on their way to and from bars.

    PubMed

    Dumas, Tara M; Wells, Samantha; Flynn, Andrea; Lange, James E; Graham, Kathryn

    2014-04-01

    Young people's social standing among friends and peers has been linked to general levels of drinking and has been shown to influence others' drinking. We extend previous research by examining young adults' status within their natural-occurring drinking groups as a predictor of their subsequent alcohol consumption and encouragement of group members' alcohol consumption during a night out at licensed drinking establishments, a salient context for heavy drinking and alcohol-related risk among young adults. We recruited same-sex young adult drinking groups (n = 104 groups; 63 all-male; average group size = 3.4 members; Mage = 21.86) on their way to drinking establishments to complete a survey-containing measures of member-nominated within-group status, likeability, and self-reported alcohol consumption-and a breathalyzer test. At the end of the evening, participants completed the same alcohol consumption measures and were asked to nominate group members who encouraged other members to drink that night. Multilevel analysis revealed that higher-status members engaged in the most alcohol consumption (via both self-report and breathalyzer) but in heavier drinking groups only. Higher-status members also encouraged the most alcohol consumed by others, regardless of levels of group drinking. Further, even though being liked by one's peers was positively related to intoxication that night, it did not account for the significant relationship between within-group status and drinking. Results suggest that peer-related prevention programs for young adults' problem drinking may benefit from focusing on the structure and dynamic of young people's drinking groups. Also, programs targeting peer norms may be more successful if they incorporate status-related issues. Copyright © 2013 by the Research Society on Alcoholism.

  9. Anatomical Society core regional anatomy syllabus for undergraduate medicine: the Delphi process.

    PubMed

    Smith, C F; Finn, G M; Stewart, J; McHanwell, S

    2016-01-01

    A modified Delphi method was employed to seek consensus when revising the UK and Ireland's core syllabus for regional anatomy in undergraduate medicine. A Delphi panel was constructed involving 'expert' (individuals with at least 5 years' experience in teaching medical students anatomy at the level required for graduation). The panel (n = 39) was selected and nominated by members of Council and/or the Education Committee of the Anatomical Society and included a range of specialists including surgeons, radiologists and anatomists. The experts were asked in two stages to 'accept', 'reject' or 'modify' (first stage only) each learning outcome. A third stage, which was not part of the Delphi method, then allowed the original authors of the syllabus to make changes either to correct any anatomical errors or to make minor syntax changes. From the original syllabus of 182 learning outcomes, removing the neuroanatomy component (163), 23 learning outcomes (15%) remained unchanged, seven learning outcomes were removed and two new learning outcomes added. The remaining 133 learning outcomes were modified. All learning outcomes on the new core syllabus achieved over 90% acceptance by the panel. © 2015 Anatomical Society.

  10. Design of a Wideband 900 GHz Balanced Frequency Tripler for Radioastronomy

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Tripon-Canseliet, Charlotte; Maestrini, Alain; Mehdi, Imran

    2004-01-01

    We report on the design of a fix-tuned split-block waveguide balanced frequency tripler working nominally at 900GHz. It uses a GaAs Schottky planar diode pair in a balanced configuration. The circuit will be fabricated with JPL membrane technology in order to minimize dielectric loading. The multiplier is bias-less to dramatically ease the mounting and the operating procedure. At room temperature, the expected output power is 50- 130 (micro)W in the band 800-970 GHz when the tripler is pumped with 4mW. By modifying the waveguide input and output matching circuit, the multiplier can be tuned to operate at lower frequencies.

  11. Design concepts and cost studies for magnetic suspension and balance systems. [wind tunnel apparatus

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bloom, H. L.

    1982-01-01

    The application of superconducting magnets for suspension and balance of wind tunnel models was studied. Conceptual designs are presented for magnetic suspension and balance system (MSBS) configurations compatible with three high Reynolds number cases representing specified combinations of test conditions and model sizes. Concepts in general met initially specified performance requirements such as duty cycle, force and moment levels, model angular displacement and positioning accuracy with nominal design requirements for support subsystems. Other performance requirements, such as forced model sinusoidal oscillations, and control force magnitude and frequency, were modified so as to alleviate the magnitude of magnet, power, and cryogenic design requirements.

  12. Iterative procedures for space shuttle main engine performance models

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Santi, L. Michael

    1989-01-01

    Performance models of the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) contain iterative strategies for determining approximate solutions to nonlinear equations reflecting fundamental mass, energy, and pressure balances within engine flow systems. Both univariate and multivariate Newton-Raphson algorithms are employed in the current version of the engine Test Information Program (TIP). Computational efficiency and reliability of these procedures is examined. A modified trust region form of the multivariate Newton-Raphson method is implemented and shown to be superior for off nominal engine performance predictions. A heuristic form of Broyden's Rank One method is also tested and favorable results based on this algorithm are presented.

  13. Observation of superradiant synchrotron radiation in the terahertz region

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Billinghurst, B. E.; Bergstrom, J. C.; Dallin, L.; de Jong, M.; May, T. E.; Vogt, J. M.; Wurtz, W. A.

    2013-06-01

    We report the first high-resolution measurement of superradiance, using coherent synchrotron radiation in the terahertz region from the Canadian Light Source synchrotron and a Michelson interferometer with a nominal frequency resolution of 0.00096cm-1. Superradiance arises when a high degree of phase coherence exists between the radiation fields of the individual electron bunches, and manifests itself as a series of narrow spectral peaks at harmonics of the bunch frequency. We observe an enhancement factor of 16 at the spectral peaks, limited by the interferometer resolution. The spectral distribution and relative amplitudes of the superradiant peaks are modified by altering the pattern of bunches along the bunch train.

  14. Interspecies differences in the accumulation of tributyltin and its metabolites under dietary exposure in sea perch, Lateolabrax japonicus, and red sea bream, Pagrus major.

    PubMed

    Uno, Seiichi; Murakami, Masayo; Kokushi, Emiko; Koyama, Jiro

    2011-02-01

    Interspecies differences in the accumulation of dietary tributyltin (TBT) between sea perch, Lateolabrax japonicus, and red sea bream, Pagrus major, were studied. Although TBTs in both species reached steady-state condition in low-concentration group (L-group, 200 ng/g nominal concentration) by 1 week, it increased up to the end of exposure in high-concentration group (H-group, 3000 ng/g nominal concentration). In H-group, the accumulation rate of TBT in sea perch from 1 to 2 weeks was much higher than in red sea bream, which were 2.4-fold for sea perch and 1.7-fold for red sea bream, although TBT concentrations were similar between sea perch and red sea bream in L-group. Furthermore, in the H-group, the concentrations of TBT at 1 and 2 weeks were about 1.3- and 1.9-fold, respectively, higher in the sea perch than in the red sea bream. On the other hand, DBT residue in red sea bream was about 1.4-fold higher in sea perch for the L-group but concentrations were similar in both fishes for the H-group. These results suggest that red sea bream could metabolize faster the TBT to DBT than sea perch. This study also reveals that fish probably could absorb TBT through the food chain. The uptake of TBT by fish should be regarded in the real environment, because TBT concentration in seawater has been decreasing and now already at significantly low level. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  15. The Effects of the CW-FIT Group Contingency on Class-Wide and Individual Behavior in an Urban First Grade Classroom

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Naylor, Anna Schmidt; Kamps, Debra; Wills, Howard

    2018-01-01

    The current study examined the effects of the Class-wide Function-related Intervention Teams (CW-FIT), a class-wide group contingency, on the on-task behavior of all students in a first grade class and the on-task and disruptive behavior of three target students within that class who were nominated by their teacher through a behavioral screening.…

  16. Standardised measures of needs, stigma and informal care in schizophrenia using a bottom-up, cross-cultural approach

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    Background There is a lack of instruments to measure the needs, stigma and informal care of people with schizophrenia that take account of sociocultural variation and patients' and formal and informal carers' opinions and experiences. Aims To develop questionnaires to measure stigma, needs and informal (non-professional) care for people with schizophrenia. Method We undertook the study in seven countries and in English, Spanish and Portuguese. We first held focus group discussions with patients, formal carers (professionals) and informal carers (family and friends) in Spain, the UK, Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Venezuela to elicit the main dimensions of needs, stigma and informal care. We then held nominal group discussions about these dimensions with patients, family members and professionals in Spain, Portugal and the UK, to develop the instruments. Results Three hundred and three people participated in 46 focus groups and results were discussed in three nominal groups, each involving eight participants. Three instruments were developed in this iterative process: needs for care (46 items), stigma (38 items) and informal care (20 items). Conclusions These instruments are based on service users' and carers' views and experiences and have cross-cultural validity. They will have application in assessment of outcomes for people with schizophrenia and their families. PMID:23730337

  17. Nominal group technique: a brainstorming tool for identifying areas to improve pain management in hospitalized patients.

    PubMed

    Peña, Adolfo; Estrada, Carlos A; Soniat, Debbie; Taylor, Benjamin; Burton, Michael

    2012-01-01

    Pain management in hospitalized patients remains a priority area for improvement; effective strategies for consensus development are needed to prioritize interventions. To identify challenges, barriers, and perspectives of healthcare providers in managing pain among hospitalized patients. Qualitative and quantitative group consensus using a brainstorming technique for quality improvement-the nominal group technique (NGT). One medical, 1 medical-surgical, and 1 surgical hospital unit at a large academic medical center. Nurses, resident physicians, patient care technicians, and unit clerks. Responses and ranking to the NGT question: "What causes uncontrolled pain in your unit?" Twenty-seven health workers generated a total of 94 ideas. The ideas perceived contributing to a suboptimal pain control were grouped as system factors (timeliness, n = 18 ideas; communication, n = 11; pain assessment, n = 8), human factors (knowledge and experience, n = 16; provider bias, n = 8; patient factors, n = 19), and interface of system and human factors (standardization, n = 14). Knowledge, timeliness, provider bias, and patient factors were the top ranked themes. Knowledge and timeliness are considered main priorities to improve pain control. NGT is an efficient tool for identifying general and context-specific priority areas for quality improvement; teams of healthcare providers should consider using NGT to address their own challenges and barriers. Copyright © 2011 Society of Hospital Medicine.

  18. 75 FR 43933 - Request for nominations for members to serve on National Institute of Standards and Technology...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-07-27

    ... duties. Selection of ISPAB members will not be limited to individuals who are nominated. Nominations that.... Selection of MEP Advisory Board members will not be limited to individuals who are nominated. Nominations... in its official role as the private sector policy advisor of the Institute is concerned. Each such...

  19. 77 FR 40332 - Request for Nominations for Members To Serve on National Institute of Standards and Technology...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-07-09

    ... duties. Selection of ISPAB members will not be limited to individuals who are nominated. Nominations that... to individuals who are nominated. Nominations that are received and meet the requirements will be... policy advisor of NIST is concerned. Each such report shall identify areas of program emphasis for NIST...

  20. 78 FR 67121 - Request for Nominations for Members To Serve on National Institute of Standards and Technology...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-11-08

    ... to individuals who are nominated. Nominations that are received and meet the requirements will be.... Selection of MEP Advisory Board members will not be limited to individuals who are nominated. Nominations... official role as the private sector policy adviser of NIST is concerned. Each such report shall identify...

  1. Flight test of takeoff performance monitoring system

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Middleton, David B.; Srivatsan, Raghavachari; Person, Lee H., Jr.

    1994-01-01

    The Takeoff Performance Monitoring System (TOPMS) is a computer software and hardware graphics system that visually displays current runway position, acceleration performance, engine status, and other situation advisory information to aid pilots in their decision to continue or to abort a takeoff. The system was developed at the Langley Research Center using the fixed-base Transport Systems Research Vehicle (TSRV) simulator. (The TSRV is a highly modified Boeing 737-100 research airplane.) Several versions of the TOPMS displays were evaluated on the TSRV B-737 simulator by more than 40 research, United States Air Force, airline and industry and pilots who rated the system satisfactory and recommended further development and testing. In this study, the TOPMS was flight tested on the TSRV. A total of 55 takeoff and 30 abort situations were investigated at 5 airfields. TOPMS displays were observed on the navigation display screen in the TSRV research flight deck during various nominal and off-nominal situations, including normal takeoffs; reduced-throttle takeoffs; induced-acceleration deficiencies; simulated-engine failures; and several gross-weight, runway-geometry, runway-surface, and ambient conditions. All tests were performed on dry runways. The TOPMS software executed accurately during the flight tests and the displays correctly depicted the various test conditions. Evaluation pilots found the displays easy to monitor and understand. The algorithm provides pretakeoff predictions of the nominal distances that are needed to accelerate the airplane to takeoff speed and to brake it to a stop; these predictions agreed reasonably well with corresponding values measured during several fully executed and aborted takeoffs. The TOPMS is operational and has been retained on the TSRV for general use and demonstration.

  2. National Medal of Science nominations sought

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Showstack, Randy

    2013-03-01

    The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is accepting nominations for the 2013 National Medal of Science until 1 April 2013. Congress established the medal in 1959 as a presidential award for individuals "deserving of special recognition by reason of their outstanding contributions to knowledge in the physical, biological, mathematical, or engineering sciences." Later, Congress expanded the recognition to include the social and behavioral sciences. NSF notes, "We are especially interested in identifying women, members of minority groups, and persons with disabilities for consideration." More information is available at http://www.nsf.gov/od/nms/medal.jsp and http://www.nsf.gov/od/nms/nsf_2013nationalmedalofscience_callfornominations.pdf. For more details, contact the Medal of Science program manager at nms@nsf.gov or 703-292-8040.

  3. [The 69th Congress-urologists nominated for the Nobel Prize : Not everyone got a prize: four biographical sketches].

    PubMed

    Moll, F H; Halling, T; Krischel, M; Hansson, N; Fangerau, H

    2017-09-01

    Our research group has reconstructed why the board certified urologists Werner Forssmann (1904-1979) and Charles Huggins (1901-1997) received the Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine (1956, and 1966, respectively). But the history of "Urology and the Nobel Prize" is in fact more multifaceted than the success stories of these two laureates suggest. James Israel (1848-1926), Berlin, Félix Guyon (1831-1920), Paris, Peter J. Freyer (1852-1921), London and Edwin Beer (1876-1938), New York were nominated for the award during the first three decades of the 20th century. Their candidacies mirror trends among leading urologists during the time when urology became a specialty in its own right.

  4. 77 FR 7576 - Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Committee (FRRCC)

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-02-13

    ..., Ranch, and Rural Communities Committee (FRRCC). SUMMARY: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA... approved by the Designated Federal Officer (DFO). Meetings will generally be held in Washington, DC... diverse candidates, EPA encourages nominations of women and men of all racial and ethnic groups. In...

  5. 77 FR 793 - National Environmental Justice Advisory Council; Request for Nominations

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-01-06

    ... or serve on Work Groups to develop recommendations, advice letters, and reports to address specific... above. In addition, EPA is seeking nominees with knowledge in community sustainability, public health... sustainability issues at the national, state, or local level; Excellent interpersonal and consensus-building...

  6. KIDS CARE: Building Resilience in Children's Environments.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Raybuck, Connie S.; Hicks, Gail F.

    1994-01-01

    Third-grade classrooms participated in evaluation of KIDS CARE, program to reduce youth alcohol/drug abuse through enhancing decision-making skills, self-esteem, and group bonding. Findings confirmed use of teacher nomination procedure for differentiating high- and nonrisk students and suggest that, following intervention, there was significant…

  7. 75 FR 10845 - Subcommittee on Forensic Science; Committee on Science; National Science and Technology Council

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-03-09

    ... OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY Subcommittee on Forensic Science; Committee on Science; National Science and Technology Council ACTION: General Notice. Nominations for Interagency Working Group participants. SUMMARY: The Subcommittee on Forensic Science of the National Science and Technology Council's...

  8. 12 CFR 196.2 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... Interlocks Act and does not represent a true commonality of interest between the depository organizations. In... his or her immediate family, whose shares are necessary to constitute the group owns a nominal... or agency. (q) United States means the United States of America, any state or territory of the United...

  9. 12 CFR 390.401 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... the Interlocks Act and does not represent a true commonality of interest between the depository... members of his or her immediate family, whose shares are necessary to constitute the group owns a nominal... United States branch or agency. (q) United States means the United States of America, any State or...

  10. 12 CFR 196.2 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... Interlocks Act and does not represent a true commonality of interest between the depository organizations. In... his or her immediate family, whose shares are necessary to constitute the group owns a nominal... or agency. (q) United States means the United States of America, any state or territory of the United...

  11. 12 CFR 26.2 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... and does not represent a true commonality of interest between the depository organizations. In making... or her immediate family, whose shares are necessary to constitute the group owns a nominal percentage... assets of its United States branch or agency. (p) United States means the United States of America, any...

  12. 12 CFR 390.401 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... the Interlocks Act and does not represent a true commonality of interest between the depository... members of his or her immediate family, whose shares are necessary to constitute the group owns a nominal... United States branch or agency. (q) United States means the United States of America, any State or...

  13. 12 CFR 390.401 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... the Interlocks Act and does not represent a true commonality of interest between the depository... members of his or her immediate family, whose shares are necessary to constitute the group owns a nominal... United States branch or agency. (q) United States means the United States of America, any State or...

  14. 12 CFR 563f.2 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... interest between the depository organizations. In making this determination, the OTS considers, among other... constitute the group owns a nominal percentage of the shares of one of the organizations and the percentage... United States branch or agency. (q) United States means the United States of America, any State or...

  15. 12 CFR 196.2 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... Interlocks Act and does not represent a true commonality of interest between the depository organizations. In... his or her immediate family, whose shares are necessary to constitute the group owns a nominal... or agency. (q) United States means the United States of America, any state or territory of the United...

  16. 12 CFR 26.2 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... and does not represent a true commonality of interest between the depository organizations. In making... or her immediate family, whose shares are necessary to constitute the group owns a nominal percentage... assets of its United States branch or agency. (p) United States means the United States of America, any...

  17. 12 CFR 563f.2 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... interest between the depository organizations. In making this determination, the OTS considers, among other... constitute the group owns a nominal percentage of the shares of one of the organizations and the percentage... United States branch or agency. (q) United States means the United States of America, any State or...

  18. 12 CFR 563f.2 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... interest between the depository organizations. In making this determination, the OTS considers, among other... constitute the group owns a nominal percentage of the shares of one of the organizations and the percentage... United States branch or agency. (q) United States means the United States of America, any State or...

  19. 12 CFR 26.2 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... and does not represent a true commonality of interest between the depository organizations. In making... or her immediate family, whose shares are necessary to constitute the group owns a nominal percentage... assets of its United States branch or agency. (p) United States means the United States of America, any...

  20. 12 CFR 563f.2 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... interest between the depository organizations. In making this determination, the OTS considers, among other... constitute the group owns a nominal percentage of the shares of one of the organizations and the percentage... United States branch or agency. (q) United States means the United States of America, any State or...

  1. 12 CFR 26.2 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... and does not represent a true commonality of interest between the depository organizations. In making... or her immediate family, whose shares are necessary to constitute the group owns a nominal percentage... assets of its United States branch or agency. (p) United States means the United States of America, any...

  2. Perceptual Measurement in Schizophrenia: Promising Electrophysiology and Neuroimaging Paradigms From CNTRICS

    PubMed Central

    Butler, Pamela D.; Chen, Yue; Ford, Judith M.; Geyer, Mark A.; Silverstein, Steven M.; Green, Michael F.

    2012-01-01

    The sixth meeting of the Cognitive Neuroscience Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia (CNTRICS) focused on selecting promising imaging paradigms for each of the cognitive constructs selected in the first CNTRICS meeting. In the domain of perception, the 2 constructs of interest were “gain control” and “visual integration.” CNTRICS received 6 task nominations for imaging paradigms for gain control and 3 task nominations for integration. The breakout group for perception evaluated the degree to which each of these tasks met prespecified criteria. For gain control, the breakout group believed that one task (mismatch negativity) was already mature and was being incorporated into multisite clinical trials. The breakout group recommended that 1 visual task (steady-state visual evoked potentials to magnocellular- vs parvocellular-biased stimuli) and 2 auditory measures (an event-related potential (ERP) measure of corollary discharge and a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) version of prepulse inhibition of startle) be adapted for use in clinical trials in schizophrenia research. For visual integration, the breakout group recommended that fMRI and ERP versions of a contour integration test and an fMRI version of a coherent motion test be adapted for use in clinical trials. This manuscript describes the ways in which each of these tasks met the criteria used in the breakout group to evaluate and recommend tasks for further development. PMID:21890745

  3. A Consensus-Driven Agenda for Emergency Medicine Firearm Injury Prevention Research.

    PubMed

    Ranney, Megan L; Fletcher, Jonathan; Alter, Harrison; Barsotti, Christopher; Bebarta, Vikhyat S; Betz, Marian E; Carter, Patrick M; Cerdá, Magdalena; Cunningham, Rebecca M; Crane, Peter; Fahimi, Jahan; Miller, Matthew J; Rowhani-Rahbar, Ali; Vogel, Jody A; Wintemute, Garen J; Waseem, Muhammad; Shah, Manish N

    2017-02-01

    To identify critical emergency medicine-focused firearm injury research questions and develop an evidence-based research agenda. National content experts were recruited to a technical advisory group for the American College of Emergency Physicians Research Committee. Nominal group technique was used to identify research questions by consensus. The technical advisory group decided to focus on 5 widely accepted categorizations of firearm injury. Subgroups conducted literature reviews on each topic and developed preliminary lists of emergency medicine-relevant research questions. In-person meetings and conference calls were held to iteratively refine the extensive list of research questions, following nominal group technique guidelines. Feedback from external stakeholders was reviewed and integrated. Fifty-nine final emergency medicine-relevant research questions were identified, including questions that cut across all firearm injury topics and questions specific to self-directed violence (suicide and attempted suicide), intimate partner violence, peer (nonpartner) violence, mass violence, and unintentional ("accidental") injury. Some questions could be addressed through research conducted in emergency departments; others would require work in other settings. The technical advisory group identified key emergency medicine-relevant firearm injury research questions. Emergency medicine-specific data are limited for most of these questions. Funders and researchers should consider increasing their attention to firearm injury prevention and control, particularly to the questions identified here and in other recently developed research agendas. Copyright © 2016 American College of Emergency Physicians. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. 76 FR 39379 - Request for Nominations for Members To Serve on National Institute of Standards and Technology...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-07-06

    ... will not be limited to individuals who are nominated. Nominations that are received and meet the... individuals who are nominated. Nominations that are received and meet the requirements will be kept on file to... in its official role as the private sector policy advisor of the Institute is concerned. Each such...

  5. Operating room nursing directors' influence on anesthesia group operating room productivity.

    PubMed

    Masursky, Danielle; Dexter, Franklin; Nussmeier, Nancy A

    2008-12-01

    Implementation of initiatives to increase anesthesia group productivity depends not just on anesthesia groups, but on operating room (OR) nursing administration. OR nursing directors may encourage organizational change based on the needs of their hospitals and nurses. These changes may differ from those that would increase the anesthesia group's productivity. We assessed reward structures using (A) letters of nomination for the "OR Manager of the Year" award offered annually by the publication OR Manager, and (B) data from a salary/career survey of OR directors by the same publication. (A) There were 164 nomination letters submitted from 2004 through 2007 for 45 nominees. The letters contained n = 2659 full sentences and n = 50,821 words. We systematically created a list of 36 terms related to finance, profit, and productivity. We also analyzed the frequency of use of these terms relative to the use of the 15 most common relationship-oriented terms (e.g., compassion, encourage, mentor, and respect). (B) The salary/career survey's questions relevant to anesthesia group productivity had responses from 303 US OR directors, 97% of whom were nurses. We tested the strength of the relationship between the budget responsibility of the OR nursing director and his or her annual salary. (A) 2.6% of sentences in the nomination letters included at least one term related to profit and productivity (95% confidence interval 2.0%-3.2%). Relationship-oriented terms were 9.0 times more prevalent (95% confidence interval 7.1-11.4). (B) There was statistically significant positive proportionality between the OR nursing director's operational budget (including personnel) and his or her salary (Pearson r = 0.64, P < 0.001). The 10th percentile of the operational budget was $1 million and the 90th percentile was $36 million. The budget of $1 million was associated with a salary 22% less than the median and the budget of $36 million was associated with a salary 22% larger than the median. Through (A) organizational constituencies, and (B) compensation, many US OR nursing directors likely are encouraged to enhance relations with nursing staff, not to champion organizational initiatives that would reduce under-utilized OR time and OR nursing labor costs. Resulting decisions can differ from those that would increase the productivity (profit) of the anesthesia group. Anesthesia groups need to champion initiatives to increase anesthesia productivity, while being sensitive to institutional expectations of nursing directors.

  6. The impact of loss to follow-up on hypothesis tests of the treatment effect for several statistical methods in substance abuse clinical trials.

    PubMed

    Hedden, Sarra L; Woolson, Robert F; Carter, Rickey E; Palesch, Yuko; Upadhyaya, Himanshu P; Malcolm, Robert J

    2009-07-01

    "Loss to follow-up" can be substantial in substance abuse clinical trials. When extensive losses to follow-up occur, one must cautiously analyze and interpret the findings of a research study. Aims of this project were to introduce the types of missing data mechanisms and describe several methods for analyzing data with loss to follow-up. Furthermore, a simulation study compared Type I error and power of several methods when missing data amount and mechanism varies. Methods compared were the following: Last observation carried forward (LOCF), multiple imputation (MI), modified stratified summary statistics (SSS), and mixed effects models. Results demonstrated nominal Type I error for all methods; power was high for all methods except LOCF. Mixed effect model, modified SSS, and MI are generally recommended for use; however, many methods require that the data are missing at random or missing completely at random (i.e., "ignorable"). If the missing data are presumed to be nonignorable, a sensitivity analysis is recommended.

  7. Modified Polar-Format Software for Processing SAR Data

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Chen, Curtis

    2003-01-01

    HMPF is a computer program that implements a modified polar-format algorithm for processing data from spaceborne synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) systems. Unlike prior polar-format processing algorithms, this algorithm is based on the assumption that the radar signal wavefronts are spherical rather than planar. The algorithm provides for resampling of SAR pulse data from slant range to radial distance from the center of a reference sphere that is nominally the local Earth surface. Then, invoking the projection-slice theorem, the resampled pulse data are Fourier-transformed over radial distance, arranged in the wavenumber domain according to the acquisition geometry, resampled to a Cartesian grid, and inverse-Fourier-transformed. The result of this process is the focused SAR image. HMPF, and perhaps other programs that implement variants of the algorithm, may give better accuracy than do prior algorithms for processing strip-map SAR data from high altitudes and may give better phase preservation relative to prior polar-format algorithms for processing spotlight-mode SAR data.

  8. A smart approach to add antibacterial functionality to cellulosic pigment prints.

    PubMed

    Ibrahim, N A; Eid, B M; Elmaaty, T M Abou; El-Aziz, E Abd

    2013-04-15

    This study was devoted to enhancing the antibacterial functionality of pigment printed cotton, linen and viscose fabrics. Ag-NP's/PVP colloid, triclosan derivatives, chitosan or choline chloride was successfully incorporated into the pigment paste followed by printing and microwave curing to impart antibacterial activity to the cellulosic prints. Results obtained demonstrate that the modified pigment prints exhibit a remarkable antibacterial activity against the G+ve (Staphylococcus aureus) and G-ve (Escherichia coli) bacteria with a noticeable durability after 20 washing cycles without adversely affecting the printing and softness properties. The extent of printability and functionality of the nominated substrates are significantly governed by the type of: bio-active ingredient, binder, pigment and substrate. TEM, SEM and EDX analysis confirmed the formation of Ag-NP's/PVP colloid, of particle size range 7-14 nm, deposition of cross-linked-binder film onto the modified pigment prints, and the existence of elementary Ag and Si loaded onto fabrics surface, respectively. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  9. A review of the properties and limitations of the Ashworth and modified Ashworth Scales as measures of spasticity.

    PubMed

    Pandyan, A D; Johnson, G R; Price, C I; Curless, R H; Barnes, M P; Rodgers, H

    1999-10-01

    The Ashworth Scale and the modified Ashworth Scale are the primary clinical measures of spast city. A prerequisite for using any scale is a knowledge of its characteristics and limitations, as these will play a part in analysing and interpreting the data. Despite the current emphasis on treating spasticity, clinicians rarely measure it. To determine the validity and the reliability of the Ashworth and modified Ashworth Scales. A theoretical analysis following a structured literature review (key words: Ashworth; Spasticity; Measurement) of 40 papers selected from the BIDS-EMBASE, First Search and Medline databases. The application of both scales would suggest that confusion exists on their characteristics and limitations as measures of spasticity. Resistance to passive movement is a complex measure that will be influenced by many factors, only one of which could be spasticity. The Ashworth Scale (AS) can be used as an ordinal level measure of resistance to passive movement, but not spasticity. The modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) will need to be treated as a nominal level measure of resistance to passive movement until the ambiguity between the '1' and '1+' grades is resolved. The reliability of the scales is better in the upper limb. The AS may be more reliable than the MAS. There is a need to standardize methods to apply these scales in clinical practice and research.

  10. Selecting Paradigms From Cognitive Neuroscience for Translation into Use in Clinical Trials: Proceedings of the Third CNTRICS Meeting

    PubMed Central

    Barch, Deanna M.; Carter, Cameron S.; Arnsten, Amy; Buchanan, Robert W.; Cohen, Jonathan D.; Geyer, Mark; Green, Michael F.; Krystal, John H.; Nuechterlein, Keith; Robbins, Trevor; Silverstein, Steven; Smith, Edward E.; Strauss, Milton; Wykes, Til; Heinssen, Robert

    2009-01-01

    This overview describes the goals and objectives of the third conference conducted as part of the Cognitive Neuroscience Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia (CNTRICS) initiative. This third conference was focused on selecting specific paradigms from cognitive neuroscience that measured the constructs identified in the first CNTRICS meeting, with the goal of facilitating the translation of these paradigms into use in clinical trials contexts. To identify such paradigms, we had an open nomination process in which the field was asked to nominate potentially relevant paradigms and to provide information on several domains relevant to selecting the most promising tasks for each construct (eg, construct validity, neural bases, psychometrics, availability of animal models). Our goal was to identify 1–2 promising tasks for each of the 11 constructs identified at the first CNTRICS meeting. In this overview article, we describe the on-line survey used to generate nominations for promising tasks, the criteria that were used to select the tasks, the rationale behind the criteria, and the ways in which breakout groups worked together to identify the most promising tasks from among those nominated. This article serves as an introduction to the set of 6 articles included in this special issue that provide information about the specific tasks discussed and selected for the constructs from each of 6 broad domains (working memory, executive control, attention, long-term memory, perception, and social cognition). PMID:19023126

  11. Verification and Tuning of an Adaptive Controller for an Unmanned Air Vehicle

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Crespo, Luis G.; Matsutani, Megumi; Annaswamy, Anuradha M.

    2010-01-01

    This paper focuses on the analysis and tuning of a controller based on the Adaptive Control Technology for Safe Flight (ACTS) architecture. The ACTS architecture consists of a nominal, non-adaptive controller that provides satisfactory performance under nominal flying conditions, and an adaptive controller that provides robustness under off-nominal ones. A framework unifying control verification and gain tuning is used to make the controller s ability to satisfy the closed-loop requirements more robust to uncertainty. In this paper we tune the gains of both controllers using this approach. Some advantages and drawbacks of adaptation are identified by performing a global robustness assessment of both the adaptive controller and its non-adaptive counterpart. The analyses used to determine these characteristics are based on evaluating the degradation in closed-loop performance resulting from uncertainties having increasing levels of severity. The specific adverse conditions considered can be grouped into three categories: aerodynamic uncertainties, structural damage, and actuator failures. These failures include partial and total loss of control effectiveness, locked-in-place control surface deflections, and engine out conditions. The requirements considered are the peak structural loading, the ability of the controller to track pilot commands, the ability of the controller to keep the aircraft s state within the reliable flight envelope, and the handling/riding qualities of the aircraft. The nominal controller resulting from these tuning strategies was successfully validated using the NASA GTM Flight Test Vehicle.

  12. [Clinical study of modified Gow-Gates technique of inferior alveolar nerve block in impacted mandibular third molar extraction].

    PubMed

    Hu, Yi-ping; Jin, Gui-fang

    2015-06-01

    To introduce a minimally invasive and more effective technique of inferior alveolar nerve block. Two hundred and six patients who needed extraction of the impacted mandibular third molar were divided randomly into 2 groups: the experimental group (105 cases) with modified Gow-Gates technique (modified Gow-Gates group) and the control group (101 cases) with Halstead technique (Halstead group). The anesthetic success rates, effects and complications were recorded and analyzed with SPSS17.0 software package. The anesthetic success rate was 97.15% in modified Gow-Gates group and 89.10% in Halstead group with significant difference between the 2 groups (P=0.038<0.05); In comparing the anesthesia grade, the ration of grade A and B accounted for 90.48% in modified Gow-Gates group and 87.13% in Halstead group (P=0.446>0.05). Modified Gow-Gates group had much fewer of complications than Halstead group (P=0.014<0.05). Modified Gow-Gates technique is a minimally invasive and more effective technique for inferior alveolar nerve block anesthesia. Supported by Science and Technology Planning Project of Yueqing City (2014y027).

  13. Conceptual and linguistic representations of kinds and classes

    PubMed Central

    Prasada, Sandeep; Hennefield, Laura; Otap, Daniel

    2013-01-01

    We investigate the hypothesis that our conceptual systems provide two formally distinct ways of representing categories by investigating the manner in which lexical nominals (e.g., tree, picnic table) and phrasal nominals (e.g., black bird, birds that like rice) are interpreted. Four experiments found that lexical nominals may be mapped onto kind representations whereas phrasal nominals map onto class representations but not kind representations. Experiment 1 found that phrasal nominals, unlike lexical nominals, are mapped onto categories whose members need not be of a single kind. Experiments 2 and 3 found that categories named by lexical nominals enter into both class inclusion and kind hierarchies and thus support both class inclusion (is a) and kind specification (kind of) relations, whereas phrasal nominals map onto class representations which support only class inclusion relations. Experiment 4 showed that the two types of nominals represent hierarchical relations in different ways. Phrasal nominals (e.g., white bear) are mapped onto classes that have criteria of membership in addition to those specified by the class picked out by the head noun of the phrase (e.g., bear). In contrast, lexical nominals (e.g., polar bear) specify one way to meet the criteria specified by the more general kind concept (e.g., bear). Implications for the language-conceptual system interface, representation of hierarchical relations, lexicalization, and theories of conceptual combination are discussed. PMID:22671567

  14. 7 CFR 917.18 - Nomination of commodity committee members of the Control Committee.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... Administrative Bodies § 917.18 Nomination of commodity committee members of the Control Committee. Nominations... committee shall be entitled to nominate shall be based upon the proportion that the previous three fiscal...

  15. 7 CFR 917.18 - Nomination of commodity committee members of the Control Committee.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... Administrative Bodies § 917.18 Nomination of commodity committee members of the Control Committee. Nominations... committee shall be entitled to nominate shall be based upon the proportion that the previous three fiscal...

  16. 7 CFR 917.18 - Nomination of commodity committee members of the Control Committee.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... Administrative Bodies § 917.18 Nomination of commodity committee members of the Control Committee. Nominations... committee shall be entitled to nominate shall be based upon the proportion that the previous three fiscal...

  17. 7 CFR 917.18 - Nomination of commodity committee members of the Control Committee.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... Administrative Bodies § 917.18 Nomination of commodity committee members of the Control Committee. Nominations... committee shall be entitled to nominate shall be based upon the proportion that the previous three fiscal...

  18. 7 CFR 917.18 - Nomination of commodity committee members of the Control Committee.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... Administrative Bodies § 917.18 Nomination of commodity committee members of the Control Committee. Nominations... committee shall be entitled to nominate shall be based upon the proportion that the previous three fiscal...

  19. Academic writing in a corpus of 4th grade science notebooks: An analysis of student language use and adult expectations of the genres of school science

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Esquinca, Alberto

    This is a study of language use in the context of an inquiry-based science curriculum in which conceptual understanding ratings are used split texts into groups of "successful" and "unsuccessful" texts. "Successful" texts could include known features of science language. 420 texts generated by students in 14 classrooms from three school districts, culled from a prior study on the effectiveness of science notebooks to assess understanding, in addition to the aforementioned ratings are the data sources. In science notebooks, students write in the process of learning (here, a unit on electricity). The analytical framework is systemic functional linguistics (Halliday and Matthiessen, 2004; Eggins, 2004), specifically the concepts of genre, register and nominalization. Genre classification involves an analysis of the purpose and register features in the text (Schleppegrell, 2004). The use of features of the scientific academic register, namely the use relational processes and nominalization (Halliday and Martin, 1993), requires transitivity analysis and noun analysis. Transitivity analysis, consisting of the identification of the process type, is conducted on 4737 ranking clauses. A manual count of each noun used in the corpus allows for a typology of nouns. Four school science genres, procedures, procedural recounts reports and explanations, are found. Most texts (85.4%) are factual, and 14.1% are classified as explanations, the analytical genre. Logistic regression analysis indicates that there is no significant probability that the texts classified as explanation are placed in the group of "successful" texts. In addition, material process clauses predominate in the corpus, followed by relational process clauses. Results of a logistic regression analysis indicate that there is a significant probability (Chi square = 15.23, p < .0001) that texts with a high rate of relational processes are placed in the group of "successful" texts. In addition, 59.5% of 6511 nouns are references to physical materials, followed by references to abstract concepts (35.54%). Only two of the concept nouns were found to be nominalized referents in definition model sentences. In sum, the corpus has recognizable genres and features science language, and relational processes are more prevalent in "successful" texts. However, the pervasive feature of science language, nominalization, is scarce.

  20. 77 FR 11557 - National Advisory Council on the National Health Service Corps; Request for Nominations

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-02-27

    ... sets forth standards for the formation and use of advisory committees. The NAC on the NHSC is a group..., recruitment and retention, site administration, customer service, marketing, organizational partnerships... specific attributes, perspectives, and/or skills does the individual possess that would benefit the...

  1. 75 FR 996 - Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 Section 1013: Request for...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-01-07

    ... DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Medicare... Effective Health Care Stakeholder Group AGENCY: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), DHHS.... SUMMARY: The DHHS Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) invites nominations from interested...

  2. Understanding Deaf Bilingual Education from the inside: A SWOT Analysis

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Munoz-Baell, Irma M.; Alvarez-Dardet, Carlos; Ruiz-Cantero, M.; Ferreiro-Lago, Emilio; Aroca-Fernandez, Eva

    2011-01-01

    This article reports on a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis using a nominal group process undertaken to identify and tackle significant factors, both internal and external, affecting those current Deaf bilingual practices in Spain which promote or prevent the processes through which more inclusive (barrier-free)…

  3. 75 FR 13284 - Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee; Request for Nominations to the Pesticide Program Dialogue...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-03-19

    ... racial and ethnic groups. Vacancies are expected to be filled by late spring 2010. Additional sources may... Fehrenbach at the address listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT...; e-mail address: [email protected] . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. General Information A...

  4. Cognitive Mapping Tobacco Control Advice for Dentistry: A Dental PBRN Study

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Qu, Haiyan; Houston, Thomas K.; Williams, Jessica H.; Gilbert, Gregg H.; Shewchuk, Richard M.

    2011-01-01

    Objective: To identify facilitative strategies that could be used in developing a tobacco cessation program for community dental practices. Methods: Nominal group technique (NGT) meetings and a card-sort task were used to obtain formative data. A cognitive mapping approach involving multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis was…

  5. Discourses of Whiteness: White Students at Catholic Women's Colleges (Dis)Engaging Race

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ropers-Huilman, Rebecca; Winters, Kelly T.; Enke, Kathryn A. E.

    2013-01-01

    To better understand how White college women understand and are influenced by whiteness, we discursively analyzed data from interviews and focus groups with 25 White seniors at two Catholic women's colleges. Findings suggest that participants understood whiteness through discourses of insignificance, nominal difference, responsibility, and…

  6. 78 FR 68838 - National Drinking Water Advisory Council; Request for Nominations

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-11-15

    ... agencies concerned with water hygiene and public water supply (two vacancies) and private organizations or groups demonstrating an active interest in the field of water hygiene and public water supply (three... appropriate State and local agencies concerned with water hygiene and public water supply; and five members...

  7. 75 FR 61751 - National Drinking Water Advisory Council: Request for Nominations

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-10-06

    ... with public water supply and public health protection (2 vacancies), the general public (1 vacancy) and organizations or groups demonstrating an active interest in the field of public water supply and public health... and local agencies concerned with public water supply and public health protection; and five members...

  8. 77 FR 64113 - National Drinking Water Advisory Council: Request for Nominations

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-10-18

    ... agencies concerned with water hygiene and public water supply; and five members represent private organizations or groups demonstrating an active interest in the field of water hygiene and public water supply... and local agencies concerned with public water supply (two vacancies), and the general public (two...

  9. 40 CFR 799.9748 - TSCA metabolism and pharmacokinetics

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... (TSCA). (1) Testing of the disposition of a test substance is designed to obtain adequate information on... test substance. The usefulness of a particular study design depends upon the biological activity of a... thin and uniform film. The same nominal treatment surface area must be used for all dermal test groups...

  10. 40 CFR 799.9748 - TSCA metabolism and pharmacokinetics

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... (TSCA). (1) Testing of the disposition of a test substance is designed to obtain adequate information on... test substance. The usefulness of a particular study design depends upon the biological activity of a... thin and uniform film. The same nominal treatment surface area must be used for all dermal test groups...

  11. 40 CFR 799.9748 - TSCA metabolism and pharmacokinetics

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... (TSCA). (1) Testing of the disposition of a test substance is designed to obtain adequate information on... test substance. The usefulness of a particular study design depends upon the biological activity of a... thin and uniform film. The same nominal treatment surface area must be used for all dermal test groups...

  12. 40 CFR 799.9748 - TSCA metabolism and pharmacokinetics

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... (TSCA). (1) Testing of the disposition of a test substance is designed to obtain adequate information on... test substance. The usefulness of a particular study design depends upon the biological activity of a... thin and uniform film. The same nominal treatment surface area must be used for all dermal test groups...

  13. 40 CFR 799.9748 - TSCA metabolism and pharmacokinetics

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... (TSCA). (1) Testing of the disposition of a test substance is designed to obtain adequate information on... test substance. The usefulness of a particular study design depends upon the biological activity of a... thin and uniform film. The same nominal treatment surface area must be used for all dermal test groups...

  14. 29 CFR 553.106 - Payment of expenses, benefits, or fees.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... group insurance plans (such as liability, health, life, disability, workers' compensation) or pension plans or “length of service” awards, commonly or traditionally provided to volunteers of State and local... of a nominal amount on a “per call” or similar basis to volunteer firefighters. The following factors...

  15. 77 FR 33241 - Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans; Nominations for Vacancies

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-06-05

    ... fields of insurance, corporate trust, actuarial counseling, investment counseling, investment management... groups or fields they represent are as follows: (1) Employee organizations; (2) employers; (3) investment counseling; (4) actuarial counseling; and (5) the general public. The Department of Labor is committed to...

  16. 12 CFR 348.2 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... prohibitions of the Interlocks Act and does not represent a true commonality of interest between the depository... members of his or her immediate family whose shares are necessary to constitute the group, owns a nominal... assets of its United States branch or agency. (p) United States means the United States of America, any...

  17. 12 CFR 348.2 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... prohibitions of the Interlocks Act and does not represent a true commonality of interest between the depository... members of his or her immediate family whose shares are necessary to constitute the group, owns a nominal... assets of its United States branch or agency. (p) United States means the United States of America, any...

  18. 12 CFR 212.2 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... Interlocks Act and does not represent a true commonality of interest between the depository organizations. In... of his or her immediate family, whose shares are necessary to constitute the group owns a nominal... means the United States of America, any State or territory of the United States of America, the District...

  19. 12 CFR 348.2 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... prohibitions of the Interlocks Act and does not represent a true commonality of interest between the depository... members of his or her immediate family whose shares are necessary to constitute the group, owns a nominal... assets of its United States branch or agency. (p) United States means the United States of America, any...

  20. 12 CFR 212.2 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... Interlocks Act and does not represent a true commonality of interest between the depository organizations. In... of his or her immediate family, whose shares are necessary to constitute the group owns a nominal... means the United States of America, any State or territory of the United States of America, the District...

  1. 12 CFR 212.2 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... Interlocks Act and does not represent a true commonality of interest between the depository organizations. In... of his or her immediate family, whose shares are necessary to constitute the group owns a nominal... means the United States of America, any State or territory of the United States of America, the District...

  2. 12 CFR 212.2 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... Interlocks Act and does not represent a true commonality of interest between the depository organizations. In... of his or her immediate family, whose shares are necessary to constitute the group owns a nominal... means the United States of America, any State or territory of the United States of America, the District...

  3. 12 CFR 348.2 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... prohibitions of the Interlocks Act and does not represent a true commonality of interest between the depository... members of his or her immediate family whose shares are necessary to constitute the group, owns a nominal... assets of its United States branch or agency. (p) United States means the United States of America, any...

  4. Tools for Achieving TQE.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Latta, Raymond F.; Downey, Carolyn J.

    This book presents a wide array of sophisticated problem-solving tools and shows how to use them in a humanizing way that involves all stakeholders in the process. Chapter 1 develops the rationale for educational stakeholders to consider quality tools. Chapter 2 highlights three quality group-process tools--brainstorming, the nominal group…

  5. 75 FR 38538 - Notice of Intent To Solicit Nominations: Pinedale Anticline Working Group, Wyoming

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-07-02

    ... the management of natural resources, land, or water; and 2. An affected member of the public-at-large... charter established membership selection criteria and operational procedures as follows: 1. The PAWG is... indicate its preferred order of appointment selection. Note: The Obama Administration prohibits individuals...

  6. 44 CFR 150.3 - Nomination process.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... Section 150.3 Emergency Management and Assistance FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF... Nomination process. (a) The Nominating Officials nominating Firefighters and Civil Defense Officers shall...) Civil defense officer (or member of a recognized civil defense or emergency preparedness organization...

  7. 44 CFR 150.3 - Nomination process.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... Section 150.3 Emergency Management and Assistance FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF... Nomination process. (a) The Nominating Officials nominating Firefighters and Civil Defense Officers shall...) Civil defense officer (or member of a recognized civil defense or emergency preparedness organization...

  8. 44 CFR 150.3 - Nomination process.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... Section 150.3 Emergency Management and Assistance FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF... Nomination process. (a) The Nominating Officials nominating Firefighters and Civil Defense Officers shall...) Civil defense officer (or member of a recognized civil defense or emergency preparedness organization...

  9. 44 CFR 150.3 - Nomination process.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... Section 150.3 Emergency Management and Assistance FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF... Nomination process. (a) The Nominating Officials nominating Firefighters and Civil Defense Officers shall...) Civil defense officer (or member of a recognized civil defense or emergency preparedness organization...

  10. 44 CFR 150.3 - Nomination process.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... Section 150.3 Emergency Management and Assistance FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF... Nomination process. (a) The Nominating Officials nominating Firefighters and Civil Defense Officers shall...) Civil defense officer (or member of a recognized civil defense or emergency preparedness organization...

  11. 77 FR 19056 - Information Reporting Program Advisory Committee (IRPAC); Nominations

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-03-29

    ... DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY Internal Revenue Service Information Reporting Program Advisory Committee (IRPAC); Nominations AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service, Department of Treasury. ACTION: Request for Nominations. SUMMARY: The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requests nominations of individuals for selection to...

  12. 78 FR 19582 - Information Reporting Program Advisory Committee (IRPAC); Nominations

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-04-01

    ... DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY Internal Revenue Service Information Reporting Program Advisory Committee (IRPAC); Nominations AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service, Department of Treasury. ACTION: Request for Nominations. SUMMARY: The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requests nominations of individuals for selection to...

  13. Using the Entrustable Professional Activities Framework in the Assessment of Procedural Skills.

    PubMed

    Pugh, Debra; Cavalcanti, Rodrigo B; Halman, Samantha; Ma, Irene W Y; Mylopoulos, Maria; Shanks, David; Stroud, Lynfa

    2017-04-01

    The entrustable professional activity (EPA) framework has been identified as a useful approach to assessment in competency-based education. To apply an EPA framework for assessment, essential skills necessary for entrustment to occur must first be identified. Using an EPA framework, our study sought to (1) define the essential skills required for entrustment for 7 bedside procedures expected of graduates of Canadian internal medicine (IM) residency programs, and (2) develop rubrics for the assessment of these procedural skills. An initial list of essential skills was defined for each procedural EPA by focus groups of experts at 4 academic centers using the nominal group technique. These lists were subsequently vetted by representatives from all Canadian IM training programs through a web-based survey. Consensus (more than 80% agreement) about inclusion of each item was sought using a modified Delphi exercise. Qualitative survey data were analyzed using a framework approach to inform final assessment rubrics for each procedure. Initial lists of essential skills for procedural EPAs ranged from 10 to 24 items. A total of 111 experts completed the national survey. After 2 iterations, consensus was reached on all items. Following qualitative analysis, final rubrics were created, which included 6 to 10 items per procedure. These EPA-based assessment rubrics represent a national consensus by Canadian IM clinician educators. They provide a practical guide for the assessment of procedural skills in a competency-based education model, and a robust foundation for future research on their implementation and evaluation.

  14. Research Priorities in the Utilization and Interpretation of Diagnostic Imaging: Education, Assessment, and Competency.

    PubMed

    Lewiss, Resa E; Chan, Wilma; Sheng, Alexander Y; Soto, Jorge; Castro, Alexandra; Meltzer, Andrew C; Cherney, Alan; Kumaravel, Manickam; Cody, Dianna; Chen, Esther H

    2015-12-01

    The appropriate selection and accurate interpretation of diagnostic imaging is a crucial skill for emergency practitioners. To date, the majority of the published literature and research on competency assessment comes from the subspecialty of point-of-care ultrasound. A group of radiologists, physicists, and emergency physicians convened at the 2015 Academic Emergency Medicine consensus conference to discuss and prioritize a research agenda related to education, assessment, and competency in ordering and interpreting diagnostic imaging. A set of questions for the continued development of an educational curriculum on diagnostic imaging for trainees and competency assessment using specific assessment methods based on current best practices was delineated. The research priorities were developed through an iterative consensus-driven process using a modified nominal group technique that culminated in an in-person breakout session. The four recommendations are: 1) develop a diagnostic imaging curriculum for emergency medicine (EM) residency training; 2) develop, study, and validate tools to assess competency in diagnostic imaging interpretation; 3) evaluate the role of simulation in education, assessment, and competency measures for diagnostic imaging; 4) study is needed regarding the American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria, an evidence-based peer-reviewed resource in determining the use of diagnostic imaging, to maximize its value in EM. In this article, the authors review the supporting reliability and validity evidence and make specific recommendations for future research on the education, competency, and assessment of learning diagnostic imaging. © 2015 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine.

  15. Development of a minimization instrument for allocation of a hospital-level performance improvement intervention to reduce waiting times in Ontario emergency departments.

    PubMed

    Leaver, Chad Andrew; Guttmann, Astrid; Zwarenstein, Merrick; Rowe, Brian H; Anderson, Geoff; Stukel, Therese; Golden, Brian; Bell, Robert; Morra, Dante; Abrams, Howard; Schull, Michael J

    2009-06-08

    Rigorous evaluation of an intervention requires that its allocation be unbiased with respect to confounders; this is especially difficult in complex, system-wide healthcare interventions. We developed a short survey instrument to identify factors for a minimization algorithm for the allocation of a hospital-level intervention to reduce emergency department (ED) waiting times in Ontario, Canada. Potential confounders influencing the intervention's success were identified by literature review, and grouped by healthcare setting specific change stages. An international multi-disciplinary (clinical, administrative, decision maker, management) panel evaluated these factors in a two-stage modified-delphi and nominal group process based on four domains: change readiness, evidence base, face validity, and clarity of definition. An original set of 33 factors were identified from the literature. The panel reduced the list to 12 in the first round survey. In the second survey, experts scored each factor according to the four domains; summary scores and consensus discussion resulted in the final selection and measurement of four hospital-level factors to be used in the minimization algorithm: improved patient flow as a hospital's leadership priority; physicians' receptiveness to organizational change; efficiency of bed management; and physician incentives supporting the change goal. We developed a simple tool designed to gather data from senior hospital administrators on factors likely to affect the success of a hospital patient flow improvement intervention. A minimization algorithm will ensure balanced allocation of the intervention with respect to these factors in study hospitals.

  16. [Effects on cervical spondylosis of vertebral artery type and the concentrations of plasma NPY and UII in the patients treated with the modified acupuncture at unilateral/bilateral Renying (ST 9)].

    PubMed

    Wang, Yanfu; Ma, Chaoyang; Li, Lingxiao; Zhang, Ting; Gui, Xinghua; Chen, Hao

    2018-05-12

    To observe the differences in the clinical therapeutic effects on cervical spondylosis of vertebral artery type (CSA) between the modified acupuncture and the routine acupuncture at unilateral/bilateral Renying (ST 9) as well as the impacts on the concentrations of plasma neuropeptide Y (NPY) and urotensinⅡ(UⅡ) in the patients. A total of 160 patients were divided into a modified bilateral acupuncture group, a modified unilateral acupuncture group, a routine bilateral acupuncture group and a routine unilateral acupuncture group, 40 cases in each one according to the random number table. In the modified bilateral acupuncture group, the modified acupuncture was applied bilaterally to Renying (ST 9). In the modified unilateral acupuncture group, the modified acupuncture was applied unilaterally to Renying (ST 9). In the routine bilateral acupuncture group, the routine acupuncture was applied bilaterally to Renying (ST 9). In the routine unilateral acupuncture group, the routine acupuncture was applied unilaterally to Renying (ST 9). The treatment was given once every day, continuously for 6 days as one course. Two courses of treatment were required at the interval of 1 day. In each group, before and after treatment, we observed the peak systolic blood flow velocity (Vs) of the vertebral artery (VA) and the basilar artery (BA), cervical vertigo symptoms and functional assessment scales (ESCV) and the concentration of plasma NPY and UⅡ. The clinical therapeutic effects were compared among the groups. After treatment, the clinical therapeutic effect in the modified bilateral acupuncture group was 90.0% (36/40), which was better than 80.0% (32/40) in the modified unilateral acupuncture group, 77.5% (35/40) in the routine bilateral acupuncture group and 65.0% (26/40) in the routine unilateral acupuncture group (all P <0.05). After treatment, Vs of VA and BA was improved remarkably in every group (all P <0.01), and the result in the modified bilateral acupuncture group was higher than those in the other groups (all P <0.01). After treatment, ESCV scores were all increased remarkably in every group (all P <0.01). ESCV score and improvement index in the modified bilateral acupuncture group were all higher than those in the other groups ( P <0.05, P <0.01). After treatment, the concentrations of plasma NPY and UⅡ were all reduced remarkably in every group (all P <0.01) and the differences were significant among the groups (all P <0.01). The modified bilateral acupuncture at Renying (ST 9) effectively regulates the blood supply of the vertebral basilar artery and improves the cerebral circulation. The effects are superior to those of the unilateral acupuncture at Renying (ST 9).

  17. The influence of unstable modified wall squat exercises on the posture of female university students

    PubMed Central

    Lee, Yoonmi

    2015-01-01

    [Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of unstable modified wall squat exercises on the posture of female university students. [Subjects] The subjects of this study were 30 female university students who were equally and randomly allocated to an unstable modified wall squat exercises group the experimental group and a stable modified wall squat exercises group the control group. [Methods] Both groups performed their respective exercises for 30 minutes three times per week over a six-week period. Using BackMapper, trunk inclination, trunk imbalance, pelvic position, pelvic torsion, pelvic rotation, and position of the scapulae were evaluated. [Results] The unstable modified wall squat exercises group obtained significant results for trunk inclination, trunk imbalance, pelvic position, pelvic torsion, position of the scapulae, while the stable modified wall squat exercises group obtained significant results for trunk imbalance and pelvic position. [Conclusion] Unstable modified wall squat exercises may be applied as a method to correct the posture of average adults. PMID:26356770

  18. 76 FR 52016 - NASA Federal Advisory Committees; Nominations and Self-Nominations

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-08-19

    ... NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION [Notice: (11- 075)] NASA Federal Advisory Committees; Nominations and Self- Nominations AGENCY: National Aeronautics and Space Administration. ACTION: Public... the Federal Advisory Committee Act, Public Law 92-463, as amended, the National Aeronautics and Space...

  19. 7 CFR 987.124 - Nomination and polling.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Nomination and polling. 987.124 Section 987.124 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Marketing... IN RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA Administrative Rules Nominations § 987.124 Nomination and polling. (a...

  20. 7 CFR 1150.133 - Nominations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 9 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Nominations. 1150.133 Section 1150.133 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Marketing Agreements... Order National Dairy Promotion and Research Board § 1150.133 Nominations. Nominations for members of the...

  1. 7 CFR 1150.133 - Nominations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 9 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Nominations. 1150.133 Section 1150.133 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (MARKETING AGREEMENTS... Order National Dairy Promotion and Research Board § 1150.133 Nominations. Nominations for members of the...

  2. NekNominate: Social Norms, Social Media, and Binge Drinking.

    PubMed

    Wombacher, Kevin; Reno, Jenna E; Veil, Shari R

    2017-05-01

    This study examines the social-media-based binge drinking game NekNominate and how this phenomenon is related to social norms. NekNominate is a game wherein players are nominated to film themselves "neking" or chugging copious amounts of alcohol or drinking alcohol in a novel or humorous manner. The player then nominates other players via social media who then have a specific timeframe in which they must complete their challenge or face ridicule. Health communication research on drinking behaviors has often looked at the role of social norms in determining these behaviors. News stories (n = 44) of NekNominate and tweets (n = 851) culled using the hashtag #NekNominate during three different time periods are analyzed to identify the normative forces at play in this recent phenomenon.

  3. Immunotoxicological evaluation of wheat genetically modified with TaDREB4 gene on BALB/c mice.

    PubMed

    Liang, Chun Lai; Zhang, Xiao Peng; Song, Yan; Jia, Xu Dong

    2013-08-01

    To evaluate the immunotoxicological effects of genetically modified wheat with TaDREB4 gene in female BALB/c mice. Female mice weighing 18-22 g were divided into five groups (10 mice/group), which were set as negative control group, common wheat group, parental wheat group, genetically modified wheat group and cyclophosphamide positive control group, respectively. Mice in negative control group and positive control group were fed with AIN93G diet, mice in common wheat group, non-genetically modified parental wheat group and genetically modified wheat group were fed with feedstuffs added corresponding wheat (the proportion is 76%) for 30 days, then body weight, absolute and relative weight of spleen and thymus, white blood cell count, histological examination of immune organ, peripheral blood lymphocytes phenotyping, serum cytokine, serum immunoglobulin, antibody plaque-forming cell, serum half hemolysis value, mitogen-induced splenocyte proliferation, delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction and phagocytic activities of phagocytes were detected. No immunotoxicological effects related to the consumption of the genetically modified wheat were observed in BALB/c mice when compared with parental wheat group, common wheat group and negative control group. From the immunotoxicological point of view, results from this study demonstrate that genetically modified wheat with TaDREB4 gene is as safe as the parental wheat. Copyright © 2013 The Editorial Board of Biomedical and Environmental Sciences. Published by China CDC. All rights reserved.

  4. Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance consensus treatment plans for new-onset polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

    PubMed

    Ringold, Sarah; Weiss, Pamela F; Colbert, Robert A; DeWitt, Esi Morgan; Lee, Tzielan; Onel, Karen; Prahalad, Sampath; Schneider, Rayfel; Shenoi, Susan; Vehe, Richard K; Kimura, Yukiko

    2014-07-01

    There is no standardized approach to the initial treatment of polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) among pediatric rheumatologists. Understanding the comparative effectiveness of the diverse therapeutic options available will result in better health outcomes for polyarticular JIA. The Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) developed consensus treatment plans (CTPs) for use in clinical practice to facilitate such studies. A case-based survey was administered to CARRA members to identify the common treatment approaches for new-onset polyarticular JIA. Two face-to-face consensus conferences employed modified nominal group technique to identify treatment strategies, operational case definition, end points, and data elements to be collected. A core workgroup reviewed the relevant literature, refined plans, and developed medication dosing and monitoring recommendations. The initial case-based survey identified significant variability among treatment approaches for new-onset polyarticular JIA. We developed 3 CTPs based on treatment strategies for the first 12 months of therapy, as well as case definitions and clinical and laboratory monitoring schedules. The CTPs include a step-up plan (nonbiologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug [DMARD] followed by a biologic DMARD), an early combination plan (nonbiologic and biologic DMARD combined within a month of treatment initiation), and a biologic only plan. This approach was approved by 96% of the CARRA JIA Research Committee members attending the 2013 CARRA face-to-face meeting. Three standardized CTPs were developed for new-onset polyarticular JIA. Coupled with data collection at defined intervals, use of these CTPs will enable the study of their comparative effectiveness in an observational setting to optimize initial management of polyarticular JIA. Copyright © 2014 by the American College of Rheumatology.

  5. 45 CFR 1801.18 - Limitations on nominations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... 45 Public Welfare 4 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Limitations on nominations. 1801.18 Section 1801.18 Public Welfare Regulations Relating to Public Welfare (Continued) HARRY S. TRUMAN SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION HARRY S. TRUMAN SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Nominations § 1801.18 Limitations on nominations. A candidate...

  6. 45 CFR 1801.18 - Limitations on nominations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 45 Public Welfare 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Limitations on nominations. 1801.18 Section 1801.18 Public Welfare Regulations Relating to Public Welfare (Continued) HARRY S. TRUMAN SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION HARRY S. TRUMAN SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Nominations § 1801.18 Limitations on nominations. A candidate...

  7. 45 CFR 1801.18 - Limitations on nominations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 45 Public Welfare 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Limitations on nominations. 1801.18 Section 1801.18 Public Welfare Regulations Relating to Public Welfare (Continued) HARRY S. TRUMAN SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION HARRY S. TRUMAN SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Nominations § 1801.18 Limitations on nominations. A candidate...

  8. 45 CFR 1801.18 - Limitations on nominations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... 45 Public Welfare 4 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Limitations on nominations. 1801.18 Section 1801.18 Public Welfare Regulations Relating to Public Welfare (Continued) HARRY S. TRUMAN SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION HARRY S. TRUMAN SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Nominations § 1801.18 Limitations on nominations. A candidate...

  9. 45 CFR 1801.18 - Limitations on nominations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... 45 Public Welfare 4 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Limitations on nominations. 1801.18 Section 1801.18 Public Welfare Regulations Relating to Public Welfare (Continued) HARRY S. TRUMAN SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION HARRY S. TRUMAN SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Nominations § 1801.18 Limitations on nominations. A candidate...

  10. 7 CFR 1220.203 - Nominations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... CONSUMER INFORMATION Soybean Promotion and Research Order United Soybean Board § 1220.203 Nominations. All... be filled. (e) Nominations may be submitted in order of preference and for the initial Board, in order of preference for staggered terms. Should the Secretary reject any nomination submitted and there...

  11. 7 CFR 932.31 - Failure to nominate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Failure to nominate. 932.31 Section 932.31 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Marketing Agreements... Regulating Handling Olive Administrative Committee § 932.31 Failure to nominate. If nominations for any...

  12. 7 CFR 953.20 - Failure to nominate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Failure to nominate. 953.20 Section 953.20 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (MARKETING AGREEMENTS... STATES Order Regulating Handling Administrative Committee § 953.20 Failure to nominate. If nominations...

  13. 7 CFR 953.20 - Failure to nominate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Failure to nominate. 953.20 Section 953.20 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Marketing Agreements... STATES Order Regulating Handling Administrative Committee § 953.20 Failure to nominate. If nominations...

  14. 7 CFR 932.31 - Failure to nominate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Failure to nominate. 932.31 Section 932.31 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (MARKETING AGREEMENTS... Regulating Handling Olive Administrative Committee § 932.31 Failure to nominate. If nominations for any...

  15. 7 CFR 927.25 - Failure to nominate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Failure to nominate. 927.25 Section 927.25 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Marketing Agreements... Order Regulating Handling Administrative Bodies § 927.25 Failure to nominate. In the event nominations...

  16. 7 CFR 932.31 - Failure to nominate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Failure to nominate. 932.31 Section 932.31 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Marketing Agreements... Regulating Handling Olive Administrative Committee § 932.31 Failure to nominate. If nominations for any...

  17. 7 CFR 953.20 - Failure to nominate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Failure to nominate. 953.20 Section 953.20 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Marketing Agreements... STATES Order Regulating Handling Administrative Committee § 953.20 Failure to nominate. If nominations...

  18. 7 CFR 917.26 - Failure to nominate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Failure to nominate. 917.26 Section 917.26 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Marketing Agreements... CALIFORNIA Order Regulating Handling Administrative Bodies § 917.26 Failure to nominate. If nominations are...

  19. 7 CFR 927.25 - Failure to nominate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Failure to nominate. 927.25 Section 927.25 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Marketing Agreements... Order Regulating Handling Administrative Bodies § 927.25 Failure to nominate. In the event nominations...

  20. 7 CFR 917.26 - Failure to nominate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Failure to nominate. 917.26 Section 917.26 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (MARKETING AGREEMENTS... CALIFORNIA Order Regulating Handling Administrative Bodies § 917.26 Failure to nominate. If nominations are...

  1. 7 CFR 927.25 - Failure to nominate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Failure to nominate. 927.25 Section 927.25 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Marketing Agreements... Order Regulating Handling Administrative Bodies § 927.25 Failure to nominate. In the event nominations...

  2. 7 CFR 917.26 - Failure to nominate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Failure to nominate. 917.26 Section 917.26 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (MARKETING AGREEMENTS... CALIFORNIA Order Regulating Handling Administrative Bodies § 917.26 Failure to nominate. If nominations are...

  3. 7 CFR 917.26 - Failure to nominate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Failure to nominate. 917.26 Section 917.26 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Marketing Agreements... CALIFORNIA Order Regulating Handling Administrative Bodies § 917.26 Failure to nominate. If nominations are...

  4. 7 CFR 932.31 - Failure to nominate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Failure to nominate. 932.31 Section 932.31 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Marketing Agreements... Regulating Handling Olive Administrative Committee § 932.31 Failure to nominate. If nominations for any...

  5. 7 CFR 917.26 - Failure to nominate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Failure to nominate. 917.26 Section 917.26 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Marketing Agreements... CALIFORNIA Order Regulating Handling Administrative Bodies § 917.26 Failure to nominate. If nominations are...

  6. 7 CFR 932.31 - Failure to nominate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Failure to nominate. 932.31 Section 932.31 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (MARKETING AGREEMENTS... Regulating Handling Olive Administrative Committee § 932.31 Failure to nominate. If nominations for any...

  7. 7 CFR 927.25 - Failure to nominate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Failure to nominate. 927.25 Section 927.25 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (MARKETING AGREEMENTS... Order Regulating Handling Administrative Bodies § 927.25 Failure to nominate. In the event nominations...

  8. 7 CFR 927.25 - Failure to nominate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Failure to nominate. 927.25 Section 927.25 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (MARKETING AGREEMENTS... Order Regulating Handling Administrative Bodies § 927.25 Failure to nominate. In the event nominations...

  9. The Role of Friendship Reciprocity in University Freshmen's Alcohol Consumption.

    PubMed

    Giese, Helge; Stok, F Marijn; Renner, Britta

    2017-07-01

    The similarity of friends in the frequency and quantity of alcohol consumption is explored. During their first semester, 57 psychology freshmen indicated weekly drinking frequency and quantity and nominated the three peers of this group they liked most. These nominations were then used to derive the weekly alcohol consumption of friends that either did or did not reciprocate a nomination. Multilevel modeling of weekly variations showed that individuals' drinking frequency was similar to peers who reciprocated a friendship (b = 0.15, p = .001), but not to non-reciprocating peers (b = -0.01, p = .720). In contrast, weekly variation in quantity of individual students' drinking was similar to both reciprocating (b = 0.11, p = .018) and non-reciprocating peers' drinking (b = 0.10, p = .014). Yet across all weeks, quantity tended only to be similar to non-reciprocating peers (b = 0.49, p = .020). Freshmen might spend drinking time with peers who reciprocate a friendship, but are similar regarding the quantity of drinks consumed to all people they find interesting. Thus, alcohol consumption is used strategically for social purposes. This social purpose should also be acknowledged in alcohol-reduction interventions. © 2017 The International Association of Applied Psychology.

  10. Variation in the Reported Management of Canine Prolapsed Nictitans Gland and Feline Herpetic Keratitis.

    PubMed

    White, Constance N; Jones, Gareth; Baker, Sarah; Dean, Rachel S; Brennan, Marnie L

    2018-06-01

    Treatment variation in medicine may be driven by evidence gaps, clinician factors, and patient preferences. Although well-documented in human medicine, variation in clinical management is relatively unexplored in veterinary practice. Clinical vignette questionnaires were administered to a cross section of general practitioners (GPs) and veterinarians with postgraduate training in ophthalmology (PGs) to survey recommended management of canine prolapsed nictitans gland ("cherry eye", PNG) and feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) keratitis. The majority of veterinarians (96.2%) suggested surgical replacement of cherry eye, with a pocketing technique being the most frequently nominated procedure. GPs were more likely to suggest gland excision in the event of surgical failure, while PGs more frequently nominated techniques incorporating a periosteal anchor for salvage repair. Most respondents managed FHV-1 keratitis with topical antibiotics (76.4%), with a minority suggesting topical antivirals (32.2%). GPs favoured topical acyclovir whilst PGs more frequently recommended topical trifluorothymidine. A significantly larger proportion of PGs nominated systemic famciclovir and lysine supplement for FHV-1 keratitis. This survey revealed moderate treatment variation for these conditions, both between and within practitioner groups. Additional research is needed to assess the reasons for this variation, particularly for conditions in which high quality evidence is scant.

  11. Cross-Ethnic Friendships and Intergroup Attitudes Among Asian American Adolescents

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Xiaochen; Graham, Sandra

    2014-01-01

    This study examined cross-ethnic friendship choices and intergroup attitudes in a sample of 762 sixth grade Asian American students (Mage=11.5 years) attending one of 19 middle schools that varied in ethnic composition. Multiple measures of friendship (quantity and quality) and intergroup attitudes (affective, cognitive, behavioral) toward White, Latino, and Black grademates were assessed. The results showed that Asian American students over-nominated White students and under-nominated Latino and Black students as their friends when school availability of each ethnic group was accounted for. Cross-ethnic friendships were related to better intergroup attitudes, especially the behavioral dimension of attitudes. Cross-ethnic friendships were least likely to change attitudes towards Blacks. Implications for future research, educational practice, and attitude intervention programs were discussed. PMID:25626492

  12. Autonomous Operations System: Development and Application

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Toro Medina, Jaime A.; Wilkins, Kim N.; Walker, Mark; Stahl, Gerald M.

    2016-01-01

    Autonomous control systems provides the ability of self-governance beyond the conventional control system. As the complexity of mechanical and electrical systems increases, there develops a natural drive for developing robust control systems to manage complicated operations. By closing the bridge between conventional automated systems to knowledge based self-awareness systems, nominal control of operations can evolve into relying on safe critical mitigation processes to support any off-nominal behavior. Current research and development efforts lead by the Autonomous Propellant Loading (APL) group at NASA Kennedy Space Center aims to improve cryogenic propellant transfer operations by developing an automated control and health monitoring system. As an integrated systems, the center aims to produce an Autonomous Operations System (AOS) capable of integrating health management operations with automated control to produce a fully autonomous system.

  13. 75 FR 44793 - Consumer Advisory Council Solicitation of Nominations for Membership

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-07-29

    ... to nominate qualified individuals for appointment to its Consumer Advisory Council, whose membership... affiliation, title, address, phone and fax numbers, and e-mail address. Individuals may nominate themselves... does not limit consideration to individuals nominated by the public when making its selection. Council...

  14. 36 CFR 60.11 - Requests for nominations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... and appears to meet the National Register criteria for evaluation in § 60.4. If the nomination form is... any person or organization submitting a completed National Register nomination form or requesting consideration for any previously prepared nomination form on record with the State or Federal agency. The...

  15. 7 CFR 1219.34 - Failure to nominate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 10 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Failure to nominate. 1219.34 Section 1219.34 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (MARKETING....34 Failure to nominate. In any case in which producers or importers fail to nominate individuals for...

  16. 7 CFR 915.24 - Failure to nominate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Failure to nominate. 915.24 Section 915.24 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (MARKETING AGREEMENTS... Regulating Handling Administrative Body § 915.24 Failure to nominate. If nominations are not made within the...

  17. 7 CFR 915.24 - Failure to nominate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Failure to nominate. 915.24 Section 915.24 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Marketing Agreements... Regulating Handling Administrative Body § 915.24 Failure to nominate. If nominations are not made within the...

  18. 7 CFR 1219.34 - Failure to nominate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 10 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Failure to nominate. 1219.34 Section 1219.34 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (MARKETING....34 Failure to nominate. In any case in which producers or importers fail to nominate individuals for...

  19. 7 CFR 915.24 - Failure to nominate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Failure to nominate. 915.24 Section 915.24 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (MARKETING AGREEMENTS... Regulating Handling Administrative Body § 915.24 Failure to nominate. If nominations are not made within the...

  20. 7 CFR 948.57 - Failure to nominate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Failure to nominate. 948.57 Section 948.57 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (MARKETING AGREEMENTS... Order Regulating Handling Committees § 948.57 Failure to nominate. If nominations are not made pursuant...

  1. 7 CFR 948.57 - Failure to nominate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Failure to nominate. 948.57 Section 948.57 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (MARKETING AGREEMENTS... Order Regulating Handling Committees § 948.57 Failure to nominate. If nominations are not made pursuant...

  2. 7 CFR 948.57 - Failure to nominate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Failure to nominate. 948.57 Section 948.57 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Marketing Agreements... Order Regulating Handling Committees § 948.57 Failure to nominate. If nominations are not made pursuant...

  3. 7 CFR 1219.34 - Failure to nominate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 10 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Failure to nominate. 1219.34 Section 1219.34 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (MARKETING....34 Failure to nominate. In any case in which producers or importers fail to nominate individuals for...

  4. 7 CFR 916.24 - Failure to nominate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Failure to nominate. 916.24 Section 916.24 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Marketing Agreements... Regulating Handling Administrative Body § 916.24 Failure to nominate. If nominations are not made within the...

  5. 7 CFR 916.24 - Failure to nominate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Failure to nominate. 916.24 Section 916.24 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Marketing Agreements... Regulating Handling Administrative Body § 916.24 Failure to nominate. If nominations are not made within the...

  6. 7 CFR 948.57 - Failure to nominate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Failure to nominate. 948.57 Section 948.57 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Marketing Agreements... Order Regulating Handling Committees § 948.57 Failure to nominate. If nominations are not made pursuant...

  7. 7 CFR 948.57 - Failure to nominate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Failure to nominate. 948.57 Section 948.57 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Marketing Agreements... Order Regulating Handling Committees § 948.57 Failure to nominate. If nominations are not made pursuant...

  8. 7 CFR 1219.34 - Failure to nominate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 10 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Failure to nominate. 1219.34 Section 1219.34 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (MARKETING....34 Failure to nominate. In any case in which producers or importers fail to nominate individuals for...

  9. 7 CFR 915.24 - Failure to nominate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Failure to nominate. 915.24 Section 915.24 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Marketing Agreements... Regulating Handling Administrative Body § 915.24 Failure to nominate. If nominations are not made within the...

  10. Participant roles of bullying in adolescence: Status characteristics, social behavior, and assignment criteria.

    PubMed

    Pouwels, J Loes; Lansu, Tessa A M; Cillessen, Antonius H N

    2016-01-01

    This study had three goals. First, we examined the prevalence of the participant roles of bullying in middle adolescence and possible gender differences therein. Second, we examined the behavioral and status characteristics associated with the participant roles in middle adolescence. Third, we compared two sets of criteria for assigning students to the participant roles of bullying. Participants were 1,638 adolescents (50.9% boys, M(age)  = 16.38 years, SD =.80) who completed the shortened participant role questionnaire and peer nominations for peer status and behavioral characteristics. Adolescents were assigned to the participant roles according to the relative criteria of Salmivalli, Lagerspetz, Björkqvist, Österman, and Kaukiainen (1996). Next, the students in each role were divided in two subgroups based on an additional absolute criterion: the Relative Only Criterion subgroup (nominated by less than 10% of their classmates) and the Absolute & Relative Criterion subgroup (nominated by at least 10% of their classmates). Adolescents who bullied or reinforced or assisted bullies were highly popular and disliked and scored high on peer-valued characteristics. Adolescents who were victimized held the weakest social position in the peer group. Adolescents who defended victims were liked and prosocial, but average in popularity and peer-valued characteristics. Outsiders held a socially weak position in the peer group, but were less disliked, less aggressive, and more prosocial than victims. The behavior and status profiles of adolescents in the participant roles were more extreme for the Absolute & Relative Criterion subgroup than for the Relative Only Criterion subgroup. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  11. Use of a Teacher Nomination Strategy to Screen for Autism Spectrum Disorders in General Education Classrooms: A Pilot Study

    PubMed Central

    Hepburn, Susan L.; DiGuiseppi, Carolyn; Rosenberg, Steven; Kaparich, Kristina; Robinson, Cordelia; Miller, Lisa

    2015-01-01

    Given a rising prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), this project aimed to develop and pilot test various teacher nomination strategies to identify children at risk for ASD in a timely, reliable, cost-effective manner. Sixty participating elementary school teachers evaluated 1323 children in total. Each teacher nominated students who most fit a description of ASD-associated characteristics, and completed the Autism Syndrome Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ) on every child in the classroom. The proportion of overall agreement between teacher nomination and ASSQ was 93–95%, depending upon the nomination parameters. Nomination required 15 min per class versus 3.5–5.5 h per class for the ASSQ. These results support the need for further study of teacher nomination strategies to identify children at risk for ASD. PMID:17661165

  12. Reinterpreting the importance of oxygen-based biodegradation in chloroethene-contaminated groundwater

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Bradley, Paul M.

    2011-01-01

    Chlororespiration is common in shallow aquifer systems under conditions nominally identified as anoxic. Consequently, chlororespiration is a key component of remediation at many chloroethene-contaminated sites. In some instances, limited accumulation of reductive dechlorination daughter products is interpreted as evidence that natural attenuation is not adequate for site remediation. This conclusion is justified when evidence for parent compound (tetrachloroethene, PCE, or trichloroethene, TCE) degradation is lacking. For many chloroethene-contaminated shallow aquifer systems, however, nonconservative losses of the parent compounds are clear but the mass balance between parent compound attenuation and accumulation of reductive dechlorination daughter products is incomplete. Incomplete mass balance indicates a failure to account for important contaminant attenuation mechanisms and is consistent with contaminant degradation to nondiagnostic mineralization products like CO2. While anoxic mineralization of chloroethene compounds has been proposed previously, recent results suggest that oxygen-based mineralization of chloroethenes also can be significant at dissolved oxygen concentrations below the currently accepted field standard for nominally anoxic conditions. Thus, reassessment of the role and potential importance of low concentrations of oxygen in chloroethene biodegradation are needed, because mischaracterization of operant biodegradation processes can lead to expensive and ineffective remedial actions. A modified interpretive framework is provided for assessing the potential for chloroethene biodegradation under different redox conditions and the probable role of oxygen in chloroethene biodegradation.

  13. Titan Explorer Entry, Descent and Landing Trajectory Design

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Fisher, Jody L.; Lindberg, Robert E.; Lockwood, Mary Kae

    2006-01-01

    The Titan Explorer mission concept includes an orbiter, entry probe and inflatable airship designed to take remote and in-situ measurements of Titan's atmosphere. A modified entry, descent and landing trajectory at Titan that incorporates mid-air airship inflation (under a parachute) and separation is developed and examined for Titan Explorer. The feasibility of mid-air inflation and deployment of an airship under a parachute is determined by implementing and validating an airship buoyancy and inflation model in the trajectory simulation program, Program to Optimize Simulated Trajectories II (POST2). A nominal POST2 trajectory simulation case study is generated which examines different descent scenarios by varying airship inflation duration, orientation, and separation. The buoyancy model incorporation into POST2 is new to the software and may be used in future trajectory simulations. Each case from the nominal POST2 trajectory case study simulates a successful separation between the parachute and airship systems with sufficient velocity change as to alter their paths to avoid collision throughout their descent. The airship and heatshield also separate acceptably with a minimum distance of separation from the parachute system of 1.5 km. This analysis shows the feasibility of airship inflation on a parachute for different orientations, airship separation at various inflation times, and preparation for level-flight at Titan.

  14. Use of the focusing multi-slit ion optical system at RUssian Diagnostic Injector (RUDI)

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

    Listopad, A.; Davydenko, V.; Ivanov, A.

    2012-02-15

    The upgrade of the diagnostic neutral beam injector RUDI in 2010 was performed to increase the beam density at the focal plane in accordance with the requirements of charge-exchange recombination spectroscopy diagnostics. A new focusing ion-optical system (IOS) with slit beamlets and an enlarged aperture was optimized for 50% higher nominal beam current and reduced angular divergence with respect to the previous multi-aperture IOS version. The upgraded injector provides the beam current up to 3 A, the measured beam divergence in the direction along the slits is 0.35 deg. Additionally, the plasma generator was modified to extend the beam pulsemore » to 8 s.« less

  15. Inverting Image Data For Optical Testing And Alignment

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Shao, Michael; Redding, David; Yu, Jeffrey W.; Dumont, Philip J.

    1993-01-01

    Data from images produced by slightly incorrectly figured concave primary mirror in telescope processed into estimate of spherical aberration of mirror, by use of algorithm finding nonlinear least-squares best fit between actual images and synthetic images produced by multiparameter mathematical model of telescope optical system. Estimated spherical aberration, in turn, converted into estimate of deviation of reflector surface from nominal precise shape. Algorithm devised as part of effort to determine error in surface figure of primary mirror of Hubble space telescope, so corrective lens designed. Modified versions of algorithm also used to find optical errors in other components of telescope or of other optical systems, for purposes of testing, alignment, and/or correction.

  16. Improvement of the predicted aural detection code ICHIN (I Can Hear It Now)

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mueller, Arnold W.; Smith, Charles D.; Lemasurier, Phillip

    1993-01-01

    Acoustic tests were conducted to study the far-field sound pressure levels and aural detection ranges associated with a Sikorsky S-76A helicopter in straight and level flight at various advancing blade tip Mach numbers. The flight altitude was nominally 150 meters above ground level. This paper compares the normalized predicted aural detection distances, based on the measured far-field sound pressure levels, to the normalized measured aural detection distances obtained from sound jury response measurements obtained during the same test. Both unmodified and modified versions of the prediction code ICHIN-6 (I Can Hear It Now) were used to produce the results for this study.

  17. Solvent Hold Tank Sample Results for MCU-15-129-130-131: January 2015 Monthly Sample

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

    Fondeur, F. F.; Taylor-Pashow, K. M. L.

    2015-02-19

    SRNL received one set of SHT samples (MCU-15-129, MCU-15-130, and MCU-15-131), pulled on 01/25/2015 for analysis. The samples were combined and analyzed for composition. Analysis of the composite sample MCU-15-129-130-131 indicated low concentrations of the suppressor (TiDG), of the extractant (MaxCalix), and of the modifier (CS-7SB) in the solvent relative to their nominal values. This analysis confirms a downward trend of these components. No impurities were found in this solvent. The laboratory will continue to monitor the quality of the solvent in particular for any new impurity or degradation of the solvent components.

  18. 24 CFR 598.205 - What are the requirements for nomination?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... nomination? 598.205 Section 598.205 Housing and Urban Development Regulations Relating to Housing and Urban... DESIGNATIONS Nomination Procedure § 598.205 What are the requirements for nomination? (a) General. No urban... that the strategic plan described in § 598.215 will be implemented, and these governments submit its...

  19. 24 CFR 598.205 - What are the requirements for nomination?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... nomination? 598.205 Section 598.205 Housing and Urban Development Regulations Relating to Housing and Urban... DESIGNATIONS Nomination Procedure § 598.205 What are the requirements for nomination? (a) General. No urban... that the strategic plan described in § 598.215 will be implemented, and these governments submit its...

  20. 24 CFR 598.205 - What are the requirements for nomination?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... nomination? 598.205 Section 598.205 Housing and Urban Development Regulations Relating to Housing and Urban... DESIGNATIONS Nomination Procedure § 598.205 What are the requirements for nomination? (a) General. No urban... that the strategic plan described in § 598.215 will be implemented, and these governments submit its...

  1. 76 FR 71566 - Solicitation of Nominations for Membership on the National Vaccine Advisory Committee

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-11-18

    ...., Public Health Advisor, National Vaccine Program Office, Department of Health and Human Services, 200... vacated during the calendar year 2012. Nominations In accordance with the charter, persons nominated for... information should be included in the package of material submitted for each individual being nominated for...

  2. 78 FR 31939 - Solicitation of Nominations for Membership on the National Vaccine Advisory Committee

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-05-28

    ...., Public Health Advisor, National Vaccine Program Office, Department of Health and Human Services, 200... vacated during the calendar year 2013. Nominations In accordance with the charter, persons nominated for... information should be included in the package of material submitted for each individual being nominated for...

  3. 7 CFR 25.502 - Nominations by State-chartered economic development corporations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Nominations by State-chartered economic development... AND ENTERPRISE COMMUNITIES Special Rules § 25.502 Nominations by State-chartered economic development corporations. Any rural area nominated by an economic development corporation chartered by a State and...

  4. 75 FR 28782 - Extension of Period for Nominations to the National Medal of Technology and Innovation Nomination...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-05-24

    ... innovation and/or be familiar with the education, training, employment and management of technological... Innovations/Bioengineering and Biomedical Technology; Technology Management/Computing/IT/Manufacturing...] Extension of Period for Nominations to the National Medal of Technology and Innovation Nomination Evaluation...

  5. Trajectories of Peer-Nominated Aggression: Risk Status, Predictors and Outcomes.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    van Lier, Pol A.C.; Crijnen, Alfons A.M.

    2005-01-01

    Developmental trajectories of peer-nominated aggression, risk factors at baseline, and outcomes were studied. Peer nominations of aggression were obtained annually from grades 1 to 3. Three developmental trajectories were identified: an early-onset/increasers trajectory with high levels of peer-nominated aggression at elementary school entry and…

  6. 36 CFR 60.10 - Concurrent State and Federal nominations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... cultural value. Federal agencies may nominate properties where a portion of the property is not under Federal ownership or control. (b) When a portion of the area included in a Federal nomination is not... cultural resource, the completed nomination form shall be sent to the State Historic Preservation Officer...

  7. 45 CFR 1801.10 - Nomination by institution of higher education.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... 45 Public Welfare 4 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Nomination by institution of higher education. 1801.10 Section 1801.10 Public Welfare Regulations Relating to Public Welfare (Continued) HARRY S. TRUMAN SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION HARRY S. TRUMAN SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Nominations § 1801.10 Nomination by...

  8. 45 CFR 1801.11 - Annual nomination.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 45 Public Welfare 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Annual nomination. 1801.11 Section 1801.11 Public Welfare Regulations Relating to Public Welfare (Continued) HARRY S. TRUMAN SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION HARRY S. TRUMAN SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Nominations § 1801.11 Annual nomination. (a) Except as provided in §§ 1801.11...

  9. 45 CFR 1801.11 - Annual nomination.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... 45 Public Welfare 4 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Annual nomination. 1801.11 Section 1801.11 Public Welfare Regulations Relating to Public Welfare (Continued) HARRY S. TRUMAN SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION HARRY S. TRUMAN SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Nominations § 1801.11 Annual nomination. (a) Except as provided in §§ 1801.11...

  10. 45 CFR 1801.11 - Annual nomination.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... 45 Public Welfare 4 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Annual nomination. 1801.11 Section 1801.11 Public Welfare Regulations Relating to Public Welfare (Continued) HARRY S. TRUMAN SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION HARRY S. TRUMAN SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Nominations § 1801.11 Annual nomination. (a) Except as provided in §§ 1801.11...

  11. 45 CFR 1801.10 - Nomination by institution of higher education.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 45 Public Welfare 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Nomination by institution of higher education. 1801.10 Section 1801.10 Public Welfare Regulations Relating to Public Welfare (Continued) HARRY S. TRUMAN SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION HARRY S. TRUMAN SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Nominations § 1801.10 Nomination by...

  12. 45 CFR 1801.10 - Nomination by institution of higher education.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... 45 Public Welfare 4 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Nomination by institution of higher education. 1801.10 Section 1801.10 Public Welfare Regulations Relating to Public Welfare (Continued) HARRY S. TRUMAN SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION HARRY S. TRUMAN SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Nominations § 1801.10 Nomination by...

  13. 45 CFR 1801.11 - Annual nomination.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 45 Public Welfare 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Annual nomination. 1801.11 Section 1801.11 Public Welfare Regulations Relating to Public Welfare (Continued) HARRY S. TRUMAN SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION HARRY S. TRUMAN SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Nominations § 1801.11 Annual nomination. (a) Except as provided in §§ 1801.11...

  14. 45 CFR 1801.11 - Annual nomination.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... 45 Public Welfare 4 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Annual nomination. 1801.11 Section 1801.11 Public Welfare Regulations Relating to Public Welfare (Continued) HARRY S. TRUMAN SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION HARRY S. TRUMAN SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Nominations § 1801.11 Annual nomination. (a) Except as provided in §§ 1801.11...

  15. 45 CFR 1801.10 - Nomination by institution of higher education.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... 45 Public Welfare 4 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Nomination by institution of higher education. 1801.10 Section 1801.10 Public Welfare Regulations Relating to Public Welfare (Continued) HARRY S. TRUMAN SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION HARRY S. TRUMAN SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Nominations § 1801.10 Nomination by...

  16. 7 CFR 25.502 - Nominations by State-chartered economic development corporations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Nominations by State-chartered economic development... AND ENTERPRISE COMMUNITIES Special Rules § 25.502 Nominations by State-chartered economic development corporations. Any rural area nominated by an economic development corporation chartered by a State and...

  17. 7 CFR 25.502 - Nominations by State-chartered economic development corporations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Nominations by State-chartered economic development... AND ENTERPRISE COMMUNITIES Special Rules § 25.502 Nominations by State-chartered economic development corporations. Any rural area nominated by an economic development corporation chartered by a State and...

  18. 7 CFR 25.502 - Nominations by State-chartered economic development corporations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Nominations by State-chartered economic development... AND ENTERPRISE COMMUNITIES Special Rules § 25.502 Nominations by State-chartered economic development corporations. Any rural area nominated by an economic development corporation chartered by a State and...

  19. 7 CFR 25.502 - Nominations by State-chartered economic development corporations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Nominations by State-chartered economic development... AND ENTERPRISE COMMUNITIES Special Rules § 25.502 Nominations by State-chartered economic development corporations. Any rural area nominated by an economic development corporation chartered by a State and...

  20. 77 FR 48168 - Call for Nominations for the Twin Falls District Resource Advisory Council

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-08-13

    ... for Nominations for the Twin Falls District Resource Advisory Council AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Call for Nominations, Twin Falls District Resource Advisory Council SUMMARY: This notice requests public nominations to fill one position on the Twin Falls District Resource...

  1. 75 FR 69631 - National Medal of Technology and Innovation Nomination Evaluation Committee Meeting

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-11-15

    ... selection. NMTI Nomination Evaluation Committee members are drawn from both the public and private sectors... Technology and Innovation Nomination Evaluation Committee Meeting AGENCY: United States Patent and Trademark... Innovation (NMTI) Nomination Evaluation Committee will meet in closed session on Tuesday, November 30, 2010...

  2. 7 CFR 930.25 - Failure to nominate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Failure to nominate. 930.25 Section 930.25 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Marketing Agreements... Administrative Body § 930.25 Failure to nominate. If nominations are not made within the time and in the manner...

  3. 7 CFR 959.28 - Failure to nominate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Failure to nominate. 959.28 Section 959.28 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Marketing Agreements... Regulating Handling Committee § 959.28 Failure to nominate. If nominations are not made within the time and...

  4. 7 CFR 959.28 - Failure to nominate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Failure to nominate. 959.28 Section 959.28 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Marketing Agreements... Regulating Handling Committee § 959.28 Failure to nominate. If nominations are not made within the time and...

  5. 7 CFR 930.25 - Failure to nominate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Failure to nominate. 930.25 Section 930.25 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (MARKETING AGREEMENTS... Administrative Body § 930.25 Failure to nominate. If nominations are not made within the time and in the manner...

  6. 7 CFR 945.26 - Failure to nominate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Failure to nominate. 945.26 Section 945.26 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Marketing Agreements... § 945.26 Failure to nominate. If nominations are not made within the time and in the manner specified by...

  7. 7 CFR 930.25 - Failure to nominate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Failure to nominate. 930.25 Section 930.25 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (MARKETING AGREEMENTS... Administrative Body § 930.25 Failure to nominate. If nominations are not made within the time and in the manner...

  8. 7 CFR 945.26 - Failure to nominate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Failure to nominate. 945.26 Section 945.26 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Marketing Agreements... § 945.26 Failure to nominate. If nominations are not made within the time and in the manner specified by...

  9. 7 CFR 966.28 - Failure to nominate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Failure to nominate. 966.28 Section 966.28 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (MARKETING AGREEMENTS... Regulating Handling Committee § 966.28 Failure to nominate. If nominations are not made within the time and...

  10. 7 CFR 958.29 - Failure to nominate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Failure to nominate. 958.29 Section 958.29 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Marketing Agreements... Failure to nominate. If nominations are not made within the time and in the manner specified by the...

  11. 7 CFR 930.25 - Failure to nominate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Failure to nominate. 930.25 Section 930.25 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Marketing Agreements... Administrative Body § 930.25 Failure to nominate. If nominations are not made within the time and in the manner...

  12. 7 CFR 924.24 - Failure to nominate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Failure to nominate. 924.24 Section 924.24 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Marketing Agreements....24 Failure to nominate. If nominations are not made within the time and in the manner prescribed in...

  13. 7 CFR 930.25 - Failure to nominate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Failure to nominate. 930.25 Section 930.25 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Marketing Agreements... Administrative Body § 930.25 Failure to nominate. If nominations are not made within the time and in the manner...

  14. 7 CFR 958.29 - Failure to nominate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Failure to nominate. 958.29 Section 958.29 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (MARKETING AGREEMENTS... Failure to nominate. If nominations are not made within the time and in the manner specified by the...

  15. 7 CFR 958.29 - Failure to nominate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Failure to nominate. 958.29 Section 958.29 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Marketing Agreements... Failure to nominate. If nominations are not made within the time and in the manner specified by the...

  16. 7 CFR 945.26 - Failure to nominate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Failure to nominate. 945.26 Section 945.26 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Marketing Agreements... § 945.26 Failure to nominate. If nominations are not made within the time and in the manner specified by...

  17. 7 CFR 966.28 - Failure to nominate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Failure to nominate. 966.28 Section 966.28 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Marketing Agreements... Regulating Handling Committee § 966.28 Failure to nominate. If nominations are not made within the time and...

  18. 7 CFR 945.26 - Failure to nominate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Failure to nominate. 945.26 Section 945.26 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (MARKETING AGREEMENTS... § 945.26 Failure to nominate. If nominations are not made within the time and in the manner specified by...

  19. 7 CFR 945.26 - Failure to nominate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Failure to nominate. 945.26 Section 945.26 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (MARKETING AGREEMENTS... § 945.26 Failure to nominate. If nominations are not made within the time and in the manner specified by...

  20. 7 CFR 959.28 - Failure to nominate.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Failure to nominate. 959.28 Section 959.28 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (MARKETING AGREEMENTS... Regulating Handling Committee § 959.28 Failure to nominate. If nominations are not made within the time and...

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