Evaluation of personal digital assistant drug information databases for the managed care pharmacist.

PubMed

Lowry, Colleen M; Kostka-Rokosz, Maria D; McCloskey, William W

2003-01-01

Personal digital assistants (PDAs) are becoming a necessity for practicing pharmacists. They offer a time-saving and convenient way to obtain current drug information. Several software companies now offer general drug information databases for use on hand held computers. PDAs priced less than 200 US dollars often have limited memory capacity; therefore, the user must choose from a growing list of general drug information database options in order to maximize utility without exceeding memory capacity. This paper reviews the attributes of available general drug information software databases for the PDA. It provides information on the content, advantages, limitations, pricing, memory requirements, and accessibility of drug information software databases. Ten drug information databases were subjectively analyzed and evaluated based on information from the product.s Web site, vendor Web sites, and from our experience. Some of these databases have attractive auxiliary features such as kinetics calculators, disease references, drug-drug and drug-herb interaction tools, and clinical guidelines, which may make them more useful to the PDA user. Not all drug information databases are equal with regard to content, author credentials, frequency of updates, and memory requirements. The user must therefore evaluate databases for completeness, currency, and cost effectiveness before purchase. In addition, consideration should be given to the ease of use and flexibility of individual programs.

NOAA Weather Radio

Science.gov Websites

Station Search Coverage Maps Outages View Outages Report Outages Information General Information Receiver Information Reception Problems NWR Alarms Automated Voices FIPS Codes NWR - Special Needs SAME USING SAME SAME Search For Go NWS All NOAA Frequently Asked Questions This site offers a wealth of information on NOAA

Community College General Academic Course Guide Manual.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Austin. Div. of Community and Technical Colleges.

The Community College General Academic Course Guide Manual (ACGM) is the official list of approved numbers for general academic transfer courses that may be offered by public community and technical colleges in Texas for state funding. This edition of the ACGM, effective September 1996, contains the latest information available for academic…

Toward a More Culturally Responsive General Music Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Abril, Carlos R.

2013-01-01

This article seeks to characterize culturally responsive teaching; consider how it differs from other pedagogical approaches in music education informed by culture, such as multicultural music education; and offer ideas for making the general music classroom more culturally responsive.

75 FR 81662 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Affordable...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-12-28

.... SUMMARY: The Department of Labor (DOL) hereby announces the submission of the Employee Benefits Security... coverage for group health plans and health insurance issuers offering group or individual health insurance... health insurance issuer offering group or individual health insurance coverage generally must not rescind...

45 CFR 146.160 - Disclosure of information.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

....160 Disclosure of information. (a) General rule. In connection with the offering of any health... 45 Public Welfare 1 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Disclosure of information. 146.160 Section 146.160 Public Welfare DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO HEALTH CARE ACCESS...

45 CFR 146.160 - Disclosure of information.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

....160 Disclosure of information. (a) General rule. In connection with the offering of any health... 45 Public Welfare 1 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Disclosure of information. 146.160 Section 146.160 Public Welfare DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO HEALTH CARE ACCESS...

45 CFR 146.160 - Disclosure of information.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

....160 Disclosure of information. (a) General rule. In connection with the offering of any health... 45 Public Welfare 1 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Disclosure of information. 146.160 Section 146.160 Public Welfare DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO HEALTH CARE ACCESS...

45 CFR 146.160 - Disclosure of information.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

....160 Disclosure of information. (a) General rule. In connection with the offering of any health... 45 Public Welfare 1 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Disclosure of information. 146.160 Section 146.160 Public Welfare Department of Health and Human Services REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO HEALTH CARE ACCESS...

Information Superhighway: An Overview of Technology Challenges. Report to the Congress.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

General Accounting Office, Washington, DC.

This report focuses on the pivotal technical issues associated with the National Information Infrastructure program, security and privacy, interoperability, and reliability, and presents the General Accounting Office's findings on these challenges. It is reported that while the structures and services to be offered by the information superhighway…

Exhibits and More: How Scientists Can Partner with Aquariums and Science Centers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spitzer, B.

2004-12-01

Informal science institutions include science museums, aquariums, zoos, nature centers and other institutions that offer the public opportunities for free-choice, voluntary, and self-directed learning. Less than 20% of our lives is spent in formal schooling, and even among schoolchildren only 20% of their waking hours are spent in the classroom. Informal science institutions can have a significant impact on what the public knows, believes, and cares about. These institutions reach very large audiences, and are considered trusted information sources by the general public. Informal science institutions offer a wide range of learning opportunities including exhibits, films, professional development for teachers, educational programs for children and adults, field trips, publications, websites, and more. Many informal learning centers are experienced in working with scientists as content experts, welcome their participation, make efficient use of their time, and are skilled at translating science for the general public. Several case studies will illustrate successful models for scientists engaging in development of exhibits, films, programs, and educational materials.

A survey of Canadian websites providing information about female urinary incontinence.

PubMed

Farrell, Karen D; Robinson, Lynne M; Baydock, Sandra A; Farrell, Scott A; Irving, Linda E; O'Connell, Colleen M

2006-08-01

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a prevalent health issue that has significant detrimental effects on quality of life. The Internet offers a unique vehicle for incontinent women to access information that could facilitate conservative self-help therapy. An evaluation of Canadian websites offering female UI information was conducted to determine their quality and readability. We evaluated websites using published general quality criteria for health sites and a quality assessment tool compiled by the authors for specific UI information derived from published, peer-reviewed clinical practice guidelines. Three health care professionals reviewed sites for quality, Canadian content, and interactivity. The readability of health information was also evaluated. Fifty-six Canadian sites (18 professional, 22 organizational, 16 commercial) were evaluated. Significant agreement was found among the raters' evaluations on all measures. For all sites, the mean scores were general quality, 9/14; specific UI quality, 30/122; reading ease, 37/100; grade level, 10.9. The median score for Canadian content was high, but for interactivity it was low. The only significant difference between site types was for general quality (F [2,165]=3.38, P=0.036). Post hoc Tukey's tests showed a significant difference between organizational and commercial sites, with organizational sites having higher general quality. Canadian websites providing female UI information have moderately high general quality, low specific UI information quality, minimal interactivity, and more than minimal Canadian content. The reading level of most sites is too high for average consumers. A webliography of the best sites has been developed to guide patients.

Case Studies in School Communication.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Texas School Public Relations Association.

This two-part source book offers administrators both general information for effective communications in public education and case studies describing methods used by individual Texas school districts to solve communications problems. General articles include guidelines for working with the news media, producing school newsletters, developing a…

Intramural Programming for Elementary, Junior Secondary, and Senior Secondary Schools. A Practical Approach.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Watts, Gayle E.; Korchinsky, Nestor N.

A justification for the offering of intramural sports is offered, and an introduction to methods for establishing such programs at the elementary, junior secondary, and senior secondary school levels is presented. General information on intramural programing at each level includes discussion of questions on commitment, financing, liability,…

Who is Leaving the Federal Government?

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-01-01

quality of worklife , offer alterna- tasks. tive employee benefits, or initiate some other changes The need for more information about Federal turnover in...Federal work force?2 A 1988 General serious personnel imbalances and a diminished ability Auting Offe tdeplitycl for an ngranto serve #he general public

Theoretical Foundation and Practical Application of a Schematic Approach to College Learning.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Charry, Myrna; Morton, Elaine

To help students organize and integrate new information with past knowledge, college reading teachers can offer students cognitive schemata that sort information into general and specific concepts. Without this ability, students will be unable to comprehend, analyze, synthesize, interpret, or transfer information. In addition, they will be unable…

78 FR 44806 - Amendments to Regulation D, Form D and Rule 156

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-07-24

...The Securities and Exchange Commission, which today in separate releases amended Rule 506 of Regulation D, Form D and Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933 to implement Section 201(a) of the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act and Section 926 of the Dodd- Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, is publishing for comment a number of proposed amendments to Regulation D, Form D and Rule 156 under the Securities Act. These proposed amendments are intended to enhance the Commission's ability to evaluate the development of market practices in Rule 506 offerings and to address concerns that may arise in connection with permitting issuers to engage in general solicitation and general advertising under new paragraph (c) of Rule 506. Specifically, the proposed amendments to Regulation D would require the filing of a Form D in Rule 506(c) offerings before the issuer engages in general solicitation; require the filing of a closing amendment to Form D after the termination of any Rule 506 offering; require written general solicitation materials used in Rule 506(c) offerings to include certain legends and other disclosures; require the submission, on a temporary basis, of written general solicitation materials used in Rule 506(c) offerings to the Commission; and disqualify an issuer from relying on Rule 506 for one year for future offerings if the issuer, or any predecessor or affiliate of the issuer, did not comply, within the last five years, with Form D filing requirements in a Rule 506 offering. The proposed amendments to Form D would require an issuer to include additional information about offerings conducted in reliance on Regulation D. Finally, the proposed amendments to Rule 156 would extend the antifraud guidance contained in the rule to the sales literature of private funds.

American Medical Education: Institutions, Programs, and Issues.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jones, Robert F.

This report presents information about the academic medical centers belonging to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and profiles American medical education generally. Following a brief introduction, a section on institutions and resources offers information on medical schools' financial support, faculties, and faculty practice…

Trident Technical College 1999 Fact Book.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Trident Technical Coll., Charleston, SC.

Presents the 12th edition of the Trident Technical College (South Carolina) Fact Book, which offers relevant information on principal characteristics and strengths of the college. Includes the following chapters: (1) general information, such as vision and mission statements, institutional goals, history, and accreditation; (2) enrollment…

Domain generality vs. modality specificity: The paradox of statistical learning

PubMed Central

Frost, Ram; Armstrong, Blair C.; Siegelman, Noam; Christiansen, Morten H.

2015-01-01

Statistical learning is typically considered to be a domain-general mechanism by which cognitive systems discover the underlying distributional properties of the input. Recent studies examining whether there are commonalities in the learning of distributional information across different domains or modalities consistently reveal, however, modality and stimulus specificity. An important question is, therefore, how and why a hypothesized domain-general learning mechanism systematically produces such effects. We offer a theoretical framework according to which statistical learning is not a unitary mechanism, but a set of domain-general computational principles, that operate in different modalities and therefore are subject to the specific constraints characteristic of their respective brain regions. This framework offers testable predictions and we discuss its computational and neurobiological plausibility. PMID:25631249

Apples to Apples: A Financial Aid Reporting Methodology.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Allan, Ronald Gage; Hermsen, Al

2002-01-01

Asserting that confusion about the treatment of merit-based or categorically-based aid has revealed the need for a generalized financial aid reporting methodology, suggests a procedure for financial aid reporting that recognizes differing treatment of need-based aid before and after awarding. Offers general information about the theoretical…

17 CFR 140.735-5 - Disclosure of information.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... ORGANIZATION, FUNCTIONS, AND PROCEDURES OF THE COMMISSION Regulation Concerning Conduct of Members and... information in advance of authorization for its release. 9 Except as directed by the Commission or its General..., privilege, indemnity, bid, offer, put, call, advance guaranty or decline guaranty, or in any transaction for...

Agency Training Centers for Federal Employes, Fiscal Year 1969.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Civil Service Commission, Washington, DC. Bureau of Training.

This publication provides up to date information on Federal agency operated training centers, including data on the number, variety, and general characteristics of program offerings for civilian employees. Locations, purposes, courses and other programs, eligibility for attendance, sources of further information, and other items of potential…

Media Anthropologist Newsletter. Volume 1, Number 2.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

James, C. A., Ed.

The aim of media anthropologists is to provide the general public with entertaining, relevant anthropological background information through the public media. This quarterly newsletter disseminates information, promotes awareness of present physical and social issues, and offers a means of intercommunication on the topic of Media Anthropology.…

Modern & Classical Languages: K-12 Program EValuation 1988-89.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Martinez, Margaret Perea

This evaluation of the modern and classical languages programs, K-12, in the Albuquerque (New Mexico) public school system provides general information on the program's history, philosophy, recognition, curriculum development, teachers, and activities. Specific information is offered on the different program components, namely, the elementary…

Illinois Community Colleges: Expanding Opportunities. A Guide to Quality, Affordable, Educational Opportunities...Very Close to Home.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Illinois Community Coll. Board, Springfield.

Designed as a recruitment pamphlet and general information guide for prospective students, this booklet contains two comprehensive charts on the 240 programs offered, and the degrees and certificates available at each of the 49 campuses in the Illinois Community College system. The first chart indicates which campuses in the system offer Associate…

Chlamydia and HIV testing, contraception advice, and free condoms offered in general practice: a qualitative interview study of young adults' perceptions of this initiative.

PubMed

Jones, Leah Ffion; Ricketts, Ellie; Town, Katy; Rugman, Claire; Lecky, Donna; Folkard, Kate; Nardone, Anthony; Hartney, Thomas Nathan; McNulty, Cliodna

2017-07-01

Opportunistic chlamydia screening is actively encouraged in English general practices. Based on recent policy changes, Public Health England piloted 3Cs and HIV in 2013-2014, integrating the offer of chlamydia testing with providing condoms, contraceptive information, and HIV testing (referred to as 3Cs and HIV) according to national guidelines. To determine young adults' opinions of receiving a broader sexual health offer of 3Cs and HIV at their GP practice. Qualitative interviews were conducted in a general practice setting in England between March and June 2013. Thirty interviews were conducted with nine male and 21 female patients aged 16-24 years, immediately before or after a routine practice attendance. Data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using a thematic framework. Participants indicated that the method of testing, timing, and the way the staff member approached the topic were important aspects to patients being offered 3Cs and HIV. Participants displayed a clear preference for 3Cs and HIV to be offered at the GP practice over other sexual health service providers. Participants highlighted convenience of the practice, assurance of confidentiality, and that the sexual health discussion was appropriate and routine. Barriers identified for patients were embarrassment, unease, lack of time, religion, and patients believing that certain patients could take offence. Suggested facilitators include raising awareness, reassuring confidentiality, and ensuring the offer is made in a professional and non-judgemental way at the end of the consultation. General practice staff should facilitate patients' preferences by ensuring that 3Cs and HIV testing services are made available at their surgery and offered to appropriate patients in a non-judgemental way. © British Journal of General Practice 2017.

77 FR 51073 - Sunshine Act Meeting

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-08-23

... solicitation and general advertising in securities offerings conducted pursuant to Rule 506 of Regulation D... require alterations in the scheduling of meeting items. For further information and to ascertain what, if...

Assignment Procedures in the Air Force Procurement Management Information System.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ward, Joe H., Jr.; And Others

An overview is presented of the procedure for offering jobs in the Air Force Procurement Management Information System (PROMIS), an assignment system which makes possible the use of human resources research findings to improve individual personnel assignments. A general framework for viewing personnel assignment systems is presented; then job…

Constructing Informal Experiences in the Elementary General Music Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hewitt, Donna

2018-01-01

Children often spontaneously yet purposefully sing songs or create rhythms outside the formal classroom setting to reflect the ways in which they naturally engage with music. Researchers have studied these informal music learning practices to incorporate these experiences into the classroom to offer lessons that are engaging and better reflective…

31 CFR 359.8 - How does interest accrue on Series I savings bonds?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... (Continued) FISCAL SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY BUREAU OF THE PUBLIC DEBT OFFERING OF UNITED STATES SAVINGS BONDS, SERIES I General Information § 359.8 How does interest accrue on Series I savings bonds? A... inflation rate. For more information, see appendix B of part 359. ...

Getting the Most out of the Dictionary

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Marckwardt, Albert H.

2012-01-01

The usefulness of the dictionary as a reliable source of information for word meanings, spelling, and pronunciation is widely recognized. But even in these obvious matters, the information that the dictionary has to offer is not always accurately interpreted. With respect to pronunciation there seem to be two general pitfalls: (1) the…

Developing Trainee Teacher Practice with Geographical Information Systems (GIS)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Walshe, Nicola

2017-01-01

There is general agreement that geographical information systems (GIS) have a place within the geography classroom; they offer the potential to support geographical learning, exploring real-world problems through student-centred learning, and developing spatial thinking. Despite this, teachers often avoid engaging with GIS and research suggests…

Campus Health Centers' Lack of Information Regarding Providers: A Content Analysis of Division-I Campus Health Centers' Provider Websites.

PubMed

Perrault, Evan K

2018-07-01

Campus health centers are a convenient, and usually affordable, location for college students to obtain health care. Staffed by licensed and trained professionals, these providers can generally offer similar levels of care that providers at off-campus clinics can deliver. Yet, previous research finds students may forgo this convenient, on-campus option partially because of a lack of knowledge regarding the quality of providers at these campus clinics. This study sought to examine where this information deficit may come from by analyzing campus health centers' online provider information. All Division-I colleges or universities with an on-campus health center, which had information on their websites about their providers (n = 294), had their providers' online information analyzed (n = 2,127 providers). Results revealed that schools commonly offer professional information (e.g., provider specialties, education), but very little about their providers outside of the medical context (e.g., hobbies) that would allow a prospective student patient to more easily relate. While 181 different kinds of credentials were provided next to providers' names (e.g., MD, PA-C, FNP-BC), only nine schools offered information to help students understand what these different credentials meant. Most schools had information about their providers within one-click of the homepage. Recommendations for improving online information about campus health center providers are offered.

Gender Problems in Western Theatrical Dance: Little Girls, Big Sissies & the "Baryshnikov Complex"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Risner, Doug

2014-01-01

General education programs, in postsecondary institutions, provide a broad base of learning in the liberal arts and sciences with common goals that prepare undergraduate students for living informed and satisfying lives. In the United States, dance units in public institutions, offering general education coursework for non-majors (dance…

Making Schools the Model for Healthier Environments Toolkit: General School Nutrition Resources

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, 2012

2012-01-01

The federal school nutrition programs are the keystones to the diets of millions of American children. Schools have the opportunity to support healthy nutrition habits early in life by creating environments that encourage the consumption of healthy foods and beverages. This paper provides resources which offer general information about the…

Missouri Extension Study Commission. Report to the Governor and General Assembly.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Missouri State Extension Study Commission, Jefferson City.

A report on the Missouri Extension Study Commission's (a blue ribbon commission) review of the scope, organization, management, and funding of extension activities conducted by Missouri colleges and universities is presented. Based on information obtained from public hearings and studies, 10 general recommendations are offered that pertain to:…

Feature Analysis of Generalized Data Base Management Systems.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Conference on Data Systems Languages, Monroeville, PA. Systems Committee.

A more complete definition of the features offered in present day generalized data base management systems is provided by this second technical report of the CODASYL Systems Committee. In a tutorial format, each feature description is followed by either narrative information covering ten systems or by a table for all systems. The ten systems…

An Assessment of the Educational Needs of Indian Students in the State of Arizona.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Consulting Services Corp., Seattle, WA.

The objective of the study was to offer general and comprehensive information on American Indian education as it pertains to Title III of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act in Arizona. The primary vehicle used for collecting information was the focus interview--a technique used to gather in-depth information on opinions and preferences.…

A Network of Experts on Children's Environmental Health (2015)

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This brochure provides a general introduction to the Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units network. PEHSUs offer advice and information on prevention, diagnosis, management, and treatment of environmentally related health effects.

Native Studies in Colleges and Universities: A Guide to Courses in Native Studies Offered in Ontario Beyond the Secondary School Level.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities, Toronto.

Intended to provide general information about educational opportunities in Ontario beyond high school, this publication concentrates on post-secondary courses that may be of particular interest to Native people and non-Natives who wish to improve their appreciation of Native society and cultures. Courses of study described are offered by Ontario…

Drug Information Education in Doctor of Pharmacy Programs

PubMed Central

Wang, Fei; Troutman, William G.; Seo, Teresa; Peak, Amy; Rosenberg, Jack M.

2006-01-01

Objective To characterize pharmacy program standards and trends in drug information education. Methods A questionnaire containing 34 questions addressing general demographic characteristics, organization, and content of drug information education was distributed to 86 colleges and schools of pharmacy in the United States using a Web-based survey system. Results Sixty colleges responded (73% response rate). All colleges offered a campus-based 6-year first-professional degree PharmD program. Didactic drug information was a required course in over 70% of these schools. Only 51 of the 60 colleges offered an advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) in drug information, and 62% of these did so only on an elective basis. Conclusion Although almost all of the PharmD programs in the US include a required course in drug information, the majority do not have a required APPE in this important area. PMID:17136172

Seminar: Legal Perspectives of Nursing Practice. Nursing 89.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Willis, Odette P.

This course outline provides information to be used by students in conjunction with Nursing 89, a seminar on the legal aspects of nursing to be offered starting in Spring 1982 at Diablo University (California). General information is provided first, including a class calendar, a statement defining the purpose of the course, an outline of…

7 CFR 1402.1 - General.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... information on the Farm Service Agency's (FSA) Commodity Operations Web site located on the Worldwide Web at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/daco/default.htm. The Web site will be reviewed and amended as necessary to... this Web site is for the purpose of public information and does not constitute an offer to sell by CCC...

7 CFR 1402.1 - General.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... information on the Farm Service Agency's (FSA) Commodity Operations Web site located on the Worldwide Web at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/daco/default.htm. The Web site will be reviewed and amended as necessary to... this Web site is for the purpose of public information and does not constitute an offer to sell by CCC...

7 CFR 1402.1 - General.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... information on the Farm Service Agency's (FSA) Commodity Operations Web site located on the Worldwide Web at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/daco/default.htm. The Web site will be reviewed and amended as necessary to... this Web site is for the purpose of public information and does not constitute an offer to sell by CCC...

7 CFR 1402.1 - General.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... information on the Farm Service Agency's (FSA) Commodity Operations Web site located on the Worldwide Web at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/daco/default.htm. The Web site will be reviewed and amended as necessary to... this Web site is for the purpose of public information and does not constitute an offer to sell by CCC...

7 CFR 1402.1 - General.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... information on the Farm Service Agency's (FSA) Commodity Operations Web site located on the Worldwide Web at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/daco/default.htm. The Web site will be reviewed and amended as necessary to... this Web site is for the purpose of public information and does not constitute an offer to sell by CCC...

"To Kill A Mockingbird": Then and Now--A 35th Anniversary Celebration. Teacher Study Guide.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Council of Teachers of English, Urbana, IL.

This study guide offers a different approach, teleconferencing, to new information, ideas, and resources on the film, "To Kill a Mockingbird." Following general information on "then and now," the guide consists of sections entitled: Preparing to Teach TKM: Special Considerations (by Charles Suhor and Larry Bell); Historical…

Information reporting by applicable large employers on health insurance coverage offered under employer-sponsored plans. Final regulations.

PubMed

2014-03-10

This document contains final regulations providing guidance toemployers that are subject to the information reporting requirements under section 6056 of the Internal Revenue Code (Code), enacted by the Affordable Care Act (generally employers with at least 50 full-time employees, including full-time equivalent employees). Section 6056 requires those employers to report to the IRS information about the health care coverage, if any, they offered to full-time employees, in order to administer the employer shared responsibility provisions of section 4980H of the Code. Section 6056 also requires those employers to furnish related statements to employees that employees may use to determine whether, for each month of the calendar year, they may claim on their individual tax returns a premium tax credit under section 36B (premium tax credit). The regulations provide for a general reporting method and alternative reporting methods designed to simplify and reduce the cost of reporting for employers subject to the information reporting requirements under section 6056. The regulations affect those employers, employees and other individuals.

KSC-03pd0517

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-02-19

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- - At NASA's Family & Community Mars Exploration Day, held in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Kristie Durham (left), Martha Vreeland (center), and Jeanne Hawkins (right), with Expendable Launch Vehicle Services, offer information about the facility. The event informed students and the general public about Florida's key role as NASA's "Gateway to Mars" and offered an opportunity to meet with scientists, engineers, educators and others working Mars exploration missions. The Mars Exploration Rovers are being prepared for launch this spring aboard Boeing Delta II rockets from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. They will land on Mars and start exploring in January 2004.

KSC-03PD-0517

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2003-01-01

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- - At NASA's Family & Community Mars Exploration Day, held in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Kristie Durham (left), Martha Vreeland (center), and Jeanne Hawkins (right), with Expendable Launch Vehicle Services, offer information about the facility. The event informed students and the general public about Florida's key role as NASA's 'Gateway to Mars' and offered an opportunity to meet with scientists, engineers, educators and others working Mars exploration missions. The Mars Exploration Rovers are being prepared for launch this spring aboard Boeing Delta II rockets from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. They will land on Mars and start exploring in January 2004.

Spina Bifida: General Information. Fact Sheet Number 12 = La Espina Bifida: Informacion General. Fact Sheet Number 12.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities, Washington, DC.

This fact sheet offers definitions of the three types of spina bifida, outlines their incidence, describes characteristics of individuals with spina bifida, and reviews educational implications. The fact sheet emphasizes that school programs should be flexible to accommodate these students' special needs and frequent absences, that children with…

Pathfinder. Volume 9, Number 2, March/April 2011

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-03-01

vides audio, video, desktop sharing and chat.” The platform offers a real-time, Web- based presentation tool to create information and general...collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources...gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information . Send comments regarding this burden estimate or

Interpreting international governance standards for health IT use within general medical practice.

PubMed

Mahncke, Rachel J; Williams, Patricia A H

2014-01-01

General practices in Australia recognise the importance of comprehensive protective security measures. Some elements of information security governance are incorporated into recommended standards, however the governance component of information security is still insufficiently addressed in practice. The International Organistion for Standardisation (ISO) released a new global standard in May 2013 entitled, ISO/IEC 27014:2013 Information technology - Security techniques - Governance of information security. This standard, applicable to organisations of all sizes, offers a framework against which to assess and implement the governance components of information security. The standard demonstrates the relationship between governance and the management of information security, provides strategic principles and processes, and forms the basis for establishing a positive information security culture. An analysis interpretation of this standard for use in Australian general practice was performed. This work is unique as such interpretation for the Australian healthcare environment has not been undertaken before. It demonstrates an application of the standard at a strategic level to inform existing development of an information security governance framework.

32 CFR Appendix B to Part 806 - Abbreviations and Acronyms

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... FORCE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT PROGRAM Pt. 806, App. B Appendix B to Part 806—Abbreviations and... IG—Inspector General IMPAC—International Merchant Purchase Authority Card LOA—Letters of Offer and...

32 CFR Appendix B to Part 806 - Abbreviations and Acronyms

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... FORCE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT PROGRAM Pt. 806, App. B Appendix B to Part 806—Abbreviations and... IG—Inspector General IMPAC—International Merchant Purchase Authority Card LOA—Letters of Offer and...

Commercial products that convey personal health information in emergencies.

PubMed

Potini, Vishnu C; Weerasuriya, Dilani N; Lowery-North, Douglas W; Kellermann, Arthur L

2011-12-01

Describe commercially available products and services designed to convey personal health information in emergencies. The search engine Google®, supplemented by print ads, was used to identify companies and organizations that offer relevant products and services to the general market. Disease-specific, health system, and health plan-specific offerings were excluded. Vendor web sites were the primary sources of information, supplemented by telephone and e-mail queries to sales representatives. Perfect inter-rater agreement was achieved. Thirty-nine unique vendors were identified. Eight sell engraved jewelry. Three offer an embossed card or pamphlet. Twelve supply USB drives with various features. Eleven support password-protected web sites. Five maintain national call centers. Available media differed markedly with respect to capacity and accessibility. Quoted prices ranged from a one-time expenditure of $3.50 to an annual fee of $200. Associated features and annual fees varied widely. A wide range of products and services exist to help patients convey personal health information. Health care providers should be familiar with their features, so they can access the information in a disaster or emergency.

Spina Bifida: General Information. Fact Sheet Number 12 = La Espina Bifida: Informacion General. Fact Sheet Number 21.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Interstate Research Associates, McLean, VA.

This fact sheet on spina bifida is offered in both English and Spanish. It provides definitions of the three types of spina bifida (spina bifida occulta, meningocele, and myelomeningocele). Incidence figures are given as are typical characteristics of children with spina bifida. Educational implications are briefly noted, including the need to…

Down Syndrome: General Information. Fact Sheet Number 4 = El Sindrome de Down: Informacion General. Fact Sheet Number 15.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Interstate Research Associates, McLean, VA.

This fact sheet on Down Syndrome is offered in both English and Spanish. First it provides a definition and description of this syndrome, noting its etiology in a chromosomal abnormality. Incidence figures are then given. Typical characteristics of people with Down Syndrome are listed. Commonly associated health-related problems are noted,…

Pediatric Dental Patients are Part of a Larger Picture: Detailing Population Realities.

PubMed

Waldman, H B; Perlman, S P

2015-01-01

The traditional setting of a dental practice may offer pediatric dentists a potentially isolated picture of the general health and use of health services by youngsters in their community. Results from the latest National Health Interview Survey are reviewed to provide broad dimensions to supplement and reinforce the general and specific information usually developed regarding individual patients.

40 CFR 79.11 - Information and assurances to be provided by the fuel manufacturer.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... description (or identification, in the case of a generally accepted method) of a suitable analytical technique... sold, offered for sale, or introduced into commerce for use in motor vehicles manufactured after model...

31 CFR 351.4 - In what form are Series EE savings bonds issued?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... (Continued) FISCAL SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY BUREAU OF THE PUBLIC DEBT OFFERING OF UNITED STATES SAVINGS BONDS, SERIES EE General Information § 351.4 In what form are Series EE savings bonds issued...

31 CFR 359.17 - When is interest payable on Series I savings bonds?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... (Continued) FISCAL SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY BUREAU OF THE PUBLIC DEBT OFFERING OF UNITED STATES SAVINGS BONDS, SERIES I General Information § 359.17 When is interest payable on Series I savings bonds...

Correlational effect size benchmarks.

PubMed

Bosco, Frank A; Aguinis, Herman; Singh, Kulraj; Field, James G; Pierce, Charles A

2015-03-01

Effect size information is essential for the scientific enterprise and plays an increasingly central role in the scientific process. We extracted 147,328 correlations and developed a hierarchical taxonomy of variables reported in Journal of Applied Psychology and Personnel Psychology from 1980 to 2010 to produce empirical effect size benchmarks at the omnibus level, for 20 common research domains, and for an even finer grained level of generality. Results indicate that the usual interpretation and classification of effect sizes as small, medium, and large bear almost no resemblance to findings in the field, because distributions of effect sizes exhibit tertile partitions at values approximately one-half to one-third those intuited by Cohen (1988). Our results offer information that can be used for research planning and design purposes, such as producing better informed non-nil hypotheses and estimating statistical power and planning sample size accordingly. We also offer information useful for understanding the relative importance of the effect sizes found in a particular study in relationship to others and which research domains have advanced more or less, given that larger effect sizes indicate a better understanding of a phenomenon. Also, our study offers information about research domains for which the investigation of moderating effects may be more fruitful and provide information that is likely to facilitate the implementation of Bayesian analysis. Finally, our study offers information that practitioners can use to evaluate the relative effectiveness of various types of interventions. PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved.

Popularisation of Physics in the Wild

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boccardi, Beatrice; Fragona, Michela; Parolini, Giovanna

Science popularisation is important to inform tax payers on how their money is used and to inform the general public of the progresses of research. The web 2.0, comprising the 3D virtual worlds, offers science and physics popularisation new communication channels and tools constituting, as a whole, a large part of "learning in the wild", with the consequent citizen science projects. Tags: physics popularisation, informal learning, web 2.0, virtual worlds, Second Life.

31 CFR 359.4 - In what form are Series I savings bonds issued?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... (Continued) FISCAL SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY BUREAU OF THE PUBLIC DEBT OFFERING OF UNITED STATES SAVINGS BONDS, SERIES I General Information § 359.4 In what form are Series I savings bonds issued? Series...

Medical-Information-Management System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alterescu, Sidney; Friedman, Carl A.; Frankowski, James W.

1989-01-01

Medical Information Management System (MIMS) computer program interactive, general-purpose software system for storage and retrieval of information. Offers immediate assistance where manipulation of large data bases required. User quickly and efficiently extracts, displays, and analyzes data. Used in management of medical data and handling all aspects of data related to care of patients. Other applications include management of data on occupational safety in public and private sectors, handling judicial information, systemizing purchasing and procurement systems, and analyses of cost structures of organizations. Written in Microsoft FORTRAN 77.

Hospital Web site 'tops' in Louisiana. Hospital PR, marketing group cites East Jefferson General Hospital.

PubMed

Rees, Tom

2002-01-01

East Jefferson General Hospital in Metairie, La., launched a new Web site in October 2001. Its user-friendly home page offers links to hospital services, medical staff, and employer information. Its jobline is a powerful tool for recruitment. The site was awarded the 2002 Pelican Award for Best Consumer Web site by the Louisiana Society for Hospital Public Relations & Marketing.

A problem-oriented approach to journal selection for hospital libraries.

PubMed Central

Delman, B S

1982-01-01

This paper describes a problem-oriented approach to journal selection (PAJS), including general methodology, theoretical terms, and a brief description of results when the system was applied in three different hospitals. The PAJS system relates the objective information which the MEDLARS data base offers about the universe of biomedical literature to objective, problem-oriented information supplied by the hospital's medical records. The results were manipulated quantitatively to determine (1) the relevance of various journals to each of the hospital's defined significant information problems and (2) the overall utility of each journal to the institution as a whole. The utility information was plotted on a graph to identify the collection of journal titles which would be most useful to the given hospital. Attempts made to verify certain aspects of the whole process are also described. The results suggest that the methodology is generally able to provide an effective library response. The system optimizes resources vis-a-vis information and can be used for both budget allocation and justification. It offers an algorithm to which operations researchers can apply any one of a variety of mathematical programming methods. Although originally intended for librarians in the community hospital environment, the PAJS system is generalizable and has application potential in a variety of special library settings. PMID:6758893

Survival Kit for School Publications Advisers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Engel, Jackie, Comp.

This guide offers advice and practical assistance to high school publications advisers. The first section provides general information about school publications, including planning and organizing, public relations, protecting the program and the school, available resources, and advertising. The second section concerns school newspapers and…

Evaluation of five years of GM funding for public information and education programs.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-10-01

On March 7, 1995, an agreement was reached between General Motors (GM) and NHTSA to settle an investigation into alleged fires in GM pickup trucks. The agreement avoided litigation and offered an opportunity for meaningful cooperation between governm...

Survey Research as a Public Relations Tool

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

O'Neill, Harry W.

1977-01-01

Offers information concerning a study conducted among the general public and discusses essential parts of the more comprehensive type of corporate image or corporate reputation. Available from: Public Relations Review, Ray Hiebert, Dean, College of Journalism, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742. (MH)

Information Technology and the Training and Career Development of Women: The Case of India. Training Discussion Paper No. 30.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Saldanha, Lynette

Information technology (IT) is a growing field in India, with many present and future job opportunities. The field offers expanding opportunities for women, especially in the services sector. Case studies of nine companies that employ a fair number of women in IT showed that, in general, women had equal opportunities with men, especially in…

Quality of Web-based information on obsessive compulsive disorder.

PubMed

Klila, Hedi; Chatton, Anne; Zermatten, Ariane; Khan, Riaz; Preisig, Martin; Khazaal, Yasser

2013-01-01

The Internet is increasingly used as a source of information for mental health issues. The burden of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) may lead persons with diagnosed or undiagnosed OCD, and their relatives, to search for good quality information on the Web. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of Web-based information on English-language sites dealing with OCD and to compare the quality of websites found through a general and a medically specialized search engine. Keywords related to OCD were entered into Google and OmniMedicalSearch. Websites were assessed on the basis of accountability, interactivity, readability, and content quality. The "Health on the Net" (HON) quality label and the Brief DISCERN scale score were used as possible content quality indicators. Of the 235 links identified, 53 websites were analyzed. The content quality of the OCD websites examined was relatively good. The use of a specialized search engine did not offer an advantage in finding websites with better content quality. A score ≥16 on the Brief DISCERN scale is associated with better content quality. This study shows the acceptability of the content quality of OCD websites. There is no advantage in searching for information with a specialized search engine rather than a general one. The Internet offers a number of high quality OCD websites. It remains critical, however, to have a provider-patient talk about the information found on the Web.

Introduction to geospatial semantics and technology workshop handbook

USGS Publications Warehouse

Varanka, Dalia E.

2012-01-01

The workshop is a tutorial on introductory geospatial semantics with hands-on exercises using standard Web browsers. The workshop is divided into two sections, general semantics on the Web and specific examples of geospatial semantics using data from The National Map of the U.S. Geological Survey and the Open Ontology Repository. The general semantics section includes information and access to publicly available semantic archives. The specific session includes information on geospatial semantics with access to semantically enhanced data for hydrography, transportation, boundaries, and names. The Open Ontology Repository offers open-source ontologies for public use.

From troglodytes to information managers: information management and technology needs to achieve the primary care NHS modernization agenda--the views of three GPs.

PubMed

Rooney, I; Hornby, S

2000-09-01

In response to the information management and technology changes proposed by the Government's NHS modernization initiative this article examines the issues that GPs feel to be of major significance to their work. Although information and communications technology is widely used in general practice there is no one agreed standard system. The level of technology and the manner in which it is used is also diverse throughout the profession, as are the attitudes that exist amongst GPs regarding the value of information management and technology, and the benefits efficient information management offers to them and to their patients. The views of three local GPs from practices with varying levels of information technology were obtained through semi-structured interviews and the findings developed in the light of current discussions in the published literature. The GPs chosen reflect the disparity within general practice and, perhaps, other units of the NHS in the use and understanding of information management. The main conclusions were that there is ambivalence and scepticism about what NHSnet currently has to offer; that local electronic records benefit patient care, but when networked more widely problems of confidentiality and security result. Practitioners were also mindful of the financial costs of changes and concerned, given the impact of PCGs and clinical governance, as to who will be responsible for ensuring a common level of electronic records, IT provision, and financial and technological support.

Online information about risks and benefits of screening mammography in 10 European countries: An observational Web sites analysis.

PubMed

Spagnoli, Laura; Navaro, Monica; Ferrara, Pietro; Del Prete, Viola; Attena, Francesco

2018-06-01

Most publications about breast cancer do not provide accurate and comprehensive information, giving few or no data about risk/benefit ratios. We conducted a comparative study among 10 European countries about health information on breast cancer screening, assessing the first 10 Web sites addressing the general public that appeared following an Internet search.With the help of medical residents involved in the EuroNet MRPH Association, we analyzed the first 30 results of an Internet search in 10 European countries to determine the first 10 sites that offered screening mammography. We searched for the following information: source of information, general information on mammography and breast cancer screening, potential harms and risks (false positives, false positives after biopsy, false negatives, interval cancer, overdiagnosis, lead-time bias, and radiation exposure), and potential benefits (reduced mortality and increased survival).The United Kingdom provided the most information: 39 of all 70 possible identified risks (56%) were reported on its sites. Five nations presented over 35% of the possible information (United Kingdom, Spain, France, Ireland, and Italy); the others were under 30% (Portugal, Poland, Slovenia, Netherlands, and Croatia). Regarding the benefits, sites offering the most complete information were those in France (95%) and Poland (90%).Our results suggest that, despite consensus in the scientific community about providing better information to citizens, further efforts are needed to improve information about breast cancer screening. That conclusion also applies to countries showing better results. We believe that there should be greater coordination in this regard throughout Europe.

Video Teleconferencing: Producing a New Service.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barney, David

1990-01-01

Urges community colleges to be originators and providers of video teleconferences, bringing information and training to other colleges, business and industry, and the general public. Describes De Anza College's involvement in the Community College Satellite Network. Offers guidance on topic selection, marketing, and national network building. (GFW)

Knowledge-driven information mining in remote-sensing image archives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Datcu, M.; Seidel, K.; D'Elia, S.; Marchetti, P. G.

2002-05-01

Users in all domains require information or information-related services that are focused, concise, reliable, low cost and timely and which are provided in forms and formats compatible with the user's own activities. In the current Earth Observation (EO) scenario, the archiving centres generally only offer data, images and other "low level" products. The user's needs are being only partially satisfied by a number of, usually small, value-adding companies applying time-consuming (mostly manual) and expensive processes relying on the knowledge of experts to extract information from those data or images.

17 CFR 200.14 - Office of Administrative Law Judges.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... ORGANIZATION; CONDUCT AND ETHICS; AND INFORMATION AND REQUESTS Organization and Program Management General...) Issue subpoenas; (3) Rule on offers of proof; (4) Examine witnesses; (5) Regulate the course of a..., prepare an initial decision containing the conclusions as to the factual and legal issues presented, and...

Drug Abuse: A Challenge for Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Conte, Anthony E.; Mason, Eugene R.

This report provides comprehensive information regarding drug use/abuse. The first chapter describes drugs -- those generally accepted by society as well as those less accepted -- and discusses potential psychic and physical dangers inherent in their abuse. The second chapter explains the reasons offered by drug users for their generally…

Energy and the Curriculum: An Infusion Process.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fellows, Julia

1980-01-01

Urges that energy concepts be taught in an interdisciplinary manner from kindergarten through the twelfth grade. Describes a materials development program, the Project for an Energy-Enriched Curriculum, which offers a broad-based curriculum emphasizing general energy concepts, availability of energy resources, and information on how various uses…

Efficient coding explains the universal law of generalization in human perception.

PubMed

Sims, Chris R

2018-05-11

Perceptual generalization and discrimination are fundamental cognitive abilities. For example, if a bird eats a poisonous butterfly, it will learn to avoid preying on that species again by generalizing its past experience to new perceptual stimuli. In cognitive science, the "universal law of generalization" seeks to explain this ability and states that generalization between stimuli will follow an exponential function of their distance in "psychological space." Here, I challenge existing theoretical explanations for the universal law and offer an alternative account based on the principle of efficient coding. I show that the universal law emerges inevitably from any information processing system (whether biological or artificial) that minimizes the cost of perceptual error subject to constraints on the ability to process or transmit information. Copyright © 2018 The Authors, some rights reserved; exclusive licensee American Association for the Advancement of Science. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.

NASA Aviation Safety Program Weather Accident Prevention/weather Information Communications (WINCOMM)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Feinberg, Arthur; Tauss, James; Chomos, Gerald (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

Weather is a contributing factor in approximately 25-30 percent of general aviation accidents. The lack of timely, accurate and usable weather information to the general aviation pilot in the cockpit to enhance pilot situational awareness and improve pilot judgment remains a major impediment to improving aviation safety. NASA Glenn Research Center commissioned this 120 day weather datalink market survey to assess the technologies, infrastructure, products, and services of commercial avionics systems being marketed to the general aviation community to address these longstanding safety concerns. A market survey of companies providing or proposing to provide graphical weather information to the general aviation cockpit was conducted. Fifteen commercial companies were surveyed. These systems are characterized and evaluated in this report by availability, end-user pricing/cost, system constraints/limits and technical specifications. An analysis of market survey results and an evaluation of product offerings were made. In addition, recommendations to NASA for additional research and technology development investment have been made as a result of this survey to accelerate deployment of cockpit weather information systems for enhancing aviation safety.

Application of the equilibrium spin technique to a typical low-wing general aviation design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tischler, M. B.; Barlow, J. B.

1979-01-01

A graphical implementation of the equilibrium technique for obtaining spin modes from rotary balance data is presented. Using this technique, spin modes were computed for the NASA Low-Wing General Aviation Aircraft. The computed angles of attack are within 10 degrees of the NASA spin tunnel results. The method also provides information on the dynamic nature of spin modes. This technique offers the capability of providing a great deal of information on spin modes and recovery, using data from a single experimental installation. Such a technique could be utilized in the preliminary design phase in order to provide basic information on aircraft spin and recovery characteristics. Results, advantages and limitations of the application of this technique are discussed.

Comparison of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar: strengths and weaknesses.

PubMed

Falagas, Matthew E; Pitsouni, Eleni I; Malietzis, George A; Pappas, Georgios

2008-02-01

The evolution of the electronic age has led to the development of numerous medical databases on the World Wide Web, offering search facilities on a particular subject and the ability to perform citation analysis. We compared the content coverage and practical utility of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The official Web pages of the databases were used to extract information on the range of journals covered, search facilities and restrictions, and update frequency. We used the example of a keyword search to evaluate the usefulness of these databases in biomedical information retrieval and a specific published article to evaluate their utility in performing citation analysis. All databases were practical in use and offered numerous search facilities. PubMed and Google Scholar are accessed for free. The keyword search with PubMed offers optimal update frequency and includes online early articles; other databases can rate articles by number of citations, as an index of importance. For citation analysis, Scopus offers about 20% more coverage than Web of Science, whereas Google Scholar offers results of inconsistent accuracy. PubMed remains an optimal tool in biomedical electronic research. Scopus covers a wider journal range, of help both in keyword searching and citation analysis, but it is currently limited to recent articles (published after 1995) compared with Web of Science. Google Scholar, as for the Web in general, can help in the retrieval of even the most obscure information but its use is marred by inadequate, less often updated, citation information.

The advertising of doctors' services.

PubMed Central

Irvine, D H

1991-01-01

Medicine is unique among professions and trades, offering a 'product' which is unlike any other. The consequences for patients of being attracted by misleading information to an inappropriate doctor or service are such as to demand special restrictions on the advertising of doctors' services. Furthermore, health care in the UK is organised around the 'referral system', whereby general practitioners refer patients to specialists when necessary rather than have specialists accept patients on self-referral. But this need not inhibit the provision of helpful factual information to those who need it. Recent policy changes by the General Medical Council considerably broaden the scope for general practitioners to make factual information of their services available to local people, while safeguarding the public against promotional activities which are designed to increase demand for certain kinds of specialist service by playing upon individuals' fears and lack of medical knowledge. PMID:2033629

42 CFR 423.265 - Submission of bids and related information.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... to offer in the subsequent calendar year. (2) Substantial differences between bids. Potential Part D sponsors' bid submissions must reflect differences in benefit packages or plan costs that CMS determines to...) Bid submission—(1) General. Not later than the first Monday in June, each potential Part D sponsor...

42 CFR 423.265 - Submission of bids and related information.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... to offer in the subsequent calendar year. (2) Substantial differences between bids. Potential Part D sponsors' bid submissions must reflect differences in benefit packages or plan costs that CMS determines to...) Bid submission—(1) General. Not later than the first Monday in June, each potential Part D sponsor...

42 CFR 423.265 - Submission of bids and related information.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... to offer in the subsequent calendar year. (2) Substantial differences between bids. Potential Part D sponsors' bid submissions must reflect differences in benefit packages or plan costs that CMS determines to...) Bid submission—(1) General. Not later than the first Monday in June, each potential Part D sponsor...

75 FR 15597 - Ensuring Enforcement and Implementation of Abortion Restrictions in the Patient Protection and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-29

... generally accepted accounting principles, OMB funds management circulars, and accounting guidance provided... exchanges that will be operational in 2014. The Act also imposes strict payment and accounting requirements... Federal financial assistance. The guidelines shall also offer technical information that States should...

Inclusion Needs of 3.0 Students in Latin America

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Budden, Connie B.; Brenes, Lizette; Baraya, Aristides R.; Budden, Michael C.

2010-01-01

Recent changes in information and communication technologies offer people unprecedented opportunities to generate and share knowledge. Currently, inclusion refers to equal opportunities for the 3.0 person and it is not limited to special physical needs or reducing the digital divide. Faced with this reality, universities, in general must transform…

77 FR 25378 - Regulations Pertaining to the Disclosure of Return Information To Carry Out Eligibility...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-04-30

... Health Insurance Affordability Programs AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Notice... marketplaces for individuals and small employers to directly compare available private health insurance options...-based Exchange. In general, a QHP is a health plan offered by a health insurance issuer that meets...

Strategies for Teaching Students with Learning and Behavior Problems. Fifth Edition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bos, Candace S.; Vaughn, Sharon

This book provides information about general approaches to learning and teaching, offering descriptions of methods and procedures and focusing on classroom and behavior management, consultation, and working with parents and professionals. The 12 chapters include: (1) "The Teaching-Learning Process" (e.g., characteristics of students with…

Biographical Sources in the Sciences. LC Science Tracer Bullet.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Terner, Janet, Comp.; And Others

This guide offers a systematic approach to the wide variety of published biographical information on men and women of science. Historical and contemporary scientists are covered, with emphasis on American scientists. Sources were selected on the basis of general availability through major public and institutional library systems. This publication…

Sourcebook of Equal Educational Opportunity. Second Edition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

1977

This reference book offers current information about equal opportunity in education through the elimination of racial, cultural, sexist, and linguistic barriers facing minority groups. The volume consists of seven parts, plus subject and geographical indexes. The first section includes a general demographic overview of the U.S., with statistics on…

49 CFR Appendix B to Part 512 - General Class Determinations

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... SAFETY ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION CONFIDENTIAL BUSINESS INFORMATION Pt. 512, App. B... significant reverse engineering; (2) Future specific model plans (to be protected only until the date on which the specific model to which the plan pertains is first offered for sale); and (3) Future vehicle...

Distributed Leadership and Organizational Change: Implementation of a Teaching Performance Measure

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sloan, Tine

2013-01-01

This article explores leadership practice and change as evidenced in multiple data sources gathered during a self-study implementation of a teaching performance assessment. It offers promising models of distributed leadership and organizational change that can inform future program implementers and the field in general. Our experiences suggest…

Off-Campus Centers for Federal Employees.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Civil Service Commission, Washington, DC. Bureau of Training.

Designed to give information on off campus study centers for Federal employees, this directory tabulates the number of centers and participants by agency and by state or other geographic location, and indicates the cooperating institutions, programs or course offerings, eligibility for attendance, general items of interest, and sources of further…

Biological rhythms and rotating shift work : some considerations for air traffic controllers and managers.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1986-01-01

This report is a general review of some of the current themes and practices regarding rotating shift work; to inform air traffic controllers, technicians, and managers of these issues; and to offer some ideas that may be helpful in dealing with diffi...

Oregon School-Based Health Centers, 1992-1994 Services Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nystrom, Robert J.

This report describes the activities of Oregon's 25 high school-based health centers between 1992 and 1994. Information is provided on funding sources, services offered (including general medical services and reproductive health, mental health, health promotion services, and hours of operation), staffing (including levels of staffing and…

Community College League of California Pocket Profile, 2002. 3rd Edition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Community Coll. League of California, Sacramento.

This document is a pocket profile from the Community College League of California (CCLC), which represents 72 community college districts and 108 community colleges. The report offers information on general governance and institutional missions, enrollment figures, community college student demographics, and student educational costs. (1) the Los…

Dow Jones News/Retrieval--An IndepthBxook.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dempsey, Tim

1984-01-01

This introduction to the nonbibliographic databases offered by the Dow Jones News/Retrieval Service describes file content and search strategies in four groups: Dow Jones Business and Economic News; Dow Jones Quotes (market prices for stocks and other securities); Financial and Investment Services; General News and Information Services. Examples…

31 CFR 315.0 - Applicability.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

..., DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY BUREAU OF THE PUBLIC DEBT REGULATIONS GOVERNING U.S. SAVINGS BONDS, SERIES A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J, AND K, AND U.S. SAVINGS NOTES General Information § 315.0 Applicability. The... respective offering circulars, govern— (a) Definitive (paper) United States Savings Bonds of Series E that...

Writing for Manufacturing Personnel.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mercer County Community Coll., Trenton, NJ.

This document, developed by Mercer County Community College (New Jersey) and its partners, offers lists of topics covered in each day of a 24-day course designed to teach General Motors employees the following skills: document information; write clear directions and instructions; outline and organize thoughts and ideas; write memos and business…

Systems of Knowledge Organization for Digital Libraries: Beyond Traditional Authority Files.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hodge, Gail

This report provides an overview of knowledge organization systems (KOSs) and includes pertinent examples of their application to digital materials, offering extensive practical information for institutions embarking on digital library initiatives. The first section of the report defines the general characteristics of KOSs, with emphasis on their…

Road to Reconciliation: Participant's Workbook.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Department of Education, Washington, DC. Student Financial Assistance.

This workbook is intended to assist schools that participate in the William D. Ford Direct Loan Program gain the necessary skills to reconcile their loan records with U.S. Department of Education data each month. After an introduction that offers general information, establishes course goals and objectives, and sets out the course agenda, the…

Practice-Oriented Activity of the Subjects of the Educational Process as a Basis for the Optimal Transition from Tradition to Innovation in the System of General and Professional (Pedagogical) Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Letyagin, Alexander

2015-01-01

The article deals with the problems of content and technological modernization that arise in the process of transition from the information paradigm of education to the activity one. A combined training model of class teaching using information, practice-based activity and visual components is offered as an example and a result of innovative…

The intention of Dutch general practitioners to offer vaccination against pneumococcal disease, herpes zoster and pertussis to people aged 60 years and older.

PubMed

Lehmann, Birthe A; Eilers, Renske; Mollema, Liesbeth; Ferreira, José; de Melker, Hester E

2017-06-07

Increasing life expectancy results in a larger proportion of older people susceptible to vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs). In the Netherlands, influenza vaccination is routinely offered to people aged 60 years and older. Vaccination against pneumococcal disease, herpes zoster and pertussis is rarely used. These vaccines will be evaluated by the Dutch Health Council and might be routinely offered to older people in the near future. Possible expansion of the program depends partly on the willingness of general practitioners (GPs) to endorse additional vaccinations. In this study, we assessed predictors of GPs' attitude and intention to vaccinate people aged 60 years and older. GPs (N = 12.194) were invited to fill in an online questionnaire consisting of questions about social cognitive factors that can influence the willingness of GPs to vaccinate people aged 60 years and older, including underlying beliefs, practical considerations of adding more vaccines to the national program, demographics, and GPs' patient population characteristics. The questionnaire was filled in by 732 GPs. GPs were positive both about vaccination as a preventive tool and the influenza vaccination program, but somewhat less positive about expanding the current program. Prediction analysis showed that the intention of GPs to offer additional vaccination was predicted by their attitude towards offering additional vaccination, towards vaccination as a preventive tool, towards offering vaccination during an outbreak and on GPs opinion regarding suitability to offer additional vaccination (R 2  = 0.60). The attitude of GPs towards offering additional vaccination was predicted by the perceived severity of herpes zoster and pneumonia, as well as the perceived incidence of herpes zoster. Severity of diseases was ranked as important argument to recommend vaccination, followed by effectiveness and health benefits of vaccines. Providing GPs with evidence-based information about the severity and prevalence of diseases, and effectiveness and health benefits of the vaccines, together with an active role of GPs in informing older people about vaccines, could modify the intention towards additional vaccination of people 60 years and older.

Searching the Internet for information on prostate cancer screening: an assessment of quality.

PubMed

Ilic, Dragan; Risbridger, Gail; Green, Sally

2004-07-01

To identify how on-line information relating to prostate cancer screening (PCS) is best sourced, whether through general, medical, or meta-search engines, and to assess the quality of that information. Websites providing information about PCS were searched across 15 search engines representing three distinct types: general, medical, and meta-search engines. The quality of on-line information was assessed using the DISCERN quality assessment tool. Quality performance characteristics were analyzed by performing Mann-Whitney U tests. Search engine efficiency was measured by each search query as a percentage of the relevant websites included for analysis from the total returned and analyzed by performing Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance. Of 6690 websites reviewed, 84 unique websites were identified as providing information relevant to PCS. General and meta-search engines were significantly more efficient at retrieving relevant information on PCS compared with medical search engines. The quality of information was variable, with most of a poor standard. Websites that provided referral links to other resources and a citation of evidence provided a significantly better quality of information. In contrast, websites offering a direct service were more likely to provide a significantly poorer quality of information. The current lack of a clear consensus on guidelines and recommendation in published data is also reflected by the variable quality of information found on-line. Specialized medical search engines were no more likely to retrieve relevant, high-quality information than general or meta-search engines.

Robotic Fish to Aid Animal Behavior Studies and Informal Science Learning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Phamduy, Paul

The application of robotic fish in the fields of animal behavior and informal science learning are new and relatively untapped. In the context of animal behavior studies, robotic fish offers a consistent and customizable stimulus that could contribute to dissect the determinants of social behavior. In the realm of informal science learning, robotic fish are gaining momentum for the possibility of educating the general public simultaneously on fish physiology and underwater robotics. In this dissertation, the design and development of a number of robotic fish platforms and prototypes and their application in animal behavioral studies and informal science learning settings are presented. Robotic platforms for animal behavioral studies focused on the utilization replica or same scale prototypes. A novel robotic fish platform, featuring a three-dimensional swimming multi-linked robotic fish, was developed with three control modes varying in the level of robot autonomy offered. This platform was deployed at numerous science festivals and science centers, to obtain data on visitor engagement and experience.

The Impact of Health Information Technology on the Doctor-Patient Relationship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

PubMed

Krishna, Rajeev

2017-01-01

As health information technology continues to expand and permeate medicine, there is increasing concern for the effect on the therapeutic relationship between patient and psychiatrist. This article explores this impact, seeking wisdom from adult psychiatry and more broadly from general medical disciplines to draw conclusions regarding how the child psychiatry encounter may be affected. Several proposed strategies to mitigate potential negative impacts of health information technology on the therapeutic relationship across practice settings are offered. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

White matter biomarkers from diffusion MRI

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nørhøj Jespersen, Sune

2018-06-01

As part of an issue celebrating 2 decades of Joseph Ackerman editing the Journal of Magnetic Resonance, this paper reviews recent progress in one of the many areas in which Ackerman and his lab has made significant contributions: NMR measurement of diffusion in biological media, specifically in brain tissue. NMR diffusion signals display exquisite sensitivity to tissue microstructure, and have the potential to offer quantitative and specific information on the cellular scale orders of magnitude below nominal image resolution when combined with biophysical modeling. Here, I offer a personal perspective on some recent advances in diffusion imaging, from diffusion kurtosis imaging to microstructural modeling, and the connection between the two. A new result on the estimation accuracy of axial and radial kurtosis with axially symmetric DKI is presented. I moreover touch upon recently suggested generalized diffusion sequences, promising to offer independent microstructural information. We discuss the need and some methods for validation, and end with an outlook on some promising future directions.

Development and initial validation of a content taxonomy for patient records in general dentistry

PubMed Central

Acharya, Amit; Hernandez, Pedro; Thyvalikakath, Thankam; Ye, Harold; Song, Mei; Schleyer, Titus

2013-01-01

Objective Develop and validate an initial content taxonomy for patient records in general dentistry. Methods Phase 1–Obtain 95 de-identified patient records from 11 general dentists in the United States. Phase 2–Extract individual data fields (information items), both explicit (labeled) and implicit (unlabeled), from records, and organize into categories mirroring original field context. Phase 3–Refine raw list of information items by eliminating duplicates/redundancies and focusing on general dentistry. Phase 4–Validate all items regarding inclusion and importance using a two-round Delphi study with a panel of 22 general dentists active in clinical practice, education, and research. Results Analysis of 76 patient records from 9 dentists, combined with previous work, yielded a raw list of 1,509 information items. Refinement reduced this list to 1,107 items, subsequently rated by the Delphi panel. The final model contained 870 items, with 761 (88%) rated as mandatory. In Round 1, 95% (825) of the final items were accepted, in Round 2 the remaining 5% (45). Only 45 items on the initial list were rejected and 192 (or 17%) remained equivocal. Conclusion Grounded in the reality of clinical practice, our proposed content taxonomy represents a significant advance over existing guidelines and standards by providing a granular and comprehensive information representation for general dental patient records. It offers a significant foundational asset for implementing an interoperable health information technology infrastructure for general dentistry. PMID:23838618

Meeting the Educational and Therapeutic Needs of Short Term Hospitalized Children with the Aid of the Computer.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ciminero, Sandra Elser

The acute care pediatric/adolescent unit at Saint Joseph Hospital in Chicago, Illinois offers patients computer services consisting of recreation, general education, newspaper, and patient education components. To gather information concerning patients' experience with computers and to assess the effectiveness of computer services, data were…

Remodelling of a Lycee in Grenoble. Programme on Educational Building 14.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Roche, G.

The 1973 remodeling of the Emmanuel Mounier Lycee in Grenoble, France, shows how a secondary educational facility can respond to expanding school offerings. As background to the lycee's expansion, the author, who was principal of the school during its remodeling, provides general information on the French educational system and on the consequent…

A Selected Bibliography on International Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Foreign Policy Association, New York, NY.

This unannotated bibliography is divided into four major sections; 1) General Background Readings for Teachers; 2) Approaches and Methods; 3) Materials for the Classroom; and, 4) Sources of Information and Materials. It offers a highly selective list of items which provide wide coverage of the field. Included are items on foreign policy, war and…

17 CFR 243.100 - General rule regarding selective disclosure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... a disclosure made: (i) To a person who owes a duty of trust or confidence to the issuer (such as an... disclosed information in confidence; (iii) To the following entities solely for the purpose of determining... prospectus used after filing of the registration statement for the offering or a communication falling within...

Legal Information Resources: A Guide for Maryland Libraries.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Miller, Michael S., Ed.

This guidebook and annotated bibliography is designed to provide a basic listing of sources of state (Maryland), federal, and some general law for the non-law library community, and to offer some insight into the suggested approaches for dealing with legal reference inquiries. Listings of contributors and members of the Task Force on Improving…

12 CFR 1026.51 - Ability to pay.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... Applicable to Credit Card Accounts and Open-End Credit Offered to College Students § 1026.51 Ability to pay. (a) General rule—(1)(i) Consideration of ability to pay. A card issuer must not open a credit card... any information about a consumer's income, assets, or current obligations, or to issue a credit card...

12 CFR 1026.51 - Ability to pay.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... Applicable to Credit Card Accounts and Open-End Credit Offered to College Students § 1026.51 Ability to pay. (a) General rule. (1)(i) Consideration of ability to pay. A card issuer must not open a credit card... any information about a consumer's income, assets, or current obligations, or to issue a credit card...

46 CFR 502.7 - Documents in foreign languages.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 46 Shipping 9 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Documents in foreign languages. 502.7 Section 502.7... General Information § 502.7 Documents in foreign languages. Every document, exhibit, or other paper written in a language other than English and filed with the Commission or offered in evidence in any...

Plant Biology Personnel and Training at Doctorate-Granting Institutions. Higher Education Surveys Report. Survey Number 13.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chaney, Bradford; And Others

A survey instrument was sent to all doctorate-granting institutions and all institutions identified as offering doctorates in plant biology. Doctorate-granting institutions were identified using the U.S. Department of Education's Higher Education General Information Surveys (HEGIS) listings. Responses were received from plant biology program…

78 FR 68085 - Proposed Information Collection; National Wildlife Refuge Special Use Permit Applications and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-11-13

... our continuing efforts to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, we invite the general public and...). It also authorized us to offer visitor and public programs, including those facilitated by commercial... public recreation when it is not inconsistent or does not interfere with the primary purpose(s) of the...

Generalizing from Observations of Mathematics Teachers' Instructional Practice Using the Instructional Quality Assessment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wilhelm, Anne Garrison; Kim, Sungyeun

2015-01-01

One crucial question for researchers who study teachers' classroom practice is how to maximize information about what is happening in classrooms while minimizing costs. This report extends prior studies of the reliability of the Instructional Quality Assessment (IQA), a widely used classroom observation toolkit, and offers insight into the often…

31 CFR 351.2 - How do I contact Public Debt?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY BUREAU OF THE PUBLIC DEBT OFFERING OF UNITED STATES SAVINGS BONDS, SERIES EE General Information § 351.2 How do I contact Public Debt? You may contact Public Debt by e-mail at [email protected], or by writing to the following address: Bureau of the Public Debt...

New Approaches to Coding Information using Inverse Scattering Transform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frumin, L. L.; Gelash, A. A.; Turitsyn, S. K.

2017-06-01

Remarkable mathematical properties of the integrable nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLSE) can offer advanced solutions for the mitigation of nonlinear signal distortions in optical fiber links. Fundamental optical soliton, continuous, and discrete eigenvalues of the nonlinear spectrum have already been considered for the transmission of information in fiber-optic channels. Here, we propose to apply signal modulation to the kernel of the Gelfand-Levitan-Marchenko equations that offers the advantage of a relatively simple decoder design. First, we describe an approach based on exploiting the general N -soliton solution of the NLSE for simultaneous coding of N symbols involving 4 ×N coding parameters. As a specific elegant subclass of the general schemes, we introduce a soliton orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (SOFDM) method. This method is based on the choice of identical imaginary parts of the N -soliton solution eigenvalues, corresponding to equidistant soliton frequencies, making it similar to the conventional OFDM scheme, thus, allowing for the use of the efficient fast Fourier transform algorithm to recover the data. Then, we demonstrate how to use this new approach to control signal parameters in the case of the continuous spectrum.

Internet research: an opportunity to revisit classic ethical problems in behavioral research.

PubMed

Pittenger, David J

2003-01-01

The Internet offers many new opportunities for behavioral researchers to conduct quantitative and qualitative research. Although the ethical guidelines of the American Psychological Association generalize, in part, to research conducted through the Internet, several matters related to Internet research require further analysis. This article reviews several fundamental ethical issues related to Internet research, namely the preservation of privacy, the issuance of informed consent, the use of deception and false feedback, and research methods. In essence, the Internet offers unique challenges to behavioral researchers. Among these are the need to better define the distinction between private and public behavior performed through the Internet, ensure mechanisms for obtaining valid informed consent from participants and performing debriefing exercises, and verify the validity of data collected through the Internet.

College health professionals and academic librarians: collaboration for student health.

PubMed

Hallyburton, Ann; Kolenbrander, Nancy; Robertson, Carolyn

2008-01-01

College health professionals must find new ways of educating students on finding and evaluating consumer health information, specifically in the online environment. Librarians are trained as information professionals; however, librarians at general academic libraries are not taking a lead role in providing consumer health information. The authors' purpose in this research was to determine the health information resource needs of college and university students and provide a model for collaboration between college health professionals and academic librarians. The authors compared data from a national survey on college health (N = 54,111) with their own results from a survey of general academic librarians (N = 17) to create recommendations for synching students' reported health information needs with librarians' resources. Although the Internet was students' second most-often consulted health information source, they ranked the believability of online health information above only television. In the librarian survey, although 12 respondents indicated that health information provision is a library's responsibility, the majority (n = 11) believed their library's consumer health outreach to be passive. The authors offer recommendations for partnerships between college healthcare professionals and academic librarians to better provide this information to students.

[Needs-based offers and gender-specific aspects in nursing homes : Results of a representative survey among directors of nursing homes].

PubMed

Teubner, Christian; Sulmann, Daniela; Lahmann, Nils; Suhr, Ralf

2016-12-01

Nursing and care that consider individual and biographically shaped impressions requires, among other things sensitivity for the specific needs of persons in need of care. A representative survey was conducted among directors of nursing homes to provide information about the importance of gender-specific aspects in nursing. In a written survey 516 directors of German resident care facilities were interviewed about their attitudes and perceptions regarding the subject, about information on general and gender-specific offers and about demographic information on the management of nursing homes. Activities specifically considering the needs of men and women (gender-specific 43.1 %) are not widespread in the nursing homes surveyed. Most respondents reasoned that there was no demand for such offers (57.1 %) or that they are dispensable due to the composition of residents (47.6 %). Of the respondents 36.4 % saw specific needs more with women than with men (18.4 %). Nevertheless, the need for male-specific activities is given a relatively high priority. The consideration of gender aspects in the planning of care processes (57.0 %) and the regular reflection of gender issues (20.7 %) are strongly correlated with the existence of gender-specific offers, while structural factors, such as the institution size and the education of nursing home directors are not. Currently, gender-specific activity offers in nursing facilities are not widespread. Existing offers are mostly based on traditional gender stereotypes; therefore, it would be desirable if the diversity in the reality of life and the individual needs of women and men would be recognized.

A longitudinal evaluation of a project-based learning initiative in an engineering undergraduate programme

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hall, Wayne; Palmer, Stuart; Bennett, Mitchell

2012-05-01

Project-based learning (PBL) is a well-known student-centred methodology for engineering design education. The methodology claims to offer a number of educational benefits. This paper evaluates the student perceptions of the initial and second offering of a first-year design unit at Griffith University in Australia. It builds on an earlier evaluation conducted after the initial offering of the unit. It considers the implementation of the recommended changes. Evaluations of the two offerings reveal that students (in both the initial and second offering) generally enjoyed the experience, but that the second offering was found to be a significantly more enjoyable learning experience. Students in the second offering also reported a significantly better understanding of what they needed to do for the design projects and where to find the requisite information. The oral presentation aspect of the initial and second offerings received the lowest satisfaction rating. The inclusion (and delivery) of the computer-aided drawing component of the unit is seen as a positive aspect by some students, but many others comment on it negatively. The best aspects of the PBL unit and those aspects needing further improvement were similar to the findings of other investigations documented in the literature.

Hippocampal and prefrontal cortex contributions to learning and memory: analysis of lesion and aging effects on maze learning in rats.

PubMed

Winocur, G; Moscovitch, M

1990-08-01

Young adult rats with bilateral lesions to the hippocampus or prefrontal cortex, young operated controls, and normal old rats were tested on two complex mazes in the Hebb-Williams series. Approximately half the animals were previously trained on one of the mazes; the remainder received no previous training. The trained hippocampal rats showed sparing of memory for the general skill of maze learning but poor recall of the specific maze on which they had been previously trained. The opposite pattern was observed in trained prefrontal rats. In contrast, the aged rats' memory for maze-specific and maze-general information was impaired. The results confirmed the importance of the hippocampus for recalling highly specific information and pointed to a possible role for the frontal lobes in learning and remembering nonspecific skill-related information. The generalized deficit of the aged rats indicates that both types of memory were compromised and offers further evidence of frontal lobe and hippocampal dysfunction in normal aging.

Public Attitudes toward Education in Ontario, 1982. Fourth OISE Survey. Informal Series/51.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Livingstone, D. W.; And Others

Results of the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education 1982 Survey, intended primarily to offer ongoing profiles of mass attitudes on major issues of current educational reform, are reported. In addition to documenting trends in public support for general curricular and financing options, the survey focuses on attitudes towards alternative ways…

Responding to Individual Needs in Head Start: A Head Start Series on Needs Assessment. Part 1: Working with the Individual Child.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Child Development Services Bureau (DHEW/OCD), Washington, DC. Project Head Start.

This manual, designed for Head Start staff, parents, and others working with handicapped and/or nonhandicapped children, gives general background information on physical, emotional, and cognitive disabilities and offers practical suggestions for handling classroom problems related to these disabilities. Staff planning is discussed in relation to…

Surgeon General's Report on Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Office of the Surgeon General (DHHS/PHS), Washington, DC.

This report on Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) offers information on: (1) the medical definition of AIDS; (2) signs and symptoms; (3) the present situtation regarding the number of cases of AIDS and how the disease is transmitted; (4) how to protect oneself from AIDS; (5) what behavior is safe; and (6) what is currently understood about…

Employment, Salary and Placement Information Related to Career Programs at Johnson County Community College.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Conklin, Karen A.

Johnson County Community College (JCCC), in Kansas, offers formal career programs for 12 of the 20 fastest growing occupations requiring postsecondary training, and for 13 of the 30 occupations projected to be the fastest growing between 1990 and 2005. Following an introduction to general trends and data sources, this guide presents profiles of…

10 CFR Appendix A to Part 625 - Standard Sales Provisions

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... of the NS will be publicized on the Fossil Energy web page http://www.fe.doe.gov/programs/reserves... authorized to do so, in the form of corporate minutes, the Authorized Signature List, or the General... information will be provided to DOE by the offeror on the SPR on-line offer form: (1) Maximum MLI Quantity...

10 CFR Appendix A to Part 625 - Standard Sales Provisions

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... of the NS will be publicized on the Fossil Energy web page http://www.fe.doe.gov/programs/reserves... authorized to do so, in the form of corporate minutes, the Authorized Signature List, or the General... information will be provided to DOE by the offeror on the SPR on-line offer form: (1) Maximum MLI Quantity...

10 CFR Appendix A to Part 625 - Standard Sales Provisions

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... of the NS will be publicized on the Fossil Energy web page http://www.fe.doe.gov/programs/reserves... authorized to do so, in the form of corporate minutes, the Authorized Signature List, or the General... information will be provided to DOE by the offeror on the SPR on-line offer form: (1) Maximum MLI Quantity...

10 CFR Appendix A to Part 625 - Standard Sales Provisions

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... of the NS will be publicized on the Fossil Energy web page http://www.fe.doe.gov/programs/reserves... authorized to do so, in the form of corporate minutes, the Authorized Signature List, or the General... information will be provided to DOE by the offeror on the SPR on-line offer form: (1) Maximum MLI Quantity...

10 CFR Appendix A to Part 625 - Standard Sales Provisions

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... of the NS will be publicized on the Fossil Energy web page http://www.fe.doe.gov/programs/reserves... authorized to do so, in the form of corporate minutes, the Authorized Signature List, or the General... information will be provided to DOE by the offeror on the SPR on-line offer form: (1) Maximum MLI Quantity...

Mid-South Instructional Technology Conference Proceedings (1st, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, March 31-April 2, 1996).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Southeast Missouri State Univ., Cape Girardeau.

Papers in this proceedings discuss and demonstrate the impact of emerging information technologies on the education process. Along with two general session papers and two poster session papers, the bulk of the document is comprised of papers offered in the five tracks of Technology and Pedagogy, Distance Learning, Library Support, Support for…

U.S. Department of Education Indirect Cost Determination Guidance for State and Local Government Agencies.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Department of Education, Washington, DC. Office of the Chief Financial and Chief Information Officer.

This guide provides new direction in financial management and oversight practices for accounting and charging administrative costs as they relate to programs administered by the U.S. Department of Education. The document is divided into six sections. Section 1, which presents general information, offers details on definitions; indirect-cost rates;…

Automotive Electrical and Electronic Systems I; Automotive Mechanics 2: 9045.03.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dade County Public Schools, Miami, FL.

The automotive electrical and electronic system I course is designed as one of a group of quinmester courses offered in the field of automotive mechanics. General information will be given along with technical knowledge, basic skills, attitudes and values that are required for job entry level. The nine week (135 clock hour) course overcomes some…

Christian Faith and Scholarship: An Exploration of Contemporary Developments. ASHE Higher Education Report, Volume 33, Number 2

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ream, Todd C., Ed.; Glanzer, Perry L., Ed.

2007-01-01

This monograph offers an overview of the various ways conversations about religion and religiously informed scholarship are increasing among scholars in secular and church-related colleges and universities. Specifically, it addresses the history of secularization in American higher education and scholarship, the general models of faith and…

The Teacher's Role: Children and Epilepsy. A Guide for School Personnel. Revised Edition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Epilepsy Foundation of America, Landover, MD.

The brief guide offers information on epilepsy to teachers and other school personnel. Types of seizures are defined (e.g., simple and complex partial seizures, generalized tonic clonic seizures), and management practices in the classroom setting for each type of seizure are described. Signs indicating that a seizure requires immediate medical…

Islamic Morality: Teaching to Balance the Record

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lovat, Terence

2016-01-01

The article proposes that the teaching of Islamic morality presents as an important if not urgent task for moral education. It offers the opportunity to inform a student body about a vital historical development in the formation of moral thought and action; to challenge and offset a blind spot in Western thinking about Islam in general; to…

Enhancing Science Education through Extracurricular Activities: A Retrospective Study of "Suzy Science and the Whiz Kids[C]"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kralina, Linda M.

2009-01-01

Extracurricular activities (ECA) are informal settings offering free-choice experiences that are generally voluntary, open-ended, non-sequential, self-directed, hands-on, and evaluation-free. This mixed methods study investigates participation in a high school science ECA by collecting the memories of former student members for their perceptions…

The Study of Motivation in Library and Information Management Education: Qualitative and Quantitative Research

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Perez-Sabater, Carmen; Montero-Fleta, Begona

2012-01-01

The application of new technologies and media has changed the concept of teaching and learning, offering effective and attractive possibilities to the educational system, particularly to the learning of languages in specific contexts. Educators in general will agree on the importance of motivation as a key to success in language acquisition as it…

31 CFR 359.18 - Is the determination of the Secretary on rates and values final?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Money and Finance (Continued) FISCAL SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY BUREAU OF THE PUBLIC DEBT OFFERING OF UNITED STATES SAVINGS BONDS, SERIES I General Information § 359.18 Is the determination of the... 31 Money and Finance: Treasury 2 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Is the determination of the Secretary...

31 CFR 359.10 - What is the fixed rate of return?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

...) FISCAL SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY BUREAU OF THE PUBLIC DEBT OFFERING OF UNITED STATES SAVINGS BONDS, SERIES I General Information § 359.10 What is the fixed rate of return? The Secretary, or the... 31 Money and Finance: Treasury 2 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false What is the fixed rate of return? 359...

Computer Assisted Learning. Book 1, The Teletype; Book 2, BASIC 1; Book 3, BASIC 2.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gawronski, Jane Donnelly

A series of three booklets provides elementary and secondary students who are participating in the Southeast Alternatives Program run by Special School District Number 1 in Minneapolis with some fundamental information about computers and their use. The first volume offers some general background on computers and describes the use of the teletype…

Neurocontrol and fuzzy logic: Connections and designs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Werbos, Paul J.

1991-01-01

Artificial neural networks (ANNs) and fuzzy logic are complementary technologies. ANNs extract information from systems to be learned or controlled, while fuzzy techniques mainly use verbal information from experts. Ideally, both sources of information should be combined. For example, one can learn rules in a hybrid fashion, and then calibrate them for better whole-system performance. ANNs offer universal approximation theorems, pedagogical advantages, very high-throughput hardware, and links to neurophysiology. Neurocontrol - the use of ANNs to directly control motors or actuators, etc. - uses five generalized designs, related to control theory, which can work on fuzzy logic systems as well as ANNs. These designs can copy what experts do instead of what they say, learn to track trajectories, generalize adaptive control, and maximize performance or minimize cost over time, even in noisy environments. Design tradeoffs and future directions are discussed throughout.

Accessibility, nature and quality of health information on the Internet: a survey on osteoarthritis.

PubMed

Maloney, S; Ilic, D; Green, S

2005-03-01

This study aims to determine the quality and validity of information available on the Internet about osteoarthritis and to investigate the best way of sourcing this information. Keywords relevant to osteoarthritis were searched across 15 search engines representing medical, general and meta-search engines. Search engine efficiency was defined as the percentage of unique and relevant websites from all websites returned by each search engine. The quality of relevant information was appraised using the DISCERN tool and the concordance of the information offered by the website with the available evidence about osteoarthritis determined. A total of 3443 websites were retrieved, of which 344 were identified as unique and providing information relevant to osteoarthritis. The overall quality of website information was poor. There was no significant difference between types of search engine in sourcing relevant information; however, the information retrieved from medical search engines was of a higher quality. Fewer than a third of the websites identified as offering relevant information cited evidence to support their recommendations. Although the overall quality of website information about osteoarthritis was poor, medical search engines may provide consumers with the opportunity to source high-quality health information on the Internet. In the era of evidence-based medicine, one of the main obstacles to the Internet reaching its potential as a medical resource is the failure of websites to incorporate and attribute evidence-based information.

Experiences of a High-Risk Population with Prenatal Hemoglobinopathy Carrier Screening in a Primary Care Setting: a Qualitative Study.

PubMed

Holtkamp, Kim C A; Lakeman, Phillis; Hader, Hind; Jans, Suze M J P; Hoenderdos, Maria; Playfair, Henna A M; Cornel, Martina C; Peters, Marjolein; Henneman, Lidewij

2018-06-01

Carrier screening for hemoglobinopathies (HbPs; sickle cell disease and thalassemia) aims to facilitate autonomous reproductive decision-making. In the absence of a Dutch national HbP carrier screening program, some primary care midwives offer screening on an ad hoc basis. This qualitative descriptive study explores how pregnant women perceive an offer of HbP carrier screening by their midwife. Semi-structured interviews (n = 26) were conducted with pregnant women at risk of being a HbP carrier, and whom were offered screening at their booking appointment in one of two midwifery practices in Amsterdam. The results showed that half of the respondents were familiar with HbPs. Generally, women perceived the offer of HbP carrier screening as positive, and most women (n = 19) accepted screening. Seven declined, of whom two already knew their carrier status. Important reasons to accept screening were to obtain knowledge about their own carrier status and health of their unborn child, and the ease of the procedure. A multistep process of decision-making was observed, as many women did not give follow-up testing (e.g. partner, invasive diagnostics) much consideration while deciding on accepting or declining HbP screening. Women experienced information overload, and preferred receiving the information at a different moment (e.g. before the intake by a leaflet, or preconceptionally). In conclusion, while prenatal HbP carrier screening is perceived as positive, informed decision-making seems to be suboptimal, and both the content and timing of the information provided needs improvement.

NASA Helps Design the 'Cockpit of the Future'

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2006-01-01

One of the initiatives at Langley involved the research and development of a Small Aircraft Transportation System Network (SATS-Net), which was the communications infrastructure for NASA s SATS program.The primary goal of SATS-Net was to develop secure virtual travel portals for the Nation s general aviation airports and to offer an alternative to commercial air and ground transportation through general aviation. The secondary goals were to increase mobility, reduce door-to- door travel times, and provide air transportation to underserved markets at an affordable cost. One of the specific plans was to create a network of information about the 2,000-plus non-tower, non-radar airports in the Nation. This information would be accessible from a person s home, office, PDA, or local airport. This network provides real-time information and would be a "one-stop shop" portal with dynamic access to real-time Web cameras for weather conditions, flight planning information, local lodging, restaurants, and attraction information. SATS-Net would provide membership services much like that of AAA.

The Global Sustainability Index: An Instrument For Assessing The Progress Towards The Sustainable Organization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grecu, Valentin

2015-09-01

There is rarely an optimal solution in sustainable development but most frequently a need to build compromises between conflicting aspects such as economic, social and environmental ones and different expectations of stakeholders. Moreover, information is rarely available and precise. This paper will focus on how to use indicators to monitor sustainable development, integrating the information provided by many of them into a complex general sustainability index. Having this general indicator is essential for decision makers as it is very complicated to evaluate the performance of the organization based on multiple indicators. The objective of this paper is to find mathematical algorithms for simplifying the decision-making process by offering an instrument for the evaluation of the sustainability progress.

Testing the construct validity of willingness to pay valuations using objective information about risk and health benefit.

PubMed

Philips, Zoë; Whynes, David K; Avis, Mark

2006-02-01

This paper describes an experiment to test the construct validity of contingent valuation, by eliciting women's valuations for the NHS cervical cancer screening programme. It is known that, owing to low levels of knowledge of cancer and screening in the general population, women both over-estimate the risk of disease and the efficacy of screening. The study is constructed as a randomised experiment, in which one group is provided with accurate information about cervical cancer screening, whilst the other is not. The first hypothesis supporting construct validity, that controls who perceive greater benefits from screening will offer higher valuations, is substantiated. Both groups are then provided with objective information on an improvement to the screening programme, and are asked to value the improvement as an increment to their original valuations. The second hypothesis supporting construct validity, that controls who perceive the benefits of the programme to be high already will offer lower incremental valuations, is also substantiated. Copyright 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

African Americans’ and Hispanics’ Information Needs About Cancer Care

PubMed Central

Muñoz-Antonia, Teresita; Ung, Danielle; Montiel-Ishino, F. Alejandro; Nelson, Alison; Canales, Jorge; Quinn, Gwendolyn P.

2015-01-01

Few studies have reported on African American and Hispanic (AA and H) populations’ informational needs when seeking cancer care at an institution that offers clinical trials. Moffitt Cancer Center (MCC) sought to identify and examine the decision making process, the perceptions, and the preferred channels of communication about cancer care services for AA and H communities in order to develop a list of marketing recommendations. Five focus groups (N=45) consisting of two AA and three H were conducted in four counties of the MCC catchment area in Tampa, FL. Participants were asked about their perceptions, knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about cancer care and MCC. Focus groups were audio-recorded and verbatim transcripts were analyzed using content analysis. Similarities in responses were found between AA and H participants. Participants received general health and cancer information from media sources and word of mouth and preferred to hear patient testimonials. There were concerns about costs, insurance coverage, and the actual geographic location of the cancer center. In general, H participants were not opposed to participating in cancer clinical trials/research, whereas, AA participants were more hesitant. A majority of participants highly favored an institution that offered standard care and clinical trials. AA and H participants shared similar concerns and preferences in communication channels, but each group had specific informational needs. The perceptions and preferences of AA and H must be explored in order to successfully and efficiently increase cancer clinical trial participation. PMID:25189798

African Americans' and Hispanics' information needs about cancer care.

PubMed

Muñoz-Antonia, Teresita; Ung, Danielle; Montiel-Ishino, F Alejandro; Nelson, Alison; Canales, Jorge; Quinn, Gwendolyn P

2015-06-01

Few studies have reported on African American and Hispanic (AA and H) populations' informational needs when seeking cancer care at an institution that offers clinical trials. Moffitt Cancer Center (MCC) sought to identify and examine the decision making process, the perceptions, and the preferred channels of communication about cancer care services for AA and H communities in order to develop a list of marketing recommendations. Five focus groups (N = 45) consisting of two AA and three H were conducted in four counties of the MCC catchment area in Tampa, FL. Participants were asked about their perceptions, knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about cancer care and MCC. Focus groups were audio-recorded and verbatim transcripts were analyzed using content analysis. Similarities in responses were found between AA and H participants. Participants received general health and cancer information from media sources and word of mouth and preferred to hear patient testimonials. There were concerns about costs, insurance coverage, and the actual geographic location of the cancer center. In general, H participants were not opposed to participating in cancer clinical trials/research, whereas, AA participants were more hesitant. A majority of participants highly favored an institution that offered standard care and clinical trials. AA and H participants shared similar concerns and preferences in communication channels, but each group had specific informational needs. The perceptions and preferences of AA and H must be explored in order to successfully and efficiently increase cancer clinical trial participation.

Emergency shock wave lithotripsy for ureteric stones.

PubMed

Dasgupta, Ranan; Hegarty, Nicholas; Thomas, Kay

2009-03-01

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy has been used for over 2 decades, but its application in the acute setting remains under review. With continuing refinements to the technology, it is timely to review its efficacy in the emergency setting. The procedure has an overall low morbidity and is generally well tolerated. Success rates of 70-80% are reported in a number of studies, with relatively low complication rates. Although much attention has been given to the improvements in the outcome of ureteroscopic stone clearance, the benefits of a noninvasive procedure which does not require general anaesthesia may be appealing and indeed preferable for many patients. This should remain a valid alternative treatment option offered to patients, and its provision may be restricted by resource availability rather than clinical evidence. Centres should be identified that can offer an emergency extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy service and patients informed of outcome data from such centres.

The fundholding fandango.

PubMed Central

Bowie, C; Harris, T

1994-01-01

General practitioner fundholding allows flexible use of resources at the coal-face, provides incentives to alter practice such as prescribing within cash limits and forces hospitals to be more responsive to general practitioner demands. However, the additional administrative costs both in time and money, the fragmentation of purchasing power compounded by a lack of expertise and experience in contracting, and the poor information and financial systems which exist in the National Health Service are severe constraints. A suggested way forward is to delegate responsibility for running the scheme, including the contracting and billing, to district health authorities offering more flexible budgets to all practices and extending the scheme as local information systems allow. This will reduce fragmentation of purchasing power and administrative costs and re-establish local accountability. It will also give the general practitioner more time to see and treat patients, who will see the system as being fairer. PMID:8312038

International Telecommunication Control: International Law and the Ordering of Satellite and Other Forms of International Broadcasting.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smith, Delbert D.

The need for and the available alternatives for international telecommunication controls are examined, and a functional approach to this area of law is offered. Information from a number of areas is collected and examined as it relates to the basic problem. These areas include general principles of international law, the activities of the…

The Treatment of Black Americans in Current Encyclopedias, First Edition. Curricular Viewpoints Series.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sloan, Irving

Nine sets of encyclopedias are reviewed and evaluated for their treatment of the life and history of the black American. While all nine sets surveyed include comprehensive general articles on the topic of the Afro-American, each is believed to be a summary treatment offering limited information and little understanding to the student reader on…

General Safety Manual for Vocational-Technical Education and Industrial Arts Programs. Bulletin No. 1674.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dennis, Bill; Poston, David

This manual is designed to offer suggestions for teaching safety in Louisiana industrial arts and vocational education programs. The suggestions and information presented are intended for use in an ongoing safety program, not a short unit presented at the beginning of the school year. Following an introduction in unit 1, the material has been…

Como Ayudar a sus Hijos a Aprender Ciencia (Helping Your Child Learn Science).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Paulu, Nancy; Martin, Margery

Because most parents say they do not or cannot help their children with science, this booklet was designed to help them do so, easily and with pleasure for both parent and child. The introduction presents information on why and how parents should help their children and provides a general orientation to the ideas and activities offered in the…

31 CFR 359.5 - What is the maturity period of a Series I savings bonds?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Finance (Continued) FISCAL SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY BUREAU OF THE PUBLIC DEBT OFFERING OF UNITED STATES SAVINGS BONDS, SERIES I General Information § 359.5 What is the maturity period of a Series... 31 Money and Finance: Treasury 2 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false What is the maturity period of a...

Instruction in Hygiene in Institutions of Higher Education. Bulletin, 1936, No. 7

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rogers, James Frederick

1936-01-01

The material offered in this publication furnishes a general picture of present practices in the presentation of information in hygiene to students in colleges and universities. At college age we are not done with problems of health and even if the subject were taught thorough in high school (which is rarely the case) there is much yet to be…

31 CFR 359.15 - When is the composite rate applied to Series I savings bonds?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... Series I savings bonds? 359.15 Section 359.15 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money... OFFERING OF UNITED STATES SAVINGS BONDS, SERIES I General Information § 359.15 When is the composite rate applied to Series I savings bonds? The most recently announced composite rate applies to a bond during its...

Commensurate Priors for Incorporating Historical Information in Clinical Trials Using General and Generalized Linear Models

PubMed Central

Hobbs, Brian P.; Sargent, Daniel J.; Carlin, Bradley P.

2014-01-01

Assessing between-study variability in the context of conventional random-effects meta-analysis is notoriously difficult when incorporating data from only a small number of historical studies. In order to borrow strength, historical and current data are often assumed to be fully homogeneous, but this can have drastic consequences for power and Type I error if the historical information is biased. In this paper, we propose empirical and fully Bayesian modifications of the commensurate prior model (Hobbs et al., 2011) extending Pocock (1976), and evaluate their frequentist and Bayesian properties for incorporating patient-level historical data using general and generalized linear mixed regression models. Our proposed commensurate prior models lead to preposterior admissible estimators that facilitate alternative bias-variance trade-offs than those offered by pre-existing methodologies for incorporating historical data from a small number of historical studies. We also provide a sample analysis of a colon cancer trial comparing time-to-disease progression using a Weibull regression model. PMID:24795786

Dr Google

PubMed Central

Pías-Peleteiro, Leticia; Cortés-Bordoy, Javier; Martinón-Torres, Federico

2013-01-01

Objectives: To assess and analyze the information and recommendations provided by Google Web Search™ (Google) in relation to web searches on the HPV vaccine, indications for females and males and possible adverse effects. Materials and Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study of the results of 14 web searches. Comprehensive analysis of results based on general recommendation given (favorable/dissuasive), as well as compliance with pre-established criteria, namely design, content and credibility. Sub-analysis of results according to site category: general information, blog / forum and press. Results: In the comprehensive analysis of results, 72.2% of websites offer information favorable to HPV vaccination, with varying degrees of content detail, vs. 27.8% with highly dissuasive content in relation to HPV vaccination. The most frequent type of site is the blog or forum. The information found is frequently incomplete, poorly structured, and often lacking in updates, bibliography and adequate citations, as well as sound credibility criteria (scientific association accreditation and/or trust mark system). Conclusions: Google, as a tool which users employ to locate medical information and advice, is not specialized in providing information that is necessarily rigorous or valid from a scientific perspective. Search results and ranking based on Google's generalized algorithms can lead users to poorly grounded opinions and statements, which may impact HPV vaccination perception and subsequent decision making. PMID:23744505

The new genetics and informed consent: differentiating choice to preserve autonomy.

PubMed

Bunnik, Eline M; de Jong, Antina; Nijsingh, Niels; de Wert, Guido M W R

2013-07-01

The advent of new genetic and genomic technologies may cause friction with the principle of respect for autonomy and demands a rethinking of traditional interpretations of the concept of informed consent. Technologies such as whole-genome sequencing and micro-array based analysis enable genome-wide testing for many heterogeneous abnormalities and predispositions simultaneously. This may challenge the feasibility of providing adequate pre-test information and achieving autonomous decision-making. At a symposium held at the 11th World Congress of Bioethics in June 2012 (Rotterdam), organized by the International Association of Bioethics, these challenges were presented for three different areas in which these so-called 'new genetics' technologies are increasingly being applied: newborn screening, prenatal screening strategies and commercial personal genome testing. In this article, we build upon the existing ethical framework for a responsible set-up of testing and screening offers and reinterpret some of its criteria in the light of the new genetics. As we will argue, the scope of a responsible testing or screening offer should align with the purpose(s) of testing and with the principle of respect for autonomy for all stakeholders involved, including (future) children. Informed consent is a prerequisite but requires a new approach. We present preliminary and general directions for an individualized or differentiated set-up of the testing offer and for the informed consent process. With this article we wish to contribute to the formation of new ideas on how to tackle the issues of autonomy and informed consent for (public) healthcare and direct-to-consumer applications of the new genetics. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Early experience with a new model of employer group purchasing in Minnesota.

PubMed

Christianson, J; Feldman, R; Weiner, J P; Drury, P

1999-01-01

The Buyers Health Care Action Group (BHCAG) in the Twin Cities has implemented a new purchasing initiative that offers employees a choice among care systems with nonoverlapping networks of primary care providers. These systems offer a standardized benefit package, submit annual bids, and are paid on a risk-adjusted basis. Employees are provided with information on quality and other differences among systems, and most have financial incentives to choose lower-cost systems. Generally, providers have responded favorably to direct contracting and to risk-adjusted payments but have concerns about the risk-adjustment mechanism used and, more importantly, the strength of employers' commitment to the purchasing model.

A review on the multivariate statistical methods for dimensional reduction studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aik, Lim Eng; Kiang, Lam Chee; Mohamed, Zulkifley Bin; Hong, Tan Wei

2017-05-01

In this research study we have discussed multivariate statistical methods for dimensional reduction, which has been done by various researchers. The reduction of dimensionality is valuable to accelerate algorithm progression, as well as really may offer assistance with the last grouping/clustering precision. A lot of boisterous or even flawed info information regularly prompts a not exactly alluring algorithm progression. Expelling un-useful or dis-instructive information segments may for sure help the algorithm discover more broad grouping locales and principles and generally speaking accomplish better exhibitions on new data set.

Percolation Model of Sensory Transmission and Loss of Consciousness Under General Anesthesia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, David W.; Mowrey, David D.; Tang, Pei; Xu, Yan

2015-09-01

Neurons communicate with each other dynamically; how such communications lead to consciousness remains unclear. Here, we present a theoretical model to understand the dynamic nature of sensory activity and information integration in a hierarchical network, in which edges are stochastically defined by a single parameter p representing the percolation probability of information transmission. We validate the model by comparing the transmitted and original signal distributions, and we show that a basic version of this model can reproduce key spectral features clinically observed in electroencephalographic recordings of transitions from conscious to unconscious brain activities during general anesthesia. As p decreases, a steep divergence of the transmitted signal from the original was observed, along with a loss of signal synchrony and a sharp increase in information entropy in a critical manner; this resembles the precipitous loss of consciousness during anesthesia. The model offers mechanistic insights into the emergence of information integration from a stochastic process, laying the foundation for understanding the origin of cognition.

Science Literacy and Prior Knowledge of Astronomy MOOC Students

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Impey, Chris David; Buxner, Sanlyn; Wenger, Matthew; Formanek, Martin

2018-01-01

Many of science classes offered on Coursera fall into fall into the category of general education or general interest classes for lifelong learners, including our own, Astronomy: Exploring Time and Space. Very little is known about the backgrounds and prior knowledge of these students. In this talk we present the results of a survey of our Astronomy MOOC students. We also compare these results to our previous work on undergraduate students in introductory astronomy courses. Survey questions examined student demographics and motivations as well as their science and information literacy (including basic science knowledge, interest, attitudes and beliefs, and where they get their information about science). We found that our MOOC students are different than the undergraduate students in more ways than demographics. Many MOOC students demonstrated high levels of science and information literacy. With a more comprehensive understanding of our students’ motivations and prior knowledge about science and how they get their information about science, we will be able to develop more tailored learning experiences for these lifelong learners.

Offering a Treatment Choice in the Irradiation of Prostate Cancer Leads to Better Informed and More Active Patients, Without Harm to Well-Being

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

Tol-Geerdink, Julia J. van; Leer, Jan Willem; Lin, Emile N. J. Th. van

2008-02-01

Purpose: To examine, in prostate cancer patients, the effect of (1) being offered a choice between radiation doses in three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy, and of (2) accepting or declining the possibility to choose. Methods and Materials: A total of 150 patients with localized prostate cancer (T1-3N0M0) were offered a choice with a decision aid between two radiation doses (70 and 74 Gy). A control group of 144 patients received a fixed radiation dose without being offered a choice. Data were collected at baseline (before choice), before treatment (after choice), and 2 weeks and 6 months after treatment completion. Results: Compared withmore » the control group, the involvement group, receiving the decision aid, showed increased participation in decision making (p < 0.001), increased knowledge (p < 0.001), and improved risk perception (p < 0.001); they were more satisfied with the quality of information (p = 0.002) and considered their treatment a more appropriate treatment (p = 0.01). No group differences were found in well-being (e.g., general health, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality of life, anxiety). Within the involvement group, accepting or declining the option to choose did not affect well-being either. Conclusions: Offering a choice of radiation dose, with a decision aid, increased involvement in decision making and led to a better-informed patient. In contrast to earlier suggestions, a strong increase in involvement did not result in improved well-being; and in contrast to clinical concerns, well-being was not negatively affected either, not even in those patients who preferred to leave the decision to their physician. This study shows that older patients, such as prostate cancer patients, can be informed and involved in decision making.« less

Interviews with the Apollo lunar surface astronauts in support of planning for EVA systems design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Connors, Mary M.; Eppler, Dean B.; Morrow, Daniel G.

1994-01-01

Focused interviews were conducted with the Apollo astronauts who landed on the moon. The purpose of these interviews was to help define extravehicular activity (EVA) system requirements for future lunar and planetary missions. Information from the interviews was examined with particular attention to identifying areas of consensus, since some commonality of experience is necessary to aid in the design of advanced systems. Results are presented under the following categories: mission approach; mission structure; suits; portable life support systems; dust control; gloves; automation; information, displays, and controls; rovers and remotes; tools; operations; training; and general comments. Research recommendations are offered, along with supporting information.

Creating databases for biological information: an introduction.

PubMed

Stein, Lincoln

2002-08-01

The essence of bioinformatics is dealing with large quantities of information. Whether it be sequencing data, microarray data files, mass spectrometric data (e.g., fingerprints), the catalog of strains arising from an insertional mutagenesis project, or even large numbers of PDF files, there inevitably comes a time when the information can simply no longer be managed with files and directories. This is where databases come into play. This unit briefly reviews the characteristics of several database management systems, including flat file, indexed file, and relational databases, as well as ACeDB. It compares their strengths and weaknesses and offers some general guidelines for selecting an appropriate database management system.

A bill to require the Secretary of State to offer rewards of up to $5,000,000 for information regarding the attacks on the United States diplomatic mission at Benghazi, Libya that began on September 11, 2012.

THOMAS, 113th Congress

Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX

2013-11-07

Senate - 11/12/2013 Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 242. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Athletic Lockers for Schools and Colleges; Their Design--Selection--and Purchase with Functional Tips and Suggestions for the Modern Athletic Locker Room.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dickey, Donald D.

Information is provided relative to the design, selection, and purchase of locker equipment for athletic and physical education use. Some suggestions offered are for both specific applications, and some are general to any locker dressing room. Among the topics discussed are construction and joining of lockers, ventilation and drying,…

31 CFR 359.7 - If I redeem a Series I savings bonds before five years after the issue date, is there an interest...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Finance: Treasury Regulations Relating to Money and Finance (Continued) FISCAL SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY BUREAU OF THE PUBLIC DEBT OFFERING OF UNITED STATES SAVINGS BONDS, SERIES I General Information... (July 1, 2002). However, we will not reduce the redemption value of a bond subject to the three-month...

A bill to require the Secretary of State to offer rewards totaling up to $5,000,000 for information on the kidnapping and murder of Naftali Fraenkel, a dual United States-Israeli citizen, that began on June 12, 2014.

THOMAS, 113th Congress

Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX

2014-07-09

Senate - 07/10/2014 Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 460. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Defense Infrastructure: In-Kind Construction and Renovation Projects Initiated by DOD during Fiscal Year 2013

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-09-01

property conveyed by the Navy. Installation officials generally have more flexibility in real-estate transactions. According to officials of the...Air Force Civil Engineer Center, in-kind payment projects offer installation officials greater flexibility in executing real-estate transactions...air conditioning, fire protection, utility connections, pavement , and information systems. Agreement between Army and Air Force Exchange Services

Hybrid Toffoli gate on photons and quantum spins

PubMed Central

Luo, Ming-Xing; Ma, Song-Ya; Chen, Xiu-Bo; Wang, Xiaojun

2015-01-01

Quantum computation offers potential advantages in solving a number of interesting and difficult problems. Several controlled logic gates, the elemental building blocks of quantum computer, have been realized with various physical systems. A general technique was recently proposed that significantly reduces the realization complexity of multiple-control logic gates by harnessing multi-level information carriers. We present implementations of a key quantum circuit: the three-qubit Toffoli gate. By exploring the optical selection rules of one-sided optical microcavities, a Toffoli gate may be realized on all combinations of photon and quantum spins in the QD-cavity. The three general controlled-NOT gates are involved using an auxiliary photon with two degrees of freedom. Our results show that photons and quantum spins may be used alternatively in quantum information processing. PMID:26568078

Hybrid Toffoli gate on photons and quantum spins.

PubMed

Luo, Ming-Xing; Ma, Song-Ya; Chen, Xiu-Bo; Wang, Xiaojun

2015-11-16

Quantum computation offers potential advantages in solving a number of interesting and difficult problems. Several controlled logic gates, the elemental building blocks of quantum computer, have been realized with various physical systems. A general technique was recently proposed that significantly reduces the realization complexity of multiple-control logic gates by harnessing multi-level information carriers. We present implementations of a key quantum circuit: the three-qubit Toffoli gate. By exploring the optical selection rules of one-sided optical microcavities, a Toffoli gate may be realized on all combinations of photon and quantum spins in the QD-cavity. The three general controlled-NOT gates are involved using an auxiliary photon with two degrees of freedom. Our results show that photons and quantum spins may be used alternatively in quantum information processing.

Teaching about teaching and instruction on instruction: a challenge for health sciences library education.

PubMed

Detlefsen, Ellen Gay

2012-10-01

This is a review of the master's-level curricula of the fifty-eight America Library Association-accredited library and information science programs and iSchools for evidence of coursework and content related to library instruction. Special emphasis is placed on the schools and programs that also offer coursework in medical or health sciences librarianship. Fifty-eight school and program websites were reviewed. Course titles and course descriptions for seventy-three separate classes were analyzed. Twenty-three syllabi were examined. All North American library education programs offer at least one course in the general area of library instruction; some programs offer multiple courses. No courses on instruction, however, are focused directly on the specialized area of health sciences librarianship. Master's degree students can take appropriate classes on library instruction, but the medical library profession needs to offer continuing education opportunities for practitioners who want to have specific instruction for the specialized world of the health sciences.

A shape-based account for holistic face processing.

PubMed

Zhao, Mintao; Bülthoff, Heinrich H; Bülthoff, Isabelle

2016-04-01

Faces are processed holistically, so selective attention to 1 face part without any influence of the others often fails. In this study, 3 experiments investigated what type of facial information (shape or surface) underlies holistic face processing and whether generalization of holistic processing to nonexperienced faces requires extensive discrimination experience. Results show that facial shape information alone is sufficient to elicit the composite face effect (CFE), 1 of the most convincing demonstrations of holistic processing, whereas facial surface information is unnecessary (Experiment 1). The CFE is eliminated when faces differ only in surface but not shape information, suggesting that variation of facial shape information is necessary to observe holistic face processing (Experiment 2). Removing 3-dimensional (3D) facial shape information also eliminates the CFE, indicating the necessity of 3D shape information for holistic face processing (Experiment 3). Moreover, participants show similar holistic processing for faces with and without extensive discrimination experience (i.e., own- and other-race faces), suggesting that generalization of holistic processing to nonexperienced faces requires facial shape information, but does not necessarily require further individuation experience. These results provide compelling evidence that facial shape information underlies holistic face processing. This shape-based account not only offers a consistent explanation for previous studies of holistic face processing, but also suggests a new ground-in addition to expertise-for the generalization of holistic processing to different types of faces and to nonface objects. (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

Characteristics of patients seeking health information online via social health networks versus general Internet sites: a comparative study.

PubMed

Magnezi, Racheli; Grosberg, Dafna; Novikov, Ilya; Ziv, Arnona; Shani, Mordechai; Freedman, Laurence S

2015-03-01

Camoni.co.il, a Hebrew-language social health network offers advice, consultation, and connection to others with chronic illness. This study compared characteristics and objectives of Camoni.co.il users and individuals seeking medical information through general Internet sites. Similar questionnaires were sent to 1009 Internet and 900 Camoni users. Cluster analysis defined four modes of online social health network use: "acquiring information and support", "communicating", "networking" and "browsing". Six hundred and five Internet and 125 Camoni users responded. Diabetes, hypertension, obesity and lung diseases were found more often among general Internet users than Camoni users. Among Camoni users, "acquiring information and support" was the main motivation for individuals over age 55 years, women, those with lower income, chronic pain, obesity and depression. "Communicating" was the main incentive of men, those 20-34 years old, those with less education, or an eating disorder. "Networking" was the most significant motivation for those with multiple sclerosis or depression. Browsing was most frequent among individuals with multiple sclerosis. Identifying needs of social health network surfers will allow planning unique contents and enhancing social health sites. Physicians might advise patients to use them to obtain support and information regarding their conditions, possibly leading to improved compliance and self-management.

Information about epilepsy on the internet: An exploratory study of Arabic websites.

PubMed

Alkhateeb, Jamal M; Alhadidi, Muna S

2018-01-01

The aim of this study was to explore information about epilepsy found on Arabic websites. The researchers collected information from the internet between November 2016 and January 2017. Information was obtained using Google and Yahoo search engines. Keywords used were the Arabic equivalent of the following two keywords: epilepsy (Al-saraa) and convulsion (Tashanoj). A total of 144 web pages addressing epilepsy in Arabic were reviewed. The majority of web pages were websites of medical institutions and general health websites, followed by informational and educational websites, others, blogs and websites of individuals, and news and media sites. Topics most commonly addressed were medical treatments for epilepsy (50% of all pages) followed by epilepsy definition (41%) and epilepsy etiology (34.7%). The results also revealed that the vast majority of web pages did not mention the source of information. Many web pages also did not provide author information. Only a small proportion of the web pages provided adequate information. Relatively few web pages provided inaccurate information or made sweeping generalizations. As a result, it is concluded that the findings of the present study suggest that development of more credible Arabic websites on epilepsy is needed. These websites need to go beyond basic information, offering more evidence-based and updated information about epilepsy. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

An evaluation of general practice websites in the UK.

PubMed

Howitt, Alistair; Clement, Sarah; de Lusignan, Simon; Thiru, Krish; Goodwin, Daryl; Wells, Sally

2002-10-01

General practice websites are an emerging phenomenon, but there have been few critical evaluations of their content. Previously developed rating instruments to assess medical websites have been criticized for failing to report their reliability and validity. The purpose of this study was to develop a rating instrument for assessing UK general practice websites, and then to evaluate them critically. The STaRNet Website Assessment Tool (SWAT) was developed listing criteria that general practice websites may meet, which was then used to evaluate a random sample of websites drawn from an electronic database. A second assessor rated a subsample of the sites to assess the tool's inter-rater reliability. The setting was an information technology group of a general practice research network using a random sample of 108 websites identified from the database. The main outcome measures were identification of rating criteria and frequency counts from the website rating instrument. Ninety (93.3%) sites were accessible, of which 84 were UK general practice websites. Criteria most frequently met were those describing the scope of the website and their functionality. Apart from e-mail to practices, criteria related to electronic communication were rarely met. Criteria relating to the quality of information were least often met. Inter-rater reliability kappa values for the items in the tool ranged from -0.06 to 1.0 (mean 0.59). Values were >0.6 for 15 out of 25 criteria assessed in 40 sites which were rated by two assessors. General practice websites offer a wide range of information. They are technically satisfactory, but do not exploit fully the potential for electronic doctor-patient communication. The quality of information they provide is poor. The instrument may be developed as a template for general practices producing or revising their own websites.

Evaluation of the online-presence (homepage) of burn units/burn centers in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

PubMed

Selig, H F; Lumenta, D B; König, C; Andel, H; Kamolz, L P

2012-05-01

A successful online presence is an important key factor in the competition among hospitals today. However, little is known about the internet presence and the quality of websites of burn units on the World Wide Web. The aim was to assess the online presence of hospitals provided by specialized burn units in German speaking countries with a focus on the rate and the performance of actively run websites. A multicenter, observational, cross-sectional study was performed over a period of 1.5 month (October-December 2010). Forty-four burn units were assessed by using a previously generated criteria list. The list included 36 criteria with following topics: "research and teaching"; "patient care"; "clinical emphases", "general information"; "information brokerage". Overall, the websites examined offered a good overview about their different online services with many multimedia-based elements included. All websites consisted of hyperlinks, general multimedia-based elements and information on means of communication with the hospital, respectively. In contrast, the quality of specific information for burn patients was relatively poor. With regard to the need of elderly people, the usability and the layout, the different websites offer a lot of options for future improvements. Burn centers in Germany, Austria and Switzerland already consider the World Wide Web as an important tool for self-promotion and communication. The potential of burn center websites to function as a knowledge base for first aid as well as preventive measurements should be considered and realized in future web site designs. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

28 CFR 0.161 - Acceptance of certain offers by the Deputy Attorney General or Associate Attorney General, as...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Deputy Attorney General or Associate Attorney General, as appropriate. 0.161 Section 0.161 Judicial... certain offers by the Deputy Attorney General or Associate Attorney General, as appropriate. (a) In all... § 0.160, the Assistant Attorney General concerned shall, when he is of the opinion that the proposed...

Keep in touch (KIT): perspectives on introducing internet-based communication and information technologies in palliative care.

PubMed

Guo, Qiaohong; Cann, Beverley; McClement, Susan; Thompson, Genevieve; Chochinov, Harvey Max

2016-08-02

Hospitalized palliative patients need to keep in touch with their loved ones. Regular social contact may be especially difficult for individuals on palliative care in-patient units due to the isolating nature of hospital settings. Technology can help mitigate isolation by facilitating social connection. This study aimed to explore the acceptability of introducing internet-based communication and information technologies for patients on a palliative care in-patient unit. In the first phase of the Keep in Touch (KIT) project, a diverse group of key informants were consulted regarding their perspectives on web-based communication on in-patient palliative care units. Participants included palliative patients, family members, direct care providers, communication and information technology experts, and institutional administrators. Data was collected through focus groups, interviews and drop-in consultations, and was analyzed for themes, consensus, and major differences across participant groups. Hospitalized palliative patients and their family members described the challenges of keeping in touch with family and friends. Participants identified numerous examples of ways that communication and information technologies could benefit patients' quality of life and care. Patients and family members saw few drawbacks associated with the use of such technology. While generally supportive, direct care providers were concerned that patient requests for assistance in using the technology would place increased demands on their time. Administrators and IT experts recognized issues such as privacy and costs related to offering these technologies throughout an organization and in the larger health care system. This study affirmed the acceptability of offering internet-based communication and information technologies on palliative care in-patient units. It provides the foundation for trialing these technologies on a palliative in-patient unit. Further study is needed to confirm the feasibility of offering these technologies at the bedside.

Education resources of the National Center for Biotechnology Information.

PubMed

Cooper, Peter S; Lipshultz, Dawn; Matten, Wayne T; McGinnis, Scott D; Pechous, Steven; Romiti, Monica L; Tao, Tao; Valjavec-Gratian, Majda; Sayers, Eric W

2010-11-01

The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) hosts 39 literature and molecular biology databases containing almost half a billion records. As the complexity of these data and associated resources and tools continues to expand, so does the need for educational resources to help investigators, clinicians, information specialists and the general public make use of the wealth of public data available at the NCBI. This review describes the educational resources available at NCBI via the NCBI Education page (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Education/). These resources include materials designed for new users, such as About NCBI and the NCBI Guide, as well as documentation, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and writings on the NCBI Bookshelf such as the NCBI Help Manual and the NCBI Handbook. NCBI also provides teaching materials such as tutorials, problem sets and educational tools such as the Amino Acid Explorer, PSSM Viewer and Ebot. NCBI also offers training programs including the Discovery Workshops, webinars and tutorials at conferences. To help users keep up-to-date, NCBI produces the online NCBI News and offers RSS feeds and mailing lists, along with a presence on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Incorporating AIDS prevention activities into a family planning organization in Colombia.

PubMed

Vernon, R; Ojeda, G; Murad, R

1990-01-01

Three AIDS prevention activities were incorporated into the services offered by PROFAMILIA in two operations research projects. The activities included: (1) informative talks given both to the general public and to members of target groups by PROFAMILIA's community marketing (CM) program field workers (or instructors); (2) the establishment of condom distribution posts in meeting places of target groups; and (3) mass-media information campaigns on AIDS prevention. Community-based distributors were able to successfully provide information on AIDS to their regular audiences as well as to deliver information and condoms to special target groups without negatively affecting family planning information/education/communication activities and contraceptive sales. A radio campaign that promoted condom use for AIDS prevention did not affect public perceptions about the condom and did not jeopardize PROFAMILIA's image.

Estimated cost per HIV infection diagnosed through routine HIV testing offered in acute general medical admission units and general practice settings in England.

PubMed

Ong, K J; Thornton, A C; Fisher, M; Hutt, R; Nicholson, S; Palfreeman, A; Perry, N; Stedman-Bryce, G; Wilkinson, P; Delpech, V; Nardone, A

2016-04-01

Following national guidelines to expand HIV testing in high-prevalence areas in England, a number of pilot studies were conducted in acute general medical admission units (ACUs) and general practices (GPs) to assess the feasibility and acceptability of testing in these settings. The aim of this study was to estimate the cost per HIV infection diagnosed through routine HIV testing in these settings. Resource use data from four 2009/2010 Department of Health pilot studies (two ACUs; two GPs) were analysed. Data from the pilots were validated and supplemented with information from other sources. We constructed possible scenarios to estimate the cost per test carried out through expanded HIV testing in ACUs and GPs, and the cost per diagnosis. In the pilots, cost per test ranged from £8.55 to £13.50, and offer time and patient uptake were 2 minutes and 90% in ACUs, and 5 minutes and 60% in GPs, respectively. In scenario analyses we fixed offer time, diagnostic test cost and uptake rate at 2 minutes, £6 and 80% for ACUs, and 5 minutes, £9.60 and 40% for GPs, respectively. The cost per new HIV diagnosis at a positivity of 2/1000 tests conducted was £3230 in ACUs and £7930 in GPs for tests performed by a Band 3 staff member, and £5940 in ACUs and £18 800 in GPs for tests performed by either hospital consultants or GPs. Expanded HIV testing may be more cost-efficient in ACUs than in GPs as a consequence of a shorter offer time, higher patient uptake, higher HIV positivity and lower diagnostic test costs. As cost per new HIV diagnosis reduces at higher HIV positivity, expanded HIV testing should be promoted in high HIV prevalence areas. © 2015 British HIV Association.

One Billion Illiterates. One Billion Reasons for Action. Report and Extracts from Papers of an International Seminar on Co-operating for Literacy (Berlin, West Germany, October 1983).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fordham, Paul, Ed.

This document contains the report and edited papers from an international seminar emphasizing the sharing of ideas and resources to eliminate illiteracy. Chapter I of the seven-chapter report offers background information and seminar objectives. Chapter II provides a world overview, which describes the general development context of literacy. In…

Some legal aspects of genetic screening.

PubMed

Abbing, H R

2003-01-01

Screening activities in health care are not always useful and sometimes harmful. The mere offer of a screening test puts the individual's autonomy under constraint. With genetic (predictive and risk assessment) tests, the right to free, informed consent and to protection of privacy and medical confidentiality is even more warranted. Screening evokes many questions from the perspective of the right to health care as well as (in particular with genetic screening) from the perspective of respect for individual human rights. Fear of liability puts pressure on professional restraint not to offer every screening test available. States have to take legislative measures for guaranteeing that only those screening activities become available that can significantly contribute to individual and public health. They also should consider additional rules for protecting individual rights where those that are generally accepted in the "ordinary" medical setting (the individual patient-doctor relationship), offer insufficient protection.

Design considerations for community mental health management information systems.

PubMed

Lowe, B H; Sugarman, B

1978-01-01

Many community mental health centers are presently faced with the necessity of implementing a management information system. This article offers guidelines for centers dealing with this situation. Whether a center chooses to adapt an existing system or develop one of its own, careful planning prior to the implementation of the system can help ensure that it will meet the needs of the center and operate successfully. The guidelines are organized into the categories of data considerations, people considerations, and system considerations. The first two categories are of general interest, whereas the last category is more technical in nature.

Implementing an SIG based platform of application and service for city spatial information in Shanghai

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Bailang; Wu, Jianping

2006-10-01

Spatial Information Grid (SIG) is an infrastructure that has the ability to provide the services for spatial information according to users' needs by means of collecting, sharing, organizing and processing the massive distributed spatial information resources. This paper presents the architecture, technologies and implementation of the Shanghai City Spatial Information Application and Service System, a SIG based platform, which is an integrated platform that serves for administration, planning, construction and development of the city. In the System, there are ten categories of spatial information resources, including city planning, land-use, real estate, river system, transportation, municipal facility construction, environment protection, sanitation, urban afforestation and basic geographic information data. In addition, spatial information processing services are offered as a means of GIS Web Services. The resources and services are all distributed in different web-based nodes. A single database is created to store the metadata of all the spatial information. A portal site is published as the main user interface of the System. There are three main functions in the portal site. First, users can search the metadata and consequently acquire the distributed data by using the searching results. Second, some spatial processing web applications that developed with GIS Web Services, such as file format conversion, spatial coordinate transfer, cartographic generalization and spatial analysis etc, are offered to use. Third, GIS Web Services currently available in the System can be searched and new ones can be registered. The System has been working efficiently in Shanghai Government Network since 2005.

Information processing bias and pharmacotherapy outcome in older adults with generalized anxiety disorder.

PubMed

Steiner, Amanda R W; Petkus, Andrew J; Nguyen, Hoang; Wetherell, Julie Loebach

2013-08-01

Information processing bias was evaluated in a sample of 25 older adults with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) over the course of 12 weeks of escitalopram pharmacotherapy. Using the CANTAB Affective Go/No Go test, treatment response (as measured by the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Penn State Worry Questionnaire, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Severity Scale) was predicted from a bias score (i.e., difference score between response latencies for negative and positive words) using mixed-models regression. A more positive bias score across time predicted better response to treatment. Faster responses to positive words relative to negative words were associated with greater symptomatic improvement over time as reflected by scores on the GADSS. There was a trend toward significance for PSWQ scores and no significant effects related to HAMA outcomes. These preliminary findings offer further insights into the role of biased cognitive processing of emotional material in the manifestation of late-life anxiety symptoms. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Creating databases for biological information: an introduction.

PubMed

Stein, Lincoln

2013-06-01

The essence of bioinformatics is dealing with large quantities of information. Whether it be sequencing data, microarray data files, mass spectrometric data (e.g., fingerprints), the catalog of strains arising from an insertional mutagenesis project, or even large numbers of PDF files, there inevitably comes a time when the information can simply no longer be managed with files and directories. This is where databases come into play. This unit briefly reviews the characteristics of several database management systems, including flat file, indexed file, relational databases, and NoSQL databases. It compares their strengths and weaknesses and offers some general guidelines for selecting an appropriate database management system. Copyright 2013 by JohnWiley & Sons, Inc.

'Most young men think you have to be naked in front of the GP': a qualitative study of male university students' views on barriers to sexual health.

PubMed

Ewert, Cameron; Collyer, Archibald; Temple-Smith, Meredith

2016-04-01

Background In Australia, 15- to 29-year-olds account for 75% of all sexually transmissible infection (STI) diagnoses. STI rates among young men are rising, with most diagnosed in general practice. Young men less frequently attend general practice than young women, and rarely present with sexual health issues, making it difficult for general practitioners (GPs) to offer opportunistic STI education and screening. Little is known of the barriers preventing male university students accessing general practice for sexual health care, or what would facilitate this. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with young men aged 18-24 years attending university between 2012 and 2014. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using content and thematic analysis. Twenty-eight interviews of 26-50min duration found self-imposed views of masculinity, privacy and embarrassment as key barriers to accessing GPs for sexual health care. This was compounded by poor STI knowledge and not knowing when or where to go for care. Participants, except if they were international students, acknowledged school as an important source of sexual health education. The need for sexual health education at university was identified. While the Internet was a popular source, there were mixed views on the benefits of social media and text messaging for sexual health promotion. Current expectations of young male university students to seek sexual health care or acquire sexual health information from medical care may be misplaced. Universities have an excellent opportunity to provide young men with appropriate sexual health information and could offer novel strategies to help young men look after their sexual health.

[Readiness to provide smoking cessation counselling--results of a survey among general practitioners in Brandenburg].

PubMed

Skoeries, B A; Ulbricht, S; Koepsell, S; Rumpf, H-J; John, U; Meyer, C

2010-04-01

The effectiveness of brief interventions on smoking cessation together with regular visits to the general practitioners (GP) has been proven. Nevertheless, the guidelines for smoking cessation are not currently implemented sufficiently. A lack of financial resources, time, and consulting abilities prevent GPs from offering systematic advice on smoking cessation. This study examine 1) to what extent GPs ask their patients to provide information about their smoking habits and to what extent they document this, 2) how willing, and 3) how confident GPs are to offer all smoking patient counselling, and 4) which factors influence their level of confidence. From August 2005 until May 2006, a questionnaire was sent to all 1 247 GPs in Brandenburg. In all 68 practices was excluded for several reasons (closed practice, death, not providing primary care) a total of 54.0% (n=637) of the GPs took part. 30.0% of the GPs documented the smoking status of their patients during the first consultation. 12.9% had already offered advice to all their smoking patients, while 27.6% were not willing to offer advice to all smoking patients. The average confidence of GPs to offer all smoking patients advice on smoking cessation was 4.1 (SD=2.6) on scale of 1 to 10 (1=not at all confident and 10=very confident). The confidence of non-smoking GPs to offer an advice was higher in comparison with smoking GPs. To motivate GPs to offer advice on smoking cessation, it seems necessary to change some conditions. This includes programms, initiated by professional medical associations, to help colleagues stop smoking. Further studies should indicate whether the inclusion of practice colleagues in screening and regular updates of the patient's smoking status increase the number of regular counselling. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart, New York.

The Current Studies of Education for a Traditional and Complementary Medicine in Malaysia

PubMed Central

Kim, Yun Jin

2017-01-01

The aim of this study is to understand the current tradition and complementary medicine (T&CM) education in Malaysia. We referred to literature regarding to traditional medicine education in Malaysia, and collected the information via website or interview with faculty of T&CM in universities/colleges and Division of T&CM, Ministry of Health, Malaysia. T&CM education in Malaysia has been following China’s T&CM systems for 50 years. Currently, Division of T&CM, Ministry of Health; and Ministry of Higher Education has approved 11 institutions to offer T&CM education. Students may major in Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture, or other T&CM subjects. Generally, clinical training programs in China, Taiwan, or Australia include substantial proportion of clinical training. We report on the general information of T&CM education in Malaysia. This result would be the first-stage information for the establishment of a strategy regarding the enhancement of T&CM education in Malaysia. PMID:28853309

Emergency contraception. General practitioner knowledge, attitudes and practices in New South Wales.

PubMed

Weisberg, E; Fraser, I S; Carrick, S E; Wilde, F M

1995-02-06

To assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of general practitioners in New South Wales regarding the provision of emergency contraception. Randomised group comparison of 100 rural and 100 urban general practitioners (GPs) by questionnaire. Eighty-four rural and 76 urban GPs responded. More rural GPs were knowledgeable about emergency contraception than urban GPs (95% v. 78%), and more women knew about it than men. More urban GPs frequently prescribed emergency contraception than rural GPs (26% v. 6%) and female GPs prescribed it more readily than male GPs (22% v. 12%). There was great variation in the regimens prescribed, especially among rural GPs. Twenty-five per cent of urban GPs and 31% of rural GPs did not offer women information about emergency contraception, while 16% of both groups included such information in any discussion about contraceptive options, and 18% gave information only if requested by the woman. More than 60% of the GPs would provide information about emergency contraception as a back-up to use of barrier methods. The sex, attitude and knowledge of the GPs influence the likelihood of women being made aware of or being given emergency contraception in NSW. There is a need to further educate both the public and practitioners about emergency contraception.

Search strategies on the Internet: general and specific.

PubMed

Bottrill, Krys

2004-06-01

Some of the most up-to-date information on scientific activity is to be found on the Internet; for example, on the websites of academic and other research institutions and in databases of currently funded research studies provided on the websites of funding bodies. Such information can be valuable in suggesting new approaches and techniques that could be applicable in a Three Rs context. However, the Internet is a chaotic medium, not subject to the meticulous classification and organisation of classical information resources. At the same time, Internet search engines do not match the sophistication of search systems used by database hosts. Also, although some offer relatively advanced features, user awareness of these tends to be low. Furthermore, much of the information on the Internet is not accessible to conventional search engines, giving rise to the concept of the "Invisible Web". General strategies and techniques for Internet searching are presented, together with a comparative survey of selected search engines. The question of how the Invisible Web can be accessed is discussed, as well as how to keep up-to-date with Internet content and improve searching skills.

Using quantitative risk information in decisions about statins: a qualitative study in a community setting.

PubMed

Polak, Louisa; Green, Judith

2015-04-01

A large literature informs guidance for GPs about communicating quantitative risk information so as to facilitate shared decision making. However, relatively little has been written about how patients utilise such information in practice. To understand the role of quantitative risk information in patients' accounts of decisions about taking statins. This was a qualitative study, with participants recruited and interviewed in community settings. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 34 participants aged >50 years, all of whom had been offered statins. Data were analysed thematically, using elements of the constant comparative method. Interviewees drew frequently on numerical test results to explain their decisions about preventive medication. In contrast, they seldom mentioned quantitative risk information, and never offered it as a rationale for action. Test results were spoken of as objects of concern despite an often-explicit absence of understanding, so lack of understanding seems unlikely to explain the non-use of risk estimates. Preventive medication was seen as 'necessary' either to treat test results, or because of personalised, unequivocal advice from a doctor. This study's findings call into question the assumption that people will heed and use numerical risk information once they understand it; these data highlight the need to consider the ways in which different kinds of knowledge are used in practice in everyday contexts. There was little evidence from this study that understanding probabilistic risk information was a necessary or valued condition for making decisions about statin use. © British Journal of General Practice 2015.

Building Professional and Technical Skills in the Use of Earth Observations through the NASA DEVELOP National Program: Best Practices & Lessons Learned

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crepps, G.; Ross, K. W.; Childs-Gleason, L. M.; Allsbrook, K. N.; Rogers, L.; Ruiz, M. L.; Clayton, A.

2017-12-01

The NASA DEVELOP National Program offers 10-week research opportunities to participants to work on rapid feasibility projects utilizing NASA Earth observations in a variety of applications, including ecological forecasting, water resources, disasters, and health and air quality. DEVELOP offers a unique collaborative environment in which students, recent graduates, and transitioning career professionals are placed on interdisciplinary teams to conduct projects. DEVELOP offers a variety of opportunities and resources to build participants technical skills in remote sensing and GIS, as well as interpersonal and leadership skills. As a capacity building program, DEVELOP assesses participants' growth by using entrance and exit personal growth assessments, as well as gathering general program feedback through an exit survey. All of this information is fed back into the program for continual improvement. DEVELOP also offers a progression of opportunities through which participants can advance through the program, allowing participants to build a diverse set of technical and leadership skills. This presentation will explore best practices including the use of pre- and post-growth assessments, offering advanced leadership opportunities, and overall capacity building impacts on participants.

French Intervention: British Failure To Anticipate Transition In The American War of Independence

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-05-26

between Louis XVI and Charles Gravier, Comte de Vergennes, the French Foreign Minister, offer evidence of the French interest in an independent...New York: St. Martin’s Press, 1991), 9. 30 George Germain to General Irwin, 10 August 1968, Historical Manuscripts Commission, Report on the...France and by early 1776 Comte de Vergennes, the French Foreign Minister, informed Arthur Lee, an American diplomat in France, the French intended

Why Was General Richard O’Connor’s Command in Northwest Europe Less Effective Than Expected?

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-03-01

collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources ...this source of oil the British war effort would quickly grind to a halt. The region gained further importance because of the advantage it offered...considered impassable to armored formations.88 After heavy fighting on ground that suited a dismounted infantry defense, the Australian Division

[The abuse of radiological diagnostic tests as a metaphor of the post-modern, new-media and consumerism society].

PubMed

Dimonte, Mariano

2008-03-01

Aim of this paper is to offer some cue of reflection about some sociological aspects on the emergent phenomenon of the abuse of Imaging tests, interpreting this issue in the light of general dynamics crossing the actual post-modern society, so well characterized from the consumerism and the dominion of information and communication technologies, as vectors of messages mainly transmitted in a graphic format.

Development of a Real-Time General-Purpose Digital Signal Processing Laboratory System.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-12-01

should serve several important purposes: to familiarize students with the use of common DSP tools in an instructional environment, to serve as a research ...of Dayton Research Institute researchers for DSP software and DSP system design insight. 3. Formulation of statement of requirements for development...Neither the University of Dayton nor its Research Institute have a DSP computer system. While UD offered no software or DSP system design information

Greece’s Debt Crisis: Overview, Policy Responses, and Implications

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-04-07

inefficient public administration in Greece, costly pension and healthcare systems, tax evasion , and a general “absence of the will to maintain fiscal...2005 to 24% of GDP in 2050. Weak revenue collection has also contributed to Greece’s budget deficits. Many economists identify tax evasion and...the informal economy in Greece to represent between 25%-30% of GDP.24 Observers offer a variety of explanations for the prevalence of tax evasion in

Risk Assessment and Management for Medically Complex Potential Living Kidney Donors: A Few Deontological Criteria and Ethical Values

PubMed Central

Petrini, Carlo

2011-01-01

A sound evaluation of every bioethical problem should be predicated on a careful analysis of at least two basic elements: (i) reliable scientific information and (ii) the ethical principles and values at stake. A thorough evaluation of both elements also calls for a careful examination of statements by authoritative institutions. Unfortunately, in the case of medically complex living donors neither element gives clear-cut answers to the ethical problems raised. Likewise, institutionary documents frequently offer only general criteria, which are not very helpful when making practical choices. This paper first introduces a brief overview of scientific information, ethical values, and institutionary documents; the notions of “acceptable risk” and “minimal risk” are then briefly examined, with reference to the problem of medically complex living donors. The so-called precautionary principle and the value of solidarity are then discussed as offering a possible approach to the ethical problem of medically complex living donors. PMID:22174982

Providers' Attitudes Toward Evidence-Based Practices: Is it Just About Providers, or do Practices Matter, Too?

PubMed Central

Reding, Michael E. J.; Chorpita, Bruce F.; Lau, Anna S.; Innes-Gomberg, Debbie

2014-01-01

Evidence-based practice (EBP) attitudes were measured in a sample of Los Angeles County mental health service providers. Three types of data were collected: provider demographic characteristics, attitudes toward EBP in general, and attitudes toward specific EBPs being implemented in the county. Providers could reliably rate characteristics of specific EBPs, and these ratings differed across interventions. Preliminary implementation data indicate that appealing features of an EBP relate to the degree to which providers use it. These findings suggest that assessing EBP-specific attitudes is feasible and may offer implementation-relevant information beyond that gained solely from providers' general attitudes toward EBP. PMID:24166077

What is "Object-Oriented Programming"?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stroustrup, Bjarne

"Object-Oriented Programming" and "Data Abstraction" have become very common terms. Unfortunately, few people agree on what they mean. I will offer informal definitions that appear to make sense in the context of languages like Ada, C++, Modula-2, Simula67, and Smalltalk. The general idea is to equate "support for data abstraction" with the ability to define and use new types and equate "support for object-oriented programming" with the ability to express type hierarchies. Features necessary to support these programming styles in a general purpose programming language will be discussed. The presentation centers around C++ but is not limited to facilities provided by that language.

Understanding requirements of novel healthcare information systems for management of advanced prostate cancer.

PubMed

Wagholikar, Amol S; Fung, Maggie; Nelson, Colleen C

2012-01-01

Effective management of chronic diseases is a global health priority. A healthcare information system offers opportunities to address challenges of chronic disease management. However, the requirements of health information systems are often not well understood. The accuracy of requirements has a direct impact on the successful design and implementation of a health information system. Our research describes methods used to understand the requirements of health information systems for advanced prostate cancer management. The research conducted a survey to identify heterogeneous sources of clinical records. Our research showed that the General Practitioner was the common source of patient's clinical records (41%) followed by the Urologist (14%) and other clinicians (14%). Our research describes a method to identify diverse data sources and proposes a novel patient journey browser prototype that integrates disparate data sources.

Copying referral letters to patients: prepare for change.

PubMed

White, Philip

2004-08-01

The National Health Service (NHS) Plan for England has directed that from April 2004 clinicians will offer patients the opportunity to receive copies of letters that are written about them. Patients like to have more information and patients who have received copies of letters have found them useful. It is hoped that copying letters will improve relationships between doctors and patients, encourage patients to be better informed, and improve the quality of information provided to patients. Relatively little empirical research has been performed in this area but what exists is generally supportive. Attention will need to be paid to issues of confidentiality, the language and content of letters, and individuals who may have difficulty obtaining information from letters. This initiative is one of many that the NHS has introduced to enhance openness, honesty and the quality of information provided to patients.

Creating a NASA-Wide Museum Alliance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sohus, Anita M.

2006-01-01

NASA's Museum Alliance is a nationwide network of informal educators at museums, science centers, and planetariums that present NASA information to their local audiences. Begun in 2002 as the Mars Museum Visualization Alliance with advisors from a dozen museums, the network has grown to over 300 people from 200 organizations, including a dozen or so international partners. The network has become a community of practice among these informal educators who work with students, educators, and the general public on a daily basis, presenting information and fielding questions about space exploration. Communications are primarily through an active listserve, regular telecons, and a pass word protected website. Professional development is delivered via telecons and downloadable presentations. Current content offerings include Mars exploration, Cassini, Stardust, Genesis, Deep Impact, Earth observations, STEREO, and missions to explore beyond our solar system.

NASA Museum Alliance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sohus, Anita

2006-12-01

NASA’s Museum Alliance is a nationwide network of informal educators at museums, science centers, and planetariums that present NASA information to their local audiences. Begun in 2002 as the Mars Museum Visualization Alliance with advisors from a dozen museums, the network has grown to over 300 people from 200 organizations, including a dozen or so international partners. The network has become a community of practice among these informal educators who work with students, educators, and the general public on a daily basis, presenting information and fielding questions about space exploration. Communications are primarily through an active listserve, regular telecons, and a password-protected website. Professional development is delivered via telecons and downloadable presentations. Current content offerings include Mars exploration, Cassini, Stardust, Genesis, Deep Impact, Earth observations, STEREO, and missions to explore beyond our solar system.

Anterior insula signals inequalities in a modified Ultimatum Game.

PubMed

Cheng, Xuemei; Zheng, Li; Li, Lin; Zheng, Yijie; Guo, Xiuyan; Yang, Guang

2017-04-21

Studies employing the Ultimatum Game (UG) which involves two parties (i.e., proposers and responders) splitting some money have suggested the role that anterior insula (AI) plays in detecting fairness norm violation, i.e., violation of the responder's expectation of receiving equal splits from the proposer. In this study, we explored how AI would respond when there existed simultaneously another expectation of being treated equivalently as others. Participants acted as responders and would be informed about both the offers they received and the average amount of money the same proposer offered to others. Hence we introduced different conditions where participants were treated equivalently or not equivalently as other responders in UG. Participants could decide to accept or reject the offer with acceptance leading to the suggested split and rejection leaving both parties nothing. Behavioral results showed that participants rejected more unfair offers and reacted more slowly during acceptance (vs. rejection) of offers when they were offered less than others. At the neural level, stronger AI activation was observed when participants received unfair relative to fair offers, as well as when they received unequal relative to equal offers. Moreover, dorsomedial prefrontal cortex/dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dmPFC/dACC) exhibited greater activity during receiving unequal (vs. equal) offers and during acceptance (vs. rejection) of offers which were less than others'. Taken together, the present study demonstrated that the treatment of others modulated both behavioral responses to unfairness and neural correlates of the fairness-related decision-making process, and that AI played a general role in detecting norm violations. Copyright © 2017 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

17 CFR 230.155 - Integration of abandoned offerings.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 17 Commodity and Securities Exchanges 2 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Integration of abandoned... GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS, SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 General § 230.155 Integration of abandoned offerings... from integration of private and registered offerings. Because of the objectives of Rule 155 and the...

Internet Presentation of Departments of Pediatric Surgery in Germany and Their Compliance with Recommended Criteria for Promoting Services and Offering Professional Information for Patients.

PubMed

Farhat, Naim; Zoeller, Christoph; Petersen, Claus; Ure, Benno

2016-08-01

Introduction The presentation of health institutions in the internet is highly variable concerning marketing features and medical information. We aimed to investigate the structure and the kind of information provided on the Web sites of all departments of pediatric surgery in Germany. Furthermore, we aimed to identify the degree to which these Web sites comply with internet marketing recommendations for generating business. Method The Web sites of all pediatric surgery units referred to as departments on the official Web site of the German Society of Pediatric Surgery (GSPS) were assessed. The search engine Google was used by entering the terms "pediatric surgery" and the name of the city. Besides general data eight content characteristics focusing on ranking, accessibility, use of social media, multilingual sites, navigation options, selected images, contact details, and medical information were evaluated according to published recommendations. Results A total of 85 departments of pediatric surgery were included. On Google search results 44 (52%) ranked number one and 34 (40%) of the department's homepages were accessible directly through the homepage link of the GSPS. A link to own digital and/or social media was offered on 11 (13%) homepages. Nine sites were multilingual. The most common navigation bar item was clinical services on 74 (87%) homepages. Overall, 76 (89%) departments presented their doctors and 17 (20%) presented other staff members with images of doctors on 53 (62%) and contact data access from the homepage on 68 (80%) Web sites. On 25 (29%) Web sites information on the medical conditions treated were presented, on 17 (20%) details of treating concepts, and on 4 (5%) numbers of patients with specific conditions treated in the own department per year. Conclusion We conclude that numerous of the investigated online presentations do not comply with recommended criteria for offering professional information for patients and for promoting services. Only less than one-third of the departments of pediatric surgery in Germany offer information about the medical conditions they treat. Features, which may influence the decision of patients and parents such as ranking, accessibility, use of social media, multilingual sites, navigation options, selected images, and contact information were differently lacking on many Web sites. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

[Informed consent process in clinical trials: Insights of researchers, patients and general practitioners].

PubMed

Giménez, Nuria; Pedrazas, David; Redondo, Susana; Quintana, Salvador

2016-10-01

Adequate information for patients and respect for their autonomy are mandatory in research. This article examined insights of researchers, patients and general practitioners (GPs) on the informed consent process in clinical trials, and the role of the GP. A cross-sectional study using three questionnaires, informed consent reviews, medical records, and hospital discharge reports. GPs, researchers and patients involved in clinical trials. Included, 504 GPs, 108 researchers, and 71 patients. Consulting the GP was recommended in 50% of the informed consents. Participation in clinical trials was shown in 33% of the medical records and 3% of the hospital discharge reports. GPs scored 3.54 points (on a 1-10 scale) on the assessment of the information received by the principal investigator. The readability of the informed consent sheet was rated 8.03 points by researchers, and the understanding was rated 7.68 points by patients. Patient satisfaction was positively associated with more time for reflection. GPs were not satisfied with the information received on the participation of patients under their in clinical trials. Researchers were satisfied with the information they offered to patients, and were aware of the need to improve the information GPs received. Patients collaborated greatly towards biomedical research, expressed satisfaction with the overall process, and minimised the difficulties associated with participation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

28 CFR 0.160 - Offers that may be accepted by Assistant Attorneys General.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Attorneys General. 0.160 Section 0.160 Judicial Administration DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ORGANIZATION OF THE..., Penalties, and Forfeitures § 0.160 Offers that may be accepted by Assistant Attorneys General. (a) Subject to the limitations set forth in paragraph (d) of this section, Assistant Attorneys General are...

28 CFR 0.162 - Offers which may be rejected by Assistant Attorneys General.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Attorneys General. 0.162 Section 0.162 Judicial Administration DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ORGANIZATION OF THE..., Penalties, and Forfeitures § 0.162 Offers which may be rejected by Assistant Attorneys General. Each Assistant Attorney General is authorized, with respect to matters assigned to his division or office, to...

Spatially explicit multi-criteria decision analysis for managing vector-borne diseases

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

The complex epidemiology of vector-borne diseases creates significant challenges in the design and delivery of prevention and control strategies, especially in light of rapid social and environmental changes. Spatial models for predicting disease risk based on environmental factors such as climate and landscape have been developed for a number of important vector-borne diseases. The resulting risk maps have proven value for highlighting areas for targeting public health programs. However, these methods generally only offer technical information on the spatial distribution of disease risk itself, which may be incomplete for making decisions in a complex situation. In prioritizing surveillance and intervention strategies, decision-makers often also need to consider spatially explicit information on other important dimensions, such as the regional specificity of public acceptance, population vulnerability, resource availability, intervention effectiveness, and land use. There is a need for a unified strategy for supporting public health decision making that integrates available data for assessing spatially explicit disease risk, with other criteria, to implement effective prevention and control strategies. Multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) is a decision support tool that allows for the consideration of diverse quantitative and qualitative criteria using both data-driven and qualitative indicators for evaluating alternative strategies with transparency and stakeholder participation. Here we propose a MCDA-based approach to the development of geospatial models and spatially explicit decision support tools for the management of vector-borne diseases. We describe the conceptual framework that MCDA offers as well as technical considerations, approaches to implementation and expected outcomes. We conclude that MCDA is a powerful tool that offers tremendous potential for use in public health decision-making in general and vector-borne disease management in particular. PMID:22206355

Scientists Say it Best: Reaching the Press with Short Online Videos

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Renfrow, S.; Ballagh, L.; Orin, A.; Beitler, J.

2007-12-01

The National Snow and Ice Data Center is peppered with questions from the media: What do your experts work on? Do you have a scientist who can talk in an easy-to-understand way about sea ice? What's going on with the world's ice? How do your scientists come across in a radio broadcast or on camera? Journalists want a quick, to-the-point answer. Although NSIDC's online offerings are vast, members of the press don't have the time to wade through hundreds of pages of content to find what they need. On the other hand, NSIDC's single-woman press department struggles to provide individualized ideas for each journalist who calls. What could we offer journalists that would quickly answer many of their questions, while saving the journalist, the public information officer, and the scientists time? In response to this question, NSIDC expanded our online offerings to include a brief QuickTime movie covering what our scientists do, what they're finding out about the changing ice on our planet, and what they're like on camera. The movie is specific enough to provide interested journalists with the information they need about our expertise; we also realized that the movie's content is general enough for the teachers and general public who visit our online Education Center in hopes of learning more about our planet's ice. This presentation will cover the basics in developing a simple QuickTime movie from idea through the finished product: tracking down a video camera, developing a storyboard, conducting interviews, editing the clips into the final product, and getting it into the hands of the intended audience.

Autism in Vietnam: the case for the development and evaluation of an information book to be distributed at the time of diagnosis.

PubMed

Ying, Ko Chung; Browne, Graeme; Hutchinson, Marie; Cashin, Andrew; Binh, Bui Vu

2012-05-01

Autism is not generally well understood by the community in the West or in Asia. A diagnosis of autism is distressing for all families. When families receive the diagnosis they are often not able to fully appreciate what it means or process the information given to them. Booklets exist in English that contain relevant autism related information but few have been evaluated. In Vietnam, parents do not have ready access to autism related information. This paper makes the case for offering a Vietnamese language information resource/booklet for parents to be distributed at the beginning of the diagnostic process and evaluating its usefulness. In developed countries autism has been recognised since the 1940s (Kanner, 1943). More recently it is being increasingly recognised in children with average and above intelligence. In Vietnam, a Western view of autism is just developing. Consequently community resources are undeveloped. The community, in general, and health services for children, in particular, have a rudimentary understanding of autism. This paper discusses a Western understanding of autism, autism in Vietnam, and suggests one possible strategy for addressing the educational needs around autism in Vietnam.

Can Internet information on vertebroplasty be a reliable means of patient self-education?

PubMed

Sullivan, T Barrett; Anderson, Joshua T; Ahn, Uri M; Ahn, Nicholas U

2014-05-01

Studies of the quality and accuracy of health and medical information available on the Internet have shown that many sources provide inadequate information. However, to our knowledge, there are no published studies analyzing the quality of information available online regarding vertebroplasty. Because this has been a high-volume procedure with highly debated efficacy, it is critical that patients receive complete, accurate, and well-balanced information before deciding a treatment course. Additionally, few studies have evaluated the merit of academic site authorship or site certification on information quality, but some studies have used measurements of quality that are based primarily on subjective criteria or information accuracy rather than information completeness. The purposes of our study were (1) to evaluate and analyze the information on vertebroplasty available to the general public through the Internet; (2) to see if sites sponsored by academic institutions offered a higher quality of information; and (3) to determine whether quality of information varied according to site approval by a certification body. Three search engines were used to identify 105 web sites (35 per engine) offering information regarding vertebroplasty. Sites were evaluated for authorship/sponsorship, content, and references cited. Information quality was rated as "excellent," "high," "moderate," "low," or "unacceptable." Sites also were evaluated for contact information to set up an appointment. Data were analyzed as a complete set, then compared between authorship types, and finally evaluated by certification status. Academic sites were compared with other authorship groups and certified sites were compared with noncertified sites using Student's t-test. Appropriate indications were referenced in 74% of sites, whereas only 45% discussed a contraindication to the procedure. Benefits were expressed by 100% of sites, but risks were outlined in only 53% (p < 0.001). Ninety-nine percent of sites provided step-by-step descriptions of the procedure, and 44% of sites also included images. Alternative treatments were mentioned by 51% of sites. Twenty-seven percent of sites referenced peer-reviewed literature, 41% offered experiential or noncited data based on American populations, and 7% offered analogous data from international populations. Thirty percent of sites provided contact information for patient appointment scheduling. Seven percent of sites were classified as excellent quality, 6% as high quality, 11% as moderate quality, 19% as poor quality, and 57% as unacceptable. Sixteen percent of sites were sponsored by academic institutions, 62% by private groups, 8% by biomedical device companies, and 14% were sponsored otherwise. Academic sites reported fewer risks of the procedure than private sites or other sites (p = 0.05 and p = 0.04), but reported more risks than industry sites (p = 0.007). Academic sites were more likely than sites classified as other to offer contact information for patient appointment scheduling (p = 0.004). Nine percent of sites evaluated were Health on the Net Foundation (HONCode) certified. No association with improved information quality was observed in these sites relative to noncertified sites (all p > 0.05). Internet information regarding vertebroplasty is not only inadequate for proper patient education, but also potentially misleading as sites are more likely to present benefits of the procedure than risks. Although academic sites might be expected to offer higher-quality information than private, industry, or other sites, our data would suggest that they do not. HONCode certification cannot be used reliably as a means of qualifying website information quality. Academic sites should be expected to set a high standard and alter their Internet presence with adequate information distribution. Certification bodies also should alter their standards to necessitate provision of complete information in addition to emphasizing accurate information. Treating physicians may want to counsel their patients regarding the limitations of information present on the Internet and the pitfalls of current certification systems. Level IV, economic and decision analyses. See the Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Shaping an Effective Health Information Website on Rare Diseases Using a Group Decision-Making Tool: Inclusion of the Perspectives of Patients, Their Family Members, and Physicians

PubMed Central

Litzkendorf, Svenja; Schmidt, Katharina; Pauer, Frédéric; Damm, Kathrin; Frank, Martin; Graf von der Schulenburg, Johann-Matthias

2017-01-01

Background Despite diverging definitions on rare conditions, people suffering from rare diseases share similar difficulties. A lack of experience by health professionals, a long wait from first symptoms to diagnosis, scarce medical and scientific knowledge, and unsatisfactory treatment options all trigger the search for health information by patients, family members, and physicians. Examining and systematically integrating stakeholder needs can help design information platforms that effectively support this search. Objective The aim of this study was to innovate on the group decision-making process involving patients, family members, and physicians for the establishment of a national rare disease Internet platform. We determined differences in the relevance of health information—especially examining quantifiable preference weights—between these subgroups and elucidated the structure and distribution of these differences in people suffering from rare diseases, their family members, and physicians, thus providing information crucial to their collaboration. Methods The included items were identified using a systematic Internet research and verified through a qualitative interview study. The identified major information needs included medical issues, research, social help offers, and current events. These categories further comprised sublevels of diagnosis, therapy, general disease pattern, current studies, study results, registers, psychosocial counseling, self-help, and sociolegal advice. The analytic hierarchy process was selected as the group decision-making tool. A sensitivity analysis was used to determine the stability and distribution of results. t tests were utilized to examine the results’ significance. Results A total of 176 questionnaires were collected; we excluded some questionnaires in line with our chosen consistency level of 0.2. Ultimately, 120 patients, 24 family members, and 32 physicians participated in the study (48 men and 128 women, mean age=48 years, age range=17-87 years). Rankings and preference weights were highly heterogeneous. Global ranking positions of patients, family members, and physicians are shown in parentheses, as follows: medical issues (3/4, 4, 4), research (3/4, 2/3, 3), social help offers (1, 2/3, 2), and current events (2, 1, 1); diagnosis (6, 8, 9), therapy (5, 9, 7), general disease pattern (9, 4/5/6, 6), current studies (7, 4/5/6, 3), study results (8, 7, 8), registers (4, 1, 5), psychosocial counseling (1, 2, 4), self-help (3, 3, 2), and sociolegal advice (2, 4/5/6, 1). Differences were verified for patients for 5 information categories (P=.03), physicians for 6 information categories (P=.03), and family members for 4 information categories (P=.04). Conclusions Our results offer a clear-cut information structure that can transparently translate group decisions into practice. Furthermore, we found different preference structures for rare disease information among patients, family members, and physicians. Some websites already address differences in comprehension between those subgroups. Similar to pharmaceutical companies, health information providers on rare diseases should also acknowledge different information needs to improve the accessibility of information. PMID:29158209

Promoting a structural view of biology for varied audiences: an overview of RCSB PDB resources and experiences.

PubMed

Dutta, Shuchismita; Zardecki, Christine; Goodsell, David S; Berman, Helen M

2010-10-01

The Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank (RCSB PDB) supports scientific research and education worldwide by providing an essential resource of information on biomolecular structures. In addition to serving as a deposition, data-processing and distribution center for PDB data, the RCSB PDB offers resources and online materials that different audiences can use to customize their structural biology instruction. These include resources for general audiences that present macromolecular structure in the context of a biological theme, method-based materials for researchers who take a more traditional approach to the presentation of structural science, and materials that mix theme-based and method-based approaches for educators and students. Through these efforts the RCSB PDB aims to enable optimal use of structural data by researchers, educators and students designing and understanding experiments in biology, chemistry and medicine, and by general users making informed decisions about their life and health.

[The information on a sanitary-and-epidemiologic condition of general educational establishments and catering services of schoolboys].

PubMed

Onishchenko, G G

2008-01-01

The federal service on supervision in sphere of protection of the rights of consumers and well-being of the person develops normative and methodical documents, including sanitary rules and the norms defining hygienic parameters of food value of food raw material and foodstuff, children used in a feed and teenagers; requirements to catering services of pupils of various types of teaching and educational establishments. Decisions of the Main state health officer of the Russian Federation, the conditions directed on improvement and catering services in educational establishments are published. At participation of Rospotrebnadzor's experts on subjects of the Russian Federation the regional programs directed on improvement of catering services of pupils are developed. The information on a condition of general educational establishments with offers on improvement of a sanitary-engineering condition, goes to address of enforcement authorities.

Training needs for toxicity testing in the 21st century: a survey-informed analysis.

PubMed

Lapenna, Silvia; Gabbert, Silke; Worth, Andrew

2012-12-01

Current training needs on the use of alternative methods in predictive toxicology, including new approaches based on mode-of-action (MoA) and adverse outcome pathway (AOP) concepts, are expected to evolve rapidly. In order to gain insight into stakeholder preferences for training, the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) conducted a single-question survey with twelve experts in regulatory agencies, industry, national research organisations, NGOs and consultancies. Stakeholder responses were evaluated by means of theory-based qualitative data analysis. Overall, a set of training topics were identified that relate both to general background information and to guidance for applying alternative testing methods. In particular, for the use of in silico methods, stakeholders emphasised the need for training on data integration and evaluation, in order to increase confidence in applying these methods for regulatory purposes. Although the survey does not claim to offer an exhaustive overview of the training requirements, its findings support the conclusion that the development of well-targeted and tailor-made training opportunities that inform about the usefulness of alternative methods, in particular those that offer practical experience in the application of in silico methods, deserves more attention. This should be complemented by transparent information and guidance on the interpretation of the results generated by these methods and software tools. 2012 FRAME.

Consumer perceptions of prescription and over-the-counter drug advertisements with promotional offers.

PubMed

Aikin, Kathryn J; Sullivan, Helen W; O'Donoghue, Amie C; Betts, Kevin R

2016-01-01

Information on the effects of promotional offers in direct-to-consumer prescription drug ads is limited. In two studies, we examined the effect of promotional offers (e.g., money-back guarantee) and ad type (creating prescription and over-the-counter drug ads by varying the presence of benefit and risk information). We found little effect of promotional offers. Adding benefit (risk) information to the ad increased consumers' knowledge of the benefit (risk) information and their efficacy (risk) perceptions. In most cases, adding risk information to an ad with benefit information increased risk knowledge and perceptions without decreasing benefit knowledge or perceptions.

Suggestions for presenting the results of data analyses

USGS Publications Warehouse

Anderson, David R.; Link, William A.; Johnson, Douglas H.; Burnham, Kenneth P.

2001-01-01

We give suggestions for the presentation of research results from frequentist, information-theoretic, and Bayesian analysis paradigms, followed by several general suggestions. The information-theoretic and Bayesian methods offer alternative approaches to data analysis and inference compared to traditionally used methods. Guidance is lacking on the presentation of results under these alternative procedures and on nontesting aspects of classical frequentists methods of statistical analysis. Null hypothesis testing has come under intense criticism. We recommend less reporting of the results of statistical tests of null hypotheses in cases where the null is surely false anyway, or where the null hypothesis is of little interest to science or management.

Prior health expenditures and risk sharing with insurers competing on quality.

PubMed

Marchand, Maurice; Sato, Motohiro; Schokkaert, Erik

2003-01-01

Insurers can exploit the heterogeneity within risk-adjustment classes to select the good risks because they have more information than the regulator on the expected expenditures of individual insurees. To counteract this cream skimming, mixed systems combining capitation and cost-based payments have been adopted that do not, however, generally use the past expenditures of insurees as a risk adjuster. In this article, two symmetric insurers compete for clients by differentiating the quality of service offered to them according to some private information about their risk. In our setting it is always welfare improving to use prior expenditures as a risk adjuster.

Galactic archaeology in action space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sanderson, Robyn

2009-05-01

Working in action space offers an instructive alternative view of the process of hierarchical assembly in galaxies, but performing the necessary canonical transformation formally requires both complete phase space information of a stellar population and knowledge of the correct galactic potential, neither of which is generally available. I use the approximate-action method pioneered by MacMillan and Binney (2008) to examine the remnant of a late-time merger in M31, which was modeled by Fardal et al. (2007).

The Thurgood Marshall School of Law Empirical Findings: A Six-Year Study of the First-Time and Ultimate Bar Exam Results of Students According to Law School Admission Council (LSAC) Index

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kadhi, T.; Holley, D.; Beard, J.

2011-01-01

The following report of descriptive statistics addresses the matriculating class of 2001-2007 according to their Law School Admission Council (LSAC) index. Generally, this report will offer information on the first time bar and ultimate performance on the Bar Exam of TMSL students. In addition, graduating GPA according to the LSAC index will also…

Education resources of the National Center for Biotechnology Information

PubMed Central

Lipshultz, Dawn; Matten, Wayne T.; McGinnis, Scott D.; Pechous, Steven; Romiti, Monica L.; Tao, Tao; Valjavec-Gratian, Majda; Sayers, Eric W.

2010-01-01

The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) hosts 39 literature and molecular biology databases containing almost half a billion records. As the complexity of these data and associated resources and tools continues to expand, so does the need for educational resources to help investigators, clinicians, information specialists and the general public make use of the wealth of public data available at the NCBI. This review describes the educational resources available at NCBI via the NCBI Education page (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Education/). These resources include materials designed for new users, such as About NCBI and the NCBI Guide, as well as documentation, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and writings on the NCBI Bookshelf such as the NCBI Help Manual and the NCBI Handbook. NCBI also provides teaching materials such as tutorials, problem sets and educational tools such as the Amino Acid Explorer, PSSM Viewer and Ebot. NCBI also offers training programs including the Discovery Workshops, webinars and tutorials at conferences. To help users keep up-to-date, NCBI produces the online NCBI News and offers RSS feeds and mailing lists, along with a presence on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. PMID:20570844

The global status of freshwater fish age validation studies and a prioritization framework for future research

USGS Publications Warehouse

Pope, Kevin L.; Hamel, Martin J.; Pegg, Mark A.; Spurgeon, Jonathan J.

2016-01-01

Age information derived from calcified structures is commonly used to estimate recruitment, growth, and mortality for fish populations. Validation of daily or annual marks on age structures is often assumed, presumably due to a lack of general knowledge concerning the status of age validation studies. Therefore, the current status of freshwater fish age validation studies was summarized to show where additional effort is needed, and increase the accessibility of validation studies to researchers. In total, 1351 original peer-reviewed articles were reviewed from freshwater systems that studied age in fish. Periodicity and age validation studies were found for 88 freshwater species comprising 21 fish families. The number of age validation studies has increased over the last 30 years following previous calls for more research; however, few species have validated structures spanning all life stages. In addition, few fishes of conservation concern have validated ageing structures. A prioritization framework, using a combination of eight characteristics, is offered to direct future age validation studies and close the validation information gap. Additional study, using the offered prioritization framework, and increased availability of published studies that incorporate uncertainty when presenting research results dealing with age information are needed.

Routine health insurance data for scientific research: potential and limitations of the Agis Health Database.

PubMed

Smeets, Hugo M; de Wit, Niek J; Hoes, Arno W

2011-04-01

Observational studies performed within routine health care databases have the advantage of their large size and, when the aim is to assess the effect of interventions, can offer a completion to randomized controlled trials with usually small samples from experimental situations. Institutional Health Insurance Databases (HIDs) are attractive for research because of their large size, their longitudinal perspective, and their practice-based information. As they are based on financial reimbursement, the information is generally reliable. The database of one of the major insurance companies in the Netherlands, the Agis Health Database (AHD), is described in detail. Whether the AHD data sets meet the specific requirements to conduct several types of clinical studies is discussed according to the classification of the four different types of clinical research; that is, diagnostic, etiologic, prognostic, and intervention research. The potential of the AHD for these various types of research is illustrated using examples of studies recently conducted in the AHD. HIDs such as the AHD offer large potential for several types of clinical research, in particular etiologic and intervention studies, but at present the lack of detailed clinical information is an important limitation. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The predictive value of general movement tasks in assessing occupational task performance.

PubMed

Frost, David M; Beach, Tyson A C; McGill, Stuart M; Callaghan, Jack P

2015-01-01

Within the context of evaluating individuals' movement behavior it is generally assumed that the tasks chosen will predict their competency to perform activities relevant to their occupation. This study sought to examine whether a battery of general tasks could be used to predict the movement patterns employed by firefighters to perform select job-specific skills. Fifty-two firefighters performed a battery of general and occupation-specific tasks that simulated the demands of firefighting. Participants' peak lumbar spine and frontal plane knee motion were compared across tasks. During 85% of all comparisons, the magnitude of spine and knee motion was greater during the general movement tasks than observed during the firefighting skills. Certain features of a worker's movement behavior may be exhibited across a range of tasks. Therefore, provided that a movement screen's tasks expose the motions of relevance for the population being tested, general evaluations could offer valuable insight into workers' movement competency or facilitate an opportunity to establish an evidence-informed intervention.

The information-anchoring model of first offers: When moving first helps versus hurts negotiators.

PubMed

Loschelder, David D; Trötschel, Roman; Swaab, Roderick I; Friese, Malte; Galinsky, Adam D

2016-07-01

Does making the first offer increase or impair a negotiator's outcomes? Past research has found evidence supporting both claims. To reconcile these contradictory findings, we developed and tested an integrative model-the Information-Anchoring Model of First Offers. The model predicts when and why making the first offer helps versus hurts. We suggest that first offers have 2 effects. First, they serve as anchors that pull final settlements toward the initial first-offer value; this anchor function often produces a first-mover advantage. Second, first offers can convey information on the senders' priorities, which makes the sender vulnerable to exploitation and increases the risk of a first-mover disadvantage. To test this model, 3 experiments manipulated the information that senders communicated in their first offer. When senders did not reveal their priorities, the first-mover advantage was replicated. However, when first offers revealed senders' priorities explicitly, implicitly, or both, a first-mover disadvantage emerged. Negotiators' social value orientation moderated this effect: A first-mover disadvantage occurred when senders faced proself recipients who exploited priority information, but not with prosocial recipients. Moderated mediation analyses supported the model assumptions: Proself recipients used their integrative insight to feign priorities in their low-priority issues and thereby claimed more individual value than senders. The final discussion reviews theoretical and applied implications of the Information-Anchoring Model of First Offers. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

Design Research of TIANDITU (Map Worl)-Based Geographic Information System for Travelling Service

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, J.; Zhang, H.; Wang, C.

2014-04-01

TIANDITU (Map World) is the public version of the National Platform for Common Geospatial Information Service, and the travelling channel is TIANDITU-based geographic information platform for travelling service. With the development of tourism, traditional ways for providing travelling information cannot meet the needs of travelers. As such, the travelling channel of TIANDITU focuses on providing travel information abundantly and precisely, which integrated the geographic information data of TIANDITU Version 2.0 and the authoritative information resources from China National Tourism Administration. Furthermore, spatial positioning, category and information query of various travelling information were offered for the public in the travelling channel. This research mainly involves three important parts: the system design, key technologies of the system design and application examples. Firstly, this paper introduced the design of TIANDITU-based geographic information system for travelling service, and the general and database design were described in detail. The designs for general, database and travelling service above should consider lots of factors which illustrated in the paper in order to guarantee the efficient service. The process of system construction, the content of geographic information for travelling and system functions of geographic information for travelling are also proposed via diagram in this part. Then several key technologies were discussed, including the travelling information integration for main node and among nodes, general architecture design and management system for travelling channel, web portals and system interface. From the perspective of main technologies, this part describes how TIANDITU travelling channel can realize various functions and reach the requirements from different users. Finally, three application examples about travelling information query were listed shortly. The functions and search results are shown clearly in this part. In all, TIANDITU-based geographic information system for travelling service aimed to integrate the travelling information resources from national, provincial and municipal levels, and finally realized to provide "one stop" travelling service for users in the end.

Tailoring NIST Security Controls for the Ground System: Selection and Implementation -- Recommendations for Information System Owners

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Takamura, Eduardo; Mangum, Kevin

2016-01-01

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) invests millions of dollars in spacecraft and ground system development, and in mission operations in the pursuit of scientific knowledge of the universe. In recent years, NASA sent a probe to Mars to study the Red Planet's upper atmosphere, obtained high resolution images of Pluto, and it is currently preparing to find new exoplanets, rendezvous with an asteroid, and bring a sample of the asteroid back to Earth for analysis. The success of these missions is enabled by mission assurance. In turn, mission assurance is backed by information assurance. The information systems supporting NASA missions must be reliable as well as secure. NASA - like every other U.S. Federal Government agency - is required to manage the security of its information systems according to federal mandates, the most prominent being the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) of 2002 and the legislative updates that followed it. Like the management of enterprise information technology (IT), federal information security management takes a "one-size fits all" approach for protecting IT systems. While this approach works for most organizations, it does not effectively translate into security of highly specialized systems such as those supporting NASA missions. These systems include command and control (C&C) systems, spacecraft and instrument simulators, and other elements comprising the ground segment. They must be carefully configured, monitored and maintained, sometimes for several years past the missions' initially planned life expectancy, to ensure the ground system is protected and remains operational without any compromise of its confidentiality, integrity and availability. Enterprise policies, processes, procedures and products, if not effectively tailored to meet mission requirements, may not offer the needed security for protecting the information system, and they may even become disruptive to mission operations. Certain protective measures for the general enterprise may not be as efficient within the ground segment. This is what the authors have concluded through observations and analysis of patterns identified from the various security assessments performed on NASA missions such as MAVEN, OSIRIS-REx, New Horizons and TESS, to name a few. The security audits confirmed that the framework for managing information system security developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for the federal government, and adopted by NASA, is indeed effective. However, the selection of the technical, operational and management security controls offered by the NIST model - and how they are implemented - does not always fit the nature and the environment where the ground system operates in even though there is no apparent impact on mission success. The authors observed that unfit controls, that is, controls that are not necessarily applicable or sufficiently effective in protecting the mission systems, are often selected to facilitate compliance with security requirements and organizational expectations even if the selected controls offer minimum or non-existent protection. This paper identifies some of the standard security controls that can in fact protect the ground system, and which of them offer little or no benefit at all. It offers multiple scenarios from real security audits in which the controls are not effective without, of course, disclosing any sensitive information about the missions assessed. In addition to selection and implementation of controls, the paper also discusses potential impact of recent legislation such as the Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) of 2014 - aimed at the enterprise - on the ground system, and offers other recommendations to Information System Owners (ISOs).

Emergence of Coding and its Specificity as a Physico-Informatic Problem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wills, Peter R.; Nieselt, Kay; McCaskill, John S.

2015-06-01

We explore the origin-of-life consequences of the view that biological systems are demarcated from inanimate matter by their possession of referential information, which is processed computationally to control choices of specific physico-chemical events. Cells are cybernetic: they use genetic information in processes of communication and control, subjecting physical events to a system of integrated governance. The genetic code is the most obvious example of how cells use information computationally, but the historical origin of the usefulness of molecular information is not well understood. Genetic coding made information useful because it imposed a modular metric on the evolutionary search and thereby offered a general solution to the problem of finding catalysts of any specificity. We use the term "quasispecies symmetry breaking" to describe the iterated process of self-organisation whereby the alphabets of distinguishable codons and amino acids increased, step by step.

Consanguineous marriage and reproductive risk: attitudes and understanding of ethnic groups practising consanguinity in Western society.

PubMed

Teeuw, Marieke E; Loukili, Ghariba; Bartels, Edien Ac; ten Kate, Leo P; Cornel, Martina C; Henneman, Lidewij

2014-04-01

Consanguineous couples should be adequately informed about their increased reproductive risk and possibilities for genetic counselling. Information may only be effective if it meets the needs of the target group. This study aimed to gain more insight into: (1) attitudes of people belonging to ethnic groups in Western society towards consanguinity and their understanding of risk for offspring; and (2) their attitudes regarding reproductive information targeted at consanguineous couples. Dutch Moroccans and Turks were invited to complete an online questionnaire by snowball sampling and by placing a link on two popular Dutch Moroccan/Turkish forum websites between September and October 2011. The questionnaire was completed by 201 individuals who were, on average, neither positive nor negative towards consanguinity. Respondents with a consanguineous partner were more positive, estimated the risk for the offspring lower and were less positive about the provision of risk information to consanguineous couples when compared with respondents without a consanguineous partner. Participants of Turkish origin had a more negative attitude towards consanguinity and estimated the reproductive risk higher than Moroccan participants. More than half of the respondents thought that information should be given before marriage, whereas only 10% thought it should never be provided. The general practitioner was most often mentioned (54%) as the designated professional to inform people. Information about genetic risks related to consanguinity should be offered early, preferably before marriage. The diversity of the target population requires various strategies to disseminate information and reach consanguineous couples with the offer of genetic counselling.

Consanguineous marriage and reproductive risk: attitudes and understanding of ethnic groups practising consanguinity in Western society

PubMed Central

Teeuw, Marieke E; Loukili, Ghariba; Bartels, Edien AC; ten Kate, Leo P; Cornel, Martina C; Henneman, Lidewij

2014-01-01

Consanguineous couples should be adequately informed about their increased reproductive risk and possibilities for genetic counselling. Information may only be effective if it meets the needs of the target group. This study aimed to gain more insight into: (1) attitudes of people belonging to ethnic groups in Western society towards consanguinity and their understanding of risk for offspring; and (2) their attitudes regarding reproductive information targeted at consanguineous couples. Dutch Moroccans and Turks were invited to complete an online questionnaire by snowball sampling and by placing a link on two popular Dutch Moroccan/Turkish forum websites between September and October 2011. The questionnaire was completed by 201 individuals who were, on average, neither positive nor negative towards consanguinity. Respondents with a consanguineous partner were more positive, estimated the risk for the offspring lower and were less positive about the provision of risk information to consanguineous couples when compared with respondents without a consanguineous partner. Participants of Turkish origin had a more negative attitude towards consanguinity and estimated the reproductive risk higher than Moroccan participants. More than half of the respondents thought that information should be given before marriage, whereas only 10% thought it should never be provided. The general practitioner was most often mentioned (54%) as the designated professional to inform people. Information about genetic risks related to consanguinity should be offered early, preferably before marriage. The diversity of the target population requires various strategies to disseminate information and reach consanguineous couples with the offer of genetic counselling. PMID:23921534

Optical pattern recognition algorithms on neural-logic equivalent models and demonstration of their prospects and possible implementations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krasilenko, Vladimir G.; Nikolsky, Alexander I.; Zaitsev, Alexandr V.; Voloshin, Victor M.

2001-03-01

Historic information regarding the appearance and creation of fundamentals of algebra-logical apparatus-`equivalental algebra' for description of neuro-nets paradigms and algorithms is considered which is unification of theory of neuron nets (NN), linear algebra and the most generalized neuro-biology extended for matrix case. A survey is given of `equivalental models' of neuron nets and associative memory is suggested new, modified matrix-tenzor neurological equivalental models (MTNLEMS) are offered with double adaptive-equivalental weighing (DAEW) for spatial-non- invariant recognition (SNIR) and space-invariant recognition (SIR) of 2D images (patterns). It is shown, that MTNLEMS DAEW are the most generalized, they can describe the processes in NN both within the frames of known paradigms and within new `equivalental' paradigm of non-interaction type, and the computing process in NN under using the offered MTNLEMs DAEW is reduced to two-step and multi-step algorithms and step-by-step matrix-tenzor procedures (for SNIR) and procedures of defining of space-dependent equivalental functions from two images (for SIR).

Internet and patient empowerment in individuals with symptoms of an eating disorder: a cross-sectional investigation of a pro-recovery focused e-community.

PubMed

Aardoom, Jiska J; Dingemans, Alexandra E; Boogaard, Laura H; Van Furth, Eric F

2014-08-01

Many individuals with eating disorder problems seek information and support online. There are however numerous websites that promote eating disordered behaviors. The website and e-community 'Proud2Bme' was developed as a healthy alternative for pro-eating disorder websites, providing a safe, positive, and pro-recovery focused environment. It offers a wide array of information and personal stories, as well as platforms for interaction such as a forum and chat. The first aim of this study was to investigate whether, and to what extent, empowering processes and outcomes are experienced by participants on Proud2Bme. The second aim was to examine correlates of empowering processes and outcomes. Participants (n=311) were recruited via an online survey on Proud2Bme. Correlations were examined and T-tests and ANOVAs were conducted. Exchanging information, finding recognition, and sharing experiences were the empowering processes most often reported by participants. The most pronounced empowering outcome was feeling better informed. To a smaller degree, increased help-seeking behavior, increased optimism and control over the future, and increased confidence in treatment and the relationship with the therapist were reported. Lower levels of general empowerment, younger age, and more interactive usage patterns of the website were positively associated with the experience of empowering processes and outcomes. Offering a platform where individuals can share their experiences and find recognition might be one of the most important ingredients for successful e-health initiatives aimed at improving patient empowerment. Moreover, in the field of eating disorders specifically, such initiatives offer a healthy alternative to the harmful and negative effects of pro-eating disorder websites. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

"I find you to be very attractive..." Biases in compliance estimates to sexual offers.

PubMed

Voracek, Martin; Fisher, Maryanne L; Hofhansl, Angelika; Rekkas, P Vivien; Ritthammer, Nina

2006-08-01

The classic experiments by Clark and Hatfield on sex differences in compliance to offers of dates, apartment visits, and casual sex, and the related informal project of Molzer served as the foundation for the present study. However, whereas individuals in these previous investigations directly approached opposite-sex participants, our research employed surveys to gauge compliance. A sample of 195 male and 179 female Austrian adults were provided with written forms of the Clark and Hatfield scenarios and asked to predict the rates of compliance on a thermometer scale ranging from 0% to 100%. Results indicated that compliance estimates are largely effected by the sex of the receiver to these offers, and to a lesser degree, participants' age and relationship status. The sex of the participant did not significantly effect the results. Relative to the previous work, the compliance rate of males was overestimated, while that of females was underestimated. We offer explanations for the differences in findings between the original investigations and our research, discuss the importance of contextual factors as well as the generality of the Clark-Hatfield findings, especially with respect to females' near-zero receptivity to explicit sexual offers, and point out the relevance of the current findings for health psychology.

General Mode Scanning Probe Microscopy

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

Somnath, Suhas; Jesse, Stephen

A critical part of SPM measurements is the information transfer from the probe-sample junction to the measurement system. Current information transfer methods heavily compress the information-rich data stream by averaging the data over a time interval, or via heterodyne detection approaches such as lock-in amplifiers and phase-locked loops. As a consequence, highly valuable information at the sub-microsecond time scales or information from frequencies outside the measurement band is lost. We have developed a fundamentally new approach called General Mode (G-mode), where we can capture the complete information stream from the detectors in the microscope. The availability of the complete informationmore » allows the microscope operator to analyze the data via information-theory analysis or comprehensive physical models. Furthermore, the complete data stream enables advanced data-driven filtering algorithms, multi-resolution imaging, ultrafast spectroscropic imaging, spatial mapping of multidimensional variability in material properties, etc. Though we applied this approach to scanning probe microscopy, the general philosophy of G-mode can be applied to many other modes of microscopy. G-mode data is captured by completely custom software written in LabVIEW and Matlab. The software generates the waveforms to electrically, thermally, or mechanically excite the SPM probe. It handles real-time communications with the microscope software for operations such as moving the SPM probe position and also controls other instrumentation hardware. The software also controls multiple variants of high-speed data acquisition cards to excite the SPM probe with the excitation waveform and simultaneously measure multiple channels of information from the microscope detectors at sampling rates of 1-100 MHz. The software also saves the raw data to the computer and allows the microscope operator to visualize processed or filtered data during the experiment. The software performs all these features while offering a user-friendly interface.« less

Actions by the Bonneville Power Administration to Implement the Long- Term Contracting Provisions of P.L. 96-501

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-09-04

begin necessary negotiations for initial long-term contracts. Third, the term "offer" is not defined in the Act. Under general contract law , a valid...The position that the Administrator must offer coplete and definite contracts within 9 months of December 5, 1980, is supported by general contract law definitions...conititute "offers" in contract law . This interpretation is supported by Williston, who states that an offer is always a conditional promise, which wll

Exploring inter-frame correlation analysis and wavelet-domain modeling for real-time caption detection in streaming video

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jia; Tian, Yonghong; Gao, Wen

2008-01-01

In recent years, the amount of streaming video has grown rapidly on the Web. Often, retrieving these streaming videos offers the challenge of indexing and analyzing the media in real time because the streams must be treated as effectively infinite in length, thus precluding offline processing. Generally speaking, captions are important semantic clues for video indexing and retrieval. However, existing caption detection methods often have difficulties to make real-time detection for streaming video, and few of them concern on the differentiation of captions from scene texts and scrolling texts. In general, these texts have different roles in streaming video retrieval. To overcome these difficulties, this paper proposes a novel approach which explores the inter-frame correlation analysis and wavelet-domain modeling for real-time caption detection in streaming video. In our approach, the inter-frame correlation information is used to distinguish caption texts from scene texts and scrolling texts. Moreover, wavelet-domain Generalized Gaussian Models (GGMs) are utilized to automatically remove non-text regions from each frame and only keep caption regions for further processing. Experiment results show that our approach is able to offer real-time caption detection with high recall and low false alarm rate, and also can effectively discern caption texts from the other texts even in low resolutions.

17 CFR 230.152a - Offer or sale of certain fractional interests.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... interests for the purpose of combining such interests into whole shares, and for the sale of such number of... 17 Commodity and Securities Exchanges 2 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Offer or sale of certain... COMMISSION GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS, SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 General § 230.152a Offer or sale of certain...

17 CFR 230.152a - Offer or sale of certain fractional interests.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... interests for the purpose of combining such interests into whole shares, and for the sale of such number of... 17 Commodity and Securities Exchanges 2 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Offer or sale of certain... COMMISSION GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS, SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 General § 230.152a Offer or sale of certain...

17 CFR 230.152a - Offer or sale of certain fractional interests.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... interests for the purpose of combining such interests into whole shares, and for the sale of such number of... 17 Commodity and Securities Exchanges 2 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Offer or sale of certain... COMMISSION GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS, SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 General § 230.152a Offer or sale of certain...

17 CFR 230.152a - Offer or sale of certain fractional interests.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... interests for the purpose of combining such interests into whole shares, and for the sale of such number of... 17 Commodity and Securities Exchanges 3 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Offer or sale of certain... COMMISSION GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS, SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 General § 230.152a Offer or sale of certain...

17 CFR 230.152a - Offer or sale of certain fractional interests.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... interests for the purpose of combining such interests into whole shares, and for the sale of such number of... 17 Commodity and Securities Exchanges 2 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Offer or sale of certain... COMMISSION GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS, SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 General § 230.152a Offer or sale of certain...

16 CFR 703.4 - Qualification of members.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... acquisition or ownership of an interest which is offered to the general public shall be prima facie evidence... acquisition or ownership of an interest which is offered to the general public shall be prima facie evidence...

General Education Today. A Critical Analysis of Controversies, Practices, and Reforms.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gaff, Jerry G.

The range of controversies and changes emerging from the current revival of general education are examined, and many ideas, examples, and recommendations for achieving realistic and successful curricular reform are offered. Instead of either offering an apology for general education or advocating any particular approach, the book draws on solid…

Creating and Disseminating Knowledge for Educational Reform: Policy Management of the National Institute of Education's Regional Educational Laboratories and National Research and Development Centers. A Report to the National Council on Educational Research. [Executive Summary and Final Report].

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Center for Leadership Development, Los Angeles, CA.

Drawing on interviews, documents, and eight studies, this policy research study offers information and recommendations in order to fulfill the responsibility of the National Council on Educational Research to establish general policies for, and review the conduct of, the National Institute of Education (NIE). Questions guiding this study are: the…

Administrative Subpoenas in Criminal Investigations: A Brief Legal Analysis

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-03-17

child abuse , Secret Service protection, controlled substance cases, and Inspector General investigations. As a constitutional matter, the Fourth Amendment only demands that administrative subpoenas be reasonable, a standard that requires that 1) they satisfy the terms of the authorizing statute, 2) the documents requested are relevant to the investigation, 3) the information sought is not already in the government’s possession, and 4) enforcing the subpoena will not constitute an abuse of the court’s process. Although more extensive proposals were offered in the

The Attempted Dismantling of the Medicare Home Care Benefit. A Report by the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health and Long-Term Care of the Select Committee on Aging. House of Representatives, Ninety-Ninth Congress, Second Session.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pepper, Claude

This document presents Congressman Claude Pepper's report on the Medicare Home Care Benefit. Section I traces the history of home health care in the United States. Section II offers statistics and general background information about older Americans and Medicare. The beginning of the Medicare home care benefit and its present operation are…

Seismic behavior of an Italian Renaissance Sanctuary: Damage assessment by numerical modelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clementi, Francesco; Nespeca, Andrea; Lenci, Stefano

2016-12-01

The paper deals with modelling and analysis of architectural heritage through the discussion of an illustrative case study: the Medieval Sanctuary of Sant'Agostino (Offida, Italy). Using the finite element technique, a 3D numerical model of the sanctuary is built, and then used to identify the main sources of the damages. The work shows that advanced numerical analyses could offer significant information for the understanding of the causes of existing damage and, more generally, on the seismic vulnerability.

Black hole thermodynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carlip, S.

2014-10-01

The discovery in the early 1970s that black holes radiate as black bodies has radically affected our understanding of general relativity, and offered us some early hints about the nature of quantum gravity. In this paper, will review the discovery of black hole thermodynamics and summarize the many independent ways of obtaining the thermodynamic and (perhaps) statistical mechanical properties of black holes. I will then describe some of the remaining puzzles, including the nature of the quantum microstates, the problem of universality, and the information loss paradox.

Development of a cultural heritage object BIM model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Braila, Natalya; Vakhrusheva, Svetlana; Martynenko, Elena; Kisel, Tatyana

2017-10-01

The BIM technology during her creation has been aimed, first of all, at design and construction branch, but its application in the field of studying and operation of architectural heritage can essentially change and transfer this kind of activity to new qualitative level. The question of effective introduction of BIM technologies at the solution of administrative questions of operation and development of monuments of architecture is considered in article. Creation of the information model of the building object of cultural heritage including a full complex of information on an object is offered: historical and archival, legal, technical, administrative, etc. The 3D model of an object of cultural heritage with color marking of elements on degree of wear and a first priority of carrying out repair will become one of components of model. This model will allow to estimate visually technical condition of the building in general and to gain general idea about scales of necessary repair and construction actions that promotes improvement of quality of operation of an object, and also simplifies and accelerates processing of information and in need of a memorial building assessment as subject to investment.

A Career in Information.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Debons, Anthony; And Others

The best sources of information about educational requirements for careers in information sciences are the institutions that offer training programs in such careers. The American Society for Information Science maintains a file of information on institutions offering training programs in information science. This pamphlet is intended for general…

Shaping an Effective Health Information Website on Rare Diseases Using a Group Decision-Making Tool: Inclusion of the Perspectives of Patients, Their Family Members, and Physicians.

PubMed

Babac, Ana; Litzkendorf, Svenja; Schmidt, Katharina; Pauer, Frédéric; Damm, Kathrin; Frank, Martin; Graf von der Schulenburg, Johann-Matthias

2017-11-20

Despite diverging definitions on rare conditions, people suffering from rare diseases share similar difficulties. A lack of experience by health professionals, a long wait from first symptoms to diagnosis, scarce medical and scientific knowledge, and unsatisfactory treatment options all trigger the search for health information by patients, family members, and physicians. Examining and systematically integrating stakeholder needs can help design information platforms that effectively support this search. The aim of this study was to innovate on the group decision-making process involving patients, family members, and physicians for the establishment of a national rare disease Internet platform. We determined differences in the relevance of health information-especially examining quantifiable preference weights-between these subgroups and elucidated the structure and distribution of these differences in people suffering from rare diseases, their family members, and physicians, thus providing information crucial to their collaboration. The included items were identified using a systematic Internet research and verified through a qualitative interview study. The identified major information needs included medical issues, research, social help offers, and current events. These categories further comprised sublevels of diagnosis, therapy, general disease pattern, current studies, study results, registers, psychosocial counseling, self-help, and sociolegal advice. The analytic hierarchy process was selected as the group decision-making tool. A sensitivity analysis was used to determine the stability and distribution of results. t tests were utilized to examine the results' significance. A total of 176 questionnaires were collected; we excluded some questionnaires in line with our chosen consistency level of 0.2. Ultimately, 120 patients, 24 family members, and 32 physicians participated in the study (48 men and 128 women, mean age=48 years, age range=17-87 years). Rankings and preference weights were highly heterogeneous. Global ranking positions of patients, family members, and physicians are shown in parentheses, as follows: medical issues (3/4, 4, 4), research (3/4, 2/3, 3), social help offers (1, 2/3, 2), and current events (2, 1, 1); diagnosis (6, 8, 9), therapy (5, 9, 7), general disease pattern (9, 4/5/6, 6), current studies (7, 4/5/6, 3), study results (8, 7, 8), registers (4, 1, 5), psychosocial counseling (1, 2, 4), self-help (3, 3, 2), and sociolegal advice (2, 4/5/6, 1). Differences were verified for patients for 5 information categories (P=.03), physicians for 6 information categories (P=.03), and family members for 4 information categories (P=.04). Our results offer a clear-cut information structure that can transparently translate group decisions into practice. Furthermore, we found different preference structures for rare disease information among patients, family members, and physicians. Some websites already address differences in comprehension between those subgroups. Similar to pharmaceutical companies, health information providers on rare diseases should also acknowledge different information needs to improve the accessibility of information. ©Ana Babac, Svenja Litzkendorf, Katharina Schmidt, Frédéric Pauer, Kathrin Damm, Martin Frank, Johann-Matthias Graf von der Schulenburg. Originally published in the Interactive Journal of Medical Research (http://www.i-jmr.org/), 20.11.2017.

Qualitative interviews with healthcare staff in four European countries to inform adaptation of an intervention to increase chlamydia testing

PubMed Central

McNulty, Cliodna; Ricketts, Ellie J; Fredlund, Hans; Uusküla, Anneli; Town, Katy; Rugman, Claire; Tisler-Sala, Anna; Mani, Alix; Dunais, Brigitte; Folkard, Kate; Allison, Rosalie; Touboul, Pia

2017-01-01

Objective To determine the needs of primary healthcare general practice (GP) staff, stakeholders and trainers to inform the adaptation of a locally successful complex intervention (Chlamydia Intervention Randomised Trial (CIRT)) aimed at increasing chlamydia testing within primary healthcare within South West England to three EU countries (Estonia, France and Sweden) and throughout England. Design Qualitative interviews. Setting European primary healthcare in England, France, Sweden and Estonia with a range of chlamydia screening provision in 2013. Participants 45 GP staff, 13 trainers and 18 stakeholders. Interviews The iterative interview schedule explored participants’ personal attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural controls around provision of chlamydia testing, sexual health services and training in general practice. Researchers used a common thematic analysis. Results Findings were similar across all countries. Most participants agreed that chlamydia testing and sexual health services should be offered in general practice. There was no culture of GP staff routinely offering opportunistic chlamydia testing or sexual health advice, and due to other priorities, participants reported this would be challenging. All participants indicated that the CIRT workshop covering chlamydia testing and sexual health would be useful if practice based, included all practice staff and action planning, and was adequately resourced. Participants suggested minor adaptations to CIRT to suit their country’s health services. Conclusions A common complex intervention can be adapted for use across Europe, despite varied sexual health provision. The intervention (ChlamydiA Testing Training in Europe (CATTE)) should comprise: a staff workshop covering sexual health and chlamydia testing rates and procedures, action planning and patient materials and staff reminders via computer prompts, emails or newsletters, with testing feedback through practice champions. CATTE materials are available at: www.STItraining.eu. PMID:28951413

Wellness general of the United States: a creative approach to promote family and community health.

PubMed

Haber, David

2002-10-01

This article offers a creative approach to promote family and community health, beginning with the conversion of the office of Surgeon General of the United States into the Wellness General of the United States. The content ranges from federal initiatives to promote quality health research to individuals and families who will be the beneficiaries at medical clinics and community health programs. The proposal recommends changes to institutions and policies, including junk food taxes, the National Institutes of Health, the United States Preventive Services Task Force, the Healthy People 2010 initiative, the Health Plan Employer Data and Information Set, the Medicare Coverage Advisory Committee, state health mandates, local health plans, community medical clinics, and community health programs. The goal is to stimulate ideas and actions among policymakers, researchers, practitioners, educators, and students.

78 FR 63310 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Information Collection Renewal; Comment Request...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-10-23

... DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Office of the Comptroller of the Currency Agency Information Collection Activities: Information Collection Renewal; Comment Request; Securities Offering Disclosure Rules AGENCY... comment concerning the renewal of an information collection titled, ``Securities Offering Disclosure Rules...

[The framing of transgenics in São Paulo newspapers: the potential contribution of information to political participation].

PubMed

Rothberg, Danilo; Berbel, Danilo Brancalhão

2010-06-01

In 2007, Brazil's National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) conducted an online public consultation to obtain input on its Proposed Technical Regulations for assessing the safety of transgenic food products. The article describes the context and results of a research study that identified the main ways in which the newspapers Folha de S.Paulo and O Estado de S.Paulo framed and addressed topics related to the subject matter of this consultation. Our goal was to evaluate the gamut of information available that could contribute to this form of political participation. The journalistic coverage in question was generally fragmented; 70% of articles offered incomplete views on the topics in question.

Preconception carrier screening for multiple disorders: evaluation of a screening offer in a Dutch founder population.

PubMed

Mathijssen, Inge B; Holtkamp, Kim C A; Ottenheim, Cecile P E; van Eeten-Nijman, Janneke M C; Lakeman, Phillis; Meijers-Heijboer, Hanne; van Maarle, Merel C; Henneman, Lidewij

2018-02-01

Technological developments have enabled carrier screening for multiple disorders. This study evaluated experiences with a preconception carrier screening offer for four recessive disorders in a Dutch founder population. Questionnaires were completed by 182 attendees pretesting and posttesting and by 137 non-attendees. Semistructured interviews were conducted with seven of the eight carrier couples. Attendees were mainly informed about the existence of screening by friends/colleagues (49%) and family members (44%). Familiarity with the genetic disorders was high. Knowledge after counseling increased (p < 0.001); however, still 9%, compared to 29% before counseling, wrongly mentioned an increased risk of having an affected child if both parents are carriers of different disorders. Most attendees (97%) recalled their test results correctly, but two couples reported being carrier of another disorder than reported. Overall, 63% felt worried while waiting for results but anxiety levels returned to normal afterwards. In all, 2/39 (5%) carriers felt less healthy. Screened individuals were very satisfied; they did not regret testing (97%) and would recommend testing to others (97%). The majority (94%) stated that couples should always have a pretest consultation, preferably by a genetic counselor rather than their general practitioner (83%). All carrier couples made reproductive decisions based on their results. Main reason for non-attendance was unawareness of the screening offer. With expanded carrier screening, adequately informing couples pretest and posttesting is of foremost importance. Close influencers (family/friends) can be used to raise awareness of a screening offer. Our findings provide lessons for the implementation of expanded carrier screening panels in other communities and other settings.

Teaching the Library at SIBL.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thornton, Ann

1999-01-01

Describes the curriculum of free training courses offered at the New York Public Library Science, Industry and Business Library (SIBL) that focus on information-seeking skills and information literacy. Classes offered include basic library skills, Internet and World Wide Web, business information, government information, and science information.…

The evolution of nutritional information and communication about food and beverages the last 50 years

PubMed

Quirós-Villegas, Deyanira; Estévez-Martínez, Isabel; Perales-García, Aránzazu; Urrialde, Rafael

2017-10-15

Nutritional information directed to consumers has evolved in some key aspects such as nutritional parameters, qualitative characteristics of the product and the necessary requirements for their communication. To provide a general overview of legislative developments in nutrition communication in the last 50 years. Literature review of available literature and European and Spanish Regulations. The main changes have occurred on the two key regulations. Regulation 1924/2006 covering for the first times in Europe the characteristics that must be declared by foods and beverages to make certain nutritional claims and their commercial communications. Additionally, Regulation 432/2012 provides a positive list of health claims. On the other hand, Regulation 1169/2011 offers an updated view of the information provided to the consumer, the compulsory and voluntary aspects of it and its application in the labeling, presentation and advertising of food and beverage products. In addition, there are other regulations and initiatives, at the non-institutional level, to promote this communication with the consumer, such as GDAs or color schemes, based on the dietary reference intakes of different nutrients included in Regulation 1169/2011. Food legislation has tried to regulate the existing situation in the market by creating a harmonized framework to guarantee the consumer protection, offering nutritional information based in the scientific evidence and increasingly comprehensive and understandable.

Ground-source heat pump case studies and utility programs

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

Lienau, P.J.; Boyd, T.L.; Rogers, R.L.

1995-04-01

Ground-source heat pump systems are one of the promising new energy technologies that has shown rapid increase in usage over the past ten years in the United States. These systems offer substantial benefits to consumers and utilities in energy (kWh) and demand (kW) savings. The purpose of this study was to determine what existing monitored data was available mainly from electric utilities on heat pump performance, energy savings and demand reduction for residential, school and commercial building applications. In order to verify the performance, information was collected for 253 case studies from mainly utilities throughout the United States. The casemore » studies were compiled into a database. The database was organized into general information, system information, ground system information, system performance, and additional information. Information was developed on the status of demand-side management of ground-source heat pump programs for about 60 electric utility and rural electric cooperatives on marketing, incentive programs, barriers to market penetration, number units installed in service area, and benefits.« less

A qualitative exploration of opinions on the community pharmacists' role amongst the general public in Scotland.

PubMed

Gidman, Wendy; Cowley, Joseph

2013-10-01

To understand members of the public's opinions and experiences of pharmacy services. This exploratory study employed qualitative methods. Five focus groups were conducted with 26 members of the public resident in Scotland in March 2010. The groups comprised those perceived to be users and non-users of community pharmacy. A topic guide was developed to prompt discussion. Each focus group was recorded, transcribed, anonymised and analysed using thematic analysis. Participants made positive comments about pharmacy services although many preferred to see a general practitioner (GP). Participants discussed using pharmacies for convenience, often because they were unable to access GPs. Pharmacists were perceived principally to be suppliers of medicine, although there was some recognition of roles in dealing with minor ailments and providing advice. For those with serious and long-standing health matters GPs were usually the professional of choice for most health needs. Community pharmacy was seen to offer incomplete services which did not co-ordinate well with other primary-care services. The pharmacy environment and retail setting were not considered to be ideal for private healthcare consultations. This study suggests that despite recent initiatives to extend the role of community pharmacists many members of the general public continue to prefer a GP-led service. Importantly GPs inspire public confidence as well as offering comprehensive services and private consultation facilities. Improved communication and information sharing between community pharmacists and general practice could support community pharmacist-role expansion. © 2012 The Authors. IJPP © 2012 Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

17 CFR 230.133 - Definition for purposes of section 5 of the Act, of “sale”, “offer”, “offer to sell”, and “offer...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 17 Commodity and Securities Exchanges 2 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Definition for purposes of... Commodity and Securities Exchanges SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS, SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 General § 230.133 Definition for purposes of section 5 of the Act, of “sale”, “offer...

Learning science as a potential new source of understanding and improvement for continuing education and continuing professional development.

PubMed

Van Hoof, Thomas J; Doyle, Terrence J

2018-01-15

Learning science is an emerging interdisciplinary field that offers educators key insights about what happens in the brain when learning occurs. In addition to explanations about the learning process, which includes memory and involves different parts of the brain, learning science offers effective strategies to inform the planning and implementation of activities and programs in continuing education and continuing professional development. This article provides a brief description of learning, including the three key steps of encoding, consolidation and retrieval. The article also introduces four major learning-science strategies, known as distributed learning, retrieval practice, interleaving, and elaboration, which share the importance of considerable practice. Finally, the article describes how learning science aligns with the general findings from the most recent synthesis of systematic reviews about the effectiveness of continuing medical education.

Massage Therapy in Outpatient Cancer Care: A Metropolitan Area Analysis.

PubMed

Cowen, Virginia S; Miccio, Robin Streit; Parikh, Bijal

2017-10-01

Massage offers cancer patients general quality of life benefits as well as alleviation of cancer-related symptoms/cancer-treatment-related symptoms including pain, anxiety, and fatigue. Little is known about whether massage is accessible to cancer patients who receive treatment in the outpatient setting and how massage is incorporated into the overall cancer treatment plan. Outpatient cancer centers (n = 78) in a single metropolitan area were included this mixed-methods project that included a systematic analysis of website information and a telephone survey. Massage was offered at only 40 centers (51.3% of total). A range of massage modalities were represented, with energy-based therapies (Reiki and Therapeutic Touch) most frequently provided. Although massage therapists are licensed health care providers in the states included in this analysis, massage was also provided by nurses, physical therapists, and other health care professionals.

Application of recombinant fluorescent mammalian cells as a toxicity biosensor.

PubMed

Kim, E J; Lee, Y; Lee, J E; Gu, M B

2002-01-01

With respect to developing a more sensitive biosensor, a recombinant fluorescent Chinese Hamster Ovary cell line was used for the monitoring of various toxicants. Both cell lines, EFC-500 and KFC-A10, were able to detect toxicants sensitively. They were characterized with mitomycin C and gamma-ray as genotoxicants and bisphenol A, nonylphenol, ziram and methyl bromide as possible and known EDCs. When compared to each other, the response of KFC-A10 was generally more informative and sensitive. Compared to typical bacterial biosensor systems, these cell lines offered a sensitivity of 2- to 50-fold greater for the tested chemicals. Based on these results, the use of mammalian cells offers a sensitive biosensor system that is not only fast, cheap and reproducible but also capable of monitoring the endocrine-like characteristics of environmental toxicants.

General surgery 2.0: the emergence of acute care surgery in Canada

PubMed Central

Hameed, S. Morad; Brenneman, Frederick D.; Ball, Chad G.; Pagliarello, Joe; Razek, Tarek; Parry, Neil; Widder, Sandy; Minor, Sam; Buczkowski, Andrzej; MacPherson, Cailan; Johner, Amanda; Jenkin, Dan; Wood, Leanne; McLoughlin, Karen; Anderson, Ian; Davey, Doug; Zabolotny, Brent; Saadia, Roger; Bracken, John; Nathens, Avery; Ahmed, Najma; Panton, Ormond; Warnock, Garth L.

2010-01-01

Over the past 5 years, there has been a groundswell of support in Canada for the development of organized, focused and multidisciplinary approaches to caring for acutely ill general surgical patients. Newly forged acute care surgery (ACS) services are beginning to provide prompt, evidence-based and goal-directed care to acutely ill general surgical patients who often present with a diverse range of complex pathologies and little or no pre- or postoperative planning. Through a team-based structure with attention to processes of care and information sharing, ACS services are well positioned to improve outcomes, while finding and developing efficiencies and reducing costs of surgical and emergency health care delivery. The ACS model also offers enhanced opportunities for surgical education for students, residents and practicing surgeons, and it will provide avenues to strengthen clinical and academic bonds between the community and academic surgical centres. In the near future, cooperation of ACS services from community and academic hospitals across the country will lead to the formation of systems of acute surgical care whose development will be informed by rigorous data collection and research and evidence-based quality-improvement initiatives. In an era of increasing subspecialization, ACS is a strong unifying force in general surgery and a platform for collective advocacy for an important patient population. PMID:20334738

Promoting a structural view of biology for varied audiences: an overview of RCSB PDB resources and experiences

PubMed Central

Dutta, Shuchismita; Zardecki, Christine; Goodsell, David S.; Berman, Helen M.

2010-01-01

The Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank (RCSB PDB) supports scientific research and education worldwide by providing an essential resource of information on biomolecular structures. In addition to serving as a deposition, data-processing and distribution center for PDB data, the RCSB PDB offers resources and online materials that different audiences can use to customize their structural biology instruction. These include resources for general audiences that present macromolecular structure in the context of a biological theme, method-based materials for researchers who take a more traditional approach to the presentation of structural science, and materials that mix theme-based and method-based approaches for educators and students. Through these efforts the RCSB PDB aims to enable optimal use of structural data by researchers, educators and students designing and understanding experiments in biology, chemistry and medicine, and by general users making informed decisions about their life and health. PMID:20877496

The hypercorrection effect in younger and older adults.

PubMed

Eich, Teal S; Stern, Yaakov; Metcalfe, Janet

2013-01-01

ABSTRACT The hypercorrection effect, which refers to the finding that errors committed with high confidence are more likely to be corrected than are low confidence errors, has been replicated many times, and with both young adults and children. In the present study, we contrasted older with younger adults. Participants answered general-information questions, made confidence ratings about their answers, were given corrective feedback, and then were retested on questions that they had gotten wrong. While younger adults showed the hypercorrection effect, older adults, despite higher overall accuracy on the general-information questions and excellent basic metacognitive ability, showed a diminished hypercorrection effect. Indeed, the correspondence between their confidence in their errors and the probability of correction was not significantly greater than zero, showing, for the first time, that a particular participant population is selectively impaired on this error correction task. These results potentially offer leverage both on the mechanisms underlying the hypercorrection effect and on reasons for older adults' memory impairments, as well as on memory functions that are spared.

Quality of life impairment in generalized anxiety disorder, social phobia, and panic disorder.

PubMed

Barrera, Terri L; Norton, Peter J

2009-12-01

Interest in the assessment of quality of life in the anxiety disorders is growing. The present study examined quality of life impairments in individuals with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social phobia, and panic disorder. Results showed that individuals with these disorders reported less satisfaction with their quality of life than non-anxious adults in the community. However, the degree of quality of life impairment is similar across these three disorders. Additionally, comorbid depression, but not anxiety, was found to negatively impact quality of life in these individuals. Finally, diagnostic symptom severity was not found to influence quality of life, indicating that subjective measures of quality of life offer unique information on the effects of anxiety disorders.

Contemporary research on parenting: conceptual, methodological, and translational issues.

PubMed

Power, Thomas G; Sleddens, Ester F C; Berge, Jerica; Connell, Lauren; Govig, Bert; Hennessy, Erin; Liggett, Leanne; Mallan, Kimberley; Santa Maria, Diane; Odoms-Young, Angela; St George, Sara M

2013-08-01

Researchers over the last decade have documented the association between general parenting style and numerous factors related to childhood obesity (e.g., children's eating behaviors, physical activity, and weight status). Many recent childhood obesity prevention programs are family focused and designed to modify parenting behaviors thought to contribute to childhood obesity risk. This article presents a brief consideration of conceptual, methodological, and translational issues that can inform future research on the role of parenting in childhood obesity. They include: (1) General versus domain specific parenting styles and practices; (2) the role of ethnicity and culture; (3) assessing bidirectional influences; (4) broadening assessments beyond the immediate family; (5) novel approaches to parenting measurement; and (6) designing effective interventions. Numerous directions for future research are offered.

The role of session zero in successful completion of chronic disease self-management program workshops.

PubMed

Jiang, Luohua; Smith, Matthew Lee; Chen, Shuai; Ahn, SangNam; Kulinski, Kristie P; Lorig, Kate; Ory, Marcia G

2014-01-01

The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) has been widely disseminated among various racial and ethnic populations. In addition to the six required CDSMP workshop sessions, the delivery sites have the option to offer a Session Zero (or zero class), an information session offered prior to Session One as a marketing tool. Despite assumptions that a zero class is helpful, little is known about the prevalence of these additional sessions or their impact on retaining participants in CDSMP workshops. This study aims to describe the proportion of CDSMP workshops that offered Session Zero and examine the association between Session Zero and workshop completion rates. Data were analyzed from 80,987 middle-aged and older adults collected during a two-year national dissemination of CDSMP. Generalized estimating equation regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between Session Zero and successful workshop completion (attending four or more of the six workshop sessions). On average, 21.04% of the participants attended workshops that offered Session Zero, and 75.33% successfully completed the CDSMP workshop. The participants of the workshops that offered Session Zero had significantly higher odds of completing CDSMP workshops than those who were not offered Session Zero (OR = 1.099, P = <0.001) after controlling for participants' demographic characteristics, race, ethnicity, living status, household income, number of chronic conditions, and workshop delivery type. As one of the first studies reporting the importance of an orientation session for participant retention in chronic disease management intervention projects, our findings suggest offering an orientation session may increase participant retention in similar translational efforts.

76 FR 12998 - Proposed Information Collection Renewals

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-03-09

... information are offering to assist, mentor or network for jobs. 3. OMB Control Number: 0420-0533. Old Title... information are offering to assist, mentor or network for jobs. Dated: March 3, 2011. Earl W. Yates, Associate...

Dr Google, porn and friend-of-a-friend: where are young men really getting their sexual health information?

PubMed

Litras, Amy; Latreille, Sarah; Temple-Smith, Meredith

2015-11-01

Background Young men are vulnerable when it comes to sexual health. They attend the general practitioner (GP) less often than females and are less likely to be offered testing for sexually transmissible infections. Access to accurate health information and education is a cornerstone of primary prevention, yet we know very little about how, where and why young people obtain information about sexual health. One-on-one semi-structured interviews were conducted with 35 male students aged 16-19 years from two Victorian educational institutions for trade skills until data saturation was reached. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed. The young men were poorly informed about sexual health. Their existing knowledge mainly came from school-based sexual health education, which while valued, was generally poorly recalled and provided only a narrow scope of physiological information. Young men seek sexual health information from various sources including family, the Internet, friends and pornography, with information from the latter three sources perceived as unreliable. GPs were seen as a source of trust-worthy information but were not accessed for this purpose due to embarrassment. Young men preferred the GP to initiate such conversations. A desire for privacy and avoidance of embarrassment heavily influenced young men's preferences and behaviours in relation to sexual health information seeking. The current available sources of sexual health information for young men are failing to meet their needs. Results identify potential improvements to school-based sexual education and online resources, and describe a need for innovative technology-based sources of sexual health education.

Case reports: Publication standards in forensic psychiatry.

PubMed

Hanson, Annette; Martinez, Richard; Candilis, Philip J

2014-01-01

Psychiatrists who publish case reports are required to seek informed consent from their subjects on the basis of the ethics-related obligation to maintain patient confidentiality. Academic journals have developed editorial standards to fulfill this obligation. Forensic evaluations do not create a doctor-patient relationship in the traditional sense, and information obtained through a forensic evaluation may also be found in the public domain. This public exposure is particularly likely, given the development of open access publishing standards, online journals, and increasing professional involvement in social media. This article outlines the ethics of informed consent in published case reports for general and forensic psychiatry and offers recommendations for forensic case study publishing. The authors suggest changes in the current requirements stated in The Journal for publication of case reports. © 2014 American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law.

[Personal health records: the case of the Personal Health Folder of Catalonia (Spain)].

PubMed

Saigí, Francesc; Cerdá Calafat, Ismael; Guanyabens Calvet, Joan; Carrau Vidal, Elisenda

2012-01-01

The aims of this study were to explore the possibilities of the Personal Health Folder and to identify the gap between the potential applications of this tool and what it offers through the Internet. The Personal Health Folder is presented, a project linked to the Shared Medical Record of Catalonia (Spain), which provides citizens with an access point to information about their health insurance, customized and supported by information and communication technologies. The project was carried out by the Ministry of Health of the Government of Catalonia (Generalitat de Catalunya) and data were gathered through an anonymous survey. The results were critical to obtain information on the suitability of the published data and on the expectations of a tool aimed at the general population. Copyright © 2012 SESPAS. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

National Cartographic Information Center Newsletter No. 1

USGS Publications Warehouse

,

1975-01-01

This is the first of what we hope will become a continuing series of quarterly NCIC newsletters. You, the reader, are encouraged to make comments, offer praise or criticism as the occasion warrants, send in suggestions, and contribute information or articles. In this issue, we plan to present information on NCIC's operating concepts, systems, and data base and several data acquisition notes. We also have a few words on our future plans along with a brief article on our current microfilming program and a general organizational chart designed to introduce our key personnel. We realize that with such a large amount of basically introductory material our first issue is going to be a bit on the heavy side. Bear with us now and we promise a more traditional format with a lighter editorial touch in the future.

12 CFR 563g.2 - Offering circular requirement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 5 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Offering circular requirement. 563g.2 Section 563g.2 Banks and Banking OFFICE OF THRIFT SUPERVISION, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY SECURITIES OFFERINGS § 563g.2 Offering circular requirement. (a) General. No savings association shall offer or sell, directly...

Sub-orbital flights, a starting point for space tourism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaubatz, William A.

2002-07-01

While there is a growing awareness and interest by the general public in space travel neither the market nor the infrastructure exist to make a commercial space tourism business an attractive risk venture. In addition there is much to be learned about how the general public will respond to space flights and what physiological and psychological needs must be met to ensure a pleasurable as well as adventurous experience. Sub-orbital flights offer an incremental approach to develop the market and the infrastructure, demonstrate the safety of space flight, obtain real flight information regarding the needs of general public passengers and demonstrate the profitability of space tourism. This paper will summarize some of the system, operations, and financial aspects of creating a sub-orbital space tourism business as a stepping-stone to public space travel. A sample business case will be reviewed and impacts of markets, operations and vehicle costs and lifetimes will be assessed.

Ovarian Cancer: Deaf and Hearing Women’s Knowledge Before and After an Educational Video

PubMed Central

Jensen, Lindsay G.; Nakaji, Melanie; Harry, Kadie M.; Gallegos, Nick; Malcarne, Vanessa L.; Sadler, Georgia Robins

2013-01-01

Members of the Deaf community report language and cultural barriers to accessing health information and care. This study evaluated whether an ovarian cancer education video in American Sign Language with English captioning and voiceover could close the anticipated knowledge gap between Deaf and hearing women’s cancer knowledge. Consented Deaf (n = 55) and hearing (n = 52) women’s General, Ovarian, and Total Cancer Knowledge were assessed before and after viewing the video. At baseline, hearing women demonstrated significantly higher General, Ovarian, and Total Cancer Knowledge scores than Deaf women. By the post-test, all of Deaf women’s knowledge scores had increased, closing the baseline gap. However, hearing women’s post-video knowledge had also increased, thereby creating a new knowledge gap. The ovarian cancer education video offers an effective method to increase ovarian and general cancer knowledge for Deaf and hearing women. PMID:23975658

Trust information-based privacy architecture for ubiquitous health.

PubMed

Ruotsalainen, Pekka Sakari; Blobel, Bernd; Seppälä, Antto; Nykänen, Pirkko

2013-10-08

Ubiquitous health is defined as a dynamic network of interconnected systems that offers health services independent of time and location to a data subject (DS). The network takes place in open and unsecure information space. It is created and managed by the DS who sets rules that regulate the way personal health information is collected and used. Compared to health care, it is impossible in ubiquitous health to assume the existence of a priori trust between the DS and service providers and to produce privacy using static security services. In ubiquitous health features, business goals and regulations systems followed often remain unknown. Furthermore, health care-specific regulations do not rule the ways health data is processed and shared. To be successful, ubiquitous health requires novel privacy architecture. The goal of this study was to develop a privacy management architecture that helps the DS to create and dynamically manage the network and to maintain information privacy. The architecture should enable the DS to dynamically define service and system-specific rules that regulate the way subject data is processed. The architecture should provide to the DS reliable trust information about systems and assist in the formulation of privacy policies. Furthermore, the architecture should give feedback upon how systems follow the policies of DS and offer protection against privacy and trust threats existing in ubiquitous environments. A sequential method that combines methodologies used in system theory, systems engineering, requirement analysis, and system design was used in the study. In the first phase, principles, trust and privacy models, and viewpoints were selected. Thereafter, functional requirements and services were developed on the basis of a careful analysis of existing research published in journals and conference proceedings. Based on principles, models, and requirements, architectural components and their interconnections were developed using system analysis. The architecture mimics the way humans use trust information in decision making, and enables the DS to design system-specific privacy policies using computational trust information that is based on systems' measured features. The trust attributes that were developed describe the level systems for support awareness and transparency, and how they follow general and domain-specific regulations and laws. The monitoring component of the architecture offers dynamic feedback concerning how the system enforces the polices of DS. The privacy management architecture developed in this study enables the DS to dynamically manage information privacy in ubiquitous health and to define individual policies for all systems considering their trust value and corresponding attributes. The DS can also set policies for secondary use and reuse of health information. The architecture offers protection against privacy threats existing in ubiquitous environments. Although the architecture is targeted to ubiquitous health, it can easily be modified to other ubiquitous applications.

Trust Information-Based Privacy Architecture for Ubiquitous Health

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Ubiquitous health is defined as a dynamic network of interconnected systems that offers health services independent of time and location to a data subject (DS). The network takes place in open and unsecure information space. It is created and managed by the DS who sets rules that regulate the way personal health information is collected and used. Compared to health care, it is impossible in ubiquitous health to assume the existence of a priori trust between the DS and service providers and to produce privacy using static security services. In ubiquitous health features, business goals and regulations systems followed often remain unknown. Furthermore, health care-specific regulations do not rule the ways health data is processed and shared. To be successful, ubiquitous health requires novel privacy architecture. Objective The goal of this study was to develop a privacy management architecture that helps the DS to create and dynamically manage the network and to maintain information privacy. The architecture should enable the DS to dynamically define service and system-specific rules that regulate the way subject data is processed. The architecture should provide to the DS reliable trust information about systems and assist in the formulation of privacy policies. Furthermore, the architecture should give feedback upon how systems follow the policies of DS and offer protection against privacy and trust threats existing in ubiquitous environments. Methods A sequential method that combines methodologies used in system theory, systems engineering, requirement analysis, and system design was used in the study. In the first phase, principles, trust and privacy models, and viewpoints were selected. Thereafter, functional requirements and services were developed on the basis of a careful analysis of existing research published in journals and conference proceedings. Based on principles, models, and requirements, architectural components and their interconnections were developed using system analysis. Results The architecture mimics the way humans use trust information in decision making, and enables the DS to design system-specific privacy policies using computational trust information that is based on systems’ measured features. The trust attributes that were developed describe the level systems for support awareness and transparency, and how they follow general and domain-specific regulations and laws. The monitoring component of the architecture offers dynamic feedback concerning how the system enforces the polices of DS. Conclusions The privacy management architecture developed in this study enables the DS to dynamically manage information privacy in ubiquitous health and to define individual policies for all systems considering their trust value and corresponding attributes. The DS can also set policies for secondary use and reuse of health information. The architecture offers protection against privacy threats existing in ubiquitous environments. Although the architecture is targeted to ubiquitous health, it can easily be modified to other ubiquitous applications. PMID:25099213

Using in vitro models for expression profiling studies on ethanol and drugs of abuse.

PubMed

Thibault, Christelle; Hassan, Sajida; Miles, Michael

2005-03-01

The use of expression profiling with microarrays offers great potential for studying the mechanisms of action of drugs of abuse. Studies with the intact nervous system seem likely to be most relevant to understanding the mechanisms of drug abuse-related behaviours. However, the use of expression profiling with in vitro culture models offers significant advantages for identifying details of cellular signalling actions and toxicity for drugs of abuse. This study discusses general issues of the use of microarrays and cell culture models for studies on drugs of abuse. Specific results from existing studies are also discussed, providing clear examples of relevance for in vitro studies on ethanol, nicotine, opiates, cannabinoids and hallucinogens such as LSD. In addition to providing details on signalling mechanisms relevant to the neurobiology of drugs of abuse, microarray studies on a variety of cell culture systems have also provided important information on mechanisms of cellular/organ toxicity with drugs of abuse. Efforts to integrate genomic studies on drugs of abuse with both in vivo and in vitro models offer the potential for novel mechanistic rigor and physiological relevance.

Analysis of the contents of German magazines for tumor patients.

PubMed

Hübner, Jutta; Münstedt, Karsten; Senf, Bianca; Micke, Oliver

2013-01-01

Cancer patients have high information needs. Besides direct discussion with the physician, media provide important access to information. In the age of the internet, print media are still being used by many patients. In Germany, several magazines for cancer patients are distributed at no cost to cancer institutions for display. The aim of our study was to assess the content of these magazines. In a first step, a search of the literature concerning patient information needs and evaluation of patient information was done. This search revealed important criteria for evaluation. 2 instruments are recognized internationally as appropriate in evaluating and certifying patient information: HONcode and DISCERN. As we did not find an instrument for the evaluation of patient magazines, we combined the central items from both instruments. With this new instrument, we assessed the 2010 issues of all 5 magazines . The Krebsmagazin offers a vast range of different topics in cancer and thus aims at general patient education, irrespective of the level of knowledge. Befund Krebs offers a wider variety of topics in each issue. Understanding the articles requires basic knowledge. The same applies to Leben? Leben! which specifically addresses the topic of breast cancer. All 3 journals provide information in line with evidence-based medicine. K Journal - Mensch & Krebs provides information on conventional as well as alternative treatments, the latter not being evidence-based. Several issues contained both advertisements and articles by providers of alternative therapies. Signal only deals with alternative medicine in cancer care and does not provide scientifically proven data. As our analysis shows, content and evidence vary greatly in the magazines currently distributed in Germany. Physicians should familiarize themselves with the characteristics of the different journals before recommending them. Copyright © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Flexible and adaptive water systems operations through more informed and dynamic decisions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Castelletti, A.; Giuliani, M.

2016-12-01

Timely adapting the operations of water systems to be resilient against rapid changes in both hydroclimatic and socioeconomic forcing is generally recommended as a part of planning and managing water resources under uncertain futures. A great opportunity to make the operations more flexible and adaptive is offered by the unprecedented amount of information that is becoming available to water system operators, providing a wide range of data at increasingly higher temporal and spatial resolution. Yet, many water systems are still operated using very simple information systems, typically based on basic statistical analysis and the operator's experience. In this work, we discuss the potential offered by incorporating improved information to enhance water systems operation and increase their ability of adapting to different external conditions and resolving potential conflicts across sectors. In particular, we focus on the use of different variables associated to different dynamics of the system (slow and fast) diversely impacting the operating objectives on the short-, medium- and long-term. The multi-purpose operations of the Hoa Binh reservoir in the Red River Basin (Vietnam) is used to demonstrate our approach. Numerical results show that our procedure is able to automatically select the most valuable information for improving the Hoa Binh operations and mitigating the conflict between short-term objectives, i.e. hydropower production and flood control. Moreover, we also successfully identify low-frequency climate information associated to El-Nino Southern Oscillation for improving the performance in terms of long-term objectives, i.e. water supply. Finally, we assess the value of better informing operational decisions for adapting the system operations to changing conditions by considering different climate change projections.

Environmental information acquisition and maintenance techniques: reference guide. Final report

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

Riggins, R.E.; Young, V.T.; Goran, W.D.

1980-08-01

This report provides a guide to techniques for collecting, using and maintaining data about each of the 13 environmental technical specialties in the Environmental Impact Computer System (EICS). The technical specialties are: (1) ecology, (2) environmental health, (3) air, (4) surface water, (5) ground water, (6) sociology, (7) economics, (8) earth science, (9) land use, (10) noise, (11) transportation, (12) aesthetics, and (13) energy and resource conservation. Acquisition techniques are classified by the following general categories: (1) secondary data, (2) remote sensing, (3) mathematical modeling, (4) field work, (5) mapping/maps and (6) expert opinion. A matrix identifies the most appropriatemore » techniques for collecting information on the EICS technical specialties. After selecting a method, the user may read an abstract of the report explaining that technique, and may also wish to obtain the original document for detailed information about applying the technique. Finally, this report offers guidelines on storing environmental information for future use, and on presenting that information effectively in environmental documents.« less

Expanding multi-disciplinary approaches to healthcare information technologies: what does information systems offer medical informatics?

PubMed

Chiasson, Mike; Reddy, Madhu; Kaplan, Bonnie; Davidson, Elizabeth

2007-06-01

The effective use of information technology (IT) is a crucial component for the delivery of effective services in health care. Current approaches to medical informatics (MI) research have significantly contributed to the success of IT use in health care but important challenges remain to be addressed. We believe that expanding the multi-disciplinary basis for MI research is important to meeting these research challenges. In this paper, we outline theories and methods used in information systems (IS) research that we believe can inform our understanding of health care IT applications and outcomes. To do so, we discuss some general differences in the focus and methods of MI and IS research to identify broad opportunities. We then review conceptual and methodological approaches in IS that have been applied in health care IT research. These include: technology-use mediation, collaborative work, genre theory, interpretive research, action research, and modeling. Examples of these theories and methods in healthcare IS research are illustrated.

Information and Decision Superiority: Right Concept, Right Tools, Right Training

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-01-01

individual services, and numerous defense contractors have spoken of " information dominance " and "information superiority." Both, particularly the former...technologies will offer an unimaginable level of information to decision makers and operators. Ideas of information dominance , however, are fundamentally...other futuristic sensors will offer an unimaginable level of information to decision makers and operators. Ideas of information dominance , however

AIDS and medical confidentiality.

PubMed

Gillon, R

1987-06-27

In summary, I have argued that the arguments offered or hinted at in favour of doctors' breaking medical confidentiality by passing on information about their patients' HIV state to others, including other doctors, when this is against the patient's considered wishes are generally unconvincing. Although in highly exceptional cases there may be justifications for overriding confidentiality, the requirement of medical confidentiality is a very strong, though not absolute, obligation. Patients, their contacts, doctors and their staff, and the common good are most likely to be best served if that tradition continues to be honoured.

Solid Lipid Nanoparticles as Efficient Drug and Gene Delivery Systems: Recent Breakthroughs

PubMed Central

Ezzati Nazhad Dolatabadi, Jafar; Valizadeh, Hadi; Hamishehkar, Hamed

2015-01-01

In recent years, nanomaterials have been widely applied as advanced drug and gene delivery nanosystems. Among them, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) have attracted great attention as colloidal drug delivery systems for incorporating hydrophilic or lipophilic drugs and various macromolecules as well as proteins and nucleic acids. Therefore, SLNs offer great promise for controlled and site specific drug and gene delivery. This article includes general information about SLN structures and properties, production procedures, characterization. In addition, recent progress on development of drug and gene delivery systems using SLNs was reviewed. PMID:26236652

Ethics of birth at the limits of viability: the risky business of prediction.

PubMed

Shinwell, Eric S

2015-01-01

Infants born at the limits of viability present neonatologists in particular and society in general with difficult challenges. Ethical and legal considerations establish a framework for action, although this varies between countries, departments and individuals and shows dynamic changes over time. This brief review includes a vignette telling a familiar story. In this case, the parents ask searching questions and the caring, knowledgeable neonatologist uses up-to-date information to offer empathic and thoughtful guidance - a challenge for all. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel.

75 FR 41639 - Availability of Grant Funds for Fiscal Year 2011

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-16

...The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration publishes this notice to provide the general public with a consolidated source of program and application information related to its competitive grant and cooperative agreement award offerings for fiscal year (FY) 2011. This Omnibus notice is designed to replace the multiple Federal Register notices that traditionally advertised the availability of NOAA's discretionary funds for its various programs. It should be noted that additional program initiatives may be announced through subsequent Federal Register notices. All announcements will also be available through the Grants.gov Web site.

KSC-03PD-0514

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2003-01-01

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At NASA's Family & Community Mars Exploration Day held in Cape Canaveral, Fla., students look at a remote-controlled model of the Mars Exploration Rover. The event informed students and the general public about Florida's key role as NASA's 'Gateway to Mars' and offered an opportunity to meet with scientists, engineers, educators and others working Mars exploration missions. The Mars Exploration Rovers are being prepared for launch this spring aboard Boeing Delta II rockets from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. They will land on Mars and start exploring in January 2004.

KSC-03pd0514

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-02-19

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At NASA's Family & Community Mars Exploration Day held in Cape Canaveral, Fla., students look at a remote-controlled model of the Mars Exploration Rover. The event informed students and the general public about Florida's key role as NASA's "Gateway to Mars" and offered an opportunity to meet with scientists, engineers, educators and others working Mars exploration missions. The Mars Exploration Rovers are being prepared for launch this spring aboard Boeing Delta II rockets from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. They will land on Mars and start exploring in January 2004.

The state-of-the-art of dc power distribution systems/components for space applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Krauthamer, S.

1988-01-01

This report is a survey of the state of the art of high voltage dc systems and components. This information can be used for consideration of an alternative secondary distribution (120 Vdc) system for the Space Station. All HVdc components have been prototyped or developed for terrestrial, aircraft, and spacecraft applications, and are applicable for general space application with appropriate modification and qualification. HVdc systems offer a safe, reliable, low mass, high efficiency and low EMI alternative for Space Station secondary distribution.

Wind Tunnel Wall Interference Assessment and Correction, 1983

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Newman, P. A. (Editor); Barnwell, R. W. (Editor)

1984-01-01

Technical information focused upon emerging wall interference assessment/correction (WIAC) techniques applicable to transonic wind tunnels with conventional and passively or partially adapted walls is given. The possibility of improving the assessment and correction of data taken in conventional transonic wind tunnels by utilizing simultaneously obtained flow field data (generally taken near the walls) appears to offer a larger, nearer-term payoff than the fully adaptive wall concept. Development of WIAC procedures continues, and aspects related to validating the concept need to be addressed. Thus, the scope of wall interference topics discussed was somewhat limited.

[Primary Prevention in General Medical Practice: A Survey].

PubMed

Holmberg, C; Muckelbauer, R; Sarganas, G; Braun, V; Heintze, C; Dini, L; Müller-Nordhorn, J

2016-09-16

Aim of the study: According to the German social insurance code §20 Sec. 1, statutory health insurance companies can reimburse up to 80% of costs incurred by primary prevention programs in physical activity, nutrition, stress management and drug consumption. Whether and how many general practitioners (GPs) provide their patients with information on such programs as part of their own practice is unknown. In this study, we investigate to which primary prevention programs primary care physicians refer their patients and whether they take into account reimbursability of programs. Methods: Between November 2010 and February 2011, all GPs with a practice in Berlin (n=1 168) received a questionnaire that assessed if patients were referred to prevention programs and the type of programs they were referred to, if they ensured they are reimbursable and if they themselves offered prevention programs. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression was used for analysis. Results: Of 474 respondents (response rate: 41%), 67% were female. Of the respondents, 22% offered reimbursable prevention programs and 42% at out-of-pocket expense. Patients were referred to reimbursable programs by 63%. GPs younger than 50 were twice as likely to offer reimbursable programs in their practice compared to those older than 50 (OR=1.7; 95% KI 1.1-2,8; p-value 0.025). Conclusion: A successful implementation of the new German prevention law needs awareness among GPs about reimbursable prevention programs, which may be lacking in some groups. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Protecting the privacy of individual general practice patient electronic records for geospatial epidemiology research.

PubMed

Mazumdar, Soumya; Konings, Paul; Hewett, Michael; Bagheri, Nasser; McRae, Ian; Del Fante, Peter

2014-12-01

General practitioner (GP) practices in Australia are increasingly storing patient information in electronic databases. These practice databases can be accessed by clinical audit software to generate reports that inform clinical or population health decision making and public health surveillance. Many audit software applications also have the capacity to generate de-identified patient unit record data. However, the de-identified nature of the extracted data means that these records often lack geographic information. Without spatial references, it is impossible to build maps reflecting the spatial distribution of patients with particular conditions and needs. Links to socioeconomic, demographic, environmental or other geographically based information are also not possible. In some cases, relatively coarse geographies such as postcode are available, but these are of limited use and researchers cannot undertake precision spatial analyses such as calculating travel times. We describe a method that allows researchers to implement meaningful mapping and spatial epidemiological analyses of practice level patient data while preserving privacy. This solution has been piloted in a diabetes risk research project in the patient population of a practice in Adelaide. The method offers researchers a powerful means of analysing geographic clinic data in a privacy-protected manner. © 2014 Public Health Association of Australia.

Survey of Emergency and Essential Surgical, Obstetric and Anaesthetic Services Available in Bangladeshi Government Health Facilities.

PubMed

Loveday, Jonathan; Sachdev, Sonal P; Cherian, Meena N; Katayama, Francisco; Akhtaruzzaman, A K M; Thomas, Joe; Huda, N; Faragher, E Brian; Johnson, Walter D

2017-07-01

Evaluate the capacity of government-run hospitals in Bangladesh to provide emergency and essential surgical, obstetric and anaesthetic services. Cross-sectional survey of 240 Bangladeshi Government healthcare facilities using the World Health Organisation Situational Analysis Tool to Assess Emergency and Essential Surgical Care (SAT). This tool evaluates the ability of a healthcare facility to provide basic surgical, obstetric and anaesthetic care based on 108 queries that detail the infrastructure and population demographics, human resources, surgical interventions and reason for referral, and available surgical equipment and supplies. For this survey, the Bangladeshi Ministry of Health sent the SAT to sub-district, district/general and teaching hospitals throughout the country in April 2013. Responses were received from 240 healthcare facilities (49.5% response rate): 218 sub-district and 22 district/general hospitals. At the sub-district level, caesarean section was offered by 55% of facilities, laparotomy by 7% and open fracture repair by 8%. At the district/general hospital level, 95% offered caesarean section, 86% offered laparotomy and 77% offered open fracture treatment. Availability of anaesthesia services, general equipment and supplies reflected this trend, where district/general hospitals were better equipped than sub-district hospitals, though equipment and infrastructure shortages persist. There has been overall impressive progress by the Bangladeshi Government in providing essential surgical services. Areas for improvement remain across all key areas, including infrastructure, human resources, surgical interventions offered and available equipment. Investment in surgical services offers a cost-effective opportunity to continue to improve the health of the Bangladeshi population and move the country towards universal healthcare coverage.

An Analysis of Context-Aware Data Models for Smart Cities: Towards Fiware and Etsi Cim Emerging Data Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jara, A. J.; Bocchi, Y.; Fernandez, D.; Molina, G.; Gomez, A.

2017-09-01

Smart Cities requires the support of context-aware and enriched semantic descriptions to support a scalable and cross-domain development of smart applications. For example, nowadays general purpose sensors such as crowd monitoring (counting people in an area), environmental information (pollution, air quality, temperature, humidity, noise) etc. can be used in multiple solutions with different objectives. For that reason, a data model that offers advanced capabilities for the description of context is required. This paper presents an overview of the available technologies for this purpose and how it is being addressed by the Open and Agile Smart Cities principles and FIWARE platform through the data models defined by the ETSI ISG Context Information Management (ETSI CIM).

Settlement patterns, GIS, remote sensing, and the late prehistory of the Black Prairie in east central Mississippi

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, Jay K.

1991-01-01

Data recovered as the result of a recent field project designed to test a model of the distribution of protohistoric settlement in an unusual physiographic zone in eastern Mississippi are examined using GIS based techniques to manipulate soil and stream distance information. Significant patterning is derived. The generally thin soils and uniform substratum of the Black Prairie in combination with a distinctive settlement pattern offer a promising opportunity for the search for site specific characteristics within airborne imagery. Landsat TM data provide information on modern ground cover which is used as a mask to select areas in which a multivariate search for archaeological site signatures within a TIMS image is most likely to prove fruitful.

Cancer-related direct-to-consumer advertising: a critical review.

PubMed

Kontos, Emily Z; Viswanath, K

2011-02-01

The direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) phenomenon has received attention because of its attempt to reach out to consumers by bypassing important gatekeepers such as physicians. The emergence of new information platforms and the introduction of genetic tests directly to the consumer have heightened the concern with DTCA and its potential consequences. These effects of DTCA are particularly important given the communication inequalities among social groups, with class, race and ethnicity influencing how people access, seek, process and act on information. This Science and Society article reviews the major issues regarding general and cancer-related DTCA and also offers data from a national survey in the United States as an example of the communication inequalities in genetic testing awareness.

Information on 'Overdiagnosis' in Breast Cancer Screening on Prominent United Kingdom- and Australia-Oriented Health Websites.

PubMed

Ghanouni, Alex; Meisel, Susanne F; Hersch, Jolyn; Waller, Jo; Wardle, Jane; Renzi, Cristina

2016-01-01

Health-related websites are an important source of information for the public. Increasing public awareness of overdiagnosis and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in breast cancer screening may facilitate more informed decision-making. This study assessed the extent to which such information was included on prominent health websites oriented towards the general public, and evaluated how it was explained. Cross-sectional study. Websites identified through Google searches in England (United Kingdom) and New South Wales (Australia) for "breast cancer screening" and further websites included based on our prior knowledge of relevant organisations. Content analysis was used to determine whether information on overdiagnosis or DCIS existed on each site, how the concepts were described, and what statistics were used to quantify overdiagnosis. After exclusions, ten UK websites and eight Australian websites were considered relevant and evaluated. They originated from charities, health service providers, government agencies, and an independent health organisation. Most contained some information on overdiagnosis (and/or DCIS). Descriptive information was similar across websites. Among UK websites, statistical information was often based on estimates from the Independent UK Panel on Breast Cancer Screening; the most commonly provided statistic was the ratio of breast cancer deaths prevented to overdiagnosed cases (1:3). A range of other statistics was included, such as the yearly number of overdiagnosed cases and the proportion of women screened who would be overdiagnosed. Information on DCIS and statistical information was less common on the Australian websites. Online information about overdiagnosis has become more widely available in 2015-16 compared with the limited accessibility indicated by older research. However, there may be scope to offer more information on DCIS and overdiagnosis statistics on Australian websites. Moreover, the variability in how estimates are presented across UK websites may be confusing for the general public.

Applying a sociolinguistic model to the analysis of informed consent documents.

PubMed

Granero-Molina, José; Fernández-Sola, Cayetano; Aguilera-Manrique, Gabriel

2009-11-01

Information on the risks and benefits related to surgical procedures is essential for patients in order to obtain their informed consent. Some disciplines, such as sociolinguistics, offer insights that are helpful for patient-professional communication in both written and oral consent. Communication difficulties become more acute when patients make decisions through an informed consent document because they may sign this with a lack of understanding and information, and consequently feel deprived of their freedom to make their choice about different treatments or surgery. This article discusses findings from documentary analysis using the sociolinguistic SPEAKING model, which was applied to the general and specific informed consent documents required for laparoscopic surgery of the bile duct at Torrecárdenas Hospital, Almería, Spain. The objective of this procedure was to identify flaws when information was provided, together with its readability, its voluntary basis, and patients' consent. The results suggest potential linguistic communication difficulties, different languages being used, cultural clashes, asymmetry of communication between professionals and patients, assignment of rights on the part of patients, and overprotection of professionals and institutions.

Parents' interest in whole-genome sequencing of newborns.

PubMed

Goldenberg, Aaron J; Dodson, Daniel S; Davis, Matthew M; Tarini, Beth A

2014-01-01

The aim of this study was to assess parents' interest in whole-genome sequencing for newborns. We conducted a survey of a nationally representative sample of 1,539 parents about their interest in whole-genome sequencing of newborns. Participants were randomly presented with one of two scenarios that differed in the venue of testing: one offered whole-genome sequencing through a state newborn screening program, whereas the other offered whole-genome sequencing in a pediatrician's office. Overall interest in having future newborns undergo whole-genome sequencing was generally high among parents. If whole-genome sequencing were offered through a state's newborn-screening program, 74% of parents were either definitely or somewhat interested in utilizing this technology. If offered in a pediatrician's office, 70% of parents were either definitely or somewhat interested. Parents in both groups most frequently identified test accuracy and the ability to prevent a child from developing a disease as "very important" in making a decision to have a newborn's whole genome sequenced. These data may help health departments and children's health-care providers anticipate parents' level of interest in genomic screening for newborns. As whole-genome sequencing is integrated into clinical and public health services, these findings may inform the development of educational strategies and outreach messages for parents.

DB4US: A Decision Support System for Laboratory Information Management.

PubMed

Carmona-Cejudo, José M; Hortas, Maria Luisa; Baena-García, Manuel; Lana-Linati, Jorge; González, Carlos; Redondo, Maximino; Morales-Bueno, Rafael

2012-11-14

Until recently, laboratory automation has focused primarily on improving hardware. Future advances are concentrated on intelligent software since laboratories performing clinical diagnostic testing require improved information systems to address their data processing needs. In this paper, we propose DB4US, an application that automates information related to laboratory quality indicators information. Currently, there is a lack of ready-to-use management quality measures. This application addresses this deficiency through the extraction, consolidation, statistical analysis, and visualization of data related to the use of demographics, reagents, and turn-around times. The design and implementation issues, as well as the technologies used for the implementation of this system, are discussed in this paper. To develop a general methodology that integrates the computation of ready-to-use management quality measures and a dashboard to easily analyze the overall performance of a laboratory, as well as automatically detect anomalies or errors. The novelty of our approach lies in the application of integrated web-based dashboards as an information management system in hospital laboratories. We propose a new methodology for laboratory information management based on the extraction, consolidation, statistical analysis, and visualization of data related to demographics, reagents, and turn-around times, offering a dashboard-like user web interface to the laboratory manager. The methodology comprises a unified data warehouse that stores and consolidates multidimensional data from different data sources. The methodology is illustrated through the implementation and validation of DB4US, a novel web application based on this methodology that constructs an interface to obtain ready-to-use indicators, and offers the possibility to drill down from high-level metrics to more detailed summaries. The offered indicators are calculated beforehand so that they are ready to use when the user needs them. The design is based on a set of different parallel processes to precalculate indicators. The application displays information related to tests, requests, samples, and turn-around times. The dashboard is designed to show the set of indicators on a single screen. DB4US was deployed for the first time in the Hospital Costa del Sol in 2008. In our evaluation we show the positive impact of this methodology for laboratory professionals, since the use of our application has reduced the time needed for the elaboration of the different statistical indicators and has also provided information that has been used to optimize the usage of laboratory resources by the discovery of anomalies in the indicators. DB4US users benefit from Internet-based communication of results, since this information is available from any computer without having to install any additional software. The proposed methodology and the accompanying web application, DB4US, automates the processing of information related to laboratory quality indicators and offers a novel approach for managing laboratory-related information, benefiting from an Internet-based communication mechanism. The application of this methodology has been shown to improve the usage of time, as well as other laboratory resources.

Is Western Australia's rural surgical workforce going to sustain the future? A quantitative and qualitative analysis.

PubMed

Shanmugakumar, Sharanyaa; Playford, Denese; Burkitt, Tessa; Tennant, Marc; Bowles, Tom

2017-03-01

Objective Despite public interest in the rural workforce, there are few published data on the geographical distribution of Australia's rural surgeons, their practice skill set, career stage or work-life balance (on-call burden). Similarly, there has not been a peer-reviewed skills audit of rural training opportunities for surgical trainees. The present study undertook this baseline assessment for Western Australia (WA), which has some of the most remote practice areas in Australia. Methods Hospital staff from all WA Country Health Service hospitals with surgical service (20 of 89 rural health services) were contacted by telephone. A total of 18 of 20 provided complete data. The study questionnaire explored hospital and practice locations of practicing rural surgeons, on-call rosters, career stage, practice skill set and the availability of surgical training positions. Data were tabulated in excel and geographic information system geocoded. Descriptive statistics were calculated in Excel. Results Of the seven health regions for rural Western Australia, two (28.6%) were served by resident surgeons at a ratio consistent with Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) guidelines. General surgery was offered in 16 (89%) hospitals. In total, 16 (89%) hospitals were served by fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) surgical services. Two hospitals with resident surgeons did not use FIFO services, but all hospitals without resident surgeons were served by FIFO surgical specialists. The majority of resident surgeons (62.5%) and FIFO surgeons (43.2%) were perceived to be mid-career by hospital staff members. Three hospitals (16.7%) offered all eight of the identified surgical skill sets, but 16 (89%) offered general surgery. Conclusions Relatively few resident rural surgeons are servicing large areas of WA, assisted by the widespread provision of FIFO surgical services. The present audit demonstrates strength in general surgical skills throughout regional WA, and augers well for the training of general surgeons. What is known about the topic? A paper published in 1998 suggested that Australia's rural surgeons were soon to reach retirement age. However, there have been no published peer-reviewed papers on Australia's surgical workforce since then. More recent workforce statistics released from the RACS suggest that the rural workforce is in crisis. What does this paper add? This paper provides up-to-date whole-of-state information for WA, showing where surgical services are being provided and by whom, giving a precise geographical spread of the workforce. It shows the skill set and on-call rosters of these practitioners. What are the implications for practitioners? The present study provides geographical workforce data, which is important to health planners, the general public and surgeons considering where to practice. In particular, these data are relevant to trainees considering their rural training options.

Leadership training in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education in Bulgaria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bairaktarova, Diana; Cox, Monica F.; Evangelou, Demetra

2011-12-01

This synthesis paper explores current leadership training in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in Bulgaria. The analysis begins with discussion of global factors influencing the implementation of leadership training in STEM education in general and then presents information about the current status of leadership training in Bulgaria with emphases on the country's economics, politics and geographical location as specific factors influencing leadership education. A short background of Bulgaria is presented with regard to population, gross domestic product, educational system, engineering force and possible need for leaders in industry in Bulgaria and the European Union. The paper provides an overall view about the current status of leadership training in all Bulgarian universities offering STEM education and concentrates specifically on two major universities by examining their currently offered programmes. As part of the discussion, similar training elements in other European countries and the USA are presented.

LNTgate: How scientific misconduct by the U.S. NAS led to governments adopting LNT for cancer risk assessment

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

Calabrese, Edward J., E-mail: edwardc@schoolph.umass.edu

This paper provides a detailed rebuttal to the letter of Beyea (2016) which offered a series of alternative interpretations to those offered in my article in Environmental Research (Calabrese, 2015a) concerning the role of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences (NAS) Biological Effects of Atomic Radiation (BEAR) I Committee Genetics Panel in the adoption of the linear dose response model for cancer risk assessment. Significant newly uncovered evidence is presented which supports and extends the findings of Calabrese (2015a), reaffirming the conclusion that the Genetics Panel should be evaluated for scientific misconduct for deliberate misrepresentation of the research record inmore » order to enhance an ideological agenda. This critique documents numerous factual errors along with extensive and deliberate filtering of information in the Beyea letter (2016) that leads to consistently incorrect conclusions and an invalid general perspective.« less

A review of forensic science higher education programs in the United States: bachelor's and master's degrees.

PubMed

Tregar, Kristen L; Proni, Gloria

2010-11-01

As the number of forensic science programs offered at higher education institutions rises, and more students express an interest in them, it is important to gain information regarding the offerings in terms of courses, equipment available to students, degree requirements, and other important aspects of the programs. A survey was conducted examining the existing bachelor's and master's forensic science programs in the U.S. Of the responding institutions, relatively few were, at the time of the survey, accredited by the forensic science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC). In general, the standards of the responding programs vary considerably primarily in terms of their size and subjects coverage. While it is clear that the standards for the forensic science programs investigated are not homogeneous, the majority of the programs provide a strong science curriculum, faculties with advanced degrees, and interesting forensic-oriented courses. © 2010 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

Massage Therapy in Outpatient Cancer Care: A Metropolitan Area Analysis

PubMed Central

Miccio, Robin Streit; Parikh, Bijal

2017-01-01

Massage offers cancer patients general quality of life benefits as well as alleviation of cancer-related symptoms/cancer-treatment–related symptoms including pain, anxiety, and fatigue. Little is known about whether massage is accessible to cancer patients who receive treatment in the outpatient setting and how massage is incorporated into the overall cancer treatment plan. Outpatient cancer centers (n = 78) in a single metropolitan area were included this mixed-methods project that included a systematic analysis of website information and a telephone survey. Massage was offered at only 40 centers (51.3% of total). A range of massage modalities were represented, with energy-based therapies (Reiki and Therapeutic Touch) most frequently provided. Although massage therapists are licensed health care providers in the states included in this analysis, massage was also provided by nurses, physical therapists, and other health care professionals. PMID:28845677

eHealth literacy, Internet and eHealth service usage: a survey among cancer patients and their relatives.

PubMed

Halwas, Nikolaus; Griebel, Lena; Huebner, Jutta

2017-11-01

The aim of our study was to investigate Internet and eHealth usage, with respect to eHealth literacy, by cancer patients and their relatives. Using a standardized questionnaire we asked patients who attended lectures on complementary medicine in 2016. We received 142 questionnaires. The frequency of general Internet usage was directly associated with younger age and better Internet connection. Younger participants were not only more confident in allocating health-related Internet information into reliable or unreliable facts, but also more confident and capable of gaining medical knowledge through eHealth services. A regular use of eHealth services facilitated the decision-making process. Reading ability was associated with a better understanding regarding eHealth offers. In a modern health care system, emphasis should be on skills contributing to eHealth literacy among patients to improve their ability to profit from eHealth offers and improve health care.

Short Review on Quantum Key Distribution Protocols.

PubMed

Giampouris, Dimitris

2017-01-01

Cryptographic protocols and mechanisms are widely investigated under the notion of quantum computing. Quantum cryptography offers particular advantages over classical ones, whereas in some cases established protocols have to be revisited in order to maintain their functionality. The purpose of this paper is to provide the basic definitions and review the most important theoretical advancements concerning the BB84 and E91 protocols. It also aims to offer a summary on some key developments on the field of quantum key distribution, closely related with the two aforementioned protocols. The main goal of this study is to provide the necessary background information along with a thorough review on the theoretical aspects of QKD, concentrating on specific protocols. The BB84 and E91 protocols have been chosen because most other protocols are similar to these, a fact that makes them important for the general understanding of how the QKD mechanism functions.

Internet Business Resources.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cronin, Mary J.

1993-01-01

Review of major information providers on the Internet that offer business resources focuses on U.S. government, United Nations, and European Community information and suggests sources for keeping current with new information offerings. Electronic bulletin boards, LC MARVEL, university Gophers, and TECnet are described; and access and subscription…

Exposure to, and searching for, information about suicide and self-harm on the Internet: Prevalence and predictors in a population based cohort of young adults

PubMed Central

Mars, Becky; Heron, Jon; Biddle, Lucy; Donovan, Jenny L.; Holley, Rachel; Piper, Martyn; Potokar, John; Wyllie, Clare; Gunnell, David

2015-01-01

Background There is concern over the potential impact of the Internet on self-harm and suicidal behaviour, particularly in young people. However, little is known about the prevalence and patterns of suicide/self-harm related Internet use in the general population. Methods Cross sectional study of 3946 of the 8525 participants in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) who were sent a self-report questionnaire including questions on suicide/self-harm related Internet use and self-harm history at age 21 years. Results Suicide/self-harm related Internet use was reported by 22.5% (886/3946) of participants; 11.9% (470/3946) had come across sites/chatrooms discussing self-harm or suicide, 8.2% (323/3946) had searched for information about self-harm, 7.5% (296/3946) had searched for information about suicide and 9.1% (357/3946) had used the Internet to discuss self-harm or suicidal feelings. Suicide/self-harm related Internet use was particularly prevalent amongst those who had harmed with suicidal intent (70%, 174/248), and was strongly associated with the presence of suicidal thoughts, suicidal plans, and history of self-harm. Sites offering help, advice, or support were accessed by a larger proportion of the sample (8.2%, 323/3946) than sites offering information on how to hurt or kill yourself (3.1%, 123/3946). Most individuals (81%) who had accessed these potentially harmful sites had also accessed help sites. Limitations (i) There were differences between questionnaire responders and non-responders which could lead to selection bias and (ii) the data were cross-sectional, and we cannot conclude that associations are causal. Conclusions Suicide/self-harm related Internet use is common amongst young adults, particularly amongst those with suicidal thoughts and behaviour. Both harmful and helpful sites were accessed, highlighting that the Internet presents potential risks but also offers opportunities for suicide prevention. PMID:26150198

De la Educacion Liberadora: La Educacion en General y la Universidad en Particular (Concerning Liberalizing Education: Education in General and the University in Particular).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fiori, Ernani Maria

This paper offers some theoretical proposals for a radical re-thinking of educational theory. Rather than offering concrete methods for reform, it seeks to point out the general direction for change if education is to strive toward the liberation of man. The relationship of man to history, culture, and knowledge is considered, as is the role of…

The Role of Session Zero in Successful Completion of Chronic Disease Self-Management Program Workshops

PubMed Central

Jiang, Luohua; Smith, Matthew Lee; Chen, Shuai; Ahn, SangNam; Kulinski, Kristie P.; Lorig, Kate; Ory, Marcia G.

2015-01-01

Background: The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) has been widely disseminated among various racial and ethnic populations. In addition to the six required CDSMP workshop sessions, the delivery sites have the option to offer a Session Zero (or zero class), an information session offered prior to Session One as a marketing tool. Despite assumptions that a zero class is helpful, little is known about the prevalence of these additional sessions or their impact on retaining participants in CDSMP workshops. This study aims to describe the proportion of CDSMP workshops that offered Session Zero and examine the association between Session Zero and workshop completion rates. Methods: Data were analyzed from 80,987 middle-aged and older adults collected during a two-year national dissemination of CDSMP. Generalized estimating equation regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between Session Zero and successful workshop completion (attending four or more of the six workshop sessions). Results: On average, 21.04% of the participants attended workshops that offered Session Zero, and 75.33% successfully completed the CDSMP workshop. The participants of the workshops that offered Session Zero had significantly higher odds of completing CDSMP workshops than those who were not offered Session Zero (OR = 1.099, P = <0.001) after controlling for participants’ demographic characteristics, race, ethnicity, living status, household income, number of chronic conditions, and workshop delivery type. Conclusion: As one of the first studies reporting the importance of an orientation session for participant retention in chronic disease management intervention projects, our findings suggest offering an orientation session may increase participant retention in similar translational efforts. PMID:25964918

The Basic Principles and Methods of the System Approach to Compression of Telemetry Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Levenets, A. V.

2018-01-01

The task of data compressing of measurement data is still urgent for information-measurement systems. In paper the basic principles necessary for designing of highly effective systems of compression of telemetric information are offered. A basis of the offered principles is representation of a telemetric frame as whole information space where we can find of existing correlation. The methods of data transformation and compressing algorithms realizing the offered principles are described. The compression ratio for offered compression algorithm is about 1.8 times higher, than for a classic algorithm. Thus, results of a research of methods and algorithms showing their good perspectives.

Contemporary Research on Parenting: Conceptual, Methodological, and Translational Issues

PubMed Central

Sleddens, Ester F. C.; Berge, Jerica; Connell, Lauren; Govig, Bert; Hennessy, Erin; Liggett, Leanne; Mallan, Kimberley; Santa Maria, Diane; Odoms-Young, Angela; St. George, Sara M.

2013-01-01

Abstract Researchers over the last decade have documented the association between general parenting style and numerous factors related to childhood obesity (e.g., children's eating behaviors, physical activity, and weight status). Many recent childhood obesity prevention programs are family focused and designed to modify parenting behaviors thought to contribute to childhood obesity risk. This article presents a brief consideration of conceptual, methodological, and translational issues that can inform future research on the role of parenting in childhood obesity. They include: (1) General versus domain specific parenting styles and practices; (2) the role of ethnicity and culture; (3) assessing bidirectional influences; (4) broadening assessments beyond the immediate family; (5) novel approaches to parenting measurement; and (6) designing effective interventions. Numerous directions for future research are offered. PMID:23944927

Introduction into the Virtual Olympic Games Framework for online communities.

PubMed

Stoilescu, Dorian

2009-06-01

This paper presents the design of the Virtual Olympic Games Framework (VOGF), a computer application designated for athletics, health care, general well-being, nutrition and fitness, which offers multiple benefits for its participants. A special interest in starting the design of the framework was in exploring how people can connect and participate together using existing computer technologies (i.e. gaming consoles, exercise equipment with computer interfaces, devices of measuring health, speed, force and distance and Web 2.0 applications). A stationary bike set-up offering information to users about their individual health and athletic performances has been considered as a starting model. While this model is in the design stage, some preliminary findings are encouraging, suggesting the potential for various fields: sports, medicine, theories of learning, technologies and cybercultural studies. First, this framework would allow participants to perform a variety of sports and improve their health. Second, this would involve creating an online environment able to store health information and sport performances correlated with accessing multi-media data and research about performing sports. Third, participants could share experiences with other athletes, coaches and researchers. Fourth, this framework also provides support for the research community in their future investigations.

17 CFR 230.165 - Offers made in connection with a business combination transaction.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 17 Commodity and Securities Exchanges 2 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Offers made in connection with a business combination transaction. 230.165 Section 230.165 Commodity and Securities Exchanges SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS, SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 General § 230.165...

Managing medical and insurance information through a smart-card-based information system.

PubMed

Lambrinoudakis, C; Gritzalis, S

2000-08-01

The continuously increased mobility of patients and doctors, in conjunction with the existence of medical groups consisting of private doctors, general practitioners, hospitals, medical centers, and insurance companies, pose significant difficulties on the management of patients' medical data. Inevitably this affects the quality of the health care services provided. The evolving smart card technology can be utilized for the implementation of a secure portable electronic medical record, carried by the patient herself/himself. In addition to the medical data, insurance information can be stored in the smart card thus facilitating the creation of an "intelligent system" supporting the efficient management of patient's data. In this paper we present the main architectural and functional characteristics of such a system. We also highlight how the security features offered by smart cards can be exploited in order to ensure confidentiality and integrity of the medical data stored in the patient cards.

Augmented Reality in Scientific Publications-Taking the Visualization of 3D Structures to the Next Level.

PubMed

Wolle, Patrik; Müller, Matthias P; Rauh, Daniel

2018-03-16

The examination of three-dimensional structural models in scientific publications allows the reader to validate or invalidate conclusions drawn by the authors. However, either due to a (temporary) lack of access to proper visualization software or a lack of proficiency, this information is not necessarily available to every reader. As the digital revolution is quickly progressing, technologies have become widely available that overcome the limitations and offer to all the opportunity to appreciate models not only in 2D, but also in 3D. Additionally, mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets allow access to this information almost anywhere, at any time. Since access to such information has only recently become standard practice, we want to outline straightforward ways to incorporate 3D models in augmented reality into scientific publications, books, posters, and presentations and suggest that this should become general practice.

A Global Geographic Information System Data Base of Storm Occurrences and Other Climatic Phenomena Affecting Coastal Zones (1991) (NDP-035)

DOE Data Explorer

Birdwell, Kevub R. [Murray State University, Kentucky; Daniels, Richard C.

2012-01-01

This NDP is unique in that it represents CDIAC's first offering of ARC/INFOTM export data files and equivalent flat ASCII data files that may be used by raster or vector geographic information systems (GISs). The data set contains 61 variables, including information on tropical storms, hurricanes, super typhoons, extratropical cyclogeneses, polar lows, cyclonicity, influence of winds in monsoon regions, and sea-ice concentrations. Increased availability of source data has made it possible to extend the area of these data variables to regional or global coverages. All data variables except five are referenced to 1° × 1° or 5° × 5° grid cells of latitude and longitude. These data help meet the demand for new and improved climatologies of storm events and may be used in climate research studies, including the verification of general circulation models and the calculation of storm-recurrence intervals.

Tobacco-prevention messages online: social marketing via the Web.

PubMed

Lin, Carolyn A; Hullman, Gwen A

2005-01-01

Antitobacco groups have joined millions of other commercial or noncommercial entities in developing a presence on the Web. These groups primarily represent the following different sponsorship categories: grassroots, medical, government, and corporate. To obtain a better understanding of the strengths and weaknesses in the message design of antitobacco Web sites, this project analyzed 100 antitobacco Web sites ranging across these four sponsorship categories. The results show that the tobacco industry sites posted just enough antismoking information to appease the antismoking publics. Medical organizations designed their Web sites as specialty sites and offered mostly scientific information. While the government sites resembled a clearinghouse for antitobacco related information, the grassroots sites represented the true advocacy outlets. In general, the industry sites provided the weakest persuasive messages and medical sites fared only slightly better. Government and grassroots sites rated most highly in presenting their antitobacco campaign messages on the Web.

Promotion of family planning services in practice leaflets.

PubMed

Marshall, M N; Gray, D J; Pearson, V; Phillips, D R; Owen, M

1994-10-08

Providing 75% of family planning services in the United Kingdom, general practitioners are required to produce leaflets which describe the contraceptive services they provide. The authors analyzed information about family planning provided to clients through practice leaflets. 88% of practice leaflets from the 198 practices in Devon were available from the Devon Family Health Services Authority for analysis. It was determined that the leaflets are not being best used to advertise the range and potential of family planning services. Although all practices in Devon offer contraceptive services, only 90% of leaflets mentioned that the services are available. Reference to postcoital contraception and information about services outside the practice for people who might not want to see their family doctor are also sorely lacking. A clear need exists to provide patients with more information. Finally, the authors found that group practices and those with female partners are most likely to give high priority to family planning issues in their leaflets.

Deterministic realization of collective measurements via photonic quantum walks.

PubMed

Hou, Zhibo; Tang, Jun-Feng; Shang, Jiangwei; Zhu, Huangjun; Li, Jian; Yuan, Yuan; Wu, Kang-Da; Xiang, Guo-Yong; Li, Chuan-Feng; Guo, Guang-Can

2018-04-12

Collective measurements on identically prepared quantum systems can extract more information than local measurements, thereby enhancing information-processing efficiency. Although this nonclassical phenomenon has been known for two decades, it has remained a challenging task to demonstrate the advantage of collective measurements in experiments. Here, we introduce a general recipe for performing deterministic collective measurements on two identically prepared qubits based on quantum walks. Using photonic quantum walks, we realize experimentally an optimized collective measurement with fidelity 0.9946 without post selection. As an application, we achieve the highest tomographic efficiency in qubit state tomography to date. Our work offers an effective recipe for beating the precision limit of local measurements in quantum state tomography and metrology. In addition, our study opens an avenue for harvesting the power of collective measurements in quantum information-processing and for exploring the intriguing physics behind this power.

Addressing the Challenges of a Quarter Century of Giscience Education: A Flexible Higher Education Curriculum Framework

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Veenendaal, B.

2014-04-01

A wide range of geographic information science (GIScience) educational programs currently exist, the oldest now over 25 years. Offerings vary from those specifically focussed on geographic information science, to those that utilise geographic information systems in various applications and disciplines. Over the past two decades, there have been a number of initiatives to design curricula for GIScience, including the NCGIA Core Curriculum, GIS&T Body of Knowledge and the Geospatial Technology Competency Model developments. The rapid developments in geospatial technology, applications and organisations have added to the challenges that higher educational institutions face in order to ensure that GIScience education is relevant and responsive to the changing needs of students and industry. This paper discusses some of the challenges being faced in higher education in general, and GIScience education in particular, and outlines a flexible higher education curriculum framework for GIScience.

Immunization against social fear learning.

PubMed

Golkar, Armita; Olsson, Andreas

2016-06-01

Social fear learning offers an efficient way to transmit information about potential threats; little is known, however, about the learning processes that counteract the social transmission of fear. In three separate experiments, we found that safety information transmitted from another individual (i.e., demonstrator) during preexposure prevented subsequent observational fear learning (Experiments 1-3), and this effect was maintained in a new context involving direct threat confrontation (Experiment 3). This protection from observational fear learning was specific to conditions in which information about both safety and danger was transmitted from the same demonstrator (Experiments 2-3) and was unaffected by increasing the number of the safety demonstrators (Experiment 3). Collectively, these findings demonstrate that observational preexposure can limit social transmission of fear. Future research is needed to better understand the conditions under which such effects generalize across individual demonstrators. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

Secure quantum private information retrieval using phase-encoded queries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olejnik, Lukasz

2011-08-01

We propose a quantum solution to the classical private information retrieval (PIR) problem, which allows one to query a database in a private manner. The protocol offers privacy thresholds and allows the user to obtain information from a database in a way that offers the potential adversary, in this model the database owner, no possibility of deterministically establishing the query contents. This protocol may also be viewed as a solution to the symmetrically private information retrieval problem in that it can offer database security (inability for a querying user to steal its contents). Compared to classical solutions, the protocol offers substantial improvement in terms of communication complexity. In comparison with the recent quantum private queries [Phys. Rev. Lett.PRLTAO0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.100.230502 100, 230502 (2008)] protocol, it is more efficient in terms of communication complexity and the number of rounds, while offering a clear privacy parameter. We discuss the security of the protocol and analyze its strengths and conclude that using this technique makes it challenging to obtain the unconditional (in the information-theoretic sense) privacy degree; nevertheless, in addition to being simple, the protocol still offers a privacy level. The oracle used in the protocol is inspired both by the classical computational PIR solutions as well as the Deutsch-Jozsa oracle.

Towards socially inclusive research: an evaluation of telephone questionnaire administration in a multilingual population.

PubMed

Dormandy, Elizabeth; Brown, Katrina; Reid, Erin P; Marteau, Theresa M

2008-01-31

Missing data may bias the results of clinical trials and other studies. This study describes the response rate, questionnaire responses and financial costs associated with offering participants from a multilingual population the option to complete questionnaires over the telephone. Before and after study of two methods of questionnaire completion. Seven hundred and sixty five pregnant women from 25 general practices in two UK inner city Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) taking part in a cluster randomised controlled trial of offering antenatal sickle cell and thalassaemia screening in primary care. Two hundred and four participants did not speak English. Sixty one women were offered postal questionnaire completion only and 714 women were offered a choice of telephone or postal questionnaire completion. (i) Proportion of completed questionnaires, (ii) attitude and knowledge responses obtained from a questionnaire assessing informed choice. The response rate from women offered postal completion was 26% compared with 67% for women offered a choice of telephone or postal completion (41% difference 95% CI Diff 30 to 52). For non-English speakers offered a choice of completion methods the response rate was 56% compared with 71% for English speakers (95% CI Diff 7 to 23). No difference was found for knowledge by completion method, but telephone completion was associated with more positive attitude classifications than postal completion (87 vs 96%, 95% CI diff 0.006 to 15). Compared with postal administration the additional costs associated with telephone administration were pound3.90 per questionnaire for English speakers and pound71.60 per questionnaire for non English speakers. Studies requiring data to be collected by questionnaire may obtain higher response rates from both English and non-English speakers when a choice of telephone or postal administration (and where necessary, an interpreter)is offered compared to offering postal administration only. This approach will, however, incur additional research costs and uncertainty remains about the equivalence of responses obtained from the two methods.

Athlete Information Sources About Dietary Supplements: A Review of Extant Research.

PubMed

Denham, Bryan E

2017-08-01

In the United States, the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA) classified dietary supplements as a subcategory of food, exempting manufacturers from providing premarket evidence of product safety and efficacy. Under DSHEA, agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cannot inspect supplements until after the products have entered the marketplace. Recognizing that both limited resources and DSHEA prevent the FDA from conducting broad-based inspections on a regular basis, disreputable manufacturers have spiked products with drugs such as anabolic steroids and amphetamines. With contaminated supplements now causing athletes to fail drug tests and, in some instances, threatening public health, it becomes important to examine sources of supplement information. This article reviews 53 studies that have addressed athlete information sources about dietary supplements. It finds that athletes, in general, rely heavily on coaches and trainers as well as friends and family for information. Relative to U.S. athletes, those competing internationally appear more likely to seek information from a physician or nutritionist. The article offers recommendations for individuals and organizations based on the most frequent information sources identified by athletes.

45 CFR 81.85 - Offer of proof.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 45 Public Welfare 1 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Offer of proof. 81.85 Section 81.85 Public Welfare DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES GENERAL ADMINISTRATION PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE FOR HEARINGS UNDER PART 80 OF THIS TITLE Hearing Procedures § 81.85 Offer of proof. An offer of proof made in connection with...

45 CFR 81.85 - Offer of proof.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 45 Public Welfare 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Offer of proof. 81.85 Section 81.85 Public Welfare DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES GENERAL ADMINISTRATION PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE FOR HEARINGS UNDER PART 80 OF THIS TITLE Hearing Procedures § 81.85 Offer of proof. An offer of proof made in connection with...

Tools to Use in an Information Technology Class--and Best of All They Are FREE!

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Swanson, Dewey; Gusev, Dmitri A.

2016-01-01

Purdue Polytechnic has several locations in the state of Indiana offering students a chance to get a Purdue degree. The Computer and Information Technology (CIT) department offers the CIT degree at three sites in Indiana: Anderson, Columbus and Kokomo. CIT offers several potential majors including Cybersecurity, Network Engineering, Systems…

77 FR 2569 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request for Information Collection: Guam...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-01-18

... wage offer for working any overtime hours; (h) The wage offer, and the benefits, if any, offered; (i) A... not have an adverse effect on either the wages or the working conditions of U.S. construction workers... their intermediaries in One-Stop Career Centers and the employment service delivery system nationwide...

Guide to Graduate Departments of Geography in the United States and Canada 1982-1983.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Association of American Geographers, Washington, DC.

Information is presented about requirements, course offerings, financial aid, and personnel for 147 graduate departments of geography in the United States and Canada. Seventy-three offer a Ph.D. in geography, and 77 award the Master's degree. Information provided for each institution includes: date founded; degrees offered; number of degrees…

Investigation into Practical Implementations of a Zero Knowledge Protocol.

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

Marleau, Peter; Krentz-Wee, Rebecca E.

In recent years, the concept of Zero Knowledge Protocols (ZKP) as a useful approach to nuclear warhead verification has become increasingly popular. Several implementations of ZKP have been proposed, driving technology development toward proof of concept demonstrations. Whereas proposed implementations seem to fall within the general class of template-based techniques, all physical implementations of ZKPs proposed to date have a complication: once the instrumentation is prepared, it is no longer authenticatable; the instrument physically contains sensitive information. In this work we explore three different concepts that may offer more authenticatable and practical ZKP implementations and evaluate the sensitive information thatmore » may be at risk when doing so: sharing a subset of detector counts in a preloaded image (with spatial information removed), real-time image subtraction, and a new concept, CONfirmation using a Fast-neutron Imaging Detector with Anti-image NULL-positive Time Encoding (CONFIDANTE). CONFIDANTE promises to offer an almost ideal implementation of ZKP: a positive result is indicated by a constant rate at all times enabling the monitoring party the possibility of full access to the instrument before, during, and after confirmation. A prototype of CONFIDANTE was designed, built, and its performance evaluated in a series of measurements of several objects including a set of plutonium dioxide Hemispheres. Very encouraging results proving feasibility are presented. 1 Rebecca is currently a graduate student in Nuclear Engineering at UC Berkeley« less

Critical review of real-time methods for solid waste characterisation: Informing material recovery and fuel production.

PubMed

Vrancken, C; Longhurst, P J; Wagland, S T

2017-03-01

Waste management processes generally represent a significant loss of material, energy and economic resources, so legislation and financial incentives are being implemented to improve the recovery of these valuable resources whilst reducing contamination levels. Material recovery and waste derived fuels are potentially valuable options being pursued by industry, using mechanical and biological processes incorporating sensor and sorting technologies developed and optimised for recycling plants. In its current state, waste management presents similarities to other industries that could improve their efficiencies using process analytical technology tools. Existing sensor technologies could be used to measure critical waste characteristics, providing data required by existing legislation, potentially aiding waste treatment processes and assisting stakeholders in decision making. Optical technologies offer the most flexible solution to gather real-time information applicable to each of the waste mechanical and biological treatment processes used by industry. In particular, combinations of optical sensors in the visible and the near-infrared range from 800nm to 2500nm of the spectrum, and different mathematical techniques, are able to provide material information and fuel properties with typical performance levels between 80% and 90%. These sensors not only could be used to aid waste processes, but to provide most waste quality indicators required by existing legislation, whilst offering better tools to the stakeholders. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

An automatic method for retrieving and indexing catalogues of biomedical courses.

PubMed

Maojo, Victor; de la Calle, Guillermo; García-Remesal, Miguel; Bankauskaite, Vaida; Crespo, Jose

2008-11-06

Although there is wide information about Biomedical Informatics education and courses in different Websites, information is usually not exhaustive and difficult to update. We propose a new methodology based on information retrieval techniques for extracting, indexing and retrieving automatically information about educational offers. A web application has been developed to make available such information in an inventory of courses and educational offers.

39 CFR 255.7 - Special arrangements for postal services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY § 255.7 Special arrangements for postal services. Members of the public who are unable... offer other special arrangements to that individual. (a) The Postal Operations Manual offers information... accessible to individuals in wheelchairs. Information regarding the location of the nearest center may be...

An evaluation of information on the internet about a new device: the cervical artificial disc replacement.

PubMed

Qureshi, Sheeraz A; Koehler, Steven M; Lin, James D; Bird, Justin; Garcia, Ryan M; Hecht, Andrew C

2012-05-01

Cross-sectional survey. The objective of this study was to investigate the authorship, content, and quality of information available to the public on the Internet pertaining to the cervical artificial disc replacement device. The Internet is widely used by patients as an educational tool for health care information. In addition, the Internet is used as a medium for direct-to-consumer marketing. Increasing interest in cervical artificial disc replacement has led to the emergence of numerous Web sites offering information about this procedure. It is thought that patients can be influenced by information found on the Internet. A cross section of Web sites accessible to the general public was surveyed. Three commonly used search engines were used to locate 150 (50/search engine) Web sites providing information about the cervical artificial disc replacement. Each Web site was evaluated with regard to authorship and content. Fifty-three percent of the Web sites reviewed were authorized by a private physician group, 4% by an academic physician group, 13% by industry, 16% were news reports, and 14% were not otherwise categorized. Sixty-five percent of Web sites offered a mechanism for direct contact and 19% provided clear patient eligibility criteria. Benefits were expressed in 80% of Web sites, whereas associated risks were described in 35% or less. European experiences were noted in 17% of Web sites, whereas only 9% of Web sites detailed the current US experience. CONCLUSION.: The results of this study demonstrate that much of the content of the Internet-derived information pertaining to the cervical artificial disc replacement is for marketing purposes and may not represent unbiased information. Until we can confirm the content on a Web site to be accurate, patients should be cautioned when using the Internet as a source for health care information related to cervical disc replacement.

Development and pilot trial of a web-based job placement information network.

PubMed

Chan, Eliza W C; Tam, S F

2005-01-01

The purpose of this project was to develop and pilot a web-based job placement information network aiming at enhancing the work trial and job placement opportunities of people with disabilities (PWD). Efficient uses of information technology in vocational rehabilitation were suggested to help improve PWD employment opportunities and thus enable them to contribute as responsible citizens to the society. In this preliminary study, a web-based employer network was so developed to explore Hong Kong employers' needs and intentions in employing PWD. The results indicated that Hong Kong employers generally agreed to arrange work trials for PWD whose work abilities match job requirements. They also expressed that they would offer permanent job placements to those PWD who showed satisfactory performance in work trials. The present study evidenced that using an information network could expedite communications between employers and job placement services, and thus job placement service outcomes. It is hoped that a job placement databank could thus be developed through accumulating responses from potential employers.

Bayesian networks and information theory for audio-visual perception modeling.

PubMed

Besson, Patricia; Richiardi, Jonas; Bourdin, Christophe; Bringoux, Lionel; Mestre, Daniel R; Vercher, Jean-Louis

2010-09-01

Thanks to their different senses, human observers acquire multiple information coming from their environment. Complex cross-modal interactions occur during this perceptual process. This article proposes a framework to analyze and model these interactions through a rigorous and systematic data-driven process. This requires considering the general relationships between the physical events or factors involved in the process, not only in quantitative terms, but also in term of the influence of one factor on another. We use tools from information theory and probabilistic reasoning to derive relationships between the random variables of interest, where the central notion is that of conditional independence. Using mutual information analysis to guide the model elicitation process, a probabilistic causal model encoded as a Bayesian network is obtained. We exemplify the method by using data collected in an audio-visual localization task for human subjects, and we show that it yields a well-motivated model with good predictive ability. The model elicitation process offers new prospects for the investigation of the cognitive mechanisms of multisensory perception.

FAST TRACK COMMUNICATION Local randomness in Hardy's correlations: implications from the information causality principle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rajjak Gazi, MD.; Rai, Ashutosh; Kunkri, Samir; Rahaman, Ramij

2010-11-01

Study of non-local correlations in terms of Hardy's argument has been quite popular in quantum mechanics. Hardy's non-locality argument depends on some kind of asymmetry, but a two-qubit maximally entangled state, being symmetric, does not exhibit this kind of non-locality. Here we ask the following question: can this feature be explained by some principle outside quantum mechanics? The no-signaling condition does not provide a solution. But, interestingly, the information causality principle (Pawlowski et al 2009 Nature 461 1101) offers an explanation. It shows that any generalized probability theory which gives completely random results for local dichotomic observable, cannot provide Hardy's non-local correlation if it is restricted by a necessary condition for respecting the information causality principle. In fact, the applied necessary condition imposes even more restrictions on the local randomness of measured observable. Still, there are some restrictions imposed by quantum mechanics that are not reproduced from the considered information causality condition.

User-oriented views in health care information systems.

PubMed

Portoni, Luisa; Combi, Carlo; Pinciroli, Francesco

2002-12-01

In this paper, we present the methodology we adopted in designing and developing an object-oriented database system for the management of medical records. The designed system provides technical solutions to important requirements of most clinical information systems, such as 1) the support of tools to create and manage views on data and view schemas, offering to different users specific perspectives on data tailored to their needs; 2) the capability to handle in a suitable way the temporal aspects related to clinical information; and 3) the effective integration of multimedia data. Remote data access for authorized users is also considered. As clinical application, we describe here the prototype of a user-oriented clinical information system for the archiving and the management of multimedia and temporally oriented clinical data related to percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) patients. Suitable view schemas for various user roles (cath-lab physician, ward nurse, general practitioner) have been modeled and implemented on the basis of a detailed analysis of the considered clinical environment, carried out by an object-oriented approach.

Preventable Exposures Associated With Human Cancers

PubMed Central

Baan, Robert; Straif, Kurt; Grosse, Yann; Lauby-Secretan, Béatrice; El Ghissassi, Fatiha; Bouvard, Véronique; Benbrahim-Tallaa, Lamia; Guha, Neela; Freeman, Crystal; Galichet, Laurent; Wild, Christopher P.

2011-01-01

Information on the causes of cancer at specific sites is important to cancer control planners, cancer researchers, cancer patients, and the general public. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Monograph series, which has classified human carcinogens for more than 40 years, recently completed a review to provide up-to-date information on the cancer sites associated with more than 100 carcinogenic agents. Based on IARC’s review, we listed the cancer sites associated with each agent and then rearranged this information to list the known and suspected causes of cancer at each site. We also summarized the rationale for classifications that were based on mechanistic data. This information, based on the forthcoming IARC Monographs Volume 100, offers insights into the current state-of-the-science of carcinogen identification. Use of mechanistic data to identify carcinogens is increasing, and epidemiological research is identifying additional carcinogens and cancer sites or confirming carcinogenic potential under conditions of lower exposure. Nevertheless, some common human cancers still have few (or no) identified causal agents. PMID:22158127

Expanded carrier screening: what determines intended participation and can this be influenced by message framing and narrative information?

PubMed

Voorwinden, Jan S; Buitenhuis, Anne H; Birnie, Erwin; Lucassen, Anneke M; Verkerk, Marian A; van Langen, Irene M; Plantinga, Mirjam; Ranchor, Adelita V

2017-06-01

Next-generation sequencing enabled us to create a population-based expanded carrier screening (ECS) test that simultaneously tests for 50 serious autosomal recessive diseases. Before offering this test universally, we wanted to know what factors are related to intended participation and how the general public can be informed about the test without being influenced in their intention to participate. We studied this by measuring to what extent 'message framing' and 'narrative information' can influence people's intended participation. Data were collected by means of an online survey of 504 potential users, and the factors examined were based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour and on previous research on intended participation in preconception carrier screening. Message framing was manipulated by explaining the risk of couple carriership in different ways, while narrative information was provided to only half of the respondents. The factors most positively related to intended participation were perceiving benefits of the screening, having a positive attitude towards the screening, having no religion, having an actual child wish and experiencing the choice to participate as easy. Perceived benefits and a positive attitude were most influential factors by far. Message framing and narrative information had no significant effect on intended participation, reinforcing that message framing and narrative information can help to inform the general public about ECS without influencing their intended participation. Future research should study if the importance of perceived benefits and a positive attitude can be replicated when other factors are included and when actual participation is measured instead of intended participation.

Linking research, education and public engagement in geoscience: Leadership and strategic partnerships

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laj, C. E.

2017-12-01

As a research scientist I have always been interested in sharing whatever I knew with the general public and with teachers, who have the responsibility of forming young people, our ambassadors to the future. The turning point in my educational activities was in 2002, when the European Geosciences Union (EGU) welcomed my proposition to develop a Committee on Education. One of the committee's main activities is the organisation of GIFT (Geosciences Information for Teachers) workshops, held annually during the EGU General Assembly. Typically, these workshops bring together about 80 teachers from 20-25 different countries around a general theme that changes every year. Teachers are offered a mixture of keynote presentations by renowned scientists, and participate to classroom hands-on activities led by high-class educators. They also participate to a poster session, open to every participant to the GA, in which they can show to everyone the activities they have developed in their classroom. Therefore, EGU GIFT workshops spread first-hand scientific information to science teachers, and also offer teachers an exceptional way to networking with fellow teachers worldwide. Speakers are chosen from the academic world, national geosciences organisations such as BGS (UK), BRGM (France), INGV (Italy), the European Space Agency (ESA), CEA (France), from private companies (Total), or from International Organizations for policy makers such as the International Energy Agency (IEA), and IPCC. Since 2010, EGU GIFT workshops have been organized beyond Europe, in connection with EGU Alexander von Humboldt Conferences and other major International Conferences, or in collaboration with local or international organisations. A `Teachers at Sea' program has also been developed for teachers to be able to take part in an Oceanographic cruise. Also, in collaboration with the media manager of EGU the Committee has participated in "Planet Press", a program of geoscience press releases for children.

Mentoring Faculty: Results from National Science Foundation's ADVANCE Program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holmes, M. A.

2015-12-01

Faculty mentoring programs are common components of National Science Foundation ADVANCE awards. The ADVANCE program aims to increase the number of women on the faculty in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) departments through grants to individuals and to entire institutions. These grants target a change in institutional culture so that faculty from non-majority groups will succeed and thrive. Mentoring programs are generally designed to fit the particular institution(s) or target population (e.g., meteorologists at the beginning of their careers). A successful mentoring program makes the implicit knowledge necessary for faculty success explicit: policies and practices are made transparent; routes for finding answers are clarified or generated with faculty input; faculty overcome a sense of isolation and develop a community. Mentoring programs may be formal, with assigned mentors and mentees, or informal, with opportunities for beginning, middle and advanced career STEM faculty to mingle, generally over food and sometimes with a formal speaker. The programs are formally evaluated; in general, attention to mentoring generates better outcomes for all faculty. Research indicates that most successful scientists have a network of mentors rather than relying on one person to help navigate department, institution, and profession. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's (UNL) award, ADVANCE-Nebraska, offered opportunities for faculty to informally network over luncheons with women speakers, advanced in their careers. We also offered after-hours networking receptions. In response to faculty feedback, we shifted to a series of panel discussions entitled "Conversations". Most panels were conducted by successful UNL faculty; about one-third had an outside expert on a given topic. Topics were chosen based on faculty feedback and targeted specifically to beginning faculty (How to Start Up a Lab; How to Balance Teaching and Writing), mid-career faculty (Putting Together Your Promotion Packet; Balancing Service and Innovation); and/or fully promoted faculty (Professional Society Service; Successful Award Nomination Packets). One unexpected outcome from the panel discussions was the development of collaborations among faculty across departments and colleges.

Missed opportunities to offer HIV tests to high-risk groups during general practitioners’ STI-related consultations: an observational study

PubMed Central

Joore, I K; Reukers, D F M; Donker, G A; van Sighem, A I; Op de Coul, E L M; Prins, J M; Geerlings, S E; Barth, R E; van Bergen, J E A M; van den Broek, I V

2016-01-01

Objectives Prior research has shown that Dutch general practitioners (GPs) do not always offer HIV testing and the number of undiagnosed HIV patients remains high. We aimed to further investigate the frequency and reasons for (not) testing for HIV and the contribution of GPs to the diagnosis of HIV infections in the Netherlands. Design Observational study. Setting (1) Dutch primary care network of 42–45 sentinel practices where report forms during sexually transmitted infection (STI)-related consultations were routinely collected, 2008–2013. (2) Dutch observational cohort with medical data of HIV-positive patients in HIV care, 2008–2013. Outcome measures The proportion of STI-related consultations in patients from high-risk groups tested for HIV, with additional information requested from GPs on HIV testing preconsultation or postconsultation for whom HIV testing was indicated, but not performed. Next, information was collected on the profile of HIV-positive patients entering specialised HIV care following diagnosis by GPs. Results Initially, an HIV test was reported (360/907) in 40% of STI-related consultations in high-risk groups. Additionally, in 26% of consultations an HIV test had been performed in previous or follow-up consultations or at different STI-care facilities. The main reasons for not testing were perceived insignificant risk; ‘too’ recent risk according to GPs or the reluctance of patients. The initiative of the patient was a strong determinant for HIV testing. GPs diagnosed about one third of all newly found cases of HIV. Compared with STI clinics, HIV-positive patients diagnosed in general practice were more likely to be older, female, heterosexual male or sub-Saharan African. Conclusions In one-third of the STI-related consultations of persons from high-risk groups, no HIV test was performed in primary care, which is lower than previously reported. Risk-based testing has intrinsic limitations and implementation of new additional strategies in primary care is warranted. PMID:26801464

Qualitative interviews with healthcare staff in four European countries to inform adaptation of an intervention to increase chlamydia testing.

PubMed

McNulty, Cliodna; Ricketts, Ellie J; Fredlund, Hans; Uusküla, Anneli; Town, Katy; Rugman, Claire; Tisler-Sala, Anna; Mani, Alix; Dunais, Brigitte; Folkard, Kate; Allison, Rosalie; Touboul, Pia

2017-09-25

To determine the needs of primary healthcare general practice (GP) staff, stakeholders and trainers to inform the adaptation of a locally successful complex intervention (Chlamydia Intervention Randomised Trial (CIRT)) aimed at increasing chlamydia testing within primary healthcare within South West England to three EU countries (Estonia, France and Sweden) and throughout England. Qualitative interviews. European primary healthcare in England, France, Sweden and Estonia with a range of chlamydia screening provision in 2013. 45 GP staff, 13 trainers and 18 stakeholders. The iterative interview schedule explored participants' personal attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural controls around provision of chlamydia testing, sexual health services and training in general practice. Researchers used a common thematic analysis. Findings were similar across all countries. Most participants agreed that chlamydia testing and sexual health services should be offered in general practice. There was no culture of GP staff routinely offering opportunistic chlamydia testing or sexual health advice, and due to other priorities, participants reported this would be challenging. All participants indicated that the CIRT workshop covering chlamydia testing and sexual health would be useful if practice based, included all practice staff and action planning, and was adequately resourced. Participants suggested minor adaptations to CIRT to suit their country's health services. A common complex intervention can be adapted for use across Europe, despite varied sexual health provision. The intervention (ChlamydiA Testing Training in Europe (CATTE)) should comprise: a staff workshop covering sexual health and chlamydia testing rates and procedures, action planning and patient materials and staff reminders via computer prompts, emails or newsletters, with testing feedback through practice champions. CATTE materials are available at: www.STItraining.eu. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

An Examination of the Determinants of Top Management Support of Information Technology Projects

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mahoney, Michael L.

2011-01-01

Despite compelling evidence that top management support promotes information technology project success, existing research fails to offer insight into the antecedents of top management support of such projects. This gap in the literature is significant since the exploitation of information technology offers organizations unique opportunities for…

What Does (E)pistemology Have To Offer Feminists?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thayer-Bacon, Barbara J.

Since traditional epistemology has not been able to present a generality but rather has represented a male perspective as if it is general, neutral, and inclusive of women, then there is the possibility of offering a feminist epistemology. Thus, the critique of the tradition has to come first, to create a space where feminists can begin to…

A knowledge base for tracking the impact of genomics on population health.

PubMed

Yu, Wei; Gwinn, Marta; Dotson, W David; Green, Ridgely Fisk; Clyne, Mindy; Wulf, Anja; Bowen, Scott; Kolor, Katherine; Khoury, Muin J

2016-12-01

We created an online knowledge base (the Public Health Genomics Knowledge Base (PHGKB)) to provide systematically curated and updated information that bridges population-based research on genomics with clinical and public health applications. Weekly horizon scanning of a wide variety of online resources is used to retrieve relevant scientific publications, guidelines, and commentaries. After curation by domain experts, links are deposited into Web-based databases. PHGKB currently consists of nine component databases. Users can search the entire knowledge base or search one or more component databases directly and choose options for customizing the display of their search results. PHGKB offers researchers, policy makers, practitioners, and the general public a way to find information they need to understand the complicated landscape of genomics and population health.Genet Med 18 12, 1312-1314.

Occam’s Quantum Strop: Synchronizing and Compressing Classical Cryptic Processes via a Quantum Channel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahoney, John R.; Aghamohammadi, Cina; Crutchfield, James P.

2016-02-01

A stochastic process’ statistical complexity stands out as a fundamental property: the minimum information required to synchronize one process generator to another. How much information is required, though, when synchronizing over a quantum channel? Recent work demonstrated that representing causal similarity as quantum state-indistinguishability provides a quantum advantage. We generalize this to synchronization and offer a sequence of constructions that exploit extended causal structures, finding substantial increase of the quantum advantage. We demonstrate that maximum compression is determined by the process’ cryptic order-a classical, topological property closely allied to Markov order, itself a measure of historical dependence. We introduce an efficient algorithm that computes the quantum advantage and close noting that the advantage comes at a cost-one trades off prediction for generation complexity.

High temporal resolution delayed analysis of clinical microdialysate streams† †Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c7an01209h

PubMed Central

Gowers, S. A. N.; Hamaoui, K.; Cunnea, P.; Anastasova, S.; Curto, V. F.; Vadgama, P.; Yang, G.-Z.; Papalois, V.; Drakakis, E. M.; Fotopoulou, C.; Weber, S. G.

2018-01-01

This paper presents the use of tubing to store clinical microdialysis samples for delayed analysis with high temporal resolution, offering an alternative to traditional discrete offline microdialysis sampling. Samples stored in this way were found to be stable for up to 72 days at –80 °C. Examples of how this methodology can be applied to glucose and lactate measurement in a wide range of in vivo monitoring experiments are presented. This paper presents a general model, which allows for an informed choice of tubing parameters for a given storage time and flow rate avoiding high back pressure, which would otherwise cause the microdialysis probe to leak, while maximising temporal resolution. PMID:29336454

A broader view of marketing: implications for surgeons.

PubMed

Kelley, Scott W; Schwartz, Richard W

2004-12-01

The health care sector of the economy is changing. There is unprecedented growth in the health care sector, and competitive forces have a more prominent role. In addition, consumers have become more informed and as a result, more empowered. Patients in the health care sector are no exception to this trend. As patients become more informed, it is imperative that health care providers become more effective at marketing their services. In general, physicians typically have received little training in the field of marketing, which results in potentially limited understanding of the key marketing issues being faced in today's health care environment. We identify and examine several key marketing issues critical to the success of health care providers in today's environment. Further, we offer some managerial recommendations designed to address each of these issues.

Occam's Quantum Strop: Synchronizing and Compressing Classical Cryptic Processes via a Quantum Channel.

PubMed

Mahoney, John R; Aghamohammadi, Cina; Crutchfield, James P

2016-02-15

A stochastic process' statistical complexity stands out as a fundamental property: the minimum information required to synchronize one process generator to another. How much information is required, though, when synchronizing over a quantum channel? Recent work demonstrated that representing causal similarity as quantum state-indistinguishability provides a quantum advantage. We generalize this to synchronization and offer a sequence of constructions that exploit extended causal structures, finding substantial increase of the quantum advantage. We demonstrate that maximum compression is determined by the process' cryptic order--a classical, topological property closely allied to Markov order, itself a measure of historical dependence. We introduce an efficient algorithm that computes the quantum advantage and close noting that the advantage comes at a cost-one trades off prediction for generation complexity.

NASA/DOD Aerospace Knowledge Diffusion Research Project. Paper 57; US Scientific and Technical Information Policy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pinelli, Thomas E.; Barclay, Rebecca O.; Kennedy, John M.

1996-01-01

In fiscal year 1994, the United States government spent about $68 billion for science and technology. Although there is general agreement among policy makers that the results of this expenditure can be used to enhance technological innovation and improve economic competitiveness, there is no coherent scientific and technical information (STI) policy. The absence of a cohesive policy and STI policy framework means that the transfer and utilization of STI goes uncoordinated. This chapter examines the U.S. government's role in funding science and technology, reviews Federal STI activities and involvement in the transfer and use of STI resulting from federally-funded science and technology, presents issues surrounding the use of federally-funded STI, and offers recommendations for improving the transfer and use of STI.

IT Employer and Graduate Assessments Regarding Preparedness in Skills of IT College Graduates Offered Employment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Waldrop, Gerry L.

2017-01-01

Securing employment poses a significant problem for information technology (IT) college and university graduates. An overarching purpose of this research was to inform IT faculty, IT hiring managers and IT graduates of which 42 critical IT skills best predict the offering of jobs to graduates and how long it takes graduates to receive such offers.…

75 FR 17205 - Securities Offering Disclosures

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-05

... DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Office of Thrift Supervision Securities Offering Disclosures AGENCY... collection. Title of Proposal: Securities Offering Disclosures. OMB Number: 1550-0035. Form Numbers: SEC...: The Securities Offering regulation provides necessary information, including financial disclosure, to...

17 CFR 230.606 - Offering not in excess of $100,000.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... Business Investment Companies § 230.606 Offering not in excess of $100,000. No offering circular need be... newspaper, magazine or other periodical and no radio or television broadcast in regard to the offering shall... general type of business of the issuer; and (4) By whom orders will be filled or from whom further...

17 CFR 230.606 - Offering not in excess of $100,000.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... Business Investment Companies § 230.606 Offering not in excess of $100,000. No offering circular need be... newspaper, magazine or other periodical and no radio or television broadcast in regard to the offering shall... general type of business of the issuer; and (4) By whom orders will be filled or from whom further...

17 CFR 230.606 - Offering not in excess of $100,000.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... Business Investment Companies § 230.606 Offering not in excess of $100,000. No offering circular need be... newspaper, magazine or other periodical and no radio or television broadcast in regard to the offering shall... general type of business of the issuer; and (4) By whom orders will be filled or from whom further...

17 CFR 230.606 - Offering not in excess of $100,000.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... Business Investment Companies § 230.606 Offering not in excess of $100,000. No offering circular need be... newspaper, magazine or other periodical and no radio or television broadcast in regard to the offering shall... general type of business of the issuer; and (4) By whom orders will be filled or from whom further...

Content Analysis of Informed Consent for Whole Genome Sequencing Offered by Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing Companies.

PubMed

Niemiec, Emilia; Borry, Pascal; Pinxten, Wim; Howard, Heidi Carmen

2016-12-01

Whole exome sequencing (WES) and whole genome sequencing (WGS) have become increasingly available in the research and clinical settings and are now also being offered by direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing (GT) companies. This offer can be perceived as amplifying the already identified concerns regarding adequacy of informed consent (IC) for both WES/WGS and the DTC GT context. We performed a qualitative content analysis of Websites of four companies offering WES/WGS DTC regarding the following elements of IC: pre-test counseling, benefits and risks, and incidental findings (IFs). The analysis revealed concerns, including the potential lack of pre-test counseling in three of the companies studied, missing relevant information in the risks and benefits sections, and potentially misleading information for consumers. Regarding IFs, only one company, which provides opportunistic screening, provides basic information about their management. In conclusion, some of the information (and related practices) present on the companies' Web pages salient to the consent process are not adequate in reference to recommendations for IC for WGS or WES in the clinical context. Requisite resources should be allocated to ensure that commercial companies are offering high-throughput sequencing under responsible conditions, including an adequate consent process. © 2016 WILEY PERIODICALS, INC.

Opinions from ESL instructors and students about curricula on hepatitis B for use in immigrant communities.

PubMed

Coronado, Gloria D; Taylor, Victoria M; Hislop, T Gregory; Teh, Chong; Acorda, Elizabeth; Do, H Hoai; Chen, Hueifang; Thompson, Beti

2008-01-01

Chinese immigrants in Canada have a disproportionately high risk for hepatitis B compared with non-Hispanic Whites. Hepatitis B is the leading cause of hepatocellular carcinoma among Asian immigrants to North America. English-as-a-second-language (ESL) classes are an effective way of reaching newly immigrated individuals and are a potential channel for delivering health messages. Using data from 6 focus groups among ESL instructors and students, we characterized perceptions about activities that are successfully used in ESL classrooms and strategies for delivering hepatitis B information. RESULTS. Instructors and students generally reported that activities that focused on speaking and listening skills and that addressed content relevant to students' daily lives were successful in the classroom. Instructors generally avoided material that was irrelevant or too difficult to understand. Focus group participants offered strategies for delivering hepatitis B information in ESL classrooms; these strategies included addressing symptoms and prevention and not singling out a specific population subgroup to avoid stigmatization. These findings might assist efforts to develop ESL curricula that target immigrant populations.

Opinions from ESL Instructors and Students about Curricula on Hepatitis B for Use in Immigrant Communities

PubMed Central

Coronado, Gloria D.; Taylor, Victoria M.; Hislop, T. Gregory; Teh, Chong; Acorda, Elizabeth; Do, H. Hoai; Chen, Hueifang; Thompson, Beti

2010-01-01

Background Chinese immigrants in Canada have a disproportionately high risk for hepatitis B compared with non-Hispanic whites. Hepatitis B is the leading cause of hepatocellular carcinoma among Asian immigrants to North America. English as a Second Language (ESL) classes are an effective way of reaching newly immigrated individuals and are a potential channel for delivering health messages. Methods Using data from six focus groups among ESL instructors and students, we characterized perceptions about activities that are successfully used in ESL classrooms and strategies for delivering hepatitis B information. Results Instructors and students generally reported that activities which focused on speaking and listening skills and that addressed content relevant to students' daily lives were successful in the classroom. Instructors generally avoided material that was irrelevant or too difficult to understand. Focus group participants offered strategies for delivering hepatitis B information in ESL classrooms; these strategies included addressing symptoms and prevention, and not singling out a specific population subgroup in order to avoid stigmatization. Conclusions These findings might assist efforts to develop ESL curricula that target immigrant populations. PMID:18709587

Certification aspects of airplanes which may operate with significant natural laminar flow

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gabriel, Edward A.; Tankesley, Earsa L.

1986-01-01

Recent research by NASA indicates that extensive natural laminar flow (NLF) is attainable on modern high performance airplanes currently under development. Modern airframe construction methods and materials, such as milled aluminum skins, bonded aluminum skins, and composite materials, offer the potential for production of aerodynamic surfaces having waviness and roughness below the values which are critical for boundary layer transition. Areas of concern with the certification aspects of Natural Laminar Flow (NLF) are identified to stimulate thought and discussion of the possible problems. During its development, consideration has been given to the recent research information available on several small business and experimental airplanes and the certification and operating rules for general aviation airplanes. The certification considerations discussed are generally applicable to both large and small airplanes. However, from the information available at this time, researchers expect more extensive NLF on small airplanes because of their lower operating Reynolds numbers and cleaner leading edges (due to lack of leading-edge high lift devices). Further, the use of composite materials for aerodynamic surfaces, which will permit incorporation of NLF technology, is currently beginning to appear in small airplanes.

Reconciling the principle of patient autonomy with the practice of informed consent: decision-making about prognostication in uveal melanoma.

PubMed

Cook, Sharon A; Damato, Bertil; Marshall, Ernie; Salmon, Peter

2011-12-01

Influential views on how to protect patient autonomy in clinical care have been greatly shaped by rational and deliberative models of decision-making. Our aim was to understand how the general principle of respecting autonomy can be reconciled with the local reality of obtaining consent in a clinical situation that precludes extended deliberation. We interviewed 22 patients with intraocular melanoma who had been offered cytogenetic tumour typing to indicate whether the tumour was likely to shorten life considerably. They were interviewed before and/or up to 36 months after receiving cytogenetic results. Patients described their decision-making about the test and how they anticipated and used the results. Their accounts were analysed qualitatively, using inconsistencies at a descriptive level to guide interpretative analysis. Patients did not see a decision to be made. For those who accepted testing, their choice reflected trust of what the clinicians offered them. Patients anticipated that a good prognosis would be reassuring, but this response was not evident. Although they anticipated that a poor prognosis would enable end-of-life planning, adverse results were interpreted hopefully. In general, the meaning of the test for patients was not separable from ongoing care. Models of decision-making and associated consent procedures that emphasize patients' active consideration of isolated decision-making opportunities are invalid for clinical situations such as this. Hence, responsibility for ensuring that a procedure protects patients' interests rests with practitioners who offer it and cannot be delegated to patients. © 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Sex offender polygraph examination: an evidence-based case management tool for social workers.

PubMed

Levenson, Jill S

2009-10-01

This article will review the use of polygraphy in the assessment and treatment of sexual perpetrators. Such information can be utilized by social workers who are involved in the treatment and case management of child sexual abuse cases. First, the controversial literature regarding the validity and reliability of polygraph examination in general will be reviewed. Next, an emerging body of evidence supporting the utility of polygraph testing with sex offenders will be discussed. Finally, ways that social workers can incorporate this knowledge into their case management and clinical roles will be offered.

Parental health literacy and its impact on patient care.

PubMed

Scotten, Mitzi

2015-03-01

The process of navigating through the modern American health care system is becoming progressively challenging. The range of tasks being asked of patients in the digital age is vast and complex and includes completing intricate insurance applications, signing complex consent forms, and translating medical data and prescription medication directions. Nearly 9 out of 10 adults have difficulty using the everyday health information that is routinely offered by medical providers. Mounting evidence now supports a growing awareness that general health literacy is the greatest individual factor affecting a person's health status. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Causes and manners of death among users of heroin, methadone, amphetamine, and cannabis in relation to postmortem chemical tests for illegal drugs.

PubMed

Eksborg, Staffan; Rajs, Jovan

2008-01-01

A 12-year medicolegal investigation of deceased illegal drug users (ILDU) in Stockholm, Sweden, classified on the basis of postmortem chemical tests, showed noticeable variations in causes and manners of death as well as in the distribution of suicide methods. This study offers objective information about connection between the postmortem findings of illegal drugs and the causes and manners of death of their users. However, further studies, comparing prevalence of drug use in general population and at the postmortem tests, are needed for more detailed elucidation of this connection.

Using Cost-Effectiveness Tests to Design CHP Incentive Programs

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

Tidball, Rick

This paper examines the structure of cost-effectiveness tests to illustrate how they can accurately reflect the costs and benefits of CHP systems. This paper begins with a general background discussion on cost-effectiveness analysis of DER and then describes how cost-effectiveness tests can be applied to CHP. Cost-effectiveness results are then calculated and analyzed for CHP projects in five states: Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Maryland, and North Carolina. Based on the results obtained for these five states, this paper offers four considerations to inform regulators in the application of cost-effectiveness tests in developing CHP programs.

[Inversion of results upon using an "integral index" from an ostensibly authoritative source].

PubMed

Galkin, A V

2012-01-01

General results and conclusions of Nesterenko et al. [Biofizika 57(4)] have been distorted by uncritically applying an invalid "unifying formula" from a recent monograph [ISBN 978-5-02-035593-4]. Readers are asked to ignore the Russian publication but take the fully revised English version [Biophysics 57(4)] or contact the authors (tv-nesterenko@mail.ru, ubflab@ibp.ru). Here I briefly show the basic defects in the quasi-quantitative means of data analysis offered in that book, and mention some more problems regarding erroneous information in ostensibly authoritative sources.

Why is the World four-dimensional? Hermann Weyl’s 1955 argument and the topology of causation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

De Bianchi, Silvia

2017-08-01

This paper approaches the question of space dimensionality by discussing a neglected argument proposed by Hermann Weyl in 1955. In Why is the World Four-Dimensional? (1955), Weyl offered a different argument from the one generally attributed to him and presented in Raum-Zeit-Materie. In the first sections of the paper, this new argument and its features are spelled-out, and in the last section, I shall develop some useful remarks on the concept of topology of causation that can still inform our reflection on the dimensionality of the world.

Understanding chemical binding using the Berlin function and the reaction force

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chakraborty, Debajit; Cárdenas, Carlos; Echegaray, Eleonora; Toro-Labbe, Alejandro; Ayers, Paul W.

2012-06-01

We use the derivative of the electron density with respect to the reaction coordinate, interpreted through the Berlin binding function, to identify portions of the reaction path where chemical bonds are breaking and forming. The results agree with the conventional description for SN2 reactions, but they are much more general and can be used to elucidate other types of reactions also. Our analysis offers support for, and detailed information about, the use of the reaction force profile to separate the reaction coordinates into intervals, each with characteristic extents of geometry change and electronic rearrangement.

16 CFR 436.5 - Disclosure items.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... offered j. Warranty and customer service requirements k. Territorial development and sales quotas l... the franchisee will offer to its customers. (ii) Hiring and training employees. (iii) Improving and.... (iv) The general market for the product or service the franchisee will offer. In describing the...

Interprofessional communication between community pharmacists and general practitioners: a qualitative study.

PubMed

Weissenborn, Marina; Haefeli, Walter E; Peters-Klimm, Frank; Seidling, Hanna M

2017-06-01

Background While collaboration between community pharmacists (CPs) and general practitioners (GPs) is essential to provide comprehensive patient care, their communication often is scarce and hampered by multiple barriers. Objective We aimed to assess both professions' perceptions of interprofessional communication with regard to content and methods of communication as a basis to subsequently develop best-practice recommendations for information exchange. Setting Ambulatory care setting in Germany. Method CPs and GPs shared their experience in focus groups and in-depth interviews which were conducted using a semi-structured interview guideline. Transcribed recordings were assessed using qualitative content analysis according to Mayring. Main outcome measure Specification of existing barriers, CPs'/GPs' general perceptions of interprofessional communication and similarities and differences regarding prioritization of specific information items and how to best communicate with each other. Results Four focus groups and fourteen interviews were conducted. Seven internal (e.g. professions were not personally known to one another) and nine external barriers (e.g. mutual accessibility) were identified. Ten organizational, eight medication-related, and four patient-related information items were identified requiring interprofessional communication. Their relevance varied between the professions, e.g. CPs rated organizational issues higher than GPs. Both professions indicated communication via phone to be the most frequently used method of communication. Conclusion CPs and GPs opinions often differ. However, communication between CPs and GPs is perceived as crucial suggesting that a future concept has to offer standardized recommendations, while leaving CPs and GPs room to adjust it to their individual needs.

Chiropractic and CAM utilization: a descriptive review.

PubMed

Lawrence, Dana J; Meeker, William C

2007-01-22

To conduct a descriptive review of the scientific literature examining use rates of modalities and procedures used by CAM clinicians to manage chronic LBP and other conditions A literature of PubMed and MANTIS was performed using the key terms Chiropractic; Low Back Pain; Utilization Rate; Use Rate; Complementary and Alternative Medicine; and Health Services in various combinations. A total of 137 papers were selected, based upon including information about chiropractic utilization, CAM utilization and low back pain and other conditions. Information was extracted from each paper addressing use of chiropractic and CAM, and is summarized in tabular form. Thematic analysis of the paper topics indicated that there were 5 functional areas covered by the literature: back pain papers, general chiropractic papers, insurance-related papers, general CAM-related papers; and worker's compensation papers. Studies looking at chiropractic utilization demonstrate that the rates vary, but generally fall into a range from around 6% to 12% of the population, most of whom seek chiropractic care for low back pain and not for organic disease or visceral dysfunction. CAM is itself used by people suffering from a variety of conditions, though it is often used not as a primary intervention, but rather as an additional form of care. CAM and chiropractic often offer lower costs for comparable results compared to conventional medicine.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of General Practitioners toward Complementary and Alternative Medicine: a Cross-Sectional Study.

PubMed

Barikani, Ameneh; Beheshti, Akram; Javadi, Maryam; Yasi, Marzieh

2015-08-01

Orientation of public and physicians to the complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is one of the most prominent symbols of structural changes in the health service system. The aim of his study was a determination of knowledge, attitude, and practice of general practitioners in complementary and alternative medicine. This cross- sectional study was conducted in Qazvin, Iran in 2013. A self-administered questionnaire was used for collecting data including four information parts: population information, physicians' attitude and knowledge, methods of getting information and their function. A total of 228 physicians in Qazvin comprised the population of study according to the deputy of treatment's report of Qazvin University of Medical Sciences. A total of 150 physicians were selected randomly, and SPSS Statistical program was used to enter questionnaires' data. Results were analyzed as descriptive statistics and statistical analysis. Sixty percent of all responders were male. About sixty (59.4) percent of participating practitioners had worked less than 10 years.96.4 percent had a positive attitude towards complementary and alternative medicine. Knowledge of practitioners about traditional medicine in 11 percent was good, 36.3% and 52.7% had average and little information, respectively. 17.9% of practitioners offered their patients complementary and alternative medicine for treatment. Although there was little knowledge among practitioners about traditional medicine and complementary approaches, a significant percentage of them had attitude higher than the lower limit.

Health search engine with e-document analysis for reliable search results.

PubMed

Gaudinat, Arnaud; Ruch, Patrick; Joubert, Michel; Uziel, Philippe; Strauss, Anne; Thonnet, Michèle; Baud, Robert; Spahni, Stéphane; Weber, Patrick; Bonal, Juan; Boyer, Celia; Fieschi, Marius; Geissbuhler, Antoine

2006-01-01

After a review of the existing practical solution available to the citizen to retrieve eHealth document, the paper describes an original specialized search engine WRAPIN. WRAPIN uses advanced cross lingual information retrieval technologies to check information quality by synthesizing medical concepts, conclusions and references contained in the health literature, to identify accurate, relevant sources. Thanks to MeSH terminology [1] (Medical Subject Headings from the U.S. National Library of Medicine) and advanced approaches such as conclusion extraction from structured document, reformulation of the query, WRAPIN offers to the user a privileged access to navigate through multilingual documents without language or medical prerequisites. The results of an evaluation conducted on the WRAPIN prototype show that results of the WRAPIN search engine are perceived as informative 65% (59% for a general-purpose search engine), reliable and trustworthy 72% (41% for the other engine) by users. But it leaves room for improvement such as the increase of database coverage, the explanation of the original functionalities and an audience adaptability. Thanks to evaluation outcomes, WRAPIN is now in exploitation on the HON web site (http://www.healthonnet.org), free of charge. Intended to the citizen it is a good alternative to general-purpose search engines when the user looks up trustworthy health and medical information or wants to check automatically a doubtful content of a Web page.

Rural Hospital Ownership: Medical Service Provision, Market Mix, and Spillover Effects

PubMed Central

Horwitz, Jill R; Nichols, Austin

2011-01-01

Objective To test whether nonprofit, for-profit, or government hospital ownership affects medical service provision in rural hospital markets, either directly or through the spillover effects of ownership mix. Data Sources/Study Setting Data are from the American Hospital Association, U.S. Census, CMS Healthcare Cost Report Information System and Prospective Payment System Minimum Data File, and primary data collection for geographic coordinates. The sample includes all nonfederal, general medical, and surgical hospitals located outside of metropolitan statistical areas and within the continental United States from 1988 to 2005. Study Design We estimate multivariate regression models to examine the effects of (1) hospital ownership and (2) hospital ownership mix within rural hospital markets on profitable versus unprofitable medical service offerings. Principal Findings Rural nonprofit hospitals are more likely than for-profit hospitals to offer unprofitable services, many of which are underprovided services. Nonprofits respond less than for-profits to changes in service profitability. Nonprofits with more for-profit competitors offer more profitable services and fewer unprofitable services than those with fewer for-profit competitors. Conclusions Rural hospital ownership affects medical service provision at the hospital and market levels. Nonprofit hospital regulation should reflect both the direct and spillover effects of ownership. PMID:21639860

Case Outcomes in a Communication-and-Resolution Program in New York Hospitals.

PubMed

Mello, Michelle M; Greenberg, Yelena; Senecal, Susan K; Cohn, Janet S

2016-12-01

To determine case outcomes in a communication-and-resolution program (CRP) implemented to respond to adverse events in general surgery. Five acute-care hospitals in New York City. Following CRP implementation, hospitals recorded information about each CRP event for 22 months. Risk managers prospectively collected data in collaboration with representatives from the hospital's insurer. External researchers administered an online satisfaction survey to clinicians involved in CRP events. Among 125 CRP cases, disclosure conversations were carried out in 92 percent, explanations were conveyed in 88 percent, and apologies were offered in 72.8 percent. Three quarters of events did not involve substandard care. Compensation offers beyond bill waivers were deemed appropriate in 9 of 30 of cases in which substandard care caused harm and communicated in six such cases. In 44 percent of cases, hospitals identified steps that could be taken to improve safety. Clinicians had low awareness of the workings of the CRP, but high satisfaction with their experiences. The bulk of CRPs' work is in investigating and communicating about events not caused by substandard care. These CRPs were quite successful in handling such events, but less consistent in offering compensation in cases involving substandard care. © Health Research and Educational Trust.

Rural hospital ownership: medical service provision, market mix, and spillover effects.

PubMed

Horwitz, Jill R; Nichols, Austin

2011-10-01

To test whether nonprofit, for-profit, or government hospital ownership affects medical service provision in rural hospital markets, either directly or through the spillover effects of ownership mix. Data are from the American Hospital Association, U.S. Census, CMS Healthcare Cost Report Information System and Prospective Payment System Minimum Data File, and primary data collection for geographic coordinates. The sample includes all nonfederal, general medical, and surgical hospitals located outside of metropolitan statistical areas and within the continental United States from 1988 to 2005. We estimate multivariate regression models to examine the effects of (1) hospital ownership and (2) hospital ownership mix within rural hospital markets on profitable versus unprofitable medical service offerings. Rural nonprofit hospitals are more likely than for-profit hospitals to offer unprofitable services, many of which are underprovided services. Nonprofits respond less than for-profits to changes in service profitability. Nonprofits with more for-profit competitors offer more profitable services and fewer unprofitable services than those with fewer for-profit competitors. Rural hospital ownership affects medical service provision at the hospital and market levels. Nonprofit hospital regulation should reflect both the direct and spillover effects of ownership. © Health Research and Educational Trust.

17 CFR 230.133 - Definition for purposes of section 5 of the Act, of “sale”, “offer”, “offer to sell”, and “offer...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 17 Commodity and Securities Exchanges 2 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Definition for purposes of section 5 of the Act, of âsaleâ, âofferâ, âoffer to sellâ, and âoffer for saleâ. 230.133 Section 230.133..., SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 General § 230.133 Definition for purposes of section 5 of the Act, of “sale”, “offer...

17 CFR 230.133 - Definition for purposes of section 5 of the Act, of “sale”, “offer”, “offer to sell”, and “offer...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 17 Commodity and Securities Exchanges 2 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Definition for purposes of section 5 of the Act, of âsaleâ, âofferâ, âoffer to sellâ, and âoffer for saleâ. 230.133 Section 230.133..., SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 General § 230.133 Definition for purposes of section 5 of the Act, of “sale”, “offer...

Health Informatics Program Design and Outcomes: Learning from an Early Offering at a Mid-Level University

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Parker, Kevin R.; Srinivasan, Sankara Subramanian; Houghton, Robert F.; Kordzadeh, Nima; Bozan, Karoly; Ottaway, Thomas; Davey, Bill

2017-01-01

Curriculum development is particularly challenging in computing-related disciplines as the computing industry changes more quickly than most. As information technology degrees have become relatively pervasive, some institutions that offer information systems degrees have recognized a need to develop specialist studies in information systems. This…

Exposure assessment of carcass disposal options in the event of a notifiable exotic animal disease: application to avian influenza virus.

PubMed

Pollard, Simon J T; Hickman, Gordon A W; Irving, Phil; Hough, Rupert L; Gauntlett, Daniel M; Howson, Simon F; Hart, Alwyn; Gayford, Paul; Gent, Nick

2008-05-01

We present a generalized exposure assessment of 28 disposal options for poultry carcasses in the event of a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak. The analysis supports a hereto unverified disposal hierarchy for animal carcasses, placing waste processing (e.g., incineration and rendering) above controlled disposal (e.g., landfill), above uncontrolled disposal (e.g., burial on-farm). We illustrate that early stages of the disposal chain (on-farm) pose greater opportunities for exposure to hazardous agents than later stages, where agents are generally contained, wastes are treated, and residues are managed by regulated processes. In selecting carcass disposal options, practitioners are advised to consider the full range of hazards rather than focusing solely on the HPAI agent, and to give preference to technologies that (i) offer high destruction efficiencies for target pathogens; (ii) do not give rise to significant releases of other pathogenic organisms; and (iii) do not release unacceptable concentrations of toxic chemicals. The approach offers an exposure assessment perspective for carcass disposal, thus providing a risk-informed basis for contingency planning and operational intervention. The authors recognize that relevant legislation, public perception, available capacity, and cost also need to be considered when selecting disposal options in the event of HPAI.

Resident Preparation for Careers in General Surgery: A Survey of Program Directors.

PubMed

Cogbill, Thomas H; Klingensmith, Mary E; Jones, Andrew T; Biester, Thomas W; Malangoni, Mark A

2015-01-01

The number of general surgery (GS) residency graduates who choose GS practice has diminished as the popularity of postresidency fellowships has dramatically increased over the past several decades. This study was designed to document current methods of GS preparation during surgery residency and to determine characteristics of programs that produce more graduates who pursue GS practice. An email survey was sent by the American Board of Surgery General Surgery Advisory Committee to program directors of all GS residencies. Program demographic information was procured from the American Board of Surgery database and linked to survey results. Multiple regression was used to predict postresidency choices of graduates. Totally, 252 US allopathic surgical residencies. Totally, 171 residency program directors (68% response rate). The proportion of programs using an emergency/acute care surgery rotation at the main teaching hospital to teach GS increased from 63% in 2003 to 83% in 2014. An autonomous GS outpatient experience was offered in 38% of programs. Practice management curricula were offered in 28% of programs. Institutions with fewer postresidency fellowships (p < 0.003) and fewer surgical specialty residencies (p < 0.036) had a greater percentage of graduates who pursued GS practice. The addition of each fellowship at an institution was associated with a 2% decrease in the number of graduates pursuing GS practice. Residency size was not associated with predilection for fellowship selection and there was no difference between university and independent residencies vis-a-vis the proportion selecting fellowship vs GS practice. Practice management principles and autonomous GS outpatient clinic experiences are offered in a minority of programs. Graduates of programs in institutions with fewer surgery fellowships and residencies are more likely to pursue GS practice. Increased number of postresidency fellowships and specialty residencies may be associated with fewer GS rotations and fewer GS mentors. Further study of these relationships seems warranted. Copyright © 2015 Association of Program Directors in Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

What Predicts Patients' Willingness to Undergo Online Treatment and Pay for Online Treatment? Results from a Web-Based Survey to Investigate the Changing Patient-Physician Relationship.

PubMed

Roettl, Johanna; Bidmon, Sonja; Terlutter, Ralf

2016-02-04

Substantial research has focused on patients' health information-seeking behavior on the Internet, but little is known about the variables that may predict patients' willingness to undergo online treatment and willingness to pay additionally for online treatment. This study analyzed sociodemographic variables, psychosocial variables, and variables of Internet usage to predict willingness to undergo online treatment and willingness to pay additionally for online treatment offered by the general practitioner (GP). An online survey of 1006 randomly selected German patients was conducted. The sample was drawn from an e-panel maintained by GfK HealthCare. Missing values were imputed; 958 usable questionnaires were analyzed. Variables with multi-item measurement were factor analyzed. Willingness to undergo online treatment and willingness to pay additionally for online treatment offered by the GP were predicted using 2 multiple regression models. Exploratory factor analyses revealed that the disposition of patients' personality to engage in information-searching behavior on the Internet was unidimensional. Exploratory factor analysis with the variables measuring the motives for Internet usage led to 2 separate factors: perceived usefulness (PU) of the Internet for health-related information searching and social motives for information searching on the Internet. Sociodemographic variables did not serve as significant predictors for willingness to undergo online treatment offered by the GP, whereas PU (B=.092, P=.08), willingness to communicate with the GP more often in the future (B=.495, P<.001), health-related information-seeking personality (B=.369, P<.001), actual use of online communication with the GP (B=.198, P<.001), and social motive (B=.178, P=.002) were significant predictors. Age, gender, satisfaction with the GP, social motive, and trust in the GP had no significant impact on the willingness to pay additionally for online treatment, but it was predicted by health-related information-seeking personality (B=.127, P=.07), PU (B=-.098, P=.09), willingness to undergo online treatment (B=.391, P<.001), actual use of online communication with the GP (B=.192, P=.001), highest education level (B=.178, P<.001), monthly household net income (B=.115, P=.01), and willingness to communicate with the GP online more often in the future (B=.076, P=.03). Age, gender, and trust in the GP were not significant predictors for either willingness to undergo online treatment or to pay additionally for online treatment. Willingness to undergo online treatment was partly determined by the actual use of online communication with the GP, willingness to communicate online with the GP, health information-seeking personality, and social motivation for such behavior. Willingness to pay extra for online treatment was influenced by the monthly household net income category and education level. The results of this study are useful for online health care providers and physicians who are considering offering online treatments as a viable number of patients would appreciate the possibility of undergoing an online treatment offered by their GP.

DB4US: A Decision Support System for Laboratory Information Management

PubMed Central

Hortas, Maria Luisa; Baena-García, Manuel; Lana-Linati, Jorge; González, Carlos; Redondo, Maximino; Morales-Bueno, Rafael

2012-01-01

Background Until recently, laboratory automation has focused primarily on improving hardware. Future advances are concentrated on intelligent software since laboratories performing clinical diagnostic testing require improved information systems to address their data processing needs. In this paper, we propose DB4US, an application that automates information related to laboratory quality indicators information. Currently, there is a lack of ready-to-use management quality measures. This application addresses this deficiency through the extraction, consolidation, statistical analysis, and visualization of data related to the use of demographics, reagents, and turn-around times. The design and implementation issues, as well as the technologies used for the implementation of this system, are discussed in this paper. Objective To develop a general methodology that integrates the computation of ready-to-use management quality measures and a dashboard to easily analyze the overall performance of a laboratory, as well as automatically detect anomalies or errors. The novelty of our approach lies in the application of integrated web-based dashboards as an information management system in hospital laboratories. Methods We propose a new methodology for laboratory information management based on the extraction, consolidation, statistical analysis, and visualization of data related to demographics, reagents, and turn-around times, offering a dashboard-like user web interface to the laboratory manager. The methodology comprises a unified data warehouse that stores and consolidates multidimensional data from different data sources. The methodology is illustrated through the implementation and validation of DB4US, a novel web application based on this methodology that constructs an interface to obtain ready-to-use indicators, and offers the possibility to drill down from high-level metrics to more detailed summaries. The offered indicators are calculated beforehand so that they are ready to use when the user needs them. The design is based on a set of different parallel processes to precalculate indicators. The application displays information related to tests, requests, samples, and turn-around times. The dashboard is designed to show the set of indicators on a single screen. Results DB4US was deployed for the first time in the Hospital Costa del Sol in 2008. In our evaluation we show the positive impact of this methodology for laboratory professionals, since the use of our application has reduced the time needed for the elaboration of the different statistical indicators and has also provided information that has been used to optimize the usage of laboratory resources by the discovery of anomalies in the indicators. DB4US users benefit from Internet-based communication of results, since this information is available from any computer without having to install any additional software. Conclusions The proposed methodology and the accompanying web application, DB4US, automates the processing of information related to laboratory quality indicators and offers a novel approach for managing laboratory-related information, benefiting from an Internet-based communication mechanism. The application of this methodology has been shown to improve the usage of time, as well as other laboratory resources. PMID:23608745

University Students' Perceptions of Child Sexual Offenders: Impact of Classroom Instruction.

PubMed

Wurtele, Sandy K

2018-04-01

Research with the public suggests that knowledge about sexual offenders, especially child sexual offenders, is limited and often inaccurate. In general, the public tends to believe that adults who commit sex crimes against children are pedophiles or monstrous strangers who cannot be rehabilitated. However, there is some evidence to suggest that these perceptions can be changed through curricular intervention. The current study was designed to determine whether a course on sex crimes against children could influence college students' knowledge and attitudes toward child sexual offenders. In a pretest-post-test design, students enrolled in the sex crimes course endorsed fewer stereotypes had more positive attitudes toward treatment and offender rehabilitation, along with reduced support for punitive sentencing compared with students enrolled in a general psychology class. Implications for improving public attitudes and suggestions for informing public policies are offered.

Rights theory in a specific healthcare context: "speaking ill of the dead".

PubMed

Wildfire, Adrian; Stebbing, Justin; Gazzard, Brian

2007-07-01

Generally physicians have a legal and ethical obligation of keeping confidentiality regarding their communication with patients and it is clear that we all have rights. The application of rights theorem, which usually refers to the recognition of individual human rights, to the deceased offers possible answers to the problematic question of patient confidentiality after death. Philosophical considerations broadly support utilitarian ideals concerning the 'common good'. However, it may be possible to rank rights according to a hierarchy of need and thus preserve individual rights where they do not impinge upon the public's right to protection from harm and the physician's right to tell the truth. This has broad implications for confidentiality, anonymity and health care information in general for patients, their families and healthcare workers. We discuss these issues, with specific reference to an individual case.

Information, Please.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hardy, Lawrence

2003-01-01

Requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act present school districts with a massive lesson in data-driven decision-making. Technology companies offer data-management tools that organize student information from state tests. Offers districts advice in choosing a technology provider. (MLF)

[Practicing veterinarians' perception of bovine ringworm as herd health problem].

PubMed

Kleen, Joachim L; Andres, Tatjana; Exner, Ulrike; Strie, Regina

2017-04-19

Bovine ringworm (tinea) is generally described as a disease occurring regularly in cattle. Actual data are rare, whereas the disease is regularly reported in case reports. To eradicate bovine ringworm, perception as well as measures, including hygiene and disinfection, are required. In a course for continuing education, 378 practicing veterinarians were asked in a questionnaire to state their view on bovine ringworm. The majority of the participants stated that ringworm was not satisfactorily perceived as an animal health problem and that the zoonotic potential was underestimated. A majority of participants agreed to diagnose ringworm on farms regularly and stated that they were involved in treating the disease. The participating veterinarians felt, however, that perception of ringworm by the farms themselves was inadequate. Vaccination was generally judged as being helpful. Generally, practising veterinarians feel that bovine ringworm is being perceived as less important by farms than by themselves. It is to be concluded that more information and offers regarding the treatment for ringworm could contribute to more effective engagement in the disease.

GeoCrystal: graphic-interactive access to geodata archives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goebel, Stefan; Haist, Joerg; Jasnoch, Uwe

2002-03-01

Recently there is spent a lot of effort to establish information systems and global infrastructures enabling both data suppliers and users to describe (-> eCommerce, metadata) as well as to find appropriate data. Examples for this are metadata information systems, online-shops or portals for geodata. The main disadvantages of existing approaches are insufficient methods and mechanisms leading users to (e.g. spatial) data archives. This affects aspects concerning usability and personalization in general as well as visual feedback techniques in the different steps of the information retrieval process. Several approaches aim at the improvement of graphical user interfaces by using intuitive metaphors, but only some of them offer 3D interfaces in the form of information landscapes or geographic result scenes in the context of information systems for geodata. This paper presents GeoCrystal, which basic idea is to adopt Venn diagrams to compose complex queries and to visualize search results in a 3D information and navigation space for geodata. These concepts are enhanced with spatial metaphors and 3D information landscapes (library for geodata) wherein users can specify searches for appropriate geodata and are enabled to graphic-interactively communicate with search results (book metaphor).

78 FR 37245 - Submission for Review: OPM Form 1203-FX, Occupational Questionnaire

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-06-20

...The Automated Systems Management Branch, Office of Personnel Management (OPM) offers the general public and other Federal agencies the opportunity to comment on an existing information collection request (ICR) 3206-0040, Occupational Questionnaire, OPM Form 1203-FX. As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, (Pub. L. 104-13, 44 U.S.C. chapter 35) as amended by the Clinger-Cohen Act (Pub. L. 104- 106), OPM is soliciting comments for this collection. The Office of Management and Budget is particularly interested in comments that: 1. Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of OPM, including whether the information will have practical utility; 2. Evaluate the accuracy of OPM's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; 3. Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and 4. Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submissions of responses.

Enhancing workplace wellness efforts to reduce obesity: a qualitative study of low-wage workers in St Louis, Missouri, 2013-2014.

PubMed

Strickland, Jaime R; Eyler, Amy A; Purnell, Jason Q; Kinghorn, Anna M; Herrick, Cynthia; Evanoff, Bradley A

2015-05-07

The objective of this study was to examine workplace determinants of obesity and participation in employer-sponsored wellness programs among low-wage workers. We conducted key informant interviews and focus groups with 2 partner organizations: a health care employer and a union representing retail workers. Interviews and focus groups discussed worksite factors that support or constrain healthy eating and physical activity and barriers that reduce participation in workplace wellness programs. Focus group discussions were transcribed and coded to identify main themes related to healthy eating, physical activity, and workplace factors that affect health. Although the union informants recognized the need for workplace wellness programs, very few programs were offered because informants did not know how to reach their widespread and diverse membership. Informants from the health care organization described various programs available to employees but noted several barriers to effective implementation. Workers discussed how their job characteristics contributed to their weight; irregular schedules, shift work, short breaks, physical job demands, and food options at work were among the most commonly discussed contributors to poor eating and exercise behaviors. Workers also described several general factors such as motivation, time, money, and conflicting responsibilities. The workplace offers unique opportunities for obesity interventions that go beyond traditional approaches. Our results suggest that modifying the physical and social work environment by using participatory or integrated health and safety approaches may improve eating and physical activity behaviors. However, more research is needed about the methods best suited to the needs of low-wage workers.

Enhancing Workplace Wellness Efforts to Reduce Obesity: A Qualitative Study of Low-Wage Workers in St Louis, Missouri, 2013–2014

PubMed Central

Eyler, Amy A.; Purnell, Jason Q.; Kinghorn, Anna M.; Herrick, Cynthia; Evanoff, Bradley A.

2015-01-01

Introduction The objective of this study was to examine workplace determinants of obesity and participation in employer-sponsored wellness programs among low-wage workers. Methods We conducted key informant interviews and focus groups with 2 partner organizations: a health care employer and a union representing retail workers. Interviews and focus groups discussed worksite factors that support or constrain healthy eating and physical activity and barriers that reduce participation in workplace wellness programs. Focus group discussions were transcribed and coded to identify main themes related to healthy eating, physical activity, and workplace factors that affect health. Results Although the union informants recognized the need for workplace wellness programs, very few programs were offered because informants did not know how to reach their widespread and diverse membership. Informants from the health care organization described various programs available to employees but noted several barriers to effective implementation. Workers discussed how their job characteristics contributed to their weight; irregular schedules, shift work, short breaks, physical job demands, and food options at work were among the most commonly discussed contributors to poor eating and exercise behaviors. Workers also described several general factors such as motivation, time, money, and conflicting responsibilities. Conclusion The workplace offers unique opportunities for obesity interventions that go beyond traditional approaches. Our results suggest that modifying the physical and social work environment by using participatory or integrated health and safety approaches may improve eating and physical activity behaviors. However, more research is needed about the methods best suited to the needs of low-wage workers. PMID:25950574

Good things come to those who wait: late first offers facilitate creative agreements in negotiation.

PubMed

Sinaceur, Marwan; Maddux, William W; Vasiljevic, Dimitri; Perez Nückel, Ricardo; Galinsky, Adam D

2013-06-01

Although previous research has shown that making the first offer leads to a distributive advantage in negotiations, the current research explored how the timing of first offers affects the creativity of negotiation agreements. We hypothesized that making the first offer later rather than earlier in the negotiation would facilitate the discovery of creative agreements that better meet the parties' underlying interests. Experiment 1 demonstrated that compared with early first offers, late first offers facilitated creative agreements that better met the parties' underlying interests. Experiments 2a and 2b controlled for the duration of the negotiation and conceptually replicated this effect. The last two studies also demonstrated that the beneficial effect of late first offers was mediated by greater information exchange. Thus, negotiators need to consider the timing of first offers to fully capitalize on the first offer advantage. Implications for our understanding of creativity, motivated information exchange, and timing in negotiations are discussed.

Personal digital assistant applications for the healthcare provider.

PubMed

Keplar, Kristine E; Urbanski, Christopher J

2003-02-01

To review some common medical applications available for personal digital assistants (PDAs), with brief discussion of the different PDA operating systems and memory requirements. Key search terms included handheld, PDA, personal digital assistants, and medical applications. The literature was accessed through MEDLINE (1999-August 2002). Other information was obtained through secondary sources such as Web sites describing common PDAs. Medical applications available on PDAs are numerous and include general drug references, specialized drug references (e.g., pediatrics, geriatrics, cardiology, infectious disease), diagnostic guides, medical calculators, herbal medication references, nursing references, toxicology references, and patient tracking databases. Costs and memory requirements for these programs can vary; consequently, the healthcare provider must limit the medication applications that are placed on the handheld computer. This article attempts to systematically describe the common medical applications available for the handheld computer along with cost, memory and download requirements, and Web site information. This review found many excellent PDA drug information applications offering many features which will aid the healthcare provider. Very likely, after using these PDA applications, the healthcare provider will find them indispensable, as their multifunctional capabilities can save time, improve accuracy, and allow for general business procedures as well as being a quick reference tool. To avoid the benefits of this technology might be a step backward.

Psychosocial Interventions in Reducing Cannabis Use in Early Phase Psychosis: A Canadian Survey of Treatments Offered.

PubMed

Aydin, Cristina; Tibbo, Philip G; Ursuliak, Zenovia

2016-06-01

Cannabis use in people with early phase psychosis (EPP) can have a significant impact on long-term outcomes. The purpose of this investigation was to describe current cannabis use treatment practices in English-speaking early intervention services (EISs) in Canada and determine if their services are informed by available evidence. Thirty-five Canadian English-speaking EISs for psychosis were approached to complete a survey through email, facsimile, or online in order to collect information regarding their current cannabis use treatment practices. Data were acquired from 27 of the 35 (78%) programs approached. Only 12% of EISs offered formal services that targeted cannabis use, whereas the majority (63%) of EISs offered informal services for all substance use, not specifically cannabis. In programs with informal services, individual patient psychoeducation (86%) was slightly more common than individual motivational interviewing (MI) (76%) followed by group patient psychoeducation (52%) and information handouts (52%). Thirty-seven percent of EISs offered formal services for substance use, and compared to programs with informal services, more MI, cognitive-behavioural therapy, and family services were offered, with individual treatment modalities more common than groups. No EISs used contingency management, even though it has some preliminary evidence in chronic populations. Evidence-based service implementation barriers included appropriate training and administrative support. While most English-speaking Canadian EIS programs offer individual MI and psychoeducation, which is in line with the available literature, there is room for improvement in cannabis treatment services based on current evidence for both people with EPP and their families. © The Author(s) 2016.

Search strategies of Wikipedia readers.

PubMed

Rodi, Giovanna Chiara; Loreto, Vittorio; Tria, Francesca

2017-01-01

The quest for information is one of the most common activity of human beings. Despite the the impressive progress of search engines, not to miss the needed piece of information could be still very tough, as well as to acquire specific competences and knowledge by shaping and following the proper learning paths. Indeed, the need to find sensible paths in information networks is one of the biggest challenges of our societies and, to effectively address it, it is important to investigate the strategies adopted by human users to cope with the cognitive bottleneck of finding their way in a growing sea of information. Here we focus on the case of Wikipedia and investigate a recently released dataset about users' click on the English Wikipedia, namely the English Wikipedia Clickstream. We perform a semantically charged analysis to uncover the general patterns followed by information seekers in the multi-dimensional space of Wikipedia topics/categories. We discover the existence of well defined strategies in which users tend to start from very general, i.e., semantically broad, pages and progressively narrow down the scope of their navigation, while keeping a growing semantic coherence. This is unlike strategies associated to tasks with predefined search goals, namely the case of the Wikispeedia game. In this case users first move from the 'particular' to the 'universal' before focusing down again to the required target. The clear picture offered here represents a very important stepping stone towards a better design of information networks and recommendation strategies, as well as the construction of radically new learning paths.

Search strategies of Wikipedia readers

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

The quest for information is one of the most common activity of human beings. Despite the the impressive progress of search engines, not to miss the needed piece of information could be still very tough, as well as to acquire specific competences and knowledge by shaping and following the proper learning paths. Indeed, the need to find sensible paths in information networks is one of the biggest challenges of our societies and, to effectively address it, it is important to investigate the strategies adopted by human users to cope with the cognitive bottleneck of finding their way in a growing sea of information. Here we focus on the case of Wikipedia and investigate a recently released dataset about users’ click on the English Wikipedia, namely the English Wikipedia Clickstream. We perform a semantically charged analysis to uncover the general patterns followed by information seekers in the multi-dimensional space of Wikipedia topics/categories. We discover the existence of well defined strategies in which users tend to start from very general, i.e., semantically broad, pages and progressively narrow down the scope of their navigation, while keeping a growing semantic coherence. This is unlike strategies associated to tasks with predefined search goals, namely the case of the Wikispeedia game. In this case users first move from the ‘particular’ to the ‘universal’ before focusing down again to the required target. The clear picture offered here represents a very important stepping stone towards a better design of information networks and recommendation strategies, as well as the construction of radically new learning paths. PMID:28152030

Motivation and experiences of self-testers regarding tests for cardiovascular risk factors.

PubMed

Ickenroth, Martine H P; Grispen, Janaica E J; Ronda, Gaby; Tacken, Marloes; Dinant, Geert-Jan; de Vries, Nanne K; van der Weijden, Trudy

2014-02-01

In recent years, self-tests have become increasingly available to the general public, though their value is still being debated. Because these tests are available, consumers should have access to clear information about self-testing. Examining experiences of self-testers could contribute to the development of consumer information. Detailed exploration of consumers' experiences with self-testing for cardiovascular risk factors. Semi-structured interviews with 20 consumers who had performed a self-test for glucose, cholesterol or albuminuria. The main topics of the interviews were reasons for self-testing, performing the self-test, follow-up behaviour and perceived need for information on self-testing. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis. Regarding the reason for self-testing, three types of users were distinguished: those who engaged in self-testing when a test was offered, either with or without previous knowledge about the disease or risk factor, and those who had actively decided to test and had searched for a self-test themselves. Self-testers had generally experienced no problems performing the test or interpreting the result and had considerable confidence in the result. They were easily reassured by a normal result, while an abnormal result did not automatically mean they consulted a doctor. Most participants did not feel the need for more information. Self-testers often perform tests for reassurance, without considering the disadvantages, such as the absence of professional counselling and the risk of false-positive or false-negative results. Consumer information should promote more informed and deliberate choices for self-testing. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Analyzing Information Seeking and Drug-Safety Alert Response by Health Care Professionals as New Methods for Surveillance

PubMed Central

Pernek, Igor; Stiglic, Gregor; Leskovec, Jure; Strasberg, Howard R; Shah, Nigam Haresh

2015-01-01

Background Patterns in general consumer online search logs have been used to monitor health conditions and to predict health-related activities, but the multiple contexts within which consumers perform online searches make significant associations difficult to interpret. Physician information-seeking behavior has typically been analyzed through survey-based approaches and literature reviews. Activity logs from health care professionals using online medical information resources are thus a valuable yet relatively untapped resource for large-scale medical surveillance. Objective To analyze health care professionals’ information-seeking behavior and assess the feasibility of measuring drug-safety alert response from the usage logs of an online medical information resource. Methods Using two years (2011-2012) of usage logs from UpToDate, we measured the volume of searches related to medical conditions with significant burden in the United States, as well as the seasonal distribution of those searches. We quantified the relationship between searches and resulting page views. Using a large collection of online mainstream media articles and Web log posts we also characterized the uptake of a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) alert via changes in UpToDate search activity compared with general online media activity related to the subject of the alert. Results Diseases and symptoms dominate UpToDate searches. Some searches result in page views of only short duration, while others consistently result in longer-than-average page views. The response to an FDA alert for Celexa, characterized by a change in UpToDate search activity, differed considerably from general online media activity. Changes in search activity appeared later and persisted longer in UpToDate logs. The volume of searches and page view durations related to Celexa before the alert also differed from those after the alert. Conclusions Understanding the information-seeking behavior associated with online evidence sources can offer insight into the information needs of health professionals and enable large-scale medical surveillance. Our Web log mining approach has the potential to monitor responses to FDA alerts at a national level. Our findings can also inform the design and content of evidence-based medical information resources such as UpToDate. PMID:26293444

Analyzing Information Seeking and Drug-Safety Alert Response by Health Care Professionals as New Methods for Surveillance.

PubMed

Callahan, Alison; Pernek, Igor; Stiglic, Gregor; Leskovec, Jure; Strasberg, Howard R; Shah, Nigam Haresh

2015-08-20

Patterns in general consumer online search logs have been used to monitor health conditions and to predict health-related activities, but the multiple contexts within which consumers perform online searches make significant associations difficult to interpret. Physician information-seeking behavior has typically been analyzed through survey-based approaches and literature reviews. Activity logs from health care professionals using online medical information resources are thus a valuable yet relatively untapped resource for large-scale medical surveillance. To analyze health care professionals' information-seeking behavior and assess the feasibility of measuring drug-safety alert response from the usage logs of an online medical information resource. Using two years (2011-2012) of usage logs from UpToDate, we measured the volume of searches related to medical conditions with significant burden in the United States, as well as the seasonal distribution of those searches. We quantified the relationship between searches and resulting page views. Using a large collection of online mainstream media articles and Web log posts we also characterized the uptake of a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) alert via changes in UpToDate search activity compared with general online media activity related to the subject of the alert. Diseases and symptoms dominate UpToDate searches. Some searches result in page views of only short duration, while others consistently result in longer-than-average page views. The response to an FDA alert for Celexa, characterized by a change in UpToDate search activity, differed considerably from general online media activity. Changes in search activity appeared later and persisted longer in UpToDate logs. The volume of searches and page view durations related to Celexa before the alert also differed from those after the alert. Understanding the information-seeking behavior associated with online evidence sources can offer insight into the information needs of health professionals and enable large-scale medical surveillance. Our Web log mining approach has the potential to monitor responses to FDA alerts at a national level. Our findings can also inform the design and content of evidence-based medical information resources such as UpToDate.

Deconstructing climate misinformation to identify reasoning errors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cook, John; Ellerton, Peter; Kinkead, David

2018-02-01

Misinformation can have significant societal consequences. For example, misinformation about climate change has confused the public and stalled support for mitigation policies. When people lack the expertise and skill to evaluate the science behind a claim, they typically rely on heuristics such as substituting judgment about something complex (i.e. climate science) with judgment about something simple (i.e. the character of people who speak about climate science) and are therefore vulnerable to misleading information. Inoculation theory offers one approach to effectively neutralize the influence of misinformation. Typically, inoculations convey resistance by providing people with information that counters misinformation. In contrast, we propose inoculating against misinformation by explaining the fallacious reasoning within misleading denialist claims. We offer a strategy based on critical thinking methods to analyse and detect poor reasoning within denialist claims. This strategy includes detailing argument structure, determining the truth of the premises, and checking for validity, hidden premises, or ambiguous language. Focusing on argument structure also facilitates the identification of reasoning fallacies by locating them in the reasoning process. Because this reason-based form of inoculation is based on general critical thinking methods, it offers the distinct advantage of being accessible to those who lack expertise in climate science. We applied this approach to 42 common denialist claims and find that they all demonstrate fallacious reasoning and fail to refute the scientific consensus regarding anthropogenic global warming. This comprehensive deconstruction and refutation of the most common denialist claims about climate change is designed to act as a resource for communicators and educators who teach climate science and/or critical thinking.

Design and Delivery of a New Course of Information Technology for Small Business

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wang, Shouhong; Wang, Hai

2015-01-01

Many university or college business programs offer majors or concentrations of small business management, but few of them offer a course of information technology (IT) for small business, despite the fact that IT plays an important role in the management of innovative small businesses. While introductory information systems (IS) courses emphasize…

NREL: Renewable Resource Data Center - Solar Resource Information

Science.gov Websites

Solar Resource Information The Renewable Resource Data Center (RReDC) offers a collection of data and tools to assist with solar resource research. Learn more about RReDC's solar resource: Data Models siting. In addition, RReDC offers a solar resource glossary, unit conversion information, and an

Preconceptional genetic carrier testing and the commercial offer directly-to-consumers

PubMed Central

Borry, Pascal; Henneman, Lidewij; Lakeman, Phillis; ten Kate, Leo P.; Cornel, Martina C.; Howard, Heidi C.

2011-01-01

Recently, a number of commercial companies are offering preconceptional carrier tests directly-to-consumers. This offer raises a number of concerns and issues above and beyond those encountered with preconceptional tests offered within the traditional health care setting. In order to bring some of these issues to light and to initiate dialogue on this topic, this article discusses the following issues: the current offer of preconceptional carrier tests (until the end of 2010) through online commercial companies; the implications for the informed consent procedure and the need for good information; the need for medical supervision and follow-up; and the appropriate use of existing resources. The article concludes with some reflections about the potential sustainability of the offer of preconceptional carrier tests directly-to-consumers. PMID:21362685

17 CFR 230.801 - Exemption in connection with a rights offering.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 17 Commodity and Securities Exchanges 2 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Exemption in connection with a rights offering. 230.801 Section 230.801 Commodity and Securities Exchanges SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS, SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 Exemptions for Cross-Border Rights Offerings...

9 CFR 592.22 - Where service is offered.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Where service is offered. 592.22 Section 592.22 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION VOLUNTARY INSPECTION OF EGG PRODUCTS General § 592.22 Where service is offered...

45 CFR 30.25 - Further review of compromise offers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 45 Public Welfare 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Further review of compromise offers. 30.25 Section 30.25 Public Welfare DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES GENERAL ADMINISTRATION CLAIMS COLLECTION Debt Compromise § 30.25 Further review of compromise offers. If the Secretary is uncertain whether to...

45 CFR 2544.135 - How should an offer of a donation be made?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 45 Public Welfare 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false How should an offer of a donation be made? 2544... NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE SOLICITATION AND ACCEPTANCE OF DONATIONS § 2544.135 How should an offer of a donation be made? (a) In general, an offer of donation should be made by providing a letter of tender that...

45 CFR 2544.135 - How should an offer of a donation be made?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 45 Public Welfare 4 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false How should an offer of a donation be made? 2544... NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE SOLICITATION AND ACCEPTANCE OF DONATIONS § 2544.135 How should an offer of a donation be made? (a) In general, an offer of donation should be made by providing a letter of tender that...

45 CFR 2544.135 - How should an offer of a donation be made?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 45 Public Welfare 4 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false How should an offer of a donation be made? 2544... NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE SOLICITATION AND ACCEPTANCE OF DONATIONS § 2544.135 How should an offer of a donation be made? (a) In general, an offer of donation should be made by providing a letter of tender that...

45 CFR 2544.135 - How should an offer of a donation be made?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 45 Public Welfare 4 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false How should an offer of a donation be made? 2544... NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE SOLICITATION AND ACCEPTANCE OF DONATIONS § 2544.135 How should an offer of a donation be made? (a) In general, an offer of donation should be made by providing a letter of tender that...

45 CFR 2544.135 - How should an offer of a donation be made?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 45 Public Welfare 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false How should an offer of a donation be made? 2544... NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE SOLICITATION AND ACCEPTANCE OF DONATIONS § 2544.135 How should an offer of a donation be made? (a) In general, an offer of donation should be made by providing a letter of tender that...

Secure quantum private information retrieval using phase-encoded queries

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

Olejnik, Lukasz

We propose a quantum solution to the classical private information retrieval (PIR) problem, which allows one to query a database in a private manner. The protocol offers privacy thresholds and allows the user to obtain information from a database in a way that offers the potential adversary, in this model the database owner, no possibility of deterministically establishing the query contents. This protocol may also be viewed as a solution to the symmetrically private information retrieval problem in that it can offer database security (inability for a querying user to steal its contents). Compared to classical solutions, the protocol offersmore » substantial improvement in terms of communication complexity. In comparison with the recent quantum private queries [Phys. Rev. Lett. 100, 230502 (2008)] protocol, it is more efficient in terms of communication complexity and the number of rounds, while offering a clear privacy parameter. We discuss the security of the protocol and analyze its strengths and conclude that using this technique makes it challenging to obtain the unconditional (in the information-theoretic sense) privacy degree; nevertheless, in addition to being simple, the protocol still offers a privacy level. The oracle used in the protocol is inspired both by the classical computational PIR solutions as well as the Deutsch-Jozsa oracle.« less

A scoping review of weight bias by community pharmacists towards people with obesity and mental illness.

PubMed

Murphy, Andrea L; Gardner, David M

2016-07-01

Community pharmacists are accessible health care professionals who are increasingly offering weight management programs. People living with serious mental illness have markedly higher rates of obesity and associated illness outcomes than the general population, providing pharmacists who are interested in offering weight management services with an identifiable patient subgroup with increased health needs. Issues with stigma within obesity and mental illness care are prevalent and can lead to inequities and reduced quality of care. We conducted a scoping review to map and characterize the available information from published and grey literature sources regarding community pharmacists and weight bias towards obese people with lived experience of mental illness. A staged approach to the scoping review was used. Six articles and 6 websites were abstracted after we removed duplicates and applied our inclusion and exclusion criteria. The published studies that we found indicated that pharmacists and pharmacy students do demonstrate implicit and explicit weight bias. Very limited research is available regarding weight bias in pharmacists and stigma towards people with obesity, and we found no information on these phenomena relating to people with lived experience of mental illness. Investigations are needed to characterize the extent and nature of anti-fat bias and attitudes by pharmacists and the consequences of these attitudes for patient care.

From environmental to ecological ethics: toward a practical ethics for ecologists and conservationists.

PubMed

Minteer, Ben A; Collins, James P

2008-12-01

Ecological research and conservation practice frequently raise difficult and varied ethical questions for scientific investigators and managers, including duties to public welfare, nonhuman individuals (i.e., animals and plants), populations, and ecosystems. The field of environmental ethics has contributed much to the understanding of general duties and values to nature, but it has not developed the resources to address the diverse and often unique practical concerns of ecological researchers and managers in the field, lab, and conservation facility. The emerging field of "ecological ethics" is a practical or scientific ethics that offers a superior approach to the ethical dilemmas of the ecologist and conservation manager. Even though ecological ethics necessarily draws from the principles and commitments of mainstream environmental ethics, it is normatively pluralistic, including as well the frameworks of animal, research, and professional ethics. It is also methodologically pragmatic, focused on the practical problems of researchers and managers and informed by these problems in turn. The ecological ethics model offers environmental scientists and practitioners a useful analytical tool for identifying, clarifying, and harmonizing values and positions in challenging ecological research and management situations. Just as bioethics provides a critical intellectual and problem-solving service to the biomedical community, ecological ethics can help inform and improve ethical decision making in the ecology and conservation communities.

Information on 'Overdiagnosis' in Breast Cancer Screening on Prominent United Kingdom- and Australia-Oriented Health Websites

PubMed Central

Ghanouni, Alex; Meisel, Susanne F.; Hersch, Jolyn; Waller, Jo; Renzi, Cristina

2016-01-01

Objectives Health-related websites are an important source of information for the public. Increasing public awareness of overdiagnosis and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in breast cancer screening may facilitate more informed decision-making. This study assessed the extent to which such information was included on prominent health websites oriented towards the general public, and evaluated how it was explained. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Websites identified through Google searches in England (United Kingdom) and New South Wales (Australia) for “breast cancer screening” and further websites included based on our prior knowledge of relevant organisations. Main Outcomes Content analysis was used to determine whether information on overdiagnosis or DCIS existed on each site, how the concepts were described, and what statistics were used to quantify overdiagnosis. Results After exclusions, ten UK websites and eight Australian websites were considered relevant and evaluated. They originated from charities, health service providers, government agencies, and an independent health organisation. Most contained some information on overdiagnosis (and/or DCIS). Descriptive information was similar across websites. Among UK websites, statistical information was often based on estimates from the Independent UK Panel on Breast Cancer Screening; the most commonly provided statistic was the ratio of breast cancer deaths prevented to overdiagnosed cases (1:3). A range of other statistics was included, such as the yearly number of overdiagnosed cases and the proportion of women screened who would be overdiagnosed. Information on DCIS and statistical information was less common on the Australian websites. Conclusions Online information about overdiagnosis has become more widely available in 2015–16 compared with the limited accessibility indicated by older research. However, there may be scope to offer more information on DCIS and overdiagnosis statistics on Australian websites. Moreover, the variability in how estimates are presented across UK websites may be confusing for the general public. PMID:27010593

Damage and protection cost curves for coastal floods within the 600 largest European cities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prahl, Boris F.; Boettle, Markus; Costa, Luís; Kropp, Jürgen P.; Rybski, Diego

2018-03-01

The economic assessment of the impacts of storm surges and sea-level rise in coastal cities requires high-level information on the damage and protection costs associated with varying flood heights. We provide a systematically and consistently calculated dataset of macroscale damage and protection cost curves for the 600 largest European coastal cities opening the perspective for a wide range of applications. Offering the first comprehensive dataset to include the costs of dike protection, we provide the underpinning information to run comparative assessments of costs and benefits of coastal adaptation. Aggregate cost curves for coastal flooding at the city-level are commonly regarded as by-products of impact assessments and are generally not published as a standalone dataset. Hence, our work also aims at initiating a more critical discussion on the availability and derivation of cost curves.

Damage and protection cost curves for coastal floods within the 600 largest European cities.

PubMed

Prahl, Boris F; Boettle, Markus; Costa, Luís; Kropp, Jürgen P; Rybski, Diego

2018-03-20

The economic assessment of the impacts of storm surges and sea-level rise in coastal cities requires high-level information on the damage and protection costs associated with varying flood heights. We provide a systematically and consistently calculated dataset of macroscale damage and protection cost curves for the 600 largest European coastal cities opening the perspective for a wide range of applications. Offering the first comprehensive dataset to include the costs of dike protection, we provide the underpinning information to run comparative assessments of costs and benefits of coastal adaptation. Aggregate cost curves for coastal flooding at the city-level are commonly regarded as by-products of impact assessments and are generally not published as a standalone dataset. Hence, our work also aims at initiating a more critical discussion on the availability and derivation of cost curves.

The Grassmannian Atlas: A General Framework for Exploring Linear Projections of High-Dimensional Data

DOE PAGES

Liu, S.; Bremer, P. -T; Jayaraman, J. J.; ...

2016-06-04

Linear projections are one of the most common approaches to visualize high-dimensional data. Since the space of possible projections is large, existing systems usually select a small set of interesting projections by ranking a large set of candidate projections based on a chosen quality measure. However, while highly ranked projections can be informative, some lower ranked ones could offer important complementary information. Therefore, selection based on ranking may miss projections that are important to provide a global picture of the data. Here, the proposed work fills this gap by presenting the Grassmannian Atlas, a framework that captures the global structuresmore » of quality measures in the space of all projections, which enables a systematic exploration of many complementary projections and provides new insights into the properties of existing quality measures.« less

Court rules against failed viatical firm in investor suit.

PubMed

1999-10-01

A Federal appeals court has revived a claim against Dignity Partners Inc., a viatical business, and offshoot of a financial-services firm. Dignity Partners operated by buying the life insurance policies of terminally ill people. The company was charged with making false and misleading statements in its prospectus for an initial public stock offering. Five months later, the company announced that it would not accept new customers with AIDS, a group which represented 95 percent of its accounts at that time. The company had information from researchers and clinicians that the introduction of protease inhibitors would greatly increase life expectancy for its customers and would reduce company profits. This information was not generally available to potential investors. The suit against the company alleges violations of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Exchange Act of 1934, both which govern stock trading.

Information analytics for healthcare service discovery.

PubMed

Sun, Lily; Yamin, Mohammad; Mushi, Cleopa; Liu, Kecheng; Alsaigh, Mohammed; Chen, Fabian

2014-01-01

The concept of being 'patient-centric' is a challenge to many existing healthcare service provision practices. This paper focuses on the issue of referrals, where multiple stakeholders, such as General Practitioners (GPs) and patients, are encouraged to make a consensual decision based on patients' needs. In this paper, we present an ontology-enabled healthcare service provision, which facilitates both patients and GPs in jointly deciding upon the referral decision. In the healthcare service provision model, we define three types of profiles which represent different stakeholders' requirements. This model also comprises a set of healthcare service discovery processes: articulating a service need, matching the need with the healthcare service offerings, and deciding on a best-fit service for acceptance. As a result, the healthcare service provision can carry out coherent analysis using personalised information and iterative processes that deal with requirements which change over time.

Information broker: a useless overhead or a necessity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maitan, Jacek

1996-01-01

The richness and diversity of information available over the Internet, its size, convenience of access, and its dynamic growth will create new ways to offer better education opportunities in medicine. The Internet will especially benefit medical training process that is expensive and requires continuous updating. The use of the Internet will lower the delivery cost and make medical information available to all potential users. On the other hand, since medical information must be trusted and new policies must be developed to support these capabilities, technologies alone are not enough. In general, we must deal with issues of liability, remuneration for educational and professional services, and general issues of ethics associated with patient-physician relationship in a complicated environment created by a mix of managed and private care combined with modern information technology. In this paper we will focus only on the need to create, to manage and to operate open system over the Internet, or similar low-cost and easy access networks, for the purpose of medical education process. Finally, using business analysis, we argue why the medical education infrastructure needs an information broker, a third party organization that will help the users to access the information and the publishers to display their titles. The first section outlines recent trends in medical education. In the second section, we discuss transfusion medicine requirements. In the third section we provide a summary of the American Red Cross (ARC) transfusion audit system; we discuss the relevance of the assumptions used in this system to other areas of medicine. In the fourth section we describe the overall system architecture and discuss key components. The fifth section covers business issues associated with medical education systems and with the potential role of ARC in particular. The last section provides a summary of findings.

STEM Education for Girls of Color

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yee, Kam H.

Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields struggle to increase recruitment and retention of girls of color. The dominant framework in STEM education is the pipeline which assumes girls in general lack motivation and interest to persist in STEM fields. Recent public discourse shifts to address institutionalized discrimination and systemic barriers in STEM culture that filter out underrepresented populations. Informal education or complementary learning STEM programs offer alternative opportunities for students to explore outside of rigid school academic and social systems. Few articles look specifically at STEM complementary learning programs, and even fewer focus on the effects on girls of color. This research is a quantitative study to categorize existing mission statements and training behind organizations that provide STEM programs. The results will provide a better understanding of the relationship between practices of STEM education organizations and the programs they create. Diversity training and inclusive language in mission statements had weak correlations with increased cultural responsiveness in the program offerings. The results suggest organizations must be more intentional and explicit when implementing diversity goals.

Ethical issues in exercise psychology.

PubMed

Pauline, Jeffrey S; Pauline, Gina A; Johnson, Scott R; Gamble, Kelly M

2006-01-01

Exercise psychology encompasses the disciplines of psychiatry, clinical and counseling psychology, health promotion, and the movement sciences. This emerging field involves diverse mental health issues, theories, and general information related to physical activity and exercise. Numerous research investigations across the past 20 years have shown both physical and psychological benefits from physical activity and exercise. Exercise psychology offers many opportunities for growth while positively influencing the mental and physical health of individuals, communities, and society. However, the exercise psychology literature has not addressed ethical issues or dilemmas faced by mental health professionals providing exercise psychology services. This initial discussion of ethical issues in exercise psychology is an important step in continuing to move the field forward. Specifically, this article will address the emergence of exercise psychology and current health behaviors and offer an overview of ethics and ethical issues, education/training and professional competency, cultural and ethnic diversity, multiple-role relationships and conflicts of interest, dependency issues, confidentiality and recording keeping, and advertisement and self-promotion.

A preliminary exploration of the feasibility of offering men information about potential prostate cancer treatment options before they know their biopsy results.

PubMed

Zeliadt, Steven B; Hannon, Peggy A; Trivedi, Ranak B; Bonner, Laura M; Vu, Thuy T; Simons, Carol; Kimmie, Crystal A; Hu, Elaine Y; Zipperer, Chris; Lin, Daniel W

2013-02-06

A small pre-test study was conducted to ascertain potential harm and anxiety associated with distributing information about possible cancer treatment options at the time of biopsy, prior to knowledge about a definitive cancer diagnosis. Priming men about the availability of multiple options before they have a confirmed diagnosis may be an opportunity to engage patients in more informed decision-making. Men with an elevated PSA test or suspicious Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) who were referred to a urology clinic for a biopsy were randomized to receive either the clinic's usual care (UC) biopsy instruction sheet (n = 11) or a pre-biopsy educational (ED) packet containing the biopsy instruction sheet along with a booklet about the biopsy procedure and a prostate cancer treatment decision aid originally written for newly diagnosed men that described in detail possible treatment options (n = 18). A total of 62% of men who were approached agreed to be randomized, and 83% of the ED group confirmed they used the materials. Anxiety scores were similar for both groups while awaiting the biopsy procedure, with anxiety scores trending lower in the ED group: 41.2 on a prostate-specific anxiety instrument compared to 51.7 in the UC group (p = 0.13). ED participants reported better overall quality of life while awaiting biopsy compared to the UC group (76.4 vs. 48.5, p = 0.01). The small number of men in the ED group who went on to be diagnosed with cancer reported being better informed about the risks and side effects of each option compared to men diagnosed with cancer in the UC group (p = 0.07). In qualitative discussions, men generally reported they found the pre-biopsy materials to be helpful and indicated having information about possible treatment options reduced their anxiety. However, 2 of 18 men reported they did not want to think about treatment options until after they knew their biopsy results. In this small sample offering pre-biopsy education about potential treatment options was generally well received by patients, appeared to be beneficial to men who went on to be diagnosed, and did not appear to increase anxiety unnecessarily among those who had a negative biopsy.

State-dependent cognition and its relevance to cultural evolution.

PubMed

Nettle, Daniel

2018-02-05

Individuals cope with their worlds by using information. In humans in particular, an important potential source of information is cultural tradition. Evolutionary models have examined when it is advantageous to use cultural information, and psychological studies have examined the cognitive biases and priorities that may transform cultural traditions over time. However, these studies have not generally incorporated the idea that individuals vary in state. I argue that variation in state is likely to influence the relative payoffs of using cultural information versus gathering personal information; and also that people in different states will have different cognitive biases and priorities, leading them to transform cultural information in different ways. I explore hunger as one example of state variable likely to have consequences for cultural evolution. Variation in state has the potential to explain why cultural traditions and dynamics are so variable between individuals and populations. It offers evolutionarily-grounded links between the ecology in which individuals live, individual-level cognitive processes, and patterns of culture. However, incorporating heterogeneity of state also makes the modelling of cultural evolution more complex, particularly if the distribution of states is itself influenced by the distribution of cultural beliefs and practices. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Patients' priorities in assessing organisational aspects of a general dental practice.

PubMed

Sonneveld, Rutger E; Brands, Wolter G; Bronkhorst, Ewald M; Welie, Jos V M; Truin, Gert-Jan

2013-02-01

To explore which organisational aspects are considered most important by patients when assessing a general dental practice, and which patients' characteristics influence their views on these aspects by a paper questionnaire. The questionnaire was handed out to a sample of 5,000 patients in the Netherlands. The response rate was 63%. Six organisational aspects out of a list of 41 aspects were valued as most important by at least 50%. In decreasing order of importance, these were: accessibility by telephone; continuing education for general dental practitioners; Dutch-speaking general dental practitioners; in-office waiting times; information about treatments offered; and waiting lists. For four out of these six aspects, respondents' age and education significantly influenced their preferences. Aspects concerning the infrastructure of a general dental practice were chosen more often than aspects such as working to professional standards, working according to protocols and guidelines, quality assessment and guaranteed treatment outcomes. The findings will enable organisations to increase the transparency of health-care delivery systems to focus on those organisational aspects of dental practices that patients themselves consider most important. These findings can also assist general dental practitioners in adapting their organisational services to the preferences of patients or specific patient groups. © 2013 FDI World Dental Federation.

78 FR 44771 - Eliminating the Prohibition Against General Solicitation and General Advertising in Rule 506 and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-07-24

...We are adopting amendments to Rule 506 of Regulation D and Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933 to implement Section 201(a) of the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act. The amendment to Rule 506 permits an issuer to engage in general solicitation or general advertising in offering and selling securities pursuant to Rule 506, provided that all purchasers of the securities are accredited investors and the issuer takes reasonable steps to verify that such purchasers are accredited investors. The amendment to Rule 506 also includes a non-exclusive list of methods that issuers may use to satisfy the verification requirement for purchasers who are natural persons. The amendment to Rule 144A provides that securities may be offered pursuant to Rule 144A to persons other than qualified institutional buyers, provided that the securities are sold only to persons that the seller and any person acting on behalf of the seller reasonably believe are qualified institutional buyers. We are also revising Form D to require issuers to indicate whether they are relying on the provision that permits general solicitation or general advertising in a Rule 506 offering. Also today, in a separate release, to implement Section 926 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, we are adopting amendments to Rule 506 to disqualify issuers and other market participants from relying on Rule 506 if ``felons and other `bad actors' '' are participating in the Rule 506 offering. We are also today, in a separate release, publishing for comment a number of proposed amendments to Regulation D, Form D and Rule 156 under the Securities Act that are intended to enhance the Commission's ability to evaluate the development of market practices in Rule 506 offerings and address certain comments made in connection with implementing Section 201(a)(1) of the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act.

Human exposure assessment resources on the World Wide Web.

PubMed

Schwela, Dieter; Hakkinen, Pertti J

2004-05-20

Human exposure assessment is frequently noted as a weak link and bottleneck in the risk assessment process. Fortunately, the World Wide Web and Internet are providing access to numerous valuable sources of human exposure assessment-related information, along with opportunities for information exchange. Internet mailing lists are available as potential online help for exposure assessment questions, e.g. RISKANAL has several hundred members from numerous countries. Various Web sites provide opportunities for training, e.g. Web sites offering general human exposure assessment training include two from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and four from the US National Library of Medicine. Numerous other Web sites offer access to a wide range of exposure assessment information. For example, the (US) Alliance for Chemical Awareness Web site addresses direct and indirect human exposures, occupational exposures and ecological exposure assessments. The US EPA's Exposure Factors Program Web site provides a focal point for current information and data on exposure factors relevant to the United States. In addition, the International Society of Exposure Analysis Web site provides information about how this society seeks to foster and advance the science of exposure analysis. A major opportunity exists for risk assessors and others to broaden the level of exposure assessment information available via Web sites. Broadening the Web's exposure information could include human exposure factors-related information about country- or region-specific ranges in body weights, drinking water consumption, etc. along with residential factors-related information on air changeovers per hour in various types of residences. Further, country- or region-specific ranges on how various tasks are performed by various types of consumers could be collected and provided. Noteworthy are that efforts are underway in Europe to develop a multi-country collection of exposure factors and the European Commission is in the early stages of planning and developing a Web-accessible information system (EIS-ChemRisks) to serve as a single gateway to all major European initiatives on human exposure to chemicals contained and released from cleaning products, textiles, toys, etc.

A General Class of Signed Rank Tests for Clustered Data when the Cluster Size is Potentially Informative

PubMed Central

Datta, Somnath; Nevalainen, Jaakko; Oja, Hannu

2012-01-01

SUMMARY Rank based tests are alternatives to likelihood based tests popularized by their relative robustness and underlying elegant mathematical theory. There has been a serge in research activities in this area in recent years since a number of researchers are working to develop and extend rank based procedures to clustered dependent data which include situations with known correlation structures (e.g., as in mixed effects models) as well as more general form of dependence. The purpose of this paper is to test the symmetry of a marginal distribution under clustered data. However, unlike most other papers in the area, we consider the possibility that the cluster size is a random variable whose distribution is dependent on the distribution of the variable of interest within a cluster. This situation typically arises when the clusters are defined in a natural way (e.g., not controlled by the experimenter or statistician) and in which the size of the cluster may carry information about the distribution of data values within a cluster. Under the scenario of an informative cluster size, attempts to use some form of variance adjusted sign or signed rank tests would fail since they would not maintain the correct size under the distribution of marginal symmetry. To overcome this difficulty Datta and Satten (2008; Biometrics, 64, 501–507) proposed a Wilcoxon type signed rank test based on the principle of within cluster resampling. In this paper we study this problem in more generality by introducing a class of valid tests employing a general score function. Asymptotic null distribution of these tests is obtained. A simulation study shows that a more general choice of the score function can sometimes result in greater power than the Datta and Satten test; furthermore, this development offers the user a wider choice. We illustrate our tests using a real data example on spinal cord injury patients. PMID:23074359

A General Class of Signed Rank Tests for Clustered Data when the Cluster Size is Potentially Informative.

PubMed

Datta, Somnath; Nevalainen, Jaakko; Oja, Hannu

2012-09-01

Rank based tests are alternatives to likelihood based tests popularized by their relative robustness and underlying elegant mathematical theory. There has been a serge in research activities in this area in recent years since a number of researchers are working to develop and extend rank based procedures to clustered dependent data which include situations with known correlation structures (e.g., as in mixed effects models) as well as more general form of dependence.The purpose of this paper is to test the symmetry of a marginal distribution under clustered data. However, unlike most other papers in the area, we consider the possibility that the cluster size is a random variable whose distribution is dependent on the distribution of the variable of interest within a cluster. This situation typically arises when the clusters are defined in a natural way (e.g., not controlled by the experimenter or statistician) and in which the size of the cluster may carry information about the distribution of data values within a cluster.Under the scenario of an informative cluster size, attempts to use some form of variance adjusted sign or signed rank tests would fail since they would not maintain the correct size under the distribution of marginal symmetry. To overcome this difficulty Datta and Satten (2008; Biometrics, 64, 501-507) proposed a Wilcoxon type signed rank test based on the principle of within cluster resampling. In this paper we study this problem in more generality by introducing a class of valid tests employing a general score function. Asymptotic null distribution of these tests is obtained. A simulation study shows that a more general choice of the score function can sometimes result in greater power than the Datta and Satten test; furthermore, this development offers the user a wider choice. We illustrate our tests using a real data example on spinal cord injury patients.

40 CFR 152.99 - Petitions to cancel registration.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... purportedly has failed to satisfy. (a) Grounds for petition. (1) If an applicant has offered to pay compensation to an original data submitter of a study (either specifically or by filing a general offer to pay... decision, and describe how the applicant has failed to comply with the decision. (2) When no offer to pay...

Mammography Patient Information at Hospital Websites: Most Neither Comprehensible Nor Guideline Supported.

PubMed

Sadigh, Gelareh; Singh, Kush; Gilbert, Kirven; Khan, Ramsha; Duszak, Abigail M; Duszak, Richard

2016-11-01

Ongoing controversy regarding screening mammography guidelines has created confusion for many patients. Given recommendations that patient educational material be prepared at or below the 7th grade reading level of average Americans, the purpose of this study was to assess the readability of online mammography information offered by hospitals nationwide. During 2015, online mammography patient educational materials were identified for all Medicare-recognized hospitals nationwide for which screening mammography metrics were publicly available. Patient educational materials were assessed using six validated readability score algorithms. All references to official screening guidelines were captured. Of 4105 hospitals nationwide, 3252 had websites and confirmable screening mammography services. Of those, 1753 (54%) offered mammography information material online. Only 919 (28%) referenced any professional society guidelines. After excluding information not formatted in HTML and shorter than 100 words (to improve algorithm reliability), 1524 hospital mammography webpages were assessed for grade level scores. Nationally, the mean of each readability score for all hospitals varied between the 10th and 14th grade levels, all higher than the recommended 7th grade level (p < 0.001). At the individual hospital level, only 14 hospitals (0.4%) had mean scores at or below the 7th grade level. Of U.S. hospitals that offer screening mammography and have websites, only 54% provide online mammography educational material. Of those, only 0.4% present information at a reading level comprehensible to average Americans, and only 28% offer specific information to help patients reconcile conflicting guidelines. Health systems offering mammography should strive to better meet women's health information and literacy needs.

Applying user-generated quality criteria to develop an Internet intervention for patients with heart disease.

PubMed

Kerr, Cicely; Murray, Elizabeth; Burns, Jo; Turner, Indra; Westwood, Mark A; Macadam, Catherine; Nazareth, Irwin; Patterson, David

2008-01-01

Internet interventions can help people to self-manage chronic disease. However, they are only likely to be used if they meet patients' perceived needs. We have developed an Internet intervention in two stages to meet the needs of patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). First, user-generated criteria were applied to an existing US-based intervention called 'CHESS Living with Heart Disease' which provides information, emotional and social support, self-assessment and monitoring tools, and behavioural change support. This identified the development work required. Then we conducted a user evaluation with a panel of five patients with CHD. Overall, users generally made positive comments about the information content. However they were critical of presentation, ease of navigation through the content, understanding what was offered in the different services and finding the information they were after. Applying user-generated quality criteria proved useful in developing an intervention to meet the needs of UK patients with CHD.

Assessing clinical researchers' information needs to create responsive portals and tools: my Research Assistant (MyRA) at the University of Utah: a case study.

PubMed

Reich, Margaret; Shipman, Jean P; Narus, Scott P; Weir, Charlene; Madsen, Randy; Schultz, N Dustin; Cameron, Justin M; Adamczyk, Abby L; Mitchell, Joyce A

2013-01-01

How can health sciences librarians and biomedical informaticians offer relevant support to Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) personnel? The Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library and the associate vice president for information technology for the health sciences office at the University of Utah conducted a needs assessment. Faculty and staff from these two units, with the services of a consultant and other CTSA partners, employed a survey, focus groups, interviews, and committee discussions. An information portal was created to meet identified needs. A directive white paper was created. The process employed to plan a virtual and physical collaborative, collegial space for clinical researchers at the university and its three inter-institutional CTSA partners is described. The university's model can assist other librarians and informaticians with how to become part of a CTSA-focused infrastructure for clinical and translational research and serve researchers in general.

Tools for Visualizing HIV in Cure Research.

PubMed

Niessl, Julia; Baxter, Amy E; Kaufmann, Daniel E

2018-02-01

The long-lived HIV reservoir remains a major obstacle for an HIV cure. Current techniques to analyze this reservoir are generally population-based. We highlight recent developments in methods visualizing HIV, which offer a different, complementary view, and provide indispensable information for cure strategy development. Recent advances in fluorescence in situ hybridization techniques enabled key developments in reservoir visualization. Flow cytometric detection of HIV mRNAs, concurrently with proteins, provides a high-throughput approach to study the reservoir on a single-cell level. On a tissue level, key spatial information can be obtained detecting viral RNA and DNA in situ by fluorescence microscopy. At total-body level, advancements in non-invasive immuno-positron emission tomography (PET) detection of HIV proteins may allow an encompassing view of HIV reservoir sites. HIV imaging approaches provide important, complementary information regarding the size, phenotype, and localization of the HIV reservoir. Visualizing the reservoir may contribute to the design, assessment, and monitoring of HIV cure strategies in vitro and in vivo.

Adverse Event Reporting for Herbal Medicines: A Result of Market Forces

PubMed Central

Walji, Rishma; Boon, Heather; Barnes, Joanne; Austin, Zubin; Baker, G. Ross; Welsh, Sandy

2009-01-01

Herbal products are readily available over the counter in health food stores and are often perceived to be without risk. The current Canadian adverse event reporting system suffers from severe underreporting, resulting in a scarcity of safety data on herbal products. Twelve health food store personnel in the Greater Toronto Area were interviewed about their responses to herbal product–related adverse reactions. They generally fostered customer loyalty by offering generous return policies, which included collecting contact information to be sent to the manufacturers with the returned product. Thus, despite the public's lack of knowledge about the formal reporting system, adverse reaction information was directed to manufacturers whenever it resulted in a product return. The relationship between health food stores, industry and Health Canada provides a new opportunity to facilitate adverse event reporting. Additional information could be collected during the return process, and educational initiatives could be implemented to augment current post-market surveillance procedures for herbal products. PMID:20436811

Discrimination of Complex Human Behavior by Pigeons (Columba livia) and Humans

PubMed Central

Qadri, Muhammad A. J.; Sayde, Justin M.; Cook, Robert G.

2014-01-01

The cognitive and neural mechanisms for recognizing and categorizing behavior are not well understood in non-human animals. In the current experiments, pigeons and humans learned to categorize two non-repeating, complex human behaviors (“martial arts” vs. “Indian dance”). Using multiple video exemplars of a digital human model, pigeons discriminated these behaviors in a go/no-go task and humans in a choice task. Experiment 1 found that pigeons already experienced with discriminating the locomotive actions of digital animals acquired the discrimination more rapidly when action information was available than when only pose information was available. Experiments 2 and 3 found this same dynamic superiority effect with naïve pigeons and human participants. Both species used the same combination of immediately available static pose information and more slowly perceived dynamic action cues to discriminate the behavioral categories. Theories based on generalized visual mechanisms, as opposed to embodied, species-specific action networks, offer a parsimonious account of how these different animals recognize behavior across and within species. PMID:25379777

Community strategies to address cancer disparities in Appalachian Kentucky

PubMed Central

Schoenberg, Nancy E.; Howell, Britteny M.; Fields, Nell

2012-01-01

Central Appalachian residents suffer disproportionate health disparities, including an all-cancer mortality rate 17% higher than the general population. During 10 focus groups and 19 key informant interviews, 91 Appalachian residents identified cancer screening challenges and strategies. Challenges included: (1) inadequate awareness of screening need; (2) insufficient access to screening; and (3) lack of privacy. Strategies included (1) witnessing/storytelling; (2) capitalizing on family history; (3) improving publicity about screening resources; (4) relying on lay health advisors; and (5) bundling preventive services. These insights shaped our CBPR intervention and offer strategies to others working in Appalachia, rural locales, and other traditionally underserved communities. PMID:22143486

[International cooperation on aging: areas and players].

PubMed

Sidorenko, A V; Mikhaĭlova, O N

2014-01-01

This review article is devoted to the issues of international cooperation on ageing. It aims at describing the basic areas of cooperation and introducing its major players. Within the limited length of a journal article it is hardly possible to offer an exhaustive presentation of all available information; thus the article strives to provide a general orientation within the selected themes. The authors are hopeful that the presented materials will be of interest to the policy oriented researchers, policy makers and professionals working in the field of ageing and related areas such as social security, health and social services etc., as well as to the activists of non-governmental organizations.

Feeding People's Curiosity: Leveraging the Cloud for Automatic Dissemination of Mars Images

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Knight, David; Powell, Mark

2013-01-01

Smartphones and tablets have made wireless computing ubiquitous, and users expect instant, on-demand access to information. The Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) operations software suite, MSL InterfaCE (MSLICE), employs a different back-end image processing architecture compared to that of the Mars Exploration Rovers (MER) in order to better satisfy modern consumer-driven usage patterns and to offer greater server-side flexibility. Cloud services are a centerpiece of the server-side architecture that allows new image data to be delivered automatically to both scientists using MSLICE and the general public through the MSL website (http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/).

Community strategies to address cancer disparities in Appalachian Kentucky.

PubMed

Schoenberg, Nancy E; Howell, Britteny M; Fields, Nell

2012-01-01

Central Appalachian residents suffer disproportionate health disparities, including an all-cancer mortality rate 17% higher than the general population. During 10 focus groups and 19 key informant interviews, 91 Appalachian residents identified cancer screening challenges and strategies. Challenges included (1) inadequate awareness of screening need, (2) insufficient access to screening, and (3) lack of privacy. Strategies included (1) witnessing/storytelling, (2) capitalizing on family history, (3) improving publicity about screening resources, (4) relying on lay health advisors, and (5) bundling preventive services. These insights shaped our community-based participatory research intervention and offered strategies to others working in Appalachia, rural locales, and other traditionally underserved communities.

Airway and tissue loading in postinterrupter response of the respiratory system - an identification algorithm construction.

PubMed

Jablonski, Ireneusz; Mroczka, Janusz

2010-01-01

The paper offers an enhancement of the classical interrupter technique algorithm dedicated to respiratory mechanics measurements. Idea consists in exploitation of information contained in postocclusional transient states during indirect measurement of parameter characteristics by model identification. It needs the adequacy of an inverse analogue to general behavior of the real system and a reliable algorithm of parameter estimation. The second one was a subject of reported works, which finally showed the potential of the approach to separation of airway and tissue response in a case of short-term excitation by interrupter valve operation. Investigations were conducted in a regime of forward-inverse computer experiment.

Guiametabolica.org: empowerment through internet tools in inherited metabolic diseases.

PubMed

Armayones, Manuel; Vilaseca, M Antònia; Cutillas, Júlia; Fàbrega, Jordi; Fernández, Jorge Juan; García, Mei; Egea, Natàlia; Pousada, Modesta; Gómez-Zuñiga, Beni; Pérez-Payarols, Jaume; Artuch, Rafael; Palau, Francesc; Serrano, Mercedes

2012-08-21

Web-based interventions are effective on the patient empowerment. Guiametabolica.org constitutes an interface for people involved in inherited metabolic diseases, trying to facilitate access to information and contact with professionals and other patients, offering a platform to develop support groups. Guiametabolica.org is widely considered for Spanish-speaking patients and caregivers with inherited metabolic diseases. Preliminary evaluations show changes in their habits, decrease in their senses of isolation and improvement regarding self-efficacy. Specific inherited metabolic diseases websites, especially participative websites, should be considered as a complement to more traditional clinical approaches. Their contribution lies in patient's general well-being, without interfering with traditional care.

[Historical analysis of ABEn's Newsletter: changes and transformations in the XXI Century].

PubMed

de Meneses, Abel Silva; Kadoguti, Luana de Lima; Sanna, Maria Cristina

2008-01-01

This is an descriptive-exploratory and interpretative study that presents and criticizes matters of 19 issues of ABEn's Newsletter published in the beginning of XXI Century, under the nursing student's view. The study aimed at identifying, quantifying and analyzing the content of this publication that is published since 1958, whose content offers information of general and political interest to guide Nursing routes. The analysis allowed to observe that the periodical had jumped in quality since the beginning of 2002, and that prevalent authorship is of membership directors of National ABEn, while predominant thematic are related to health policies and nursing education.

KSC-03pd0516

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-02-19

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At NASA's Family & Community Mars Exploration Day, held in Cape Canaveral, Fla., James Garvin, lead scientist for the Mars Exploration Program, talks to students about the Mars Exploration Rover. Garvin is standing next to a replica of the Rover. The event informed students and the general public about Florida's key role as NASA's "Gateway to Mars" and offered an opportunity to meet with scientists, engineers, educators and others working Mars exploration missions. The Mars Exploration Rovers are being prepared for launch this spring aboard Boeing Delta II rockets from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. They will land on Mars and start exploring in January 2004.

KSC-03PD-0516

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2003-01-01

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At NASA's Family & Community Mars Exploration Day, held in Cape Canaveral, Fla., James Garvin, lead scientist for the Mars Exploration Program, talks to students about the Mars Exploration Rover. Garvin is standing next to a replica of the Rover. The event informed students and the general public about Florida's key role as NASA's 'Gateway to Mars' and offered an opportunity to meet with scientists, engineers, educators and others working Mars exploration missions. The Mars Exploration Rovers are being prepared for launch this spring aboard Boeing Delta II rockets from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. They will land on Mars and start exploring in January 2004.

KSC-03pd0515

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-02-19

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In a demonstration of the agility of the Mars Exploration Rover, a model of the Rover rolls over the prone bodies of two volunteer students during NASA's Family & Community Mars Exploration Day held in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The event informed students and the general public about Florida's key role as NASA's "Gateway to Mars" and offered an opportunity to meet with scientists, engineers, educators and others working Mars exploration missions. The Mars Exploration Rovers are being prepared for launch this spring aboard Boeing Delta II rockets from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. They will land on Mars and start exploring in January 2004.

KSC-03PD-0515

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2003-01-01

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In a demonstration of the agility of the Mars Exploration Rover, a model of the Rover rolls over the prone bodies of two volunteer students during NASA's Family & Community Mars Exploration Day held in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The event informed students and the general public about Florida's key role as NASA's 'Gateway to Mars' and offered an opportunity to meet with scientists, engineers, educators and others working Mars exploration missions. The Mars Exploration Rovers are being prepared for launch this spring aboard Boeing Delta II rockets from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. They will land on Mars and start exploring in January 2004.

Application of Mouse Models to Research in Hearing and Balance.

PubMed

Ohlemiller, Kevin K; Jones, Sherri M; Johnson, Kenneth R

2016-12-01

Laboratory mice (Mus musculus) have become the major model species for inner ear research. The major uses of mice include gene discovery, characterization, and confirmation. Every application of mice is founded on assumptions about what mice represent and how the information gained may be generalized. A host of successes support the continued use of mice to understand hearing and balance. Depending on the research question, however, some mouse models and research designs will be more appropriate than others. Here, we recount some of the history and successes of the use of mice in hearing and vestibular studies and offer guidelines to those considering how to apply mouse models.

NASA Lewis Research Center Futuring Workshop

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Boroush, Mark; Stover, John; Thomas, Charles

1987-01-01

On October 21 and 22, 1986, the Futures Group ran a two-day Futuring Workshop on the premises of NASA Lewis Research Center. The workshop had four main goals: to acquaint participants with the general history of technology forecasting; to familiarize participants with the range of forecasting methodologies; to acquaint participants with the range of applicability, strengths, and limitations of each method; and to offer participants some hands-on experience by working through both judgmental and quantitative case studies. Among the topics addressed during this workshop were: information sources; judgmental techniques; quantitative techniques; merger of judgment with quantitative measurement; data collection methods; and dealing with uncertainty.