Combining fast walking training and a step activity monitoring program to improve daily walking activity after stroke: a preliminary study

PubMed Central

Danks, Kelly A.; Pohlig, Ryan; Reisman, Darcy S.

2016-01-01

Objective To determine preliminary efficacy and to identify baseline characteristics predicting who would benefit most from fast walking training plus a step activity monitoring program (FAST+SAM) compared to fast walking training alone (FAST) in persons with chronic stroke. Design Randomized controlled trial with blinded assessors Setting Outpatient clinical research laboratory Participants 37 individuals greater than 6 months post-stroke. Interventions Subjects were assigned to either FAST which was walking training at their fastest possible speed on the treadmill (30 minutes) and over ground 3 times/week for 12 weeks or FAST plus a step activity monitoring program (FAST+SAM). The step activity monitoring program consisted of daily step monitoring with a StepWatch Activity monitor, goal setting, and identification of barriers to activity and strategies to overcome barriers. Main Outcome Measures Daily step activity metrics (steps/day, time walking/day), walking speed and six minute walk test distance (6MWT). Results There was a significant effect of time for both groups with all outcomes improving from pre to post-training, (all p<0.05). The FAST+SAM was superior to FAST for 6MWT (p=0.018), with a larger increase in the FAST+SAM group. The interventions had differential effectiveness based on baseline step activity. Sequential moderated regression models demonstrated that for subjects with baseline levels of step activity and 6MWT distances that were below the mean, the FAST+SAM intervention was more effective than FAST (1715±1584 vs. 254±933 steps/day, respectively; p<0.05 for overall model and ΔR2 for steps/day and 6MWT). Conclusions The addition of a step activity monitoring program to a fast walking training intervention may be most effective in persons with chronic stroke that have initial low levels of walking endurance and activity. Regardless of baseline performance, the FAST + SAM intervention was more effective for improving walking endurance. PMID:27240430

Cost-effectiveness of a primary care treatment program for depression in low-income women in Santiago, Chile.

PubMed

Araya, Ricardo; Flynn, Terry; Rojas, Graciela; Fritsch, Rosemarie; Simon, Greg

2006-08-01

The authors compared the incremental cost-effectiveness of a stepped-care, multicomponent program with usual care for the treatment of depressed women in primary care in Santiago, Chile. A cost-effectiveness study was conducted of a previous randomized controlled trial involving 240 eligible women with DSM-IV major depression who were selected from a consecutive sample of adult women attending primary care clinics. The patients were randomly allocated to usual care or a multicomponent stepped-care program led by a nonmedical health care worker. Depression-free days and health care costs derived from local sources were assessed after 3 and 6 months. A health service perspective was used in the economic analysis. Complete data were determined for 80% of the randomly assigned patients. After we adjusted for initial severity, women receiving the stepped-care program had a mean of 50 additional depression-free days over 6 months relative to patients allocated to usual care. The stepped-care program was marginally more expensive than usual care (an extra 216 Chilean pesos per depression-free day). There was a 90% probability that the incremental cost of obtaining an extra depression-free day with the intervention would not exceed 300 pesos (1.04 US dollars). The stepped-care program was significantly more effective and marginally more expensive than usual care for the treatment of depressed women in primary care. Small investments to improve depression appear to yield larger gains in poorer environments. Simple and inexpensive treatment programs tested in developing countries might provide good study models for developed countries.

Evaluation of an employer-sponsored pedometer-based physical activity program.

PubMed

Behrens, Timothy K; Domina, Lorie; Fletcher, Gena M

2007-12-01

This study evaluated a competition-based employer-sponsored physical activity program using pedometers. City employees (N approximately 2,600) formed teams in groups of 10 persons (N = 640). The groups competed against each other over a 12-wk. period with the goal of attaining 10,000 steps per day, per person. Only teams with complete data were included in the formal evaluation. A repeated-measures analysis of variance indicated significant differences in team steps by week of the program, with post hoc comparisons indicating significant differences from baseline step counts evident during Weeks 6-8 but not at the end of the program. These data confirm that competition-based physical activity programs using pedometers may not be an effective means of increasing the long-term physical activity of employees.

Comparison of Stepped Care Delivery Against a Single, Empirically Validated Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Program for Youth With Anxiety: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

PubMed

Rapee, Ronald M; Lyneham, Heidi J; Wuthrich, Viviana; Chatterton, Mary Lou; Hudson, Jennifer L; Kangas, Maria; Mihalopoulos, Cathrine

2017-10-01

Stepped care is embraced as an ideal model of service delivery but is minimally evaluated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for child anxiety delivered via a stepped-care framework compared against a single, empirically validated program. A total of 281 youth with anxiety disorders (6-17 years of age) were randomly allocated to receive either empirically validated treatment or stepped care involving the following: (1) low intensity; (2) standard CBT; and (3) individually tailored treatment. Therapist qualifications increased at each step. Interventions did not differ significantly on any outcome measures. Total therapist time per child was significantly shorter to deliver stepped care (774 minutes) compared with best practice (897 minutes). Within stepped care, the first 2 steps returned the strongest treatment gains. Stepped care and a single empirically validated program for youth with anxiety produced similar efficacy, but stepped care required slightly less therapist time. Restricting stepped care to only steps 1 and 2 would have led to considerable time saving with modest loss in efficacy. Clinical trial registration information-A Randomised Controlled Trial of Standard Care Versus Stepped Care for Children and Adolescents With Anxiety Disorders; http://anzctr.org.au/; ACTRN12612000351819. Copyright © 2017 American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Developing an Integrated Library Program. Professional Growth Series.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Miller, Donna P.; Anderson, J'Lynn

This book provides teachers, media specialists, and administrators with a step-by-step method for integrating library resources and skills into the classroom curriculum. In this method, all curriculum areas are integrated into major units of study that are team-planned, team-produced, and team-taught. Topics include: components of the program and…

Outcomes from a School-Randomized Controlled Trial of Steps to Respect: A Bullying Prevention Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brown, Eric C.; Low, Sabina; Smith, Brian H.; Haggerty, Kevin P.

2011-01-01

This study reports the outcomes of a randomized controlled trial of Steps to Respect: A Bullying Prevention Program conducted in 33 California elementary schools. Schools were matched on school demographic characteristics and assigned randomly to intervention or waitlisted control conditions. Outcome measures were obtained from (a) all school…

Enhancing the Referral-Making Process to 12-Step Programs: Strategies for Social Workers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dennis, Cory B.; Davis, Thomas D.

2017-01-01

Objectives: This study examines three preparatory strategies that can be used during treatment sessions to bridge the gap between clinician recommendations for client participation in 12-step programs (TSPs) and client adherence to such recommendations. Methods: A sample of 284 clinicians completed an online survey. Clinicians responded to items…

Mississippi Quality Step System: QRS Profile. The Child Care Quality Rating System (QRS)Assessment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Child Trends, 2010

2010-01-01

This paper presents a profile of Mississippi's Quality Step System prepared as part of the Child Care Quality Rating System (QRS) Assessment Study. The profile consists of several sections and their corresponding descriptions including: (1) Program Information; (2) Rating Details; (3) Quality Indicators for Center-Based Programs; (4) Application…

76 FR 19174 - State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) Pilot Grant Program

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-04-06

... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) Pilot Grant Program AGENCY... No. OIT-STEP-2011-01, Modification 1. SUMMARY: Program announcement No. OIT-STEP-2011-01 has been... to the date of application submission for a STEP grant.] Section IV A. 1, Governor's Letter of...

Coping with problematic drug use in the family: An evaluation of the Stepping Stones program.

PubMed

Gethin, Anni; Trimingham, Tony; Chang, Theo; Farrell, Michael; Ross, Joanne

2016-07-01

Problematic substance use by an individual is often highly destructive to their family, creating emotional turmoil and destroying healthy family functioning. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of participation in the Stepping Stones family support program on the coping capacity of family members affected by another's substance use. A pre and post study of the Stepping Stones intervention for families was conducted, involving 108 participants recruited from March 2013 to March 2014. Significant improvement in coping across all domains was observed post course and at follow up on both outcome measures (Coping Questionnaire and the Family Drug Support Questionnaire). Improvements for participants were either increased or sustained at 3 months follow up. Participants recorded high satisfaction ratings. The findings from this study demonstrate that participation in the Stepping Stones program assists family members to cope better with problematic substance use of a family member, as indicated by reductions in negative coping strategies, such as over-engagement, making excuses for the drug user or hopelessly tolerating the problem, and improvements in positive coping strategies such as self-care and engagement with their own activities and interests. [Gethin A, Trimingham T, Chang T, Farrell M, Ross J. Coping with problematic drug use in the family: An evaluation of the Stepping Stones program. Drug Alcohol Rev 2016;35:470-476]. © 2015 Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs.

AN ATTEMPT TO FIND AN A PRIORI MEASURE OF STEP SIZE. COMPARATIVE STUDIES OF PRINCIPLES FOR PROGRAMMING MATHEMATICS IN AUTOMATED INSTRUCTION, TECHNICAL REPORT NO. 13.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

ROSEN, ELLEN F.; STOLUROW, LAWRENCE M.

IN ORDER TO FIND A GOOD PREDICTOR OF EMPIRICAL DIFFICULTY, AN OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF STEP SIZE, TEN PROGRAMER-JUDGES RATED CHANGE IN COMPLEXITY IN TWO VERSIONS OF A MATHEMATICS PROGRAM, AND THESE RATINGS WERE THEN COMPARED WITH MEASURES OF EMPIRICAL DIFFICULTY OBTAINED FROM STUDENT RESPONSE DATA. THE TWO VERSIONS, A 54 FRAME BOOKLET AND A 35…

Development of a self-management program for employees with complaints of the arm, neck, and/or shoulder: an intervention mapping approach

PubMed Central

Hutting, Nathan; Detaille, Sarah I; Engels, Josephine A; Heerkens, Yvonne F; Staal, J Bart; Nijhuis-van der Sanden, Maria WG

2015-01-01

Purpose To develop a self-management program with an additional eHealth module, using the six steps of the intervention mapping (IM) protocol, to help employees with complaints of the arm, neck, and/or shoulder (CANS) cope with their problems. Methods In Step 1 of the IM protocol, a needs assessment was performed consisting of a review of the Dutch multidisciplinary guidelines on CANS, and of focus group sessions with employees with CANS (n=15) and with relevant experts (n=17). After the needs assessment, the objectives of the intervention and the determinants of self-management at work were formulated (Step 2). Furthermore, theory-based intervention methods and practical strategies were selected (Step 3), and an intervention program (including the eHealth module) was developed (Step 4). Finally, plans for implementation and evaluation of the program were developed (Steps 5 and 6). Results Step 1 of the IM protocol revealed that employees with CANS should be stimulated to search for information about the cause of their complaints, about how to deal with their complaints, and in which manner they can influence their complaints themselves. In Step 2, the overall goal of the intervention was defined as “self-management behavior at work” with the aim to alleviate the perceived disability of the participants. Step 3 described how the intervention methods were translated into practical strategies, and goal setting was introduced as an important method for increasing self-efficacy. The product of Step 4 was the final program plan, consisting of 6-weekly group sessions of 2.5 hours each and an eHealth module. In Step 5, a recruitment plan and course materials were developed, a steering committee was set up, trainers were recruited, and the final program was tested. In Step 6, an evaluation plan was developed, which consists of a randomized controlled trial with a 12-month follow-up period and a qualitative evaluation (interviews) with some of the participants. Conclusion This study resulted in a theory- and practice-based self-management program, based on behavioral change theories, guideline-related evidence, and practice-based knowledge that fits the needs of employees with CANS. PMID:26170689

76 FR 10082 - Office of International Trade; State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) Grant Program

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-02-23

... (STEP) Grant Program AGENCY: U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). ACTION: Notice of grant... Program Announcement No. OIT-STEP-2011- 01 to invite the States, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Territories to apply for a STEP grant to carry out export promotion programs that assist eligible small...

Inquiry-Based Science and Technology Enrichment Program for Middle School-Aged Female Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kim, Hanna

2016-01-01

This study investigates the effects of an intensive 1-week Inquiry-Based Science and Technology Enrichment Program (InSTEP) designed for middle school-aged female students. InSTEP uses a guided/open inquiry approach that is deepened and redefined as eight sciences and engineering practices in the Next Generation Science Standards, which aimed at…

Evaluation of "Steps to Surgical Success" (STEPS): a holistic perioperative medicine program to manage pain and anxiety related to surgery.

PubMed

Sears, Sharon R; Bolton, Suzanne; Bell, Kristina L

2013-01-01

This empirical study found that a holistic perioperative program significantly reduced patient pain and anxiety about surgery. Modalities included guided imagery, eye pillow, aromatherapy, and a written personal healing plan. Nurses are in a prime position to deliver these interventions, given their frequent direct contact with patients.

Vermont STep Ahead Recognition System: QRS Profile. The Child Care Quality Rating System (QRS) Assessment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Child Trends, 2010

2010-01-01

This paper presents a profile of Vermont's STep Ahead Recognition System (STARS) prepared as part of the Child Care Quality Rating System (QRS) Assessment Study. The profile consists of several sections and their corresponding descriptions including: (1) Program Information; (2) Rating Details; (3) Quality Indicators for All Child Care Programs;…

Ohio Step Up to Quality: QRS Profile. The Child Care Quality Rating System (QRS) Assessment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Child Trends, 2010

2010-01-01

This paper presents a profile of Ohio's Step Up to Quality prepared as part of the Child Care Quality Rating System (QRS) Assessment Study. The profile consists of several sections and their corresponding descriptions including: (1) Program Information; (2) Rating Details; (3) Quality Indicators for Center-Based Programs; (4) Indicators for Family…

Steps to a HealthierUS Cooperative Agreement Program: foundational elements for program evaluation planning, implementation, and use of findings.

PubMed

MacDonald, Goldie; Garcia, Danyael; Zaza, Stephanie; Schooley, Michael; Compton, Don; Bryant, Terry; Bagnol, Lulu; Edgerly, Cathy; Haverkate, Rick

2006-01-01

The Steps to a HealthierUS Cooperative Agreement Program (Steps Program) enables funded communities to implement chronic disease prevention and health promotion efforts to reduce the burden of diabetes, obesity, asthma, and related risk factors. At both the national and community levels, investment in surveillance and program evaluation is substantial. Public health practitioners engaged in program evaluation planning often identify desired outcomes, related indicators, and data collection methods but may pay only limited attention to an overarching vision for program evaluation among participating sites. We developed a set of foundational elements to provide a vision of program evaluation that informs the technical decisions made throughout the evaluation process. Given the diversity of activities across the Steps Program and the need for coordination between national- and community-level evaluation efforts, our recommendations to guide program evaluation practice are explicit yet leave room for site-specific context and needs. Staff across the Steps Program must consider these foundational elements to prepare a formal plan for program evaluation. Attention to each element moves the Steps Program closer to well-designed and complementary plans for program evaluation at the national, state, and community levels.

A water-based training program that include perturbation exercises to improve stepping responses in older adults: study protocol for a randomized controlled cross-over trial

PubMed Central

Melzer, Itshak; Elbar, Ori; Tsedek, Irit; Oddsson, Lars IE

2008-01-01

Background Gait and balance impairments may increase the risk of falls, the leading cause of accidental death in the elderly population. Fall-related injuries constitute a serious public health problem associated with high costs for society as well as human suffering. A rapid step is the most important protective postural strategy, acting to recover equilibrium and prevent a fall from initiating. It can arise from large perturbations, but also frequently as a consequence of volitional movements. We propose to use a novel water-based training program which includes specific perturbation exercises that will target the stepping responses that could potentially have a profound effect in reducing risk of falling. We describe the water-based balance training program and a study protocol to evaluate its efficacy (Trial registration number #NCT00708136). Methods/Design The proposed water-based training program involves use of unpredictable, multi-directional perturbations in a group setting to evoke compensatory and volitional stepping responses. Perturbations are made by pushing slightly the subjects and by water turbulence, in 24 training sessions conducted over 12 weeks. Concurrent cognitive tasks during movement tasks are included. Principles of physical training and exercise including awareness, continuity, motivation, overload, periodicity, progression and specificity were used in the development of this novel program. Specific goals are to increase the speed of stepping responses and improve the postural control mechanism and physical functioning. A prospective, randomized, cross-over trial with concealed allocation, assessor blinding and intention-to-treat analysis will be performed to evaluate the efficacy of the water-based training program. A total of 36 community-dwelling adults (age 65–88) with no recent history of instability or falling will be assigned to either the perturbation-based training or a control group (no training). Voluntary step reaction times and postural stability using stabiliogram diffusion analysis will be tested before and after the 12 weeks of training. Discussion This study will determine whether a water-based balance training program that includes perturbation exercises, in a group setting, can improve speed of voluntary stepping responses and improve balance control. Results will help guide the development of more cost-effective interventions that can prevent the occurrence of falls in the elderly. PMID:18706103

Do Parental Attributions Affect Treatment Outcome in a Parenting Program? An Exploration of the Effects of Parental Attributions in an RCT of Stepping Stones Triple P for the ASD Population

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Whittingham, Koa; Sofronoff, Kate; Sheffield, Jeanie; Sanders, Matthew R.

2009-01-01

This study was conducted in conjunction with a randomised controlled trial of the parenting program Stepping Stones Triple P for parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Fifty-nine families with a child with ASD participated. This study focussed upon the role of parental attributions in predicting treatment outcome. Stepping…

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

Hamadneh, Nawaf; Sathasivam, Saratha; Choon, Ong Hong

Logic programming is the process that leads from an original formulation of a computing problem to executable programs. A normal logic program consists of a finite set of clauses. A valuation I of logic programming is a mapping from ground atoms to false or true. The single step operator of any logic programming is defined as a function (T{sub p}:I→I). Logic programming is well-suited to building the artificial intelligence systems. In this study, we established a new technique to compute the single step operators of logic programming in the radial basis function neural networks. To do that, we proposed amore » new technique to generate the training data sets of single step operators. The training data sets are used to build the neural networks. We used the recurrent radial basis function neural networks to get to the steady state (the fixed point of the operators). To improve the performance of the neural networks, we used the particle swarm optimization algorithm to train the networks.« less

WWC Review of the Report “Assessing the Effectiveness of First Step to Success: Are Short-Term Results the First Step to Long-Term Behavioral Improvements.” What Works Clearinghouse Single Study Review

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

What Works Clearinghouse, 2013

2013-01-01

The study reported in this paper examined the effects of “First Step to Success (First Step),” a school- and home-based program intended to improve outcomes for students with moderate to severe behavior problems who may be at risk for academic failure. The study took place in six locations across five states: San Jose, California; Tampa, Florida;…

An exploration of the effect of onsite 12‐step meetings on post‐treatment outcomes among polysubstance‐dependent outpatient clients

PubMed Central

Stanick, Virginia; Sands, Brian

2007-01-01

Rates of return to active substance use after addiction treatment tend to be high; participation in 12‐step fellowships (e.g., Alcoholics Anonymous) reduces relapse rates but many clients do not attend or attend for a short period only. This quasi‐experimental study uses repeated measurement to explore the role of presence/absence of onsite 12‐step meetings during treatment on post‐treatment outcomes. Polysubstance‐dependent clients (N = 219) recruited at a program with and one without 12‐step onsite, were followed for one year post‐treatment. Onsite 12‐step enhanced 12‐step attendance, especially during treatment, and predicted continuous abstinence for the post treatment year. Holding 12‐step meetings onsite is a low‐cost strategy that programs should consider to foster post‐treatment remission maintenance. PMID:17986710

Investigation of the effectiveness of the "Girls on the Go!" program for building self-esteem in young women: trial protocol.

PubMed

Tirlea, Loredana; Truby, Helen; Haines, Terry P

2013-01-01

Body Image is a major factor affecting health in a range of age groups, but has particular significance for adolescents. The aim of this research is to evaluate the efficacy of the "Girls on the Go!" program delivered outside of the school environment by health professionals to girls at risk of developing poor self-esteem on the outcomes of self-esteem, impairment induced by eating disorders, body satisfaction, self-efficacy, and dieting behaviour. A stepped wedge, cluster randomised controlled trial that was conducted in two phases on the basis of student population (Study 1 = secondary school age participants; Study 2 = primary school age participants). The waiting list for the "Girls on the Go!" program was used to generate the control periods. A total of 12 schools that requested the program were separated into study 1 or 2 on the basis of student population (Study 1 = secondary, Study 2 = primary). Schools were matched on the basis of number of students and were allocated to receiving the intervention immediately or having a waiting list period. Study 1 had one waiting list period of one school term, creating two steps in the stepped-wedge design (i.e. 3 schools were provided with "Girls on the Go!" each term over 2 terms). Study 2 had two waiting list periods of one and two school terms, creating three steps in the stepped-wedge design (i.e. 2 schools were provided with "Girls on the Go!" each term over 3 terms). Primary outcome measures were self-esteem and impairment inducted by eating disorders. There is a lack of preventative interventions currently available that address low self-esteem, low self-efficacy and body dissatisfaction in young women. This project will be the first group-based, professional-led, targeted program conducted outside the school environment amongst school age young women to be evaluated via a randomised control trial. These findings will indicate if the "Girls on the Go!" program may be successfully used and applied in a culturally diverse environment and with young women of all shapes and sizes. (ACTRN12610000513011).

Physical Activity for Campus Employees: A University Worksite Wellness Program.

PubMed

Butler, Carling E; Clark, B Ruth; Burlis, Tamara L; Castillo, Jacqueline C; Racette, Susan B

2015-04-01

Workplaces provide ideal environments for wellness programming. The purpose of this study was to explore exercise self-efficacy among university employees and the effects of a worksite wellness program on physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. Participants included 121 university employees (85% female). The worksite wellness program included cardiovascular health assessments, personal health reports, 8 weeks of pedometer-based walking and tracking activities, and weekly wellness sessions. Daily step count was assessed at baseline, Week 4, and Week 8. Exercise self-efficacy and CVD risk factors were evaluated at baseline and follow-up. Daily step count increased from 6566 ± 258 (LSM ± SE) at baseline to 8605 ± 356 at Week 4 and 9107 ± 388 at Week 8 (P < .0001). Steps increased among normal weight, overweight, and obese subgroups. Exercise self-efficacy correlated with baseline steps (P < .05). Small improvements were observed in cardiorespiratory fitness, body mass index, blood pressure, blood glucose, total cholesterol, and triglycerides (all P < .01). A worksite wellness program was effective for improving physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness, and CVD risk factors among university employees. Exercise barriers and outcome expectations were identified and have implications for future worksite wellness programming.

Physical activity for campus employees: a university worksite wellness program

PubMed Central

Butler, Carling E.; Clark, B. Ruth; Burlis, Tamara L.; Castillo, Jacqueline C.; Racette, Susan B.

2014-01-01

Background Workplaces provide ideal environments for wellness programming. The purpose of this study was to explore exercise self-efficacy among university employees and the effects of a worksite wellness program on physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness, and CVD risk factors. Methods Participants included 121 university employees (85% female). The worksite wellness program included cardiovascular health assessments, personal health reports, 8 weeks of pedometer-based walking and tracking activities, and weekly wellness sessions. Daily step count was assessed at baseline, week 4, and week 8. Exercise self-efficacy and CVD risk factors were evaluated at baseline and follow-up. Results Daily step count increased from 6566 ± 258 (LSM ± SE) at baseline to 8605 ± 356 at week 4 and 9107 ± 388 at week 8 (P < .0001). Steps increased among normal weight, overweight, and obese sub-groups. Exercise self-efficacy correlated with baseline steps (P < .05). Small improvements were observed in cardiorespiratory fitness, BMI, blood pressure, blood glucose, total cholesterol, and triglycerides (all P < .01). Conclusions A worksite wellness program was effective for increasing physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness, and CVD risk factors among university employees. Exercise barriers and outcome expectations were identified and have implications for future worksite wellness programming. PMID:24905703

Examining the Relationship between Social Capital and Career Success among Welfare to Work Participants in Louisiana

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Davis-Green, Dionne Marie

2012-01-01

The study examined the relationship between social capital and career success among welfare to work participants in a Louisiana program from 2007 to 2009. Based on the high percentage who do not complete the Louisiana STEP program, outcomes from 2007 to 2009 suggest current STEP work activities may not prepare participants for career success and…

Los Angeles County Steps to Excellence Project: QRS Profile. The Child Care Quality Rating System (QRS) Assessment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Child Trends, 2010

2010-01-01

This paper presents a profile of Los Angeles County's Steps to Excellence Project prepared as part of the Child Care Quality Rating System (QRS) Assessment Study. The profile consists of several sections and their corresponding descriptions including: (1) Program Information; (2) Rating Details; (3) Quality Indicators for Center-Based Programs;…

Feasibility study design and methods for a home-based, square-stepping exercise program among older adults with multiple sclerosis: The SSE-MS project.

PubMed

Sebastião, Emerson; McAuley, Edward; Shigematsu, Ryosuke; Motl, Robert W

2017-09-01

We propose a randomized controlled trial (RCT) examining the feasibility of square-stepping exercise (SSE) delivered as a home-based program for older adults with multiple sclerosis (MS). We will assess feasibility in the four domains of process, resources, management and scientific outcomes. The trial will recruit older adults (aged 60 years and older) with mild-to-moderate MS-related disability who will be randomized into intervention or attention control conditions. Participants will complete assessments before and after completion of the conditions delivered over a 12-week period. Participants in the intervention group will have biweekly meetings with an exercise trainer in the Exercise Neuroscience Research Laboratory and receive verbal and visual instruction on step patterns for the SSE program. Participants will receive a mat for home-based practice of the step patterns, an instruction manual, and a logbook and pedometer for monitoring compliance. Compliance will be further monitored through weekly scheduled Skype calls. This feasibility study will inform future phase II and III RCTs that determine the actual efficacy and effectiveness of a home-based exercise program for older adults with MS.

Method of development of the program of forming of parametrical drawings of details in the AutoCAD software product

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alshakova, E. L.

2017-01-01

The program in the AutoLISP language allows automatically to form parametrical drawings during the work in the AutoCAD software product. Students study development of programs on AutoLISP language with the use of the methodical complex containing methodical instructions in which real examples of creation of images and drawings are realized. Methodical instructions contain reference information necessary for the performance of the offered tasks. The method of step-by-step development of the program is the basis for training in programming on AutoLISP language: the program draws elements of the drawing of a detail by means of definitely created function which values of arguments register in that sequence in which AutoCAD gives out inquiries when performing the corresponding command in the editor. The process of the program design is reduced to the process of step-by-step formation of functions and sequence of their calls. The author considers the development of the AutoLISP program for the creation of parametrical drawings of details, the defined design, the user enters the dimensions of elements of details. These programs generate variants of tasks of the graphic works performed in educational process of "Engineering graphics", "Engineering and computer graphics" disciplines. Individual tasks allow to develop at students skills of independent work in reading and creation of drawings, as well as 3D modeling.

Systematic development of a self-help and motivational enhancement intervention to promote sexual health in HIV-positive men who have sex with men.

PubMed

Van Kesteren, Nicole M C; Kok, Gerjo; Hospers, Harm J; Schippers, Jan; De Wildt, Wencke

2006-12-01

The objective of this study was to describe the application of a systematic process-Intervention Mapping-to developing a theory- and evidence-based intervention to promote sexual health in HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM). Intervention Mapping provides a framework that gives program planners a systematic method for decision-making in each phase of intervention development. In Step 1, we focused on the improvement of two health-promoting behaviors: satisfactory sexual functioning and safer sexual behavior. These behaviors were then linked with selected personal and external determinants, such as attitudes and social support, to produce a set of proximal program objectives. In Step 2, theoretical methods were identified to influence the proximal program objectives and were translated into practical strategies. Although theoretical methods were derived from various theories, self-regulation theory and a cognitive model of behavior change provided the main framework for selecting the intervention methods. The main strategies chosen were bibliotherapy (i.e., the use of written material to help people solve problems or change behavior) and motivational interviewing. In Step 3, the theoretical methods and practical strategies were applied in a program that comprised a self-help guide, a motivational interviewing session and a motivational interviewing telephone call, both delivered by specialist nurses in HIV treatment centers. In Step 4, implementation was anticipated by developing a linkage group to ensure involvement of program users in the planning process and conducting additional research to understand how to implement our program better. In Step 5, program evaluation was anticipated based on the planning process from the previous Intervention Mapping steps.

A two-step database search method improves sensitivity in peptide sequence matches for metaproteomics and proteogenomics studies.

PubMed

Jagtap, Pratik; Goslinga, Jill; Kooren, Joel A; McGowan, Thomas; Wroblewski, Matthew S; Seymour, Sean L; Griffin, Timothy J

2013-04-01

Large databases (>10(6) sequences) used in metaproteomic and proteogenomic studies present challenges in matching peptide sequences to MS/MS data using database-search programs. Most notably, strict filtering to avoid false-positive matches leads to more false negatives, thus constraining the number of peptide matches. To address this challenge, we developed a two-step method wherein matches derived from a primary search against a large database were used to create a smaller subset database. The second search was performed against a target-decoy version of this subset database merged with a host database. High confidence peptide sequence matches were then used to infer protein identities. Applying our two-step method for both metaproteomic and proteogenomic analysis resulted in twice the number of high confidence peptide sequence matches in each case, as compared to the conventional one-step method. The two-step method captured almost all of the same peptides matched by the one-step method, with a majority of the additional matches being false negatives from the one-step method. Furthermore, the two-step method improved results regardless of the database search program used. Our results show that our two-step method maximizes the peptide matching sensitivity for applications requiring large databases, especially valuable for proteogenomics and metaproteomics studies. © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

An AIDS risk reduction program for Dutch drug users: an intervention mapping approach to planning.

PubMed

van Empelen, Pepijn; Kok, Gerjo; Schaalma, Herman P; Bartholomew, L Kay

2003-10-01

This article presents the development of a theory- and evidence-based AIDS prevention program targeting Dutch drug users and aimed at promoting condom use. The emphasis is on the development of the program using a five-step intervention development protocol called intervention mapping (IM). Preceding Step 1 of the IM process, an assessment of the HIV problem among drug users was conducted. The product of IM Step 1 was a series of program objectives specifying what drug users should learn in order to use condoms consistently. In Step 2, theoretical methods for influencing the most important determinants were chosen and translated into practical strategies that fit the program objectives. The main strategy chosen was behavioral journalism. In Step 3, leaflets with role-model stories based on authentic interviews with drug users were developed and pilot tested. Finally, the need for cooperation with program users is discussed in IM Steps 4 and 5.

"Happy feet": evaluating the benefits of a 100-day 10,000 step challenge on mental health and wellbeing.

PubMed

Hallam, K T; Bilsborough, S; de Courten, M

2018-01-24

An increased awareness of the health benefits of walking has emerged with the development and refinement of accelerometer equipment. Evidence is beginning to highlight the value of promoting walking, particularly focusing on the Japanese mark of obtaining 10,000 steps per day. Workplace based step challenges have become popular to engage large cohorts in increasing their daily physical activity in a sustainable and enjoyable way. Findings are now highlighting the positive health effects of these medium-term programs (typically conducted over a few months) in terms of cardiovascular health, reducing diabetes risk and improving lifestyle factors such as weight and blood pressure. As yet, research has not focused on whether similar improvements in psychological health and wellbeing are present. This study investigated the impact of a 100-day, 10,000 step program on signs of depression, anxiety and stress as well as general wellbeing using standardised psychological scales. The results indicated a small but consistent effect on all of these measures of mental health over the term of the program. This effect appeared irrespective of whether a person reached the 10,000 step mark. These results highlight improved mental health and wellbeing in people undertaking this 100-day 10,000 step program and indicates the efficacy and potential of these programs for a modest, yet important improvement in mental health. Notably, targets reached may be less important than participation itself.

First Step to Success--A School/Home Intervention Program for Preventing Problem Behaviors in Young Children: Examining the Effectiveness and Social Validity in Turkey

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Diken, Ibrahim H.; Cavkaytar, Atilla; Batu, E. Sema; Bozkurt, Funda; Kurtyilmaz, Yildiz

2010-01-01

This study examined the effectiveness of the First Step to Success (FSS) early intervention program for preventing antisocial behavior in Turkey. Participants included 24 students, their teachers and parents from four K-8 elementary schools. The experimental group included 12 targeted students (four kindergarten, four first-grade and four…

Creating Child-Centered Classrooms: 3-5 Year Olds. Step By Step: A Program for Children and Families.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Coughlin, Pamela A.; Hansen, Kristen A.; Heller, Dinah; Kaufmann, Roxane K.; Stolberg, Judith Rothschild; Walsh, Kate Burke

In child-centered education programs, children construct their own knowledge from their experiences and interactions with the world around them, and teachers foster children's growth and development by building on children's interests, needs, and strengths within a safe and caring environment. The Step by Step educational program developed a…

To Be the Best That We Can Be: A Self-Study Guide for Early Childhood Special Education Programs and Staff.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gaetz, Joan; And Others

This self-study guide facilitates evaluation of early childhood special education programs by providing a tool for identifying both strengths and areas for improvement. Steps are outlined for completing a program self-study. Then forms are offered for assessing the quality of specific program areas. A section on necessary relationships examines…

The Associations Between Clerkship Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) Grades and Subsequent Performance.

PubMed

Dong, Ting; Zahn, Christopher; Saguil, Aaron; Swygert, Kimberly A; Yoon, Michelle; Servey, Jessica; Durning, Steven

2017-01-01

Construct: We investigated the extent of the associations between medical students' clinical competency measured by performance in Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE) during Obstetrics/Gynecology and Family Medicine clerkships and later performance in both undergraduate and graduate medical education. There is a relative dearth of studies on the correlations between undergraduate OSCE scores and future exam performance within either undergraduate or graduate medical education and almost none on linking these simulated encounters to eventual patient care. Of the research studies that do correlate clerkship OSCE scores with future performance, these often have a small sample size and/or include only 1 clerkship. Students in USU graduating classes of 2007 through 2011 participated in the study. We investigated correlations between clerkship OSCE grades with United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 2 Clinical Knowledge, Clinical Skills, and Step 3 Exams scores as well as Postgraduate Year 1 program director's evaluation scores on Medical Expertise and Professionalism. We also conducted contingency table analysis to examine the associations between poor performance on clerkship OSCEs with failing Step 3 and receiving poor program director ratings. The correlation coefficients were weak between the clerkship OSCE grades and the outcomes. The strongest correlations existed between the clerkship OSCE grades and the Step 2 CS Integrated Clinical Encounter component score, Step 2 Clinical Skills, and Step 3 scores. Contingency table associations between poor performances on both clerkships OSCEs and poor Postgraduate Year 1 Program Director ratings were significant. The results of this study provide additional but limited validity evidence for the use of OSCEs during clinical clerkships given their associations with subsequent performance measures.

Creating Child-Centered Materials for Math and Science: 3-6 Year Olds. Step By Step: A Program for Children and Families.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stolberg, Judith Rothschild; Daniels, Ellen R.

In child-centered education programs, children construct their own knowledge from their experiences and interactions with the world around them, and teachers foster children's growth and development by building on children's interests, needs, and strengths within a safe and caring environment. The Step by Step educational program developed a…

Design of study without drugs--a Surinamese school-based drug-prevention program for adolescents.

PubMed

Ishaak, Fariel; de Vries, Nanne Karel; van der Wolf, Kees

2015-10-12

The aim of this study was to design the content and accompanying materials for a school-based program--Study without Drugs--for adolescents in junior secondary schools in Suriname based on the starting points and tasks of the fourth step of the Intervention Mapping protocol (which consists of six steps). A program based on this protocol should include a combination of theory, empirical evidence, and qualitative and quantitative research. Two surveys were conducted when designing the program. In Survey I, teachers and students were asked to complete a questionnaire to determine which school year they thought would be most appropriate for implementing a drug-prevention program for adolescents (we completed a similar survey as part of previous research). An attempt was made to identify suitable culturally sensitive elements to include in the program. In Survey II, the same teachers were asked to complete a questionnaire to determine the programs' scope, sequence, structure, and topics as well as the general didactic principles to serve as a basis for program design. After outlining the program plan, lessons, and materials, we conducted a formative pretest evaluation among teachers, students, and parents. That evaluation included measures related to the program's attractiveness, comprehensibility, and usefulness. The resulting lessons were presented to the teachers for assessment. The drug-prevention program we developed comprises 10 activities and lasts 2-2.5 months in an actual school setting. The activities take place during Dutch, biology, physical education, art, religion, and social studies lessons. We based the structure of the lessons in the program on McGuire's Persuasion Communication Model, which takes into account important didactic principles. Evaluations of the program materials and lesson plans by students, teachers, and parents were mostly positive. We believe that using the fourth step of the Intervention Mapping protocol to develop a drug-prevention intervention for adolescents has a produced promising, feasible program.

Healthy Steps: a systematic review of a preventive practice-based model of pediatric care.

PubMed

Piotrowski, Caroline C; Talavera, Gregory A; Mayer, Joni A

2009-02-01

The preventive role of anticipatory guidance in pediatric practice has gained increasing importance over the last two decades, resulting in the development of competing models of practice-based care. Our goal was to systematically evaluate and summarize the literature pertaining to the Healthy Steps Program for Young Children, a widely cited and utilized preventive model of care and anticipatory guidance, Medline and the bibliographies of review articles for relevant studies were searched using the keywords: Healthy Steps, preventive care, pediatric practice and others. Other sources included references of retrieved publications, review articles, and books; government documents; and Internet sources. Relevant sources were selected on the basis of their empirical evaluation of some component of care (e.g., child outcomes, parent outcomes, quality of care). From 21 identified articles, 13 met the inclusion criteria of empirical evaluation. These evaluations were summarized and compared. Results indicated that the Healthy Steps program has been rigorously evaluated and shown to be effective in preventing negative child and parent outcomes and enhancing positive outcomes. Despite limited information concerning cost effectiveness, the Healthy Steps Program provides clear benefit through early screening, family-centered care, and evidence-based anticipatory guidance. It is recommended that the Healthy Steps program be more widely disseminated to relevant stakeholders, and further enhanced by improved linguistic and cultural sensitivity and long term evaluation of cost effectiveness.

Resource conservation program in terms of Vostokgazprom environmental policy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsibulnikova, M. R.; Nadyumov, S. V.; Adam, A. M.; Korotchenko, T. V.

2016-09-01

The article examines a number of key areas of environmental policy of Vostokgazprom. The Associated Petroleum Gas program is an important step within the resource conservation and environmental protection framework. In addition, the company undertakes the extensive work on emergency response programs, and carries out continuous protection of the subsurface and control over environmental safety in all production sites. Vostokgazprom continuously modernizes the basic industrial facilities and invests money in new projects. The study analyzes the steps being taken by the company within the energy saving policy that leads to significant costs cut.

United States Medical Licensing Examination and American Board of Pediatrics Certification Examination Results: Does the Residency Program Contribute to Trainee Achievement.

PubMed

Welch, Thomas R; Olson, Brad G; Nelsen, Elizabeth; Beck Dallaghan, Gary L; Kennedy, Gloria A; Botash, Ann

2017-09-01

To determine whether training site or prior examinee performance on the US Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) step 1 and step 2 might predict pass rates on the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) certifying examination. Data from graduates of pediatric residency programs completing the ABP certifying examination between 2009 and 2013 were obtained. For each, results of the initial ABP certifying examination were obtained, as well as results on National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) step 1 and step 2 examinations. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to nest first-time ABP results within training programs to isolate program contribution to ABP results while controlling for USMLE step 1 and step 2 scores. Stepwise linear regression was then used to determine which of these examinations was a better predictor of ABP results. A total of 1110 graduates of 15 programs had complete testing results and were subject to analysis. Mean ABP scores for these programs ranged from 186.13 to 214.32. The hierarchical linear model suggested that the interaction of step 1 and 2 scores predicted ABP performance (F[1,1007.70] = 6.44, P = .011). By conducting a multilevel model by training program, both USMLE step examinations predicted first-time ABP results (b = .002, t = 2.54, P = .011). Linear regression analyses indicated that step 2 results were a better predictor of ABP performance than step 1 or a combination of the two USMLE scores. Performance on the USMLE examinations, especially step 2, predicts performance on the ABP certifying examination. The contribution of training site to ABP performance was statistically significant, though contributed modestly to the effect compared with prior USMLE scores. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Development of a career coaching model for medical students.

PubMed

Hur, Yera

2016-03-01

Deciding on a future career path or choosing a career specialty is an important academic decision for medical students. The purpose of this study is to develop a career coaching model for medical students. This research was carried out in three steps. The first step was systematic review of previous studies. The second step was a need assessment of medical students. The third step was a career coaching model using the results acquired from the researched literature and the survey. The career coaching stages were defined as three big phases: The career coaching stages were defined as the "crystallization" period (Pre-medical year 1 and 2), "specification" period (medical year 1 and 2), and "implementation" period (medical year 3 and 4). The career coaching model for medical students can be used in programming career coaching contents and also in identifying the outcomes of career coaching programs at an institutional level.

A perturbation-based balance training program for older adults: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

PubMed Central

Mansfield, Avril; Peters, Amy L; Liu, Barbara A; Maki, Brian E

2007-01-01

Background Previous research investigating exercise as a means of falls prevention in older adults has shown mixed results. Lack of specificity of the intervention may be an important factor contributing to negative results. Change-in-support (CIS) balance reactions, which involve very rapid stepping or grasping movements of the limbs, play a critical role in preventing falls; hence, a training program that improves ability to execute effective CIS reactions could potentially have a profound effect in reducing risk of falling. This paper describes: 1) the development of a perturbation-based balance training program that targets specific previously-reported age-related impairments in CIS reactions, and 2) a study protocol to evaluate the efficacy of this new training program. Methods/Design The training program involves use of unpredictable, multi-directional moving-platform perturbations to evoke stepping and grasping reactions. Perturbation magnitude is gradually increased over the course of the 6-week program, and concurrent cognitive and movement tasks are included during later sessions. The program was developed in accordance with well-established principles of motor learning, such as individualisation, specificity, overload, adaptation-progression and variability. Specific goals are to reduce the frequency of multiple-step responses, reduce the frequency of collisions between the stepping foot and stance leg, and increase the speed of grasping reactions. A randomised control trial will be performed to evaluate the efficacy of the training program. A total of 30 community-dwelling older adults (age 64–80) with a recent history of instability or falling will be assigned to either the perturbation-based training or a control group (flexibility/relaxation training), using a stratified randomisation that controls for gender, age and baseline stepping/grasping performance. CIS reactions will be tested immediately before and after the six weeks of training, using platform perturbations as well as a distinctly different method of perturbation (waist pulls) in order to evaluate the generalisability of the training effects. Discussion This study will determine whether perturbation-based balance training can help to reverse specific age-related impairments in balance-recovery reactions. These results will help to guide the development of more effective falls prevention programs, which may ultimately lead to reduced health-care costs and enhanced mobility, independence and quality of life. PMID:17540020

A perturbation-based balance training program for older adults: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

PubMed

Mansfield, Avril; Peters, Amy L; Liu, Barbara A; Maki, Brian E

2007-05-31

Previous research investigating exercise as a means of falls prevention in older adults has shown mixed results. Lack of specificity of the intervention may be an important factor contributing to negative results. Change-in-support (CIS) balance reactions, which involve very rapid stepping or grasping movements of the limbs, play a critical role in preventing falls; hence, a training program that improves ability to execute effective CIS reactions could potentially have a profound effect in reducing risk of falling. This paper describes: 1) the development of a perturbation-based balance training program that targets specific previously-reported age-related impairments in CIS reactions, and 2) a study protocol to evaluate the efficacy of this new training program. The training program involves use of unpredictable, multi-directional moving-platform perturbations to evoke stepping and grasping reactions. Perturbation magnitude is gradually increased over the course of the 6-week program, and concurrent cognitive and movement tasks are included during later sessions. The program was developed in accordance with well-established principles of motor learning, such as individualisation, specificity, overload, adaptation-progression and variability. Specific goals are to reduce the frequency of multiple-step responses, reduce the frequency of collisions between the stepping foot and stance leg, and increase the speed of grasping reactions. A randomised control trial will be performed to evaluate the efficacy of the training program. A total of 30 community-dwelling older adults (age 64-80) with a recent history of instability or falling will be assigned to either the perturbation-based training or a control group (flexibility/relaxation training), using a stratified randomisation that controls for gender, age and baseline stepping/grasping performance. CIS reactions will be tested immediately before and after the six weeks of training, using platform perturbations as well as a distinctly different method of perturbation (waist pulls) in order to evaluate the generalisability of the training effects. This study will determine whether perturbation-based balance training can help to reverse specific age-related impairments in balance-recovery reactions. These results will help to guide the development of more effective falls prevention programs, which may ultimately lead to reduced health-care costs and enhanced mobility, independence and quality of life.

12-Step Interventions and Mutual Support Programs for Substance Use Disorders: An Overview

PubMed Central

Donovan, Dennis M.; Ingalsbe, Michelle H.; Benbow, James; Daley, Dennis C.

2013-01-01

Social workers and other behavioral health professionals are likely to encounter individuals with substance use disorders in a variety of practice settings outside of specialty treatment. 12-Step mutual support programs represent readily available, no cost community-based resources for such individuals; however, practitioners are often unfamiliar with such programs. The present article provides a brief overview of 12-Step programs, the positive substance use and psychosocial outcomes associated with active 12-Step involvement, and approaches ranging from ones that can be utilized by social workers in any practice setting to those developed for specialty treatment programs to facilitate engagement in 12-Step meetings and recovery activities. The goal is to familiarize social workers with 12-Step approaches so that they are better able to make informed referrals that match clients to mutual support groups that best meet the individual’s needs and maximize the likelihood of engagement and positive outcomes. PMID:23731422

Ungraded Primary Programs: Steps toward Developmentally Appropriate Instruction.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Appalachia Educational Lab., Charleston, WV.

This volume presents case studies of 10 ungraded primary programs. Also discussed are the obstacles, accomplishments, advantages, and disadvantages of ungraded primary programs experienced by the faculties of these schools; their recommendations for future implementation; and the literature on multi-age grouping and ungraded primary programs. Case…

Developmental Screening in Community Health Care Centers and Pediatric Practices: An Evaluation of the Baby Steps Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shannon, Patrick; Anderson, Patti Rawding

2008-01-01

The Baby Steps Program (Easter Seals of New Hampshire, 2003) is a child-find program that introduces developmental specialists into health care settings to conduct developmental screenings with children during well-child visits. This article presents the Baby Steps Program model, summaries of screening and referral data, and the results of 3 focus…

Integrating Program Theory and Systems-Based Procedures in Program Evaluation: A Dynamic Approach to Evaluate Educational Programs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Grammatikopoulos, Vasilis

2012-01-01

The current study attempts to integrate parts of program theory and systems-based procedures in educational program evaluation. The educational program that was implemented, called the "Early Steps" project, proposed that physical education can contribute to various educational goals apart from the usual motor skills improvement. Basic…

Federal Tax Issues Raised by International Study Abroad Programs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harding, Bertrand M., Jr.

2000-01-01

Identifies and describes tax issues raised by study abroad programs and suggests steps that a college or university can take to minimize or eliminate adverse U.S. and foreign tax exposure to both itself and its employees. (EV)

Effectiveness of a facebook-delivered physical activity intervention for post-partum women: a randomized controlled trial protocol.

PubMed

Kernot, Jocelyn; Olds, Tim; Lewis, Lucy K; Maher, Carol

2013-05-29

Physical activity is reduced during the post-partum period. Facebook is frequently used by Australian mothers, and offers flexibility, high levels of engagement and the ability to disseminate information and advice via social contacts. The Mums Step it Up Program is a newly developed 50 day team-based physical activity intervention delivered via a Facebook app. The program involves post-partum women working in teams of 4-8 friends aiming to achieve 10,000 steps per day measured by a pedometer. Women are encouraged to use the app to log their daily steps and undertake social and supportive interactions with their friends and other participants. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of the Mums Step it Up Program. A sample of 126 women up to 12 months post-partum will be recruited through community-based health and family services. Participants will be randomly allocated into one of three groups: control, pedometer only and the Mums Step it Up Program. Assessments will be completed at baseline, 6 weeks and 6 months. The primary outcome (objective physical activity) and the secondary outcomes (sleep quality and quantity, depressive symptoms, weight and quality of life) will be used to determine the effectiveness of the Mums Step it Up Program compared with the control and pedometer only groups. Analyses will be undertaken on an intention-to-treat-basis using random effects mixed modeling. The effect of theorized mediators (physical activity attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control) will also be examined. This study will provide information about the potential of a Facebook app for the delivery of health behavior interventions. If this intervention proves to be effective it will be released on a mass scale and promoted to the general public. Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register: ACTRN12613000069752.

Diode step stress testing program for JANTX1N5550

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1979-01-01

The effect was studied of power/temperature step stress when applied to the switching diode JANTX1N5550 manufactured by Semtech and Micro Semiconductor. The power/temperature stress tests are presented, and failure analyses are included.

Correlation of United States Medical Licensing Examination and Internal Medicine In-Training Examination performance.

PubMed

Perez, Jose A; Greer, Sharon

2009-12-01

The Internal Medicine In-Training Examination (ITE) is administered during residency training in the United States as a self-assessment and program assessment tool. Performance on this exam correlates with outcome on the American Board of Internal Medicine Certifying examination. Internal Medicine Program Directors use the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) to make decisions in recruitment of potential applicants. This study was done to determine a correlation of USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 results with ITE scores in each level of Internal Medicine training. A retrospective review of all residents graduating from an Internal Medicine program from 1999 to 2006 was done. Subjects included had data for all USMLE Steps and ITE during all years of training. Thirty-one subjects were included in the study. Correlations of USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 were done with ITE scores (percent correct) in each year of training. Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) was determined for each pairing and a t test to determine statistical significance of the correlation was done. Statistical significance was defined as P value <0.05. The r values for USMLE Step 1 and ITE percent correct in PGY I, II and III were 0.46, 0.55 and 0.51 respectively. Corresponding r values for USMLE Step 2 and ITE percent correct were 0.79, 0.70 and 0.72; for USMLE Step 3 these values were 0.51, 0.37 and 0.51 respectively for each training year. USMLE scores are correlated with ITE scores. This correlation was strongest for USMLE Step 2.

Errors in Postural Preparation Lead to Increased Choice Reaction Times for Step Initiation in Older Adults

PubMed Central

Nutt, John G.; Horak, Fay B.

2011-01-01

Background. This study asked whether older adults were more likely than younger adults to err in the initial direction of their anticipatory postural adjustment (APA) prior to a step (indicating a motor program error), whether initial motor program errors accounted for reaction time differences for step initiation, and whether initial motor program errors were linked to inhibitory failure. Methods. In a stepping task with choice reaction time and simple reaction time conditions, we measured forces under the feet to quantify APA onset and step latency and we used body kinematics to quantify forward movement of center of mass and length of first step. Results. Trials with APA errors were almost three times as common for older adults as for younger adults, and they were nine times more likely in choice reaction time trials than in simple reaction time trials. In trials with APA errors, step latency was delayed, correlation between APA onset and step latency was diminished, and forward motion of the center of mass prior to the step was increased. Participants with more APA errors tended to have worse Stroop interference scores, regardless of age. Conclusions. The results support the hypothesis that findings of slow choice reaction time step initiation in older adults are attributable to inclusion of trials with incorrect initial motor preparation and that these errors are caused by deficits in response inhibition. By extension, the results also suggest that mixing of trials with correct and incorrect initial motor preparation might explain apparent choice reaction time slowing with age in upper limb tasks. PMID:21498431

Programming the Navier-Stokes computer: An abstract machine model and a visual editor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Middleton, David; Crockett, Tom; Tomboulian, Sherry

1988-01-01

The Navier-Stokes computer is a parallel computer designed to solve Computational Fluid Dynamics problems. Each processor contains several floating point units which can be configured under program control to implement a vector pipeline with several inputs and outputs. Since the development of an effective compiler for this computer appears to be very difficult, machine level programming seems necessary and support tools for this process have been studied. These support tools are organized into a graphical program editor. A programming process is described by which appropriate computations may be efficiently implemented on the Navier-Stokes computer. The graphical editor would support this programming process, verifying various programmer choices for correctness and deducing values such as pipeline delays and network configurations. Step by step details are provided and demonstrated with two example programs.

Comparison of 2 Different Exercise Approaches: Tai Chi Versus Otago, in Community-Dwelling Older Women.

PubMed

Son, Nam-Kuk; Ryu, Young Uk; Jeong, Hye-Won; Jang, Young-Hwan; Kim, Hyeong-Dong

2016-01-01

Regular exercise can delay age-related risk factors and can maintain or improve physical health and activity in older adults leading to a decrease in fall risk. The purpose of this study was to compare 2 different interventions for fall prevention, tai chi (TC) and Otago, by examining lower extremity strength, balance, and spatiotemporal gait parameters in community-dwelling older women. We performed a randomized trial in which subjects were assigned to 1 of 2 groups: the TC group (n = 21; age, 72.8 ± 4.7 years, range: 65-83 years), which participated in a modified Sun-style TC exercise program; and the Otago group (n = 24; age, 71.5 ± 3.6 years, range: 65-79 years), which participated in the Otago exercise program. The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, functional reach (FR) test, one-leg standing (OLS) test, 5 times sit-to-stand test (5×STS), 30-second sit-to-stand (30s STS) test, and gait parameters (gait velocity, step length, step width, stride time, and cadence) were measured before and after the intervention. Both groups showed statistically significant improvements in balance (TUG and OLS tests), lower extremity strength (5×STS and 30s STS tests), and spatiotemporal gait parameters, except for step width and step length (P < .05). The Otago group showed a significantly improved FR, whereas the TC group showed a significantly improved step length after the intervention (P < .05). Furthermore, the Otago group exhibited greater improvements in the TUG (P < .001), FR (P < .001), 5×CST (P < .01), and 30-second CST (P < .01) tests: a faster cadence (P < .001) and shorter stride time (P < .001) when compared with the TC group. The TC group showed greater improvements in the OLS test, step length, and step width (P < .01) and faster gait velocity (P < .05) than the Otago group. The findings from this study support the efficacy of the TC and Otago exercise programs in improving mobility in this sample of subjects. Furthermore, the Otago group showed greater improvement in lower extremity strength, whereas the TC group showed greater improvement in balance (OLS test). Also, the TC group showed a greater improvement in gait velocity after TC training program compared with the Otago exercise program. However, this study does not elucidate which exercise program is a more effective intervention method with older women for fall prevention.

Impact of Stepping Stones Triple P on Parents with a Child Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Implications for School Psychologists

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

VanVoorhis, Richard W.; Miller, Kenneth L.; Miller, Susan M.; Stull, Judith C.

2015-01-01

The Stepping Stones Positive Parenting Program (Stepping Stones Triple P; SSTP) was designed for caregivers of children with disabilities to improve select parental variables such as parenting styles, parental satisfaction, and parental competency, and to reduce parental stress and child problem behaviors. This study focused on SSTP training for…

EXPLORATORY STUDY AND PLANNING FOR A FOURTH-YEAR, PAID INTERNSHIP TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR BOTH ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY TEACHERS. FINAL REPORT.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

RYERSON, NORMAN E.

THROUGH THE DEVELOPMENT OF A COOPERATIVE COLLEGE-UNIVERSITY GRADUATE STUDY PROGRAM, THE AUGMENTATION OF A PAID FOURTH-YEAR INTERNSHIP APPROACH IN A TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAM WAS EXPLORED. STEPS INCLUDED--(1) INVOLVEMENT OF THE FACULTY IN AN EVALUATION OF THE TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM AND THE COLLEGE CURRICULUM, (2) CHANGING WEEKLY SCHEDULES AND THE…

Development of a breast self-examination program for the Internet: health information for Korean women.

PubMed

Kim, H S; Kim, E; Kim, J W

2001-04-01

Internet-based health information will enable us to interact with many people despite distance and time constraints. Informational media by computer is expected to become an important factor that affects health behavior. This study was done to develop an accessible multimedia program about breast self-examination on the Internet. This study was designed by using the two steps of need assessment and program development. For the need assessment step, a survey was carried out. The sample consisted of the 82 women of Yonsei University selected by convenient random sampling. At the program development step, screen design took into account perspectives of computer engineering. A storyboard for every screen was made via screen design and then ported to computer using the Netscape Navigator program. A breast self-examination program was developed using Netscape 4.0 on the Windows 98 platform. The multimedia program, including text, graphics, animation, and sound, was constructed with HTML language using Memo Sheet in Netscape Navigator. The contents of health information posted on the Internet included general information about breast cancer, the importance of breast self-examination, self-risk appraisal of breast cancer, the diverse methods about breast self-examination, the monthly check list graph, and social network for consultation. It is possible to interact with clients through the Question and Answer function on screen. This Internet-based health information program provides enough information, which can be accessed using search systems on the Internet.

Measuring learning, student engagement, and program effectiveness: a strategic process.

PubMed

Jantzi, Julie; Austin, Connie

2005-01-01

What if there was an effective way to address the age-old question from students, "Why do we have to do this assignment?" And from faculty, "How do we know our students are really learning?" And from administrators, "How will we demonstrate to our peers, our accrediting agencies, and other program stakeholders that our programs are educationally effective?" As it undertook a curriculum redesign, faculty in a baccalaureate school of nursing developed a 9-step process for curriculum implementation. The authors discuss how they applied the 9 steps strategically, positioning the program for 2 successful accreditation self-studies and concurrently addressing, with greater confidence, some of these age-old questions.

Simulation of a mycological KOH preparation--e-learning as a practical dermatologic exercise in an undergraduate medical curriculum.

PubMed

Bernhardt, Johannes; Hye, Florian; Thallinger, Sigrid; Bauer, Pamela; Ginter, Gabriele; Smolle, Josef

2009-07-01

Mycological KOH preparation is one of the most popular practical laboratory skills in dermatology. The study addresses the question whether an interactive simulation program enhances knowledge of students about this procedure. 166 students, 107 female and 59 male, participated. We separated our study in three phases: pretest, completing the simulation three times and post-test. In the pre- and post-test we recorded the number of correct steps of the mycological KOH preparation listed by the students. The full text feedback was explored by content analysis. In the pre-test the students listed an average of 3.1 +/- 2.2 correct steps, compared to 8.8 +/- 1.2 correct steps after completing the simulation (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the improvement was significant for each individual step. There were no significant differences between male and female students. In content analysis of the feedback, positive statements prevailed with 78.3%, compared to only 1.8% critical items. Our study shows that an interactive computer simulation program of mycological KOH preparation results in a significant learning effectiveness as far as recall of the correct procedural steps is concerned. Furthermore, subjective acceptance by students is high.

14 CFR 152.411 - Affirmative action steps.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Affirmative action steps. 152.411 Section...) AIRPORTS AIRPORT AID PROGRAM Nondiscrimination in Airport Aid Program § 152.411 Affirmative action steps... its aviation workforce as vacancies occur, by taking the affirmative action steps in § 152.409(b)(3...

Predictors of 12-Step Attendance and Participation for Individuals With Stimulant Use Disorders.

PubMed

Hatch-Maillette, Mary; Wells, Elizabeth A; Doyle, Suzanne R; Brigham, Gregory S; Daley, Dennis; DiCenzo, Jessica; Donovan, Dennis; Garrett, Sharon; Horigian, Viviana E; Jenkins, Lindsay; Killeen, Therese; Owens, Mandy; Perl, Harold I

2016-09-01

Few studies have examined the effectiveness of 12-step peer recovery support programs with drug use disorders, especially stimulant use, and it is difficult to know how outcomes related to 12-step attendance and participation generalize to individuals with non-alcohol substance use disorders (SUDs). A clinical trial of 12-step facilitation (N=471) focusing on individuals with cocaine or methamphetamine use disorders allowed examination of four questions: Q1) To what extent do treatment-seeking stimulant users use 12-step programs and, which ones? Q2) Do factors previously found to predict 12-step participation among those with alcohol use disorders also predict participation among stimulant users? Q3) What specific baseline "12-step readiness" factors predict subsequent 12-step participation and attendance? And Q4) Does stimulant drug of choice differentially predict 12-step participation and attendance? The four outcomes variables, attendance, speaking, duties at 12-step meetings, and other peer recovery support activities, were not related to baseline demographic or substance problem history or severity. Drug of choice was associated with differential days of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) attendance among those who reported attending, and cocaine users reported more days of attending AA or NA at 1-, 3- and 6-month follow-ups than did methamphetamine users. Pre-randomization measures of perceived benefit of 12-step groups predicted 12-step attendance at 3- and 6-month follow-ups. Pre-randomization 12-step attendance significantly predicted number of other self-help activities at end-of-treatment, 3- and 6-month follow-ups. Pre-randomization perceived benefit and problem severity both predicted number of self-help activities at end-of-treatment and 3-month follow-up. Pre-randomization perceived barriers to 12-step groups were negatively associated with self-help activities at end-of-treatment and 3-month follow-up. Whether or not one participated in any duties was predicted at all time points by pre-randomization involvement in self-help activities. The primary finding of this study is one of continuity: prior attendance and active involvement with 12-step programs were the main signs pointing to future involvement. Limitations and recommendations are discussed. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Predictors of 12-Step Attendance and Participation for Individuals with Stimulant Use Disorders

PubMed Central

Hatch-Maillette, Mary; Wells, Elizabeth A.; Doyle, Suzanne R.; Brigham, Gregory S.; Daley, Dennis; DiCenzo, Jessica; Donovan, Dennis; Garrett, Sharon; Horigian, Viviana E.; Jenkins, Lindsay; Killeen, Therese; Owens, Mandy; Perl, Harold I.

2017-01-01

Objective Few studies have examined the effectiveness of 12-step peer recovery support programs with drug use disorders, especially stimulant use, and it is difficult to know how outcomes related to 12-step attendance and participation generalize to individuals with non-alcohol substance use disorders (SUDs). Method A clinical trial of 12-step facilitation (N=471) focusing on individuals with cocaine or methamphetamine use disorders allowed examination of four questions: Q1) To what extent do treatment-seeking stimulant users use 12-step programs and, which ones? Q2) Do factors previously found to predict 12-step participation among those with alcohol use disorders also predict participation among stimulant users? Q3) What specific baseline “12-step readiness” factors predict subsequent 12-step participation and attendance? And Q4) Does stimulant drug of choice differentially predict 12-step participation and attendance? Results The four outcomes variables, Attendance, Speaking, Duties at 12-step meetings, and other peer recovery support Activities, were not related to baseline demographic or substance problem history or severity. Drug of choice was associated with differential days of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) attendance among those who reported attending, and cocaine users reported more days of attending AA or NA at 1-, 3- and 6-month follow-ups than did methamphetamine users. Pre-randomization measures of Perceived Benefit of 12-step groups predicted 12-step Attendance at 3- and 6-month follow-ups. Pre-randomization 12-step Attendance significantly predicted number of other Self-Help Activities at end-of-treatment, 3- and 6-month follow-ups. Pre-randomization Perceived Benefit and problem severity both predicted number of Self-Help Activities at end-of-treatment and 3-month follow-up. Pre-randomization Perceived Barriers to 12-step groups were negatively associated with Self-Help Activities at end-of-treatment and 3-month follow-up. Whether or not one participated in any Duties was predicted at all time points by pre-randomization involvement in Self-Help Activities. Conclusions The primary finding of this study is one of continuity: prior attendance and active involvement with 12-step programs were the main signs pointing to future involvement. Limitations and Recommendations are discussed. PMID:27431050

Daily Life Physical Activity Modulates the Effects of an Exercise Program on Lower-Extremity Physical Function in Japanese Older Adults.

PubMed

Jindo, Takashi; Kitano, Naruki; Tsunoda, Kenji; Kusuda, Mikiko; Hotta, Kazushi; Okura, Tomohiro

Decreasing daily life physical activity (PA) outside an exercise program might hinder the benefit of that program on lower-extremity physical function (LEPF) in older adults. The purpose of this study was to investigate how daily life PA modulates the effects of an exercise program on LEPF. The participants were 46 community-dwelling older adults (mean age, 70.1 ± 3.5 years) in Kasama City, a rural area in Japan. All participated in a fall-prevention program called square-stepping exercise once a week for 11 weeks. We evaluated their daily life PA outside the exercise program with pedometers and calculated the average daily step counts during the early and late periods of the program. We divided participants into 2 groups on the basis of whether or not they decreased PA by more than 1000 steps per day between the early and late periods. To ascertain the LEPF benefits induced by participating in the exercise program, we measured 5 physical performance tests before and after the intervention: 1-leg stand, 5-time sit-to-stand, Timed Up and Go (TUG), habitual walking speed, and choice-stepping reaction time (CSRT). We used a 2-way analysis of variance to confirm the interaction between the 2 groups and the time effect before and after the intervention. During the exercise program, 8 participants decreased their daily life PA (early period, 6971 ± 2771; late period, 5175 ± 2132) and 38 participants maintained PA (early period, 6326 ± 2477; late period, 6628 ± 2636). Both groups significantly improved their performance in TUG and CSRT at the posttest compared with the baseline. A significant group-by-time interaction on the walking speed (P = .038) was observed: participants who maintained PA improved their performance more than those who decreased their PA. Square-stepping exercise requires and strengthens dynamic balance and agility, which contributed to the improved time effects that occurred in TUG and CSRT. On the contrary, because PA is positively associated with walking speed, maintaining daily life PA outside an exercise program may have a stronger influence on walking speed. To enhance the effectiveness of an exercise program for young-old adults, researchers and instructors should try to maintain the participant's daily life PA outside the program. Regardless of decreasing or maintaining daily life PA, the square-stepping exercise program could improve aspects of LEPF that require complex physical performance. However, a greater effect can be expected when participants maintain their daily life PA outside the exercise program.

Using Concept Mapping as as Tool for Program Theory Development

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Orsi, Rebecca

2011-01-01

The purpose of this methodological study is to explore how well a process called "concept mapping" (Trochim, 1989) can articulate the theory which underlies a social program. Articulation of a program's theory is a key step in completing a sound theory based evaluation (Weiss, 1997a). In this study, concept mapping is used to…

Systems cost/performance analysis (study 2.3). Volume 2: Systems cost/performance model. [unmanned automated payload programs and program planning

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Campbell, B. H.

1974-01-01

A methodology which was developed for balanced designing of spacecraft subsystems and interrelates cost, performance, safety, and schedule considerations was refined. The methodology consists of a two-step process: the first step is one of selecting all hardware designs which satisfy the given performance and safety requirements, the second step is one of estimating the cost and schedule required to design, build, and operate each spacecraft design. Using this methodology to develop a systems cost/performance model allows the user of such a model to establish specific designs and the related costs and schedule. The user is able to determine the sensitivity of design, costs, and schedules to changes in requirements. The resulting systems cost performance model is described and implemented as a digital computer program.

Report on High Technology Programs in Illinois Public Community Colleges.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Illinois Community Coll. Board, Springfield.

Survey results are presented from a study of the steps being taken by the 52 Illinois public community colleges to develop and provide programs in high technology fields. First, high technology programs are defined as those occupational programs that educate and train individuals to operate, maintain, and/or repair micro-electronic or computerized…

Combining Fast-Walking Training and a Step Activity Monitoring Program to Improve Daily Walking Activity After Stroke: A Preliminary Study.

PubMed

Danks, Kelly A; Pohlig, Ryan; Reisman, Darcy S

2016-09-01

To determine preliminary efficacy and to identify baseline characteristics predicting who would benefit most from fast walking training plus a step activity monitoring program (FAST+SAM) compared with fast walking training (FAST) alone in persons with chronic stroke. Randomized controlled trial with blinded assessors. Outpatient clinical research laboratory. Individuals (N=37) >6 months poststroke. Subjects were assigned to either FAST, which was walking training at their fastest possible speed on the treadmill (30min) and overground 3 times per week for 12 weeks, or FAST+SAM. The step activity monitoring program consisted of daily step monitoring with an activity monitor, goal setting, and identification of barriers to activity and strategies to overcome barriers. Daily step activity metrics (steps/day [SPD], time walking per day), walking speed, and 6-minute walk test (6MWT) distance. There was a significant effect of time for both groups, with all outcomes improving from pre- to posttraining (all P values <.05). The FAST+SAM was superior to FAST for 6MWT (P=.018), with a larger increase in the FAST+SAM group. The interventions had differential effectiveness based on baseline step activity. Sequential moderated regression models demonstrated that for subjects with baseline levels of step activity and 6MWT distances that were below the mean, the FAST+SAM intervention was more effective than FAST (1715±1584 vs 254±933 SPD; P<.05 for overall model and ΔR(2) for SPD and 6MWT). The addition of a step activity monitoring program to a fast walking training intervention may be most effective in persons with chronic stroke who have initial low levels of walking endurance and activity. Regardless of baseline performance, the FAST+SAM intervention was more effective for improving walking endurance. Copyright © 2016 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Electrician Cluster, STEP Training Plan. Skills Training and Education Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alabama State Dept. of Postsecondary Education, Montgomery.

This guide is a training plan for the electrical skills cluster of the Skills Training and Education Program (STEP), an open-entry, open-exit program funded by the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA). In the STEP training plan, each task has its own lesson plan guide. This manual contains the following information: definitions, instructions for…

Integrating Behavioral Health Support into a Pediatric Setting: What Happens in the Exam Room?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cuno, Kate; Krug, Laura M.; Umylny, Polina

2015-01-01

This article presents an overview of the Healthy Steps for Young Children (Healthy Steps) program at Montefiore Medical Center, in the Bronx, NY. The authors review the theoretical underpinnings of this national program for the promotion of early childhood mental health. The Healthy Steps program at Montefiore is integrated into outpatient…

Development of a College Transition and Support Program for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

White, Susan W.; Elias, Rebecca; Capriola-Hall, Nicole N.; Smith, Isaac C.; Conner, Caitlin M.; Asselin, Susan B.; Howlin, Patricia; Getzel, Elizabeth E.; Mazefsky, Carla A.

2017-01-01

Empirically based, consumer-informed programming to support students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) transitioning to college is needed. Informed by theory and research, the Stepped Transition in Education Program for Students with ASD (STEPS) was developed to address this need. The first level (Step 1) supports high school students and the…

Clerical Cluster, STEP Training Plan. Skills Training and Education Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alabama State Dept. of Postsecondary Education, Montgomery.

This guide is a training plan for the clerical skills cluster of the Skills Training and Education Program (STEP), an open-entry, open-exit program funded by the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA). In the STEP training plan, each task has its own lesson plan guide. This manual contains the following information: definitions, instructions for…

A TRAINING PROGRAM FOR MOTHERS.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

HORTON, DELLA M.

FOUR OBJECTIVES WERE DESCRIBED AS PART OF THE TRAINING PROGRAM FOR MOTHERS. STEP 1 WAS TO ESTABLISH PARENTAL COOPERATION EXPLAINING THE NEED FOR INTERACTION BETWEEN MOTHER AND CHILD. STEP 2 WAS TO ERASE SOME OF THE TENSION, FEAR, AND FRUSTRATION THAT WAS AROUSED WHEN MOTHERS KNEW THEY WOULD BE TESTED BEFORE THE PROGRAM WAS UNDER WAY. STEP 3 WAS TO…

ACSM Fitness Book: A Proven Step-By-Step Program from the Experts. Third Edition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

American Coll. of Sports Medicine, Indianapolis, IN.

This offers advice on the health benefits of regular physical activity. It includes a scientifically proven fitness test to determine one's starting point and monitor ongoing progress, offering step-by-step instructions, sample programs, and insights on nutrition, weight control, motivation, and overcoming setbacks. Seven chapters examine: (1)…

Life after National Science Foundation fellowships: The implications for a graduate student's professional endeavors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Obarski, Kelly Josephine

Each year, hundreds of graduate and undergraduate students, participate as Fellows in National Science Foundation GK-12 Grants throughout the U.S. These Fellowships create opportunities for university students to improve their communication skills, teaching proficiencies, and team-building skills, in addition to expanding their interest in educational endeavors in their respective communities while pursuing their college degrees. STEP (Science and Technology Enhancement Project) is one such project. University faculty, public school teachers, and community leaders collaborated together in order to bring scientists into middle and secondary classrooms to focus on increasing student interest and proficiency in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills. Seventeen Fellows, in the previous four years, designed, developed, and implemented innovative, hands-on lessons in seven local schools. The evaluation team collected a tremendous amount of research evidence focused on the effect of the program on the Fellows while they were participants in the study, but there has been very little data collected about the Fellows after leaving the program. This research study, consisting of two-hour interviews, qualitatively explores how the skills learned while participating in the STEP program affected the Fellows' career and educational choices once leaving the project. This data was analyzed along with historical attitude surveys and yearly tracking documents to determine the effect that participation in the program had on their choices post-STEP. An extensive literature review has been conducted focusing on other GK-12 programs throughout the country, K-16 collaboration, Preparing Future Faculty Programs, as well as on teaching and learning literature. These bodies of literature provide the theoretical basis in which the research is framed in order to assess the impact on Fellow educational and professional choices since leaving the STEP program. This research project sheds new light on how participation in a GK-12 Fellowship impacts career and educational choices after the Fellow leaves the program.

Dynamic balance and stepping versus tai chi training to improve balance and stepping in at-risk older adults.

PubMed

Nnodim, Joseph O; Strasburg, Debra; Nabozny, Martina; Nyquist, Linda; Galecki, Andrzej; Chen, Shu; Alexander, Neil B

2006-12-01

To compare the effect of two 10-week balance training programs, Combined Balance and Step Training (CBST) versus tai chi (TC), on balance and stepping measures. Prospective intervention trial. Local senior centers and congregate housing facilities. Aged 65 and older with at least mild impairment in the ability to perform unipedal stance and tandem walk. Participants were allocated to TC (n = 107, mean age 78) or CBST, an intervention focused on improving dynamic balance and stepping (n = 106, mean age 78). At baseline and 10 weeks, participants were tested in their static balance (Unipedal Stance and Tandem Stance (TS)), stepping (Maximum Step Length, Rapid Step Test), and Timed Up and Go (TUG). Performance improved more with CBST than TC, ranging from 5% to 10% for the stepping tests (Maximum Step Length and Rapid Step Test) and 9% for TUG. The improvement in TUG represented an improvement of more than 1 second. Greater improvements were also seen in static balance ability (in TS) with CBST than TC. Of the two training programs, in which variants of each program have been proven to reduce falls, CBST results in modest improvements in balance, stepping, and functional mobility versus TC over a 10-week period. Future research should include a prospective comparison of fall rates in response to these two balance training programs.

Inquiry-Based Science and Technology Enrichment Program for Middle School-Aged Female Students

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Hanna

2016-04-01

This study investigates the effects of an intensive 1-week Inquiry-Based Science and Technology Enrichment Program (InSTEP) designed for middle school-aged female students. InSTEP uses a guided/open inquiry approach that is deepened and redefined as eight sciences and engineering practices in the Next Generation Science Standards, which aimed at increasing female students' interest in science and science-related careers. This study examined the effectiveness of InSTEP on 123 female students' pre-assessment and post-assessment changes in attitudes toward science and content knowledge of selected science concepts. An attitude survey, a science content test with multiple-choice questions, written assignments, and interviews to collect data were all used to measure students' attitudes and content knowledge. A within-group, repeated measure design was conducted, and the results indicated that at the post-intervention level, InSTEP increased the participants' positive attitudes toward science, science-related careers, and content knowledge of selected science concepts.

Development of a career coaching model for medical students

PubMed Central

Hur, Yera

2016-01-01

Purpose: Deciding on a future career path or choosing a career specialty is an important academic decision for medical students. The purpose of this study is to develop a career coaching model for medical students. Methods: This research was carried out in three steps. The first step was systematic review of previous studies. The second step was a need assessment of medical students. The third step was a career coaching model using the results acquired from the researched literature and the survey. Results: The career coaching stages were defined as three big phases: The career coaching stages were defined as the “crystallization” period (Pre-medical year 1 and 2), “specification” period (medical year 1 and 2), and “implementation” period (medical year 3 and 4). Conclusion: The career coaching model for medical students can be used in programming career coaching contents and also in identifying the outcomes of career coaching programs at an institutional level. PMID:26867586

Integrated Project Management: A Case Study in Integrating Cost, Schedule, Technical, and Risk Areas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Greg

2004-01-01

This viewgraph presentation describes a case study as a model for integrated project management. The ISS Program Office (ISSPO) developed replacement fluid filtration cartridges in house for the International Space Station (ISS). The presentation includes a step-by-step procedure and organizational charts for how the fluid filtration problem was approached.

A self-instructional manual for installing low-cost/no-cost weatherization materials: Experimental validation with scouts

PubMed Central

Pavlovich, Mark; Greene, Brandon F.

1984-01-01

In this study, we describe the development and evaluation of a self-instructional program for installing 10 low-cost/no-cost weatherization materials (e.g., weatherstripping, caulking). This program was a weatherization and retrofit manual (WARM) providing step-by-step instructions and illustrations. Boy and Girl Scouts participated and used either the WARM or existing product instructions (EPI) to apply the materials. Scouts installed the materials properly only when they used the WARM. PMID:16795671

Evaluation of the clinical implementation of a large-scale online e-learning program on venous blood specimen collection guideline practices.

PubMed

Willman, Britta; Grankvist, Kjell; Bölenius, Karin

2018-05-11

When performed erroneously, the venous blood specimen collection (VBSC) practice steps patient identification, test request management and test tube labeling are at high risk to jeopardize patient safety. VBSC educational programs with the intention to minimize risk of harm to patients are therefore needed. In this study, we evaluate the efficiency of a large-scale online e-learning program on personnel's adherence to VBSC practices and their experience of the e-learning program. An interprofessional team transformed an implemented traditional VBSC education program to an online e-learning program developed to stimulate reflection with focus on the high-risk practice steps. We used questionnaires to evaluate the effect of the e-learning program on personnel's self-reported adherence to VBSC practices compared to questionnaire surveys before and after introduction of the traditional education program. We used content analysis to evaluate the participants free text experience of the VBSC e-learning program. Adherence to the VBSC guideline high-risk practice steps generally increased following the implementation of a traditional educational program followed by an e-learning program. We however found a negative trend over years regarding participation rates and the practice to always send/sign the request form following the introduction of an electronic request system. The participants were in general content with the VBSC e-learning program. Properly designed e-learning programs on VBSC practices supersedes traditional educational programs in usefulness and functionality. Inclusion of questionnaires in the e-learning program is necessary for follow-up of VBSC participant's practices and educational program efficiency.

Simple webs of natural environment theme as a result of sharing in science teacher training

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tapilouw, M. C.; Firman, H.; Redjeki, S.; Chandra, D. T.

2018-03-01

Thematic learning is one type of integrated science (Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Earth Science) in Science Education. This study is concerning about simple webs of natural environment theme in science learning, as one of training material in science teacher training program. Making simple web is a goal of first step in teacher training program. Every group explain their web illustration to other group. Twenty Junior High School science teacher above one education foundation participate in science teacher training program. In order to gather simple webs, sharing method was used in this first step of science teacher training. The result of this study is five different simple web of natural environment themes. These webs represent science learning in class VII/Semester I, class VII/Semester II, Class VIII, Class IX/Semester I, Class IX/Semester II based on basic competency in National Curriculum 2013. Each group discussed web of natural environment theme based on their learning experience in real class which basic competency and subject matters are linked with natural environment theme. As a conclusion, simple webs are potential to develop in the next step of science teacher training program and to be implemented in real class.

Examining Incentives to Promote Physical Activity Maintenance Among Hospital Employees Not Achieving 10,000 Daily Steps: A Web-Based Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol

PubMed Central

White, Lauren; Oh, Paul; Kwan, Matthew; Gove, Peter; Leahey, Tricia; Faulkner, Guy

2016-01-01

Background The economic burden of physical inactivity in Canada is estimated at Can $6.8 billion (US $5 billion) per year. Employers bear a substantial proportion of the economic costs, as they pay more for inactive workers in health care and other organizational costs. In response, many Canadian employers offer wellness programs, though these are often underutilized. While financial health incentives have been proposed as one way of increasing participation, their longer term effects (ie postintervention effects) are not clear. Objective The objective of this paper is to outline the methodology for a randomized control trial (RCT) examining the longer term impact of an existing physical activity promotion program that is enhanced by adding guaranteed rewards (Can $1 [US $0.74] per day step goal met) in a lower active hospital employee population (less than 10,000 steps per day). Methods A 12-week, parallel-arm RCT (with a 12-week postintervention follow-up) will be employed. Employees using Change4Life (a fully automated, incentive-based wellness program) and accumulating fewer than 10,000 steps per day at baseline (weeks 1 to 2) will be randomly allocated (1:1) to standard care (wellness program, accelerometer) or an intervention group (standard care plus guaranteed incentives). All study participants will be asked to wear the accelerometer and synchronize it to Change4Life daily, although only intervention group participants will receive guaranteed incentives for reaching tailored daily step count goals (Can $1 [US $0.74] per day; weeks 3 to 12). The primary study outcome will be mean proportion of participant-days step goal reached during the postintervention follow-up period (week 24). Mean proportion of participant-days step goal reached during the intervention period (week 12) will be a secondary outcome. Results Enrollment for the study will be completed in February 2017. Data analysis will commence in September 2017. Study results are to be published in the winter of 2018. Conclusions This protocol was designed to examine the impact of guaranteed rewards on physical activity maintenance in lower active hospital employees. ClinicalTrial ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02638675; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT0 2638675 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6g4pvZvhW) PMID:27956377

Elementary School-Based Adopted Grandparent Programs: Combining Intergenerational Programming with Aging Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Woodward, Karla A.

The Grandpals program at Oak Hill Elementary School in Overland Park, Kansas, meets teachers' needs while providing successful intergenerational programming. The first step in developing a program like Grandpals is to determine program goals, objectives, and theme. A next step is to determine the two populations to be involved. For example, whole…

Literacy Course Priorities and Signature Aspects of Nine Elementary Initial Licensure Programs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lenski, Susan; Ganske, Kathy; Chambers, Sandy; Wold, Linda; Dobler, Elizabeth; Grisham, Dana L.; Scales, Roya; Smetana, Linda; Wolsey, Thomas Devere; Yoder, Karen K.; Young, Janet

2013-01-01

The purpose of this article is to describe the first part of a three-phase study to learn what makes an effective elementary literacy initial licensure program. The first step was to identify how nine programs prioritized research-based literacy practices and to identify each program's unique features, which we called "signature aspects." Findings…

Development of a College Transition and Support Program for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

PubMed

White, Susan W; Elias, Rebecca; Capriola-Hall, Nicole N; Smith, Isaac C; Conner, Caitlin M; Asselin, Susan B; Howlin, Patricia; Getzel, Elizabeth E; Mazefsky, Carla A

2017-10-01

Empirically based, consumer-informed programming to support students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) transitioning to college is needed. Informed by theory and research, the Stepped Transition in Education Program for Students with ASD (STEPS) was developed to address this need. The first level (Step 1) supports high school students and the second level (Step 2) is for postsecondary students with ASD. Herein, we review the extant research on transition supports for emerging adults with ASD and describe the development of STEPS, including its theoretical basis and how it was informed by consumer input. The impact of STEPS on promotion of successful transition into college and positive outcomes for students during higher education is currently being evaluated in a randomized controlled trial.

Building on Who We Are, One Step at a Time.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kurth, Felicity

2002-01-01

Describes cost-effective and environmentally sound programs at Turtle Mountain Community College (North Dakota), such as its data collection program, legal studies program, and the implementation of geothermal energy across campus. States that a printing company, bookstore and wellness center for the region are being developed, and that these…

Reputation strength as a determinant of faculty employment: a test of the step-down thesis among clinical psychology doctoral programs.

PubMed

Roberts, Michael C; Ilardi, Stephen S; Johnson, Rebecca J

2006-07-01

This study tested the folkloristic belief that doctoral degree recipients who pursue academic careers typically wind up at institutions ranked lower in prestige than the institutions at which they trained (the step-down thesis). We used a database of faculty members in 150 clinical psychology doctoral programs accredited by the American Psychological Association, and compared each faculty member's training institution with the current employing institution on three distinct reputation ranking systems: The Center (University of Florida, Gainesville) for overall university reputation, the National Research Council (Washington, DC) for doctoral degree department reputation, and the news magazine, U.S. News and World Report ranking for clinical psychology training program reputation. Although support for the step-down thesis was found across all three ranking systems, a disproportionately large number of professors were also observed to move laterally in terms of their employing institution's reputation.

Summer Training and Education Program (STEP). What Works Clearinghouse Intervention Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

What Works Clearinghouse, 2009

2009-01-01

Summer Training and Education Program (STEP) is a summer employment, academic remediation, and life skills program intended to lower school dropout rates by reducing summer learning loss and preventing teen parenthood. The program is integrated into the federal summer jobs program and is offered during six-to-eight-week sessions in two…

First Steps to School Readiness: South Carolina's Response to At-Risk Early Childhood Population.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Buford, Rhonda; Stegelin, Dolores A.

2003-01-01

Describes South Carolina's new state early childhood program, First Steps to School Readiness. Includes a profile of the state's at-risk child population, noting poverty and education risk indicators, and describing key program components. The article discusses program oversight, local program partnerships, program funding mechanisms, and local…

Occupant protection special traffic enforcement program evaluation

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1999-04-01

Occupant Protection Special Traffic Enforcement Programs (OP sTEP) are periods of highly visible seat belt law enforcement combined with extensive media support. The objective of the present study was to describe National Highway Traffic Safety Admin...

Evaluation of dietary energy intake and physical activity in dogs undergoing a controlled weight-loss program.

PubMed

Wakshlag, Joseph J; Struble, Angela M; Warren, Barbour S; Maley, Mary; Panasevich, Matthew R; Cummings, Kevin J; Long, Grace M; Laflamme, Dorothy E

2012-02-15

To quantify physical activity and dietary energy intake in dogs enrolled in a controlled weight-loss program and assess relationships between energy intake and physical activity, sex, age, body weight, and body condition score (BCS). Prospective clinical study. 35 client-owned obese dogs (BCS > 7/9). Dogs were fed a therapeutic diet with energy intake restrictions to maintain weight loss of approximately 2%/wk. Collar-mounted pedometers were used to record the number of steps taken daily as a measure of activity. Body weight and BCS were assessed at the beginning of the weight-loss program and every 2 weeks thereafter throughout the study. Relationships between energy intake and sex, age, activity, BCS, and body weight at the end of the study were assessed via multivariable linear regression. Variables were compared among dogs stratified post hoc into inactive and active groups on the basis of mean number of steps taken (< or > 7,250 steps/d, respectively). Mean ± SD daily energy intake per unit of metabolic body weight (kg(0.75)) of active dogs was significantly greater than that of inactive dogs (53.6 ± 15.2 kcal/kg(0.75) vs 42.2 ± 9.7 kcal/kg(0.75), respectively) while maintaining weight-loss goals. In regression analysis, only the number of steps per day was significantly associated with energy intake. Increased physical activity was associated with higher energy intake while maintaining weight-loss goals. Each 1,000-step interval was associated with a 1 kcal/kg(0.75) increase in energy intake.

Deciding Full Branching Time Logic by Program Transformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pettorossi, Alberto; Proietti, Maurizio; Senni, Valerio

We present a method based on logic program transformation, for verifying Computation Tree Logic (CTL*) properties of finite state reactive systems. The finite state systems and the CTL* properties we want to verify, are encoded as logic programs on infinite lists. Our verification method consists of two steps. In the first step we transform the logic program that encodes the given system and the given property, into a monadic ω -program, that is, a stratified program defining nullary or unary predicates on infinite lists. This transformation is performed by applying unfold/fold rules that preserve the perfect model of the initial program. In the second step we verify the property of interest by using a proof method for monadic ω-programs.

Toward a Critical Race Perspective of Transfer: An Exploration of a Transfer Receptive Culture

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jain, Dimpal; Bernal, Santiago; Lucero, Iris; Herrera, Alfred; Solorzano, Daniel

2016-01-01

In this study we highlight the five elements of a transfer receptive culture and its connection to the Summer Transfer Enrichment Program (STEP) administered by the Community College Outreach Center (CCOC) at Best Coast University (all pseudonyms). A quantitative and qualitative study was conducted focusing on five years of STEP, consisting of 87…

Monterrey, La Ciudad Dorada/Monterrey, The Golden City. Curriculum Projects. Fulbright-Hays Summer Seminars Abroad Program, 2002 (Mexico).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Quintyne, Susan

This curriculum project is designed for high school classes in Spanish, social studies, or global studies. The project's lesson plan lists materials needed; poses seven key questions about Mexico and Monterrey; outlines background notes on Mexico; and provides a detailed, step-by-step procedure for classroom implementation during three days. Also…

20 CFR 655.310 - Attestations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... school, and the course of study shall be one accredited by a State Board of Nursing (or its equivalent... 4-year college, or a diploma school. See § 655.350(b) of this part. Financing by the facility... or pay-back programs) to such persons. (ii) Unreasonableness of second step. The steps described in...

20 CFR 655.310 - Attestations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... school, and the course of study shall be one accredited by a State Board of Nursing (or its equivalent... 4-year college, or a diploma school. See § 655.350(b) of this part. Financing by the facility... or pay-back programs) to such persons. (ii) Unreasonableness of second step. The steps described in...

Step-by-Step: A Model for Practice-Based Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kane, Gabrielle M.

2007-01-01

Introduction: Innovative technology has led to high-precision radiation therapy that has dramatically altered the practice of radiation oncology. This qualitative study explored the implementation of this innovation into practice from the perspective of the practitioners in a large academic radiation medicine program and aimed to improve…

Premedical special master’s programs increase USMLE STEP1 scores and improve residency placements

PubMed Central

Khuder, Sadik

2017-01-01

The effectiveness of Special Master’s Programs (SMPs) in benefiting a potential medical student’s career beyond admission into an MD-program is largely unknown. This study aims to evaluate the role of SMPs, if any, in affecting the performance and outcomes of students during their medical school career. This study analyzed anonymous surveys of students and residents from the University of Toledo. The data analysis is used to evaluate a student’s academic performance before, during and after medical school. Measured metrics included: MCAT Scores, undergraduate GPA, USMLE STEP 1 scores, participation in research, number of research publications, and residency placement. Of 500 people surveyed 164 medical students or residents responded. Based on their responses, the respondents were divided into traditional (non-SMP) and SMP groups. As anticipated, MCAT scores (SMP: 29.82 vs. traditional 31.10) are significantly (p<0.05) different between the two groups. Interestingly, there is no significant difference in USMLE STEP 1 scores (SMP: 232.7 vs. traditional: 233.8) and when normalized relative to MCAT scores, USMLE STEP 1 scores for SMP-students are significantly (p<0.05) higher than their traditional counterparts (p<0.05). Additionally, SMP-students did not outperform the traditional students with regards to research publications. But, they did demonstrate a significant (p<0.05) proclivity towards surgical residencies when compared to the traditional students. Overall, our results highlight that SMPs potentiate USMLE STEP 1 performance and competitive residency-placements for its students. PMID:29190691

The reliability and preliminary validity of game-based fall risk assessment in community-dwelling older adults.

PubMed

Yamada, Minoru; Aoyama, Tomoki; Nakamura, Masatoshi; Tanaka, Buichi; Nagai, Koutatsu; Tatematsu, Noriatsu; Uemura, Kazuki; Nakamura, Takashi; Tsuboyama, Tadao; Ichihashi, Noriaki

2011-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine whether the Nintendo Wii Fit program could be used for fall risk assessment in healthy, community-dwelling older adults. Forty-five community-dwelling older women participated in this study. The "Basic Step" and "Ski Slalom" modules were selected from the Wii Fit game program. The following 5 physical performance tests were performed: the 10-m walk test under single- and dual-task conditions, the Timed Up and Go test under single- and dual-task conditions, and the Functional Reach test. Compared with the faller group, the nonfaller group showed a significant difference in the Basic Step (P < .001) and a nonsignificant difference in the Ski Slalom (P = .453). The discriminating criterion between the 2 groups was a score of 111 points on the Basic Step (P < .001). The Basic Step showed statistically significant, moderate correlations between the dual-task lag of walking (r = -.547) and the dual-task lag of the Timed Up and Go test (r = -.688). These results suggest that game-based fall risk assessment using the Basic Step has a high generality and is useful in community-dwelling older adults. Copyright © 2011 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Rooting greenwood cuttings of yellow birch

Treesearch

William J. Gabriel

1961-01-01

Yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis Britton) is one of the commercially important species now under study in the hardwood tree-improvement program at our Research center at Burlington, Vt. A preliminary step in this program is to acquire information about vegetative propagation.

Development of a Study Skills Curriculum as a Component of the ACT I Extended Freshman Orientation Experience at Brenau: Curriculum and Program Planning.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Robinson, Patricia W.

The purpose of this practicum was to develop a study skills curriculum to be incorporated into the existing ACT I Extended Freshman Orientation program at Brenau College in Georgia, to assist underprepared students admitted under special admissions programs in achieving greater academic success. An eight-step curriculum development process was…

Software for Automated Reading of STEP Files by I-DEAS(trademark)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pinedo, John

2003-01-01

A program called "readstep" enables the I-DEAS(tm) computer-aided-design (CAD) software to automatically read Standard for the Exchange of Product Model Data (STEP) files. (The STEP format is one of several used to transfer data between dissimilar CAD programs.) Prior to the development of "readstep," it was necessary to read STEP files into I-DEAS(tm) one at a time in a slow process that required repeated intervention by the user. In operation, "readstep" prompts the user for the location of the desired STEP files and the names of the I-DEAS(tm) project and model file, then generates an I-DEAS(tm) program file called "readstep.prg" and two Unix shell programs called "runner" and "controller." The program "runner" runs I-DEAS(tm) sessions that execute readstep.prg, while "controller" controls the execution of "runner" and edits readstep.prg if necessary. The user sets "runner" and "controller" into execution simultaneously, and then no further intervention by the user is required. When "runner" has finished, the user should see only parts from successfully read STEP files present in the model file. STEP files that could not be read successfully (e.g., because of format errors) should be regenerated before attempting to read them again.

Finding an Appropriate Preschool for Your Child with Special Needs = Como Encontrar un Programa Pre-escolar para su nino con desabilidades.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bernstein, Sandra; Wonderlick, Mary; Madden, Drina

This booklet, with English and Spanish versions, provides a step-by-step procedure to help families find an appropriate preschool program in the community for their child with disabilities. The booklet lists six steps for locating a program: (1) decide what kind of program is wanted for the child; (2) complete included form outlining child's needs…

Developing an MBA Study-Abroad Program at Southeastern Louisiana University

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Budden, Michael Craig; Baraya, Aristides R.; Juban, Rusty L.

2005-01-01

International experience is critical for MBA faculty and students, but providing such experience as part of the curriculum is often difficult for relatively small programs. This article briefly describes how the College of Business and Technology at Southeastern Louisiana University developed a partnership program in Costa Rica as one step toward…

Researching Second Step Nursing Education, Volume 1. Proceedings of the Annual National Second Step Project Conference (1st, San Francisco, California, January 14-15, 1980).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jako, Katherine L., Ed.

Program goals, designs, and accomplishments in the area of second-step nursing education is the topic of this report of a conference attended by over 125 nursing educators, administrators, and graduate students. (Second-step nursing education encompasses postlicensure upper-division baccalaureate programs expressly designed for registered nurses.)…

A Systematic Review of State Vocational Rehabilitation Agency-Based Literature

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Boeltzig-Brown, Heike; Fleming, Allison R.; Heyman, Miriam; Gauthier, Martha; Cully, Julisa; Foley, Susan M.

2017-01-01

Purpose: To conduct a systematic review (SR) of 550 studies produced between 1970 and 2008 that focus on programs and/or services provided by state vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies believed to impact client and/or program outcomes. Method: Authors used a 5-step SR protocol to evaluate and summarize study content and outcomes, study design,…

Steps Towards Precision Medicine: Utilizing FFPE Specimens - TCGA

Cancer.gov

Roy W. Tarnuzzer, Ph.D., the Biospecimen Core Resource Program Manager at the TCGA Program Office, provides an overview of the Formalin-fixed Paraffin Pilot Project, an initiative to investigate best practices for use of FFPE specimens in genomic studies.

Evaluation of traffic signal timing optimization methods using a stochastic and microscopic simulation program.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2003-01-01

This study evaluated existing traffic signal optimization programs including Synchro,TRANSYT-7F, and genetic algorithm optimization using real-world data collected in Virginia. As a first step, a microscopic simulation model, VISSIM, was extensively ...

A two-step method for developing a control rod program for boiling water reactors

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

Taner, M.S.; Levine, S.H.; Hsiao, M.Y.

1992-01-01

This paper reports on a two-step method that is established for the generation of a long-term control rod program for boiling water reactors (BWRs). The new method assumes a time-variant target power distribution in core depletion. In the new method, the BWR control rod programming is divided into two steps. In step 1, a sequence of optimal, exposure-dependent Haling power distribution profiles is generated, utilizing the spectral shift concept. In step 2, a set of exposure-dependent control rod patterns is developed by using the Haling profiles generated at step 1 as a target. The new method is implemented in amore » computer program named OCTOPUS. The optimization procedure of OCTOPUS is based on the method of approximation programming, in which the SIMULATE-E code is used to determine the nucleonics characteristics of the reactor core state. In a test in cycle length over a time-invariant, target Haling power distribution case because of a moderate application of spectral shift. No thermal limits of the core were violated. The gain in cycle length could be increased further by broadening the extent of the spetral shift.« less

Do low step count goals inhibit walking behavior: a randomized controlled study.

PubMed

Anson, Denis; Madras, Diane

2016-07-01

Confirmation and quantification of observed differences in goal-directed walking behavior. Single-blind, split-half randomized trial. Small rural university, Pennsylvania, United States. A total of 94 able-bodied subjects (self-selected volunteer students, faculty and staff of a small university) were randomly assigned walking goals, and 53 completed the study. Incentivized pedometer-monitored program requiring recording the step-count for 56-days into a custom-made website providing daily feedback. Steps logged per day. During the first half of the study, the 5000 and 10,000 step group logged significantly different steps 7500 and 9000, respectively (P > 0.05). During the second half of the study, the 5000 and 10,000 step groups logged 7000 and 8600 steps, respectively (significance P > 0.05). The group switched from 5000 to →10,000 steps logged, 7900 steps for the first half and 9500 steps for the second half (significance P > 0.05). The group switched from 10,000 to 5000 steps logged 9700 steps for the first half and 9000 steps for the second half, which was significant (p > 0.05). Levels of walking behavior are influenced by the goals assigned. Subjects with high goals walk more than those with low goals, even if they do not meet the assigned goal. Reducing goals from a high to low level can reduce walking behavior. © The Author(s) 2015.

The Mentor Kit. A Step-by-Step Guide To Creating an Effective Mentor Program in Your School [and] Reproducible Forms To Accompany the Mentor Program in Your School.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nash, Diane; Treffinger, Don

Mentorships, the art of a creatively productive person teaching, counseling, and inspiring a student with similar interests, can be the result of circumstance or they can be the result of mentorship programs engineered in the academic world. Data collected from over 25 different academic models of mentorship have been distilled into 7 key steps to…

Effects of a Behavioral Program on Exercise Adherence and Exercise Self-Efficacy in Community-Dwelling Older Persons

PubMed Central

Azizan, Azliyana; Kuan, Chua Siew

2013-01-01

Background. This study determines the effects of a behavioral program on exercise adherence (step counts) and level of exercise self-efficacy (ESE) in community-dwelling older persons. Methods. Sixty-three participants (age = 63.8 ± 4.5 years) were enrolled in this controlled quasi-experimental study. They were divided into 3 groups: (1) EBG performed a 6-week exercise intervention followed by a 5-week behavioral program, (2) EG performed exercise intervention similar to EBG, and (3) control group (CG) did not receive any interventions. Step counts were measured based on the scores recorded by a pedometer while ESE was measured by a self-reported ESE scale. Results. Data analysis showed significant differences due to time effect (F(1,2) = 39.884, P < 0.01, and η = .399); time and group interactions (F(2,60) = 112.683, P < 0.01, and η = .790); and between-group effect (F(2,60) = 12.524, P < 0.01, and η = .295) for step counts. As for ESE, significant differences were also found for time effect (F(2,4) = 66.628, P < 0.05, and η = .526); time and group interactions (F(2,60) = 4.562, P = 0.014, and η = .132); and between-group effect (F(2,60) = 13.632, P < 0.05, and η = .312). EBG presented with significantly higher mean changes for both step counts and ESE compared to other groups (all P < 0.05). Conclusion. This study suggests that the addition of a behavioral program is superior as compared to exercising alone on increasing exercise adherence and level of self-efficacy in older persons. PMID:24489539

Effects of a behavioral program on exercise adherence and exercise self-efficacy in community-dwelling older persons.

PubMed

Azizan, Azliyana; Justine, Maria; Kuan, Chua Siew

2013-01-01

Background. This study determines the effects of a behavioral program on exercise adherence (step counts) and level of exercise self-efficacy (ESE) in community-dwelling older persons. Methods. Sixty-three participants (age = 63.8 ± 4.5 years) were enrolled in this controlled quasi-experimental study. They were divided into 3 groups: (1) EBG performed a 6-week exercise intervention followed by a 5-week behavioral program, (2) EG performed exercise intervention similar to EBG, and (3) control group (CG) did not receive any interventions. Step counts were measured based on the scores recorded by a pedometer while ESE was measured by a self-reported ESE scale. Results. Data analysis showed significant differences due to time effect (F(1,2) = 39.884, P < 0.01, and η = .399); time and group interactions (F(2,60) = 112.683, P < 0.01, and η = .790); and between-group effect (F(2,60) = 12.524, P < 0.01, and η = .295) for step counts. As for ESE, significant differences were also found for time effect (F(2,4) = 66.628, P < 0.05, and η = .526); time and group interactions (F(2,60) = 4.562, P = 0.014, and η = .132); and between-group effect (F(2,60) = 13.632, P < 0.05, and η = .312). EBG presented with significantly higher mean changes for both step counts and ESE compared to other groups (all P < 0.05). Conclusion. This study suggests that the addition of a behavioral program is superior as compared to exercising alone on increasing exercise adherence and level of self-efficacy in older persons.

First Year Medical Students' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Interest in Geriatric Medicine

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lu, Wei-Hsin; Hoffman, Kimberly G.; Hosokawa, Michael C.; Gray, M. Peggy; Zweig, Steven C.

2010-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of an extracurricular geriatric program on medical students' knowledge of, and attitudes toward, the elderly and their interest in studying geriatric medicine. The participants were first-year medical students (n = 137) who joined the Senior Teacher Education Partnership (STEP) program that…

Effect of online pedometer program on physical activity in Qatar.

PubMed

Al-Kuwari, Mohamed G; Al-Mohannadi, Abdulla S; El-Jack, Izzeldin I; Almudahka, Fuad

2016-03-01

The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of pedometers as motivation for individuals to walk 10,000 steps and more a day. A cross-sectional longitudinal study conducted during for 12 weeks. The intervention consists of goal setting to reach 10,000 steps or more and to keep it as daily target. The pedometer was issued for every participant after they were registered at the website and given a self-monitoring on line account. Participants were informed to upload their data every week. An automated e-mail and text messages were sent to participant didn't upload the data. Average daily steps measured in the 1st week were taken as baseline, and the average weekly steps were measured at the 4, 8, and 12 weeks. The study included 970 adults, and showed a significant increase in average daily steps from 6.833±4.144 steps/day at baseline into 10.600±6,385 steps/week at the 12th week (P<0.001), 19.3% met the daily target of 10,000 steps or more at the baseline with considerable increase to 45.0% by the 12th week. However this increase is more obvious in females as only 11.7% of them met the daily target of 10,000 steps at start and reached to 38.5% at the 12th week. At the 12th week the age group ≥45 years became more active with pedometer than the younger age group (48.5% vs. 43.2%). Although adults from different races showed increasing physical activity however Arabs remain less active than other ethnic groups (39.0% and 53.3% respectively). Pedometer program was found to be effective in promoting physical activity in Qatar. Daily steps goal is encouraging adults for achieving their recommended daily physical activity level. This intervention is more useful for adults and women in particular.

Student Athletes: Shattering the Myths & Sharing the Realities.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kirk, Wyatt D., Ed.; Kirk, Sarah V., Ed.

This book covers the developmental benefits of athletics. It provides a step-by-step model for setting up a comprehensive high school program, a guide for college-bound athletes, seven case studies, and an outline of counselors' responsibilities. The book is divided into three major parts: the athletic environment and the athlete's participation…

Typical Toddlers' Participation in “Just-in-Time” Programming of Vocabulary for Visual Scene Display Augmentative and Alternative Communication Apps on Mobile Technology: A Descriptive Study

PubMed Central

Drager, Kathryn; Light, Janice; Caron, Jessica Gosnell

2017-01-01

Purpose Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) promotes communicative participation and language development for young children with complex communication needs. However, the motor, linguistic, and cognitive demands of many AAC technologies restrict young children's operational use of and influence over these technologies. The purpose of the current study is to better understand young children's participation in programming vocabulary “just in time” on an AAC application with minimized demands. Method A descriptive study was implemented to highlight the participation of 10 typically developing toddlers (M age: 16 months, range: 10–22 months) in just-in-time vocabulary programming in an AAC app with visual scene displays. Results All 10 toddlers participated in some capacity in adding new visual scene displays and vocabulary to the app just in time. Differences in participation across steps were observed, suggesting variation in the developmental demands of controls involved in vocabulary programming. Conclusions Results from the current study provide clinical insights toward involving young children in AAC programming just in time and steps that may allow for more independent participation or require more scaffolding. Technology designed to minimize motor, cognitive, and linguistic demands may allow children to participate in programming devices at a younger age. PMID:28586825

Typical Toddlers' Participation in "Just-in-Time" Programming of Vocabulary for Visual Scene Display Augmentative and Alternative Communication Apps on Mobile Technology: A Descriptive Study.

PubMed

Holyfield, Christine; Drager, Kathryn; Light, Janice; Caron, Jessica Gosnell

2017-08-15

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) promotes communicative participation and language development for young children with complex communication needs. However, the motor, linguistic, and cognitive demands of many AAC technologies restrict young children's operational use of and influence over these technologies. The purpose of the current study is to better understand young children's participation in programming vocabulary "just in time" on an AAC application with minimized demands. A descriptive study was implemented to highlight the participation of 10 typically developing toddlers (M age: 16 months, range: 10-22 months) in just-in-time vocabulary programming in an AAC app with visual scene displays. All 10 toddlers participated in some capacity in adding new visual scene displays and vocabulary to the app just in time. Differences in participation across steps were observed, suggesting variation in the developmental demands of controls involved in vocabulary programming. Results from the current study provide clinical insights toward involving young children in AAC programming just in time and steps that may allow for more independent participation or require more scaffolding. Technology designed to minimize motor, cognitive, and linguistic demands may allow children to participate in programming devices at a younger age.

The University of Minnesota Morris (UMM) STEP Program: an initiative to encourage the participation of Native Americans in the sciences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cotter, J. F.

2009-12-01

The goal of the UMM STEP program is to increase the number of graduates in STEM fields through innovative curricular, recruiting and mentoring strategies. A unique focus of the UMM STEP program is increasing the number of Native American science majors. The STEP program fosters a summer research environment where peer interaction and mentoring creates a web of support. To do so we will establish a supportive and fulfilling pipeline that: 1) Identifies Native American students and involves them in research while they are high school; 2) Mentors and prepares participants for university academics the summer before their freshman year; 3) Provides a complete tuition waiver, mentoring and a support network throughout their undergraduate career; and 4) Involves participants in an active and dynamic summer undergraduate research environment where under-represented individuals are in the majority. The third and fourth components of this pipeline are in very good shape. The Morris campus was originally established as an Indian School in 1887. When the federal government deeded the Indian school campus to the University of Minnesota a stipulation was that Native American students attend the college for free. At present, 196 Native Americans are enrolled at UMM (50 are STEM majors). The UMM STEP research experience provides the unique opportunity to interact with a scientific community that both breaks down a number of traditional barriers and aids in the maturation of these students as scientists. In Summer 2008, 4 students were involved in summer research and in 2009 seven Native American students participated. Early efforts of the UMM STEP program are encouraging. UMM Admissions staff used the UMM STEP program to recruit Native American students and the P.I. phoned “uncommitted admits”, visited reservations and hosted reservation student visits. The result was an increase in freshman Native American Science majors from 7 in Fall 2007, 15 in fall 2008 and 20 in fall 2009. Overall, Native American Science majors increased from 33 (2007) to 39 (2008) and now 50 (2009). One UMM STEP participant from summer of 2008 graduated and is now in the University of Wisconsin Pharmacy Program. The biggest challenge to date for the UMM STEP program is making contact with rising junior and senior High School students. As a result, the envisioned UMM STEP “pipeline” remains without a solid foundation. Strategies employed to resolve this situation include: 1) writing to all educators with announcements and advertisements for summer opportunities for High School Juniors, 2) contacting alumni who educators in school districts with a significant number of Native American students, 3) utilizing the UMM STEP review board to make additional contacts in reservations, and 4) bringing UMM STEP students to High Schools to talk about their experiences and answer questions about UMM. This research is funded by the NSF STEP program (NSF/DUE-0653063).

Effectiveness of an Activity Tracker- and Internet-Based Adaptive Walking Program for Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Poirier, Josée; Bennett, Wendy L; Jerome, Gerald J; Shah, Nina G; Lazo, Mariana; Yeh, Hsin-Chieh; Clark, Jeanne M; Cobb, Nathan K

2016-02-09

The benefits of physical activity are well documented, but scalable programs to promote activity are needed. Interventions that assign tailored and dynamically adjusting goals could effect significant increases in physical activity but have not yet been implemented at scale. Our aim was to examine the effectiveness of an open access, Internet-based walking program that assigns daily step goals tailored to each participant. A two-arm, pragmatic randomized controlled trial compared the intervention to no treatment. Participants were recruited from a workplace setting and randomized to a no-treatment control (n=133) or to treatment (n=132). Treatment participants received a free wireless activity tracker and enrolled in the walking program, Walkadoo. Assessments were fully automated: activity tracker recorded primary outcomes (steps) without intervention by the participant or investigators. The two arms were compared on change in steps per day from baseline to follow-up (after 6 weeks of treatment) using a two-tailed independent samples t test. Participants (N=265) were 66.0% (175/265) female with an average age of 39.9 years. Over half of the participants (142/265, 53.6%) were sedentary (<5000 steps/day) and 44.9% (119/265) were low to somewhat active (5000-9999 steps/day). The intervention group significantly increased their steps by 970 steps/day over control (P<.001), with treatment effects observed in sedentary (P=.04) and low-to-somewhat active (P=.004) participants alike. The program is effective in increasing daily steps. Participants benefited from the program regardless of their initial activity level. A tailored, adaptive approach using wireless activity trackers is realistically implementable and scalable. Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02229409, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02229409 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6eiWCvBYe).

The relationship between communication scores from the USMLE Step 2 Clinical Skills examination and communication ratings for first-year internal medicine residents.

PubMed

Winward, Marcia L; Lipner, Rebecca S; Johnston, Mary M; Cuddy, Monica M; Clauser, Brian E

2013-05-01

This study extends available evidence about the relationship between scores on the Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS) component of the United States Medical Licensing Examination and subsequent performance in residency. It focuses on the relationship between Step 2 CS communication and interpersonal skills scores and communication skills ratings that residency directors assign to residents in their first postgraduate year of internal medicine training. It represents the first large-scale evaluation of the extent to which Step 2 CS communication and interpersonal skills scores can be extrapolated to examinee performance in supervised practice. Hierarchical linear modeling techniques were used to examine the relationships among examinee characteristics, residency program characteristics, and residency-director-provided ratings. The sample comprised 6,306 examinees from 238 internal medicine residency programs who completed Step 2 CS for the first time in 2005 and received ratings during their first year of internal medicine residency training. Although the relationship is modest, Step 2 CS communication and interpersonal skills scores predict communication skills ratings for first-year internal medicine residents after accounting for other factors. The results of this study make a reasonable case that Step 2 CS communication and interpersonal skills scores provide useful information for predicting the level of communication skill that examinees will display in their first year of internal medicine residency training. This finding demonstrates some level of extrapolation from the testing context to behavior in supervised practice, thus providing validity-related evidence for using Step 2 CS communication and interpersonal skills scores in high-stakes decisions.

Examining Incentives to Promote Physical Activity Maintenance Among Hospital Employees Not Achieving 10,000 Daily Steps: A Web-Based Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol.

PubMed

Mitchell, Marc; White, Lauren; Oh, Paul; Kwan, Matthew; Gove, Peter; Leahey, Tricia; Faulkner, Guy

2016-12-12

The economic burden of physical inactivity in Canada is estimated at Can $6.8 billion (US $5 billion) per year. Employers bear a substantial proportion of the economic costs, as they pay more for inactive workers in health care and other organizational costs. In response, many Canadian employers offer wellness programs, though these are often underutilized. While financial health incentives have been proposed as one way of increasing participation, their longer term effects (ie postintervention effects) are not clear. The objective of this paper is to outline the methodology for a randomized control trial (RCT) examining the longer term impact of an existing physical activity promotion program that is enhanced by adding guaranteed rewards (Can $1 [US $0.74] per day step goal met) in a lower active hospital employee population (less than 10,000 steps per day). A 12-week, parallel-arm RCT (with a 12-week postintervention follow-up) will be employed. Employees using Change4Life (a fully automated, incentive-based wellness program) and accumulating fewer than 10,000 steps per day at baseline (weeks 1 to 2) will be randomly allocated (1:1) to standard care (wellness program, accelerometer) or an intervention group (standard care plus guaranteed incentives). All study participants will be asked to wear the accelerometer and synchronize it to Change4Life daily, although only intervention group participants will receive guaranteed incentives for reaching tailored daily step count goals (Can $1 [US $0.74] per day; weeks 3 to 12). The primary study outcome will be mean proportion of participant-days step goal reached during the postintervention follow-up period (week 24). Mean proportion of participant-days step goal reached during the intervention period (week 12) will be a secondary outcome. Enrollment for the study will be completed in February 2017. Data analysis will commence in September 2017. Study results are to be published in the winter of 2018. This protocol was designed to examine the impact of guaranteed rewards on physical activity maintenance in lower active hospital employees. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02638675; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT0 2638675 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6g4pvZvhW). ©Marc Mitchell, Lauren White, Paul Oh, Matthew Kwan, Peter Gove, Tricia Leahey, Guy Faulkner. Originally published in JMIR Research Protocols (http://www.researchprotocols.org), 12.12.2016.

A Fuzzy Goal Programming for a Multi-Depot Distribution Problem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nunkaew, Wuttinan; Phruksaphanrat, Busaba

2010-10-01

A fuzzy goal programming model for solving a Multi-Depot Distribution Problem (MDDP) is proposed in this research. This effective proposed model is applied for solving in the first step of Assignment First-Routing Second (AFRS) approach. Practically, a basic transportation model is firstly chosen to solve this kind of problem in the assignment step. After that the Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) model is used to compute the delivery cost in the routing step. However, in the basic transportation model, only depot to customer relationship is concerned. In addition, the consideration of customer to customer relationship should also be considered since this relationship exists in the routing step. Both considerations of relationships are solved using Preemptive Fuzzy Goal Programming (P-FGP). The first fuzzy goal is set by a total transportation cost and the second fuzzy goal is set by a satisfactory level of the overall independence value. A case study is used for describing the effectiveness of the proposed model. Results from the proposed model are compared with the basic transportation model that has previously been used in this company. The proposed model can reduce the actual delivery cost in the routing step owing to the better result in the assignment step. Defining fuzzy goals by membership functions are more realistic than crisps. Furthermore, flexibility to adjust goals and an acceptable satisfactory level for decision maker can also be increased and the optimal solution can be obtained.

A Model for Developing a Continuous Progress Program, April 1977. A Manual for Teachers and Administrators Concerned with Improving Reading.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Goldman, Rosalie; And Others

The focus of this manual is on the step-by-step development and implementation of a continuous-progress reading program--a system that permits instruction at each student's diagnosed level of ability. Analysis of program development includes advice on choosing a committee, writing the program, and presenting the program to others. The implications…

California Community College Handbook: Teaching Basic Skills in Vocational Education. Model Programs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Evaluation and Training Inst., Los Angeles, CA.

This handbook was produced as a result of a project that studied California community college programs that teach basic skills in vocational education programs. The project included a literature review, a telephone survey, and 12 site visits. The handbook contains four sections: (1) steps for integrating basic skills and vocational instruction;…

Starting a new residency program: a step-by-step guide for institutions, hospitals, and program directors

PubMed Central

Barajaz, Michelle; Turner, Teri

2016-01-01

Although our country faces a looming shortage of doctors, constraints of space, funding, and patient volume in many existing residency programs limit training opportunities for medical graduates. New residency programs need to be created for the expansion of graduate medical education training positions. Partnerships between existing academic institutions and community hospitals with a need for physicians can be a very successful means toward this end. Baylor College of Medicine and The Children's Hospital of San Antonio were affiliated in 2012, and subsequently, we developed and received accreditation for a new categorical pediatric residency program at that site in 2014. We share below a step-by-step guide through the process that includes building of the infrastructure, educational development, accreditation, marketing, and recruitment. It is our hope that the description of this process will help others to spur growth in graduate medical training positions. PMID:27507541

[Development of clinical trial education program for pharmaceutical science students through small group discussion and role-playing using protocol].

PubMed

Imakyure, Osamu; Shuto, Hideki; Nishikawa, Fumi; Hagiwara, Yoshifuka; Inoue, Sachiko; Koyanagi, Taeko; Hirakawa, Masaaki; Kataoka, Yasufumi

2010-08-01

The acquirement of basic knowledge of clinical trials and professional attitude in their practices is a general instructional objective in the Model Core Curriculum for Pharmaceutical Education. Unfortunately, the previous program of clinical trial education was not effective in the acquirement of a professional attitude in their practices. Then, we developed the new clinical trial education program using protocol through small group discussion (SGD) and roll-playing. Our program consists of 7 steps of practical training. In step 1, the students find some problems after presentation of the protocol including case and prescription. In step 2, they analyse the extracted problems and share the information obtained in SGD. In steps 3 and 5, five clinical case scenarios are presented to the students and they discuss which case is suitable for entry to the clinical trial or which case corresponds to the discontinuance criteria in the present designed protocol. In steps 4 and 6, the roll-playing is performed by teachers and students as doctors and clinical research coordinators (CRC) respectively. Further, we conducted a trial practice based on this program for the students. In the student's self-evaluation into five grades, the average score of the skill acquisition level in each step was 3.8-4.7 grade. Our clinical trial education program could be effective in educating the candidates for CRC or clinical pharmacists.

Addiction Recovery: 12-Step Programs and Cognitive-Behavioral Psychology.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bristow-Braitman, Ann

1995-01-01

Provides helping professionals with an overview of treatment issues referred to as spiritual by those recovering from alcohol and drug addictions through 12-step programs. Reviews conflicts between academically trained helping professionals and researchers, and those advocating spiritually oriented treatment programs. Discusses spiritual…

Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining an Effective In-School Suspension Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sullivan, Judy S.

1989-01-01

Notes that many in-school suspension (ISS) programs are used as a temporary controlling technique, rather than a truly rehabilitative measure. Presents 12 steps in planning and implementing, and 10 steps in maintaining, an ISS program that is a positive disciplinary strategy. (NH)

Tools for Transition in Early Childhood: A Step-by-Step Guide for Agencies, Teachers, and Families

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rous, Beth S., Ed.D; Hallam, Rena A.

2006-01-01

For young children with and without disabilities, positive outcomes depend on smooth, effective transitions between and within early intervention programs, preschool programs, and public school programs. Now there is a how-to guide that helps professionals across programs work together to make these transitions happen. Coauthored by top expert…

How To Design a Program Evaluation. CSE Program Evaluation Kit, Volume 3. Second Edition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fitz-Gibbon, Carol Taylor; Morris, Lynn Lyons

The "CSE Program Evaluation Kit" is a series of nine books intended to assist people conducting program evaluations. This volume, the third in the kit, discusses the logic underlying the use of quantitative research designs, including the pretest-posttest design, and supplies step-by-step procedures for setting up and interpreting the…

School to Employment Program (STEP) Jobs for Youth. Annual Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

New York State Dept. of Labor, Albany.

The School to Employment Program (STEP) provided job placement, training, counseling, and remediation for economically disadvantaged youth aged 14-21 who were at risk of dropping out of school or who had dropped out and were unprepared for employment. Its two major components were in-school and out-of-school programs. Youth in both programs were…

Twelve Steps in Developing a Schoolsite Health Education/Promotion Program for Faculty and Staff.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McKenzie, James F.

1988-01-01

School districts may benefit by establishing health education/ promotion programs for its employees. Twelve steps in doing so are presented. Health benefits will accrue to employees while employers'"bottom line" will be reduced by their investment in employees' health. Detailed planning steps are outlined. (Author/JL)

Summer Training and Education Program (STEP): Report on the 1987 Experience.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sipe, Cynthia L.; And Others

The Summer Training and Education Program (STEP) was developed in 1984 as a strategy for reducing the number of young people who leave school without the skills and motivation necessary for productive employment. The STEP intervention involves collaboration between the public schools and the federal Summer Youth Employment and Training Program…

14 CFR 152.411 - Affirmative action steps.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 14 Aeronautics and Space 3 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Affirmative action steps. 152.411 Section...) AIRPORTS AIRPORT AID PROGRAM Nondiscrimination in Airport Aid Program § 152.411 Affirmative action steps. (a) Each grantee which is not described in § 152.407(a) and is not subject to an affirmative action...

Stepping Stones to Evaluating Your Own School Literacy Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Levesque, Jeri; Carnahan, Danielle

2005-01-01

Stepping Stones to Literacy is a tool for elementary school improvement teams to evaluate and strengthen their reading programs. Each Stepping Stone is a guided activity to stimulate reflection and guide systematic inquiry. It is a collaborative, active research approach to evaluation (Levesque & Hinton 2001). The goal is to eliminate the gap…

Adhesive-bonded scarf and stepped-lap joints

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hart-Smith, L. J.

1973-01-01

Continuum mechanics solutions are derived for the static load-carrying capacity of scarf and stepped-lap adhesive-bonded joints. The analyses account for adhesive plasticity and adherend stiffness imbalance and thermal mismatch. The scarf joint solutions include a simple algebraic formula which serves as a close lower bound, within a small fraction of a per cent of the true answer for most practical geometries and materials. Digital computer programs were developed and, for the stepped-lap joints, the critical adherend and adhesive stresses are computed for each step. The scarf joint solutions exhibit grossly different behavior from that for double-lap joints for long overlaps inasmuch as that the potential bond shear strength continues to increase with indefinitely long overlaps on the scarf joints. The stepped-lap joint solutions exhibit some characteristics of both the scarf and double-lap joints. The stepped-lap computer program handles arbitrary (different) step lengths and thickness and the solutions obtained have clarified potentially weak design details and the remedies. The program has been used effectively to optimize the joint proportions.

Discussion of parameters associated with the determination of arsenic by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry in slurried environmental samples.

PubMed

Vassileva, E; Baeten, H; Hoenig, M

2001-01-02

A slurry sampling-fast program procedure has been developed for the determination of arsenic in plants, soils and sediments by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. Efficiencies of various single and mixed modifiers for thermal stabilization of arsenic and for a better removal of the matrix during pyrolysis step were compared. The influence of the slurry concentration, amounts of modifier and parameters of the pyrolysis step on the As integrated absorbance signals have been studied and a comparison between fast and conventional furnace programs was also made. The ultrasonic agitation of the slurry followed by a fast electrothermal program using an Ir/Mg modifier provides the most consistent performance in terms of precision and accuracy. The reliability of the whole procedure has been compared with results obtained after application of a wet digestion method with an HF step and validated by analyzing eleven certified reference materials. Arsenic detection and quantitation limits expressed on dry sample matter were about 30 and 100 micrograms kg-1, respectively.

The effects of spiritual practices on recovery from substance abuse.

PubMed

Carter, T M

1998-10-01

Twelve-step programs have stressed the importance of spiritual practices for over four decades. The spiritual principles embodied in the twelve-step programs may be key in their success of recovering addicts/alcoholics with an overall recovery rate of 34%. A literature search revealed little available data on spiritual principles and practices and their effects on long-term recovery from substance abuse. This study compared two groups of recovering addicts, those with one year of recovery and those with less than one year and a history of relapse. Spiritual practices were measured using a five-point Likert scale questionnaire. The results of the study indicated a relationship between spiritual practices and long-term recovery from substance abuse.

Solar Decisions: A Microcomputer Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Taylor, Charles O.; Gittinger, Jack D.

1985-01-01

A program is presented, designed for the Apple II, which enables users to compute heat loss of a building and determine the total heating cost, regardless of the type of fuel. Variables to be considered are explained and a step-by-step explanation of the program is included. (CT)

Using Technology To Bring Abstract Concepts into Focus: A Programming Case Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Crews, Thad; Butterfield, Jeff

2002-01-01

Discusses the three-step implementation of an instructional technology tool and associated pedagogy to support teaching and learning computer programming concepts. The Flowchart Interpreter (FLINT) was proven through experiments to support novice programmers better than the traditional textbook approach. (EV)

Testing electroexplosive devices by programmed pulsing techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rosenthal, L. A.; Menichelli, V. J.

1976-01-01

A novel method for testing electroexplosive devices is proposed wherein capacitor discharge pulses, with increasing energy in a step-wise fashion, are delivered to the device under test. The size of the energy increment can be programmed so that firing takes place after many, or after only a few, steps. The testing cycle is automatically terminated upon firing. An energy-firing contour relating the energy required to the programmed step size describes the single-pulse firing energy and the possible sensitization or desensitization of the explosive device.

Investigation of the Instructional Efficiency of the Trythall Method of Music Dictation Programming. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harriss, Ernest Charles

The purpose of this year-long study was to explore the effectiveness of the Trythall system of music dictation instruction (particularly Trythall's small-step, programmed method) in the training of aural skills--error detection, melodic dictation, rhythmic dictation, harmonic dictation, chord identification, and sight singing. For this study, the…

Workforce Readiness: Changes in Critical Thinking Skills of Adult Learners in an Accelerated Undergraduate Degree Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Slemp, Kathleen N.

2012-01-01

This mixed-method case study explored the change in critical thinking skills over the span of the adult student's accelerated lock-step cohort experience pursuing an organizational management and leadership degree completion program at a liberal arts institution in the Midwest. Three areas of research informed this study: workforce readiness,…

U.S.-MEXICO BORDER PROGRAM ARIZONA BORDER STUDY--STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR SCANNING AND VERIFYING FORMS AND QUESTIONNAIRES (UA-D-34.0)

EPA Science Inventory

The purpose of this SOP is to define the implementation steps for scanning and verifying forms and questionnaires used during the Arizona NHEXAS project and the Border study. Keywords: data; scanning.

The U.S.-Mexico Border Program is sponsored by the Environmental Health Workg...

Unmatched U.S. Allopathic Seniors in the 2015 Main Residency Match: A Study of Applicant Behavior, Interview Selection, and Match Outcome.

PubMed

Liang, Mei; Curtin, Laurie S; Signer, Mona M; Savoia, Maria C

2017-07-01

The application and interview behaviors of unmatched U.S. allopathic medical school senior students (U.S. seniors) participating in the 2015 National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) Main Residency Match were studied in conjunction with their United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 scores and ranking preferences to understand their effects on Match outcome. USMLE Step 1 score and preferred specialty information were reviewed for U.S. seniors who responded to the 2015 NRMP Applicant Survey. Unmatched U.S. seniors were categorized as "strong," "solid," "marginal," or "weak" based on the perceived competitiveness of their Step 1 scores compared with U.S. seniors who matched in the same preferred specialty. The numbers of applications sent, interviews obtained, and programs ranked also were examined by Match outcome. Strong unmatched U.S. seniors submitted significantly more applications to achieve and attend approximately the same number of interviews as strong matched U.S. seniors. Strong unmatched seniors ranked fewer programs than their matched counterparts. As a group, unmatched U.S. seniors were less likely than their matched counterparts to rank a mix of competitive and less competitive programs and more likely to rank programs based on their perceived likelihood of matching. A small number of unmatched U.S. seniors would have matched if they had ranked programs that ranked them. U.S. seniors' Match outcomes may be affected by applicant characteristics that negatively influence their selection for interviews, and their difficulties may be exacerbated by disadvantageous ranking behaviors.

Stepping Stones Triple P-Positive Parenting Program for Children with Disability: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tellegen, Cassandra L.; Sanders, Matthew R.

2013-01-01

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the treatment effects of a behavioral family intervention, Stepping Stones Triple P (SSTP) for parents of children with disabilities. SSTP is a system of five intervention levels of increasing intensity and narrowing population reach. Twelve studies, including a total of 659 families, met…

For Which Children of Economic Disadvantage and in Which Instructional Contexts Does Earobics Step 1 Improve Kindergarteners' Literacy?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Anthony, Jason L.

2016-01-01

This study evaluated Earobics Step 1, a commercial literacy program, and examined whether impact varied with children's school readiness and classroom instruction. Participants included 247 kindergarteners from 37 classrooms in nine Title 1 schools. Children were randomly assigned to receive 21 weeks of computerized instruction with Earobics or…

Suggestions for CAP-TSD mesh and time-step input parameters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bland, Samuel R.

1991-01-01

Suggestions for some of the input parameters used in the CAP-TSD (Computational Aeroelasticity Program-Transonic Small Disturbance) computer code are presented. These parameters include those associated with the mesh design and time step. The guidelines are based principally on experience with a one-dimensional model problem used to study wave propagation in the vertical direction.

Mars Scout 2007 - a current status

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Matousek, Steve

2003-01-01

The Mars Program institutes the Mars Scout Missions in order to address science goals in the program not otherwise covered in baseline Mars plans. Mars Scout missions will be Principal-Investigator (PI) led science missions. Analogous to the Discovery Program, PI-led investigations optimize the use of limited resources to accomplish focused science and allow the flexibility to quickly respond to discoveries at Mars. Scout missions also require unique investments in technology and reliance upon Mars-based infrastructure such as telecom relay orbiters. Scouts utilize a two-step competitive process for selection. In Dec, 2002, the Step 2 selections by NASA were announced and then approximately five month studies will result in a selection for flight around August, 2003 for a mission to be launched in 2007.

"Stepping Up": A Focus on Facilitator Development

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kostouros, Patricia; Warthe, D. Gaye; Carter-Snell, Catherine; Burnett, Che

2016-01-01

This article examines the impact on peer facilitators in "Stepping Up," a dating violence prevention program at a Canadian university. A focus group held eight months following the delivery of the program determined the personal impact of involvement in the program. Results indicate that peer facilitators experienced personal growth as…

Educating Children for Democracy.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kaufmann, Roxane; Hansen, Kirsten; Klaus, Sarah

2002-01-01

The Step by Step Program is a model developed for countries struggling to make the transition to democratic societies in a period marked by enthusiasm for educational reform. The goal of the associated programs is educating a new participatory citizenry, beginning with children. Growth of programs across the world has resulted in a nongovernmental…

Total School Energy Management Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Energy Education Programs, Woodstock, IL.

This energy management program is intended to give school administrators some ideas about how to get started in managing energy conservation. An Implementation Guide provides options and step-by-step approaches for marshaling resources and organizing to get a program off the ground. A Curriculum Review and Development Guide includes general…

Direct and Collateral Effects of the First Step to Success Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sprague, Jeffrey; Perkins, Kindle

2009-01-01

First Step to Success is a multicomponent behavioral program for at-risk children who show signs of antisocial behavior at the point of school entry. The program incorporates behavioral intervention techniques, including praise and feedback, positive reinforcement, social skills training, teacher and parent collaboration, and time-out/response…

Mentoring Students with Mild Disabilities: The "Nuts and Bolts" of Program Development.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Campbell-Whatley, Gloria D.

2001-01-01

This article provides step-by-step guidelines for developing a mentoring program for students with disabilities. The benefits of mentoring, role of the mentor, mentor screening, and program development are discussed. Suggested mentor and student activities are outlined, including communication, reading, leisure, and academic activities. (Contains…

Program Review/Evaluation Policy and Procedures.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Colorado Northwestern Community Coll., Rangely.

At Colorado Northwestern Community College (CNCC), all educational programs, as well as student services and support functions, are formally reviewed/evaluated in depth at least once every five years. This nine-part outline, providing a step-by-step description of the program review process at CNCC, includes the following sections: (1) the value…

Improving Program Performance through Management Information. A Workbook.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bienia, Nancy

Designed specifically for state and local managers and supervisors who plan, direct, and operate child support enforcement programs, this workbook provides a four-part, step-by-step process for identifying needed information and methods of using the information to operate an effective program. The process consists of: (1) determining what…

An Online Tailored Self-Management Program for Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Developmental Study.

PubMed

Zuidema, Rixt M; van Gaal, Betsie Gi; van Dulmen, Sandra; Repping-Wuts, Han; Schoonhoven, Lisette

2015-12-25

Every day rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients make many decisions about managing their disease. An online, computer-tailored, self-management program can support this decision making, but development of such a program requires the active participation of patients. To develop an online, computer-tailored, self-management program integrated with the nursing care, as nurses have an important role in supporting self-management behavior. The intervention mapping framework was used to develop the program. Development was a multistep process: (1) needs assessment; (2) developing program and change objectives in a matrix; (3) selecting theory-based intervention methods and practical application strategies; (4) producing program components; (5) planning and adoption, implementation, and sustainability; and (6) planning for evaluation. After conducting the needs assessment (step 1), nine health-related problems were identified: (1) balancing rest and activity, (2) setting boundaries, (3) asking for help and support, (4) use of medicines, (5) communicating with health professionals, (6) use of assistive devices, (7) performing physical exercises, (8) coping with worries, and (9) coping with RA. After defining performance and change objectives (step 2), we identified a number of methods which could be used to achieve them (step 3), such as provision of general information about health-related behavior, self-monitoring of behavior, persuasive communication, modeling, and self-persuasion and tailoring. We described and operationalized these methods in texts, videos, exercises, and a medication intake schedule. The resulting program (step 4) consisted of an introduction module and nine modules dealing with health-related problems. The content of these modules is tailored to the user's self-efficacy, and patients can use the online program as often as they want, working through a module or modules at their own speed. After implementation (step 5), the program will be evaluated in a two-center pilot trial involving 200 RA patients. Log-in data and qualitative interviews will used for a process evaluation. The intervention mapping framework was used to guide development of an online computer-tailored self-management program via a process which could serve as a model for the development of other interventions. A pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) will provide insight into the important outcome measures in preparation for a larger RCT. The process evaluation will provide insight into how RA patients use the program and the attrition rate. Netherlands Trial Register (NTR): NTR4871; http://www.trialregister.nl/trialreg/admin/rctview.asp?TC=4871 [accessed 13-NOV-15] http://www.webcitation.org/6d1ZyIoEy.

The 12 Steps of Addiction Recovery Programs as an Influence on Leadership Development: A Personal Narrative

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Friedman, Mitchell

2016-01-01

My participation in a 12-step addiction program based on the principles and traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has been critical for my leadership development. As I worked to refrain from addictive behaviors and practiced 12-step principles, I experienced a shift from individualistic, self-centered leadership towards a servant leader…

Didactic and Technical Considerations When Developing e-Learning and CME

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

te Pas, Ellen; Wieringa-de Waard, Margreet; Blok, Bernadette Snijders; Pouw, Henny; van Dijk, Nynke

2016-01-01

Several usability issues were encountered during the design of a blended e-learning program for a course in evidence-based medicine for general practice trainers. The program was developed in four steps. We focused in this article on step 2 and 3. Step 2 focused on which educational principles to apply, that is, which learning theories,…

Step Forward. Single Parent/Homemaker Annual Report for the Fiscal Year 1990-1991.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kentucky Tech Region 5, Elizabethtown.

The Step Forward Single Parent/Homemaker Program in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, was developed to provide information on career opportunities and assist the target individuals in career assessment, career counseling, and goal setting in order to develop self-esteem and time management skills. During the second year of the Step Forward program in…

Evidence-based practice instruction by faculty members and librarians in North American optometry and ophthalmology programs.

PubMed

MacDonald, Katherine A; Hrynchak, Patricia K; Spafford, Marlee M

2014-07-01

North American optometry and ophthalmology faculty members and vision science librarians were surveyed online (14% response rate) about teaching evidence-based practice (EBP). Similar to studies of other health care programs, all five EBP steps (Ask, Acquire, Appraise, Apply, Assess) were taught to varying degrees. Optometry and ophthalmology EBP educators may want to place further emphasis on (1) the Apply and Assess steps, (2) faculty- and student-generated questions and self-assessment in clinical settings, (3) online teaching strategies, (4) programmatic integration of EBP learning objectives, and (5) collaboration between faculty members and librarians.

An online community improves adherence in an internet-mediated walking program. Part 1: results of a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Richardson, Caroline R; Buis, Lorraine R; Janney, Adrienne W; Goodrich, David E; Sen, Ananda; Hess, Michael L; Mehari, Kathleen S; Fortlage, Laurie A; Resnick, Paul J; Zikmund-Fisher, Brian J; Strecher, Victor J; Piette, John D

2010-12-17

Approximately half of American adults do not meet recommended physical activity guidelines. Face-to-face lifestyle interventions improve health outcomes but are unlikely to yield population-level improvements because they can be difficult to disseminate, expensive to maintain, and inconvenient for the recipient. In contrast, Internet-based behavior change interventions can be disseminated widely at a lower cost. However, the impact of some Internet-mediated programs is limited by high attrition rates. Online communities that allow participants to communicate with each other by posting and reading messages may decrease participant attrition. Our objective was to measure the impact of adding online community features to an Internet-mediated walking program on participant attrition and average daily step counts. This randomized controlled trial included sedentary, ambulatory adults who used email regularly and had at least 1 of the following: overweight (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 25), type 2 diabetes, or coronary artery disease. All participants (n = 324) wore enhanced pedometers throughout the 16-week intervention and uploaded step-count data to the study server. Participants could log in to the study website to view graphs of their walking progress, individually-tailored motivational messages, and weekly calculated goals. Participants were randomized to 1 of 2 versions of a Web-based walking program. Those randomized to the "online community" arm could post and read messages with other participants while those randomized to the "no online community" arm could not read or post messages. The main outcome measures were participant attrition and average daily step counts over 16 weeks. Multiple regression analyses assessed the effect of the online community access controlling for age, sex, disease status, BMI, and baseline step counts. Both arms significantly increased their average daily steps between baseline and the end of the intervention period, but there were no significant differences in increase in step counts between arms using either intention-to-treat or completers analysis. In the intention-to-treat analysis, the average step count increase across both arms was 1888 ± 2400 steps. The percentage of completers was 13% higher in the online community arm than the no online community arm (online community arm, 79%, no online community arm, 66%, P = .02). In addition, online community arm participants remained engaged in the program longer than no online community arm participants (hazard ratio = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.25 - 0.90, P = .02). Participants with lower baseline social support posted more messages to the online community (P < .001) and viewed more posts (P < .001) than participants with higher baseline social support. Adding online community features to an Internet-mediated walking program did not increase average daily step counts but did reduce participant attrition. Participants with low baseline social support used the online community features more than those with high baseline social support. Thus, online communities may be a promising approach to reducing attrition from online health behavior change interventions, particularly in populations with low social support. NCT00729040; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00729040 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/5v1VH3n0A).

Community Participation on an Urban Sanitation Program: a Comparative Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rini Dwi Ari, Ismu; Nyoman Suluh Wijaya, I.; Dewanto, Aditya

2018-05-01

Sanitation development becomes one aspect, particularly the sixth pillar, of Sustainable Development Goals that aims at ensuring the access to water and sanitation for all. The success of the sanitation program will bring about significant changes in the human life. However, it is necessary to consider community involvement in the development program in all of the steps holistically – planning, implementation, operation and maintenance. This research scrutinizes the key factors of successful urban sanitation development programs in Talangagung sub-district as compared to Ardirejo sub-district in Kepanjen district in Malang regency, Indonesia. Through field observation in the two-research areas, and questionnaire survey distributed to to104 heads of households in Talangagung sub-district and 84 heads of households in Ardirejo sub-district, an evaluation on the suitability of the program as well as the social capital measurement was conducted. The result of estimation illustrates that Talangagung sub-district has higher score than Adirejo sub-district, which respectively 470 and 340 for the whole steps of the development. Then, the study continued with the social capital measurement using three indices of social network analysis – covering rate of participation, density and centrality. In general, the rate of participation and density of the residents involved in the urban sanitation program development in Talangagung sub-district was higher value than in Ardirejo sub-district. However, the residents’ participation in the development process tends to decrease from the planning – implementation – operation/maintenance. It is predicted that the low participation in the third step – operation/maintenance, is due to the lack of understanding of the whole participants, since the information is exclusively understood by the organizing committee. In other words, there is asymmetrical information occurring between the organizing committee and the residents. For the centrality, this research utilized three indices of the centrality covering degree – closeness – betweenness centrality. The estimation result at planning step draws that there are 21 central actors in Talangagung, wherein 8 of them are the committee members and 13 of them are regular residents. Meanwhile, in Ardirejo sub-disctrict, there are 5 central actors, but all of them are committee members. In the implementation step, there are 10 central actors, consisting of 7 committee members and 3 residents in Talangagung sub-district. Meanwhile, in Ardirejo sub-district, there are 7 central actors and all of them are the committee members. Finally, at the operation/maintenance step, there is no central actor for both sub-districts.

Composite chronicles: A study of the lessons learned in the development, production, and service of composite structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vosteen, Louis F.; Hadcock, Richard N.

1994-01-01

A study of past composite aircraft structures programs was conducted to determine the lessons learned during the programs. The study focused on finding major underlying principles and practices that experience showed have significant effects on the development process and should be recognized and understood by those responsible for using of composites. Published information on programs was reviewed and interviews were conducted with personnel associated with current and past major development programs. In all, interviews were conducted with about 56 people representing 32 organizations. Most of the people interviewed have been involved in the engineering and manufacturing development of composites for the past 20 to 25 years. Although composites technology has made great advances over the past 30 years, the effective application of composites to aircraft is still a complex problem that requires experienced personnel with special knowledge. All disciplines involved in the development process must work together in real time to minimize risk and assure total product quality and performance at acceptable costs. The most successful programs have made effective use of integrated, collocated, concurrent engineering teams, and most often used well-planned, systematic development efforts wherein the design and manufacturing processes are validated in a step-by-step or 'building block' approach. Such approaches reduce program risk and are cost effective.

Staff walking program: a quasi-experimental trial of maintenance newsletters to maintain walking following a pedometer program.

PubMed

Borg, Janelle; Merom, Dafna; Rissel, Chris

2010-04-01

The Step by Step self-help walking program plus a pedometer previously motivated a community sample of adults to be physically active for up to three months. This study evaluates the effect of enhancement of this program over an additional nine months in a workplace. A quasi-experimental trial was conducted. Staff defined as inactive received the three month walking program and a pedometer (standard), or the three month program plus four maintenance newsletters over nine months (standard+maintenance). After 12 months a follow-up interview was conducted. Measures included changes in self-reported minutes walking, minutes of moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), total physical activity (PA) in the past week, and the proportion meeting public health recommendations by walking and total PA. Significant increases on all outcome measures were noted for all participants. There were no between group differences in walking minutes. However, the change in MVPA minutes was significantly higher in the standard+maintenance group compared with the standard group (118 min vs 69 min, P=0.029). No significant between group differences were observed for total PA (161 min vs 117 min, P=0.187). Wearing the pedometer at the month of the follow-up interview, and thinking that the pedometer was very useful, increased the likelihood of meeting public health recommendations (AOR=2.7 and 2.5) adjusting for other covariates. Dissemination of the Step by Step guidebook with pedometers in the workplace resulted in a long-term increase in PA of inactive employees with no extra support. Newsletters as a maintenance strategy had no additional benefits. Better outcomes were noted if the pedometer was used and was perceived as being very useful.

Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases in Costa Rica: a feasibility study toward a national screening program

PubMed Central

Wesseling, Catharina; Román, Norbel; Quirós, Indiana; Páez, Laura; García, Vilma; María Mora, Ana; Juncos, Jorge L.; Steenland, Kyle N.

2013-01-01

Background The integration of mental and neurologic services in healthcare is a global priority. The universal Social Security of Costa Rica aspires to develop national screening of neurodegenerative disorders among the elderly, as part of the non-communicable disease agenda. Objective This study assessed the feasibility of routine screening for Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) within the public healthcare system of Costa Rica. Design The population (aged ≥65) in the catchment areas of two primary healthcare clinics was targeted for motor and cognitive screening during routine annual health check-ups. The screening followed a tiered three-step approach, with increasing specificity. Step 1 involved a two-symptom questionnaire (tremor-at-rest; balance) and a spiral drawing test for motor assessment, as well as a three-word recall and animal category fluency test for cognitive assessment. Step 2 (for those failing Step 1) was a 10-item version of the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale and the Mini-Mental State Examination. Step 3 (for those failing Step 2) was a comprehensive neurologic exam with definitive diagnosis of PD, AD, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), other disorders, or subjects who were healthy. Screening parameters and disease prevalence were calculated. Results Of the 401 screened subjects (80% of target population), 370 (92%), 163 (45%), and 81 (56%) failed in Step 1, Step 2, and Step 3, respectively. Thirty-three, 20, and 35 patients were diagnosed with PD, AD, and MCI, respectively (7 were PD with MCI/AD); 90% were new cases. Step 1 sensitivities of motor and cognitive assessments regarding Step 2 were both 93%, and Step 2 sensitivities regarding definitive diagnosis 100 and 96%, respectively. Specificities for Step 1 motor and cognitive tests were low (23% and 29%, respectively) and for Step 2 tests acceptable (76%, 94%). Based on international data, PD prevalence was 3.7 times higher than expected; AD prevalence was as expected. Conclusion Proposed protocol adjustments will increase test specificity and reduce administration time. A routine screening program is feasible within the public healthcare system of Costa Rica. PMID:24378195

Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases in Costa Rica: a feasibility study toward a national screening program.

PubMed

Wesseling, Catharina; Román, Norbel; Quirós, Indiana; Páez, Laura; García, Vilma; Mora, Ana María; Juncos, Jorge L; Steenland, Kyle N

2013-12-27

The integration of mental and neurologic services in healthcare is a global priority. The universal Social Security of Costa Rica aspires to develop national screening of neurodegenerative disorders among the elderly, as part of the non-communicable disease agenda. This study assessed the feasibility of routine screening for Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) within the public healthcare system of Costa Rica. The population (aged ≥65) in the catchment areas of two primary healthcare clinics was targeted for motor and cognitive screening during routine annual health check-ups. The screening followed a tiered three-step approach, with increasing specificity. Step 1 involved a two-symptom questionnaire (tremor-at-rest; balance) and a spiral drawing test for motor assessment, as well as a three-word recall and animal category fluency test for cognitive assessment. Step 2 (for those failing Step 1) was a 10-item version of the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale and the Mini-Mental State Examination. Step 3 (for those failing Step 2) was a comprehensive neurologic exam with definitive diagnosis of PD, AD, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), other disorders, or subjects who were healthy. Screening parameters and disease prevalence were calculated. Of the 401 screened subjects (80% of target population), 370 (92%), 163 (45%), and 81 (56%) failed in Step 1, Step 2, and Step 3, respectively. Thirty-three, 20, and 35 patients were diagnosed with PD, AD, and MCI, respectively (7 were PD with MCI/AD); 90% were new cases. Step 1 sensitivities of motor and cognitive assessments regarding Step 2 were both 93%, and Step 2 sensitivities regarding definitive diagnosis 100 and 96%, respectively. Specificities for Step 1 motor and cognitive tests were low (23% and 29%, respectively) and for Step 2 tests acceptable (76%, 94%). Based on international data, PD prevalence was 3.7 times higher than expected; AD prevalence was as expected. Proposed protocol adjustments will increase test specificity and reduce administration time. A routine screening program is feasible within the public healthcare system of Costa Rica.

A Preliminary Investigation into Parents' Concerns about Programming Education in Japanese Primary Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Maruyama, Yukiko; Kanoh, Hiroko; Adachi, Kinya

2017-01-01

To investigate parents' concerns about programming education in primary school, a preliminary online survey was carried out as a first step of the study. The result of the survey shows that parents seem to think that aim of programming education in primary school is not only learning coding. [For the complete proceedings, see ED579395.

Developing and Pretesting a Text Messaging Program for Health Behavior Change: Recommended Steps.

PubMed

Abroms, Lorien C; Whittaker, Robyn; Free, Caroline; Mendel Van Alstyne, Judith; Schindler-Ruwisch, Jennifer M

2015-12-21

A growing body of evidence demonstrates that text messaging-based programs (short message service [SMS]) on mobile phones can help people modify health behaviors. Most of these programs have consisted of automated and sometimes interactive text messages that guide a person through the process of behavior change. This paper provides guidance on how to develop text messaging programs aimed at changing health behaviors. Based on their collective experience in designing, developing, and evaluating text messaging programs and a review of the literature, the authors drafted the guide. One author initially drafted the guide and the others provided input and review. Steps for developing a text messaging program include conducting formative research for insights into the target audience and health behavior, designing the text messaging program, pretesting the text messaging program concept and messages, and revising the text messaging program. The steps outlined in this guide may help in the development of SMS-based behavior change programs.

Data collection as the first step in program development: the experience of a chronic care palliative unit.

PubMed

Munn, B; Worobec, F

1997-01-01

This retrospective descriptive study of 73 patients who died in St. Peter's Hospital examines and contrasts the patients profile and referral sources of a palliative care unit in a chronic care hospital over two six-month periods during 1994 and 1995. Shortened length of stay (83.8 and 43.2 days respectively), documentation issues, CPR practices (CPR was desired by seven patients up to the time of death), and lack of referrals from long-term care facilities have led St. Peter's Hospital to ask further questions of its palliative care program, e.g. given the lack of referrals from long-term care facilities, how is palliative care being managed in this sector? In Ontario, palliative care has been placed under the domain of chronic care and program development depends in part on the knowledge of the population it serves. This study is a first step.

[The use of systematic review to develop a self-management program for CKD].

PubMed

Lee, Yu-Chin; Wu, Shu-Fang Vivienne; Lee, Mei-Chen; Chen, Fu-An; Yao, Yen-Hong; Wang, Chin-Ling

2014-12-01

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has become a public health issue of international concern due to its high prevalence. The concept of self-management has been comprehensively applied in education programs that address chronic diseases. In recent years, many studies have used self-management programs in CKD interventions and have investigated the pre- and post-intervention physiological and psychological effectiveness of this approach. However, a complete clinical application program in the self-management model has yet to be developed for use in clinical renal care settings. A systematic review is used to develop a self-management program for CKD. Three implementation steps were used in this study. These steps include: (1) A systematic literature search and review using databases including CEPS (Chinese Electronic Periodical Services) of Airiti, National Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations in Taiwan, CINAHL, Pubmed, Medline, Cochrane Library, and Joanna Briggs Institute. A total of 22 studies were identified as valid and submitted to rigorous analysis. Of these, 4 were systematic literature reviews, 10 were randomized experimental studies, and 8 were non-randomized experimental studies. (2) Empirical evidence then was used to draft relevant guidelines on clinical application. (3) Finally, expert panels tested the validity of the draft to ensure the final version was valid for application in practice. This study designed a self-management program for CKD based on the findings of empirical studies. The content of this program included: design principles, categories, elements, and the intervention measures used in the self-management program. This program and then was assessed using the content validity index (CVI) and a four-point Liker's scale. The content validity score was .98. The guideline of self-management program to CKD was thus developed. This study developed a self-management program applicable to local care of CKD. It is hoped that the guidelines developed in this study offer a reference for clinical caregivers to improve their healthcare practices.

A Million Steps: Developing a Health Promotion Program at the Workplace to Enhance Physical Activity.

PubMed

González-Dominguez, María Eugenia; Romero-Sánchez, José Manuel; Ares-Camerino, Antonio; Marchena-Aparicio, Jose Carlos; Flores-Muñoz, Manuel; Infantes-Guzmán, Inés; León-Asuero, José Manuel; Casals-Martín, Fernando

2017-11-01

The workplace is a key setting for the prevention of occupational risks and for promoting healthy activities such as physical activity. Developing a physically active lifestyle results in many health benefits, improving both well-being and quality of life. This article details the experience of two Spanish companies that implemented a program to promote physical exercise in the workplace, called "A Million Steps." This program aimed to increase the physical activity of participants, challenging them to reach at least a million steps in a month through group walks. Participant workers reached the set goal and highlighted the motivational and interpersonal functions of the program.

Cooking Up a Food Service Program in Rural Alaska. Guidelines for Consumer and Homemaking Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shelton, Nicki

This guide shows teachers how to offer successfully a food service program as part of the home economics curriculum. It describes a rural, secondary-level food service program--a bakery service offered to the community--and gives step-by-step instructions for starting the program as well as guidelines for developing it each year. The first section…

National workshop on core competencies for success in the veterinary profession.

PubMed

Lloyd, James W; King, Lonnie J; Klausner, Jeffrey S; Harris, Donna

2003-01-01

A workshop was designed to (1) present results of the Core Competencies for Veterinary Medicine project conducted by Personnel Decisions International (PDI); (2) discuss and analyze the implications of the PDI study results for academia, private practice, and industry; (3) identify actionable items-discuss opportunities and barriers; and (4) develop appropriate recommendations-devise specific actions for implementation as next steps. In total, 25 veterinary colleges were represented at the workshop and a total of 110 attendees participated, a broad cross-section of the veterinary profession (both academic and non-academic). Through an orchestrated combination of general sessions and facilitated, small group discussions, prioritized recommendations for implementation and initial action plans for next steps were developed. Recommendations included publicizing results of the PDI study, reconsidering current admissions policies and processes, evaluating the applicant pool and current recruitment programs, developing structured mentoring programs, enhancing DVM/VMD training programs, coordinating the development of continuing education programs, and overcoming existing barriers to change. Next steps should involve collaborative efforts across all sectors of the veterinary profession to develop plans for implementing the workshop's recommendations. Leadership for follow-up might reasonably come from the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC), the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), either individually or collectively, through the National Commission on Veterinary Economic Issues (NCVEI). Partnerships with industry are also possible and should be strongly considered.

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

Wilson, Charles

University Park, Maryland (“UP”) is a small town of 2,540 residents, 919 homes, 2 churches, 1 school, 1 town hall, and 1 breakthrough community energy efficiency initiative: the Small Town Energy Program (“STEP”). STEP was developed with a mission to “create a model community energy transformation program that serves as a roadmap for other small towns across the U.S.” STEP first launched in January 2011 in UP and expanded in July 2012 to the neighboring communities of Hyattsville, Riverdale Park, and College Heights Estates, MD. STEP, which concluded in July 2013, was generously supported by a grant from the U.S.more » Department of Energy (DOE). The STEP model was designed for replication in other resource-constrained small towns similar to University Park - a sector largely neglected to date in federal and state energy efficiency programs. STEP provided a full suite of activities for replication, including: energy audits and retrofits for residential buildings, financial incentives, a community-based social marketing backbone and local community delivery partners. STEP also included the highly innovative use of an “Energy Coach” who worked one-on-one with clients throughout the program. Please see www.smalltownenergy.org for more information. In less than three years, STEP achieved the following results in University Park: • 30% of community households participated voluntarily in STEP; • 25% of homes received a Home Performance with ENERGY STAR assessment; • 16% of households made energy efficiency improvements to their home; • 64% of households proceeded with an upgrade after their assessment; • 9 Full Time Equivalent jobs were created or retained, and 39 contractors worked on STEP over the course of the project. Estimated Energy Savings - Program Totals kWh Electricity 204,407 Therms Natural Gas 24,800 Gallons of Oil 2,581 Total Estimated MMBTU Saved (Source Energy) 5,474 Total Estimated Annual Energy Cost Savings $61,343 STEP clients who had a home energy upgrade invested on average $4,500, resulting in a 13% reduction in annual energy use and utility bill savings of $325. Rebates and incentives covered 40%-50% of retrofit cost, resulting in an average simple payback of about 7 years. STEP has created a handbook in which are assembled all the key elements that went into the design and delivery of STEP. The target audiences for the handbook include interested citizens, elected officials and municipal staff who want to establish and run their own efficiency program within a small community or neighborhood, using elements, materials and lessons from STEP.« less

Summer Training and Education Program (STEP): The Experience of Hispanic Participants in the Summer of 1985.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sipe, Cynthia L.

The performance of Hispanic participants in the Summer Training and Education Program (STEP) was examined in detail because findings about short-term outcomes for the first year of STEP operation were more promising for Hispanics than for members of other ethnic groups. In addition, Hispanic performance was examined because of the relatively poor…

Helping Students toward Independence: The STEPS Program at USDB

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smale, Kimberley P.

2010-01-01

Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (USDB) serves students with varying abilities and needs. At the high school level, a range of transition services is required to help this diverse group of students prepare for life after high school. USDB established the STEPS program as part of this range of services. STEPS is a training and transition…

The Inquiry Based Science and Technology Education Program (IN-STEP): The Evaluation of the First Year

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Corcoran, Thomas B.

2008-01-01

This is the first report on the evaluation of the Inquiry Based Science and Technology Education Program (IN-STEP), an innovative and ambitious science education initiative for lower secondary schools being undertaken by a public-private partnership in Thailand funded by MSD-Thailand, an affiliate of Merck & Co. IN-STEP is a public-private…

Houghton Mifflin Reading©. What Works Clearinghouse Intervention Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

What Works Clearinghouse, 2015

2015-01-01

"Houghton Mifflin Reading"© is a reading program designed for grades K-6. The program provides step-by-step instruction in reading using Big Books (fiction and nonfiction literature), anthologies, Read Aloud books, and audio compact discs. The product is designed to be used as a full-year curriculum program with instruction on developing…

Supporting Success: Why and How to Improve Quality in After-School Programs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sheldon, Jessica; Hopkins, Leigh

2008-01-01

This report examines the program improvement strategies, step-by-step, that allowed The James Irvine Foundation's Communities Organizing to Advance Learning (CORAL) initiative to achieve the levels of quality needed to boost the academic success of participating students, and makes policy and funding suggestions for improving program performance.…

State Training & Employment Program. Program Review for FY99-FY01.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cordova, Lorraine

Alaska's State Training and Employment Program (STEP) was designed with the primary objective of reducing current and future claims against Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits by providing training to those who are unemployed or facing unemployment. STEP is also charged with fostering growth of existing businesses and attracting new businesses to…

Prevalence and referral rates in neonatal hearing screening program using two step hearing screening protocol in Chennai - A prospective study.

PubMed

Vignesh, S S; Jaya, V; Sasireka, B I; Sarathy, Kamala; Vanthana, M

2015-10-01

To estimate the prevalence and referral rates in well born and high risk babies using two step hearing screening protocol with Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAE) and Automated Auditory Brainstem Response (AABR). A prospective study was carried out on 1405 neonates (983 well born babies and 422 high risk babies) who were screened during May 2013 to January 2015 at Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Madras Medical College, Chennai. All neonates were screened using two step screening protocol. They were initially tested with DPOAE. Referred babies in DPOAE were screened with AABR subsequently. Among 1405 (100%) neonates 983 (69.96%) were well born babies and 422 (30.03%) were high risk babies. Total referral rate in DPOAE was found to be 311 (22.13%) among which 195 (13.87%) were well born babies and 116 (8.25%) were high risk babies. Out of 311 babies 31 (2.20%) babies were referred in AABR screening. In 31 babies referred in AABR 11(0.78%) were from well born group and 20 (1.42%) were from the high risk group. Further diagnostic evaluation of these babies, 2 (0.14%) were confirmed to have hearing loss. This study reveals, the prevalence of congenital hearing loss in our population is 1.42 per 1000 babies. Using two step protocol especially AABR along with DPOAE at the initial level of testing significantly reduces referral rates in new born screening programs. Also AABR decreases the false positive responses hence increasing the efficiency of screening program. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

"A Step Above the Rest..." Specialized Middle Level Preparation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Giebelhaus, Carmen R.

Teachers who had received a specialized preparation for middle level teaching were studied to determine the effectiveness of such a preparation program and to help form a knowledge base from which teacher education institutions could document, design, and implement middle level preparation programs. The paper reviews the literature investigating…

Authors@UF Campus Conversation Series: A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Silver, Isabel

2014-01-01

The Authors@UF program series emerged to showcase the scholarship and creativity of faculty, creating an intellectual forum within the academic library, and providing informal, extra-curriculum, academic engagement between students and faculty outside the classroom. This article identifies steps to launch an author program, and considerations in…

Systematic Approaches for Identifying and Organizing Content for Training Programs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ammerman, Harry L.

This paper concentrates on two aspects in the development of curriculums for technical training: the identification of curriculum content for specific courses of study; and the organization of such content in training programs. Seven steps in the HumRRO procedure for systematic curriculum engineering are identified: determining the performance…

Computer Programming and Biomolecular Structure Studies: A Step beyond Internet Bioinformatics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Likic, Vladimir A.

2006-01-01

This article describes the experience of teaching structural bioinformatics to third year undergraduate students in a subject titled "Biomolecular Structure and Bioinformatics." Students were introduced to computer programming and used this knowledge in a practical application as an alternative to the well established Internet bioinformatics…

Projecting Agricultural Education Programs for the 21st Century Using a Modified Delphi Technique.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Iverson, Maynard J.

A modified three-step Delphi procedure was used to conduct a series of national studies of futurists regarded by their peers as top experts in agricultural education. The primary objective was to project enrollments in agricultural education programs for the 21st century. Other study objectives were to ascertain whether the Delphi technique could…

U.S.-MEXICO BORDER PROGRAM ARIZONA BORDER STUDY--STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF DATA SCANNERS (UA-D-32.1)

EPA Science Inventory

The purpose of this SOP is to define the steps needed to operate the data scanners that were used during the Arizona NHEXAS project and the Border study. Keywords: data; equipment; scanner.

The U.S.-Mexico Border Program is sponsored by the Environmental Health Workgroup of the...

Evaluation of a multimodal school-based depression and suicide prevention program among Dutch adolescents: design of a cluster-randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Gijzen, Mandy W M; Creemers, Daan H M; Rasing, Sanne P A; Smit, Filip; Engels, Rutger C M E

2018-05-10

Since 2010, suicide has been the most important cause of mortality in youth aged 15 to 29 years in the Netherlands. Depression is an important risk factor for suicidal behaviors (i.e., suicide ideation, deliberate self-harm, planning, and suicide attempts) in adolescents. Adolescents who develop depressive symptoms, are also at risk for adult depression. This developmental continuity is especially noticeable in adolescents compared to other age groups; therefore, it is necessary to develop preventive strategies for teens. This study will test a multimodal school-based approach to suicide and depression prevention, which integrates universal and targeted approaches and includes various stakeholders (schools, adolescents, parents, and mental health professionals) simultaneously. We will perform a cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) with an intervention and control condition to test the effectiveness of a school-based multimodal stepped-prevention program for depression and suicidal behaviors in adolescents. Adolescents in their second year of secondary education will participate in the study. The participants in the intervention condition will receive the entire multimodal stepped-preventive program comprising early screening and detection of suicidal behaviors and depressive symptoms, a safety net consisting of gatekeepers at school, followed by universal and indicated prevention. The participants in the control condition will undergo only the screening and the safety net of gatekeepers at schools. They will complete assessments at baseline, post-intervention, and 6, 12, and 24-month follow-up. Primary outcome will be suicidal behaviors measured at 12-months follow-up. Additionally, the present study will identify mechanisms that mediate and moderate the program effects and test the effect of the program on various secondary outcomes. If the school-based multimodal stepped-prevention program proves to be effective, it could be implemented in schools on a large scale. The study is registered in the Dutch Trial Register ( NTR6622 ).

Effectiveness of a two-step population-based osteoporosis screening program using FRAX: the randomized Risk-stratified Osteoporosis Strategy Evaluation (ROSE) study.

PubMed

Rubin, K H; Rothmann, M J; Holmberg, T; Høiberg, M; Möller, S; Barkmann, R; Glüer, C C; Hermann, A P; Bech, M; Gram, J; Brixen, K

2018-03-01

The Risk-stratified Osteoporosis Strategy Evaluation (ROSE) study investigated the effectiveness of a two-step screening program for osteoporosis in women. We found no overall reduction in fractures from systematic screening compared to the current case-finding strategy. The group of moderate- to high-risk women, who accepted the invitation to DXA, seemed to benefit from the program. The purpose of the ROSE study was to investigate the effectiveness of a two-step population-based osteoporosis screening program using the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) derived from a self-administered questionnaire to select women for DXA scan. After the scanning, standard osteoporosis management according to Danish national guidelines was followed. Participants were randomized to either screening or control group, and randomization was stratified according to age and area of residence. Inclusion took place from February 2010 to November 2011. Participants received a self-administered questionnaire, and women in the screening group with a FRAX score ≥ 15% (major osteoporotic fractures) were invited to a DXA scan. Primary outcome was incident clinical fractures. Intention-to-treat analysis and two per-protocol analyses were performed. A total of 3416 fractures were observed during a median follow-up of 5 years. No significant differences were found in the intention-to-treat analyses with 34,229 women included aged 65-80 years. The per-protocol analyses showed a risk reduction in the group that underwent DXA scanning compared to women in the control group with a FRAX ≥ 15%, in regard to major osteoporotic fractures, hip fractures, and all fractures. The risk reduction was most pronounced for hip fractures (adjusted SHR 0.741, p = 0.007). Compared to an office-based case-finding strategy, the two-step systematic screening strategy had no overall effect on fracture incidence. The two-step strategy seemed, however, to be beneficial in the group of women who were identified by FRAX as moderate- or high-risk patients and complied with DXA.

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back: An Examination of Certificated Teachers' Metaphorical Images of Schooling

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Soysal, Yilmaz; Radmard, Somayyeh

2017-01-01

This study explored the metaphors of schooling generated by prospective teachers (N = 157) in Turkey who were attending a teacher training program to be certificated for the teaching profession. The schooling (teacher, learner, school) metaphors of certificated teachers were collected by using concept prompts such as "A teacher is like ……

Employee Use of a Wireless Physical Activity Tracker Within Two Incentive Designs at One Company.

PubMed

Norman, Gregory J; Heltemes, Kevin J; Heck, Debi; Osmick, Mary Jane

2016-04-01

Physical activity provides numerous health benefits, including reducing risk factors that contribute to the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Many employers offer incentives to employees to motivate engagement in wellness program activities. Two incentive designs to reward employees for achieving step goals were evaluated. This study used a retrospective design and the study population consisted of benefit-eligible employees at American Specialty Health ages 18 to 65 years who completed a health assessment and biometric screening during 2011 (N=396) or 2012 (N=500). A total of 320 employees participated in both years. During 2011, the incentive goal was 500,000 steps per quarter. By comparison, a 3-tier step goal plan was implemented in 2012 (ie, 400,000; 650,000; or 900,000 steps/quarter). The prevalence of participants in the step program was 64.7% in 2011 and 72.8% in 2012. The percentage of employees who reached at least 1 quarterly incentive increased from 36.3% in 2011 to 51.4% in 2012. Average steps/day was higher in 2012 (mean [M]=3573, standard deviation [SD]=3010) compared to the same employees in 2011 (M=2817, SD=2654) (P<.001). The findings suggest that a tiered incentive design may be an effective population approach to engage employees in physical activity. A multitier incentive design offers participants choices for goal setting and may help shape behavior toward what may be perceived as a difficult goal to achieve. (Population Health Management 2016;19:88-94).

The Molecular Neurobiology of Twelve Steps Program & Fellowship: Connecting the Dots for Recovery

PubMed Central

Blum, Kenneth; Thompson, Benjamin; Demotrovics, Zsolt; Femino, John; Giordano, John; Oscar-Berman, Marlene; Teitelbaum, Scott; Smith, David E.; Roy, A. Kennison; Agan, Gozde; Fratantonio, James; Badgaiyan, Rajendra D.; Gold, Mark S.

2015-01-01

There are some who suggest that alcoholism and drug abuse are not diseases at all and that they are not consequences of a brain disorder as espoused recently by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM). Some would argue that addicts can quit on their own and moderate their alcohol and drug intake. When they present to a treatment program or enter the 12 Step Program & Fellowship, many addicts finally achieve complete abstinence. However, when controlled drinking fails, there may be successful alternatives that fit particular groups of individuals. In this expert opinion, we attempt to identify personal differences in recovery, by clarifying the molecular neurobiological basis of each step of the 12 Step Program. We explore the impact that the molecular neurobiological basis of the 12 steps can have on Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS) despite addiction risk gene polymorphisms. This exploration has already been accomplished in part by Blum and others in a 2013 Springer Neuroscience Brief. The purpose of this expert opinion is to briefly, outline the molecular neurobiological and genetic links, especially as they relate to the role of epigenetic changes that are possible in individuals who regularly attend AA meetings. It begs the question as to whether “12 steps programs and fellowship” does induce neuroplasticity and continued dopamine D2 receptor proliferation despite carrying hypodopaminergic type polymorphisms such as DRD2 A1 allele. “Like-minded” doctors of ASAM are cognizant that patients in treatment without the “psycho-social-spiritual trio,” may not be obtaining the important benefits afforded by adopting 12-step doctrines. Are we better off with coupling medical assisted treatment (MAT) that favors combining dopamine agonist modalities (DAM) as possible histone-deacetylase activators with the 12 steps followed by a program that embraces either one or the other? While there are many unanswered questions, at least we have reached a time when “science meets recovery,” and in doing so, can further redeem joy in recovery. PMID:26306329

Critical role of cerebellar fastigial nucleus in programming sequences of saccades

PubMed Central

King, Susan A.; Schneider, Rosalyn M.; Serra, Alessandro; Leigh, R. John

2011-01-01

The cerebellum plays an important role in programming accurate saccades. Cerebellar lesions affecting the ocular motor region of the fastigial nucleus (FOR) cause saccadic hypermetria; however, if a second target is presented before a saccade can be initiated (double-step paradigm), saccade hypermetria may be decreased. We tested the hypothesis that the cerebellum, especially FOR, plays a pivotal role in programming sequences of saccades. We studied patients with saccadic hypermetria due either to genetic cerebellar ataxia or surgical lesions affecting FOR and confirmed that the gain of initial saccades made to double-step stimuli was reduced compared with the gain of saccades to single target jumps. Based on measurements of the intersaccadic interval, we found that the ability to perform parallel processing of saccades was reduced or absent in all of our patients with cerebellar disease. Our results support the crucial role of the cerebellum, especially FOR, in programming sequences of saccades. PMID:21950988

Structured learning for robotic surgery utilizing a proficiency score: a pilot study.

PubMed

Hung, Andrew J; Bottyan, Thomas; Clifford, Thomas G; Serang, Sarfaraz; Nakhoda, Zein K; Shah, Swar H; Yokoi, Hana; Aron, Monish; Gill, Inderbir S

2017-01-01

We evaluated feasibility and benefit of implementing structured learning in a robotics program. Furthermore, we assessed validity of a proficiency assessment tool for stepwise graduation. Teaching cases included robotic radical prostatectomy and partial nephrectomy. Procedure steps were categorized: basic, intermediate, and advanced. An assessment tool ["proficiency score" (PS)] was developed to evaluate ability to safely and autonomously complete a step. Graduation required a passing PS (PS ≥ 3) on three consecutive attempts. PS and validated global evaluative assessment of robotic skills (GEARS) were evaluated for completed steps. Linear regression was utilized to determine postgraduate year/PS relationship (construct validity). Spearman's rank correlation coefficient measured correlation between PS and GEARS evaluations (concurrent validity). Intraclass correlation (ICC) evaluated PS agreement between evaluator classes. Twenty-one robotic trainees participated within the pilot program, completing a median of 14 (2-69) cases each. Twenty-three study evaluators scored 14 (1-60) cases. Over 4 months, 229/294 (78 %) cases were designated "teaching" cases. Residents completed 91 % of possible evaluations; faculty completed 78 %. Verbal and quantitative feedback received by trainees increased significantly (p = 0.002, p < 0.001, respectively). Average PS increased with PGY (post-graduate year) for basic and intermediate steps (regression slopes: 0.402 (p < 0.0001), 0.323 (p < 0.0001), respectively) (construct validation). Overall, PS correlated highly with GEARS (ρ = 0.81, p < 0.0001) (concurrent validity). ICC was 0.77 (95 % CI 0.61-0.88) for resident evaluations. Structured learning can be implemented in an academic robotic program with high levels of trainee and evaluator participation, encouraging both quantitative and verbal feedback. A proficiency assessment tool developed for step-specific proficiency has construct and concurrent validity.

Eat better & move more: a community-based program designed to improve diets and increase physical activity among older Americans.

PubMed

Wellman, Nancy S; Kamp, Barbara; Kirk-Sanchez, Neva J; Johnson, Paulette M

2007-04-01

We assessed outcomes of an integrated nutrition and exercise program designed for Older Americans Act Nutrition Program participants as part of the Administration on Aging's You Can! campaign. A 10-site intervention study was conducted. Preintervention and postintervention assessments focused on nutrition and physical activity stages of change, self-reported health status, dietary intakes, physical activity, and program satisfaction. Of 999 enrollees, the 620 who completed the program were aged 74.6 years on average; 82% were women, and 41% were members of racial/ethnic minority groups. Factors associated with program completion were site, health conditions, and nutrition risk. Seventy-three percent and 75% of participants, respectively, made a significant advance of 1 or more nutrition and physical activity stages of change; 24% reported improved health status. Daily intake of fruit increased 1 or more servings among 31% of participants; vegetables, 37%; and fiber, 33%. Daily steps increased 35%; blocks walked, 45%; and stairs climbed, 24%. Program satisfaction was 99%. This easy-to-implement program improves diets and activity levels. Local providers should offer more such programs with the goal of enabling older Americans to take simple steps toward successful aging.

Lofty missions, down-to-earth plans.

PubMed

Rangan, V Kasturi

2004-03-01

Most nonprofits make program decisions based on a mission rather than a strategy. They rally under the banner of a particular cause, be it "fight homelessness" or "end hunger." And since their causes are so worthwhile, they support any programs that are related--even tangentially--to their core missions. It's hard to fault people for trying to improve the state of the world, but that approach to making decisions is misguided. Acting without a clear long-term strategy can stretch an agency's core capabilities and push it in unintended directions. The fundamental problem is that many nonprofits don't have a strategy; instead, they have a mission and a portfolio of programs. But they hardly make deliberate decisions about which programs to run, which to drop, and which to turn down for funding. What most nonprofits call "strategy" is really just an intensive exercise in resource allocation and program management. This article outlines for nonprofits a four-step process for developing strategy. The first step is to create a broad, inspiring mission statement. The second step is to translate that core mission into a smaller, quantifiable operational mission. For instance, an agency whose core mission is to fight homelessness must decide if its focus is rural or urban and if it should concentrate on low-income housing loans or on establishing more shelters. The third step is to create a strategy platform; that is, the nonprofit decides how it will achieve its operational mission. Decisions about funding and about client, program, and organizational development are all made here. Once that platform is established, the nonprofit is ready to move to step four--making reasoned, strategic decisions about which programs to run and how to run them. The agency that follows these steps will improve its focus and its effectiveness at fulfilling its mission.

Stepping Stones Triple P: The Theoretical Basis and Development of an Evidence-Based Positive Parenting Program for Families with a Child Who Has a Disability

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sanders, Matthew; Mazzucchelli, Trevor; Studman, Lisa

2004-01-01

Stepping Stones Triple P is the first in a series of programs based on the Triple P--Positive Parenting Program that has been specifically designed for families who have a child with a disability. This paper presents the rationale, theoretical foundations, historical development and distinguishing features of the program. The multi-level…

TEA CO 2 Laser Simulator: A software tool to predict the output pulse characteristics of TEA CO 2 laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdul Ghani, B.

2005-09-01

"TEA CO 2 Laser Simulator" has been designed to simulate the dynamic emission processes of the TEA CO 2 laser based on the six-temperature model. The program predicts the behavior of the laser output pulse (power, energy, pulse duration, delay time, FWHM, etc.) depending on the physical and geometrical input parameters (pressure ratio of gas mixture, reflecting area of the output mirror, media length, losses, filling and decay factors, etc.). Program summaryTitle of program: TEA_CO2 Catalogue identifier: ADVW Program summary URL:http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/summaries/ADVW Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University of Belfast, N. Ireland Computer: P.IV DELL PC Setup: Atomic Energy Commission of Syria, Scientific Services Department, Mathematics and Informatics Division Operating system: MS-Windows 9x, 2000, XP Programming language: Delphi 6.0 No. of lines in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 47 315 No. of bytes in distributed program, including test data, etc.:7 681 109 Distribution format:tar.gz Classification: 15 Laser Physics Nature of the physical problem: "TEA CO 2 Laser Simulator" is a program that predicts the behavior of the laser output pulse by studying the effect of the physical and geometrical input parameters on the characteristics of the output laser pulse. The laser active medium consists of a CO 2-N 2-He gas mixture. Method of solution: Six-temperature model, for the dynamics emission of TEA CO 2 laser, has been adapted in order to predict the parameters of laser output pulses. A simulation of the laser electrical pumping was carried out using two approaches; empirical function equation (8) and differential equation (9). Typical running time: The program's running time mainly depends on both integration interval and step; for a 4 μs period of time and 0.001 μs integration step (defaults values used in the program), the running time will be about 4 seconds. Restrictions on the complexity: Using a very small integration step might leads to stop the program run due to the huge number of calculating points and to a small paging file size of the MS-Windows virtual memory. In such case, it is recommended to enlarge the paging file size to the appropriate size, or to use a bigger value of integration step.

A Method for Developing Standard Patient Education Program.

PubMed

Lura, Carolina Bryne; Hauch, Sophie Misser Pallesgaard; Gøeg, Kirstine Rosenbeck; Pape-Haugaard, Louise

2018-01-01

In Denmark, patients being treated on Haematology Outpatients Departments get instructed to self-manage their blood sample collection from Central Venous Catheter (CVC). However, this is a complex and risky procedure, which can jeopardize patient safety. The aim of the study was to suggest a method for developing standard digital patient education programs for patients in self-administration of blood samples drawn from CVC. The Design Science Research Paradigm was used to develop a digital patient education program, called PAVIOSY, to increase patient safety during execution of the blood sample collection procedure by using videos for teaching as well as procedural support. A step-by-step guide was developed and used as basis for making the videos. Quality assurance through evaluation with a nurse was conducted on both the step-by-step guide and the videos. The quality assurance evaluation of the videos showed; 1) Errors due to the order of the procedure can be determined by reviewing the videos despite that the guide was followed. 2) Videos can be used to identify errors - important for patient safety - in the procedure, which are not identifiable in a written script. To ensure correct clinical content of the educational patient system, health professionals must be engaged early in the development of content and design phase.

A gender-specific approach to improving substance abuse treatment for women: The Healthy Steps to Freedom program.

PubMed

Lindsay, Anne R; Warren, Cortney S; Velasquez, Sara C; Lu, Minggen

2012-07-01

Given that women increasingly report using drugs to lose weight, substance abuse treatment programs must include body image, weight, eating pathology, and health knowledge as core intervention targets. This study tested the efficacy of a supplemental health and body image curriculum designed for women in substance abuse treatment who report weight concerns called Healthy Steps to Freedom (HSF). Data from 124 adult women recruited from substance abuse treatment facilities in southern Nevada completed measures of drug use, body dissatisfaction, eating pathology, thin-ideal internalization, and health knowledge/behaviors before and after participation in the 12-week HSF program. Results revealed that thin-ideal internalization, body dissatisfaction, and eating disorder symptoms significantly decreased after HSF program participation, whereas health-related behaviors (e.g., increased healthy food consumption) and knowledge (e.g., understanding of basic nutrition, exercise) increased. These results suggest that the inclusion of the HSF program in substance abuse treatment improves weight-related issues in substance-abusing women. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Application of virtual instrumentation technique in toxicological studies].

PubMed

Moczko, Jerzy A

2005-01-01

Research investigations require frequently direct connection of measuring equipment to the computer. Virtual instrumentation technique considerably facilitates programming of sophisticated acquisition-and-analysis procedures. In standard approach these two steps are performed subsequently with separate software tools. The acquired data are transfered with export / import procedures of particular program to the another one which executes next step of analysis. The described procedure is cumbersome, time consuming and may be potential source of the errors. In 1987 National Instruments Corporation introduced LabVIEW language based on the concept of graphical programming. Contrary to conventional textual languages it allows the researcher to concentrate on the resolved problem and omit all syntactical rules. Programs developed in LabVIEW are called as virtual instruments (VI) and are portable among different computer platforms as PCs, Macintoshes, Sun SPARCstations, Concurrent PowerMAX stations, HP PA/RISK workstations. This flexibility warrants that the programs prepared for one particular platform would be also appropriate to another one. In presented paper basic principles of connection of research equipment to computer systems were described.

ChromAlign: A two-step algorithmic procedure for time alignment of three-dimensional LC-MS chromatographic surfaces.

PubMed

Sadygov, Rovshan G; Maroto, Fernando Martin; Hühmer, Andreas F R

2006-12-15

We present an algorithmic approach to align three-dimensional chromatographic surfaces of LC-MS data of complex mixture samples. The approach consists of two steps. In the first step, we prealign chromatographic profiles: two-dimensional projections of chromatographic surfaces. This is accomplished by correlation analysis using fast Fourier transforms. In this step, a temporal offset that maximizes the overlap and dot product between two chromatographic profiles is determined. In the second step, the algorithm generates correlation matrix elements between full mass scans of the reference and sample chromatographic surfaces. The temporal offset from the first step indicates a range of the mass scans that are possibly correlated, then the correlation matrix is calculated only for these mass scans. The correlation matrix carries information on highly correlated scans, but it does not itself determine the scan or time alignment. Alignment is determined as a path in the correlation matrix that maximizes the sum of the correlation matrix elements. The computational complexity of the optimal path generation problem is reduced by the use of dynamic programming. The program produces time-aligned surfaces. The use of the temporal offset from the first step in the second step reduces the computation time for generating the correlation matrix and speeds up the process. The algorithm has been implemented in a program, ChromAlign, developed in C++ language for the .NET2 environment in WINDOWS XP. In this work, we demonstrate the applications of ChromAlign to alignment of LC-MS surfaces of several datasets: a mixture of known proteins, samples from digests of surface proteins of T-cells, and samples prepared from digests of cerebrospinal fluid. ChromAlign accurately aligns the LC-MS surfaces we studied. In these examples, we discuss various aspects of the alignment by ChromAlign, such as constant time axis shifts and warping of chromatographic surfaces.

Guidelines for developing a high-visibility enforcement campaign to reduce unsafe driving behaviors among drivers of passenger and commercial motor vehicles : a Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) based on the Ticketing Aggressive Cars and Trucks (TACT) pilot project

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2007-10-01

The goal of Selective Traffic Enforcement Programs (STEPs) is to induce motorists to drive safely. To achieve this goal, the STEP model combines intensive enforcement of a specific traffic safety law with extensive communication, education, and outre...

Method for distributed agent-based non-expert simulation of manufacturing process behavior

DOEpatents

Ivezic, Nenad; Potok, Thomas E.

2004-11-30

A method for distributed agent based non-expert simulation of manufacturing process behavior on a single-processor computer comprises the steps of: object modeling a manufacturing technique having a plurality of processes; associating a distributed agent with each the process; and, programming each the agent to respond to discrete events corresponding to the manufacturing technique, wherein each discrete event triggers a programmed response. The method can further comprise the step of transmitting the discrete events to each agent in a message loop. In addition, the programming step comprises the step of conditioning each agent to respond to a discrete event selected from the group consisting of a clock tick message, a resources received message, and a request for output production message.

Step-by-Step Guide to Effective PR for Large & Small School Districts. Special Bulletin No. 3.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

School Information and Research Service, Olympia, WA.

This guide to formulating and carrying out an effective school public relations program includes articles drawn from public relations and communications journals. The articles deal with planning public relations programs, communicating with the public and the news media, program evaluation, and the tools of communication, including newsletters,…

Selling the PSS in a School of Business: Relationship Selling in Practice

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Titus, David; Harris, Garth; Gulati, Rajesh; Bristow, Dennis

2017-01-01

This paper presents a step-by-step process for the development and implementation of a professional selling specialization program in the marketing curriculum of a school of business at an AACSB accredited state university. The program is presented in detail along with the process followed in order to develop support for the program with three…

Coal Mining Technology, An Innovative Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wabash Valley Coll., Mt. Carmel, IL.

Described in detail in this report are the processes and procedures involved in the development of a State funded curriculum and program for a new emerging technology, in this instance a Coal Mining Technology Program, to be taught at Wabash Valley College in Illinois. The document provides a step-by-step account of the determination of need,…

Summer Training and Education Program (STEP): Report on the 1985 Summer Experience. Executive Summary.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Branch, Alvia Y.

The Summer Training and Education Program (STEP) provides 14 and 15 year olds with a paid summer experience that combines work, remediation in reading and math, and life skills instruction. This national, federally funded program is a response to data which show that poor academic performance and teenage pregnancy are important contributors to…

Implementation of the fugitive emissions system program: The OxyChem experience

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

Deshmukh, A.

An overview is provided for the Fugitive Emissions System (FES) that has been implemented at Occidental Chemical in conjunction with the computer-based maintenance system called PassPort{reg_sign} developed by Indus Corporation. The goal of PassPort{reg_sign} FES program has been to interface with facilities data, equipment information, work standards and work orders. Along the way, several implementation hurdles had to be overcome before a monitoring and regulatory system could be standardized for the appropriate maintenance, process and environmental groups. This presentation includes step-by-step account of several case studies that developed during the implementation of the FES system.

Evidence-based practice instruction by faculty members and librarians in North American optometry and ophthalmology programs

PubMed Central

Hrynchak, Patricia K.; Spafford, Marlee M.

2014-01-01

North American optometry and ophthalmology faculty members and vision science librarians were surveyed online (14% response rate) about teaching evidence-based practice (EBP). Similar to studies of other health care programs, all five EBP steps (Ask, Acquire, Appraise, Apply, Assess) were taught to varying degrees. Optometry and ophthalmology EBP educators may want to place further emphasis on (1) the Apply and Assess steps, (2) faculty- and student-generated questions and self-assessment in clinical settings, (3) online teaching strategies, (4) programmatic integration of EBP learning objectives, and (5) collaboration between faculty members and librarians. PMID:25031564

Improving HIV outcomes in resource-limited countries: the importance of quality indicators.

PubMed

Ahonkhai, Aima A; Bassett, Ingrid V; Ferris, Timothy G; Freedberg, Kenneth A

2012-11-24

Resource-limited countries increasingly depend on quality indicators to improve outcomes within HIV treatment programs, but indicators of program performance suitable for use at the local program level remain underdeveloped. Using the existing literature as a guide, we applied standard quality improvement (QI) concepts to the continuum of HIV care from HIV diagnosis, to enrollment and retention in care, and highlighted critical service delivery process steps to identify opportunities for performance indicator development. We then identified existing indicators to measure program performance, citing examples used by pivotal donor agencies, and assessed their feasibility for use in surveying local program performance. Clinical delivery steps without existing performance measures were identified as opportunities for measure development. Using National Quality Forum (NQF) criteria as a guide, we developed measurement concepts suitable for use at the local program level that address existing gaps in program performance assessment. This analysis of the HIV continuum of care identified seven critical process steps providing numerous opportunities for performance measurement. Analysis of care delivery process steps and the application of NQF criteria identified 24 new measure concepts that are potentially useful for improving operational performance in HIV care at the local level. An evidence-based set of program-level quality indicators is critical for the improvement of HIV care in resource-limited settings. These performance indicators should be utilized as treatment programs continue to grow.

Implementing best practice in hospital multidisciplinary nutritional care: an example of using the knowledge-to-action process for a research program.

PubMed

Laur, Celia; Keller, Heather H

2015-01-01

Prospective use of knowledge translation and implementation science frameworks can increase the likelihood of meaningful improvements in health care practices. An example of this creation and application of knowledge is the series of studies conducted by and with the Canadian Malnutrition Task Force (CMTF). Following a cohort study and synthesis of evidence regarding best practice for identification, treatment, and prevention of malnutrition in hospitals, CMTF created an evidence-informed, consensus-based pathway for nutritional care in hospitals. The purpose of this paper is to detail the steps taken in this research program, through four studies, as an example of the knowledge-to-action (KTA) process. The KTA process includes knowledge creation and action cycles. The steps of the action cycle within this program of research are iterative, and up to this point have been informed by three studies, with a fourth underway. The first study identified the magnitude of the malnutrition problem upon admission to hospital and how it is undetected and undertreated (study 1). Knowledge creation resulted in an evidence-based pathway established to address care gaps (study 2) and the development of monitoring tools (study 3). The study was then adapted to local context: focus groups validated face validate the evidence-based pathway; during the final phase, study site implementation teams will continue to adapt the pathway (studies 2 and 4). Barriers to implementation were also assessed; focus groups and interviews were conducted to inform the pathway implementation (studies 1, 2, and 4). In the next step, specific interventions were selected, tailored, and implemented. In the final study in this research program, plan-do-study-act cycles will be used to make changes and to implement the pathway (study 4). To monitor knowledge use and to evaluate outcomes, audits, staff surveys, patient outcomes, etc will be used to record process evaluations (studies 3 and 4). Finally, a sustainability plan will be incorporated into the final study of the program (study 4) to sustain knowledge use. Use of frameworks can increase the likelihood of meaningful and sustainable improvements in health care practice. The example of this program of research demonstrates how existing evidence has been used to identify, create, and adapt knowledge, and how multidisciplinary teams have been used to effect changes in the hospital setting. Effective implementation is essential in nutritional health care, and this multidisciplinary program of research provides an example of how the KTA process can facilitate implementation and promote sustainability.

Compensatory-step training of healthy, mobile people with unilateral, transfemoral or knee disarticulation amputations: A potential intervention for trip-related falls.

PubMed

Crenshaw, Jeremy R; Kaufman, Kenton R; Grabiner, Mark D

2013-07-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of compensatory-step training of healthy, mobile, young-to-middle aged people with unilateral, transfemoral or knee disarticulation amputations. Outcomes of interest included recovery success, reliance on the prosthesis, and the kinematic variables relevant to trip recovery. Over the course of six training sessions, five subjects responded to postural disturbances that necessitated forward compensatory steps to avoid falling. Subjects improved their ability to recover from these postural disturbances without falling or hopping on the non-prosthetic limb. Subjects improved their compensatory stepping response by decreasing trunk flexion and increasing the sagittal plane distance between the body center of mass and the stepping foot. In response to more challenging disturbances, these training-related improvements were not observed for the initial step with the non-prosthetic limb. Regardless of the stepping limb, step length and the change in pelvic height were not responsive to training. This study exhibits the potential benefits of a compensatory-step training program for amputees and informs future improvements to the protocol. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Student Outcomes Assessment of a Logistics and Supply Chair Management Major

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Walter, Clyde Kenneth

2012-01-01

Assessment of specialized programs, such as logistics and supply chain management program described here, may pose challenges because previous experience are less widely shared than in the more mainline subjects. This case study provides one model that may guide other faculties facing a similar assignment. The report detailed the steps followed to…

Reducing Lead in School Drinking Water: A Case Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Odell, Lee

1991-01-01

The Seattle School District began a program in 1990 to identify lead levels in the district's drinking water and to implement measures to lower any high lead levels. Recounts each of the seven steps of the program, discusses what the district found, and explains how it lowered lead levels in the drinking water. (MLF)

Little Steps at Improving Preschool Teachers Practices through Counseling Skills in Qatar

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Al-Thani, Aisha; Nasser, Ramzi

2012-01-01

The study focused on the effects of basic counseling skills program, such as listening, understanding, respecting, and empathizing, to elementary school teachers in Qatar. Through a three-hour intervention program, the authors used a self-reported questionnaire, interview questions and classroom observations to examine changes in how preschool…

A Professional Learning Program Designed to Increase K-12 Teachers' Instructional Technology Use

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Spencer, Lisa A.

2014-01-01

Despite the ready availability of many instructional-technology resources, many teachers in the researched Maryland school district are uncomfortable using technology to deliver content. This concurrent mixed methods case study examined the impact of Sharing Technology with Educators Program (STEP) on 269 K-12 teachers' technology use. The study…

"Pepsi": A Screening and Programming Tool for Understanding the Whole Child.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ellsworth, J'Anne

1996-01-01

This article discusses using "PEPSI", a screening and programming method that evaluates the physical, emotional, philosophical, social, and intellectual levels of development in children with disabilities. The steps in the PEPSI screening process are described and a case study is provided. A chart depicting indicators in teaching respect for self…

Selecting Top-of-the-Class Teachers for an Alternative Principal Preparation Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mallory, Barbara J.; Zwadyk, Barbara; Johnson, Tina; Davis, James V.

2017-01-01

In an attempt to improve training and development of principals, the General Assembly in North Carolina established a competitive grant program to transform the way principals are certified. This qualitative study aimed to inform principal preparation practices by examining the initial, critical steps of recruitment, screening, and selection of…

Wall and corner fire tests on selected wood products

Treesearch

H. C. Tran; M. L. Janssens

1991-01-01

As part of a fire growth program to develop and validate a compartment fire model, several bench-scale and full-scale tests were conducted. This paper reports the full-scale wall and corner test results of step 2 of this study. A room fire test following the ASTM proposed standard specifications was used for these full-scale tests. In step 1, we investigated the...

Bridging the transition from cancer patient to survivor: Pilot study results of the Cancer Survivor Telephone Education and Personal Support (C-STEPS) program

PubMed Central

Garrett, Kathleen; Okuyama, Sonia; Jones, Whitney; Barnes, Denise; Tran, Zung; Spencer, Lynn; Lewis, Karl; Maroni, Paul; Chesney, Margaret; Marcus, Al

2015-01-01

Objective To develop a feasibility study of a theory-driven telephone counseling program to enhance psychosocial and physical well-being for cancer survivors after treatment. Methods Participants (n = 66) were recruited from two Colorado hospitals with self-administered questionnaires at baseline and two weeks post-intervention. The one group, intervention only design included up to six thematic telephone counseling sessions over three months. Topics included nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and medical follow-up. Primary outcomes were cancer-specific distress, self-reported fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity. Results Of 66 subjects, 46 completed at least one counseling module and the follow-up assessment (70% retention rate). Mean satisfaction was 9 out of 10, and all participants would recommend C-STEPS to other survivors. Cancer-specific distress (Impact of Event Scale – Intrusion subscale) decreased for entire study population (p < 0.001) and stress management session participants (p < 0.001). Fruit and vegetable consumption increased for nutrition and exercise session participants (p = 0.02) and the entire sample (p = NS). Physical activity increased in the entire group (p = 0.006) and for nutrition and exercise session participants (p = 0.01). Conclusion and practice implications C-STEPS is a feasible telephone counseling program that transcends geographic barriers, demonstrating the potential to decrease distress and promote coping and healthy lifestyles among cancer survivors. PMID:23647980

Implementing An Asthma Home Visit Program

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This guide offers health care organizations step-by-step instructions on how to start an asthma home visit program, with emphasis on environmental risk factor management. Representatives from seven health care plans share their experiences and recommendations. EPA 402-K-05-006.

Agua Caliente Solar Feasibility and Pre-Development Study Final Report

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

Carolyn T. Stewart, Managing Partner; Red Mountain Energy Partners

2011-04-26

Evaluation of facility- and commercial-scale solar energy projects on the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Reservation in Palm Springs, CA. The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians (ACBCI) conducted a feasibility and pre-development study of potential solar projects on its lands in southern California. As described below, this study as a logical and necessary next step for ACBCI. Support for solar project development in California, provided through the statewide California Solar Initiative (CSI), its Renewable Portfolio Standard and Feed-in Tariff Program, and recently announced Reverse Auction Mechanism, provide unprecedented support and incentives that can be utilized by customers ofmore » California's investor-owned utilities. Department of Energy (DOE) Tribal Energy Program funding allowed ACBCI to complete its next logical step to implement its Strategic Energy Plan, consistent with its energy and sustainability goals.« less

A mixed-method evaluation of a workforce development intervention for nursing assistants in nursing homes: the case of WIN A STEP UP.

PubMed

Morgan, Jennifer Craft; Konrad, Thomas R

2008-07-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate WIN A STEP UP, a workforce development program for nursing assistants (NAs) in nursing homes (NHs) involving continuing education by onsite trainers, compensation for education modules, supervisory skills training of frontline supervisors, and short-term retention contracts for bonuses and/or wage increases upon completion. We collected longitudinal semistructured interview and survey data from NAs, supervisors, and managers at 8 program NHs and 10 comparison NHs. To control for selection bias, we matched 77 NA program participants to 81 participating site and 135 comparison site controls using propensity scores in a quasi-experimental design supplemented by qualitative assessments. Managers at seven of eight participating NHs wanted to repeat the program. At 3 months after baseline, participants differed from controls by having (a) more improved nursing care and supportive leadership scores, (b) greater improvement in team care, and (c) stronger ratings of career and financial rewards. Nurse supervisors participating in supervisory skills training reported positive changes in management practices for themselves and peers. Modest 3-month turnover reductions occurred in six settings where the program was fully implemented without incident. Managers', supervisors', and participating NAs' consistent perceptions of improved quality of care and job quality, along with a promise of increased retention, suggest that interventions like WIN A STEP UP are beneficial.

DECISION-MAKING ALIGNED WITH RAPID-CYCLE EVALUATION IN HEALTH CARE.

PubMed

Schneeweiss, Sebastian; Shrank, William H; Ruhl, Michael; Maclure, Malcolm

2015-01-01

Availability of real-time electronic healthcare data provides new opportunities for rapid-cycle evaluation (RCE) of health technologies, including healthcare delivery and payment programs. We aim to align decision-making processes with stages of RCE to optimize the usefulness and impact of rapid results. Rational decisions about program adoption depend on program effect size in relation to externalities, including implementation cost, sustainability, and likelihood of broad adoption. Drawing on case studies and experience from drug safety monitoring, we examine how decision makers have used scientific evidence on complex interventions in the past. We clarify how RCE alters the nature of policy decisions; develop the RAPID framework for synchronizing decision-maker activities with stages of RCE; and provide guidelines on evidence thresholds for incremental decision-making. In contrast to traditional evaluations, RCE provides early evidence on effectiveness and facilitates a stepped approach to decision making in expectation of future regularly updated evidence. RCE allows for identification of trends in adjusted effect size. It supports adapting a program in midstream in response to interim findings, or adapting the evaluation strategy to identify true improvements earlier. The 5-step RAPID approach that utilizes the cumulating evidence of program effectiveness over time could increase policy-makers' confidence in expediting decisions. RCE enables a step-wise approach to HTA decision-making, based on gradually emerging evidence, reducing delays in decision-making processes after traditional one-time evaluations.

Increasing Retention in STEM: Results from a STEM Talent Expansion Program at the University of Memphis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Windsor, Alistair; Bargagliotti, Anna; Best, Rachel; Franceschetti, Donald; Haddock, John; Ivey, Stephanie; Russomanno, David

2015-01-01

MemphiSTEP is a five-year STEM Talent Expansion Program (STEP) at the University of Memphis sponsored by the National Science Foundation. The project focuses on retention and persistence to graduation to increase the number of STEM majors and graduates. The project includes a range of student retention programs, including a Summer Mathematics…

Youth-Reaching-Youth Implementation Guide: A Peer Program for Alcohol and Other Drug Use Prevention.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dietz, Patricia M.; And Others

This guide was designed to encourage and assist groups to incorporate youth into their alcohol and other drug prevention and education programs. It provides a step-by-step approach to planning and implementing a program in which young people make a significant contribution to reducing or preventing alcohol and other drug use among youth in…

Neural networks for vertical microcode compaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chu, Pong P.

1992-09-01

Neural networks provide an alternative way to solve complex optimization problems. Instead of performing a program of instructions sequentially as in a traditional computer, neural network model explores many competing hypotheses simultaneously using its massively parallel net. The paper shows how to use the neural network approach to perform vertical micro-code compaction for a micro-programmed control unit. The compaction procedure includes two basic steps. The first step determines the compatibility classes and the second step selects a minimal subset to cover the control signals. Since the selection process is an NP- complete problem, to find an optimal solution is impractical. In this study, we employ a customized neural network to obtain the minimal subset. We first formalize this problem, and then define an `energy function' and map it to a two-layer fully connected neural network. The modified network has two types of neurons and can always obtain a valid solution.

Correlation of USMLE Step 1 scores with performance on dermatology in-training examinations.

PubMed

Fening, Katherine; Vander Horst, Anthony; Zirwas, Matthew

2011-01-01

Although United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 was not designed to predict resident performance, scores are used to compare residency applicants. Multiple studies have displayed a significant correlation among Step 1 scores, in-training examination (ITE) scores, and board passage, although no such studies have been performed in dermatology. The purpose of this study is to determine if this correlation exists in dermatology, and how much of the variability in ITE scores is a result of differences in Step 1 scores. This study also seeks to determine if it is appropriate to individualize expectations for resident ITE performance. This project received institutional review board exemption. From 5 dermatology residency programs (86 residents), we collected Step 1 and ITE scores for each of the 3 years of dermatology residency, and recorded passage/failure on boards. Bivariate Pearson correlation analysis was used to assess correlation between USMLE and ITE scores. Ordinary least squares regression was computed to determine how much USMLE scores contribute to ITE variability. USMLE and ITE score correlations were highly significant (P < .001). Correlation coefficients with USMLE were: 0.467, 0.541, and 0.527 for ITE in years 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Variability in ITE scores caused by differences in USMLE scores were: ITE first-year residency = 21.8%, ITE second-year residency = 29.3%, and ITE third-year residency = 27.8%. This study had a relatively small sample size, with data from only 5 programs. There is a moderate correlation between USMLE and ITE scores, with USMLE scores explaining ∼26% of the variability in ITE scores. Copyright © 2009 American Academy of Dermatology, Inc. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

78 FR 6306 - Applications for New Awards; Educational Technology, Media, and Materials for Individuals With...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-01-30

... DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Applications for New Awards; Educational Technology, Media, and Materials for Individuals With Disabilities Program--Stepping-Up Technology Implementation AGENCY: Office of... Information Educational Technology, Media, and Materials for Individuals With Disabilities Program--Stepping...

Fortran programs for the time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii equation in a fully anisotropic trap

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muruganandam, P.; Adhikari, S. K.

2009-10-01

Here we develop simple numerical algorithms for both stationary and non-stationary solutions of the time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii (GP) equation describing the properties of Bose-Einstein condensates at ultra low temperatures. In particular, we consider algorithms involving real- and imaginary-time propagation based on a split-step Crank-Nicolson method. In a one-space-variable form of the GP equation we consider the one-dimensional, two-dimensional circularly-symmetric, and the three-dimensional spherically-symmetric harmonic-oscillator traps. In the two-space-variable form we consider the GP equation in two-dimensional anisotropic and three-dimensional axially-symmetric traps. The fully-anisotropic three-dimensional GP equation is also considered. Numerical results for the chemical potential and root-mean-square size of stationary states are reported using imaginary-time propagation programs for all the cases and compared with previously obtained results. Also presented are numerical results of non-stationary oscillation for different trap symmetries using real-time propagation programs. A set of convenient working codes developed in Fortran 77 are also provided for all these cases (twelve programs in all). In the case of two or three space variables, Fortran 90/95 versions provide some simplification over the Fortran 77 programs, and these programs are also included (six programs in all). Program summaryProgram title: (i) imagetime1d, (ii) imagetime2d, (iii) imagetime3d, (iv) imagetimecir, (v) imagetimesph, (vi) imagetimeaxial, (vii) realtime1d, (viii) realtime2d, (ix) realtime3d, (x) realtimecir, (xi) realtimesph, (xii) realtimeaxial Catalogue identifier: AEDU_v1_0 Program summary URL:http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/summaries/AEDU_v1_0.html Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University, Belfast, N. Ireland Licensing provisions: Standard CPC licence, http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/licence/licence.html No. of lines in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 122 907 No. of bytes in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 609 662 Distribution format: tar.gz Programming language: FORTRAN 77 and Fortran 90/95 Computer: PC Operating system: Linux, Unix RAM: 1 GByte (i, iv, v), 2 GByte (ii, vi, vii, x, xi), 4 GByte (iii, viii, xii), 8 GByte (ix) Classification: 2.9, 4.3, 4.12 Nature of problem: These programs are designed to solve the time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii nonlinear partial differential equation in one-, two- or three-space dimensions with a harmonic, circularly-symmetric, spherically-symmetric, axially-symmetric or anisotropic trap. The Gross-Pitaevskii equation describes the properties of a dilute trapped Bose-Einstein condensate. Solution method: The time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii equation is solved by the split-step Crank-Nicolson method by discretizing in space and time. The discretized equation is then solved by propagation, in either imaginary or real time, over small time steps. The method yields the solution of stationary and/or non-stationary problems. Additional comments: This package consists of 12 programs, see "Program title", above. FORTRAN77 versions are provided for each of the 12 and, in addition, Fortran 90/95 versions are included for ii, iii, vi, viii, ix, xii. For the particular purpose of each program please see the below. Running time: Minutes on a medium PC (i, iv, v, vii, x, xi), a few hours on a medium PC (ii, vi, viii, xii), days on a medium PC (iii, ix). Program summary (1)Title of program: imagtime1d.F Title of electronic file: imagtime1d.tar.gz Catalogue identifier: Program summary URL: Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University of Belfast, N. Ireland Distribution format: tar.gz Computers: PC/Linux, workstation/UNIX Maximum RAM memory: 1 GByte Programming language used: Fortran 77 Typical running time: Minutes on a medium PC Unusual features: None Nature of physical problem: This program is designed to solve the time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii nonlinear partial differential equation in one-space dimension with a harmonic trap. The Gross-Pitaevskii equation describes the properties of a dilute trapped Bose-Einstein condensate. Method of solution: The time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii equation is solved by the split-step Crank-Nicolson method by discretizing in space and time. The discretized equation is then solved by propagation in imaginary time over small time steps. The method yields the solution of stationary problems. Program summary (2)Title of program: imagtimecir.F Title of electronic file: imagtimecir.tar.gz Catalogue identifier: Program summary URL: Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University of Belfast, N. Ireland Distribution format: tar.gz Computers: PC/Linux, workstation/UNIX Maximum RAM memory: 1 GByte Programming language used: Fortran 77 Typical running time: Minutes on a medium PC Unusual features: None Nature of physical problem: This program is designed to solve the time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii nonlinear partial differential equation in two-space dimensions with a circularly-symmetric trap. The Gross-Pitaevskii equation describes the properties of a dilute trapped Bose-Einstein condensate. Method of solution: The time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii equation is solved by the split-step Crank-Nicolson method by discretizing in space and time. The discretized equation is then solved by propagation in imaginary time over small time steps. The method yields the solution of stationary problems. Program summary (3)Title of program: imagtimesph.F Title of electronic file: imagtimesph.tar.gz Catalogue identifier: Program summary URL: Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University of Belfast, N. Ireland Distribution format: tar.gz Computers: PC/Linux, workstation/UNIX Maximum RAM memory: 1 GByte Programming language used: Fortran 77 Typical running time: Minutes on a medium PC Unusual features: None Nature of physical problem: This program is designed to solve the time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii nonlinear partial differential equation in three-space dimensions with a spherically-symmetric trap. The Gross-Pitaevskii equation describes the properties of a dilute trapped Bose-Einstein condensate. Method of solution: The time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii equation is solved by the split-step Crank-Nicolson method by discretizing in space and time. The discretized equation is then solved by propagation in imaginary time over small time steps. The method yields the solution of stationary problems. Program summary (4)Title of program: realtime1d.F Title of electronic file: realtime1d.tar.gz Catalogue identifier: Program summary URL: Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University of Belfast, N. Ireland Distribution format: tar.gz Computers: PC/Linux, workstation/UNIX Maximum RAM memory: 2 GByte Programming language used: Fortran 77 Typical running time: Minutes on a medium PC Unusual features: None Nature of physical problem: This program is designed to solve the time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii nonlinear partial differential equation in one-space dimension with a harmonic trap. The Gross-Pitaevskii equation describes the properties of a dilute trapped Bose-Einstein condensate. Method of solution: The time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii equation is solved by the split-step Crank-Nicolson method by discretizing in space and time. The discretized equation is then solved by propagation in real time over small time steps. The method yields the solution of stationary and non-stationary problems. Program summary (5)Title of program: realtimecir.F Title of electronic file: realtimecir.tar.gz Catalogue identifier: Program summary URL: Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University of Belfast, N. Ireland Distribution format: tar.gz Computers: PC/Linux, workstation/UNIX Maximum RAM memory: 2 GByte Programming language used: Fortran 77 Typical running time: Minutes on a medium PC Unusual features: None Nature of physical problem: This program is designed to solve the time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii nonlinear partial differential equation in two-space dimensions with a circularly-symmetric trap. The Gross-Pitaevskii equation describes the properties of a dilute trapped Bose-Einstein condensate. Method of solution: The time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii equation is solved by the split-step Crank-Nicolson method by discretizing in space and time. The discretized equation is then solved by propagation in real time over small time steps. The method yields the solution of stationary and non-stationary problems. Program summary (6)Title of program: realtimesph.F Title of electronic file: realtimesph.tar.gz Catalogue identifier: Program summary URL: Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University of Belfast, N. Ireland Distribution format: tar.gz Computers: PC/Linux, workstation/UNIX Maximum RAM memory: 2 GByte Programming language used: Fortran 77 Typical running time: Minutes on a medium PC Unusual features: None Nature of physical problem: This program is designed to solve the time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii nonlinear partial differential equation in three-space dimensions with a spherically-symmetric trap. The Gross-Pitaevskii equation describes the properties of a dilute trapped Bose-Einstein condensate. Method of solution: The time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii equation is solved by the split-step Crank-Nicolson method by discretizing in space and time. The discretized equation is then solved by propagation in real time over small time steps. The method yields the solution of stationary and non-stationary problems. Program summary (7)Title of programs: imagtimeaxial.F and imagtimeaxial.f90 Title of electronic file: imagtimeaxial.tar.gz Catalogue identifier: Program summary URL: Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University of Belfast, N. Ireland Distribution format: tar.gz Computers: PC/Linux, workstation/UNIX Maximum RAM memory: 2 GByte Programming language used: Fortran 77 and Fortran 90 Typical running time: Few hours on a medium PC Unusual features: None Nature of physical problem: This program is designed to solve the time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii nonlinear partial differential equation in three-space dimensions with an axially-symmetric trap. The Gross-Pitaevskii equation describes the properties of a dilute trapped Bose-Einstein condensate. Method of solution: The time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii equation is solved by the split-step Crank-Nicolson method by discretizing in space and time. The discretized equation is then solved by propagation in imaginary time over small time steps. The method yields the solution of stationary problems. Program summary (8)Title of program: imagtime2d.F and imagtime2d.f90 Title of electronic file: imagtime2d.tar.gz Catalogue identifier: Program summary URL: Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University of Belfast, N. Ireland Distribution format: tar.gz Computers: PC/Linux, workstation/UNIX Maximum RAM memory: 2 GByte Programming language used: Fortran 77 and Fortran 90 Typical running time: Few hours on a medium PC Unusual features: None Nature of physical problem: This program is designed to solve the time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii nonlinear partial differential equation in two-space dimensions with an anisotropic trap. The Gross-Pitaevskii equation describes the properties of a dilute trapped Bose-Einstein condensate. Method of solution: The time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii equation is solved by the split-step Crank-Nicolson method by discretizing in space and time. The discretized equation is then solved by propagation in imaginary time over small time steps. The method yields the solution of stationary problems. Program summary (9)Title of program: realtimeaxial.F and realtimeaxial.f90 Title of electronic file: realtimeaxial.tar.gz Catalogue identifier: Program summary URL: Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University of Belfast, N. Ireland Distribution format: tar.gz Computers: PC/Linux, workstation/UNIX Maximum RAM memory: 4 GByte Programming language used: Fortran 77 and Fortran 90 Typical running time Hours on a medium PC Unusual features: None Nature of physical problem: This program is designed to solve the time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii nonlinear partial differential equation in three-space dimensions with an axially-symmetric trap. The Gross-Pitaevskii equation describes the properties of a dilute trapped Bose-Einstein condensate. Method of solution: The time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii equation is solved by the split-step Crank-Nicolson method by discretizing in space and time. The discretized equation is then solved by propagation in real time over small time steps. The method yields the solution of stationary and non-stationary problems. Program summary (10)Title of program: realtime2d.F and realtime2d.f90 Title of electronic file: realtime2d.tar.gz Catalogue identifier: Program summary URL: Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University of Belfast, N. Ireland Distribution format: tar.gz Computers: PC/Linux, workstation/UNIX Maximum RAM memory: 4 GByte Programming language used: Fortran 77 and Fortran 90 Typical running time: Hours on a medium PC Unusual features: None Nature of physical problem: This program is designed to solve the time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii nonlinear partial differential equation in two-space dimensions with an anisotropic trap. The Gross-Pitaevskii equation describes the properties of a dilute trapped Bose-Einstein condensate. Method of solution: The time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii equation is solved by the split-step Crank-Nicolson method by discretizing in space and time. The discretized equation is then solved by propagation in real time over small time steps. The method yields the solution of stationary and non-stationary problems. Program summary (11)Title of program: imagtime3d.F and imagtime3d.f90 Title of electronic file: imagtime3d.tar.gz Catalogue identifier: Program summary URL: Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University of Belfast, N. Ireland Distribution format: tar.gz Computers: PC/Linux, workstation/UNIX Maximum RAM memory: 4 GByte Programming language used: Fortran 77 and Fortran 90 Typical running time: Few days on a medium PC Unusual features: None Nature of physical problem: This program is designed to solve the time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii nonlinear partial differential equation in three-space dimensions with an anisotropic trap. The Gross-Pitaevskii equation describes the properties of a dilute trapped Bose-Einstein condensate. Method of solution: The time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii equation is solved by the split-step Crank-Nicolson method by discretizing in space and time. The discretized equation is then solved by propagation in imaginary time over small time steps. The method yields the solution of stationary problems. Program summary (12)Title of program: realtime3d.F and realtime3d.f90 Title of electronic file: realtime3d.tar.gz Catalogue identifier: Program summary URL: Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University of Belfast, N. Ireland Distribution format: tar.gz Computers: PC/Linux, workstation/UNIX Maximum Ram Memory: 8 GByte Programming language used: Fortran 77 and Fortran 90 Typical running time: Days on a medium PC Unusual features: None Nature of physical problem: This program is designed to solve the time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii nonlinear partial differential equation in three-space dimensions with an anisotropic trap. The Gross-Pitaevskii equation describes the properties of a dilute trapped Bose-Einstein condensate. Method of solution: The time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii equation is solved by the split-step Crank-Nicolson method by discretizing in space and time. The discretized equation is then solved by propagation in real time over small time steps. The method yields the solution of stationary and non-stationary problems.

HOBYS and W43-HERO: Two more steps toward a Galaxy-wide understanding of high-mass star formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Motte, Frédérique; Bontemps, Sylvain; Tigé, Jérémy

The Herschel/HOBYS key program allows to statistically study the formation of 10-20 M ⊙ stars. The IRAM/W43-HERO large program is itself dedicated to the much more extreme W43 molecular complex, which forms stars up to 50 M ⊙. Both reveal high-density cloud filaments of several pc3, which are forming clusters of OB-type stars. Given their activity, these so-called mini-starburst cloud ridges could be seen as ``miniature and instant models'' of starburst galaxies. Both surveys also strongly suggest that high-mass prestellar cores do not exist, in agreement with the dynamical formation of cloud ridges. The HOBYS and W43 surveys are necessary steps towards Galaxy-wide studies of high-mass star formation.

Ten-year NEDO BVAD development program: moving forward to the clinical arena.

PubMed

Motomura, Tadashi; Okubo, Hisashi; Oda, Takeshi; Ogawa, Daisuke; Okahisa, Toshiya; Igo, Stephen; Shinohara, Toshiyuki; Yamamoto, Yoshiro; Noguchi, Chikaya; Ishizuka, Tsukasa; Okamoto, Eiji; Nosé, Yukihiko

2006-01-01

Since 1995, the Baylor Group has been developing a totally implantable NEDO BVAD system. This 10-year program was completed in March 2005, and preparation for clinical trials is underway. This article summarizes the entire 10-year NEDO program and describes the strategy for clinical trials. The project aimed to achieve: (1) dual centrifugal pumps with the ability of full biventricular support, (2) a compact system implantable into small adults, (3) a totally implantable system with transcutaneous energy transmission system (TETS), (4) a durable system with a lifetime of over 5 years, and (5) a system free of thrombus and with minimal hemolysis. The final goals are to complete preclinical system evaluations and commence the clinical trials in the near future. In vitro studies have demonstrated a pump capacity of over 8.5 l/min and an Index of Hemolysis of <0.004 g/100 l. The pump-bearing life expectancy was over 5 years. To date, eight pumps endured in vivo studies of over 3 months without complications, including thromboembolic events. The in vitro endurance studies of eight pumps are longer than 1 year. There were no mechanical malfunctions or pump failure. A stepwise clinical trial is being planned: Step1, a wearable BVAD/VAD will be clinically studied; Step 2, the BVAD/VAD will be implanted intracorporeally without TETS; and, Step 3, a totally implantable system will be clinically evaluated. The NEDO BVAD system has completed preclinical testing. Clinical trial preparation is underway.

Adaptive dynamic programming for discrete-time linear quadratic regulation based on multirate generalised policy iteration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chun, Tae Yoon; Lee, Jae Young; Park, Jin Bae; Choi, Yoon Ho

2018-06-01

In this paper, we propose two multirate generalised policy iteration (GPI) algorithms applied to discrete-time linear quadratic regulation problems. The proposed algorithms are extensions of the existing GPI algorithm that consists of the approximate policy evaluation and policy improvement steps. The two proposed schemes, named heuristic dynamic programming (HDP) and dual HDP (DHP), based on multirate GPI, use multi-step estimation (M-step Bellman equation) at the approximate policy evaluation step for estimating the value function and its gradient called costate, respectively. Then, we show that these two methods with the same update horizon can be considered equivalent in the iteration domain. Furthermore, monotonically increasing and decreasing convergences, so called value iteration (VI)-mode and policy iteration (PI)-mode convergences, are proved to hold for the proposed multirate GPIs. Further, general convergence properties in terms of eigenvalues are also studied. The data-driven online implementation methods for the proposed HDP and DHP are demonstrated and finally, we present the results of numerical simulations performed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed methods.

Steps towards incorporating heterogeneities into program theory: A case study of a data-driven approach.

PubMed

Sridharan, Sanjeev; Jones, Bobby; Caudill, Barry; Nakaima, April

2016-10-01

This paper describes a framework that can help refine program theory through data explorations and stakeholder dialogue. The framework incorporates the following steps: a recognition that program implementation might need to be multi-phased for a number of interventions, the need to take stock of program theory, the application of pattern recognition methods to help identify heterogeneous program mechanisms, and stakeholder dialogue to refine the program. As part of the data exploration, a method known as developmental trajectories is implemented to learn about heterogeneous trajectories of outcomes in longitudinal evaluations. This method identifies trajectory clusters and also can estimate different treatment impacts for the various groups. The framework is highlighted with data collected in an evaluation of an alcohol risk-reduction program delivered in a college fraternity setting. The framework discussed in the paper is informed by a realist focus on "what works for whom under what contexts." The utility of the framework in contributing to a dialogue on heterogeneous mechanism and subsequent implementation is described. The connection of the ideas in paper to a 'learning through principled discovery' approach is also described. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

A guide to the TWIGS program for the North Central United States.

Treesearch

Cynthia L. Miner; Nancy R. Walters; Monique L. Belli

1988-01-01

This is a complete reference to TWIGS, a forest growth-and-yield program with management and economic components developed for Lake and Central States tree species. The guide describes how TWIGS models growth and yield and how the model can be applied to obtain the best results. Step-by-step operating instructions are provided for TWIGS and its companion program,...

25 CFR 256.14 - What are the steps that must be taken to process my application for the Housing Improvement Program?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... to process my application for the Housing Improvement Program? (a) The servicing housing office must... 25 Indians 1 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false What are the steps that must be taken to process my application for the Housing Improvement Program? 256.14 Section 256.14 Indians BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS...

U.S.-MEXICO BORDER PROGRAM ARIZONA BORDER STUDY--STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR LIGHT PEN OPERATION AND VERIFICATION OF SCANNED BAR CODES (UA-D-33.0)

EPA Science Inventory

The purpose of this SOP is to define the steps needed to operate the light pens, and verify the values produced by light pens used in the Arizona NHEXAS project and the Border study. Keywords: data; equipment; light pens.

The U.S.-Mexico Border Program is sponsored by the Envir...

Saving Lives.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moon, Daniel

2002-01-01

Advises schools on how to establish an automated external defibrillator (AED) program. These laptop-size devices can save victims of sudden cardiac arrest by delivering an electrical shock to return the heartbeat to normal. Discusses establishing standards, developing a strategy, step-by-step advice towards establishing an AED program, and school…

Breathe easy with proper respiratory protection

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

Bidwell, J.

1996-05-01

Evaluating the need for respiratory protection in chemical process industries (CPI) plants and selecting the appropriate respirator involves several steps. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) general industry standard for respiratory protection (29 CFR 1910.134(b)) requires the employer to establish a program to help reduce exposures to occupational contaminants. When feasible, employers must eliminate contaminants by using engineering controls (such as general and local ventilation, enclosure or isolation, or substitution of a less-hazardous process or material). Establishing a respiratory protection program consists of four steps: (1) Identify respiratory hazards and concentrations; (2) Understand the contaminants` effects on workers` health;more » (3) Select appropriate respiratory protection; and (4) Train in proper respirator use and maintenance. Consult applicable state and OSHA requirements to ensure that your program satisfies these steps. Industrial respirator manufacturers can assist with on-site training and fit testing. The paper discusses these four steps, program guidelines, determination of the hazard, and styles of respirators.« less

Modifying the Sleep Treatment Education Program for Students to include technology use (STEPS-TECH): Intervention effects on objective and subjective sleep outcomes.

PubMed

Barber, Larissa K; Cucalon, Maria S

2017-12-01

University students often have sleep issues that arise from poor sleep hygiene practices and technology use patterns. Yet, technology-related behaviors are often neglected in sleep hygiene education. This study examined whether the Sleep Treatment Education Program for Students-modified to include information regarding managing technology use (STEPS-TECH)-helps improve both subjective and objective sleep outcomes among university students. Results of an experimental study among 78 university students showed improvements in objective indicators of sleep quantity (total sleep time) and sleep quality (less awakenings) during the subsequent week for students in the STEPS-TECH intervention group compared to a control group. Exploratory analyses indicated that effects were driven by improvements in weekend days immediately following the intervention. There were also no intervention effects on subjective sleep quality or quantity outcomes. In terms of self-reported behavioral responses to educational content in the intervention, there were no group differences in sleep hygiene practices or technology use before bedtime. However, the intervention group reported less technology use during sleep periods than the control group. These preliminary findings suggest that STEPS-TECH may be a useful educational tool to help improve objective sleep and reduce technology use during sleep periods among university students. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Attachment Styles and Changes among Women Members of Overeaters Anonymous Who Have Recovered from Binge-Eating Disorder

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hertz, Pnina; Addad, Moshe; Ronel, Natti

2012-01-01

In Overeaters Anonymous (OA), the 12-step self-help program for compulsive overeaters, binge eating is regarded as a physical, spiritual, and emotional disorder. Consequently, the program proposes recovery through the adoption of a lifestyle that leads to physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being. A qualitative phenomenological study that…

The CACREP Site Visit Process

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lee, Courtland C.

2013-01-01

An important step in the CACREP review process is the campus site visit. The visit involves a team, usually from comparable institutions, coming to a campus for a review of the counselor training program(s). The role of the team is to be the CACREP Board's representative on campus to verify the self-study. In this article, the author reviews…

Gossip on the Playground: Changes Associated with Universal Intervention, Retaliation Beliefs, and Supportive Friends

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Low, Sabina; Frey, Karin S.; Brockman, Callie J.

2010-01-01

Relational forms of aggression are known to increase during the middle school years. To date, the majority of efficacy studies of elementary school-based programs have focused on the reduction of physical and direct verbal aggression, to the exclusion of effects on relational aggression. "Steps to Respect: A Bullying Prevention Program" is one…

U.S. Army Primary Helicopter School Training Program Performance Norms.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barnes, John A.; Statham, Flavous D.

The Helicopter Pilot Training Program of the Army differs from those of the other services in concept. It takes nonpilot servicemen and trains them to fly helicopters. The study provides normative performance data for a pilot trainee in an army light-observation helicopter as a first step toward establishing normative data for pilot performance in…

An Evaluation of a Teacher Training Program at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

DeBerry, LaMonnia Edge

2015-01-01

The purpose of this mixed methods study was to explore the effects of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum's work in partnering with professors from universities across the United States during a 1-year collaborative partnership through an educational program referred to as Belfer First Step Holocaust Institute for Teacher Educators (BFS…

Social-Emotional Learning Program to Promote Prosocial and Academic Skills among Middle School Students with Disabilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Espelage, Dorothy L.; Rose, Chad A.; Polanin, Joshua R.

2016-01-01

This 3-year study evaluated the effectiveness of the Second Step-Student Success Through Prevention (SS-SSTP) social-emotional learning program on increasing prosocial behaviors that could serve as protective factors against peer conflict and bullying among students with disabilities. Participants included 123 students with disabilities across 12…

Developing a Customized Program Assessment Methodology for Assurance of Learning: A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Baker, Hope; Brawley, Dorothy; Campbell, Jane; Capozzoli, Ernest; Malgeri, Linda; Roberts, Gary

2007-01-01

For most academic institutions, selecting and/or designing a Program Assessment methodology for Assurance of Learning is a challenging task. This paper describes the steps taken to establish goals, values and criteria driving this process for a College of Business. In this case analysis, we document the options we explored in finding the right…

Summary of Outcome Data for Youth Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Programs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Buck, Connie

The purpose of this report is to summarize steps taken in evaluating outcomes for the prevention of youth alcohol and other drug abuse (AODA) for selected AODA prevention programs and projects as reported to Wisconsin's Department of Health and Family Services by grantees. A study by Wisconsin's Legislative Audit Bureau evaluated 6 projects, which…

Making Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Policy Practice: Process Evaluation of a Group Randomized Controlled Intervention in Afterschool Programs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Weaver, R. Glenn; Beets, Michael W.; Hutto, Brent; Saunders, Ruth P.; Moore, Justin B.; Turner-McGrievy, Gabrielle; Huberty, Jennifer L.; Ward, Dianne S.; Pate, Russell R.; Beighle, Aaron; Freedman, Darcy

2015-01-01

This study describes the link between level of implementation and outcomes from an intervention to increase afterschool programs' (ASPs) achievement of healthy eating and physical activity (HE-PA) Standards. Ten intervention ASPs implemented the Strategies-To-Enhance-Practice (STEPs), a multi-component, adaptive intervention framework identifying…

Trends in NRMP Data from 2007-2014 for U.S. Seniors Matching into Emergency Medicine.

PubMed

Manthey, David E; Hartman, Nicholas D; Newmyer, Aileen; Gunalda, Jonah C; Hiestand, Brian C; Askew, Kim L; Lefebvre, Cedric

2017-01-01

Since 1978, the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) has published data demonstrating characteristics of applicants who have matched into their preferred specialty in the NRMP main residency match. These data have been published approximately every two years. There is limited information about trends within these published data for students matching into emergency medicine (EM). Our objective was to investigate and describe trends in NRMP data to include the following: the ratio of applicants to available EM positions; United State Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 and Step 2 scores (compared to the national means); number of programs ranked; and Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society (AOA) membership among U.S. seniors matching into EM. This was a retrospective observational review of NRMP data published between 2007 and 2016. We analyzed the data using analysis of variance (ANOVA) or Kruskal-Wallis testing, and Fischer's exact or chi-squared testing, as appropriate to determine statistical significance. The ratio of applicants to available EM positions remained essentially stable from 2007 to 2014 but did increase slightly in 2016. We observed a net upward trend in overall Step 1 and Step 2 scores for EM applicants. However, this did not outpace the national trend increase in Step 1 and 2 scores overall. There was an increase in the mean number of programs ranked by EM applicants over the years studied from 7.8 (SD4.2) to 9.2 (SD5.0, p<0.001), driven predominantly by the cohort of U.S. students successful in the match. Among time intervals, there was a difference in the number of EM applicants with AOA membership (p=0.043) due to a drop in the number of AOA students in 2011. No sustained statistical trend in AOA membership was identified over the seven-year period studied. NRMP data demonstrate trends among EM applicants that are similar to national trends in other specialties for USMLE board scores, and a modest increase in number of programs ranked. AOA membership was largely stable. EM does not appear to have become more competitive relative to other specialties or previous years in these categories.

Access 5 - Step 1: Human Systems Integration Program Plan (HSIPP)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2005-01-01

This report describes the Human System Interface (HSI) analysis, design and test activities that will be performed to support the development of requirements and design guidelines to facilitate the incorporation of High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Remotely Operated Aircraft (ROA) at or above FL400 in the National Airspace System (NAS). These activities are required to support the design and development of safe, effective and reliable ROA operator and ATC interfaces. This plan focuses on the activities to be completed for Step 1 of the ACCESS 5 program. Updates to this document will be made for each of the four ACCESS 5 program steps.

Process Evaluation of Making HEPA Policy Practice: A Group Randomized Trial.

PubMed

Weaver, Robert G; Moore, Justin B; Huberty, Jennifer; Freedman, Darcy; Turner-McGrievy, Brie; Beighle, Aaron; Ward, Diane; Pate, Russell; Saunders, Ruth; Brazendale, Keith; Chandler, Jessica; Ajja, Rahma; Kyryliuk, Becky; Beets, Michael W

2016-09-01

This study examines the link between implementation of Strategies to Enhance Practice (STEPs) and outcomes. Twenty after-school programs (ASPs) participated in an intervention to increase children's accumulation of 30 minutes/day of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and quality of snacks served during program time. Outcomes were measured via accelerometer (MVPA) and direct observation (snacks). STEPs implementation data were collected via document review and direct observation. Based on implementation data, ASPs were divided into high/low implementers. Differences between high/low implementers' change in percentage of boys accumulating 30 minutes/day of MVPA were observed. There was no difference between high/low implementers for girls. Days fruits and/or vegetables and water were served increased in the high/low implementation groups, while desserts and sugar-sweetened beverages decreased. Effect sizes (ES) for the difference in changes between the high and low group ranged from low (ES = 0.16) to high (ES = 0.97). Higher levels of implementation led to increased MVPA for boys, whereas girls MVPA benefited from the intervention regardless of high/low implementation. ESs of the difference between high/low implementers indicate that increased implementation of STEPs increases days healthier snacks are served. Programs in the high-implementation group implemented a variety of STEPs strategies, suggesting local adoption/adaptation is key to implementation. © 2016 Society for Public Health Education.

Life Lab Computer Support System's Manual.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lippman, Beatrice D.; Walfish, Stephen

Step-by-step procedures for utilizing the computer support system of Miami-Dade Community College's Life Lab program are described for the following categories: (1) Registration--Student's Lists and Labels, including three separate computer programs for current listings, next semester listings, and grade listings; (2) Competence and Resource…

Biculturalism through Experiential Language Learning.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brennan, Pamela; Donoghue, Anna Acitelli

This paper describes the English as a Second Language Program developed for educationally disadvantaged Mexican-American adults as part of the educational offerings of Project Step-Up, an OEO-funded demonstration program in San Diego. Project Step-Up features a multifold methodological approach incorporating techniques from (1) life skills…

The art of appropriate evaluation : a guide for highway safety program managers

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1999-05-01

This Guide provides an overview of the steps that are involved in program evaluations and gets you thinking about how these steps fit into your implementation plans. It also provides some handy suggestions on how to find and work with an evaluation c...

Sprint Running Performance and Technique Changes in Athletes During Periodized Training: An Elite Training Group Case Study.

PubMed

Bezodis, Ian N; Kerwin, David G; Cooper, Stephen-Mark; Salo, Aki I T

2017-11-15

To understand how training periodization influences sprint performance and key step characteristics over an extended training period in an elite sprint training group. Four sprinters were studied during five months of training. Step velocities, step lengths and step frequencies were measured from video of the maximum velocity phase of training sprints. Bootstrapped mean values were calculated for each athlete for each session and 139 within-athlete, between-session comparisons were made with a repeated measures ANOVA. As training progressed, a link in the changes in velocity and step frequency was maintained. There were 71 between-session comparisons with a change in step velocity yielding at least a large effect size (>1.2), of which 73% had a correspondingly large change in step frequency in the same direction. Within-athlete mean session step length remained relatively constant throughout. Reductions in step velocity and frequency occurred during training phases of high volume lifting and running, with subsequent increases in step velocity and frequency happening during phases of low volume lifting and high intensity sprint work. The importance of step frequency over step length to the changes in performance within a training year was clearly evident for the sprinters studied. Understanding the magnitudes and timings of these changes in relation to the training program is important for coaches and athletes. The underpinning neuro-muscular mechanisms require further investigation, but are likely explained by an increase in force producing capability followed by an increase in the ability to produce that force rapidly.

The STEP mission - Satellite test of the equivalence principle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Atzei, A.; Swanson, P.; Anselmi, A.

1992-01-01

The STEP experiment is a joint ESA/NASA mission candidate for selection as the next medium science project in the ESA scientific program. ESA and NASA have undertaken a joint feasibility study of STEP. The principles of STEP and details of the mission are presented and the mission and spacecraft are described. The primary objective of STEP is to measure differences in the rate of fall of test masses of different compositions to one part in 10 exp 17 of the total gravitational acceleration, a factor of 10 exp 8 improvement in sensitivity over previous experiments. STEP constitutes a comparison of gravitational and inertial mass or a test of the weak equivalence principle (WEP). A test of WEP that is six orders of magnitude more accurate than previous tests will reveal whether the underlying structure of the universe is filled with undiscovered small forces, necessitating a fundamental change in our theories of matter on all scales.

Towards a Competency-based Vision for Construction Safety Education

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pedro, Akeem; Hai Chien, Pham; Park, Chan Sik

2018-04-01

Accidents still prevail in the construction industry, resulting in injuries and fatalities all over the world. Educational programs in construction should deliver safety knowledge and skills to students who will become responsible for ensuring safe construction work environments in the future. However, there is a gap between the competencies current pedagogical approaches target, and those required for safety in practice. This study contributes to addressing this issue in three steps. Firstly, a vision for competency-based construction safety education is conceived. Building upon this, a research scheme to achieve the vision is developed, and the first step of the scheme is initiated in this study. The critical competencies required for safety education are investigated through analyses of literature, and confirmed through surveys with construction and safety management professionals. Results from the study would be useful in establishing and orienting education programs towards current industry safety needs and requirements

Effects of acute alcohol intoxication on automated processing: evidence from the double-step paradigm.

PubMed

Vorstius, Christian; Radach, Ralph; Lang, Alan R

2012-02-01

Reflexive and voluntary levels of processing have been studied extensively with respect to possible impairments due to alcohol intoxication. This study examined alcohol effects at the 'automated' level of processing essential to many complex visual processing tasks (e.g., reading, visual search) that involve ongoing modifications or reprogramming of well-practiced routines. Data from 30 participants (16 male) were collected in two counterbalanced sessions (alcohol vs. no-alcohol control; mean breath alcohol concentration = 68 mg/dL vs. 0 mg/dL). Eye movements were recorded during a double-step task where 75% of trials involved two target stimuli in rapid succession (inter-stimulus interval [ISI]=40, 70, or 100 ms) so that they could elicit two distinct saccades or eye movements (double steps). On 25% of trials a single target appeared. Results indicated that saccade latencies were longer under alcohol. In addition, the proportion of single-step responses and the mean saccade amplitude (length) of primary saccades decreased significantly with increasing ISI. The key novel finding, however, was that the reprogramming time needed to cancel the first saccade and adjust saccade amplitude was extended significantly by alcohol. The additional time made available by prolonged latencies due to alcohol was not utilized by the saccade programming system to decrease the number of two-step responses. These results represent the first demonstration of specific alcohol-induced programming deficits at the automated level of oculomotor processing.

Aid effectiveness and programmatic effectiveness: a proposed framework for comparative evaluation of different aid interventions in a particular health system.

PubMed

Haque, Hasibul; Hill, Philip C; Gauld, Robin

2017-01-01

Against a backdrop of changing concepts of aid effectiveness, development effectiveness, health systems strengthening, and increasing emphasis on impact evaluation, this article proposes a theory-driven impact evaluation framework to gauge the effect of aid effectiveness principles on programmatic outcomes of different aid funded programs in the health sector of a particular country. The foundation and step-by-step process of implementing the framework are described. With empirical evidence from the field, the steps involve analysis of context, program designs, implementation mechanisms, outcomes, synthesis, and interpretation of findings through the programs' underlying program theories and interactions with the state context and health system. The framework can be useful for comparatively evaluating different aid interventions both in fragile and non-fragile state contexts.

Critical role of cerebellar fastigial nucleus in programming sequences of saccades.

PubMed

King, Susan A; Schneider, Rosalyn M; Serra, Alessandro; Leigh, R John

2011-09-01

The cerebellum plays an important role in programming accurate saccades. Cerebellar lesions affecting the ocular motor region of the fastigial nucleus (FOR) cause saccadic hypermetria; however, if a second target is presented before a saccade can be initiated (double-step paradigm), saccade hypermetria may be decreased. We tested the hypothesis that the cerebellum, especially FOR, plays a pivotal role in programming sequences of saccades. We studied patients with saccadic hypermetria because of either genetic cerebellar ataxia or surgical lesions affecting FOR and confirmed that the gain of initial saccades made to double-step stimuli was reduced compared with the gain of saccades to single target jumps. Based on measurements of the intersaccadic interval, we found that the ability to perform parallel processing of saccades was reduced or absent in all of our patients with cerebellar disease. Our results support the crucial role of the cerebellum, especially FOR, in programming sequences of saccades. © 2011 New York Academy of Sciences.

A Step Circuit Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Herman, Susan

1995-01-01

Aerobics instructors can use step aerobics to motivate students. One creative method is to add the step to the circuit workout. By incorporating the step, aerobic instructors can accommodate various fitness levels. The article explains necessary equipment and procedures, describing sample stations for cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength,…

User's manual: Computer-aided design programs for inductor-energy-storage dc-to-dc electronic power converters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huffman, S.

1977-01-01

Detailed instructions on the use of two computer-aided-design programs for designing the energy storage inductor for single winding and two winding dc to dc converters are provided. Step by step procedures are given to illustrate the formatting of user input data. The procedures are illustrated by eight sample design problems which include the user input and the computer program output.

STEP and STEPSPL: Computer programs for aerodynamic model structure determination and parameter estimation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Batterson, J. G.

1986-01-01

The successful parametric modeling of the aerodynamics for an airplane operating at high angles of attack or sideslip is performed in two phases. First the aerodynamic model structure must be determined and second the associated aerodynamic parameters (stability and control derivatives) must be estimated for that model. The purpose of this paper is to document two versions of a stepwise regression computer program which were developed for the determination of airplane aerodynamic model structure and to provide two examples of their use on computer generated data. References are provided for the application of the programs to real flight data. The two computer programs that are the subject of this report, STEP and STEPSPL, are written in FORTRAN IV (ANSI l966) compatible with a CDC FTN4 compiler. Both programs are adaptations of a standard forward stepwise regression algorithm. The purpose of the adaptation is to facilitate the selection of a adequate mathematical model of the aerodynamic force and moment coefficients of an airplane from flight test data. The major difference between STEP and STEPSPL is in the basis for the model. The basis for the model in STEP is the standard polynomial Taylor's series expansion of the aerodynamic function about some steady-state trim condition. Program STEPSPL utilizes a set of spline basis functions.

LENMODEL: A forward model for calculating length distributions and fission-track ages in apatite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crowley, Kevin D.

1993-05-01

The program LENMODEL is a forward model for annealing of fission tracks in apatite. It provides estimates of the track-length distribution, fission-track age, and areal track density for any user-supplied thermal history. The program approximates the thermal history, in which temperature is represented as a continuous function of time, by a series of isothermal steps of various durations. Equations describing the production of tracks as a function of time and annealing of tracks as a function of time and temperature are solved for each step. The step calculations are summed to obtain estimates for the entire thermal history. Computational efficiency is maximized by performing the step calculations backwards in model time. The program incorporates an intuitive and easy-to-use graphical interface. Thermal history is input to the program using a mouse. Model options are specified by selecting context-sensitive commands from a bar menu. The program allows for considerable selection of equations and parameters used in the calculations. The program was written for PC-compatible computers running DOS TM 3.0 and above (and Windows TM 3.0 or above) with VGA or SVGA graphics and a Microsoft TM-compatible mouse. Single copies of a runtime version of the program are available from the author by written request as explained in the last section of this paper.

Integrating an internet-mediated walking program into family medicine clinical practice: a pilot feasibility study.

PubMed

Goodrich, David E; Buis, Lorraine R; Janney, Adrienne W; Ditty, Megan D; Krause, Christine W; Zheng, Kai; Sen, Ananda; Strecher, Victor J; Hess, Michael L; Piette, John D; Richardson, Caroline R

2011-06-24

Regular participation in physical activity can prevent many chronic health conditions. Computerized self-management programs are effective clinical tools to support patient participation in physical activity. This pilot study sought to develop and evaluate an online interface for primary care providers to refer patients to an Internet-mediated walking program called Stepping Up to Health (SUH) and to monitor participant progress in the program. In Phase I of the study, we recruited six pairs of physicians and medical assistants from two family practice clinics to assist with the design of a clinical interface. During Phase II, providers used the developed interface to refer patients to a six-week pilot intervention. Provider perspectives were assessed regarding the feasibility of integrating the program into routine care. Assessment tools included quantitative and qualitative data gathered from semi-structured interviews, surveys, and online usage logs. In Phase I, 13 providers used SUH and participated in two interviews. Providers emphasized the need for alerts flagging patients who were not doing well and the ability to review participant progress. Additionally, providers asked for summary views of data across all enrolled clinic patients as well as advertising materials for intervention recruitment. In response to this input, an interface was developed containing three pages: 1) a recruitment page, 2) a summary page, and 3) a detailed patient page. In Phase II, providers used the interface to refer 139 patients to SUH and 37 (27%) enrolled in the intervention. Providers rarely used the interface to monitor enrolled patients. Barriers to regular use of the intervention included lack of integration with the medical record system, competing priorities, patient disinterest, and physician unease with exercise referrals. Intention-to-treat analyses showed that patients increased walking by an average of 1493 steps/day from pre- to post-intervention (t = (36) = 4.13, p < 0.01). Providers successfully referred patients using the SUH provider interface, but were less willing to monitor patient compliance in the program. Patients who completed the program significantly increased their step counts. Future research is needed to test the effectiveness of integrating SUH with clinical information systems over a longer evaluation period.

Voluntary saccadic eye movements in humans studied with a double-cue paradigm.

PubMed

Sheliga, B M; Brown, V J; Miles, F A

2002-07-01

In the classic double-step paradigm, subjects are required to make a saccade to a visual target that is briefly presented at one location and then shifted to a new location before the subject has responded. The saccades in this situation are "reflexive" in that they are made in response to the appearance of the target itself. In the present experiments we adapted the double-step paradigm to study "voluntary" saccades. For this, several identical targets were always visible and subjects were given a cue to indicate that they should make a saccade to one of them. This cue was then changed to indicate another of the targets before the subject had responded: double-cue (DC) paradigm. The saccadic eye movements in our DC paradigm had many features in common with those in the double-step paradigm and we show that apparent differences can be attributed to the spatio-temporal arrangements of the cues/targets rather than to any intrinsic differences in the programming of these two kinds of eye movements. For example, a feature of our DC paradigm that is not seen in the usual double-step paradigm is that the second cue could cause transient delays of the initial saccade, and these delays still occurred when the second cue was reflexive--provided that it was at the fovea (as in our DC paradigm) and not in the periphery (as in the usual double-step paradigm). Thus, the critical factor for the delay was the retinal (foveal) location of the second cue/target--not whether it was cognitive or reflexive--and we argue that the second cue/target is here acting as a distractor. We conclude that the DC paradigm can be used to study the programming of voluntary saccades in the same way that the double-step paradigm can be used to study reflexive saccades.

Comparative Effectiveness of Two Walking Interventions on Participation, Step Counts, and Health.

PubMed

Smith-McLallen, Aaron; Heller, Debbie; Vernisi, Kristin; Gulick, Diana; Cruz, Samantha; Snyder, Richard L

2017-03-01

To (1) compare the effects of two worksite-based walking interventions on employee participation rates; (2) compare average daily step counts between conditions, and; (3) examine the effects of increases in average daily step counts on biometric and psychologic outcomes. We conducted a cluster-randomized trial in which six employer groups were randomly selected and randomly assigned to condition. Four manufacturing worksites and two office-based worksite served as the setting. A total of 474 employees from six employer groups were included. A standard walking program was compared to an enhanced program that included incentives, feedback, competitive challenges, and monthly wellness workshops. Walking was measured by self-reported daily step counts. Survey measures and biometric screenings were administered at baseline and 3, 6, and 9 months after baseline. Analysis used linear mixed models with repeated measures. During 9 months, participants in the enhanced condition averaged 726 more steps per day compared with those in the standard condition (p < .001). A 1000-step increase in average daily steps was associated with significant weight loss for both men (-3.8 lbs.) and women (-2.1 lbs.), and reductions in body mass index (-0.41 men, -0.31 women). Higher step counts were also associated with improvements in mood, having more energy, and higher ratings of overall health. An enhanced walking program significantly increases participation rates and daily step counts, which were associated with weight loss and reductions in body mass index.

Programming--Translating Assessment into Action.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pyfer, Jean L.

Four steps should be taken in developing correct physical education programs for handicapped students. Assessment of student need is the first step, and a growing number of assessment instruments are available which provide information on basic locomotor skills and patterns and on physical and motor fitness. They are comprised of items that sample…

Wilderness education: The ultimate commitment to quality wilderness stewardship

Treesearch

Gregory F. Hansen; Tom Carlson

2007-01-01

The effective planning, implementation, and monitoring of a wilderness education program will ultimately produce measurable results that can be instrumental in achieving wilderness management goals and objectives. This paper will provide a simple step-by-step overview of how to develop and maintain a successful wilderness education program through planning,...

Topics in Mathematics.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Posey, Johnsie Jo, Ed.; And Others

This manual is a collection of materials and teaching strategies to motivate the development of mathematical ideas in secondary school mathematics programs or in beginning college mathematics programs. The unit is written for the instructor with step-by-step procedures including lists of needed materials. The exercises in this unit also appear in…

Program Evaluation: Roles and Responsibilities of Boards of Education Relative to Thorough and Efficient Legislation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Research for Better Schools, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.

The process for providing a "thorough and efficient" (T & E) education according to New Jersey statutes and regulations involves six basic steps. This document suggests procedures for handling the fifth step, educational program evaluation. Processes discussed include committee formation, evaluation planning, action plan…

Changing Beliefs and Behaviors Related to Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Vulnerable Women: A Qualitative Study.

PubMed

Boroumandfar, Zahra; Kianpour, Masoud; Zargham, Ali; Abdoli, Samereh; Tayeri, Katayoun; Salehi, Mehrdad; Momeni, Godratollah; Khorvash, Farzin

2017-01-01

The first step in health education is awareness of the people and their acceptance to change their behavior. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of empowerment program towards the concept of self-care and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in women at risk of STDs. The present study was conducted as a qualitative approach (step of action and observation of an action) by using conventional content analysis method. An empowerment program regarding STDs (Action) was performed among 32 (with convenient sample) drug user women with addicted husbands referring to the counseling center for vulnerable women (drop in enter) in Isfahan in 2015. The knowledge of quiddity, transmission, and prevention of STDs, as well as some items of life skills such as self-awareness, interpersonal communication, and assertive behavior were taught in an educational program. Teaching methods were lectures, group, and individual training and role play. The impact of the program on modified belief and behavior change regarding STDs was evaluated with structured interviews. Analysis of the obtained results yielded three categories. The categories were awareness of STD, believing in being at risk, and decision and change. Promoting self-care and prevention through education programs based on action research can make a significant reduction in the incidence of problems and cause a behavior change in women with the disease or those at risk for STDs.

Does your equipment maintenance management program measure up?

PubMed

Deinstadt, Deborah C

2003-01-01

Identifying a clear maintenance philosophy is the first step toward choosing the right program for your healthcare organization. The second step is gaining a clear understanding of how proposed savings and improvements will be delivered. The third and last step is requiring that the proposed company or manager have specific tools in place for measuring and analyzing program performance. There are three primary philosophies underlying current equipment management options. These include risk-transfer philosophy (e.g., maintenance insurance, service contracts, multi-vendor and outsource programs), asset management philosophy (e.g., programs delivering a management system based on managed time-and-materials), and internal management (in-house managed programs). The last step in selecting the right program is insisting that proper performance measurements be built into the proposed management program. A well-managed program provides results in three general areas: financial outcomes, operational improvements and process improvements. Financial outcomes are the easiest to measure. Operational and process improvements are more challenging to assess but equally important to the program's overall success. To accurately identify results in these three areas, the overall management program should measure the following eight separate components: procedures and support for department staff; equipment inventory, benchmark costs, and budget guidelines; experienced equipment support team; objective, independent analysis of maintenance events; repair documentation and reporting; vendor relations; equipment acquisition analysis; and recommendations for improvement. Do everything you reasonably can to assure that the selected company can work side-by-side with you, providing objective, measurable advice that is ultimately in your best interest. You will then know that you have been thorough in your marketplace selection and can confidently move into implementation, expecting tangible and successful results.

A randomized, single-blind cross-over design evaluating the effectiveness of an individually defined, targeted physical therapy approach in treatment of children with cerebral palsy.

PubMed

Franki, Inge; Van den Broeck, Christine; De Cat, Josse; Tijhuis, Wieke; Molenaers, Guy; Vanderstraeten, Guy; Desloovere, Kaat

2014-10-01

A pilot study to compare the effectiveness of an individual therapy program with the effects of a general physical therapy program. A randomized, single-blind cross-over design. Ten ambulant children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy, age four to nine years. Participants were randomly assigned into a ten-week individually defined, targeted or a general program, followed by a cross-over. Evaluation was performed using the Gross Motor Function Measure-88 and three-dimensional gait analysis. General outcome parameters were Gross Motor Function Measure-88 scores, time and distance parameters, gait profile score and movement analysis profiles. Individual goal achievement was evaluated using z-scores for gait parameters and Goal Attainment Scale for gross motor function. No significant changes were observed regarding gross motor function. Only after individualized therapy, step- and stride-length increased significantly (p = 0.022; p = 0.017). Change in step-length was higher after the individualized program (p = 0.045). Within-group effects were found for the pelvis in transversal plane after the individualized program (p = 0.047) and in coronal plane after the general program (p = 0.047). Between-program differences were found for changes in the knee in sagittal plane, in the advantage of the individual program (p = 0.047). A median difference in z-score of 0.279 and 0.419 was measured after the general and individualized program, respectively. Functional goal attainment was higher after the individual therapy program compared with the general program (48 to 43.5). The results indicate slightly favorable effects towards the individualized program. To detect clinically significant changes, future studies require a minimal sample size of 72 to 90 participants. © The Author(s) 2014.

Content Validity of National Post Marriage Educational Program Using Mixed Methods

PubMed Central

MOHAJER RAHBARI, Masoumeh; SHARIATI, Mohammad; KERAMAT, Afsaneh; YUNESIAN, Masoud; ESLAMI, Mohammad; MOUSAVI, Seyed Abbas; MONTAZERI, Ali

2015-01-01

Background: Although the validity of content of program is mostly conducted with qualitative methods, this study used both qualitative and quantitative methods for the validation of content of post marriage training program provided for newly married couples. Content validity is a preliminary step of obtaining authorization required to install the program in country's health care system. Methods: This mixed methodological content validation study carried out in four steps with forming three expert panels. Altogether 24 expert panelists were involved in 3 qualitative and quantitative panels; 6 in the first item development one; 12 in the reduction kind, 4 of them were common with the first panel, and 10 executive experts in the last one organized to evaluate psychometric properties of CVR and CVI and Face validity of 57 educational objectives. Results: The raw data of post marriage program had been written by professional experts of Ministry of Health, using qualitative expert panel, the content was more developed by generating 3 topics and refining one topic and its respective content. In the second panel, totally six other objectives were deleted, three for being out of agreement cut of point and three on experts' consensus. The validity of all items was above 0.8 and their content validity indices (0.8–1) were completely appropriate in quantitative assessment. Conclusion: This study provided a good evidence for validation and accreditation of national post marriage program planned for newly married couples in health centers of the country in the near future. PMID:26056672

Integrated Solution for Physical Activity Monitoring Based on Mobile Phone and PC.

PubMed

Lee, Mi Hee; Kim, Jungchae; Jee, Sun Ha; Yoo, Sun Kook

2011-03-01

This study is part of the ongoing development of treatment methods for metabolic syndrome (MS) project, which involves monitoring daily physical activity. In this study, we have focused on detecting walking activity from subjects which includes many other physical activities such as standing, sitting, lying, walking, running, and falling. Specially, we implemented an integrated solution for various physical activities monitoring using a mobile phone and PC. We put the iPod touch has built in a tri-axial accelerometer on the waist of the subjects, and measured change in acceleration signal according to change in ambulatory movement and physical activities. First, we developed of programs that are aware of step counts, velocity of walking, energy consumptions, and metabolic equivalents based on iPod. Second, we have developed the activity recognition program based on PC. iPod synchronization with PC to transmit measured data using iPhoneBrowser program. Using the implemented system, we analyzed change in acceleration signal according to the change of six activity patterns. We compared results of the step counting algorithm with different positions. The mean accuracy across these tests was 99.6 ± 0.61%, 99.1 ± 0.87% (right waist location, right pants pocket). Moreover, six activities recognition was performed using Fuzzy c means classification algorithm recognized over 98% accuracy. In addition we developed of programs that synchronization of data between PC and iPod for long-term physical activity monitoring. This study will provide evidence on using mobile phone and PC for monitoring various activities in everyday life. The next step in our system will be addition of a standard value of various physical activities in everyday life such as household duties and a health guideline how to select and plan exercise considering one's physical characteristics and condition.

Measuring the costs and benefits of conservation programs

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

Einhorn, M.A.

1985-07-25

A step-by-step analysis of the effects of utility-sponsored conservation promoting programs begins by identifying several factors which will reduce a program's effectiveness. The framework for measuring cost savings and designing a conservation program needs to consider the size of appliance subsidies, what form incentives should take, and how will customer behavior change as a result of incentives. Continual reevaluation is necessary to determine whether to change the size of rebates or whether to continue the program. Analytical tools for making these determinations are improving as conceptual breakthroughs in econometrics permit more rigorous analysis. 5 figures.

Design and Analysis of a Subcritical Airfoil for High Altitude, Long Endurance Missions.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-12-01

Airfoil Design and Analysis Method ......... .... 61 Appendix D: Boundary Layer Analysis Method ............. ... 81 Appendix E: Detailed Results ofr...attack. Computer codes designed by Richard Eppler were used for this study. The airfoil was anlayzed by using a viscous effects analysis program...inverse program designed by Eppler (Ref 5) was used in this study to accomplish this part. The second step involved the analysis of the airfoil under

A Christian faith-based recovery theory: understanding God as sponsor.

PubMed

Timmons, Shirley M

2012-12-01

This article reports the development of a substantive theory to explain an evangelical Christian-based process of recovery from addiction. Faith-based, 12-step, mutual aid programs can improve drug abstinence by offering: (a) an intervention option alone and/or in conjunction with secular programs and (b) an opportunity for religious involvement. Although literature on religion, spirituality, and addiction is voluminous, traditional 12-step programs fail to explain the mechanism that underpins the process of Christian-based recovery (CR). This pilot study used grounded theory to explore and describe the essence of recovery of 10 former crack cocaine-addicted persons voluntarily enrolled in a CR program. Data were collected from in-depth interviews during 4 months of 2008. Audiotapes were transcribed verbatim, and the constant comparative method was used to analyze data resulting in the basic social process theory, understanding God as sponsor. The theory was determined through writing theoretical memos that generated key elements that allow persons to recover: acknowledging God-centered crises, communicating with God, and planning for the future. Findings from this preliminary study identifies important factors that can help persons in recovery to sustain sobriety and program administrators to benefit from theory that guides the development of evidence-based addiction interventions.

Steps in the design, development and formative evaluation of obesity prevention-related behavior change trials.

PubMed

Baranowski, Tom; Cerin, Ester; Baranowski, Janice

2009-01-21

Obesity prevention interventions through dietary and physical activity change have generally not been effective. Limitations on possible program effectiveness are herein identified at every step in the mediating variable model, a generic conceptual framework for understanding how interventions may promote behavior change. To minimize these problems, and thereby enhance likely intervention effectiveness, four sequential types of formative studies are proposed: targeted behavior validation, targeted mediator validation, intervention procedure validation, and pilot feasibility intervention. Implementing these studies would establish the relationships at each step in the mediating variable model, thereby maximizing the likelihood that an intervention would work and its effects would be detected. Building consensus among researchers, funding agencies, and journal editors on distinct intervention development studies should avoid identified limitations and move the field forward.

Steps in the design, development and formative evaluation of obesity prevention-related behavior change trials

PubMed Central

Baranowski, Tom; Cerin, Ester; Baranowski, Janice

2009-01-01

Obesity prevention interventions through dietary and physical activity change have generally not been effective. Limitations on possible program effectiveness are herein identified at every step in the mediating variable model, a generic conceptual framework for understanding how interventions may promote behavior change. To minimize these problems, and thereby enhance likely intervention effectiveness, four sequential types of formative studies are proposed: targeted behavior validation, targeted mediator validation, intervention procedure validation, and pilot feasibility intervention. Implementing these studies would establish the relationships at each step in the mediating variable model, thereby maximizing the likelihood that an intervention would work and its effects would be detected. Building consensus among researchers, funding agencies, and journal editors on distinct intervention development studies should avoid identified limitations and move the field forward. PMID:19159476

Analysis of problem solving on project based learning with resource based learning approach computer-aided program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuncoro, K. S.; Junaedi, I.; Dwijanto

2018-03-01

This study aimed to reveal the effectiveness of Project Based Learning with Resource Based Learning approach computer-aided program and analyzed problem-solving abilities in terms of problem-solving steps based on Polya stages. The research method used was mixed method with sequential explanatory design. The subject of this research was the students of math semester 4. The results showed that the S-TPS (Strong Top Problem Solving) and W-TPS (Weak Top Problem Solving) had good problem-solving abilities in each problem-solving indicator. The problem-solving ability of S-MPS (Strong Middle Problem Solving) and (Weak Middle Problem Solving) in each indicator was good. The subject of S-BPS (Strong Bottom Problem Solving) had a difficulty in solving the problem with computer program, less precise in writing the final conclusion and could not reflect the problem-solving process using Polya’s step. While the Subject of W-BPS (Weak Bottom Problem Solving) had not been able to meet almost all the indicators of problem-solving. The subject of W-BPS could not precisely made the initial table of completion so that the completion phase with Polya’s step was constrained.

Self-triggered assistive stimulus training improves step initiation in persons with Parkinson’s disease

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Prior studies demonstrated that hesitation-prone persons with Parkinson’s disease (PDs) acutely improve step initiation using a novel self-triggered stimulus that enhances lateral weight shift prior to step onset. PDs showed reduced anticipatory postural adjustment (APA) durations, earlier step onsets, and faster 1st step speed immediately following stimulus exposure. Objective This study investigated the effects of long-term stimulus exposure. Methods Two groups of hesitation-prone subjects with Parkinson’s disease (PD) participated in a 6-week step-initiation training program involving one of two stimulus conditions: 1) Drop. The stance-side support surface was lowered quickly (1.5 cm); 2) Vibration. A short vibration (100 ms) was applied beneath the stance-side support surface. Stimuli were self-triggered by a 5% reduction in vertical force under the stance foot during the APA. Testing was at baseline, immediately post-training, and 6 weeks post-training. Measurements included timing and magnitude of ground reaction forces, and step speed and length. Results Both groups improved their APA force modulation after training. Contrary to previous results, neither group showed reduced APA durations or earlier step onset times. The vibration group showed 55% increase in step speed and a 39% increase in step length which were retained 6 weeks post-training. The drop group showed no stepping-performance improvements. Conclusions The acute sensitivity to the quickness-enhancing effects of stimulus exposure demonstrated in previous studies was supplanted by improved force modulation following prolonged stimulus exposure. The results suggest a potential approach to reduce the severity of start hesitation in PDs, but further study is needed to understand the relationship between short- and long-term effects of stimulus exposure. PMID:23363975

Algorithms and software for nonlinear structural dynamics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Belytschko, Ted; Gilbertsen, Noreen D.; Neal, Mark O.

1989-01-01

The objective of this research is to develop efficient methods for explicit time integration in nonlinear structural dynamics for computers which utilize both concurrency and vectorization. As a framework for these studies, the program WHAMS, which is described in Explicit Algorithms for the Nonlinear Dynamics of Shells (T. Belytschko, J. I. Lin, and C.-S. Tsay, Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering, Vol. 42, 1984, pp 225 to 251), is used. There are two factors which make the development of efficient concurrent explicit time integration programs a challenge in a structural dynamics program: (1) the need for a variety of element types, which complicates the scheduling-allocation problem; and (2) the need for different time steps in different parts of the mesh, which is here called mixed delta t integration, so that a few stiff elements do not reduce the time steps throughout the mesh.

A pre-breeding screening program for transgenic boars based on fluorescence in situ hybridization assay.

PubMed

Bou, Gerelchimeg; Sun, Mingju; Lv, Ming; Zhu, Jiang; Li, Hui; Wang, Juan; Li, Lu; Liu, Zhongfeng; Zheng, Zhong; He, Wenteng; Kong, Qingran; Liu, Zhonghua

2014-08-01

For efficient transgenic herd expansion, only the transgenic animals that possess the ability to transmit transgene into next generation are considered for breeding. However, for transgenic pig, practically lacking a pre-breeding screening program, time, labor and money is always wasted to maintain non-transgenic pigs, low or null transgenic transmission pigs and the related fruitless gestations. Developing a pre-breeding screening program would make the transgenic herd expansion more economical and efficient. In this technical report, we proposed a three-step pre-breeding screening program for transgenic boars simply through combining the fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay with the common pre-breeding screening workflow. In the first step of screening, combined with general transgenic phenotype analysis, FISH is used to identify transgenic boars. In the second step of screening, combined with conventional semen test, FISH is used to detect transgenic sperm, thus to identify the individuals producing high quality semen and transgenic sperm. In the third step of screening, FISH is used to assess the in vitro fertilization embryos, thus finally to identify the individuals with the ability to produce transgenic embryos. By this three-step screening, the non-transgenic boars and boars with no ability to produce transgenic sperm or transgenic embryos would be eliminated; therefore only those boars could produce transgenic offspring are maintained and used for breeding and herd expansion. It is the first time a systematic pre-breeding screening program is proposed for transgenic pigs. This program might also be applied in other transgenic large animals, and provide an economical and efficient strategy for herd expansion.

The Feasibility of an eLearning Nutrition Education Program for Low-Income Individuals.

PubMed

Stotz, Sarah; Lee, Jung Sun; Rong, Hui; Murray, Deborah

2016-08-09

Online eLearning may be an innovative, efficient, and cost-effective method of providing nutrition education to a diverse low-income audience. The intent of this project is to examine perceptions of nutrition educators regarding the feasibility of an eLearning nutrition education program tailored to low-income Georgians. Semistructured individual interviews were conducted, guided by the constructivist theory. The interview guide focused on three themes: accessibility, literacy, and content. A prototype of the program also served as a talking point. Interviews were conducted in two urban Georgian counties in a location chosen by each participant. We recruited a convenience sample of Georgian nutrition educators (n = 10, 100% female, 50% Black). Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using constant comparative method. Motivation is considered the primary barrier to program feasibility. Neither access to the Internet nor literacy are considered significant barriers. Inclusion of skill-based, visual education methods such as cooking videos, recipes, and step-by-step teaching tools was highlighted. Nutrition educators perceived this program would be a feasible form of nutrition education for the priority audience. Findings from this study will inform the user-centered development of the program. © 2016 Society for Public Health Education.

Effects of ballates, step aerobics, and walking on balance in women aged 50-75 years.

PubMed

Clary, Sarah; Barnes, Cathleen; Bemben, Debra; Knehans, Allen; Bemben, Michael

2006-01-01

This study examined the effectiveness of Ballates training (strengthening of the central core musculature by the inception of balance techniques) compared to more traditional exercise programs, such as step aerobics and walking, on balance in women aged 50- 75 years. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three supervised training groups (1 hour/day, 3 days/week, 13 weeks), Ballates (n = 12), step aerobics (n = 17), or walking (n =15). Balance was measured by four different methods (modified Clinical Test for the Sensory Interaction on Balance - mCTSIB; Unilateral Stance with Eyes Open - US-EO or Eyes Closed - US-EC; Tandem Walk - TW; Step Quick Turn - SQT) using the NeuroCom Balance Master. A 2-way (Group and Trial) repeated measures ANOVA and post-hoc Bonferroni Pair-wise Comparisons were used to evaluate changes in the dependent variables used to describe stability and balance (sway velocity, turn sway, speed, and turn time). Measures of static postural stability and dynamic balance were similar for the three groups prior to training. Following the different exercise interventions, sway velocity on firm and foam surfaces (mCTSIB) with eyes closed (p < 0.05) increased for the Ballates group while the other two exercise groups either maintained or decreased their sway velocity following the training, therefore suggesting that these two groups either maintained or improved their balance. There were significant improvements in speed during the TW test (p < 0.01), and turn time (p < 0.01) and sway (p < 0.05) during the SQT test for each of the three groups. In general, all three training programs improved dynamic balance, however, step aerobics and walking programs resulted in be better improvements in postural stability or static balance when compared to the Ballates program. Key PointsExercise training can improve balanceNeed to consider both static and dynamic aspects of balance individuallyImproved balance can reduce the risk of fall.

Implementation and Sustainability of an Evidence-Based Program: Lessons Learned from the Prism Applied to "First Step to Success"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Woodbridge, Michelle W.; Sumi, W. Carl; Yu, Jennifer; Rouspil, Kristen; Javitz, Harold S.; Seeley, John R.; Walker, Hill M.

2014-01-01

Although numerous studies address the efficacy of school-based interventions, fewer focus on how to support sustainability of interventions from the perspective of participants. To address this research gap, we use the Practical, Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model to examine how the characteristics of an evidence-based program interact…

The Complexities of Neutrality in Teaching Religious Education: The Ethics and Religious Culture Program as Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zaver, Arzina

2015-01-01

In 2008, the Québec Ministry of Education introduced the Ethics and Religious Culture (ERC) program. Though the ERC is a positive step forward in promoting and fostering much-needed religious literacy skills, the implications of a "neutral" professional posture asked of its teachers have been difficult to translate into the classroom.…

A Process for Assessing and Improving Business Writing at the MBA Level

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

May, Gary L.; Thompson, Margaret A.; Hebblethwaite, Jennifer

2012-01-01

Assurance of learning continues to be a hot topic in higher education. Both accreditation agencies and employers are asking a key question: Are we graduating students who actually have the knowledge and skills that we promise? This case study focuses on business writing in an MBA program and presents a prescriptive, five-step program to improve…

It's off to Work We Go: Attitude toward Disability at Vocational Training Programs at Jewish Summer Camps

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Olson, Daniel

2017-01-01

Baglieri and Shapiro (2012) argue that considering attitudes toward disability is an important step toward building a more inclusive society. This study examines attitudes toward disability of staff members of vocational and independent living skills programs for young adults with disabilities in four Jewish summer camps. McDermott and Varenne's…

The Marginal Effects of High School Visits: A Step toward an Empirically Driven Marketing Program. AIR 2002 Forum Paper.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aguilar, Lore; Gillespie, Donald A.

Admissions officers devote substantial resources to high school visits and other recruiting events. Economic theory indicates that the best measure of effectiveness is marginal productivity. Subjects in this study were applicants to a large, Catholic, urban university and all students who participated in recruiting programs in fall 2002.…

Implementation of Water Safety Plans (WSPs): A Case Study in the Coastal Area in Semarang City, Indonesia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Budiyono; Ginandjar, P.; Saraswati, L. D.; Pangestuti, D. R.; Martini; Jati, S. P.

2018-02-01

An area of 508.28 hectares in North Semarang is flooded by tidal inundation, including Bandarharjo village, which could affect water quality in the area. People in Bandarharjo use safe water from deep groundwater, without disinfection process. More than 90% of water samples in the Bandaharjo village had poor bacteriological quality. The aimed of the research was to describe the implementation of Water Safety Plans (WSPs) program in Bandarharjo village. This was a descriptive study with steps for implementations adopted the guidelines and tools of the World Health Organization. The steps consist of introducing WSPs program, team building, training the team, examination of water safety before risk assessment, risk assessment, minor repair I, examination of water safety risk, minor repair II (after monitoring). Data were analyzed using descriptive methods. WSPs program has been introduced and formed WSPs team, and the training of the team has been conducted. The team was able to conduct risks assessment, planned the activities, examined water quality, conduct minor repair and monitoring at the source, distribution, and households connection. The WSPs program could be implemented in the coastal area in Semarang, however regularly supervision and some adjustment are needed.

ASAP- ARTIFICIAL SATELLITE ANALYSIS PROGRAM

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kwok, J.

1994-01-01

The Artificial Satellite Analysis Program (ASAP) is a general orbit prediction program which incorporates sufficient orbit modeling accuracy for mission design, maneuver analysis, and mission planning. ASAP is suitable for studying planetary orbit missions with spacecraft trajectories of reconnaissance (flyby) and exploratory (mapping) nature. Sample data is included for a geosynchronous station drift cycle study, a Venus radar mapping strategy, a frozen orbit about Mars, and a repeat ground trace orbit. ASAP uses Cowell's method in the numerical integration of the equations of motion. The orbital mechanics calculation contains perturbations due to non-sphericity (up to a 40 X 40 field) of the planet, lunar and solar effects, and drag and solar radiation pressure. An 8th order Runge-Kutta integration scheme with variable step size control is used for efficient propagation. The input includes the classical osculating elements, orbital elements of the sun relative to the planet, reference time and dates, drag coefficient, gravitational constants, and planet radius, rotation rate, etc. The printed output contains Cartesian coordinates, velocity, equinoctial elements, and classical elements for each time step or event step. At each step, selected output is added to a plot file. The ASAP package includes a program for sorting this plot file. LOTUS 1-2-3 is used in the supplied examples to graph the results, but any graphics software package could be used to process the plot file. ASAP is not written to be mission-specific. Instead, it is intended to be used for most planetary orbiting missions. As a consequence, the user has to have some basic understanding of orbital mechanics to provide the correct input and interpret the subsequent output. ASAP is written in FORTRAN 77 for batch execution and has been implemented on an IBM PC compatible computer operating under MS-DOS. The ASAP package requires a math coprocessor and a minimum of 256K RAM. This program was last updated in 1988 with version 2.03. IBM PC is a registered trademark of International Business Machines. MS-DOS is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Lotus and 1-2-3 are registered trademarks of Lotus Development Corporation.

Ten steps to successful software process improvement

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kandt, R. K.

2003-01-01

This paper identifies ten steps for managing change that address organizational and cultural issues. Four of these steps are critical, that if not done, will almost guarantee failure. This ten-step program emphasizes the alignment of business goals, change process goals, and the work performed by the employees of an organization.

STEPS: Moving from Welfare to Work.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vail, Ann; Cummings, Merrilyn; Kratzer, Connie; Galindo, Vickie

Cooperative extension service faculty at New Mexico State University started the Steps to Employment and Personal Success (STEPS) program to help Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) clients qualify for and maintain full-time employment and strengthen their families for long-term success. Clients are referred to STEPS by New Mexico…

Powerlessness Reinterpreted: Reframing Step One.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Young, Susan L.

The 12 steps of the well-known mutual help group, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), begin with Step One, admitting powerlessness. Although Step One has helped many problem drinkers and other addicts, its spiritual concepts have been criticized. The possibility of reconceptualizing powerlessness as empowering, not only within AA and its offshoot programs,…

Recruitment strategies and costs for a community-based physical activity program.

PubMed

Peck, Lara E; Sharpe, Patricia A; Burroughs, Ericka L; Granner, Michelle L

2008-04-01

A community-based participatory research project using social marketing strategies was implemented to promote physical activity among women aged 35 to 54 who were insufficiently active or completely inactive. A variety of media were used to disseminate messages about how to enroll in Step Up. Step Out! This article describes the effectiveness and cost of the recruitment strategies and lessons learned in recruiting the women. Of the total inquiries (n = 691), 430 women were eligible and enrolled in the program. Based on data from questionnaires, the most effective method of recruiting women into Step Up. Step Out! was word of mouth (36%). Newspaper ads accounted for 29% of the women's responses. The least effective method was billboards. Mass media was not as effective in recruiting women for the program as interpersonal efforts such as word of mouth. Interpersonal efforts are a valuable and possibly underrated recruitment and promotion tool.

Demonstration of Multi- and Single-Reader Sample Size Program for Diagnostic Studies software.

PubMed

Hillis, Stephen L; Schartz, Kevin M

2015-02-01

The recently released software Multi- and Single-Reader Sample Size Sample Size Program for Diagnostic Studies , written by Kevin Schartz and Stephen Hillis, performs sample size computations for diagnostic reader-performance studies. The program computes the sample size needed to detect a specified difference in a reader performance measure between two modalities, when using the analysis methods initially proposed by Dorfman, Berbaum, and Metz (DBM) and Obuchowski and Rockette (OR), and later unified and improved by Hillis and colleagues. A commonly used reader performance measure is the area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve. The program can be used with typical common reader-performance measures which can be estimated parametrically or nonparametrically. The program has an easy-to-use step-by-step intuitive interface that walks the user through the entry of the needed information. Features of the software include the following: (1) choice of several study designs; (2) choice of inputs obtained from either OR or DBM analyses; (3) choice of three different inference situations: both readers and cases random, readers fixed and cases random, and readers random and cases fixed; (4) choice of two types of hypotheses: equivalence or noninferiority; (6) choice of two output formats: power for specified case and reader sample sizes, or a listing of case-reader combinations that provide a specified power; (7) choice of single or multi-reader analyses; and (8) functionality in Windows, Mac OS, and Linux.

How to use multi-criteria decision analysis methods for reimbursement decision-making in healthcare: a step-by-step guide.

PubMed

Diaby, Vakaramoko; Goeree, Ron

2014-02-01

In recent years, the quest for more comprehensiveness, structure and transparency in reimbursement decision-making in healthcare has prompted the research into alternative decision-making frameworks. In this environment, multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) is arising as a valuable tool to support healthcare decision-making. In this paper, we present the main MCDA decision support methods (elementary methods, value-based measurement models, goal programming models and outranking models) using a case study approach. For each family of methods, an example of how an MCDA model would operate in a real decision-making context is presented from a critical perspective, highlighting the parameters setting, the selection of the appropriate evaluation model as well as the role of sensitivity and robustness analyses. This study aims to provide a step-by-step guide on how to use MCDA methods for reimbursement decision-making in healthcare.

Gossip-Free Zones: Problem Solving to Prevent Power Struggles

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bruno, Holly

2007-01-01

Gossiping staff in early childhood programs models destructive behavior and harms families' trust in the professionalism of the program. Bruno identifies some of the causes and motives for gossip and examines its occurrence in early care and education settings. She offers step-by-step strategies to help supervisors set and enact policies that…

Improving the Self-Image of the Socially Disabled

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Matthews, Lillian B.

1975-01-01

Reviewing the literature on physical attractiveness' relationship to selself-image and social acceptability, the author points out the need for self-care courses as "social therapy," gives a step-by-step procedure to develop such programs for the institutionalized, and tells how to become a teacher in a social therapy program. (AJ)

An Exercise in Desktop Publishing: Using the "Newsroom."

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kiteka, Sebastian F.

This guide provides a description and step-by-step instructions for the use of "Newsroom," a desktop-publishing program for the Apple II series of microcomputers produced by Springboard Software Inc. Based on the 1984 version of the program, this two-hour exercise focuses on the design and production of a newsletter with text and…

Distance Education in the Pacific Northwest: Program Benefits and Implementation Barriers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yap, Kim O.

In 1990, the Satellite Telecommunications Educational Programming (STEP) Network in Spokane (Washington) joined with state education agencies from Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington to form the Pacific Northwest Star Schools partnership for distance education. The STEP network offers telecast courses to 500 schools, 90% of which are in…

Strategies for Recruitment and Retention of Minority Students in Michigan Vocational Education Programs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

CRW Associates, Inc., Detroit, MI.

This manual provides step-by-step strategies and materials for recruiting and retaining minority students in secondary and postsecondary vocational education programs. Particular emphasis is placed on recruiting for training, education, and placement in high-growth, emerging occupations and on providing equal access to all vocational and technical…

The Lifetime Sports-Oriented Physical Education Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Straub, William F.

This text presents a step-by-step approach to the infusion of lifetime sports into physical education programs. The first chapter explains and justifies the concept of lifetime sports. Next, survey of community resources is provided so that off-site facilities and supplementary personnel may be identified. Chapters three and four cover the…

Tech Team: Student Technology Assistants in the Elementary & Middle School.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Peto, Erica; Onishi, Esther; Irish, Barbara

A step-by-step manual of worksheets, templates, forms and examples, this comprehensive handbook is designed for librarians, classroom teachers, and technology specialists who are interested in training students to be technology aides. The "Tech Team" program not only systematically outlines how one organizes and manages a support program, but…

Widening Horizons: A Guide to Organizing Field Trips for Adult Students. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lutheran Social Mission Society, Philadelphia, PA. Lutheran Settlement House.

Based on a successful program for women conducted by Lutheran Settlement House in Philadelphia, this guide outlines step-by-step procedures for conducting educational field trips for students in adult basic education programs. The guide offers suggestions for identification of cultural, historical, and social resources that would provide valuable…

Speak Out (K-8) [and] Election '80.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Illinois State Board of Education, Springfield.

These two teaching guides contain step-by-step procedures for an election education program in which all Illinois school children vote for and elect a State animal. The program, mandated by the Illinois State Legislature, is intended to provide students with the unique opportunity to learn about the entire election process through actual voting…

Evaluating Computer Integration in the Elementary School: A Step-by-Step Guide.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mowe, Richard

This handbook was written to enable elementary school educators to conduct formative evaluations of their computer integrated instruction (CII) programs in minimum time. CII is defined as the use of computer software, such as word processing, database, and graphics programs, to help students solve problems or work more productively. The first…

Occupational Orientation: A Necessary Step in Educational and Vocational Planning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hemp, Paul E.; Walker, Robert W.

1973-01-01

Students who have participated in career exploration programs have often been undecided at the end of the program. The phase of the process where they must make an occupational choice is called occupational orientation. After this step plans can be developed for educational preparation for entry into the chosen field. (KP)

RBS Career Education. Evaluation Planning Manual. Education Is Going to Work.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kershner, Keith M.

Designed for use with the Research for Better Schools career education program, this evaluation planning manual focuses on procedures and issues central to planning the evaluation of an educational program. Following a statement on the need for evaluation, nine sequential steps for evaluation planning are discussed. The first two steps, program…

Alcohol Use and Problems in Mandated College Students: A Randomized Clinical Trial Using Stepped Care

PubMed Central

Borsari, Brian; Hustad, John T.P.; Mastroleo, Nadine R.; Tevyaw, Tracy O’Leary; Barnett, Nancy P.; Kahler, Christopher W.; Short, Erica Eaton; Monti, Peter M.

2012-01-01

Objective Over the past two decades, colleges and universities have seen a large increase in the number of students referred to the administration for alcohol policies violations. However, a substantial portion of mandated students may not require extensive treatment. Stepped care may maximize treatment efficiency and greatly reduce the demands on campus alcohol programs. Method Participants in the study (N = 598) were college students mandated to attend an alcohol program following a campus-based alcohol citation. All participants received Step 1: a 15-minute Brief Advice session that included the provision of a booklet containing advice to reduce drinking. Participants were assessed six weeks after receiving the Brief Advice, and those who continued to exhibit risky alcohol use (n = 405) were randomized to Step 2, a 60–90 minute brief motivational intervention (BMI) (n = 211) or an assessment-only control (n = 194). Follow-up assessments were conducted 3, 6, and 9 months after Step 2. Results Results indicated that the participants who received a BMI significantly reduced the number of alcohol-related problems compared to those who received assessment-only, despite no significant group differences in alcohol use. In addition, low risk drinkers (n = 102; who reported low alcohol use and related harms at 6-week follow-up and were not randomized to stepped care) showed a stable alcohol use pattern throughout the follow-up period, indicating they required no additional intervention. Conclusion Stepped care is an efficient and cost-effective method to reduce harms associated with alcohol use by mandated students. PMID:22924334

Steepest descent method implementation on unconstrained optimization problem using C++ program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Napitupulu, H.; Sukono; Mohd, I. Bin; Hidayat, Y.; Supian, S.

2018-03-01

Steepest Descent is known as the simplest gradient method. Recently, many researches are done to obtain the appropriate step size in order to reduce the objective function value progressively. In this paper, the properties of steepest descent method from literatures are reviewed together with advantages and disadvantages of each step size procedure. The development of steepest descent method due to its step size procedure is discussed. In order to test the performance of each step size, we run a steepest descent procedure in C++ program. We implemented it to unconstrained optimization test problem with two variables, then we compare the numerical results of each step size procedure. Based on the numerical experiment, we conclude the general computational features and weaknesses of each procedure in each case of problem.

Stepping Up to Study Abroad

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stuart, Reginald

2007-01-01

This article describes how universities are challenged to beef up study abroad programs in response to the growing need for professionals with a global perspective. Once considered a luxury for affluent White college students, study abroad has been recast in recent years by business, academia and policymakers. Today, they consider it essential to…

Lessons from a Train-the-Trainer Professional Development Program: The Sustainable Trainer Engagement Program (STEP)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shupla, Christine; Gladney, Alicia; Dalton, Heather; LaConte, Keliann; Truxillo, Jeannette; Shipp, Stephanie

2015-11-01

The Sustainable Trainer Engagement Program (STEP) is a modified train-the-trainer professional development program being conducted by the Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI). STEP has provided two cohorts of 6-8th grade science specialists and lead teachers in the Houston region with in-depth Earth and Space Science (ESS) content, activities, and pedagogy over 15 days each, aligned with Texas science standards. This project has two over-arching goals: to improve middle school ESS instruction, and to create and test an innovative model for Train-the-Trainer.This poster will share details regarding STEP’s activities and resources, program achievements, and its main findings to date. STEP is being evaluated by external evaluators at the Research Institute of Texas, part of the Harris County Department of Education. External evaluation shows an increase after one year in STEP participants’ knowledge (cohort 1 showed a 10% increase; cohort 2 showed a 20% increase), confidence in teaching Earth and Space Science effectively (cohort 1 demonstrated a 10% increase; cohort 2 showed a 20% increase), and confidence in preparing other teachers (cohort 1 demonstrated a 12% increase; cohort 2 showed a 20% increase). By September 2015, STEP participants led (or assisted in leading) approximately 40 workshops for about 1800 science teachers in Texas. Surveys of teachers attending professional development conducted by STEP participants show very positive responses, with averages for conference workshop evaluations ranging from 3.6 on a 4 point scale, and other evaluations averaging from 4.1 to 5.0 on a 5 point scale.Main lessons for the team on the train-the-trainer model include: a lack of confidence by leaders in K-12 science education in presenting ESS professional development, difficulties in arranging for school or district content-specific professional development, the minimal duration of most school and district professional development sessions, and uncertainties in partnerships between scientists and educators.

Translating exercise interventions to an in-home setting for seniors: preliminary impact on physical activity and function.

PubMed

Dondzila, Christopher J; Swartz, Ann M; Keenan, Kevin G; Harley, Amy E; Azen, Razia; Strath, Scott J

2016-12-01

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether an in-home, individually tailored intervention is efficacious in promoting increases in physical activity (PA) and improvements in physical functioning (PF) in low-active older adults. Participants were randomized to two groups for the 8-week intervention. The enhanced physical activity (EPA) group received individualized exercise programming, including personalized step goals and a resistance band training program, and the standard of care (SoC) group received a general activity goal. Pre- and post-intervention PF measures included choice step reaction time, knee extension/flexion strength, hand grip strength, and 8 ft up and go test completion time. Thirty-nine subjects completed this study (74.6 ± 6.4 years). Significant increases in steps/day were observed for both the EPA and SoC groups, although the improvements in the EPA group were significantly higher when including only those who adhered to weekly step goals. Both groups experienced significant PF improvements, albeit greater in the EPA group for the 8 ft up and go test and knee extension strength. A low cost, in-home intervention elicited improvements in both PA and PF. Future research is warranted to expand upon the size and scope of this study, exploring dose thresholds (and time frames) for PA to improve PF and strategies to further bolster adherence rates to maximize intervention benefits.

Sustainability of the prevention of passive infant smoking within well-baby clinics.

PubMed

Crone, M R; Verlaan, M; Willemsen, M C; van Soelen, P; Reijneveld, S A; Sing, R A Hira; Paulussen, T G W M

2006-04-01

This study assessed the antecedents of continued use of an education program to prevent passive smoking in infants. It consists of a booklet for parents and a manual for health professionals describing a five-step procedure for discussing passive smoking. A questionnaire was sent to 67 managers, 670 nurses, and 335 physicians working in well-baby clinics (response rate: 70%, 53%, 47% respectively). Questions concerned the completeness of use, level of institutionalization, and characteristics of the organization, the user, and the dissemination strategy. Seventy-one percent of nurses and 42% of physicians worked with the program. They foremost provided the first three steps of the five-step procedure. Physicians' completeness of use was related to their perceived responsibility in providing this education, and nurses' use was related to their perceived self-efficacy, responsibility, training attendance, participation in the adoption decision, and level of institutionalization. Diffusion efforts should focus on improving the completeness of use and level of institutionalization.

Opportunities for promoting youth physical activity: an examination of youth summer camps.

PubMed

Hickerson, Benjamin D; Henderson, Karla A

2014-01-01

Youth summer camp programs have the potential to provide opportunities for physical activity, but little to no research has been conducted to determine activity levels of campers. This study aimed to examine physical activity occurring in day and resident summer camps and how activity levels differed in these camps based upon demographic characteristics. Pedometer data were collected during hours of camp operation from 150 day campers and 114 resident campers between the ages of 8 and 12 years old. Independent t tests were used to compare physical activity by sex, race, and Body Mass Index. Campers at day camps averaged 11,916 steps per camp day, while resident campers averaged 19,699 steps per camp day. Day campers averaged 1586 steps per hour over 7.5 hour days and resident campers averaged 1515 steps per hour over 13 hour days. Male sex, Caucasian race, and normal Body Mass Index were significant correlates of more physical activity. Youth summer camps demonstrate the potential to provide ample opportunities for physical activity during the summer months. Traditional demographic disparities persisted in camps, but the structure of camp programs should allow for changes to increase physical activity for all participants.

Postural adjustment errors reveal deficits in inhibition during lateral step initiation in older adults

PubMed Central

Fuhrman, Susan I.; Redfern, Mark S.; Jennings, J. Richard; Perera, Subashan; Nebes, Robert D.; Furman, Joseph M.

2013-01-01

Postural dual-task studies have demonstrated effects of various executive function components on gait and postural control in older adults. The purpose of the study was to explore the role of inhibition during lateral step initiation. Forty older adults participated (range 70–94 yr). Subjects stepped to the left or right in response to congruous and incongruous visual cues that consisted of left and right arrows appearing on left or right sides of a monitor. The timing of postural adjustments was identified by inflection points in the vertical ground reaction forces (VGRF) measured separately under each foot. Step responses could be classified into preferred and nonpreferred step behavior based on the number of postural adjustments that were made. Delays in onset of the first postural adjustment (PA1) and liftoff (LO) of the step leg during preferred steps progressively increased among the simple, choice, congruous, and incongruous tasks, indicating interference in processing the relevant visuospatial cue. Incongruous cues induced subjects to make more postural adjustments than they typically would (i.e., nonpreferred steps), representing errors in selection of the appropriate motor program. During these nonpreferred steps, the onset of the PA1 was earlier than during the preferred steps, indicating a failure to inhibit an inappropriate initial postural adjustment. The functional consequence of the additional postural adjustments was a delay in the LO compared with steps in which they did not make an error. These results suggest that deficits in inhibitory function may detrimentally affect step decision processing, by delaying voluntary step responses. PMID:23114211

Advanced Platform Systems Technology study. Volume 4: Technology advancement program plan

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1983-01-01

An overview study of the major technology definition tasks and subtasks along with their interfaces and interrelationships is presented. Although not specifically indicated in the diagram, iterations were required at many steps to finalize the results. The development of the integrated technology advancement plan was initiated by using the results of the previous two tasks, i.e., the trade studies and the preliminary cost and schedule estimates for the selected technologies. Descriptions for the development of each viable technology advancement was drawn from the trade studies. Additionally, a logic flow diagram depicting the steps in developing each technology element was developed along with descriptions for each of the major elements. Next, major elements of the logic flow diagrams were time phased, and that allowed the definition of a technology development schedule that was consistent with the space station program schedule when possible. Schedules show the major milestone including tests required as described in the logic flow diagrams.

A Communications Guide for Sustainable Development: How Interested Parties Become Partners, 2nd Edition

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

Fowler, Kimberly M.; Hund, Gretchen; Engel-Cox, Jill A.

2016-03-06

The 2nd edition is an updated version plus an e-book. This book was developed to assist organizations in designing and managing their communication and stakeholder involvement programs. The guidebook describes a step-by-step approach, provides case studies, and presents tools to consider. The book uses a scenario approach to outline changes an organization may confront, and provides a menu of communication and engagement activities that support organizational decision making.

Balance confidence is related to features of balance and gait in individuals with chronic stroke

PubMed Central

Schinkel-Ivy, Alison; Wong, Jennifer S.; Mansfield, Avril

2016-01-01

Reduced balance confidence is associated with impairments in features of balance and gait in individuals with sub-acute stroke. However, an understanding of these relationships in individuals at the chronic stage of stroke recovery is lacking. This study aimed to quantify relationships between balance confidence and specific features of balance and gait in individuals with chronic stroke. Participants completed a balance confidence questionnaire and clinical balance assessment (quiet standing, walking, and reactive stepping) at 6 months post-discharge from inpatient stroke rehabilitation. Regression analyses were performed using balance confidence as a predictor variable and quiet standing, walking, and reactive stepping outcome measures as the dependent variables. Walking velocity was positively correlated with balance confidence, while medio-lateral centre of pressure excursion (quiet standing) and double support time, step width variability, and step time variability (walking) were negatively correlated with balance confidence. This study provides insight into the relationships between balance confidence and balance and gait measures in individuals with chronic stroke, suggesting that individuals with low balance confidence exhibited impaired control of quiet standing as well as walking characteristics associated with cautious gait strategies. Future work should identify the direction of these relationships to inform community-based stroke rehabilitation programs for individuals with chronic stroke, and determine the potential utility of incorporating interventions to improve balance confidence into these programs. PMID:27955809

Follow These Step-by-Step Instructions to Prevent Avoidable Tumbles at School.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pater, Robert; And Others

1987-01-01

Almost a quarter of disabling work injuries among school employees are caused by slips and falls. Outlines prevention steps and safety programs that can help lower the possibilities of accidents from falls in schools. (MD)

Child Sexual Abuse Prevention: How to Take the First Steps.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Anderson, Cordelia

This booklet provides advice and guidelines for persons interested in developing and implementing child sexual abuse prevention programs. Eight steps to child sexual abuse prevention are outlined. Step 1 involves recognition that child sexual abuse can be prevented, and provides facts to use when discussing sexual abuse. Step 2 highlights ways of…

Care in the country: a historical case study of long-term sustainability in 4 rural health centers.

PubMed

Wright, D Brad

2009-09-01

From 1978 to 1983, researchers at the University of North Carolina conducted a National Evaluation of Rural Primary Care Programs. Thirty years later, many of the programs they studied have closed, but the challenges of providing rural health care have persisted. I explored the histories of 4 surviving rural primary care programs and identified factors that contributed to their sustainability. These included physician advocates, innovative practices, organizational flexibility, and community integration. As rural health programs look ahead, identifying future generations of physician advocates is a crucial next step in developing the rural primary care workforce. It is also important for these programs to find ways to cope with high rates of staff turnover.

Automatic localization of landmark sets in head CT images with regression forests for image registration initialization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Dongqing; Liu, Yuan; Noble, Jack H.; Dawant, Benoit M.

2016-03-01

Cochlear Implants (CIs) are electrode arrays that are surgically inserted into the cochlea. Individual contacts stimulate frequency-mapped nerve endings thus replacing the natural electro-mechanical transduction mechanism. CIs are programmed post-operatively by audiologists but this is currently done using behavioral tests without imaging information that permits relating electrode position to inner ear anatomy. We have recently developed a series of image processing steps that permit the segmentation of the inner ear anatomy and the localization of individual contacts. We have proposed a new programming strategy that uses this information and we have shown in a study with 68 participants that 78% of long term recipients preferred the programming parameters determined with this new strategy. A limiting factor to the large scale evaluation and deployment of our technique is the amount of user interaction still required in some of the steps used in our sequence of image processing algorithms. One such step is the rough registration of an atlas to target volumes prior to the use of automated intensity-based algorithms when the target volumes have very different fields of view and orientations. In this paper we propose a solution to this problem. It relies on a random forest-based approach to automatically localize a series of landmarks. Our results obtained from 83 images with 132 registration tasks show that automatic initialization of an intensity-based algorithm proves to be a reliable technique to replace the manual step.

The association of USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK scores with residency match specialty and location.

PubMed

Gauer, Jacqueline L; Jackson, J Brooks

2017-01-01

For future physicians, residency programs offer necessary extended training in specific medical specialties. Medical schools benefit from an understanding of factors that lead their students to match into certain residency specialties. One such factor, often used during the residency application process, is scores on the USA Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE). To determine the relationship between USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) scores and students' residency specialty match, and the association between both USMLE scores and state of legal residency (Minnesota) at the time of admission with students staying in-state or leaving the state for residency program. USMLE scores and residency match data were analyzed from five graduating classes of students at the University of Minnesota Medical School (N = 1054). A MANOVA found significant differences (p < 0.001) between residency specialties and both USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK scores, as well as the combination of the two. Students who matched in Dermatology had the highest mean USMLE scores overall, while students who matched in Family Medicine had the lowest mean scores. Students who went out of state for residency had significantly higher Step 1 scores (p = 0.027) than students who stayed in-state for residency, while there was no significant difference between the groups for Step 2 scores. A significant positive association was found between a student who applied as a legal resident of Minnesota and whether the student stayed in Minnesota for their residency program. Residency specialty match was significantly associated with USMLE Step 1 and USMLE Step 2 CK scores, as was staying in-state or leaving the state for residency. Students who were legal residents of the state at the time of application were more likely to stay in-state for residency, regardless of USMLE score. CK: Clinical knowledge; COMLEX: Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination; GME: Graduate medical education; NRMP: National Resident Matching Program; UME: Undergraduate medical education; USMLE: United States Medical Licensing Examination.

The association of USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK scores with residency match specialty and location

PubMed Central

Gauer, Jacqueline L.; Jackson, J. Brooks

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Background: For future physicians, residency programs offer necessary extended training in specific medical specialties. Medical schools benefit from an understanding of factors that lead their students to match into certain residency specialties. One such factor, often used during the residency application process, is scores on the USA Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE). Objectives: To determine the relationship between USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) scores and students’ residency specialty match, and the association between both USMLE scores and state of legal residency (Minnesota) at the time of admission with students staying in-state or leaving the state for residency program. Design: USMLE scores and residency match data were analyzed from five graduating classes of students at the University of Minnesota Medical School (N = 1054). Results: A MANOVA found significant differences (p < 0.001) between residency specialties and both USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK scores, as well as the combination of the two. Students who matched in Dermatology had the highest mean USMLE scores overall, while students who matched in Family Medicine had the lowest mean scores. Students who went out of state for residency had significantly higher Step 1 scores (p = 0.027) than students who stayed in-state for residency, while there was no significant difference between the groups for Step 2 scores. A significant positive association was found between a student who applied as a legal resident of Minnesota and whether the student stayed in Minnesota for their residency program. Conclusions: Residency specialty match was significantly associated with USMLE Step 1 and USMLE Step 2 CK scores, as was staying in-state or leaving the state for residency. Students who were legal residents of the state at the time of application were more likely to stay in-state for residency, regardless of USMLE score. Abbreviations: CK: Clinical knowledge; COMLEX: Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination; GME: Graduate medical education; NRMP: National Resident Matching Program; UME: Undergraduate medical education; USMLE: United States Medical Licensing Examination PMID:28762297

[Measurement of functional capacity and health related quality of life in an elderly group following a walking program: pilot study].

PubMed

Fortuño Godes, Jesús; Romea Viñets, Jordi; Guerra Balic, Myriam; Sainz Pardo, Gregorio; Queralt Zueras, Josep

2011-01-01

This pre-experimental study analyses the Functional Capacity (FC), Body Mass Index (BMI), Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) and Health Capital Stock (HCS) of elderly people participating in a Walking program in Granollers (Barcelona). One hundred and seventy-three participants were invited to participate. One hundred and one of them were users of the Municipal Program for Elderly People, and 72 received information by the communication media. One hundred and thirty-one (76.3%) of the participants completed the Program. The intervention consisted of a 6-month program, supervised by a specialist instructor once a week and controlled daily by a pedometer. The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) was analysed for the FC, and the EuroQoL for the HRQoL. The preferences derived from the EuroQoL scores and the Life Expectancy were used to calculate the FC. The monetary data were obtained using a fixed value. An increase in the average number of steps was observed after the program, especially in men. The results also showed a decrease in the BMI. The participants showed a improvement in overall health perception at the end of the program. The HCS scores confirmed the improvement in the HRQoL in men. The Program was positive for increasing the number of steps and improving physical condition and health. The usefulness of the pedometer as a motivational tool of physical exercise is discussed. Copyright © 2010 SEGG. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Adaptation of an Alcohol and HIV School-Based Prevention Program for Teens

PubMed Central

Springer, Carolyn; Leu, Cheng-Shiun; Ghosh, Shivnath; Sharma, Sunil Kumar; Rapkin, Bruce

2010-01-01

Given the current status of HIV infection in youth in India, developing and implementing HIV education and prevention interventions is critical. The goal for School-based Teenage Education Program (STEP) was to demonstrate that a HIV/AIDS and alcohol abuse educational program built with specific cultural, linguistic, and community-specific characteristics could be effective. Utilizing the Train-the-Trainer model, the instructors (17–21 years) were trained to present the 10 session manualized program to primarily rural and tribal youth aged 13–16 years in 23 schools (N = 1,421) in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh in India. The intervention had a greater impact on girls; girls evidenced greater communication skills and a trend towards greater self efficacy and reduced risk taking behavior. The STEP has been successfully adapted by the community organizations that were involved in coordinating the program at the local level. Their intention to continue STEP beyond extra funding shows that utilizing the local community in designing, implementing and evaluating programs promotes ownership and sustainability. PMID:20589528

The MLE Teacher: An Agent of Change or a Cog in the Wheel?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bedamatta, Urmishree

2014-01-01

This article examines the role of the multilingual education (MLE) teacher in the mother tongue-based MLE program for the Juangas, a tribe in Odisha, an eastern state of India, and is part of a broader study of the MLE program in the state. For the specific purpose of this article, I have adopted Welmond's (2002) three-step process: identifying…

A systematic plan for the continued study of dimensional stability of metallic alloys considered for the fabrication of cryogenic wind tunnel models

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wigley, D. A.

1985-01-01

Interrelated research and development activities, phased development of stepped specimen program are documented and a sequence for a specific program of machining, validation and heat treatment cycles for one material are described. Proposed work for the next phase of dimensional stability research is presented and further technology development activities are proposed.

Surveying through Text Message: Planning, Programming, and Analyzing

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-04-01

12 7. Trivia Task with steps programmed. ................................................................. 12 8. Import users subscreen...enable the system to process the answers and send the questions automatically, the Trivia Task was activated. 12 Administration Once the Trivia ...r e s e a r c h a t w o r k N P R S T Navy Personnel Research, Studies, and Technology 5720 Integrity Drive • Millington, Tennessee 38055-1000

Sustained employability of workers in a production environment: design of a stepped wedge trial to evaluate effectiveness and cost-benefit of the POSE program.

PubMed

van Holland, Berry J; de Boer, Michiel R; Brouwer, Sandra; Soer, Remko; Reneman, Michiel F

2012-11-20

Sustained employability and health are generating awareness of employers in an aging and more complex work force. To meet these needs, employers may offer their employees health surveillance programs, to increase opportunities to work on health and sustained employability. However, evidence for these health surveillance programs is lacking. The FLESH study (Functional Labour Evaluation for Sustained Health and employment) was developed to evaluate a comprehensive workers' health promotion program on its effectiveness, cost-benefit, and process of the intervention. The study is designed as a cluster randomised stepped wedge trial with randomisation at company plant level and is carried out in a large meat processing company. Every contracted employee is offered the opportunity to participate in the POSE program (Promotion Of Sustained Employability). The main goals of the POSE program are 1) providing employee's insight into their current employability and health status, 2) offering opportunities to improve employability and decrease health risks and 3) improving employability and health sustainably in order to keep them healthy at work. The program consists of a broad assessment followed by a counselling session and, if needed, a tailored intervention. Measurements will be performed at baseline and will be followed up at 20, 40, 60, 80, 106 and 132 weeks. The primary outcome measures are work ability, productivity and absenteeism. Secondary outcomes include health status, vitality, and psychosocial workload. A cost-benefit study will be conducted from the employers' perspective. A process evaluation will be conducted and the satisfaction of employer and employees with the program will be assessed. This study provides information on the effectiveness of the POSE program on sustained employment. When the program proves to be effective, employees benefit by improved work ability, and health. Employers benefit from healthier employees, reduced sick leave (costs) and higher productivity. The study can expose key elements for a successful implementation and execution of the POSE program and may serve as an example to other companies inside and outside the industry. The trial is registered at the Dutch Trial Register (http://www.trialregister.nl): NTR3445.

Sustained employability of workers in a production environment: design of a stepped wedge trial to evaluate effectiveness and cost-benefit of the POSE program

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Sustained employability and health are generating awareness of employers in an aging and more complex work force. To meet these needs, employers may offer their employees health surveillance programs, to increase opportunities to work on health and sustained employability. However, evidence for these health surveillance programs is lacking. The FLESH study (Functional Labour Evaluation for Sustained Health and employment) was developed to evaluate a comprehensive workers’ health promotion program on its effectiveness, cost-benefit, and process of the intervention. Methods The study is designed as a cluster randomised stepped wedge trial with randomisation at company plant level and is carried out in a large meat processing company. Every contracted employee is offered the opportunity to participate in the POSE program (Promotion Of Sustained Employability). The main goals of the POSE program are 1) providing employee’s insight into their current employability and health status, 2) offering opportunities to improve employability and decrease health risks and 3) improving employability and health sustainably in order to keep them healthy at work. The program consists of a broad assessment followed by a counselling session and, if needed, a tailored intervention. Measurements will be performed at baseline and will be followed up at 20, 40, 60, 80, 106 and 132 weeks. The primary outcome measures are work ability, productivity and absenteeism. Secondary outcomes include health status, vitality, and psychosocial workload. A cost-benefit study will be conducted from the employers’ perspective. A process evaluation will be conducted and the satisfaction of employer and employees with the program will be assessed. Discussion This study provides information on the effectiveness of the POSE program on sustained employment. When the program proves to be effective, employees benefit by improved work ability, and health. Employers benefit from healthier employees, reduced sick leave (costs) and higher productivity. The study can expose key elements for a successful implementation and execution of the POSE program and may serve as an example to other companies inside and outside the industry. Trial registration The trial is registered at the Dutch Trial Register (http://www.trialregister.nl): NTR3445 PMID:23164366

Field evaluation of modified asphalt binder guidelines : [brief].

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-04-01

This project assessed the suitability of Wisconsins asphalt binder modification guidelines. It follows up on a previous Wisconsin Highway Research Program (WHRP) study (0092-03-13) which served as an initial step towards validating WisDOTs asph...

NASTRAN hydroelastic modal studies. Volume 2: Programmer documentation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1977-01-01

The operational steps, data descriptions, and program code for the new NASTRAN hydroelastic analysis system are described. The overall flow of the system is described, followed by the descriptions of the individual modules and their subroutines.

Applicant Characteristics Associated With Selection for Ranking at Independent Surgery Residency Programs.

PubMed

Dort, Jonathan M; Trickey, Amber W; Kallies, Kara J; Joshi, Amit R T; Sidwell, Richard A; Jarman, Benjamin T

2015-01-01

This study evaluated characteristics of applicants selected for interview and ranked by independent general surgery residency programs and assessed independent program application volumes, interview selection, rank list formation, and match success. Demographic and academic information was analyzed for 2014-2015 applicants. Applicant characteristics were compared by ranking status using univariate and multivariable statistical techniques. Characteristics independently associated with whether or not an applicant was ranked were identified using multivariable logistic regression modeling with backward stepwise variable selection and cluster-correlated robust variance estimates to account for correlations among individuals who applied to multiple programs. The Electronic Residency Application Service was used to obtain applicant data and program match outcomes at 33 independent surgery programs. All applicants selected to interview at 33 participating independent general surgery residency programs were included in the study. Applicants were 60% male with median age of 26 years. Birthplace was well distributed. Most applicants (73%) had ≥1 academic publication. Median United States Medical Licensing Exams (USMLE) Step 1 score was 228 (interquartile range: 218-240), and median USMLE Step 2 clinical knowledge score was 241 (interquartile range: 231-250). Residency programs in some regions more often ranked applicants who attended medical school within the same region. On multivariable analysis, significant predictors of ranking by an independent residency program were: USMLE scores, medical school region, and birth region. Independent programs received an average of 764 applications (range: 307-1704). On average, 12% interviews, and 81% of interviewed applicants were ranked. Most programs (84%) matched at least 1 applicant ranked in their top 10. Participating independent programs attract a large volume of applicants and have high standards in the selection process. This information can be used by surgery residency applicants to gauge their candidacy at independent programs. Independent programs offer a select number of interviews, rank most applicants that they interview, and successfully match competitive applicants. Copyright © 2015 Association of Program Directors in Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Learning Outcomes Assessment Step-By-Step: Enhancing Evidence-Based Practice in Career Services

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Makela, Julia Panke; Rooney, Gail S.

2012-01-01

What difference do your career programs and services make in clients' lives? How do you know? Answer these questions and more. Learn a practical approach to learning outcomes assessment that helps you tell the story of your career programs and services, celebrate your successes, and continuously improve your practice. Within this monograph, you…

Simulation Activity for Initiating Thinking about Year Around School Plans.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sagness, Richard L.

This document presents a three-step model for providing teachers with basic information on year-round or extended school plans. As a first step, descriptions of basic plans are given. The four used in this paper are Staggered Quarter for All, Full 48-week School Year for All, Voluntary Summer Program, and A Summer Program for Professional…

Art. Program Planning, Primary, Junior.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

York Borough Board of Education, Toronto (Ontario).

Over 20 ideas for planning art programs for grades 1 through 6 are included in this planning guide. Introductory comments stress the individuality of children and caution art teachers not to judge by adult standards and not to direct lessons step-by-step or show how things should be drawn. Outdoor sketching is recommended as a way to develop…

First Step to Success. What Works Clearinghouse Intervention Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

What Works Clearinghouse, 2012

2012-01-01

"First Step to Success" is an early intervention program designed to help children who are at risk for developing aggressive or antisocial behavioral patterns. The program uses a trained behavior coach who works with each student and his or her class peers, teacher, and parents for approximately 50 to 60 hours over a three-month period.…

Designing and Implementing Two-Way Bilingual Programs: A Step-by-Step Guide for Administrators, Teachers, and Parents.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Calderon, Margarita Espino; Minaya-Rowe, Liliana

This book provides school administrators, teachers, and parents with the basic knowledge necessary for planning and implementing effective two-way bilingual programs. It offers essential elements to help students gain literacy in two languages, increase cross-cultural understanding, and meet high levels of achievement in all core academic areas.…

Developing Knowledgeable Teachers: A Framework for Standards-Based Teacher Education Supported by Institutional Collaboration. The STEP Reports.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Garvin, Patty, Ed.

This collection of papers describes the process of creating a standards-based teacher education program through strong collaboration among arts and science, education, and P-12 faculty members and administrators. The Standards-based Teacher Education Project (STEP) was designed to help teacher education programs ensure that their graduates know…

The parallel programming of voluntary and reflexive saccades.

PubMed

Walker, Robin; McSorley, Eugene

2006-06-01

A novel two-step paradigm was used to investigate the parallel programming of consecutive, stimulus-elicited ('reflexive') and endogenous ('voluntary') saccades. The mean latency of voluntary saccades, made following the first reflexive saccades in two-step conditions, was significantly reduced compared to that of voluntary saccades made in the single-step control trials. The latency of the first reflexive saccades was modulated by the requirement to make a second saccade: first saccade latency increased when a second voluntary saccade was required in the opposite direction to the first saccade, and decreased when a second saccade was required in the same direction as the first reflexive saccade. A second experiment confirmed the basic effect and also showed that a second reflexive saccade may be programmed in parallel with a first voluntary saccade. The results support the view that voluntary and reflexive saccades can be programmed in parallel on a common motor map.

Exploring the Content of Intraoperative Teaching.

PubMed

Pernar, Luise I M; Peyre, Sarah E; Hasson, Rian M; Lipsitz, Stuart; Corso, Katherine; Ashley, Stanley W; Breen, Elizabeth M

2016-01-01

Much teaching to surgical residents takes place in the operating room (OR). The explicit content of what is taught in the OR, however, has not previously been described. This study investigated the content of what is taught in the OR, specifically during laparoscopic cholecystectomies (LCs), for which a cognitive task analysis (CTA), explicitly delineating individual steps, was available in the literature. A checklist of necessary technical and decision-making steps to be executed during performance of LCs, anchored in the previously published CTA, was developed. A convenience sample of LCs was identified over a 12-month period from February 2011 to February 2012. Using the checklist, a trained observer recorded explicit teaching that occurred regarding these steps during each observed case. All observations were tallied and analyzed. In all, 51 LCs were observed; 14 surgery attendings and 33 residents participated in the observed cases. Of 1042 observable teaching points, only 560 (53.7%) were observed during the study period. As a proportion of all observable steps, technical steps were observed more frequently, 377 (67.3%), than decision-making steps, 183 (32.7%). Also when focusing on technical and decision-making steps alone, technical steps were taught more frequently (60.9% vs 43.3%). Only approximately half of all possible observable teaching steps were explicitly taught during LCs in this study. Technical steps were more frequently taught than decision-making steps. These findings may have important implications: a better understanding of the content of intraoperative teaching would allow educators to steer residents' preoperative preparation, modulate intraoperative instruction by members of the surgical faculty, and guide residents to the most appropriate teaching venues. Copyright © 2015 Association of Program Directors in Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Resolved Stellar Populations Early Release Science Program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gilbert, Karoline; Weisz, Daniel; Resolved Stellar Populations ERS Program Team

2018-06-01

The Resolved Stellar Populations Early Release Science Program (PI D. Weisz) will observe Local Group targets covering a range of stellar density and star formation histories, including a globular cluster, and ultra-faint dwarf galaxy, and a star-forming dwarf galaxy. Using observations of these diverse targets we will explore a broad science program: we will measure star formation histories, the sub-solar stellar initial mass function, and proper motions, perform studies of evolved stars, and map extinction in the target fields. Our observations will be of high archival value for other science such as calibrating stellar evolution models, studying variable stars, and searching for metal-poor stars. We will determine optimal observational setups and develop data reduction techniques that will be common to JWST studies of resolved stellar populations. We will also design, test, and release point spread function (PSF) fitting software specific to NIRCam and NIRISS, required for the crowded stellar regime. Prior to the Cycle 2 Call for Proposals, we will release PSF fitting software, matched HST and JWST catalogs, and clear documentation and step-by-step tutorials (such as Jupyter notebooks) for reducing crowded stellar field data and producing resolved stellar photometry catalogs, as well as for specific resolved stellar photometry science applications.

Behaviour of mathematics and physics students in solving problem of Vector-Physics context

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sardi; Rizal, M.; Mansyur, J.

2018-04-01

This research aimed to describe behaviors of mathematics and physics students in solving problem of the vector concept in physics context. The subjects of the research were students who enrolled in Mathematics Education Study Program and Physics Education Study Program of FKIP Universitas Tadulako. The selected participants were students who received the highest score in vector fundamental concept test in each study program. The data were collected through thinking-aloud activity followed by an interview. The steps of data analysis included data reduction, display, and conclusion drawing. The credibility of the data was tested using a triangulation method. Based on the data analysis, it can be concluded that the two groups of students did not show fundamental differences in problem-solving behavior, especially in the steps of understanding the problem (identifying, collecting and analyzing facts and information), planning (looking for alternative strategies) and conducting the alternative strategy. The two groups were differ only in the evaluation aspect. In contrast to Physics students who evaluated their answer, mathematics students did not conducted an evaluation activity on their work. However, the difference was not caused by the differences in background knowledge.

Analysis of steps adapted protocol in cardiac rehabilitation in the hospital phase

PubMed Central

Winkelmann, Eliane Roseli; Dallazen, Fernanda; Bronzatti, Angela Beerbaum Steinke; Lorenzoni, Juliara Cristina Werner; Windmöller, Pollyana

2015-01-01

Objective To analyze a cardiac rehabilitation adapted protocol in physical therapy during the postoperative hospital phase of cardiac surgery in a service of high complexity, in aspects regarded to complications and mortality prevalence and hospitalization days. Methods This is an observational cross-sectional, retrospective and analytical study performed by investigating 99 patients who underwent cardiac surgery for coronary artery bypass graft, heart valve replacement or a combination of both. Step program adapted for rehabilitation after cardiac surgery was analyzed under the command of the physiotherapy professional team. Results In average, a patient stays for two days in the Intensive Care Unit and three to four days in the hospital room, totalizing six days of hospitalization. Fatalities occurred in a higher percentage during hospitalization (5.1%) and up to two years period (8.6%) when compared to 30 days after hospital discharge (1.1%). Among the postoperative complications, the hemodynamic (63.4%) and respiratory (42.6%) were the most prevalent. 36-42% of complications occurred between the immediate postoperative period and the second postoperative day. The hospital discharge started from the fifth postoperative day. We can observe that in each following day, the patients are evolving in achieving the Steps, where Step 3 was the most used during the rehabilitation phase I. Conclusion This evolution program by steps can to guide the physical rehabilitation at the hospital in patients after cardiac surgery. PMID:25859866

Analysis of steps adapted protocol in cardiac rehabilitation in the hospital phase.

PubMed

Winkelmann, Eliane Roseli; Dallazen, Fernanda; Bronzatti, Angela Beerbaum Steinke; Lorenzoni, Juliara Cristina Werner; Windmöller, Pollyana

2015-01-01

To analyze a cardiac rehabilitation adapted protocol in physical therapy during the postoperative hospital phase of cardiac surgery in a service of high complexity, in aspects regarded to complications and mortality prevalence and hospitalization days. This is an observational cross-sectional, retrospective and analytical study performed by investigating 99 patients who underwent cardiac surgery for coronary artery bypass graft, heart valve replacement or a combination of both. Step program adapted for rehabilitation after cardiac surgery was analyzed under the command of the physiotherapy professional team. In average, a patient stays for two days in the Intensive Care Unit and three to four days in the hospital room, totalizing six days of hospitalization. Fatalities occurred in a higher percentage during hospitalization (5.1%) and up to two years period (8.6%) when compared to 30 days after hospital discharge (1.1%). Among the postoperative complications, the hemodynamic (63.4%) and respiratory (42.6%) were the most prevalent. 36-42% of complications occurred between the immediate postoperative period and the second postoperative day. The hospital discharge started from the fifth postoperative day. We can observe that in each following day, the patients are evolving in achieving the Steps, where Step 3 was the most used during the rehabilitation phase I. This evolution program by steps can to guide the physical rehabilitation at the hospital in patients after cardiac surgery.

Using the Knowledge, Process, Practice (KPP) model for driving the design and development of online postgraduate medical education.

PubMed

Shaw, Tim; Barnet, Stewart; Mcgregor, Deborah; Avery, Jennifer

2015-01-01

Online learning is a primary delivery method for continuing health education programs. It is critical that programs have curricula objectives linked to educational models that support learning. Using a proven educational modelling process ensures that curricula objectives are met and a solid basis for learning and assessment is achieved. To develop an educational design model that produces an educationally sound program development plan for use by anyone involved in online course development. We have described the development of a generic educational model designed for continuing health education programs. The Knowledge, Process, Practice (KPP) model is founded on recognised educational theory and online education practice. This paper presents a step-by-step guide on using this model for program development that encases reliable learning and evaluation. The model supports a three-step approach, KPP, based on learning outcomes and supporting appropriate assessment activities. It provides a program structure for online or blended learning that is explicit, educationally defensible, and supports multiple assessment points for health professionals. The KPP model is based on best practice educational design using a structure that can be adapted for a variety of online or flexibly delivered postgraduate medical education programs.

Coordination of rapid stepping with arm pointing: anticipatory changes and step adaptation.

PubMed

Yiou, Eric; Schneider, Cyril; Roussel, Didier

2007-06-01

The present study explored whether rapid stepping is influenced by the coordination of an arm pointing task. Nine participants were instructed to (a) point the index finger of the dominant arm towards a target from the standing posture, (b) initiate a rapid forward step with the contralateral leg, and (c) synchronize stepping and pointing (combined task). Force plate and ankle muscle electromyography (EMG) recordings were contrasted between (b) and (c). In the combined task, the arm acceleration trace most often peaked around foot-off, coinciding with a 15% increase in the forward acceleration of the center of gravity (CoG). Backward displacement of the center of foot pressure at foot-off, duration of anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) and ankle muscle EMG activity remained unchanged. In contrast, durations of swing phase and whole step were reduced and step length was smaller in the combined task. A reduction in the swing phase was correlated with an increased CoG forward acceleration at foot-off. Changes in the biomechanics of step initiation during the combined task might be ascribed to the postural dynamics elicited by arm pointing, and not to a modulation of the step APAs programming.

Dermatology Residency Selection Criteria with an Emphasis on Program Characteristics: A National Program Director Survey

PubMed Central

Gorouhi, Farzam; Alikhan, Ali; Rezaei, Arash; Fazel, Nasim

2014-01-01

Background. Dermatology residency programs are relatively diverse in their resident selection process. The authors investigated the importance of 25 dermatology residency selection criteria focusing on differences in program directors' (PDs') perception based on specific program demographics. Methods. This cross-sectional nationwide observational survey utilized a 41-item questionnaire that was developed by literature search, brainstorming sessions, and online expert reviews. The data were analyzed utilizing the reliability test, two-step clustering, and K-means methods as well as other methods. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in PDs' perception regarding the importance of the selection criteria based on program demographics. Results. Ninety-five out of 114 PDs (83.3%) responded to the survey. The top five criteria for dermatology residency selection were interview, letters of recommendation, United States Medical Licensing Examination Step I scores, medical school transcripts, and clinical rotations. The following criteria were preferentially ranked based on different program characteristics: “advanced degrees,” “interest in academics,” “reputation of undergraduate and medical school,” “prior unsuccessful attempts to match,” and “number of publications.” Conclusions. Our survey provides up-to-date factual data on dermatology PDs' perception in this regard. Dermatology residency programs may find the reported data useful in further optimizing their residency selection process. PMID:24772165

Advanced imaging programs: maximizing a multislice CT investment.

PubMed

Falk, Robert

2008-01-01

Advanced image processing has moved from a luxury to a necessity in the practice of medicine. A hospital's adoption of sophisticated 3D imaging entails several important steps with many factors to consider in order to be successful. Like any new hospital program, 3D post-processing should be introduced through a strategic planning process that includes administrators, physicians, and technologists to design, implement, and market a program that is scalable-one that minimizes up front costs while providing top level service. This article outlines the steps for planning, implementation, and growth of an advanced imaging program.

Cost analysis of oxygen recovery systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yakut, M. M.

1973-01-01

The design and development of equipment for flight use in earth-orbital programs, when optimally approached cost effectively, proceed through the following logical progression: (1) bench testing of breadboard designs, (2) the fabrication and evaluation of prototype equipment, (3) redesign to meet flight-imposed requirements, and (4) qualification and testing of a flight-ready system. Each of these steps is intended to produce the basic design information necessary to progress to the next step. The cost of each step is normally substantially less than that of the following step. An evaluation of the cost elements involved in each of the steps and their impact on total program cost are presented. Cost analyses of four leading oxygen recovery subsystems which include two carbon dioxide reduction subsystem, Sabatier and Bosch, and two water electrolysis subsystems, the solid polymer electrolyte and the circulating KOH electrolyte are described.

User's guide to resin infusion simulation program in the FORTRAN language

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weideman, Mark H.; Hammond, Vince H.; Loos, Alfred C.

1992-01-01

RTMCL is a user friendly computer code which simulates the manufacture of fabric composites by the resin infusion process. The computer code is based on the process simulation model described in reference 1. Included in the user's guide is a detailed step by step description of how to run the program and enter and modify the input data set. Sample input and output files are included along with an explanation of the results. Finally, a complete listing of the program is provided.

Effect of Islam-based religious program on spiritual wellbeing in elderly with hypertension.

PubMed

Moeini, Mahin; Sharifi, Somaye; Kajbaf, Mohamed Bagher

2016-01-01

Lack of spiritual health in patients with hypertension leads to many mental, social, and physical effects, On the other hand, considering the prevalence of hypertension among the elderly, interventions to enhance their spiritual wellbeing is essential. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the effect of religious programs based on Islam on spiritual wellbeing in elderly patients with hypertension who referred to the health centers of Isfahan in 2014. This study was a randomized clinical trial. The participants (52 elderly patients with hypertension) were randomly divided in to experimental and control groups. Religious program was implemented for the experimental group in eight sessions in two Isfahan health centers. Spirituality wellbeing survey (SWB) questionnaire was completed in three steps, namely, pretest, posttest and follow-up (1 month) in two groups. In the study, Chi-square test, independent t -test, and repeated-measures analysis of variance were performed for analyzing the data. Before the intervention, there was no significant difference between the mean scores of spiritual wellbeing, the religious dimension, and the existential aspect of spiritual wellbeing of the two groups. However in the posttest step and follow-up stage, the mean scores of spiritual wellbeing, the religious dimension, and the existential aspect of spiritual wellbeing in the experimental group was significantly higher than in the control group ( P < 0.001). The religious program based on Islam promoted the SWB of elderly patients with hypertension; further, nurses can use these programs to promote the SWB of elderly patients with hypertension.

Improving the Impact and Implementation of Disaster Education: Programs for Children Through Theory-Based Evaluation.

PubMed

Johnson, Victoria A; Ronan, Kevin R; Johnston, David M; Peace, Robin

2016-11-01

A main weakness in the evaluation of disaster education programs for children is evaluators' propensity to judge program effectiveness based on changes in children's knowledge. Few studies have articulated an explicit program theory of how children's education would achieve desired outcomes and impacts related to disaster risk reduction in households and communities. This article describes the advantages of constructing program theory models for the purpose of evaluating disaster education programs for children. Following a review of some potential frameworks for program theory development, including the logic model, the program theory matrix, and the stage step model, the article provides working examples of these frameworks. The first example is the development of a program theory matrix used in an evaluation of ShakeOut, an earthquake drill practiced in two Washington State school districts. The model illustrates a theory of action; specifically, the effectiveness of school earthquake drills in preventing injuries and deaths during disasters. The second example is the development of a stage step model used for a process evaluation of What's the Plan Stan?, a voluntary teaching resource distributed to all New Zealand primary schools for curricular integration of disaster education. The model illustrates a theory of use; specifically, expanding the reach of disaster education for children through increased promotion of the resource. The process of developing the program theory models for the purpose of evaluation planning is discussed, as well as the advantages and shortcomings of the theory-based approaches. © 2015 Society for Risk Analysis.

Plan-sponsor savings and member experience with point-of-service prescription step therapy.

PubMed

Motheral, Brenda R; Henderson, Rochelle; Cox, Emily R

2004-07-01

To examine the effect of prescription step-therapy programs in terms of plan-sponsor savings and member experience at the point of service. Plan-sponsor savings were measured using a quasi-experimental, case-control design. Member experience with step therapy was measured using a self-administered mailed survey. A 20,000-member plan implemented 3 step therapy programs in September 2002: proton pump inhibitors, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Pharmacy claims from September 1, 2001, through June 30, 2003, were examined to compare changes in per-member-per-month (PMPM) net cost between the intervention group and a random sample of members from commercial plans without the step therapy programs. A mailed, self-administered survey was sent to members with a step edit from September 1, 2002 to December 31, 2002. The employer experienced a decrease of 0.83 dollars in net cost after implementing step therapy, while the comparison group had an upward trend of 0.10 dollars PMPM for these therapy classes. Member-reported outcomes indicated that approximately 30% of patients received a generic, 23% were granted a medical exception for the brand, 17% received no medication, and 16% paid the full retail price for the brand. If the pharmacist vs the patient contacted the physician, members were 8 times more likely to receive a medication covered by the health plan (OR, 8.10; 95% CI, 2.94-22.33 vs OR, 8.23; 95% CI, 3.11-21.93). Compared with those who received first-line therapy, those who paid out of pocket for the brand medication vs those who did not receive any medication were less likely to be satisfied with their pharmacy benefit (OR, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.08-0.80 vs OR, 0.12; 95% CI, 0.04-0.41). Step therapy produces significant drug savings. However, there appear to be opportunities to further members' and providers' understanding of these programs.

A randomized controlled trial of group Stepping Stones Triple P: a mixed-disability trial.

PubMed

Roux, Gemma; Sofronoff, Kate; Sanders, Matthew

2013-09-01

Stepping Stones Triple P (SSTP) is a parenting program designed for families of a child with a disability. The current study involved a randomized controlled trial of Group Stepping Stones Triple P (GSSTP) for a mixed-disability group. Participants were 52 families of children diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, or an intellectual disability. The results demonstrated significant improvements in parent-reported child behavior, parenting styles, parental satisfaction, and conflict about parenting. Results among participants were similar despite children's differing impairments. The intervention effect was maintained at 6-month follow-up. The results indicate that GSSTP is a promising intervention for a mixed-disability group. Limitations of the study, along with areas for future research, are also discussed. © FPI, Inc.

Numerical study of a scramjet engine flow field

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Drummond, J. P.; Weidner, E. H.

1981-01-01

A computer program has been developed to analyze the turbulent reacting flow field in a two-dimensional scramjet engine configuration. The program numerically solves the full two-dimensional Navier-Stokes and species equations in the engine inlet and combustor, allowing consideration of flow separation and possible inlet-combustor interactions. The current work represents an intermediate step towards development of a three-dimensional program to analyze actual scramjet engine flow fields. Results from the current program are presented that predict the flow field for two inlet-combustor configurations, and comparisons of the program with experiment are given to allow assessment of the modeling that is employed.

STP (Solar-Terrestrial Physics) Newsletter 87-1

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

Not Available

1987-01-01

Contents include: SCOSTEP organization; draft minutes of SCOSTEP Bureau meeting, August 20-21, 1987; solar-terrestrial energy program (STEP), preliminary report; USSR participation in STEP; STEP Steering Committee meeting, August 1987; CEDAR Steering Committee report; future meetings; and SCOSTEP adherents, secretaries and correspondents.

Planning for Growth.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Astle, Judy Hughes

2001-01-01

A summer camp expanded into year-round operation one step at a time. Initial steps included identifying the camp mission, history, and assets. Successive steps became larger and included expanding the program within the mission, increasing marketing efforts, developing natural resources, creating plans for maintenance and improvements, and…

LOP- LONG-TERM ORBIT PREDICTOR

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kwok, J. H.

1994-01-01

The Long-Term Orbit Predictor (LOP) trajectory propagation program is a useful tool in lifetime analysis of orbiting spacecraft. LOP is suitable for studying planetary orbit missions with reconnaissance (flyby) and exploratory (mapping) trajectories. Sample data is included for a geosynchronous station drift cycle study, a Venus radar mapping strategy, a frozen orbit about Mars, and a repeat ground trace orbit. LOP uses the variation-of-parameters method in formulating the equations of motion. Terms involving the mean anomaly are removed from numerical integrations so that large step sizes, on the order of days, are possible. Consequently, LOP executes much faster than programs based on Cowell's method, such as the companion program ASAP (the Artificial Satellite Analysis Program, NPO-17522, also available through COSMIC). The program uses a force model with a gravity field of up to 21 by 21, lunisolar perturbation, drag, and solar radiation pressure. The input includes classical orbital elements (either mean or oscillating), orbital elements of the sun relative to the planet, reference time and dates, drag coefficients, gravitational constants, planet radius, rotation rate. The printed output contains the classical elements for each time step or event step, and additional orbital data such as true anomaly, eccentric anomaly, latitude, longitude, periapsis altitude, and the rate of change per day of certain elements. Selected output is additionally written to a plot file for postprocessing by the user. LOP is written in FORTRAN 77 for batch execution on IBM PC compatibles running MS-DOS with a minimum of 256K RAM. Recompiling the source requires the Lahey F77 v2.2 compiler. The LOP package includes examples that use LOTUS 1-2-3 for graphical displays, but any graphics software package should be able to handle the ASCII plot file. The program is available on two 5.25 inch 360K MS-DOS format diskettes. The program was written in 1986 and last updated in 1989. LOP is a copyrighted work with all copyright vested in NASA. IBM PC is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. Lotus 1-2-3 is a registered trademark of Lotus Development Corporation. MS-DOS is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

Preliminary Design Study of a National Program for Training Skilled Aviation Personnel.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Arizona State Univ., Tempe.

This study supplementing a 1967 study of Arizona State University, recommends preliminary plans for the design of a national training center capable of accommodating 2,200 fliers and aviation technicians and the steps that should be taken to complete the facility by September 1972. Specific recommendations are: (1) negotiations between the…

Relative Motion of the WDS 05110+3203 STF 648 System, With a Protocol for Calculating Relative Motion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wiley, E. O.

2010-07-01

Relative motion studies of visual double stars can be investigated using least squares regression techniques and readily accessible programs such as Microsoft Excel and a calculator. Optical pairs differ from physical pairs under most geometries in both their simple scatter plots and their regression models. A step-by-step protocol for estimating the rectilinear elements of an optical pair is presented. The characteristics of physical pairs using these techniques are discussed.

Validation of the 1/12 degrees Arctic Cap Nowcast/Forecast System (ACNFS)

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-11-04

IBM Power 6 ( Davinci ) at NAVOCEANO with a 2 hr time step for the ice model and a 30 min time step for the ocean model. All model boundaries are...run using 320 processors on the Navy DSRC IBM Power 6 ( Davinci ) at NAVOCEANO. A typical one-day hindcast takes approximately 1.0 wall clock hour...meter. As more observations become available, further studies of ice draft will be used as a validation tool . The IABP program archived 102 Argos

Validation of the 1/12 deg Arctic Cap Nowcast/Forecast System (ACNFS)

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-11-04

IBM Power 6 ( Davinci ) at NAVOCEANO with a 2 hr time step for the ice model and a 30 min time step for the ocean model. All model boundaries are...run using 320 processors on the Navy DSRC IBM Power 6 ( Davinci ) at NAVOCEANO. A typical one-day hindcast takes approximately 1.0 wall clock hour...meter. As more observations become available, further studies of ice draft will be used as a validation tool . The IABP program archived 102 Argos

An Update on the NASA Planetary Science Division Research and Analysis Program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Richey, Christina; Bernstein, Max; Rall, Jonathan

2015-01-01

Introduction: NASA's Planetary Science Division (PSD) solicits its Research and Analysis (R&A) programs each year in Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES). Beginning with the 2014 ROSES solicitation, PSD will be changing the structure of the program elements under which the majority of planetary science R&A is done. Major changes include the creation of five core research program elements aligned with PSD's strategic science questions, the introduction of several new R&A opportunities, new submission requirements, and a new timeline for proposal submissionROSES and NSPIRES: ROSES contains the research announcements for all of SMD. Submission of ROSES proposals is done electronically via NSPIRES: http://nspires.nasaprs.com. We will present further details on the proposal submission process to help guide younger scientists. Statistical trends, including the average award size within the PSD programs, selections rates, and lessons learned, will be presented. Information on new programs will also be presented, if available.Review Process and Volunteering: The SARA website (http://sara.nasa.gov) contains information on all ROSES solicitations. There is an email address (SARA@nasa.gov) for inquiries and an area for volunteer reviewers to sign up. The peer review process is based on Scientific/Technical Merit, Relevance, and Level of Effort, and will be detailed within this presentation.ROSES 2014 submission changes: All PSD programs will use a two-step proposal submission process. A Step-1 proposal is required and must be submitted electronically by the Step-1 due date. The Step-1 proposal should include a description of the science goals and objectives to be addressed by the proposal, a brief description of the methodology to be used to address the science goals and objectives, and the relevance of the proposed research to the call submitted to.Additional Information: Additional details will be provided on the Cassini Data Analysis Program, the Exoplanets Research program and Discovery Data Analysis Program, for which Dr. Richey is the Lead Program Officer.

School-based obesity prevention: a blueprint for taming the epidemic.

PubMed

Baranowski, Tom; Cullen, Karen W; Nicklas, Theresa; Thompson, Deborah; Baranowski, Janice

2002-01-01

To review the literature on school-based obesity prevention programs to identify what can be done to minimize the increasing levels of obesity. Twenty articles reporting school-based dietary or physical activity change programs were identified that used BMI or skinfolds as part of the evaluation. Seven studies obtained change in BMI and differed from those not finding change in 3 ways: program implementers were not classroom teachers; intervention targeted middle or high schools; and inactivity reduction was promoted. An 8-step research strategy was delineated to develop and evaluate programs with a maximum chance of taming the obesity epidemic.

Indiana State Nurses Assistance Program: identifying gender differences in substance use disorders.

PubMed

McNelis, Angela M; Horton-Deutsch, Sara; O'Haver Day, Pamela; Gavardinas, Tara; Outlaw, Christina; Palmer, Rhonda; Schroeder, Mary

2012-01-01

The objective of this study was to describe the population of nurses in the Indiana State Nurses Assistance Program (ISNAP) as an initial step toward making recommendations for future program improvement efforts. Secondary analysis of data collected for non-research purpose. Male nurses represented a proportionately higher percentage than female nurses in ISNAP and used alcohol two times more often than opiates, the second most abused substance. Data need to be systematically collected to provide evidence for monitoring and treatment programs to address the needs of impaired nurses based on characteristics, including gender. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Design of the study: how can health care help female breast cancer patients reduce their stress symptoms? A randomized intervention study with stepped-care.

PubMed

Nordin, Karin; Rissanen, Ritva; Ahlgren, Johan; Burell, Gunilla; Fjällskog, Marie-Louise; Börjesson, Susanne; Arving, Cecilia

2012-05-04

A life threatening illness such as breast cancer can lead to a secondary diagnosis of PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) with intrusive thoughts and avoidance as major symptoms. In a former study by the research group, 80% of the patients with breast cancer reported a high level of stress symptoms close to the diagnosis, such as intrusive thoughts and avoidance behavior. These symptoms remained high throughout the study. The present paper presents the design of a randomized study evaluating the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a stress management intervention using a stepped-care design. Female patients over the age of 18, with a recent diagnosis of breast cancer and scheduled for adjuvant treatment in the form of chemotherapy, radiation therapy and/or hormonal therapy are eligible and will consecutively be included in the study. The study is a prospective longitudinal intervention study with a stepped-care approach, where patients will be randomised to one of two interventions in the final stage of treatment. The first step is a low intensity stress-management intervention that is given to all patients. Patients who do not respond to this level are thereafter given more intensive treatment at later steps in the program and will be randomized to more intensive stress-management intervention in a group setting or individually. The primary out-come is subjective distress (intrusion and avoidance) assessed by the Impact of Event Scale (IES). According to the power-analyses, 300 patients are planned to be included in the study and will be followed for one year. Other outcomes are anxiety, depression, quality of life, fatigue, stress in daily living and utilization of hospital services. This will be assessed with well-known psychometric tested questionnaires. Also, the cost-effectiveness of the intervention given in group or individually will be evaluated. This randomized clinical trial will provide additional empirical evidence regarding the effectiveness of a stress-management program given in group or individually during adjuvant therapy in terms of decreased stress, minimizing fatigue, and maintaining or enhancing patients' quality of life and psychological well-being. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01555645.

Alcohol and drug treatment involvement, 12-step attendance and abstinence: 9-year cross-lagged analysis of adults in an integrated health plan.

PubMed

Witbrodt, Jane; Ye, Yu; Bond, Jason; Chi, Felicia; Weisner, Constance; Mertens, Jennifer

2014-04-01

This study explored causal relationships between post-treatment 12-step attendance and abstinence at multiple data waves and examined indirect paths leading from treatment initiation to abstinence 9-years later. Adults (N = 1945) seeking help for alcohol or drug use disorders from integrated healthcare organization outpatient treatment programs were followed at 1-, 5-, 7- and 9-years. Path modeling with cross-lagged partial regression coefficients was used to test causal relationships. Cross-lagged paths indicated greater 12-step attendance during years 1 and 5 and were casually related to past-30-day abstinence at years 5 and 7 respectfully, suggesting 12-step attendance leads to abstinence (but not vice versa) well into the post-treatment period. Some gender differences were found in these relationships. Three significant time-lagged, indirect paths emerged linking treatment duration to year-9 abstinence. Conclusions are discussed in the context of other studies using longitudinal designs. For outpatient clients, results reinforce the value of lengthier treatment duration and 12-step attendance in year 1. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The effects of a pedometer-based behavioral modification program with telephone support on physical activity and sedentary behavior in type 2 diabetes patients.

PubMed

De Greef, Karlijn P; Deforche, Benedicte I; Ruige, Johannes B; Bouckaert, Jacques J; Tudor-Locke, Catrine E; Kaufman, Jean-Marc; De Bourdeaudhuij, Ilse M

2011-08-01

Effectiveness of a behavioral modification program on physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior in diabetes patients. Ninety-two patients were randomly assigned to an intervention or control group. The 24-weeks intervention consisted of a face-to-face session, pedometer and seven telephone follow-ups. Mean selection criteria were 35-75 years; 25-35 kg/m(2); ≤ 12% HbA1c, treated for type 2 diabetes; no PA limitations. PA and sedentary behavior were measured by pedometer, accelerometer and questionnaire over the short- (24 weeks) and intermediate- (1 year) term. The intervention group increased their steps/day by 2744, their total PA by 23 min/day (p<0.001) and decreased their sedentary behavior by 23 min/day (p<0.05) post-intervention. After 1 year the intervention group still had an increase of 1872 steps/day, 11 min/day total PA and a decrease of 12 min/day in sedentary behavior (p<0.001). This pedometer-based behavioral modification program with telephone support showed lasting positive effects on steps/day, PA and sedentary behavior. This study tested a convenient way to increase PA among type 2 diabetes patients. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Metacognitive Language in Bilingual Children.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Campoverde, Cecilia

An exploratory study was conducted to identify the degree of language performance in native and bilingual English- and Spanish-speaking children under circumstances of native and bilingual language instruction. The study is a first step in testing the hypothesis that the underachievement of children in English-as-a-second-language programs and…

Pathways to Peace: Promoting Non-Violent Learning Environments.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johnson, Celia E.; Templeton, Rosalyn Anstine; Wan, Guofang

This qualitative study explored the effects of the Second Step Curriculum, designed to teach the social skills necessary for children to peacefully solve problems and resolve conflicts through empathy training, impulse control, and anger management. The study focused on teachers' perceptions of the program: what they perceived to be the program…

Access to Vocational Education. A Planning System for Local Secondary and Post-Secondary Program and Facility Accessibility. Step 1: Identifying Barriers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rice, Eric; And Others

This guidebook focuses on the first of five steps included in a planning system for improving local secondary and postsecondary program and facilities accessibility: identifying barriers. The first five sections of the booklet are comprised of self-instructional descriptions of five needs-assessment procedures that can be used to identify…

Talking with Kids about AIDS: A Program for Parents and Other Adults Who Care. Teaching Guide [and] Resource Manual.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tiffany, Jennifer; Tobias, Donald; Raqub, Arzeymah; Ziegler, Jerome

The teaching guide and resource manual present information to help parents and other adults talk to children and adolescents about AIDS. The teaching guide is a resource for conducting parent AIDS education programs. It presents step-by-step instructions for facilitators that explain the activities and objectives and the teaching techniques for…

Access to Vocational Education. A Planning System for Local Secondary and Post-Secondary Program and Facility Accessibility. Step 3: Generating Strategies.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rice, Eric; And Others

This guidebook focuses on the third of five steps included in a planning system for improving local secondary and postsecondary program and facilities accessibility: generating strategies. The guidebook is comprised of four sections, each describing a specific technique for generating strategies. Techniques presented are (1) nominal group…

Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Senior Mentor Program: The University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hoffman, Kimberly G.; Gray, Peggy; Hosokawa, Michael C.; Zweig, Steven C.

2006-01-01

At the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine, we developed a voluntary senior-mentor program, the Senior Teacher Educator Partnership (STEP), for first- and second-year medical students. Using qualitative research methods, we examined the impact of STEP on medical students' attitudes and then assessed the congruence of what is learned…

How to Start, Build and Sustain a Multi-Credit Integrated Curriculum Package

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wilson, Andrew Kerr

2011-01-01

Over the last 17 years, the author has been asked many times for help starting Integrated Curriculum Programs (ICPs). Visiting teachers are instantly engaged and enthused by the possibilities they see in his program. In this article, he provides a step-by-step road map to a full ICP continuum. By distilling the lessons of almost 20 years of…

Markov Chains For Testing Redundant Software

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

White, Allan L.; Sjogren, Jon A.

1990-01-01

Preliminary design developed for validation experiment that addresses problems unique to assuring extremely high quality of multiple-version programs in process-control software. Approach takes into account inertia of controlled system in sense it takes more than one failure of control program to cause controlled system to fail. Verification procedure consists of two steps: experimentation (numerical simulation) and computation, with Markov model for each step.

Simultaneous multielement atomic absorption spectrometry with graphite furnace atomization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harnly, James M.; Miller-Ihli, Nancy J.; O'Haver, Thomas C.

The extended analytical range capability of a simultaneous multielement atomic absorption continuum source spectrometer (SIMAAC) was tested for furnace atomization with respect to the signal measurement mode (peak height and area), the atomization mode (from the wall or from a platform), and the temperature program mode (stepped or ramped atomization). These parameters were evaluated with respect to the shapes of the analytical curves, the detection limits, carry-over contamination and accuracy. Peak area measurements gave more linear calibration curves. Methods for slowing the atomization step heating rate, the use of a ramped temperature program or a platform, produced similar calibration curves and longer linear ranges than atomization with a stepped temperature program. Peak height detection limits were best using stepped atomization from the wall. Peak area detection limits for all atomization modes were similar. Carry-over contamination was worse for peak area than peak height, worse for ramped atomization than stepped atomization, and worse for atomization from a platform than from the wall. Accurate determinations (100 ± 12% for Ca, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn in National Bureau of Standards' Standard Reference Materials Bovine Liver 1577 and Rice Flour 1568 were obtained using peak area measurements with ramped atomization from the wall and stepped atomization from a platform. Only stepped atomization from a platform gave accurate recoveries for K. Accurate recoveries, 100 ± 10%, with precisions ranging from 1 to 36 % (standard deviation), were obtained for the determination of Al, Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni. Pb, V and Zn in Acidified Waters (NBS SRM 1643 and 1643a) using stepped atomization from a platform.

First Steps Toward Improving DoD STEM Workforce Diversity: Response to the 2012 Department of Defense STEM Diversity Summit

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-01-01

student achievement or par- ticipation in STEM fields. For example, facilitators of a middle school student program...Assessment Annual Cost navy Seaperch Middle school Middle school robotics competition 45% 35,000 students , 4,000 teachers missing number of annual...participating in Seaperch increased interest in studying engineering in 25% of middle school and 30% of high school students program

Solving large mixed linear models using preconditioned conjugate gradient iteration.

PubMed

Strandén, I; Lidauer, M

1999-12-01

Continuous evaluation of dairy cattle with a random regression test-day model requires a fast solving method and algorithm. A new computing technique feasible in Jacobi and conjugate gradient based iterative methods using iteration on data is presented. In the new computing technique, the calculations in multiplication of a vector by a matrix were recorded to three steps instead of the commonly used two steps. The three-step method was implemented in a general mixed linear model program that used preconditioned conjugate gradient iteration. Performance of this program in comparison to other general solving programs was assessed via estimation of breeding values using univariate, multivariate, and random regression test-day models. Central processing unit time per iteration with the new three-step technique was, at best, one-third that needed with the old technique. Performance was best with the test-day model, which was the largest and most complex model used. The new program did well in comparison to other general software. Programs keeping the mixed model equations in random access memory required at least 20 and 435% more time to solve the univariate and multivariate animal models, respectively. Computations of the second best iteration on data took approximately three and five times longer for the animal and test-day models, respectively, than did the new program. Good performance was due to fast computing time per iteration and quick convergence to the final solutions. Use of preconditioned conjugate gradient based methods in solving large breeding value problems is supported by our findings.

1997 NASA/MSFC Summer Teacher Enrichment Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1999-01-01

This is a report on the follow-up activities conducted for the 1997 NASA Summer Teacher Enrichment Program (STEP), which was held at the George C. Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) for the seventh consecutive year. The program was conducted as a six-week session with 17 sixth through twelfth grade math and science teachers from a six-state region (Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi and Missouri). The program began on June 8, 1997, and ended on July 25, 1997. The long-term objectives of the program are to: increase the nation's scientific and technical talent pool with a special emphasis on underrepresented groups, improve the quality of pre-college math and science education, improve math and science literacy, and improve NASA's and pre-college education's understandings of each other's operating environments and needs. Short-term measurable objectives for the MSFC STEP are to: improve the teachers' content and pedagogy knowledge in science and/or mathematics, integrate applications from the teachers' STEP laboratory experiences into science and math curricula, increase the teachers' use of instructional technology, enhance the teachers' leadership skills by requiring them to present workshops and/or inservice programs for other teachers, require the support of the participating teacher(s) by the local school administration through a written commitment, and create networks and partnerships within the education community, both pre-college and college. The follow-up activities for the 1997 STEP included the following: academic-year questionnaire, site visits, academic-year workshop, verification of commitment of support, and additional NASA support.

The comparison of the effect of Transactional Model-based Teaching and Ordinary Education Curriculum- based Teaching programs on stress management among teachers.

PubMed

Mazloomy Mahmoodabad, Seyed Saeed; Mohammadi, Maryam; Zadeh, Davood Shojaei; Barkhordari, Abolfazl; Hosaini, Fatemeh; Kaveh, Mohammad Hossain; Malehi, Amal Saki; Rahiminegad, Mohammadkazem

2014-04-09

Regarding the effect of teachers' stress on teaching and learning processes, the researchers decided to provide a stress management program based on Transactional Model to solve this teachers' problems. Thus, this study is going to investigate the effect of Transactional Model- based Teaching and the Ordinary Education Curriculum- based Teaching programs on Yazd teachers. The study was a semi- experimental one. The sample population (200 people) was selected using categorized method. The data were collected via PSS Questionnaire and a questionnaire which its validity and reliability had been proved. Eight teaching sessions were hold for 60-90 min. Evaluation was performed in three steps. The data were described and analyzed using SPSS software version 15. Value of P<0.05 was considered as significant. The participants were 200 people of Yazd teachers of primary schools. Mean age of group 1 and 2 was 42.05±5.69 and 41.25±5.89 respectively. Independent T- Test indicated a significant mean score (p=0.000) due to perceived stress of interference groups in post interference step and follow-up one respectively. Results showed a decreasing effect of both programs, but the Transactional Model- based interference indicated to decrease stress more than the other.

Dissolvable fluidic time delays for programming multi-step assays in instrument-free paper diagnostics.

PubMed

Lutz, Barry; Liang, Tinny; Fu, Elain; Ramachandran, Sujatha; Kauffman, Peter; Yager, Paul

2013-07-21

Lateral flow tests (LFTs) are an ingenious format for rapid and easy-to-use diagnostics, but they are fundamentally limited to assay chemistries that can be reduced to a single chemical step. In contrast, most laboratory diagnostic assays rely on multiple timed steps carried out by a human or a machine. Here, we use dissolvable sugar applied to paper to create programmable flow delays and present a paper network topology that uses these time delays to program automated multi-step fluidic protocols. Solutions of sucrose at different concentrations (10-70% of saturation) were added to paper strips and dried to create fluidic time delays spanning minutes to nearly an hour. A simple folding card format employing sugar delays was shown to automate a four-step fluidic process initiated by a single user activation step (folding the card); this device was used to perform a signal-amplified sandwich immunoassay for a diagnostic biomarker for malaria. The cards are capable of automating multi-step assay protocols normally used in laboratories, but in a rapid, low-cost, and easy-to-use format.

Dissolvable fluidic time delays for programming multi-step assays in instrument-free paper diagnostics

PubMed Central

Lutz, Barry; Liang, Tinny; Fu, Elain; Ramachandran, Sujatha; Kauffman, Peter; Yager, Paul

2013-01-01

Lateral flow tests (LFTs) are an ingenious format for rapid and easy-to-use diagnostics, but they are fundamentally limited to assay chemistries that can be reduced to a single chemical step. In contrast, most laboratory diagnostic assays rely on multiple timed steps carried out by a human or a machine. Here, we use dissolvable sugar applied to paper to create programmable flow delays and present a paper network topology that uses these time delays to program automated multi-step fluidic protocols. Solutions of sucrose at different concentrations (10-70% of saturation) were added to paper strips and dried to create fluidic time delays spanning minutes to nearly an hour. A simple folding card format employing sugar delays was shown to automate a four-step fluidic process initiated by a single user activation step (folding the card); this device was used to perform a signal-amplified sandwich immunoassay for a diagnostic biomarker for malaria. The cards are capable of automating multi-step assay protocols normally used in laboratories, but in a rapid, low-cost, and easy-to-use format. PMID:23685876

Statistical Trajectory Estimation Program (STEP) implementation for BLDT post flight trajectory simulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shields, W. E.

1973-01-01

Tests were conducted to provide flight conditions for qualifying the Viking Decelerator System in a simulated Mars environment. A balloon launched decelerator test (BLDT) vehicle which has an external shape similar to the actual Mars Viking Lander Capsule was used so that the decelerator would be deployed in the wake of a blunt body. An effort was made to simulate the BLDT vehicle flights from the time they were dropped from the balloon, through decelerator deployment, until stable decelerator conditions were reached. The procedure used to simulate these flights using the Statistical Trajectory Estimation Program (STEP) is discussed. Using primarily ground-based position radar and vehicle onboard rate gyro and accelerometer data, the STEP produces a minimum variance solution of the vehicle trajectory and calculates vehicle attitude histories. Using film from cameras in the vehicle along with a computer program, attitude histories for portions of the flight before and after decelerator deployment were calculated independent of the STEP simulation. With the assumption that the vehicle motions derived from camera data are accurate, a comparison reveals that STEP was able to simulate vehicle motions for all flights both before and after decelerator deployment.

Space Transportation Engine Program (STEP), phase B

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1990-01-01

The Space Transportation Engine Program (STEP) Phase 2 effort includes preliminary design and activities plan preparation that will allow smooth and time transition into a Prototype Phase and then into Phases 3, 4, and 5. A Concurrent Engineering approach using Total Quality Management (TQM) techniques, is being applied to define an oxygen-hydrogen engine. The baseline from Phase 1/1' studies was used as a point of departure for trade studies and analyses. Existing STME system models are being enhanced as more detailed module/component characteristics are determined. Preliminary designs for the open expander, closed expander, and gas generator cycles were prepared, and recommendations for cycle selection made at the Design Concept Review (DCR). As a result of July '90 DCR, and information subsequently supplied to the Technical Review Team, a gas generator cycle was selected. Results of the various Advanced Development Programs (ADP's) for the Advanced Launch Systems (ALS) were contributive to this effort. An active vehicle integration effort is supplying the NASA, Air Force, and vehicle contractors with engine parameters and data, and flowing down appropriate vehicle requirements. Engine design and analysis trade studies are being documented in a data base that was developed and is being used to organize information. To date, seventy four trade studies were input to the data base.

Guidelines for Adapting Manualized Interventions for New Target Populations: A Step-Wise Approach Using Anger Management as a Model

PubMed Central

Goldstein, Naomi E. S.; Kemp, Kathleen A.; Leff, Stephen S.; Lochman, John E.

2014-01-01

The use of manual-based interventions tends to improve client outcomes and promote replicability. With an increasingly strong link between funding and the use of empirically supported prevention and intervention programs, manual development and adaptation have become research priorities. As a result, researchers and scholars have generated guidelines for developing manuals from scratch, but there are no extant guidelines for adapting empirically supported, manualized prevention and intervention programs for use with new populations. Thus, this article proposes step-by-step guidelines for the manual adaptation process. It also describes two adaptations of an extensively researched anger management intervention to exemplify how an empirically supported program was systematically and efficiently adapted to achieve similar outcomes with vastly different populations in unique settings. PMID:25110403

A qualitative study of programs for parents with serious mental illness and their children: building practice-based evidence.

PubMed

Nicholson, Joanne; Hinden, Beth R; Biebel, Kathleen; Henry, Alexis D; Katz-Leavy, Judith

2007-10-01

The rationale for the development of effective programs for parents with serious mental illness and their children is compelling. Using qualitative methods and a grounded theory approach with data obtained in site visits, seven existing programs for parents with mental illness and their children in the United States are described and compared across core components: target population, theory and assumptions, funding, community and agency contexts, essential services and intervention strategies, moderators, and outcomes. The diversity across programs is strongly complemented by shared characteristics, the identification of which provides the foundation for future testing and the development of an evidence base. Challenges in program implementation and sustainability are identified. Qualitative methods are useful, particularly when studying existing programs, in taking steps toward building the evidence base for effective programs for parents with serious mental illness and their children.

Six Sigma and Lean concepts, a case study: patient centered care model for a mammography center.

PubMed

Viau, Mark; Southern, Becky

2007-01-01

Boca Raton Community Hospital in South Florida decided to increase return while enhancing patient experience and increasing staff morale. They implemented a program to pursue "enterprise excellence" through Six Sigma methodologies. In order to ensure the root causes to delays and rework were addressed, a multigenerational project plan with 3 major components was developed. Step 1: Stabilize; Step 2: Optimize; Step 3: Innovate. By including staff and process owners in the process, they are empowered to think differently about what they do and how they do it. A team that works collaboratively to identify problems and develop solutions can only be a positive to any organization.

Cost-effectiveness of a stepped-care intervention to prevent major depression in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and/or coronary heart disease and subthreshold depression: design of a cluster-randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

van Dijk, Susan E M; Pols, Alide D; Adriaanse, Marcel C; Bosmans, Judith E; Elders, Petra J M; van Marwijk, Harm W J; van Tulder, Maurits W

2013-05-07

Co-morbid major depression is a significant problem among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and/or coronary heart disease and this negatively impacts quality of life. Subthreshold depression is the most important risk factor for the development of major depression. Given the highly significant association between depression and adverse health outcomes and the limited capacity for depression treatment in primary care, there is an urgent need for interventions that successfully prevent the transition from subthreshold depression into a major depressive disorder. Nurse led stepped-care is a promising way to accomplish this. The aim of this study is to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a nurse-led indicated stepped-care program to prevent major depression among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and/or coronary heart disease in primary care who also have subthreshold depressive symptoms. An economic evaluation will be conducted alongside a cluster-randomized controlled trial in approximately thirty general practices in the Netherlands. Randomization takes place at the level of participating practice nurses. We aim to include 236 participants who will either receive a nurse-led indicated stepped-care program for depressive symptoms or care as usual. The stepped-care program consists of four sequential but flexible treatment steps: 1) watchful waiting, 2) guided self-help treatment, 3) problem solving treatment and 4) referral to the general practitioner. The primary clinical outcome measure is the cumulative incidence of major depressive disorder as measured with the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Secondary outcomes include severity of depressive symptoms, quality of life, anxiety and physical outcomes. Costs will be measured from a societal perspective and include health care utilization, medication and lost productivity costs. Measurements will be performed at baseline and 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. The intervention being investigated is expected to prevent new cases of depression among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus and/or coronary heart disease and subthreshold depression, with subsequent beneficial effects on quality of life, clinical outcomes and health care costs. When proven cost-effective, the program provides a viable treatment option in the Dutch primary care system. Dutch Trial Register NTR3715.

Feasibility of remotely manipulated welding in space: A step in the development of novel joining technologies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Masubuchi, K.; Agapakis, J. E.; Debiccari, A.; Vonalt, C.

1985-01-01

A six month research program entitled Feasibility of Remotely Manipulated Welding in Space - A Step in the Development of Novel Joining Technologies is performed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for the Office of Space Science and Applications, NASA, under Contract No. NASW-3740. The work is performed as a part of the Innovative Utilization of the Space Station Program. The final report from M.I.T. was issued in September 1983. This paper presents a summary of the work performed under this contract. The objective of this research program is to initiate research for the development of packaged, remotely controlled welding systems for space construction and repair. The research effort includes the following tasks: (1) identification of probable joining tasks in space; (2) identification of required levels of automation in space welding tasks; (3) development of novel space welding concepts; (4) development of recommended future studies; and (5) preparation of the final report.

Project SOAR: a training program to increase school counselors' knowledge and confidence regarding suicide prevention and intervention.

PubMed

King, K A; Smith, J

2000-12-01

School counselors are often the lead individuals in school suicide prevention programs. All school counselors in Dallas, Texas, receive training through Project SOAR (Suicide, Options, Awareness, and Relief), a suicide prevention program. This study assessed Dallas school counselors' knowledge of suicidal risk factors and perceived ability to initiate appropriate steps when confronted with a suicidal student. A two-page, 44-item survey was distributed to all Dallas school counselors attending a mandatory meeting in spring 1999. A total of 186 school counselors (75%) responded. Most had been a school counselor for less than 10 years and one-half received initial SOAR training less than four years ago. The majority strongly agreed that they could recognize suicidal warning signs, assess a student's risk for suicide, and offer support to a suicidal student. In addition, most knew the intervention steps to take when a student assessed at high suicidal risk. When compared to school counselors nationwide, these counselors reported increased confidence in identifying students at suicidal risk.

Can a workbook work? Examining whether a practitioner evaluation toolkit can promote instrumental use.

PubMed

Campbell, Rebecca; Townsend, Stephanie M; Shaw, Jessica; Karim, Nidal; Markowitz, Jenifer

2015-10-01

In large-scale, multi-site contexts, developing and disseminating practitioner-oriented evaluation toolkits are an increasingly common strategy for building evaluation capacity. Toolkits explain the evaluation process, present evaluation design choices, and offer step-by-step guidance to practitioners. To date, there has been limited research on whether such resources truly foster the successful design, implementation, and use of evaluation findings. In this paper, we describe a multi-site project in which we developed a practitioner evaluation toolkit and then studied the extent to which the toolkit and accompanying technical assistance was effective in promoting successful completion of local-level evaluations and fostering instrumental use of the findings (i.e., whether programs directly used their findings to improve practice, see Patton, 2008). Forensic nurse practitioners from six geographically dispersed service programs completed methodologically rigorous evaluations; furthermore, all six programs used the findings to create programmatic and community-level changes to improve local practice. Implications for evaluation capacity building are discussed. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

All That Glitters Isn't Gold--Four Steps to School Improvement.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Huddle, Eugene

1987-01-01

Outlines findings from a study by the United States Department of Education's Office of Educational Research and Improvement of successful school improvement programs. The findings are categorized under four stages: initiation, initial implementation, full implementation, and institutionalization. (MD)

Development of interactive hypermedia software for high school biology: A research and development study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alturki, Uthman T.

The goal of this research was to research, design, and develop a hypertext program for students who study biology. The Ecology Hypertext Program was developed using Research and Development (R&D) methodology. The purpose of this study was to place the final "product", a CD-ROM for learning biology concepts, in the hands of teachers and students to help them in learning and teaching process. The product was created through a cycle of literature review, needs assessment, development, and a cycle of field tests and revisions. I applied the ten steps of R&D process suggested by Borg and Gall (1989) which, consisted of: (1) Literature review, (2) Needs assessment, (3) Planning, (4) Develop preliminary product, (5) Preliminary field-testing, (6) Preliminary revision, (7) Main field-testing, (8) Main revision, (9) Final field-testing, and (10) Final product revision. The literature review and needs assessment provided a support and foundation for designing the preliminary product---the Ecology Hypertext Program. Participants in the needs assessment joined a focus group discussion. They were a group of graduate students in education who suggested the importance for designing this product. For the preliminary field test, the participants were a group of high school students studying biology. They were the potential user of the product. They reviewed the preliminary product and then filled out a questionnaire. Their feedback and suggestions were used to develop and improve the product in a step called preliminary revision. The second round of field tasting was the main field test in which the participants joined a focus group discussion. They were the same group who participated in needs assessment task. They reviewed the revised product and then provided ideas and suggestions to improve the product. Their feedback were categorized and implemented to develop the product as in the main revision task. Finally, a group of science teachers participated in this study by reviewing the product and then filling out the questionnaire. Their suggestions were used to conduct the final step in R&D methodology, the final product revision. The primary result of this study was the Ecology Hypertext Program. It considered a small attempt to give students an opportunity to learn through an interactive hypertext program. In addition, using the R&D methodology was an ideal procedure for designing and developing new educational products and material.

PETOOL: MATLAB-based one-way and two-way split-step parabolic equation tool for radiowave propagation over variable terrain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ozgun, Ozlem; Apaydin, Gökhan; Kuzuoglu, Mustafa; Sevgi, Levent

2011-12-01

A MATLAB-based one-way and two-way split-step parabolic equation software tool (PETOOL) has been developed with a user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI) for the analysis and visualization of radio-wave propagation over variable terrain and through homogeneous and inhomogeneous atmosphere. The tool has a unique feature over existing one-way parabolic equation (PE)-based codes, because it utilizes the two-way split-step parabolic equation (SSPE) approach with wide-angle propagator, which is a recursive forward-backward algorithm to incorporate both forward and backward waves into the solution in the presence of variable terrain. First, the formulation of the classical one-way SSPE and the relatively-novel two-way SSPE is presented, with particular emphasis on their capabilities and the limitations. Next, the structure and the GUI capabilities of the PETOOL software tool are discussed in detail. The calibration of PETOOL is performed and demonstrated via analytical comparisons and/or representative canonical tests performed against the Geometric Optic (GO) + Uniform Theory of Diffraction (UTD). The tool can be used for research and/or educational purposes to investigate the effects of a variety of user-defined terrain and range-dependent refractivity profiles in electromagnetic wave propagation. Program summaryProgram title: PETOOL (Parabolic Equation Toolbox) Catalogue identifier: AEJS_v1_0 Program summary URL:http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/summaries/AEJS_v1_0.html Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University, Belfast, N. Ireland Licensing provisions: Standard CPC licence, http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/licence/licence.html No. of lines in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 143 349 No. of bytes in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 23 280 251 Distribution format: tar.gz Programming language: MATLAB (MathWorks Inc.) 2010a. Partial Differential Toolbox and Curve Fitting Toolbox required Computer: PC Operating system: Windows XP and Vista Classification: 10 Nature of problem: Simulation of radio-wave propagation over variable terrain on the Earth's surface, and through homogeneous and inhomogeneous atmosphere. Solution method: The program implements one-way and two-way Split-Step Parabolic Equation (SSPE) algorithm, with wide-angle propagator. The SSPE is, in general, an initial-value problem starting from a reference range (typically from an antenna), and marching out in range by obtaining the field along the vertical direction at each range step, through the use of step-by-step Fourier transformations. The two-way algorithm incorporates the backward-propagating waves into the standard one-way SSPE by utilizing an iterative forward-backward scheme for modeling multipath effects over a staircase-approximated terrain. Unusual features: This is the first software package implementing a recursive forward-backward SSPE algorithm to account for the multipath effects during radio-wave propagation, and enabling the user to easily analyze and visualize the results of the two-way propagation with GUI capabilities. Running time: Problem dependent. Typically, it is about 1.5 ms (for conducting ground) and 4 ms (for lossy ground) per range step for a vertical field profile of vector length 1500, on Intel Core 2 Duo 1.6 GHz with 2 GB RAM under Windows Vista.

Relationships between study habits, burnout, and general surgery resident performance on the American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination.

PubMed

Smeds, Matthew R; Thrush, Carol R; McDaniel, Faith K; Gill, Roop; Kimbrough, Mary K; Shames, Brian D; Sussman, Jeffrey J; Galante, Joseph M; Wittgen, Catherine M; Ansari, Parswa; Allen, Steven R; Nussbaum, Michael S; Hess, Donald T; Knight, David C; Bentley, Frederick R

2017-09-01

The American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination (ABSITE) is used by programs to evaluate the knowledge and readiness of trainees to sit for the general surgery qualifying examination. It is often used as a tool for resident promotion and may be used by fellowship programs to evaluate candidates. Burnout has been associated with job performance and satisfaction; however, its presence and effects on surgical trainees' performance are not well studied. We sought to understand factors including burnout and study habits that may contribute to performance on the ABSITE examination. Anonymous electronic surveys were distributed to all residents at 10 surgical residency programs (n = 326). Questions included demographics as well as study habits, career interests, residency characteristics, and burnout scores using the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory, which assesses burnout because of both exhaustion and disengagement. These surveys were then linked to the individual's 2016 ABSITE and United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) step 1 and 2 scores provided by the programs to determine factors associated with successful ABSITE performance. In total, 48% (n = 157) of the residents completed the survey. Of those completing the survey, 48 (31%) scored in the highest ABSITE quartile (≥75th percentile) and 109 (69%) scored less than the 75th percentile. In univariate analyses, those in the highest ABSITE quartile had significantly higher USMLE step 1 and step 2 scores (P < 0.001), significantly lower burnout scores (disengagement, P < 0.01; exhaustion, P < 0.04), and held opinions that the ABSITE was important for improving their surgical knowledge (P < 0.01). They also read more frequently to prepare for the ABSITE (P < 0.001), had more disciplined study habits (P < 0.001), were more likely to study at the hospital or other public settings (e.g., library, coffee shop compared with at home; P < 0.04), and used active rather than passive study strategies (P < 0.04). Gender, marital status, having children, and debt burden had no correlation with examination success. Backward stepwise multiple regression analysis identified the following independent predictors of ABSITE scores: study location (P < 0.0001), frequency of reading (P = 0.0001), Oldenburg Burnout Inventory exhaustion (P = 0.02), and USMLE step 1 and 2 scores (P = 0.007 and 0.0001, respectively). Residents who perform higher on the ABSITE have a regular study schedule throughout the year, report less burnout because of exhaustion, study away from home, and have shown success in prior standardized tests. Further study is needed to determine the effects of burnout on clinical duties, career advancement, and satisfaction. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Changing Safety Culture, One Step at a Time: The Value of the DOE-VPP Program at PNNL

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

Wright, Patrick A.; Isern, Nancy G.

2005-02-01

The primary value of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) is the ongoing partnership between management and staff committed to change Laboratory safety culture one step at a time. VPP enables PNNL's safety and health program to transcend a top-down, by-the-book approach to safety, and it also raises grassroots safety consciousness by promoting a commitment to safety and health 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. PNNL VPP is a dynamic, evolving program that fosters innovative approaches to continuous improvement in safety and health performance at the Laboratory.

Using Dissimilarity Metrics to Identify Interesting Designs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Feather, Martin; Kiper, James

2006-01-01

A computer program helps to blend the power of automated-search software, which is able to generate large numbers of design solutions, with the insight of expert designers, who are able to identify preferred designs but do not have time to examine all the solutions. From among the many automated solutions to a given design problem, the program selects a smaller number of solutions that are worthy of scrutiny by the experts in the sense that they are sufficiently dissimilar from each other. The program makes the selection in an interactive process that involves a sequence of data-mining steps interspersed with visual displays of results of these steps to the experts. At crucial points between steps, the experts provide directives to guide the process. The program uses heuristic search techniques to identify nearly optimal design solutions and uses dissimilarity metrics defined by the experts to characterize the degree to which solutions are interestingly different. The search, data-mining, and visualization features of the program were derived from previously developed risk-management software used to support a risk-centric design methodology

Step tracking program for concentrator solar collectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ciobanu, D.; Jaliu, C.

2016-08-01

The increasing living standards in developed countries lead to increased energy consumption. The fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas effect that accompany the energy production can be reduced by using renewable energy. For instance, the solar thermal systems can be used in temperate climates to provide heating during the transient period or cooling during the warmer months. Most used solar thermal systems contain flat plate solar collectors. In order to provide the necessary energy for the house cooling system, the cooling machine uses a working fluid with a high temperature, which can be supplied by dish concentrator collectors. These collectors are continuously rotated towards sun by biaxial tracking systems, process that increases the consumed power. An algorithm for a step tracking program to be used in the orientation of parabolic dish concentrator collectors is proposed in the paper to reduce the consumed power due to actuation. The algorithm is exemplified on a case study: a dish concentrator collector to be implemented in Brasov, Romania, a location with the turbidity factor TR equal to 3. The size of the system is imposed by the environment, the diameter of the dish reflector being of 3 meters. By applying the proposed algorithm, 60 sub-programs are obtained for the step orientation of the parabolic dish collector over the year. Based on the results of the numerical simulations for the step orientation, the efficiency of the direct solar radiation capture on the receptor is up to 99%, while the energy consumption is reduced by almost 80% compared to the continuous actuation of the concentrator solar collector.

Reengineering outcomes management: an integrated approach to managing data, systems, and processes.

PubMed

Neuman, K; Malloch, K; Ruetten, V

1999-01-01

The integration of outcomes management into organizational reengineering projects is often overlooked or marginalized in proportion to the entire project. Incorporation of an integrated outcomes management program strengthens the overall quality of reengineering projects and enhances their sustainability. This article presents a case study in which data, systems, and processes were reengineered to form an effective Outcomes Management program as a component of the organization's overall project. The authors describe eight steps to develop and monitor an integrated outcomes management program. An example of an integrated report format is included.

WE-G-BRA-09: Microsphere Brachytherapy Failure Mode and Effects Analysis in a Dual-Vendor Environment

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

Younge, K C; Lee, C I; Feng, M

2015-06-15

Purpose: To improve the safety and quality of a dual-vendor microsphere brachytherapy program with failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA). Methods: A multidisciplinary team including physicists, dosimetrists, a radiation oncologist, an interventional radiologist, and radiation safety personnel performed an FMEA for our dual-vendor microsphere brachytherapy program employing SIR-Spheres (Sirtex Medical Limited, Australia) and Theraspheres (BTG, England). We developed a program process tree and step-by-step instructions which were used to generate a comprehensive list of failure modes. These modes were then ranked according to severity, occurrence rate, and detectability. Risk priority numbers (RPNs) were calculated by multiplying these three scores together.more » Three different severity scales were created: one each for harmful effects to the patient, staff, or the institution. Each failure mode was ranked on one or more of these scales. Results: The group identified 164 failure modes for the microsphere program. 113 of these were ranked using the patient severity scale, 52 using the staff severity scale, and 50 using the institution severity scale. The highest ranked items on the patient severity scale were an error in the automated dosimetry worksheet (RPN = 297.5), and the incorrect target specified on the planning study (RPN = 135). Some failure modes ranked differently between vendors, especially those corresponding to dose vial preparation because of the different methods used. Based on our findings, we made several improvements to our QA program, including documentation to easily identify which product is being used, an additional hand calculation during planning, and reorganization of QA steps before treatment delivery. We will continue to periodically review and revise the FMEA. Conclusion: We have applied FMEA to our dual-vendor microsphere brachytherapy program to identify potential key weaknesses in the treatment chain. Our FMEA results were used to improve the effectiveness of our overall microsphere program.« less

Methodological considerations for researchers and practitioners using pedometers to measure physical (ambulatory) activity.

PubMed

Tudor-Locke, C E; Myers, A M

2001-03-01

Researchers and practitioners require guidelines for using electronic pedometers to objectively quantify physical activity (specifically ambulatory activity) for research and surveillance as well as clinical and program applications. Methodological considerations include choice of metric and length of monitoring frame as well as different data recording and collection procedures. A systematic review of 32 empirical studies suggests we can expect 12,000-16,000 steps/day for 8-10-year-old children (lower for girls than boys); 7,000-13,000 steps/day for relatively healthy, younger adults (lower for women than men); 6,000-8,500 steps/day for healthy older adults; and 3,500-5,500 steps/day for individuals living with disabilities and chronic illnesses. These preliminary recommendations should be modified and refined, as evidence and experience using pedometers accumulates.

Cardiorespiratory endurance evaluation using heart rate analysis during ski simulator exercise and the Harvard step test in elementary school students.

PubMed

Lee, Hyo Taek; Roh, Hyo Lyun; Kim, Yoon Sang

2016-01-01

[Purpose] Efficient management using exercise programs with various benefits should be provided by educational institutions for children in their growth phase. We analyzed the heart rates of children during ski simulator exercise and the Harvard step test to evaluate the cardiopulmonary endurance by calculating their post-exercise recovery rate. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects (n = 77) were categorized into a normal weight and an overweight/obesity group by body mass index. They performed each exercise for 3 minutes. The cardiorespiratory endurance was calculated using the Physical Efficiency Index formula. [Results] The ski simulator and Harvard step test showed that there was a significant difference in the heart rates of the 2 body mass index-based groups at each minute. The normal weight and the ski-simulator group had higher Physical Efficiency Index levels. [Conclusion] This study showed that a simulator exercise can produce a cumulative load even when performed at low intensity, and can be effectively utilized as exercise equipment since it resulted in higher Physical Efficiency Index levels than the Harvard step test. If schools can increase sport durability by stimulating students' interests, the ski simulator exercise can be used in programs designed to improve and strengthen students' physical fitness.

An Integrated Development Environment for Adiabatic Quantum Programming

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

Humble, Travis S; McCaskey, Alex; Bennink, Ryan S

2014-01-01

Adiabatic quantum computing is a promising route to the computational power afforded by quantum information processing. The recent availability of adiabatic hardware raises the question of how well quantum programs perform. Benchmarking behavior is challenging since the multiple steps to synthesize an adiabatic quantum program are highly tunable. We present an adiabatic quantum programming environment called JADE that provides control over all the steps taken during program development. JADE captures the workflow needed to rigorously benchmark performance while also allowing a variety of problem types, programming techniques, and processor configurations. We have also integrated JADE with a quantum simulation enginemore » that enables program profiling using numerical calculation. The computational engine supports plug-ins for simulation methodologies tailored to various metrics and computing resources. We present the design, integration, and deployment of JADE and discuss its use for benchmarking adiabatic quantum programs.« less

(On)line dancing: choosing an appropriate distance education partner.

PubMed

Menn, Mindy; Don Chaney, J

2014-05-01

Online-delivered distance education is a burgeoning component of professional development and continuing education. Distance education programs allow individuals to learn in a different location and/or at a different time from fellow learners, thereby increasing the flexibility and number of learning options. Selecting the "right" program for personal development from the ever-growing body of online-delivered education is an individualized decision that can become an overwhelming and challenging process. This Tool presents four important definitions for navigating distance education program description materials and outlines a five-step process to assist in identifying an appropriate program for personal development. The five-step process includes key questions and points to consider while conducting a candid self-assessment, identifying and investigating distance education programs, and then compiling information, comparing programs, and prioritizing a list of programs suitable for application. Furthermore, this Tool highlights important websites for distance education degree program reviews, accreditation information, and open educational resources.

An Evaluator's Guide to Using DB MASTER: A Microcomputer Based File Management Program. Research on Evaluation Program, Paper and Report Series No. 91.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gray, Peter J.

Ways a microcomputer can be used to establish and maintain an evaluation database and types of data management features possible on a microcomputer are described in this report, which contains step-by-step procedures and numerous examples for establishing a database, manipulating data, and designing and printing reports. Following a brief…

Stepping Stones Triple P: An RCT of a Parenting Program with Parents of a Child Diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Whittingham, Koa; Sofronoff, Kate; Sheffield, Jeanie; Sanders, Matthew R.

2009-01-01

Whilst the Triple P Positive Parenting Program has a large evidence base (Sanders, "Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review" 2:71-90, 1999; Sanders, "Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology" 68:624-640, 2000) and preliminary evidence indicates that Stepping Stones Triple P is also efficacious (Roberts, "Journal of Clinical Child and…

Labor education programs in health and safety.

PubMed

Wallerstein, N; Baker, R

1994-01-01

Labor health and safety programs encourage workers to take an active part in making the workplace safe. The authors describe the growing need for preparing workers to participate in prevention efforts, the role of training in addressing this need, educational principles and traditions that contribute to empowerment education, and a step-by-step process that is required to achieve the goals of worker involvement and empowerment.

Intervening in the Professional Development of Science Teachers: The Colorado Science Teaching Enhancement Program. Interim Report of the Formative Evaluation of CO-STEP.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ellis, James D.; Maxwell, Donald E.

The purposes of the Colorado Science Teaching Enhancement Program (CO-STEP) are to improve the background in science content and the instructional skills of teachers in grades four through six throughout Colorado and to support the implementation of effective instruction. A network of six Teacher Development Centers in Colorado coordinate teacher…

The Move to Field Based Teacher Education: A Practical Guide for Field Hands. Teacher Education Forum; Volume 4, Number 14.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rockwood, Stacy F.

This paper outlines the procedures used at the University of Cincinnati for establishing a field based elementary teacher education program in the form of a field guide. The first step involves a meeting with university faculty to discuss the implications of such a program. Step two involves meeting with the elementary school principal and selling…

SPIP: A computer program implementing the Interaction Picture method for simulation of light-wave propagation in optical fibre

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balac, Stéphane; Fernandez, Arnaud

2016-02-01

The computer program SPIP is aimed at solving the Generalized Non-Linear Schrödinger equation (GNLSE), involved in optics e.g. in the modelling of light-wave propagation in an optical fibre, by the Interaction Picture method, a new efficient alternative method to the Symmetric Split-Step method. In the SPIP program a dedicated costless adaptive step-size control based on the use of a 4th order embedded Runge-Kutta method is implemented in order to speed up the resolution.

C-mii: a tool for plant miRNA and target identification.

PubMed

Numnark, Somrak; Mhuantong, Wuttichai; Ingsriswang, Supawadee; Wichadakul, Duangdao

2012-01-01

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been known to play an important role in several biological processes in both animals and plants. Although several tools for miRNA and target identification are available, the number of tools tailored towards plants is limited, and those that are available have specific functionality, lack graphical user interfaces, and restrict the number of input sequences. Large-scale computational identifications of miRNAs and/or targets of several plants have been also reported. Their methods, however, are only described as flow diagrams, which require programming skills and the understanding of input and output of the connected programs to reproduce. To overcome these limitations and programming complexities, we proposed C-mii as a ready-made software package for both plant miRNA and target identification. C-mii was designed and implemented based on established computational steps and criteria derived from previous literature with the following distinguishing features. First, software is easy to install with all-in-one programs and packaged databases. Second, it comes with graphical user interfaces (GUIs) for ease of use. Users can identify plant miRNAs and targets via step-by-step execution, explore the detailed results from each step, filter the results according to proposed constraints in plant miRNA and target biogenesis, and export sequences and structures of interest. Third, it supplies bird's eye views of the identification results with infographics and grouping information. Fourth, in terms of functionality, it extends the standard computational steps of miRNA target identification with miRNA-target folding and GO annotation. Fifth, it provides helper functions for the update of pre-installed databases and automatic recovery. Finally, it supports multi-project and multi-thread management. C-mii constitutes the first complete software package with graphical user interfaces enabling computational identification of both plant miRNA genes and miRNA targets. With the provided functionalities, it can help accelerate the study of plant miRNAs and targets, especially for small and medium plant molecular labs without bioinformaticians. C-mii is freely available at http://www.biotec.or.th/isl/c-mii for both Windows and Ubuntu Linux platforms.

C-mii: a tool for plant miRNA and target identification

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been known to play an important role in several biological processes in both animals and plants. Although several tools for miRNA and target identification are available, the number of tools tailored towards plants is limited, and those that are available have specific functionality, lack graphical user interfaces, and restrict the number of input sequences. Large-scale computational identifications of miRNAs and/or targets of several plants have been also reported. Their methods, however, are only described as flow diagrams, which require programming skills and the understanding of input and output of the connected programs to reproduce. Results To overcome these limitations and programming complexities, we proposed C-mii as a ready-made software package for both plant miRNA and target identification. C-mii was designed and implemented based on established computational steps and criteria derived from previous literature with the following distinguishing features. First, software is easy to install with all-in-one programs and packaged databases. Second, it comes with graphical user interfaces (GUIs) for ease of use. Users can identify plant miRNAs and targets via step-by-step execution, explore the detailed results from each step, filter the results according to proposed constraints in plant miRNA and target biogenesis, and export sequences and structures of interest. Third, it supplies bird's eye views of the identification results with infographics and grouping information. Fourth, in terms of functionality, it extends the standard computational steps of miRNA target identification with miRNA-target folding and GO annotation. Fifth, it provides helper functions for the update of pre-installed databases and automatic recovery. Finally, it supports multi-project and multi-thread management. Conclusions C-mii constitutes the first complete software package with graphical user interfaces enabling computational identification of both plant miRNA genes and miRNA targets. With the provided functionalities, it can help accelerate the study of plant miRNAs and targets, especially for small and medium plant molecular labs without bioinformaticians. C-mii is freely available at http://www.biotec.or.th/isl/c-mii for both Windows and Ubuntu Linux platforms. PMID:23281648

Adsorption of xenon on vicinal copper and platinum surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baker, Layton

The adsorption of xenon was studied on Cu(111), Cu(221), Cu(643) and on Pt(111), Pt(221), and Pt(531) using low energy electron diffraction (LEED), temperature programmed desorption (TPD) of xenon, and ultraviolet photoemission of adsorbed xenon (PAX). These experiments were performed to study the atomic and electronic structure of stepped and step-kinked, chiral metal surfaces. Xenon TPD and PAX were performed on each surface in an attempt to titrate terrace, step edge, and kink adsorption sites by adsorption energetics (TPD) and local work function differences (PAX). Due to the complex behavior of xenon on the vicinal copper and platinum metal surfaces, adsorption sites on these surfaces could not be adequately titrated by xenon TPD. On Cu(221) and Cu(643), xenon desorption from step adsorption sites was not apparent leading to the conclusion that the energy difference between terrace and step adsorption is minuscule. On Pt(221) and Pt(531), xenon TPD indicated that xenon prefers to bond at step edges and that the xenon-xenon interaction at step edges in repulsive but no further indication of step-kink adsorption was observed. The Pt(221) and Pt(531) TPD spectra indicated that the xenon overlayer undergoes strong compression near monolayer coverage on these surfaces due to repulsion between step-edge adsorbed xenon and other encroaching xenon atoms. The PAX experiments on the copper and platinum surfaces demonstrated that the step adsorption sites have lower local work functions than terrace adsorption sites and that higher step density leads to a larger separation in the local work function of terrace and step adsorption sites. The PAX spectra also indicated that, for all surfaces studied at 50--70 K, step adsorption is favored at low coverage but the step sites are not saturated until monolayer coverage is reached; this observation is due to the large entropy difference between terrace and step adsorption states and to repulsive interactions between xenon atoms adsorbed at step edges (on the platinum surfaces). The results herein provide several novel observations regarding the adsorptive behavior of xenon on vicinal copper and platinum surfaces.

Concerns about dose and underutilization of twelve-step programs: models, scales, and theory that inform treatment planning.

PubMed

Cloud, Richard N; Kingree, J B

2008-01-01

Researchers have observed that a majority of addicted persons who are encouraged and facilitated by treatment providers to attend twelve-step (TS) programs either drop out or sporadically use twelve-step programs following treatment. This is troubling given considerable evidence of TS program benefits associated with regular weekly attendance and ubiquitous reliance by treatment professionals on these programs to provide important support services. This chapter reviews and advances theory of TS utilization and dose that is supported by prior research, multivariate models, and scales that predict risk of TS meeting underutilization. Advancing theory should organize and clarify the process of initial utilization, guide intervention development, and improve adherence of TS program referrals, all of which should lead to improved treatment planning and better outcomes. Three theories are integrated to explain processes that may influence TS program dose: the health belief model, self-determination theory (motivational theory), and a person-in-organization cultural fit theory. Four multidimensional scales developed specifically to predict participation are described. Implications for practice and future research are considered in a final discussion. Information contained in this chapter raises awareness of the need for TS-focused treatments to focus on achieving weekly attendance during and after treatment.

U.S.-MEXICO BORDER PROGRAM ARIZONA BORDER STUDY--STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR BATCHING OF LABORATORY DATA (UA-C-7.0)

EPA Science Inventory

The purpose of this SOP is to describe the steps involved in batching the physical laboratory data forms generated by the Arizona Border Study and slated for data entry. It applies to all physical laboratory data forms entered for this study. This procedure was followed to ensu...

Atomic-Scale Design of Iron Fischer-Tropsch Catalysts; A Combined Computational Chemistry, Experimental, and Microkinetic Modeling Approach

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

Manos Mavrikakis; James Dumesic; Rahul Nabar

2008-09-29

This work focuses on (1) searching/summarizing published Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) mechanistic and kinetic studies of FTS reactions on iron catalysts; (2) preparation and characterization of unsupported iron catalysts with/without potassium/platinum promoters; (3) measurement of H{sub 2} and CO adsorption/dissociation kinetics on iron catalysts using transient methods; (3) analysis of the transient rate data to calculate kinetic parameters of early elementary steps in FTS; (4) construction of a microkinetic model of FTS on iron, and (5) validation of the model from collection of steady-state rate data for FTS on iron catalysts. Three unsupported iron catalysts and three alumina-supported iron catalysts weremore » prepared by non-aqueous-evaporative deposition (NED) or aqueous impregnation (AI) and characterized by chemisorption, BET, temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), extent-of-reduction, XRD, and TEM methods. These catalysts, covering a wide range of dispersions and metal loadings, are well-reduced and relatively thermally stable up to 500-600 C in H{sub 2} and thus ideal for kinetic and mechanistic studies. Kinetic parameters for CO adsorption, CO dissociation, and surface carbon hydrogenation on these catalysts were determined from temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) of CO and temperature programmed surface hydrogenation (TPSR), temperature-programmed hydrogenation (TPH), and isothermal, transient hydrogenation (ITH). A microkinetic model was constructed for the early steps in FTS on polycrystalline iron from the kinetic parameters of elementary steps determined experimentally in this work and from literature values. Steady-state rate data were collected in a Berty reactor and used for validation of the microkinetic model. These rate data were fitted to 'smart' Langmuir-Hinshelwood rate expressions derived from a sequence of elementary steps and using a combination of fitted steady-state parameters and parameters specified from the transient measurements. The results provide a platform for further development of microkinetic models of FTS on Fe and a basis for more precise modeling of FTS activity of Fe catalysts. Calculations using periodic, self-consistent Density Functional Theory (DFT) methods were performed on various realistic models of industrial, Fe-based FTS catalysts. Close-packed, most stable Fe(110) facet was analyzed and subsequently carbide formation was found to be facile leading to the choice of the FeC(110) model representing a Fe facet with a sub-surface C atom. The Pt adatom (Fe{sup Pt}(110)) was found to be the most stable model for our studies into Pt promotion and finally the role of steps was elucidated by recourse to the defected Fe(211) facet. Binding Energies(BEs), preferred adsorption sites and geometries for all FTS relevant stable species and intermediates were evaluated on each model catalyst facet. A mechanistic model (comprising of 32 elementary steps involving 19 species) was constructed and each elementary step therein was fully characterized with respect to its thermochemistry and kinetics. Kinetic calculations involved evaluation of the Minimum Energy Pathways (MEPs) and activation energies (barriers) for each step. Vibrational frequencies were evaluated for the preferred adsorption configuration of each species with the aim of evaluating entropy-changes, pre exponential factors and serving as a useful connection with experimental surface science techniques. Comparative analysis among these four facets revealed important trends in their relative behavior and roles in FTS catalysis. Overall the First Principles Calculations afforded us a new insight into FTS catalysis on Fe and modified-Fe catalysts.« less

How School Principals Can Foster Effective Literacy Instruction: A Ten-Step Plan

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hinchman, Kathleen A.

2009-01-01

School principals can foster effective literacy instruction by orchestrating community collaboration in an ongoing cycle of literacy program development, implementation, evaluation, and revision outlined in this ten-step plan. The steps address forming a community advisory board, appointing a building literacy leader, forming a literacy team,…

Internet for Educators[TM]: A Step-by-Step Guide To Help Educators Understand and Use the Internet. [Videotape].

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

1996

This 66-minute videotape is part of an ongoing Internet education series, exploring the fascinating resources of the Internet. It is a step-by-step guide demonstrating effective techniques for using the World Wide Web, e-mail, file transfer protocol and other technologies. The program examines the Internet phenomenon from the educator's point of…

A training approach to improve stepping automaticity while dual-tasking in Parkinson's disease: A prospective pilot study.

PubMed

Chomiak, Taylor; Watts, Alexander; Meyer, Nicole; Pereira, Fernando V; Hu, Bin

2017-02-01

Deficits in motor movement automaticity in Parkinson's disease (PD), especially during multitasking, are early and consistent hallmarks of cognitive function decline, which increases fall risk and reduces quality of life. This study aimed to test the feasibility and potential efficacy of a wearable sensor-enabled technological platform designed for an in-home music-contingent stepping-in-place (SIP) training program to improve step automaticity during dual-tasking (DT). This was a 4-week prospective intervention pilot study. The intervention uses a sensor system and algorithm that runs off the iPod Touch which calculates step height (SH) in real-time. These measurements were then used to trigger auditory (treatment group, music; control group, radio podcast) playback in real-time through wireless headphones upon maintenance of repeated large amplitude stepping. With small steps or shuffling, auditory playback stops, thus allowing participants to use anticipatory motor control to regain positive feedback. Eleven participants were recruited from an ongoing trial (Trial Number: ISRCTN06023392). Fear of falling (FES-I), general cognitive functioning (MoCA), self-reported freezing of gait (FOG-Q), and DT step automaticity were evaluated. While we found no significant effect of training on FES-I, MoCA, or FOG-Q, we did observe a significant group (music vs podcast) by training interaction in DT step automaticity (P<0.01). Wearable device technology can be used to enable musically-contingent SIP training to increase motor automaticity for people living with PD. The training approach described here can be implemented at home to meet the growing demand for self-management of symptoms by patients.

Healthy and productive workers: using intervention mapping to design a workplace health promotion and wellness program to improve presenteeism.

PubMed

Ammendolia, Carlo; Côté, Pierre; Cancelliere, Carol; Cassidy, J David; Hartvigsen, Jan; Boyle, Eleanor; Soklaridis, Sophie; Stern, Paula; Amick, Benjamin

2016-11-25

Presenteeism is a growing problem in developed countries mostly due to an aging workforce. The economic costs related to presenteeism exceed those of absenteeism and employer health costs. Employers are implementing workplace health promotion and wellness programs to improve health among workers and reduce presenteeism. How best to design, integrate and deliver these programs are unknown. The main purpose of this study was to use an intervention mapping approach to develop a workplace health promotion and wellness program aimed at reducing presenteeism. We partnered with a large international financial services company and used a qualitative synthesis based on an intervention mapping methodology. Evidence from systematic reviews and key articles on reducing presenteeism and implementing health promotion programs was combined with theoretical models for changing behavior and stakeholder experience. This was then systematically operationalized into a program using discussion groups and consensus among experts and stakeholders. The top health problem impacting our workplace partner was mental health. Depression and stress were the first and second highest cause of productivity loss respectively. A multi-pronged program with detailed action steps was developed and directed at key stakeholders and health conditions. For mental health, regular sharing focus groups, social networking, monthly personal stories from leadership using webinars and multi-media communications, expert-led workshops, lunch and learn sessions and manager and employee training were part of a comprehensive program. Comprehensive, specific and multi-pronged strategies were developed and aimed at encouraging healthy behaviours that impact presenteeism such as regular exercise, proper nutrition, adequate sleep, smoking cessation, socialization and work-life balance. Limitations of the intervention mapping process included high resource and time requirements, the lack of external input and viewpoints skewed towards middle and upper management, and using secondary workplace data of unknown validity and reliability. In general, intervention mapping was a useful method to develop a workplace health promotion and wellness program aimed at reducing presenteeism. The methodology provided a step-by-step process to unravel a complex problem. The process compelled participants to think critically, collaboratively and in nontraditional ways.

ANALYSIS OF FACTORS AFFECTING METHANE GAS RECOVERY FROM SIX LANDFILLS

EPA Science Inventory

The report gives results of a pilot study of six U.S. landfills that have methane (CH4) gas recovery systems. NOTE: The study was a first step in developing a field testing program to gather data to identify key variables that affect CH4 generation and to develop an empirical mod...

The PLATO System: A Study in the Diffusion of an Innovation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Driscoll, Francis D.; Wolf, W. C., Jr.

This study was designed to ascertain the relationships between the steps of a tool designed to link knowledge production and the needs of knowledge users (the Wolf-Welsh Linkage Methodology or WWLM) with milestones in the evolution of an innovative computer-assisted instructional system called PLATO (Programming Logic for Advanced Teaching…

VAKT for Basic Subtraction Facts.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thornton, Carol A.; Toohey, Margaret A.

Guidelines are presented for modifying basic instruction of subtraction facts for elementary level learning disabled students. A detailed case study is used to illustrate a five-step structured program: (1) find a way to work it out; (2) add to check; (3) learn the partner facts; (4) study families of facts; (5) review and practice. The selection…

Educational Experiences of the International Students in Graduate Programs in Turkey

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alpaydin, Yusuf

2018-01-01

Educational quality determined by factors such as academic climate, physical environment and academic quality of universities are considered essential for growing numbers of international students. This study aims to reveal and analyze the experiences of international students studying at graduate education step in Turkey. To this end, it is…

Workshop Organization and Management in Adult Education. Case Study of the MOBRAL System.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

da Costa, Lamartine Pereira

This case study of the organizational structure of the Brazilian Literacy Movement (MOBRAL) describes the various organizational changes made as the mediating agency attempted to develop a large-scale national program within the existing social structure. Steps in the organization's development are traced from: (1) Beginnings in 1970 under the…

Multilevel Atomicity - A New Correctness Criterion for Database Concurrency Control.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-09-01

Research Office Contract #DAAG29-79-C-0155, Office of Naval Research Contract #N00014.79-C-0873, and Advanced Research PRojecta Agecy of the Department...steps of V. Since the transactions need not be straight-line programs , but can branch in complicated ways. I am forced to describe separately the places...not know whether these specializations provide efficient implementations. This question is a topic for future study. The new programming language

How to Find the Right Therapist

MedlinePlus

... Directory Get Involved Become a Member Attend an Event Annual OCD Conference 1 Million Steps 4 OCD Walk OCDvocate Program Fundraise Volunteer Share Your Story Join a Research Study Join our Email List For Professionals Training Add/Update a Referral Listing Apply for a Research ...

An Update on the NASA Planetary Science Division Research and Analysis Program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bernstein, Max; Richey, Christina; Rall, Jonathan

2015-11-01

Introduction: NASA’s Planetary Science Division (PSD) solicits its research and analysis (R&A) programs each year in Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES). Beginning with the 2014 ROSES solicitation, PSD changed the structure of the program elements under which the majority of planetary science R&A is done. Major changes included the creation of five core research program elements aligned with PSD’s strategic science questions, the introduction of several new R&A opportunities, new submission requirements, and a new timeline for proposal submission.ROSES and NSPIRES: ROSES contains the research announcements for all of SMD. Submission of ROSES proposals is done electronically via NSPIRES: http://nspires.nasaprs.com. We will present further details on the proposal submission process to help guide younger scientists. Statistical trends, including the average award size within the PSD programs, selections rates, and lessons learned, will be presented. Information on new programs will also be presented, if available.Review Process and Volunteering: The SARA website (http://sara.nasa.gov) contains information on all ROSES solicitations. There is an email address (SARA@nasa.gov) for inquiries and an area for volunteer reviewers to sign up. The peer review process is based on Scientific/Technical Merit, Relevance, and Level of Effort, and will be detailed within this presentation.ROSES 2015 submission changes: All PSD programs will continue to use a two-step proposal submission process. A Step-1 proposal is required and must be submitted electronically by the Step-1 due date. The Step-1 proposal should include a description of the science goals and objectives to be addressed by the proposal, a brief description of the methodology to be used to address the science goals and objectives, and the relevance of the proposed research to the call submitted to.

The Resolved Stellar Populations Early Release Science Program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weisz, Daniel; Anderson, J.; Boyer, M.; Cole, A.; Dolphin, A.; Geha, M.; Kalirai, J.; Kallivayalil, N.; McQuinn, K.; Sandstrom, K.; Williams, B.

2017-11-01

We propose to obtain deep multi-band NIRCam and NIRISS imaging of three resolved stellar systems within 1 Mpc (NOI 104). We will use this broad science program to optimize observational setups and to develop data reduction techniques that will be common to JWST studies of resolved stellar populations. We will combine our expertise in HST resolved star studies with these observations to design, test, and release point spread function (PSF) fitting software specific to JWST. PSF photometry is at the heart of resolved stellar populations studies, but is not part of the standard JWST reduction pipeline. Our program will establish JWST-optimized methodologies in six scientific areas: star formation histories, measurement of the sub-Solar mass stellar IMF, extinction maps, evolved stars, proper motions, and globular clusters, all of which will be common pursuits for JWST in the local Universe. Our observations of globular cluster M92, ultra-faint dwarf Draco II, and star-forming dwarf WLM, will be of high archival value for other science such as calibrating stellar evolution models, measuring properties of variable stars, and searching for metal-poor stars. We will release the results of our program, including PSF fitting software, matched HST and JWST catalogs, clear documentation, and step-by-step tutorials (e.g., Jupyter notebooks) for data reduction and science application, to the community prior to the Cycle 2 Call for Proposals. We will host a workshop to help community members plan their Cycle 2 observations of resolved stars. Our program will provide blueprints for the community to efficiently reduce and analyze JWST observations of resolved stellar populations.

A program to compute the two-step excitation of mesospheric sodium atoms for the Polychromatic Laser Guide Star Project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bellanger, Véronique; Courcelle, Arnaud; Petit, Alain

2004-09-01

A program to compute the two-step excitation of sodium atoms ( 3S→3P→4D) using the density-matrix formalism is presented. The BEACON program calculates population evolution and the number of photons emitted by fluorescence from the 3P, 4D, 4P, 4S levels. Program summaryTitle of program: BEACON Catalogue identifier:ADSX Program Summary URL:http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/cpc/summaries/ADSX Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University of Belfast, N. Ireland Licensing provisions: none Operating systems under which the program has been tested: Win; Unix Programming language used: FORTRAN 77 Memory required to execute with typical data: 1 Mw Number of bits in a word: 32 Number of processors used: 1 (a parallel version of this code is also available and can be obtained on request) Number of lines in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 29 287 Number of bytes in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 830 331 Distribution format: tar.gz CPC Program Library subprograms used: none Nature of physical problem: Resolution of the Bloch equations in the case of the two-step laser excitation of sodium atoms. Method of solution: The program BEACON calculates the evolution of level population versus time using the density-matrix formalism. The number of photons emitted from the 3P, 4D and 4P levels is calculated using the branching ratios and the level lifetimes. Restriction on the complexity of the problem: Since the backscatter emission is calculated after the excitation process, excitation with laser pulse duration longer than the 4D level lifetime cannot be rigorously treated. Particularly, cw laser excitation cannot be calculated with this code. Typical running time:12 h

The Mechanical Property Data Base from an Air Force/Industry Cooperative Test Program on Advanced Aluminum Alloys (IN905XL and AL905XL Forgings)

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-12-01

850F FOR 2 HRS STEP 2 - 665F FOR 2 HRS STEP 3 - WARM WATER QUENCH STEP 4 - 230F FOR 24 HRS TABLE G5 TENSILE RESULTS FOR IN905XL FORGING COMPANY TEST...HRS STEP 2 - 665F FOR 2 HRS STEP 3 - WARM WATER QUENCH STEP 4 - 230F FOR 24 HRS 12 TABLE G6 COMPRESSION RESULTS FOR IN905XL FORGING COMPANY TEST...LONG 58.0 11.4 DYNAMICS (*) (*): HEAT TREATED TO THE FOLLOWING SCHEDULE: STEP 1 - 850F FOR 2 HRS STEP 2 - 665F FOR 2 HRS STEP 3 - WARM WATER QUENCH

Stepping Stones Triple P: the importance of putting the findings into context.

PubMed

Tellegen, Cassandra L; Sofronoff, Kate

2015-02-04

The Stepping Stones Triple P (SSTP) parenting program is an evidence-based program for parents of children with a disability. A trial of SSTP was recently published in BMC Medicine, which reported results of a randomized controlled trial comparing SSTP to care-as-usual. Although the paper described what should be an important replication trial of SSTP, there are significant shortcomings to the scientific approach of the reporting that need to be addressed. The paper initially cites only a few published SSTP studies and describes evidence for the efficacy of the program as "very scarce". A meta-analysis of studies evaluating SSTP published prior to submission of this paper was not cited. The results are inconsistent with previous evidence for SSTP, yet the authors provide scant interpretation for this inconsistency. Similarly, the unusually high dropout rate of 49% was not adequately explained. The claims that previous research has only been conducted by the developers, has not included children with intellectual disability, and has not used care-as-usual comparison groups, are inaccurate. This commentary explores these issues further in order to place the findings from the recent trial into context.

The Zero Hunger and Brazil without Extreme Poverty programs: a step forward in Brazilian social protection policy.

PubMed

Paes-Sousa, Romulo; Vaitsman, Jeni

2014-11-01

Brazilian social protection programs have had consistent effects in reducing poverty and inequality among their respective target-groups: children, adolescents and pregnant and breastfeeding women. In 2011, the Brazil without Extreme Poverty program was launched as a strategy to eradicate extreme poverty by 2014. It makes the promotion of rights the core concept of the official political narrative. This study seeks to provide a systematic description of the Brazil without Extreme Poverty program and its initial results. A review of official documents and academic studies on the social protection programs was conducted. The Brazil without Extreme Poverty program represents an incremental approach to the social protection policies enacted by the previous administration. It advocates a multidimensional and focused approach, funded primarily by the federal government. The strategy subscribes to the international trend of associating social protection with employment and income generation policies.

Method for depleting BWRs using optimal control rod patterns

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

Taner, M.S.; Levine, S.H.; Hsiao, M.Y.

1991-01-01

Control rod (CR) programming is an essential core management activity for boiling water reactors (BWRs). After establishing a core reload design for a BWR, CR programming is performed to develop a sequence of exposure-dependent CR patterns that assure the safe and effective depletion of the core through a reactor cycle. A time-variant target power distribution approach has been assumed in this study. The authors have developed OCTOPUS to implement a new two-step method for designing semioptimal CR programs for BWRs. The optimization procedure of OCTOPUS is based on the method of approximation programming and uses the SIMULATE-E code for nucleonicsmore » calculations.« less

Impact of a scholarly track on quality of residency program applicants.

PubMed

Celebi, Julie M; Nguyen, Cathina T; Sattler, Amelia L; Stevens, Michael B; Lin, Steven Y

2016-11-01

It is generally believed that residency programs offering scholarly tracks attract higher quality applicants, although there is little evidence of this in the literature. We explored the impact of a clinician-educator track on the quality of applicants to our residency program by comparing the volume and characteristics of applicants before (2008-2011) and after (2012-2015) the track was introduced. The total number of applications received was compared between the pre-track and post-track years. Among interviewees, data on United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 scores, Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) scores, Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE) scores, and proportion of candidates with an advanced degree (e.g. MPH, PhD) were compared. An online survey was administered to all interviewees in 2014-2015 to measure interest in the track. The total number of applications to the residency program increased significantly from the pre-track to the post-track years. Compared to the pre-track years, interviewees during the post-track years had statistically higher USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK scores, better MSPE scores, and were more likely to have an advanced degree. Two-thirds of survey respondents reported that the track increased their interest in the residency program. A residency clinician-educator track may be associated with increased overall interest from applicants, higher application volume, and better measures of applicant quality based on USMLE scores, MSPE scores, and proportion of candidates with an advanced degree. Residency programs may consider a potential increase in the quality of their applicants as an added benefit of offering a scholarly track.

Study protocol: a stepped wedge cluster randomised controlled trial of a healthy lifestyle intervention for people attending residential substance abuse treatment.

PubMed

Kelly, Peter J; Baker, Amanda L; Deane, Frank P; Callister, Robin; Collins, Clare E; Oldmeadow, Christopher; Attia, John R; Townsend, Camilla J; Ingram, Isabella; Byrne, Gerard; Keane, Carol A

2015-05-03

Cardiovascular disease and cancer are leading causes of mortality for people with a history of alcohol or other substance use disorders. These chronic diseases share the same four primary behavioural risk factors i.e. excessive alcohol use, smoking, low intake of fruit and vegetables and physical inactivity. In addition to addressing problematic alcohol use, there is the potential for substance abuse treatment services to also address these other behaviours. Healthy Recovery is an 8-session group-based intervention that targets these multiple behavioural health risk factors and was developed specifically for people attending substance abuse treatment. This protocol describes a Cancer Institute NSW funded study that assesses the effectiveness of delivering Healthy Recovery for people who are attending residential alcohol and other substance abuse treatment. The study uses a stepped wedge randomised controlled design, where randomisation occurs at the service level. Participants will be recruited from residential rehabilitation programs provided by The Australian Salvation Army. All participants who (1) currently smoke tobacco and (2) are expected to be in the residential program for the duration of the 5-week intervention will be asked to participate in the study. Those participants residing at the facilities assigned to the treatment condition will complete Healthy Recovery. The intervention is manual guided and will be delivered over a 5-week period, with participants attending 8 group sessions. All participants will continue to complete The Salvation Army residential program, a predominantly 12-step based, modified therapeutic community. Participants in the control condition will complete treatment as usual. Research staff blind to treatment allocation will complete the primary and secondary outcome assessments at baseline and then at weeks 8, 20 and 32 weeks post intervention. This study will provide comprehensive data on the effect of delivering a healthy lifestyle intervention (i.e. Healthy Recovery) within a residential substance abuse setting. If shown to be effective, this intervention can be disseminated within other residential substance abuse programs. Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register (ANZCTR): ACTRN12615000165583. Registered 19(th) February 2015.

Effects of step length and step frequency on lower-limb muscle function in human gait.

PubMed

Lim, Yoong Ping; Lin, Yi-Chung; Pandy, Marcus G

2017-05-24

The aim of this study was to quantify the effects of step length and step frequency on lower-limb muscle function in walking. Three-dimensional gait data were used in conjunction with musculoskeletal modeling techniques to evaluate muscle function over a range of walking speeds using prescribed combinations of step length and step frequency. The body was modeled as a 10-segment, 21-degree-of-freedom skeleton actuated by 54 muscle-tendon units. Lower-limb muscle forces were calculated using inverse dynamics and static optimization. We found that five muscles - GMAX, GMED, VAS, GAS, and SOL - dominated vertical support and forward progression independent of changes made to either step length or step frequency, and that, overall, changes in step length had a greater influence on lower-limb joint motion, net joint moments and muscle function than step frequency. Peak forces developed by the uniarticular hip and knee extensors, as well as the normalized fiber lengths at which these muscles developed their peak forces, correlated more closely with changes in step length than step frequency. Increasing step length resulted in larger contributions from the hip and knee extensors and smaller contributions from gravitational forces (limb posture) to vertical support. These results provide insight into why older people with weak hip and knee extensors walk more slowly by reducing step length rather than step frequency and also help to identify the key muscle groups that ought to be targeted in exercise programs designed to improve gait biomechanics in older adults. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Multi-Time Step Service Restoration for Advanced Distribution Systems and Microgrids

DOE PAGES

Chen, Bo; Chen, Chen; Wang, Jianhui; ...

2017-07-07

Modern power systems are facing increased risk of disasters that can cause extended outages. The presence of remote control switches (RCSs), distributed generators (DGs), and energy storage systems (ESS) provides both challenges and opportunities for developing post-fault service restoration methodologies. Inter-temporal constraints of DGs, ESS, and loads under cold load pickup (CLPU) conditions impose extra complexity on problem formulation and solution. In this paper, a multi-time step service restoration methodology is proposed to optimally generate a sequence of control actions for controllable switches, ESSs, and dispatchable DGs to assist the system operator with decision making. The restoration sequence is determinedmore » to minimize the unserved customers by energizing the system step by step without violating operational constraints at each time step. The proposed methodology is formulated as a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model and can adapt to various operation conditions. Furthermore, the proposed method is validated through several case studies that are performed on modified IEEE 13-node and IEEE 123-node test feeders.« less

Multi-Time Step Service Restoration for Advanced Distribution Systems and Microgrids

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

Chen, Bo; Chen, Chen; Wang, Jianhui

Modern power systems are facing increased risk of disasters that can cause extended outages. The presence of remote control switches (RCSs), distributed generators (DGs), and energy storage systems (ESS) provides both challenges and opportunities for developing post-fault service restoration methodologies. Inter-temporal constraints of DGs, ESS, and loads under cold load pickup (CLPU) conditions impose extra complexity on problem formulation and solution. In this paper, a multi-time step service restoration methodology is proposed to optimally generate a sequence of control actions for controllable switches, ESSs, and dispatchable DGs to assist the system operator with decision making. The restoration sequence is determinedmore » to minimize the unserved customers by energizing the system step by step without violating operational constraints at each time step. The proposed methodology is formulated as a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model and can adapt to various operation conditions. Furthermore, the proposed method is validated through several case studies that are performed on modified IEEE 13-node and IEEE 123-node test feeders.« less

Adaptation of catch-up saccades during the initiation of smooth pursuit eye movements.

PubMed

Schütz, Alexander C; Souto, David

2011-04-01

Reduction of retinal speed and alignment of the line of sight are believed to be the respective primary functions of smooth pursuit and saccadic eye movements. As the eye muscles strength can change in the short-term, continuous adjustments of motor signals are required to achieve constant accuracy. While adaptation of saccade amplitude to systematic position errors has been extensively studied, we know less about the adaptive response to position errors during smooth pursuit initiation, when target motion has to be taken into account to program saccades, and when position errors at the saccade endpoint could also be corrected by increasing pursuit velocity. To study short-term adaptation (250 adaptation trials) of tracking eye movements, we introduced a position error during the first catch-up saccade made during the initiation of smooth pursuit-in a ramp-step-ramp paradigm. The target position was either shifted in the direction of the horizontally moving target (forward step), against it (backward step) or orthogonally to it (vertical step). Results indicate adaptation of catch-up saccade amplitude to back and forward steps. With vertical steps, saccades became oblique, by an inflexion of the early or late saccade trajectory. With a similar time course, post-saccadic pursuit velocity was increased in the step direction, adding further evidence that under some conditions pursuit and saccades can act synergistically to reduce position errors.

Evaluating Intervention Programs with a Pretest-Posttest Design: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach

PubMed Central

Alessandri, Guido; Zuffianò, Antonio; Perinelli, Enrico

2017-01-01

A common situation in the evaluation of intervention programs is the researcher's possibility to rely on two waves of data only (i.e., pretest and posttest), which profoundly impacts on his/her choice about the possible statistical analyses to be conducted. Indeed, the evaluation of intervention programs based on a pretest-posttest design has been usually carried out by using classic statistical tests, such as family-wise ANOVA analyses, which are strongly limited by exclusively analyzing the intervention effects at the group level. In this article, we showed how second order multiple group latent curve modeling (SO-MG-LCM) could represent a useful methodological tool to have a more realistic and informative assessment of intervention programs with two waves of data. We offered a practical step-by-step guide to properly implement this methodology, and we outlined the advantages of the LCM approach over classic ANOVA analyses. Furthermore, we also provided a real-data example by re-analyzing the implementation of the Young Prosocial Animation, a universal intervention program aimed at promoting prosociality among youth. In conclusion, albeit there are previous studies that pointed to the usefulness of MG-LCM to evaluate intervention programs (Muthén and Curran, 1997; Curran and Muthén, 1999), no previous study showed that it is possible to use this approach even in pretest-posttest (i.e., with only two time points) designs. Given the advantages of latent variable analyses in examining differences in interindividual and intraindividual changes (McArdle, 2009), the methodological and substantive implications of our proposed approach are discussed. PMID:28303110

Evaluating Intervention Programs with a Pretest-Posttest Design: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach.

PubMed

Alessandri, Guido; Zuffianò, Antonio; Perinelli, Enrico

2017-01-01

A common situation in the evaluation of intervention programs is the researcher's possibility to rely on two waves of data only (i.e., pretest and posttest), which profoundly impacts on his/her choice about the possible statistical analyses to be conducted. Indeed, the evaluation of intervention programs based on a pretest-posttest design has been usually carried out by using classic statistical tests, such as family-wise ANOVA analyses, which are strongly limited by exclusively analyzing the intervention effects at the group level. In this article, we showed how second order multiple group latent curve modeling (SO-MG-LCM) could represent a useful methodological tool to have a more realistic and informative assessment of intervention programs with two waves of data. We offered a practical step-by-step guide to properly implement this methodology, and we outlined the advantages of the LCM approach over classic ANOVA analyses. Furthermore, we also provided a real-data example by re-analyzing the implementation of the Young Prosocial Animation, a universal intervention program aimed at promoting prosociality among youth. In conclusion, albeit there are previous studies that pointed to the usefulness of MG-LCM to evaluate intervention programs (Muthén and Curran, 1997; Curran and Muthén, 1999), no previous study showed that it is possible to use this approach even in pretest-posttest (i.e., with only two time points) designs. Given the advantages of latent variable analyses in examining differences in interindividual and intraindividual changes (McArdle, 2009), the methodological and substantive implications of our proposed approach are discussed.

Language-Agnostic Reproducible Data Analysis Using Literate Programming.

PubMed

Vassilev, Boris; Louhimo, Riku; Ikonen, Elina; Hautaniemi, Sampsa

2016-01-01

A modern biomedical research project can easily contain hundreds of analysis steps and lack of reproducibility of the analyses has been recognized as a severe issue. While thorough documentation enables reproducibility, the number of analysis programs used can be so large that in reality reproducibility cannot be easily achieved. Literate programming is an approach to present computer programs to human readers. The code is rearranged to follow the logic of the program, and to explain that logic in a natural language. The code executed by the computer is extracted from the literate source code. As such, literate programming is an ideal formalism for systematizing analysis steps in biomedical research. We have developed the reproducible computing tool Lir (literate, reproducible computing) that allows a tool-agnostic approach to biomedical data analysis. We demonstrate the utility of Lir by applying it to a case study. Our aim was to investigate the role of endosomal trafficking regulators to the progression of breast cancer. In this analysis, a variety of tools were combined to interpret the available data: a relational database, standard command-line tools, and a statistical computing environment. The analysis revealed that the lipid transport related genes LAPTM4B and NDRG1 are coamplified in breast cancer patients, and identified genes potentially cooperating with LAPTM4B in breast cancer progression. Our case study demonstrates that with Lir, an array of tools can be combined in the same data analysis to improve efficiency, reproducibility, and ease of understanding. Lir is an open-source software available at github.com/borisvassilev/lir.

Language-Agnostic Reproducible Data Analysis Using Literate Programming

PubMed Central

Vassilev, Boris; Louhimo, Riku; Ikonen, Elina; Hautaniemi, Sampsa

2016-01-01

A modern biomedical research project can easily contain hundreds of analysis steps and lack of reproducibility of the analyses has been recognized as a severe issue. While thorough documentation enables reproducibility, the number of analysis programs used can be so large that in reality reproducibility cannot be easily achieved. Literate programming is an approach to present computer programs to human readers. The code is rearranged to follow the logic of the program, and to explain that logic in a natural language. The code executed by the computer is extracted from the literate source code. As such, literate programming is an ideal formalism for systematizing analysis steps in biomedical research. We have developed the reproducible computing tool Lir (literate, reproducible computing) that allows a tool-agnostic approach to biomedical data analysis. We demonstrate the utility of Lir by applying it to a case study. Our aim was to investigate the role of endosomal trafficking regulators to the progression of breast cancer. In this analysis, a variety of tools were combined to interpret the available data: a relational database, standard command-line tools, and a statistical computing environment. The analysis revealed that the lipid transport related genes LAPTM4B and NDRG1 are coamplified in breast cancer patients, and identified genes potentially cooperating with LAPTM4B in breast cancer progression. Our case study demonstrates that with Lir, an array of tools can be combined in the same data analysis to improve efficiency, reproducibility, and ease of understanding. Lir is an open-source software available at github.com/borisvassilev/lir. PMID:27711123

Experiences of Redesigning an Elementary Education Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chang, Sau Hou

2016-01-01

This paper aims to share the experiences of redesigning an elementary education program. Steps of redesigning the elementary education program were enumerated. Challenges in the redesign of the elementary education program were discussed. The new elementary education program was described. Lessons learned from the redesign of the elementary…

Fostering supportive learning environments in long-term care: the case of WIN A STEP UP.

PubMed

Craft Morgan, Jennifer; Haviland, Sara B; Woodside, M Allyson; Konrad, Thomas R

2007-01-01

The education of direct care workers (DCWs) is key to improving job quality and the quality of care in long-term care (LTC). This paper describes the successful integration of a supervisory training program into a continuing education intervention (WIN A STEP UP) for DCWs, identifies the factors that appear to influence the integration of the learning into practice, and discusses the implications for educators. The WIN A STEP UP program achieved its strongest results when the DCW curriculum was paired with Coaching Supervision. Attention to pre-training, training and post-training conditions is necessary to successfully integrate learning into practice in LTC.

Along the way to developing a theory of the program: a re-examination of the conceptual framework as an organizing strategy.

PubMed

Helitzer, Deborah L; Sussman, Andrew L; Hoffman, Richard M; Getrich, Christina M; Warner, Teddy D; Rhyne, Robert L

2014-08-01

Conceptual frameworks (CF) have historically been used to develop program theory. We re-examine the literature about the role of CF in this context, specifically how they can be used to create descriptive and prescriptive theories, as building blocks for a program theory. Using a case example of colorectal cancer screening intervention development, we describe the process of developing our initial CF, the methods used to explore the constructs in the framework and revise the framework for intervention development. We present seven steps that guided the development of our CF: (1) assemble the "right" research team, (2) incorporate existing literature into the emerging CF, (3) construct the conceptual framework, (4) diagram the framework, (5) operationalize the framework: develop the research design and measures, (6) conduct the research, and (7) revise the framework. A revised conceptual framework depicted more complicated inter-relationships of the different predisposing, enabling, reinforcing, and system-based factors. The updated framework led us to generate program theory and serves as the basis for designing future intervention studies and outcome evaluations. A CF can build a foundation for program theory. We provide a set of concrete steps and lessons learned to assist practitioners in developing a CF. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

User's guide to four-body and three-body trajectory optimization programs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pu, C. L.; Edelbaum, T. N.

1974-01-01

A collection of computer programs and subroutines written in FORTRAN to calculate 4-body (sun-earth-moon-space) and 3-body (earth-moon-space) optimal trajectories is presented. The programs incorporate a variable step integration technique and a quadrature formula to correct single step errors. The programs provide capability to solve initial value problem, two point boundary value problem of a transfer from a given initial position to a given final position in fixed time, optimal 2-impulse transfer from an earth parking orbit of given inclination to a given final position and velocity in fixed time and optimal 3-impulse transfer from a given position to a given final position and velocity in fixed time.

Microgravity computing codes. User's guide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

1982-01-01

Codes used in microgravity experiments to compute fluid parameters and to obtain data graphically are introduced. The computer programs are stored on two diskettes, compatible with the floppy disk drives of the Apple 2. Two versions of both disks are available (DOS-2 and DOS-3). The codes are written in BASIC and are structured as interactive programs. Interaction takes place through the keyboard of any Apple 2-48K standard system with single floppy disk drive. The programs are protected against wrong commands given by the operator. The programs are described step by step in the same order as the instructions displayed on the monitor. Most of these instructions are shown, with samples of computation and of graphics.

5 CFR 534.203 - Maximum stipends.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... training program Maximums by grade and step 1 L-A Below high school graduation GS-1-1 (minus 3 steps). L-1... Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS PAY UNDER OTHER SYSTEMS Student... year postgraduate predoctoral GS-7-1 (minus 3 steps). L-6 Third year medical school GS-7-1 (minus 3...

5 CFR 534.203 - Maximum stipends.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... training program Maximums by grade and step 1 L-A Below high school graduation GS-1-1 (minus 3 steps). L-1... Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS PAY UNDER OTHER SYSTEMS Student... year postgraduate predoctoral GS-7-1 (minus 3 steps). L-6 Third year medical school GS-7-1 (minus 3...

5 CFR 534.203 - Maximum stipends.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... training program Maximums by grade and step 1 L-A Below high school graduation GS-1-1 (minus 3 steps). L-1... Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS PAY UNDER OTHER SYSTEMS Student... year postgraduate predoctoral GS-7-1 (minus 3 steps). L-6 Third year medical school GS-7-1 (minus 3...

5 CFR 534.203 - Maximum stipends.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... training program Maximums by grade and step 1 L-A Below high school graduation GS-1-1 (minus 3 steps). L-1... Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS PAY UNDER OTHER SYSTEMS Student... year postgraduate predoctoral GS-7-1 (minus 3 steps). L-6 Third year medical school GS-7-1 (minus 3...

Fun, influence and competence-a mixed methods study of prerequisites for high school students' participation in physical education.

PubMed

Abildsnes, Eirik; Rohde, Gudrun; Berntsen, Sveinung; Stea, Tonje H

2017-03-10

Many adolescents do not reach the recommended levels of physical activity (PA), and students attending vocational studies are less committed to take part in physical education (PE) than other students. The purpose of the present study was twofold: 1) to examine differences in physical activity, diet, smoking habits, sleep and screen time among Norwegian vocational high school students who selected either a PE model focusing on PA skills, technique and improvement of physical performance ("Sports enjoyment") or more on health, play and having fun when participating in PE lessons ("Motion enjoyment"), and 2) to explore the students' experiences with PE programs. In this mixed methods study 181 out of 220 invited students (82%) comprising 141 (78%) girls and 40 (22%) boys attending vocational studies of Restaurant and Food Processing (24%), Design, Arts and Crafts (27%) or Healthcare, Childhood and Youth Development (49%) were recruited for participation in the new PE program. PA level, sedentary time and sleep were objectively recorded using the SenseWear Armband Mini. A self-report questionnaire was used to assess dietary habits, smoking and snuffing habits, use of alcohol, screen use and active transportation. Four focus group interviews with 23 students (12 boys) were conducted to explore how the students experienced the new PE program. Students attending "Motion enjoyment" accrued less steps/day compared to the "Sports enjoyment" group (6661 (5514, 7808) vs.9167 (7945, 10390) steps/day) and reported higher screen use (mean, 3.1; 95% CI, 2.8, 3.5) vs. 2.4 (2.0, 2.9) hours/day). Compared to those attending "Sports enjoyment", a higher number of students attending "Motion enjoyment" reported an irregular meal pattern (adjusted odds ratio, 5.40; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.28, 12.78), and being a current smoker (12.22 (1.62, 107.95)). The students participating in the focus group interviews emphasized the importance of having competent and engaging teachers, being able to influence the content of the PE program themselves, and that PE classes should include a variety of fun activities. Students selecting "Motion enjoyment" accrued less steps/day and reported overall more unhealthy lifestyle habits, including higher screen time, a more irregular meal pattern and a higher number were current smokers, compared to those selecting "Sports enjoyment". Program evaluation revealed that both groups of students valued competent PE teachers and having influence on the content of the PE program.

Watch Your Step

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kelley, Scott

2007-01-01

Schools and universities looking to be safer and prevent accidents should review their pedestrian-safety efforts. Over the last several years, a variety of research has assessed the effectiveness of pedestrian-safety programs. In one study, researchers found that marked crosswalks had no effect on reducing pedestrian accidents. Even more…

32 CFR 775.9 - Documentation and analysis.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... of the implementing factors of the program that can be ascertained at the time of impact statement... any environmental studies, surveys and impact analyses required by other environmental review laws and... programmatic environmental impact statement discussing the impacts of a wide ranging or long term stepped...

32 CFR 775.9 - Documentation and analysis.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... of the implementing factors of the program that can be ascertained at the time of impact statement... any environmental studies, surveys and impact analyses required by other environmental review laws and... programmatic environmental impact statement discussing the impacts of a wide ranging or long term stepped...

32 CFR 775.9 - Documentation and analysis.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... of the implementing factors of the program that can be ascertained at the time of impact statement... any environmental studies, surveys and impact analyses required by other environmental review laws and... programmatic environmental impact statement discussing the impacts of a wide ranging or long term stepped...

32 CFR 775.9 - Documentation and analysis.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... of the implementing factors of the program that can be ascertained at the time of impact statement... any environmental studies, surveys and impact analyses required by other environmental review laws and... programmatic environmental impact statement discussing the impacts of a wide ranging or long term stepped...

32 CFR 775.9 - Documentation and analysis.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... of the implementing factors of the program that can be ascertained at the time of impact statement... any environmental studies, surveys and impact analyses required by other environmental review laws and... programmatic environmental impact statement discussing the impacts of a wide ranging or long term stepped...

PREDICTIVE MEASURES OF A RESIDENT'S PERFORMANCE ON WRITTEN ORTHOPAEDIC BOARD SCORES

PubMed Central

Dyrstad, Bradley W; Pope, David; Milbrandt, Joseph C; Beck, Ryan T; Weinhoeft, Anita L.; Idusuyi, Osaretin B

2011-01-01

Objective Residency programs are continually attempting to predict the performance of both current and potential residents. Previous studies have supported the use of USMLE Steps 1 and 2 as predictors of Orthopaedic In-Training Examination (OITE) and eventual American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery success, while others show no significant correlation. A strong performance on OITE examinations does correlate with strong residency performance, and some believe OITE scores are good predictors of future written board success. The current study was designed to examine potential differences in resident assessment measures and their predictive value for written boards. Design/Methods A retrospective review of resident performance data was performed for the past 10 years. Personalized information was removed by the residency coordinator. USMLE Step 1, USMLE Step 2, Orthopaedic In-Training Examination (from first to fifth years of training), and written orthopaedic specialty board scores were collected. Subsequently, the residents were separated into two groups, those scoring above the 35th percentile on written boards and those scoring below. Data were analyzed using correlation and regression analyses to compare and contrast the scores across all tests. Results A significant difference was seen between the groups in regard to USMLE scores for both Step 1 and 2. Also, a significant difference was found between OITE scores for both the second and fifth years. Positive correlations were found for USMLE Step 1, Step 2, OITE 2 and OITE 5 when compared to performance on written boards. One resident initially failed written boards, but passed on the second attempt This resident consistently scored in the 20th and 30th percentiles on the in-training examinations. Conclusions USMLE Step 1 and 2 scores along with OITE scores are helpful in gauging an orthopaedic resident’s performance on written boards. Lower USMLE scores along with consistently low OITE scores likely identify residents at risk of failing their written boards. Close monitoring of the annual OITE scores is recommended and may be useful to identify struggling residents. Future work involving multiple institutions is warranted and would ensure applicability of our findings to other orthopedic residency programs. PMID:22096449

29 CFR 99.520 - Major program determination.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Auditors § 99.520 Major program determination. (a) General. The auditor shall use a risk-based approach to... followed. (b) Step 1. (1) The auditor shall identify the larger Federal programs, which shall be labeled... size of Type A programs, the auditor shall consider this Federal program as a Type A program and...

Program Fair Evaluation--Summative Appraisal of Instructional Sequences with Dissimilar Objectives.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Popham, W. James

A comparative evaluation involving two instructional programs is given, although the approach can easily serve to compare more than two programs. The steps involved in conducting a program fair evaluation of two instructional programs are: (1) Identify objectives (a) common to both programs, (b) unique to one program, and (c) unique to the other…

Effects of hip and trunk muscle strengthening on hip function and lower limb kinematics during step-down task.

PubMed

Araújo, Vanessa Lara; Souza, Thales Rezende; Carvalhais, Viviane Otoni do Carmo; Cruz, Aline Castro; Fonseca, Sérgio Teixeira

2017-05-01

Strengthening of the hip and trunk muscles has the potential to change lower limb kinematic patterns, such as excessive hip medial rotation and adduction during weight-bearing tasks. This study aimed to investigate the effect of hip and trunk muscles strengthening on hip muscle performance, hip passive properties, and lower limb kinematics during step-down task in women. Thirty-four young women who demonstrated dynamic knee valgus during step-down were divided into two groups. The experimental group underwent three weekly sessions of strengthening exercises for eight weeks, and the control group continued their usual activities. The following evaluations were carried out: (a) isokinetic maximum concentric and eccentric work of hip lateral rotators, (b) isokinetic hip passive torque of lateral rotation and resting transverse plane position, and (c) three-dimensional kinematics of the lower limb during step-down. The strengthening program increased concentric (P<0.001) and eccentric (P<0.001) work of hip lateral rotators, and changed hip resting position toward lateral rotation (P<0.001). The intervention did not significantly change hip passive torque (P=0.089, main effect). The program reduced hip (P=0.002), thigh (P=0.024) and shank (P=0.005) adduction during step-down task. Hip, thigh and knee kinematics in transverse plane and foot kinematics in frontal plane did not significantly modify after intervention (P≥0.069, main effect). Hip and trunk strengthening reduced lower limb adduction during step-down. The changes in hip maximum work and resting position may have contributed to the observed kinematic effects. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of Cerebellar Disease on Sequences of Rapid Eye Movements

PubMed Central

King, Susan; Chen, Athena L.; Joshi, Anand; Serra, Alessandro; Leigh, R. John

2011-01-01

Summary Studying saccades can illuminate the more complex decision-making processes required for everyday movements. The double-step task, in which a target jumps to two successive locations before the subject has time to react, has proven a powerful research tool to investigate the brain’s ability to program sequential responses. We asked how patients with a range of cerebellar disorders responded to the double-step task, specifically, whether the initial saccadic response made to a target is affected by the appearance of a second target jump. We also sought to determine whether cerebellar patients were able to make corrective saccades towards the remembered second target location, if it were turned off soon after presentation. We tested saccades to randomly interleaved single- and double-step target jumps to eight locations on a circle. Patient’s initial responses to double-step stimuli showed 50% more error than saccades to single target jumps, and often, they failed to make a saccade to the first target jump. The presence of a second target jump had similar, but smaller effects in control subjects (error increased by 18%). During memory-guided double-step trials, both patients and controls made corrective saccades in darkness to the remembered location of the second jump. We conclude that in cerebellar patients, the second target jump interferes with programming of the saccade to the first target jump of a double-step stimulus; this defect highlights patients’ impaired ability to respond appropriately to sudden, conflicting changes in their environment. Conversely, since cerebellar patients can make corrective memory-guided saccades in darkness, they retain the ability to remember spatial locations, possibly due to non-retinal neural signals (corollary discharge) from cerebral hemispheric areas concerned with spatial localization. PMID:21385592